On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 12 May 2026, today it was announced that legendary All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry would be returning to the fold this year as an independent selector working alongside Dave Rennie and Neil Barnes. Former All Blacks coach John Hart joined D'Arcy to discuss.
D'Arcy shares his thoughts on why New Zealand Rugby should rethink their eligibility laws.
And D'Arcy and New Zealand Herald sports journalist Ben Francis discuss the possibility of Luke Metcalf leaving the Warriors and the Wellington Phoenix women's performance over the weekend in their semi-final.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks Ed BE.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Welcome on man to the Sports Fix Tuesday edition, being
the twelfth of May twenty twenty six. My name is
Darcy Waldgrave. I'm with you for the duration. We'll we
joined later on the piece by Ben Francis and Zellam
Hill inscribed to talk a wee bit about football here
and the Metcalfe story. It doesn't auger well for the Warriors.
(00:41):
I'll be joined by John Hart. As you look at
the appointment of Sir Graham Henry. Ted's back in the
fold again as an independent selector. I've got opinions, of
course I have. I'll share that all with you coming
up here on the Sports Fix. Thanks for your time,
thanks for your attention. Let's hit go.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
In other news and.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
In the magnificence of Sports Today, All Black coach Dave
Rennie tried valiantly to get m Z to overturn the
returning player policy re Richie Mulonga. The request fell on
open airs, but eventually they deafened. Dave's plan was this you.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Richie would be in the group getting his head around
how we want to play the game in the detail
within NATS include them in the squad to Africa and
probably play them against the Stormer's first game and let
him in the right to fight for a test spot.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
Or FLINDFC coach Steve Coricker has outlined the blow to
the club with the confirmation of the surgery required to Gajurmo.
My it's far from rosie for the Yuruguayan and the
team stink. The leg to semi is on Friday night
and add.
Speaker 5 (01:49):
A tindismosis has done his ligaments and that's good.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Need an operation I think for thee ten or twelve
weeks and black Caps skipper Tom Latham has reflected on
the delay start of the n ZED twenty New Zealand's
entry into the crowded Global T twenty League space six
twenty seven starters being jettison now for a twenty twenty
seven twenty eight launch.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
That gut it for it to I guess, not quite
get off the ground, but understand, you know, there's a
lot of work that goes under.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
The bridge to I guess to get that competition up
and running. Two coaches and a captain sharing their thoughts
on sport today.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
News and a median. It's Sportsfix with Dancy Valdegreve.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
I'm join now on the Sports Fix podcast by former
All Black coach John Hart.
Speaker 6 (02:40):
Good day, John, Welcome to the show. Hi Darcy, nice
to be on your program and great to.
Speaker 7 (02:45):
Have you on board as well.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Let's move into the big story of the day, the
constant change them the All Blacks. We're talking New Zealand rugby,
the coaching staff. The list goes on, adding another name,
quite an important name, Ar Sir Graham Henry is now
an independent selector. My first question to you is this
a good new a good move and what exactly does
(03:06):
an independent select to bring to the party?
Speaker 6 (03:11):
Look, I totally agree with the appointment of an independent selector.
I think an independent selector has the ability to do
that be independent, is not necessarily locked into the day
to day running of the team, and is a fresh
pair of eyes and can bring a different perspective to
those that may be regularly working in working in the
(03:33):
team environment. So and there are a lot of games
to cover these days, and I think having someone like
Sir Graham available to support the coach and the other
selectors or selector selectors is very vital. It will bring
bring variation of view, it will see I happen to
(03:55):
believe that the most important thing a coach ever does
is select So getting your selections right is important or
more important, probably than the technical skills of coaching, because
if you get selections right, everything else will follow. So
I'm a great believer in doing everything you can to
ensure that your selection process is robust, is competitive, that
(04:17):
you're checking and you're balancing, and I think I applaud
what Dave Rennie's doing and opening up this disposition.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
If you're too deep in the weeds, you can't see.
So that's why it's important to be distant in a
way and so you can look from an overall position.
You also have to have the ability to be strong
in your opinions, and I suggest that Ted has those
strong opinions and they will sit well with Dave Rennie
as a character. He's strong as well, So that debate
(04:48):
with himself, Barnsey and Henry it could be epic.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
I'd like to be a fly on the wall.
