July 31, 2025 • 20 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine and D'Arcy Waldegrave for 31st July 2025, grassroots rugby returns as the NPC season gets underway with Auckland hosting Waikato. Expert rugby commentator Tony Johnson joins the podcast to preview the season.
D'Arcy is worried by the Warriors' recent form slump.
And D'Arcy and Piney discuss Matt Henry's continued red ball success.
Get 'Sports Fix' every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks ed B.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello there, and welcome to the back end of July.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
The final day of July, therefore the final July edition
for twenty twenty five of the Sports Fixed podcast with
je j Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Thirty first Thursday.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
I'm Jason Pine, I'm Darcy Audergrave. Two thirds the way
of the tyranny of the cold and dark of winter.
I'm not unhappy about that. It's getting lighter.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
It's getting lighter indeed, and we'll soon start to get
warmer as well. Quite a bit to discuss with the
NPC kicking off tonight at Eden Park, Auckland and White
Cuttle going head to head.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Want to kick that around with you.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
And also Matt Henry what a weapon he has become
as a black Cat seam bowler.
Speaker 5 (01:01):
In terms of a.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
Guest today, Dark who we're hearing from D to chat
with Tony Johnson, one of the icons of New Zealand's sports,
more specifically rugby broadcasting.
Speaker 5 (01:10):
To look at the NPC.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
He's a massive fan like we all are, so TJ
just around the corner.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Looking forward to that and the latest and sports news too,
So let's get into it. In other news, let's get
underway with some of the big sports stories around today.
The Black Aps dismissing Zimbabwe for one hundred and forty
nine on the first of the first cricket Test in Bulawayo.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
In the.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
God was the leading edge from Wazarabani's bats and Zieda complete.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
The innings base follow Matt Henry starring with a fifth
five wicket bag in Test matches, six for thirty nine
for Matt Henry from fifteen point three overs. Lewis Clairbirds
made tonight's final of the two hundred meter medley at
the Swimming World Champs in Singapore. During a memorable semi final.
Speaker 6 (01:57):
Level on Marshall who's on his way to victory and he's.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
On his way to a world record.
Speaker 7 (02:03):
A sensational swim lit on Marshall. New superstar.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Here Leon Marscham breaking the fourteen year old world record
of Ryan Lochte in a time of one minute fifty
two point sixty nine seconds.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
And getting the lie of the land at the Royal.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Porth Cowl is the focus for Lydia Coe as she
begins her British Open title defense tonight. She's welcoming the
forecast wind and rain.
Speaker 7 (02:28):
This is a different type of Lenks golf course that
I've played.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
It's going to be a challenge.
Speaker 7 (02:32):
So regardless if you're the defending champion or you qualified yesterday,
it is going to be a really tough.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Week dissecting the sporting agenda.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine and Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 5 (02:47):
And it's warm. Welcome to Tony Johnson. TJ. It's been
a while to trust you.
Speaker 7 (02:51):
Well, I'm good mate, Darcy. How are you?
Speaker 4 (02:54):
I'm very good and looking forward to the MPC. I
think every year you get more and more excited. Last
year was an extraordinary competition. It was slightly different and
I'm expecting more changes this time around engagement around what
is presented by ends are and the pus because it's
(03:15):
going back to what it should be right.
Speaker 6 (03:17):
Well, you get there's a simplicity about it that I
think people like. I mean, I always summ it up
by saying it's about who you are and where you're from,
and that in a nutshell is part of the appeal
of it. It's just a far more a simpler world
than the exacting demands of international rugby or the role
of Super Rugby or whatever it is. It's about going back,
(03:40):
particularly to the provincial places around the country. But there's
an enticing mix as well, because as well as some
old provincial rivalries that still mean a heck of a lot,
you've got that mix of a bunch of new players
coming in. There's quite a few graduates from the under
twenty program that are going to be making their mark.
(04:02):
You've got guys trying to find their way or force
their way back into the All Black team. You get
a few All Blacks released here and there. It always
ups the level of interest. But you also get a
few people coming back from overseas that we haven't seen
for a while and people fighting for Super ABI contracts.
Speaker 7 (04:19):
So there's a good backdrop to it.
Speaker 6 (04:21):
But to me that the beauty of it is when
it gets to the regional grounds, the smaller grounds, the
fans turn out and it's a lot of fun it is.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
And the smaller grounds it's I think the word I
eat to use is intimate, because that's what it is
if you feel like back in the healthy in days
when you're younger, that you're actually there when you're watching
it on TV. It's got that that honest feel about it.
I believe this is something they should be going out more.
I know, big match tonight, the opening match, Battle of
the Bombays. It's an Eden Park, good comp between Auckland
(04:54):
and White Cuttle, but it.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Still leaves me here but cold. Is that being negative?