Speaker 6 (04:53):
Oh well, I think that's part of why you do it,
to check and you know, to question, to question and
to debate. You know, because you can get your own views,
you can get locked into your own views.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Have been there, I know what you can do.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
So I think having other people and someone who is
slightly independent outside and has the ability skill set to
know the game can play a very violent, very vital
role in helping and helping a coach get to the
right processes.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Let's hope it doesn't deteriorate into a violent role, and
I think he wants to see that. Said John, what
about the runway of the World Cup? How is important
that we've got a very short amount of time for
the World Cup? In Ted, You've got a character that's
had success at World Cups and knows what that preparation
is all about.
Speaker 7 (05:41):
That must be of vital import as well. Well.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
He's had success and failure, which is also important because
I think there are a lot of learnings in World
Cups and I would think that having someone that has
wide World Cup experience is something that he doesn't necessarily
have throughout his existing management team. So I think that's
an additional advantage that it will help very much in
(06:04):
terms of the runway into the World Cup, which is
pretty short, we know, and so I think that's another
factor that really supports disappointment.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
What about traps? What do they need to be aware
of within All Blacks management about I'm not saying specifically
Sir Graham Henry, but about imploying somebody as an independent selector.
Where are the issues do you think?
Speaker 6 (06:28):
I don't think there are issues because in the end,
the coach will make the decisions. You know, the coach
will he might have They will always disagree from time
to time on decisions. It's an inevitable that coaches will
have that. You know, you have that in most coaching teams.
You won't always agree on who should plan, who shouldn't play.
So I think, but in the end, I don't think
(06:48):
there are any risks because I think the end decision
is that of the coach. The coach makes a final
decision because he stands or you know, he lives and
stands by his decisions like that. So I don't see
any real issues. Even if there was a strong view
that he didn't like, then that's what they will understand. Ultimately,
(07:09):
they may agree to disagree.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
The ability to get ted off waiki is and I
know that's quite difficult, but get him around to the grounds.
Actually eyeballing physically the players in real time?
Speaker 7 (07:21):
Is that of huge importance?
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Well, obviously you've got television, you can watch games, but
I would assume that the appointments based on the fact
that they will want him attending games and seeing the
game close, you know, close at hand.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
So you know, why is that important?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Sorry, John, Why is it important to actually physically be
there and watch these guys? What does that bring that
TV doesn't?
Speaker 6 (07:43):
Well, well, because quite often when you're watching, you're watching players,
you watch them for a certain period of time, and
you know I do that. Used to do that myself.
I'd go to a game and I would watch one
player for quarter of an hour. Now you can do
that live. You can't do that on television. You want
to follow a player, and you know they're not always
in the tele always in the camera, and it's what
(08:05):
happens on and off the ball was as fatal, So
you know, being there live and then having the opportunity
to watch television later is a really good combination.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfex with Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
The virus of change has hit end Z r. I
shouldn't say virus because virus is generally seen as a
pretty bad thing. But the change has accelerated just like
a virus. We've got a new coach, we've got new
assistant coaches, we've got a new CEO, we've got a
new c CEO. We've got a new CFO. There's a
new doctor. There's a new high performance manager. We're got
(08:44):
a new site coach. Look, the list goes on and
the latest person is Ted so Graham Henry's coming on
board as an independent selector. The virus of change may
well be running a mark within New Zealand rugby, but
one thing hasn't changed, and you could argue it's the
archaic situation with Richie Woonger and a number of other
(09:06):
players Chan and Brazil. We would like to come back
from Japan and represent New Zealand at the next World Cup.
As you well know by now. CEO Steve Lancaster came
on Jason Pines Show and said, look, we're not gonna
cut any slack to anybody. You want to come back
and be an All Black again after earning a whole
pile of money overseas, you've got to play in the NPC.
(09:27):
Otherwise you are not available, bloody minded madness. To me,
what is the most important thing about world rugby? The
most important thing is the Rugby World Cup. This is
something that New Zealand have not had their grubby mits
on for a number of years now. Dave Rennie absolutely
needs every bit of support he can possibly get from
(09:48):
every aspect of n z R and he's not getting
it this way. I don't understand why they would enforce
this law. Sure players think if I go overseas it's
going to be very difficult to get back into the
All Blacks again. But when you're at a level above
the rest and you're in a position that the team
(10:09):
desperately needs their your laws, you can break your own
laws if you want.
Speaker 7 (10:14):
It's a okay.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
There are always dispensations for players and every facet of
n z are So for me to do this talk
about cutting off your nose to spite your face, cut
their whole head off, just saying.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfex.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
We're joined now in the chamber by being Francis writes
for New Zealand Herald and is this a crime appearing
on this program?
Speaker 7 (10:40):
Because I can call you a recidivius if that's the case.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
Being high, how are you good afternoon, Darcy. I've actually
never heard that word before, so I'm assuming it's a
good one.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
So yeah, whatever, call me the recidivus criminal, someone who
keeps doing the same thing over and over ago maybe
maybe you are.
Speaker 7 (10:56):
And you're a RECIPI a sports writer as well.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
While it's going on at the moment, including this news
just broke today, Metcalf may be going from the Warriors,
but not confirmed yet.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
What do you know?
Speaker 5 (11:08):
Look, so reports out of Australia saying that Luke Metcalf
has been looking well potentially looking at options to leave
the Warriors or talk a bit about his future because
of the emergence of Tanner Boyd the Warriors I set
to announce I believe this week that Tanner Boyd has
resigned for twenty twenty nine. So with Tanner boy Plain halfback,
(11:28):
Luke Metcalf saying, well, I thought I was the half back,
you know, I was leading the dali Ms last year
and his management have gone to the Warriors and it's
kind of just come out now that sounds like the
Warriors are giving him a mission to see what else
is out there, and that is a big sign that
they believe that Tanner Boyd is going to If you
look at the two, Tanner Boyd will be the man
that could lead them to premiership glory.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
So the next cab off the rank if they think
turns Paar shaded, this is in the office. Everyone's going
Jee Clary, Jack Clary.
Speaker 7 (11:55):
The doors are open for Jet Clary. Too old, sorry,
too soon.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
It's really hard to say, but Jet Cleary is going
to be part of the Warrior's top squad next year.
And this is whether there's such a big conundrum with
the halves at the moment stuff that if you do
read some of the stuff I've done, I've written about
it multiple times before that to Mighty Mardin off contract
at the end of the season, Chanelle Harris Devita off
contract end of the season, Luke Hanson off contract at
(12:22):
the end of the season, the Tanner Boyd, but like
I said, he's going to re sign. And then Jet
Clary been tarted part of the top thirty. Luke Metcalfe
was contracted until twenty twenty eight, but that new contract
doesn't kick until next year. So I think that's probably
part of the reason why the Warriors have been able
to you know, maybe they could offload it because.
Speaker 8 (12:41):
It technically hasn't started yet, but it does.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
It does create a lot of you know, headaches and
a lot of interesting like, Okay, what's the halves going
to look like? Because when you look at the team
this year, Boyd and Harris Devita have looked unbeatable. When
when Luke Metcalf came in, the Warriors played the two
worst games of the season, and I think that is
a bit of a Talian sign and I think the way.
Speaker 7 (13:03):
That yeah, but that was hardy fair.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
I mean, you just come back from injury, probably wasn't
a Hundi and the combination between section seven then a
little difficult, right. They didn't really know what they're doing,
So I'm just going, I mean, I don't know the guy. Well.
Speaker 5 (13:17):
I still think it's telling that since me Kalf has
been at the Warriors, he's only played about thirty odd
games because he's incredibly injury prone. And I think that
you have to highlight that because it is a concern
that you're investing a lot of money in a premier
playmaker and he's not getting the runs on the field
and that's a bit of a concern. But I think
the way Tanner Boyd has been playing, and personally I've
always been a big advocate for Tanner Boyd, I really
(13:39):
like it. I think it shows that the Warriors back him.
And I think that was really highlighted when Andrew Webster
sat after the Eels game. He said that when we
come back in two weeks time to play the Broncos,
which will be this weekend, Boyd Harris to beat it.
You're my haves and having that confidence, which is saying
Webster never does. He never really declares publicly. Usually the
guy the top guys, they come straight back in. But
(14:01):
he's kind of changed his attitude around that this year.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Well, it gives internal strength to the playoffs. I think
that's really really important on the inside, that you've got
the trust of the coach. It's not up for a
conversation or argument right.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Exactly, And I think that's probably what alerted Luke Metcalf's management.
So then go hang on here, we've got the half back.
He should be back this week, so we need to
figure out what's happening. So it's really crazy because had
you said at the start of the season that this
would be what is happening? No one would have believed you,
but I guess that's the crazy world of rugby league.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
So what happens if he gets broken in half tan
of boy this weekend in the Magic Round? I shouldn't
say that, but let's face said, it's up in front
of everybody. So does that cause even bigger problems?
Speaker 2 (14:40):
Do you think? Well?