Is it being nasty?
Speaker 7 (04:59):
No?
Speaker 6 (05:00):
No, But what I would say is don't judge it
on the sways of empty seats at Eton Park, which
is after all New Zealand's biggest sports stadium. There's always
a fear of a room there. But it's more about
what people are doing. Like even this weekend you look
at the match between Southland and Otago. Now that has
become a thing and I think people are starting to
realize that to get people interested in New Zealand, it's
(05:23):
got to be some sort of event. People aren't just
going to truck up out a loyalty every single week
or not many people are going to do that.
Speaker 7 (05:29):
You've got to create something around it and so and
then for Cargo it's stag.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
Day, Lock them up you know it's going to be
as much action off the field as there will.
Speaker 7 (05:41):
Be on it.
Speaker 6 (05:42):
I love what they've done in totrong Or where they've
created a genuine community feel about the games. There, Canterbury
taking a game to Rangiura which has been a terrific success.
And then you go to places like Nelson or Blenham
or New Plymouth or Napier or whatever where the local
fans who don't see Super rugby in the flesh they
(06:05):
get to come out. So to me, that's where it
should be judged is the success the connections I guess
that they're making with the community. Northland is another one
that they have done the most incredible things that probably
people but don't even know about within the Northland community
a for engagement but also to serve their community. So
(06:25):
that to me is a really important part of it.
And that's where I think you judge the success. And
I guess that the deep meaning of this competition and out.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
Of the competition leaders in the like what our expectations?
Can Wellington do it again in the eight hundredth minute?
Speaker 5 (06:43):
Where's the favorite in line this?
Speaker 6 (06:46):
Well They've got a great game to start off this weekend.
With a match against Canterbury, which has always been one
of the tasty arrival reason. I see Peter Luckeye's making
a comeback from his injury, Reuben Love's going to be
playing for Wellington and then Brady McAllister has been released
by the All Black, Sam Darry making his comeback, so
there's a bit of an extra element there. But of
(07:07):
course it's being played at Jerry Collins Park. Jerry Colin
Stadium put her to it, and I think that's a
brilliant thing that they're doing there because there's no worse
sight than all those yellow seats at Sky Stadium and Wellington.
So yeah, Wellington defending champions that were dramatic last year.
The way they achieved it, I don't know. I think
(07:28):
we're going to have to wait and see just what
the early form is. There's some really impressive rosters, that's
for sure. I think Taranucky looked really strong. They've got
a game against Northland this weekend and they've had the
advantage of a couple of shield games before the season started.
Some of the teams haven't had a lot in terms
of preseason preparation because of a clash with Club Rugby
(07:50):
but Taranucky, you've had a couple of outings in Shield games.
Speaker 7 (07:53):
Of course, the Shield always such a great.
Speaker 6 (07:55):
Impetus for a team to do well in their home games.
And like you look at the lineup they've got Northland
and in Wacotto Bay of Plenty Hawks baying Wellington. That's
a tasty lineup of Shield challenges. I think Tasman looked
really strong. Lester Finger o'noko is not playing this weekend,
but Timothy Tata Nahwai is, And then you've got the
(08:16):
likes of Finley Christi, David Harvelli, Ethan Blackadder who are
trying to work their way or force their way.
Speaker 7 (08:23):
Back into the all Black reckoning. But you know how
about white Cutter.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
I know you had a chat with Lemo Superwanga, but
how how well off are you when you start the
game with Aaron Cruden who's still an outstanding player even
at thirty six years of age, and then when he
goes off you can bring Lima Soupowanga on.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
You're not too badly off there are you?
Speaker 1 (08:44):
Sports?
Speaker 4 (08:46):
I would never wish ill on the Warriors been following
that team since they started, Like a lot of hardcore
Warriors fans have, They've essentially broken my heart almost every year. Well,
I don't follow this team because I'm bandwagon jumping and
they are winners. I follow them because they are my team.
And this year the renaissance of the Warriors has been
(09:09):
something to celebrate. I often talk about. In fact, we
all do the mathematical chance of the Warriors reaching the
top eight. Zero mathematical chance that the Warriors won't hit
the top eight this time around. You wouldn't think so
with what they've got are lined up. I mean, I
know they've got the Dogs away from home, which is
(09:31):
always a challenge, but they've got the Dragons, the Titans again.
Speaker 5 (09:34):
The Eels, the Sea Eagles, and.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Of course they've got the Dolphins coming up on Friday Night.
So they should be a okay. But in the last
six rounds they've had one buy and three losses. That's
not great reading headed to the pointed end of the season,
and if you take into account the injury toll that
(09:58):
finally is hammering this team, which has always been a
problem for NRL sides, I think you could be well
nervous if you're a fan of the Penrose mud Dogs.
We've lost some heavy hitters. We've lost some fantastic players.