Speaker 5 (14:41):
I guess it depends what actually happens with Luke Metcalf
because this is only just developed. Does a team make
a play for you?
Speaker 3 (14:48):
See this is a daily Telegraph out of Australia that
have broken the story.
Speaker 8 (14:51):
Yes, it's whether does Luke Metcalf go?
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Now?
Speaker 5 (14:53):
Does he got the end of the season? So there
are still different things that play. You've got to Mighty
Martin that can say that could fill in. You've got
Chanelle there, Luke Hansen was pretty solid in his debut,
and you've got Jet Clary as well. Who could slot in.
I would say probably maybe soon for Jet, but I
think there are options. But Tanneboyd has proven to be
pretty robust and reliable during his career, so he's definitely
(15:17):
probably a safer pair of hands. Than Luke Metcalf on
the entry front.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
Never a dull moment out at Penrose, no doubt. Over
the weekend I watched lots of football, which is unusual
for me, But why wouldn't it so much on the
line for both of those games? Great seeing the Wahinix.
I know people hate that name, but I find it
quite fetching. So they wow so good and the celebration
(15:40):
and the crowd well five and a half six thousand people,
that was amazing.
Speaker 5 (15:45):
It was really special and I think it shows you
that that that's kind of their home now because they
played most of their home games the Yere. But I know,
because it would have been a bigger game, there was
probably talk so should we take it to the bigger stadium,
But it wouldn't have had that same impact. And you
get the feeling that maybe if it was at like
a at the Cake ten, for example, maybe they wouldn't
have got the job done because that was like a
little fortress. The crowd was literally right on the field.
(16:07):
You know, it was really special that the drama and
the tension. Mikhayla Woods had the chance to win it
in the ninety six minute, got the rebound off the post,
you know it was there was so much drama and
then for her to then score a second goal and
extra time was just special. In the way the girls
defended for the rest of the game.
Speaker 8 (16:25):
It was showed a lot of heart. It's going to
be tough though in the final. I don't you know.
I like my stat stats and the fact that City have.
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Absolutely pretty much obliterated the Phoenix in every meeting they've played, So.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
The worm's got to turn, that's what you're saying exactly.
Speaker 8 (16:39):
Yeah, ninth time is the charm for the Wahini nes
is what I'm going to say.
Speaker 5 (16:43):
So it's going to be really exciting on Saturday nights
to see how they go. But regardless, first New Zealand
team to make a final, an Australian final, they should
be incredibly proud. First time even in the finals, and
just how far they've come under Priestsman has just been special.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
And a quick word, not great news for AKFC. One
of their key members is gone burger.
Speaker 5 (17:06):
Yeah, Steve Horiker just confirmed Gmo May has got a
sindemosis injury, so that pretty much rules him out for
the or it does rule him out for the season.
He said it what injury sindemosis, So it's like an
ankle injury with ligaments.
Speaker 7 (17:17):
They say an injury.
Speaker 8 (17:19):
Well that's a term that's getting thrown out more.
Speaker 5 (17:21):
I'm trying to sound like I'm intellectual, dasy, I'm trying
to sound like I know what I'm talking about.
Speaker 3 (17:25):
It's good.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
But yeah, so he's got an ankle injury. So it's
going to be another blow for Auckland. He's he's a
very key player and there are a lot of walking
wounded players there the Second League against Adelaide on Friday
night in Adelaide, so it's going to be a big
ask for Auckland. But look, I think some of the
guys will want to write those wrongs from last season,
having lost at the stage last year, so it'll be
(17:46):
interesting to see how they go.
Speaker 7 (17:47):
Mate needle them up and get him out there.
Speaker 8 (17:49):
Well that's what that's what That's what they had to
do to Sam qusgrow for him to play.
Speaker 5 (17:53):
So it might be a few more, but yeah, I
think I think for Corker, he's got an eye on
the final already, so he wants the guys he'd rather
probably have them fit for the final.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
That's the last thing anyone wants to hear that the
coach has got one eye on the final, Well, no, no, no,
I'm sorry, Darcy, don't shoot the messenger and messenger out
of it. In New Zealand Herald has been francis been
always a pleasure. Thanks for your time.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
Chat leading a X. We've got just the ticket. It's
Sports Fix powered by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
It's draw the curtain on this edition of the Sports Fix.