We've got a very inexperienced group of guys now leading
this team around the park. I'm not saying it's all over,
(10:21):
Rover and you give up. We need to have faith.
But what happens on Friday Night up against the marauding
Dolphins will be a big tell around the rest of
the season. They are in a strong position, they are
sitting in forth, they know the game they have to play,
but there's a chance, a small chance that they might
(10:43):
just get the speed wobbles. I don't wish ell on
this team at all. I want to see them have
all the success in the world. Just a warning though,
it doesn't matter how your season starts. All that matters
is how your season finishes. We got to that point
now where the going gets tough. Will the tough get going?
Speaker 5 (11:05):
The chamber is now in session on Sports Fare.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Into the chamber we go.
Speaker 3 (11:11):
I watched a bit of that Test match last night dark,
the first day of the first Test between the black
Caps and Zimbabwe, and Matt Henry has just become an
absolute weapon for us, hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
I think when you wait for as long as you
have done a Matt Henry sitting behind Saudi and Bolt
and Wagner.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
You're not going to blow your opportunity.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
It's a testament to his not only his work ethic
and his focus, but his fitness too. These bowlers getting
slightly older, but you wouldn't know what he's playing like.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
He's twenty four, absolutely brilliant and just in recent times too,
has been the go to guy for us getting wickets. Basically,
I had to look back at the last sort of
couple of summers and just the number of times you know,
and you forget these things, they will kind of fold
into one and something else takes our attention. But he
got five for against Australia and Wellington followed up with
(12:05):
seven in christ Church. That was only last summer, the
summer of twenty three twenty four, and he's just picked
up Wicke. It's at an alarming rate, really, and I
think you're right, dar. So he had to wait a
long time, rightly so behind Southey, behind Bolt, behind Wagner.
And when you're a coiled spring like he is, I
think you explode like this, don't you.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
You do a plays well for Canterbury's always there. He
will never say no to anything. This goes for media
as well. He's the most approachable individual, but he's had
this clear focus right since I've first talked to him
about being the opening bowler for.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
The black Caps. You know that bag last night, Apparently that's.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
Only his fifth five wicket bag and tests and as
you've said, quite a few of them have come in
very recent times, so he's fallen into the place. I
think the big thing for me though, is look at
at the next level because we know about Jamison, but
we don't know how long it's going to last because
he's up and down. And then you look at the
next tear of bowlers coming through and there's quite the
(13:04):
scrap going on for that second new ball partner all
that first change, if you will. And I'm liking the
looks of some of these guys that are there. But
the fact that there's decent competition, even though it's only
against Zimbabwe says a lot about the depth building going on.
It's just a shame we don't get to see yes
cricket much.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Yeah, that's right, but you're right though, you know it.
Will o'rourk has been a guy we've been, you know,
looking forward to seeing pretty much every time he bowls.
Ben c is not on this tour. Of course, Nathan
Smith slightly you know, less rapid, but still doing the job.
Zach Folks and others as well. Matt Fish is on
this tour and apparently he can bowl a very heavy ball.
So yeah, that depth building is something that is going
(13:43):
to be very exciting to watch, as is the NP SID.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
So if I just make a comment on what I
saw last night, because like the fool that I am,
I sat up watched the first two sessions.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
I couldn't help myself.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
Scott Styris is just as mean as wasn't he about O'Rourke.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
He would not let him go.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
I mean good.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
I like challenging commentators. I like it, so you think,
good on you. I thought it was a bit tough,
but that's okay Scott styr And if Nathan has got
the worst haircut and international cricket, if he hasn't, I
don't know who has. And this is coming from a
guy with a mullet lid himself, so I can come
from a position of strength.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
It's hetteous. Does anyone care? And of course they don't
just take wickets and score runs.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Well, three twenty with a haircut like that, you must
be doing something right.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
I guess I loved listening to Lemaspowanga with you last night.
He'll be fronting up in the first round of the NPC.
This is just great that he's back, isn't it to
see Lemaspowanger back. But he's not the only one. There's
a lot of other players as well who are making
their way back into NPC. It's always a mixture of
(14:51):
youth and those who we know all about. Are you
excited about MPC?
Speaker 4 (14:55):
NBC last year was terrific and I remember NPC from
the year before.
Speaker 5 (14:59):
Was terrific as well.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
And what I enjoyed about last year I'm sure you'll
agree with me, is that a lot of these pus
went to smaller venues, so we got that intimacy in
the video coverage when you're watching it on TV. If
you're at the game, I know that it's a big
game tonight, it's the opening. It's Auckland taking on like
(15:20):
I thought, it's that that legendary class, but it's still
hard to look at it at Eden Park as an
ass I'm I want to see more games being played
at much sport smaller, more intimate and friendly venues, because
isn't that what it's all about. It's about your local
boys playing local football, doing good well.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Your wish is Wellington's command, because on Saturday afternoon, my
boys Wellington take on your boys Canterbury at Pottydoor Park
Jerry Collins Stadium, a very intimate suburban ground, perfect for
the sort of rugby dsk.
Speaker 5 (15:53):
Yeah, i'd say so.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
And what a what a great name, what a man.
He's so well missed as Jerry Collins. So what a
place to do to celebrate. And of course you Blakes
are the defending champions, aren't you.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Yeah, that's right. I'd forgotten that, but yeah we are.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
I've forgotten that as well. I've sitting there going who
was in the phone all last year?
Speaker 7 (16:12):
Now?
Speaker 4 (16:12):
It was the Bay of Plenty in Wellington and I
think it was like a there were four hundred overtimes.
Speaker 5 (16:18):
Played in that Game's a chance is still being played now.
It was quite the tuzzle, wasn't it.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
It really was than it was before.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
I think a Callumaharken penalty and I'm checking this now
in the ninety third minute gave Wellington on a terrible
Wellington day, which won't surprise anybody. I gave them the
chocolate's Hey. There's also the Southern Derby Southland against Otago.
I'm hearing they've sold five thousand tickets for this game
at Rugby Park on Saturday.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
That is going to be a riot and so good.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
And yeah he said yesterday Lemosopowanga that he's always loved
South and he will always love South and.
Speaker 5 (16:55):
But he's in the White I of course that's where
his family is. That's where the wave comes from.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Because I'm sure there are a few people in South
are on mate, old on, hold on, what are you
earning playing up there? But that game, the Otago south
On game, and let's hope it's a horrible, horrible Southerly
and the rain's going horizontal, because that's.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
What you want to see from that part of the world.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Yeah, absolutely right. The other one that's landed my eyes
on it is Bay of Plenty Tasman toad on this
Sunday afternoon. Have you seen this Tasman back line. It's
absolutely stacked, absolutely stacked. But Bay have plenty the Steamers,
I think their third or fourth favorite to win the
whole thing. So we've got battles to enthuse about where
(17:32):
we looking with.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
I haven't seen the team. I feel like I'm missing something.
I'm jumping on the computer straight after that. But we
know what Tasman possess and they do have firepower.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
It's a great place to live, right, So.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
I'll tell you I'll save you. Fin Lay Christie at halfback,
William Harvilli at first five in midfield, David Harvilli and
Levi Amoua Maka Springer on one wing, to Mathi Tava
Tava Nahwey on the other and Kyron Tamoifil at fallback.
It's not a bad back line. Well it's not fair,
is it. It's not fair for anywhere else in the competition.
Give them the NPC title now we'll all go home.
Speaker 5 (18:05):
Wow, what a batler. But you know what do they
say the old Dagen Rugby? You win it up front?
So how's your pack? Son? That counts free with it?
Speaker 2 (18:13):
It does?
Speaker 3 (18:14):
An anchoring bay of Plenty's pack, of course, is none
other than All Blacks front rower Pasilyo Tossi and multile
your Blacks captain Kurt Eckland. So I think they'll have
a bit to say about that. In Sunday Afternoon's offering, so.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
May go well, because like Kurt Eckland is a top
rooster and he's a good man, So yeah, it's going
to be great. I am looking forward to it. It's
kind of no strings rugby. It's honest, it's free. It
pumps out of the heart of the nation. This is
where our rugby starts. And arguably I wish it kind
of ended that in the All Blacks because it takes
(18:49):
me back to.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
The old days.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Get along if you can to watch your local team play.
If you can't, all commentaries are available via Gold Sport
and iHeartRadio. And that it's us in the chamber today beating.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
We've got just the ticket. It's sports Vix powered by
News Talks IVY.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
And in fact that is us on sports Fix today.
Thank you for downloading, for listening, and for subscribing. And yeah,
maybe you could make it the back end of the
month resolution to suggest Sports Fix and a subscription to
Sports Fix to one of your friends.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
Does ye know, Well, you're polite and pleasant guy, arguably
the nicest guy in sporting broadcasting, so you would say
things like suggest, I would say to everybody.
Speaker 5 (19:31):
Ram it down there, Ques now that's not going to work.
That's probably why you've gone slightly further down.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
There is down there.
Speaker 4 (19:37):
He is Y just just Chare And if you want
to be involved in sport broadcasting, we got Sports Talk
Monday Friday on News Talks EB between seven and eight pm.
Piney's got Monday, I've got the rest of the week.
And of course, Piney, what do you do on the weekends?