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(18:46):
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(19:10):
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Speaker 1 (19:23):
More from News Talks at b Listen live on air
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks Ed BE.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Welcome on man to the Sports Fix Tuesday edition, being
the twelfth of May twenty twenty six. My name is
Darcy Waldgrave. I'm with you for the duration. We'll we
joined later on the piece by Ben Francis and Zellam
Hill inscribed to talk a wee bit about football here
and the Metcalfe story. It doesn't auger well for the Warriors.
(00:41):
I'll be joined by John Hart. As you look at
the appointment of Sir Graham Henry. Ted's back in the
fold again as an independent selector. I've got opinions, of
course I have. I'll share that all with you coming
up here on the Sports Fix. Thanks for your time,
thanks for your attention. Let's hit go.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
In other news and.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
In the magnificence of Sports Today, All Black coach Dave
Rennie tried valiantly to get m Z to overturn the
returning player policy re Richie Mulonga. The request fell on
open airs, but eventually they deafened. Dave's plan was this you.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Richie would be in the group getting his head around
how we want to play the game in the detail
within NATS include them in the squad to Africa and
probably play them against the Stormer's first game and let
him in the right to fight for a test spot.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
Or FLINDFC coach Steve Coricker has outlined the blow to
the club with the confirmation of the surgery required to Gajurmo.
My it's far from rosie for the Yuruguayan and the
team stink. The leg to semi is on Friday night
and add.
Speaker 5 (01:49):
A tindismosis has done his ligaments and that's good.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Need an operation I think for thee ten or twelve
weeks and black Caps skipper Tom Latham has reflected on
the delay start of the n ZED twenty New Zealand's
entry into the crowded Global T twenty League space six
twenty seven starters being jettison now for a twenty twenty
seven twenty eight launch.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
That gut it for it to I guess, not quite
get off the ground, but understand, you know, there's a
lot of work that goes under.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
The bridge to I guess to get that competition up
and running. Two coaches and a captain sharing their thoughts
on sport today.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
News and a median. It's Sportsfix with Dancy Valdegreve.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
I'm join now on the Sports Fix podcast by former
All Black coach John Hart.
Speaker 6 (02:40):
Good day, John, Welcome to the show. Hi Darcy, nice
to be on your program and great to.
Speaker 7 (02:45):
Have you on board as well.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Let's move into the big story of the day, the
constant change them the All Blacks. We're talking New Zealand rugby,
the coaching staff. The list goes on, adding another name,
quite an important name, Ar Sir Graham Henry is now
an independent selector. My first question to you is this
a good new a good move and what exactly does
(03:06):
an independent select to bring to the party?
Speaker 6 (03:11):
Look, I totally agree with the appointment of an independent selector.
I think an independent selector has the ability to do
that be independent, is not necessarily locked into the day
to day running of the team, and is a fresh
pair of eyes and can bring a different perspective to
those that may be regularly working in working in the
(03:33):
team environment. So and there are a lot of games
to cover these days, and I think having someone like
Sir Graham available to support the coach and the other
selectors or selector selectors is very vital. It will bring
bring variation of view, it will see I happen to
(03:55):
believe that the most important thing a coach ever does
is select So getting your selections right is important or
more important, probably than the technical skills of coaching, because
if you get selections right, everything else will follow. So
I'm a great believer in doing everything you can to
ensure that your selection process is robust, is competitive, that
(04:17):
you're checking and you're balancing, and I think I applaud
what Dave Rennie's doing and opening up this disposition.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
If you're too deep in the weeds, you can't see.
So that's why it's important to be distant in a
way and so you can look from an overall position.
You also have to have the ability to be strong
in your opinions, and I suggest that Ted has those
strong opinions and they will sit well with Dave Rennie
as a character. He's strong as well, So that debate
(04:48):
with himself, Barnsey and Henry it could be epic.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
I'd like to be a fly on the wall.
Speaker 6 (04:53):
Oh well, I think that's part of why you do it,
to check and you know, to question, to question and
to debate. You know, because you can get your own views,
you can get locked into your own views.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Have been there, I know what you can do.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
So I think having other people and someone who is
slightly independent outside and has the ability skill set to
know the game can play a very violent, very vital
role in helping and helping a coach get to the
right processes.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Let's hope it doesn't deteriorate into a violent role, and
I think he wants to see that. Said John, what
about the runway of the World Cup? How is important
that we've got a very short amount of time for
the World Cup? In Ted, You've got a character that's
had success at World Cups and knows what that preparation
is all about.
Speaker 7 (05:41):
That must be of vital import as well. Well.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
He's had success and failure, which is also important because
I think there are a lot of learnings in World
Cups and I would think that having someone that has
wide World Cup experience is something that he doesn't necessarily
have throughout his existing management team. So I think that's
an additional advantage that it will help very much in
(06:04):
terms of the runway into the World Cup, which is
pretty short, we know, and so I think that's another
factor that really supports disappointment.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
What about traps? What do they need to be aware
of within All Blacks management about I'm not saying specifically
Sir Graham Henry, but about imploying somebody as an independent selector.
Where are the issues do you think?
Speaker 6 (06:28):
I don't think there are issues because in the end,
the coach will make the decisions. You know, the coach
will he might have They will always disagree from time
to time on decisions. It's an inevitable that coaches will
have that. You know, you have that in most coaching teams.
You won't always agree on who should plan, who shouldn't play.
So I think, but in the end, I don't think
(06:48):
there are any risks because I think the end decision
is that of the coach. The coach makes a final
decision because he stands or you know, he lives and
stands by his decisions like that. So I don't see
any real issues. Even if there was a strong view
that he didn't like, then that's what they will understand. Ultimately,
(07:09):
they may agree to disagree.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
The ability to get ted off waiki is and I
know that's quite difficult, but get him around to the grounds.
Actually eyeballing physically the players in real time?
Speaker 7 (07:21):
Is that of huge importance?
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Well, obviously you've got television, you can watch games, but
I would assume that the appointments based on the fact
that they will want him attending games and seeing the
game close, you know, close at hand.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
So you know, why is that important?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Sorry, John, Why is it important to actually physically be
there and watch these guys? What does that bring that
TV doesn't?
Speaker 6 (07:43):
Well, well, because quite often when you're watching, you're watching players,
you watch them for a certain period of time, and
you know I do that. Used to do that myself.
I'd go to a game and I would watch one
player for quarter of an hour. Now you can do
that live. You can't do that on television. You want
to follow a player, and you know they're not always
in the tele always in the camera, and it's what
(08:05):
happens on and off the ball was as fatal, So
you know, being there live and then having the opportunity
to watch television later is a really good combination.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfex with Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
The virus of change has hit end Z r. I
shouldn't say virus because virus is generally seen as a
pretty bad thing. But the change has accelerated just like
a virus. We've got a new coach, we've got new
assistant coaches, we've got a new CEO, we've got a
new c CEO. We've got a new CFO. There's a
new doctor. There's a new high performance manager. We're got
(08:44):
a new site coach. Look, the list goes on and
the latest person is Ted so Graham Henry's coming on
board as an independent selector. The virus of change may
well be running a mark within New Zealand rugby, but
one thing hasn't changed, and you could argue it's the
archaic situation with Richie Woonger and a number of other
(09:06):
players Chan and Brazil. We would like to come back
from Japan and represent New Zealand at the next World Cup.
As you well know by now. CEO Steve Lancaster came
on Jason Pines Show and said, look, we're not gonna
cut any slack to anybody. You want to come back
and be an All Black again after earning a whole
pile of money overseas, you've got to play in the NPC.
(09:27):
Otherwise you are not available, bloody minded madness. To me,
what is the most important thing about world rugby? The
most important thing is the Rugby World Cup. This is
something that New Zealand have not had their grubby mits
on for a number of years now. Dave Rennie absolutely
needs every bit of support he can possibly get from
(09:48):
every aspect of n z R and he's not getting
it this way. I don't understand why they would enforce
this law. Sure players think if I go overseas it's
going to be very difficult to get back into the
All Blacks again. But when you're at a level above
the rest and you're in a position that the team
(10:09):
desperately needs their your laws, you can break your own
laws if you want.
Speaker 7 (10:14):
It's a okay.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
There are always dispensations for players and every facet of
n z are So for me to do this talk
about cutting off your nose to spite your face, cut
their whole head off, just saying.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfex.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
We're joined now in the chamber by being Francis writes
for New Zealand Herald and is this a crime appearing
on this program?
Speaker 7 (10:40):
Because I can call you a recidivius if that's the case.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
Being high, how are you good afternoon, Darcy. I've actually
never heard that word before, so I'm assuming it's a
good one.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
So yeah, whatever, call me the recidivus criminal, someone who
keeps doing the same thing over and over ago maybe
maybe you are.
Speaker 7 (10:56):
And you're a RECIPI a sports writer as well.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
While it's going on at the moment, including this news
just broke today, Metcalf may be going from the Warriors,
but not confirmed yet.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
What do you know?