Speaker 3 (19:53):
Weekend sport mid day to three Saturday, weekend sport mid
day to three Sunday. We talk sport as you do,
and we take calls as well for interaction purposes. So
we'd love to have you listening in either during weeknights
or across the weekend. And I guess we'll be back
on the Sports Fix podcast tomorrow at.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
US and indeed we will catch it in for more
from News Talks at b Listen live on air or online,
and
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcasts on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks ed B.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello there, and welcome to the back end of July.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
The final day of July, therefore the final July edition
for twenty twenty five of the Sports Fixed podcast with
je j Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Thirty first Thursday.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
I'm Jason Pine, I'm Darcy Audergrave. Two thirds the way
of the tyranny of the cold and dark of winter.
I'm not unhappy about that. It's getting lighter.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
It's getting lighter indeed, and we'll soon start to get
warmer as well. Quite a bit to discuss with the
NPC kicking off tonight at Eden Park, Auckland and White
Cuttle going head to head.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Want to kick that around with you.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
And also Matt Henry what a weapon he has become
as a black Cat seam bowler.
Speaker 5 (01:01):
In terms of a.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
Guest today, Dark who we're hearing from D to chat
with Tony Johnson, one of the icons of New Zealand's sports,
more specifically rugby broadcasting.
Speaker 5 (01:10):
To look at the NPC.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
He's a massive fan like we all are, so TJ
just around the corner.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Looking forward to that and the latest and sports news too,
So let's get into it. In other news, let's get
underway with some of the big sports stories around today.
The Black Aps dismissing Zimbabwe for one hundred and forty
nine on the first of the first cricket Test in Bulawayo.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
In the.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
God was the leading edge from Wazarabani's bats and Zieda complete.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
The innings base follow Matt Henry starring with a fifth
five wicket bag in Test matches, six for thirty nine
for Matt Henry from fifteen point three overs. Lewis Clairbirds
made tonight's final of the two hundred meter medley at
the Swimming World Champs in Singapore. During a memorable semi final.
Speaker 6 (01:57):
Level on Marshall who's on his way to victory and he's.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
On his way to a world record.
Speaker 7 (02:03):
A sensational swim lit on Marshall. New superstar.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Here Leon Marscham breaking the fourteen year old world record
of Ryan Lochte in a time of one minute fifty
two point sixty nine seconds.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
And getting the lie of the land at the Royal.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Porth Cowl is the focus for Lydia Coe as she
begins her British Open title defense tonight. She's welcoming the
forecast wind and rain.
Speaker 7 (02:28):
This is a different type of Lenks golf course that
I've played.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
It's going to be a challenge.
Speaker 7 (02:32):
So regardless if you're the defending champion or you qualified yesterday,
it is going to be a really tough.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Week dissecting the sporting agenda.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine and Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 5 (02:47):
And it's warm. Welcome to Tony Johnson. TJ. It's been
a while to trust you.
Speaker 7 (02:51):
Well, I'm good mate, Darcy. How are you?
Speaker 4 (02:54):
I'm very good and looking forward to the MPC. I
think every year you get more and more excited. Last
year was an extraordinary competition. It was slightly different and
I'm expecting more changes this time around engagement around what
is presented by ends are and the pus because it's
(03:15):
going back to what it should be right.
Speaker 6 (03:17):
Well, you get there's a simplicity about it that I
think people like. I mean, I always summ it up
by saying it's about who you are and where you're from,
and that in a nutshell is part of the appeal
of it. It's just a far more a simpler world
than the exacting demands of international rugby or the role
of Super Rugby or whatever it is. It's about going back,
(03:40):
particularly to the provincial places around the country. But there's
an enticing mix as well, because as well as some
old provincial rivalries that still mean a heck of a lot,
you've got that mix of a bunch of new players
coming in. There's quite a few graduates from the under
twenty program that are going to be making their mark.
(04:02):
You've got guys trying to find their way or force
their way back into the All Black team. You get
a few All Blacks released here and there. It always
ups the level of interest. But you also get a
few people coming back from overseas that we haven't seen
for a while and people fighting for Super ABI contracts.
Speaker 7 (04:19):
So there's a good backdrop to it.
Speaker 6 (04:21):
But to me that the beauty of it is when
it gets to the regional grounds, the smaller grounds, the
fans turn out and it's a lot of fun it is.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
And the smaller grounds it's I think the word I
eat to use is intimate, because that's what it is
if you feel like back in the healthy in days
when you're younger, that you're actually there when you're watching
it on TV. It's got that that honest feel about it.
I believe this is something they should be going out more.
I know, big match tonight, the opening match, Battle of
the Bombays. It's an Eden Park, good comp between Auckland
(04:54):
and White Cuttle, but it.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Still leaves me here but cold. Is that being negative?
Is it being nasty?
Speaker 7 (04:59):
No?
Speaker 6 (05:00):
No, But what I would say is don't judge it
on the sways of empty seats at Eton Park, which
is after all New Zealand's biggest sports stadium. There's always
a fear of a room there. But it's more about
what people are doing. Like even this weekend you look
at the match between Southland and Otago. Now that has
become a thing and I think people are starting to
realize that to get people interested in New Zealand, it's
(05:23):
got to be some sort of event. People aren't just
going to truck up out a loyalty every single week
or not many people are going to do that.
Speaker 7 (05:29):
You've got to create something around it and so and
then for Cargo it's stag.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
Day, Lock them up you know it's going to be
as much action off the field as there will.
Speaker 7 (05:41):
Be on it.
Speaker 6 (05:42):
I love what they've done in totrong Or where they've
created a genuine community feel about the games. There, Canterbury
taking a game to Rangiura which has been a terrific success.
And then you go to places like Nelson or Blenham
or New Plymouth or Napier or whatever where the local
fans who don't see Super rugby in the flesh they
(06:05):
get to come out. So to me, that's where it
should be judged is the success the connections I guess
that they're making with the community. Northland is another one
that they have done the most incredible things that probably
people but don't even know about within the Northland community
a for engagement but also to serve their community. So
(06:25):
that to me is a really important part of it.
And that's where I think you judge the success. And
I guess that the deep meaning of this competition and out.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
Of the competition leaders in the like what our expectations?
Can Wellington do it again in the eight hundredth minute?
Speaker 5 (06:43):
Where's the favorite in line this?
Speaker 6 (06:46):
Well They've got a great game to start off this weekend.
With a match against Canterbury, which has always been one
of the tasty arrival reason. I see Peter Luckeye's making
a comeback from his injury, Reuben Love's going to be
playing for Wellington and then Brady McAllister has been released
by the All Black, Sam Darry making his comeback, so
there's a bit of an extra element there. But of
(07:07):
course it's being played at Jerry Collins Park. Jerry Colin
Stadium put her to it, and I think that's a
brilliant thing that they're doing there because there's no worse
sight than all those yellow seats at Sky Stadium and Wellington.
So yeah, Wellington defending champions that were dramatic last year.
The way they achieved it, I don't know. I think
(07:28):
we're going to have to wait and see just what
the early form is. There's some really impressive rosters, that's
for sure. I think Taranucky looked really strong. They've got
a game against Northland this weekend and they've had the
advantage of a couple of shield games before the season started.
Some of the teams haven't had a lot in terms
of preseason preparation because of a clash with Club Rugby
(07:50):
but Taranucky, you've had a couple of outings in Shield games.
Speaker 7 (07:53):
Of course, the Shield always such a great.
Speaker 6 (07:55):
Impetus for a team to do well in their home games.
And like you look at the lineup they've got Northland
and in Wacotto Bay of Plenty Hawks baying Wellington. That's
a tasty lineup of Shield challenges. I think Tasman looked
really strong. Lester Finger o'noko is not playing this weekend,
but Timothy Tata Nahwai is, And then you've got the
(08:16):
likes of Finley Christi, David Harvelli, Ethan Blackadder who are
trying to work their way or force their way.
Speaker 7 (08:23):
Back into the all Black reckoning. But you know how
about white Cutter.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
I know you had a chat with Lemo Superwanga, but
how how well off are you when you start the
game with Aaron Cruden who's still an outstanding player even
at thirty six years of age, and then when he
goes off you can bring Lima Soupowanga on.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
You're not too badly off there are you?
Speaker 1 (08:44):
Sports?
Speaker 4 (08:46):
I would never wish ill on the Warriors been following
that team since they started, Like a lot of hardcore
Warriors fans have, They've essentially broken my heart almost every year. Well,
I don't follow this team because I'm bandwagon jumping and
they are winners. I follow them because they are my team.
And this year the renaissance of the Warriors has been
(09:09):
something to celebrate. I often talk about. In fact, we
all do the mathematical chance of the Warriors reaching the
top eight. Zero mathematical chance that the Warriors won't hit
the top eight this time around. You wouldn't think so
with what they've got are lined up. I mean, I
know they've got the Dogs away from home, which is
(09:31):
always a challenge, but they've got the Dragons, the Titans again.
Speaker 5 (09:34):
The Eels, the Sea Eagles, and.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Of course they've got the Dolphins coming up on Friday Night.
So they should be a okay. But in the last
six rounds they've had one buy and three losses. That's
not great reading headed to the pointed end of the season,
and if you take into account the injury toll that
(09:58):
finally is hammering this team, which has always been a
problem for NRL sides, I think you could be well
nervous if you're a fan of the Penrose mud Dogs.
We've lost some heavy hitters. We've lost some fantastic players.
We've got a very inexperienced group of guys now leading
this team around the park. I'm not saying it's all over,
(10:21):
Rover and you give up. We need to have faith.