Speaker 5 (11:08):
Look, so reports out of Australia saying that Luke Metcalf
has been looking well potentially looking at options to leave
the Warriors or talk a bit about his future because
of the emergence of Tanner Boyd the Warriors I set
to announce I believe this week that Tanner Boyd has
resigned for twenty twenty nine. So with Tanner boy Plain halfback,
(11:28):
Luke Metcalf saying, well, I thought I was the half back,
you know, I was leading the dali Ms last year
and his management have gone to the Warriors and it's
kind of just come out now that sounds like the
Warriors are giving him a mission to see what else
is out there, and that is a big sign that
they believe that Tanner Boyd is going to If you
look at the two, Tanner Boyd will be the man
that could lead them to premiership glory.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
So the next cab off the rank if they think
turns Paar shaded, this is in the office. Everyone's going
Jee Clary, Jack Clary.
Speaker 7 (11:55):
The doors are open for Jet Clary. Too old, sorry,
too soon.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
It's really hard to say, but Jet Cleary is going
to be part of the Warrior's top squad next year.
And this is whether there's such a big conundrum with
the halves at the moment stuff that if you do
read some of the stuff I've done, I've written about
it multiple times before that to Mighty Mardin off contract
at the end of the season, Chanelle Harris Devita off
contract end of the season, Luke Hanson off contract at
(12:22):
the end of the season, the Tanner Boyd, but like
I said, he's going to re sign. And then Jet
Clary been tarted part of the top thirty. Luke Metcalfe
was contracted until twenty twenty eight, but that new contract
doesn't kick until next year. So I think that's probably
part of the reason why the Warriors have been able
to you know, maybe they could offload it because.
Speaker 8 (12:41):
It technically hasn't started yet, but it does.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
It does create a lot of you know, headaches and
a lot of interesting like, Okay, what's the halves going
to look like? Because when you look at the team
this year, Boyd and Harris Devita have looked unbeatable. When
when Luke Metcalf came in, the Warriors played the two
worst games of the season, and I think that is
a bit of a Talian sign and I think the way.
Speaker 7 (13:03):
That yeah, but that was hardy fair.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
I mean, you just come back from injury, probably wasn't
a Hundi and the combination between section seven then a
little difficult, right. They didn't really know what they're doing,
So I'm just going, I mean, I don't know the guy. Well.
Speaker 5 (13:17):
I still think it's telling that since me Kalf has
been at the Warriors, he's only played about thirty odd
games because he's incredibly injury prone. And I think that
you have to highlight that because it is a concern
that you're investing a lot of money in a premier
playmaker and he's not getting the runs on the field
and that's a bit of a concern. But I think
the way Tanner Boyd has been playing, and personally I've
always been a big advocate for Tanner Boyd, I really
(13:39):
like it. I think it shows that the Warriors back him.
And I think that was really highlighted when Andrew Webster
sat after the Eels game. He said that when we
come back in two weeks time to play the Broncos,
which will be this weekend, Boyd Harris to beat it.
You're my haves and having that confidence, which is saying
Webster never does. He never really declares publicly. Usually the
guy the top guys, they come straight back in. But
(14:01):
he's kind of changed his attitude around that this year.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Well, it gives internal strength to the playoffs. I think
that's really really important on the inside, that you've got
the trust of the coach. It's not up for a
conversation or argument right.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Exactly, And I think that's probably what alerted Luke Metcalf's management.
So then go hang on here, we've got the half back.
He should be back this week, so we need to
figure out what's happening. So it's really crazy because had
you said at the start of the season that this
would be what is happening? No one would have believed you,
but I guess that's the crazy world of rugby league.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
So what happens if he gets broken in half tan
of boy this weekend in the Magic Round? I shouldn't
say that, but let's face said, it's up in front
of everybody. So does that cause even bigger problems?
Speaker 2 (14:40):
Do you think? Well?
Speaker 5 (14:41):
I guess it depends what actually happens with Luke Metcalf
because this is only just developed. Does a team make
a play for you?
Speaker 3 (14:48):
See this is a daily Telegraph out of Australia that
have broken the story.
Speaker 8 (14:51):
Yes, it's whether does Luke Metcalf go?
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Now?
Speaker 5 (14:53):
Does he got the end of the season? So there
are still different things that play. You've got to Mighty
Martin that can say that could fill in. You've got
Chanelle there, Luke Hansen was pretty solid in his debut,
and you've got Jet Clary as well. Who could slot in.