But what happens on Friday Night up against the marauding
Dolphins will be a big tell around the rest of
the season. They are in a strong position, they are
sitting in forth, they know the game they have to play,
but there's a chance, a small chance that they might
(10:43):
just get the speed wobbles. I don't wish ell on
this team at all. I want to see them have
all the success in the world. Just a warning though,
it doesn't matter how your season starts. All that matters
is how your season finishes. We got to that point
now where the going gets tough. Will the tough get going?
Speaker 5 (11:05):
The chamber is now in session on Sports Fare.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Into the chamber we go.
Speaker 3 (11:11):
I watched a bit of that Test match last night dark,
the first day of the first Test between the black
Caps and Zimbabwe, and Matt Henry has just become an
absolute weapon for us, hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
I think when you wait for as long as you
have done a Matt Henry sitting behind Saudi and Bolt
and Wagner.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
You're not going to blow your opportunity.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
It's a testament to his not only his work ethic
and his focus, but his fitness too. These bowlers getting
slightly older, but you wouldn't know what he's playing like.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
He's twenty four, absolutely brilliant and just in recent times too,
has been the go to guy for us getting wickets. Basically,
I had to look back at the last sort of
couple of summers and just the number of times you know,
and you forget these things, they will kind of fold
into one and something else takes our attention. But he
got five for against Australia and Wellington followed up with
(12:05):
seven in christ Church. That was only last summer, the
summer of twenty three twenty four, and he's just picked
up Wicke. It's at an alarming rate, really, and I
think you're right, dar. So he had to wait a
long time, rightly so behind Southey, behind Bolt, behind Wagner.
And when you're a coiled spring like he is, I
think you explode like this, don't you.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
You do a plays well for Canterbury's always there. He
will never say no to anything. This goes for media
as well. He's the most approachable individual, but he's had
this clear focus right since I've first talked to him
about being the opening bowler for.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
The black Caps. You know that bag last night, Apparently that's.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
Only his fifth five wicket bag and tests and as
you've said, quite a few of them have come in
very recent times, so he's fallen into the place. I
think the big thing for me though, is look at
at the next level because we know about Jamison, but
we don't know how long it's going to last because
he's up and down. And then you look at the
next tear of bowlers coming through and there's quite the
(13:04):
scrap going on for that second new ball partner all
that first change, if you will. And I'm liking the
looks of some of these guys that are there. But
the fact that there's decent competition, even though it's only
against Zimbabwe says a lot about the depth building going on.
It's just a shame we don't get to see yes
cricket much.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Yeah, that's right, but you're right though, you know it.
Will o'rourk has been a guy we've been, you know,
looking forward to seeing pretty much every time he bowls.
Ben c is not on this tour. Of course, Nathan
Smith slightly you know, less rapid, but still doing the job.
Zach Folks and others as well. Matt Fish is on
this tour and apparently he can bowl a very heavy ball.
So yeah, that depth building is something that is going
(13:43):
to be very exciting to watch, as is the NP SID.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
So if I just make a comment on what I
saw last night, because like the fool that I am,
I sat up watched the first two sessions.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
I couldn't help myself.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
Scott Styris is just as mean as wasn't he about O'Rourke.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
He would not let him go.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
I mean good.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
I like challenging commentators. I like it, so you think,
good on you. I thought it was a bit tough,
but that's okay Scott styr And if Nathan has got
the worst haircut and international cricket, if he hasn't, I
don't know who has. And this is coming from a
guy with a mullet lid himself, so I can come
from a position of strength.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
It's hetteous. Does anyone care? And of course they don't
just take wickets and score runs.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Well, three twenty with a haircut like that, you must
be doing something right.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
I guess I loved listening to Lemaspowanga with you last night.
He'll be fronting up in the first round of the NPC.
This is just great that he's back, isn't it to
see Lemaspowanger back. But he's not the only one. There's
a lot of other players as well who are making
their way back into NPC. It's always a mixture of
(14:51):
youth and those who we know all about. Are you
excited about MPC?
Speaker 4 (14:55):
NBC last year was terrific and I remember NPC from
the year before.
Speaker 5 (14:59):
Was terrific as well.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
And what I enjoyed about last year I'm sure you'll
agree with me, is that a lot of these pus
went to smaller venues, so we got that intimacy in
the video coverage when you're watching it on TV. If
you're at the game, I know that it's a big
game tonight, it's the opening. It's Auckland taking on like
(15:20):
I thought, it's that that legendary class, but it's still
hard to look at it at Eden Park as an
ass I'm I want to see more games being played
at much sport smaller, more intimate and friendly venues, because
isn't that what it's all about. It's about your local
boys playing local football, doing good well.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Your wish is Wellington's command, because on Saturday afternoon, my
boys Wellington take on your boys Canterbury at Pottydoor Park
Jerry Collins Stadium, a very intimate suburban ground, perfect for
the sort of rugby dsk.