I would say probably maybe soon for Jet, but I
think there are options. But Tanneboyd has proven to be
pretty robust and reliable during his career, so he's definitely
(15:17):
probably a safer pair of hands. Than Luke Metcalf on
the entry front.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
Never a dull moment out at Penrose, no doubt. Over
the weekend I watched lots of football, which is unusual
for me, But why wouldn't it so much on the
line for both of those games? Great seeing the Wahinix.
I know people hate that name, but I find it
quite fetching. So they wow so good and the celebration
(15:40):
and the crowd well five and a half six thousand people,
that was amazing.
Speaker 5 (15:45):
It was really special and I think it shows you
that that that's kind of their home now because they
played most of their home games the Yere. But I know,
because it would have been a bigger game, there was
probably talk so should we take it to the bigger stadium,
But it wouldn't have had that same impact. And you
get the feeling that maybe if it was at like
a at the Cake ten, for example, maybe they wouldn't
have got the job done because that was like a
little fortress. The crowd was literally right on the field.
(16:07):
You know, it was really special that the drama and
the tension. Mikhayla Woods had the chance to win it
in the ninety six minute, got the rebound off the post,
you know it was there was so much drama and
then for her to then score a second goal and
extra time was just special. In the way the girls
defended for the rest of the game.
Speaker 8 (16:25):
It was showed a lot of heart. It's going to
be tough though in the final. I don't you know.
I like my stat stats and the fact that City have.
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Absolutely pretty much obliterated the Phoenix in every meeting they've played, So.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
The worm's got to turn, that's what you're saying exactly.
Speaker 8 (16:39):
Yeah, ninth time is the charm for the Wahini nes
is what I'm going to say.
Speaker 5 (16:43):
So it's going to be really exciting on Saturday nights
to see how they go. But regardless, first New Zealand
team to make a final, an Australian final, they should
be incredibly proud. First time even in the finals, and
just how far they've come under Priestsman has just been special.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
And a quick word, not great news for AKFC. One
of their key members is gone burger.
Speaker 5 (17:06):
Yeah, Steve Horiker just confirmed Gmo May has got a
sindemosis injury, so that pretty much rules him out for
the or it does rule him out for the season.
He said it what injury sindemosis, So it's like an
ankle injury with ligaments.
Speaker 7 (17:17):
They say an injury.
Speaker 8 (17:19):
Well that's a term that's getting thrown out more.
Speaker 5 (17:21):
I'm trying to sound like I'm intellectual, dasy, I'm trying
to sound like I know what I'm talking about.
Speaker 3 (17:25):
It's good.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
But yeah, so he's got an ankle injury. So it's
going to be another blow for Auckland. He's he's a
very key player and there are a lot of walking
wounded players there the Second League against Adelaide on Friday
night in Adelaide, so it's going to be a big
ask for Auckland. But look, I think some of the
guys will want to write those wrongs from last season,
having lost at the stage last year, so it'll be
(17:46):
interesting to see how they go.
Speaker 7 (17:47):
Mate needle them up and get him out there.
Speaker 8 (17:49):
Well that's what that's what That's what they had to
do to Sam qusgrow for him to play.
Speaker 5 (17:53):
So it might be a few more, but yeah, I
think I think for Corker, he's got an eye on
the final already, so he wants the guys he'd rather
probably have them fit for the final.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
That's the last thing anyone wants to hear that the
coach has got one eye on the final, Well, no, no, no,
I'm sorry, Darcy, don't shoot the messenger and messenger out
of it. In New Zealand Herald has been francis been
always a pleasure. Thanks for your time.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
Chat leading a X. We've got just the ticket. It's
Sports Fix powered by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
It's draw the curtain on this edition of the Sports Fix.
Thanks very much for listening. Has been a real pleasure
delivering you all this information. If you've enjoyed it, thank
you very much. Please subscribe that way it comes automatically
to your inbox on a week daily basis. Anyone else
who needs to know all the sporting information, let them
(18:46):
know about the Sports Fix and hopefully they subscribe as well.
Of course, if you'd like regular old school radio, we're
all over that Monday to Friday our News Talk ZB
from seven to eight pm of an evening. Jason Pine's
Got the Monday Show. I run Tuesday through Friday, and
then Jason Pine has the Big Dance. He has got
Weekend Sport between twelve midday and three o'clock Saturday and Sunday.
(19:10):
We both love your company, on text, on phone, even
just with your ears. Join us a as we carry
on looking at the wonderment of essentially New Zealand. Support
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