Speaker 5 (15:53):
Yeah, i'd say so.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
And what a what a great name, what a man.
He's so well missed as Jerry Collins. So what a
place to do to celebrate. And of course you Blakes
are the defending champions, aren't you.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Yeah, that's right. I'd forgotten that, but yeah we are.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
I've forgotten that as well. I've sitting there going who
was in the phone all last year?
Speaker 7 (16:12):
Now?
Speaker 4 (16:12):
It was the Bay of Plenty in Wellington and I
think it was like a there were four hundred overtimes.
Speaker 5 (16:18):
Played in that Game's a chance is still being played now.
It was quite the tuzzle, wasn't it.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
It really was than it was before.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
I think a Callumaharken penalty and I'm checking this now
in the ninety third minute gave Wellington on a terrible
Wellington day, which won't surprise anybody. I gave them the
chocolate's Hey. There's also the Southern Derby Southland against Otago.
I'm hearing they've sold five thousand tickets for this game
at Rugby Park on Saturday.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
That is going to be a riot and so good.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
And yeah he said yesterday Lemosopowanga that he's always loved
South and he will always love South and.
Speaker 5 (16:55):
But he's in the White I of course that's where
his family is. That's where the wave comes from.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Because I'm sure there are a few people in South
are on mate, old on, hold on, what are you
earning playing up there? But that game, the Otago south
On game, and let's hope it's a horrible, horrible Southerly
and the rain's going horizontal, because that's.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
What you want to see from that part of the world.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Yeah, absolutely right. The other one that's landed my eyes
on it is Bay of Plenty Tasman toad on this
Sunday afternoon. Have you seen this Tasman back line. It's
absolutely stacked, absolutely stacked. But Bay have plenty the Steamers,
I think their third or fourth favorite to win the
whole thing. So we've got battles to enthuse about where
(17:32):
we looking with.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
I haven't seen the team. I feel like I'm missing something.
I'm jumping on the computer straight after that. But we
know what Tasman possess and they do have firepower.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
It's a great place to live, right, So.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
I'll tell you I'll save you. Fin Lay Christie at halfback,
William Harvilli at first five in midfield, David Harvilli and
Levi Amoua Maka Springer on one wing, to Mathi Tava
Tava Nahwey on the other and Kyron Tamoifil at fallback.
It's not a bad back line. Well it's not fair,
is it. It's not fair for anywhere else in the competition.
Give them the NPC title now we'll all go home.
Speaker 5 (18:05):
Wow, what a batler. But you know what do they
say the old Dagen Rugby? You win it up front?
So how's your pack? Son? That counts free with it?
Speaker 2 (18:13):
It does?
Speaker 3 (18:14):
An anchoring bay of Plenty's pack, of course, is none
other than All Blacks front rower Pasilyo Tossi and multile
your Blacks captain Kurt Eckland. So I think they'll have
a bit to say about that. In Sunday Afternoon's offering, so.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
May go well, because like Kurt Eckland is a top
rooster and he's a good man, So yeah, it's going
to be great. I am looking forward to it. It's
kind of no strings rugby. It's honest, it's free. It
pumps out of the heart of the nation. This is
where our rugby starts. And arguably I wish it kind
of ended that in the All Blacks because it takes
(18:49):
me back to.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
The old days.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Get along if you can to watch your local team play.
If you can't, all commentaries are available via Gold Sport
and iHeartRadio. And that it's us in the chamber today beating.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
We've got just the ticket. It's sports Vix powered by
News Talks IVY.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
And in fact that is us on sports Fix today.
Thank you for downloading, for listening, and for subscribing. And yeah,
maybe you could make it the back end of the
month resolution to suggest Sports Fix and a subscription to
Sports Fix to one of your friends.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
Does ye know, Well, you're polite and pleasant guy, arguably
the nicest guy in sporting broadcasting, so you would say
things like suggest, I would say to everybody.
Speaker 5 (19:31):
Ram it down there, Ques now that's not going to work.
That's probably why you've gone slightly further down.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
There is down there.
Speaker 4 (19:37):
He is Y just just Chare And if you want
to be involved in sport broadcasting, we got Sports Talk
Monday Friday on News Talks EB between seven and eight pm.
Piney's got Monday, I've got the rest of the week.
And of course, Piney, what do you do on the weekends?
Speaker 3 (19:53):
Weekend sport mid day to three Saturday, weekend sport mid
day to three Sunday. We talk sport as you do,
and we take calls as well for interaction purposes. So
we'd love to have you listening in either during weeknights
or across the weekend. And I guess we'll be back
on the Sports Fix podcast tomorrow at.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
US and indeed we will catch it in for more
from News Talks at b Listen live on air or online,
and
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcasts on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.