On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 15 July 2026, this weekend, the biggest test for the All Blacks in the opening three rounds of the Nations Championship looms. The Irish are heading to Auckland to contest that 32 year old unbeaten streak at Eden Park - which always creates intrigue ahead of a test match.
Ian Jones is a former All Blacks lock, he joined D'Arcy to discuss.
D'Arcy shares his thoughts on FIFA breaking their own rules with a 30 minute half time break during the World Cup Final.
And D'Arcy and New Zealand Herald sport journalist Ben Francis discuss the France v Spain semi-final at the World Cup this morning and the Warriors side named to take on the Dragons on Saturday.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sortsfix Howard by News Talks d be.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome on end to the Sports Fix podcast. Hello to you.
My name is Darcy Waldgrave. I am head from now
through to the end of this cast. Be that teen
fifteen twenty minutes. I never know it is a Wednesday.
It's the fifteenth of July twenty twenty six. Our feature
interview today is Worth Camo. That is Ian Jones, legendary
(00:41):
all blacks Lock as we look at the possibility of
being turned by the Irish at the Fortress of Eden
Park on Saturday night. I've got some thoughts as well
around FIFA and their twenty twenty six World Cup. The
world's Beautiful Game has been made to look particularly ugly
by the people in charge, and will be joined in
(01:03):
the chamber by a mate. Ben Francis, sports newswriter out
of the New Zealand Herald, we look at a couple
of the big sports stories in sport today. That's the
plan has always hit go my friends and in the
vagaries of sport today, the Spanish football team has put
the tournament favorites to bed with a down and two
(01:24):
zip World Cup semi final victory over the toothless French.
The outgoing French manager did the aide de Champ through
a translator, says that Spain played at a high level,
but France well way. Werner's good as they could have been.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
They closed out all the spaces. Also, we've made some
technical mistakes, so it's is difficult to create problems when
the technical level is, you know, standard.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
The new kid on the all black bloc Deutsche, Lucy
Anton Segna, is pleased as punch DA's former Blues teammate
Rico Yoanni back in the fold again. Hopefully REGs will
will bring Irish intel after his time at Leinster. If
you can't do that, at least he will bring some
pretty trolling chat.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
He's been a defferent amount of time and this team
and knows all the faces here and we're just happy
to have him in this week and Rob turtles with
him again and maybe get something to tell about the
Irish not yet but maybe.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
And world number one. It means golfer Scottie Chaffler. It
showed signs of being a human last week when he
missed the cut at the Scottish Open. Father fatigue kicked
his door and he's given that rude awakening all due respect.
He defends his Open title this weekend. Like if you
look at a football team that's made it really far
(02:43):
each year in the NFL, it's really.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Hard to continue to do that each.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
And every year.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
And I feel like I'm at a point in the
season where you know, we've.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
Played a lot of golf.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
I've played a lot of high level golf.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Sometimes you get a little bit more.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Tired of coaching, praising, understanding. And that's sport today, Newcapion.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
It's Sportsfix with Dancie Waldegrave and it's.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
A warm welcome, a huge cuddle to old mate in Jones.
One of the greatest locks we've ever had. As we
look ahead to the possibility maybe of the eden Park
Fortress being collapsed by the Irish on Saturday night, get here.
How are you?
Speaker 6 (03:23):
I'm well, thanks stars. It's been a huge week here
at the Allbacks Experience. People are pumped up, of course,
a big Test match in Auckland, so it's nice to see,
nice to feel it.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
The record at the Fortress at eden Park, how heavy.
Is this weight on the All Blacks or does it
work the other weight? Does it lift these guys up
to another level knowing what they're defending.
Speaker 6 (03:45):
Well, you know the mindset of an All Black and
works the other way, right, It's they want to add
to that record. You think of the opposition, have all
those doubts about that record, how they can get that
across the line, how they can win at Eden Park.
So that's on the other side. But the All Backs,
it's just about the adding to that legacy. The crowd
(04:06):
plays a huge part, you know. So every one going
along to Eden Park on Saturday night will feel connected,
feel involved, feel part of that fortress mentality and that
kind of just helps us circle the wagon. So the
crowd plays a big part. So the sellout, which is
going to be fantastic, It's going to be rocking, and
the players use that energy. They are inspired by that
(04:29):
energy of our home crowd. They'll all the messages during
the week. You just have to look around this All
Backs experience at the moment as I see all these
kids coming in in All Back jerseys, just thinking and
giving the energy to the team. This is what it
stands for, that the All Backs are our national team. They
are the team that we all get in behind. And
(04:52):
it's days like nights like this at Edon Park that
we really need the crowd. And we're going to get
the crowd because it's going to be awesome.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
And with Dave Reenie, he's taken this side over. There's
been a huge change in structure right across z R
from the top right the way to the bottom of
the All Blacks team as well. From what you know
of Dave Rennie, do you think he'll lean much on
this record and the defense of this record, Will we
take another direction for inspiration for the All Blacks for
(05:21):
this Irish test.
Speaker 6 (05:23):
No, I believe he'll lean into the legacy, lean into
the history of who the All Blacks are, what that
jersey is meant to players before this current team, that
jersey demands of all of those players who have played
at Eden Park, added to that record, that legacy at
Eden Park. He'll lean right into that, and from all
(05:46):
of that, this current team can then add their own legacy,
their own mana to that jersey. So no, he that's
right in his wheelhouse about connection, about history, about legacy.
But also and rightfully so, how this team can create
their own legacy, their own manna. What direction do they
(06:08):
want to take this team? So yeah, he's good for
that and he's been brilliant to see and how he
connects with New Zealand is how we are part of
what he wants us or wants this team to go on.
He wants New Zealand to go on that journey as well.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
What have you seen in the first two tests in
this new Renny regime with the All Blacks and where
they are heading? What can you pull out of the
game so far to the positive? And I suppose are
there any bits that are maybe nagging in the background
about what should be or hasn't been achieved.
Speaker 6 (06:43):
It's all positive for me. Test wins that's pretty special.
And the speed of what they can play the game
at I think kind of often sets New Zealand apart.
The skill, the agility, the fitness of our athletes I
think is a real strength of New Zealand rugby. So
(07:06):
we're seeing a lot of that, seeing a lot of togetherness,
aren't we When they had to defend. The defending really
tight when they need to, which is good. And we're
seeing some good depth off the bench. So you know
those second wave coming through, which has been pretty cool
to see. And you know there's some resilience. We were
(07:26):
under the pump in the first thirty forty odd minutes
last weekend, but stayed calm. He clearly did some clear
messing at halftime. And what you need, Darcy, in a
game of football is that resilience to wear those oppositions down,
to apply pressure for longer periods of time in the opposition.
And the games aren't ever going to be won in
(07:48):
the first thirty or forty minutes. Were fans like you
and I probably want that to happen, It's unrealistic. But
the team changed tactically they say, stayed strong and they
went away with the game quite comfortably in the end.
That should be real positive for all of us.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
How close do you think Jones is the all Blacks
are having they're starting fifteen or is that an irrelevance
under this new regime from what we've seen in the
last two test matches. To go at Eden Park because
you'd think it will be their best team that they'll
be named this weekend, because history says it needs to be.
Speaker 6 (08:27):
Yeah, I totally agree with you. I think it needs
to be. It should be the occasion the opposition is
deserving of all of that, isn't it. And then those
combinations as we get past Eden Park and then start
looking ahead to the South African Tour. We need those combinations.
We need that kind of mindset. But we also need,
(08:49):
which we're going to have to have in Cerca, that
next man up mentality because you know injuries are going
to happen. So whoever the fifteen players that run out
there for us Darcy will be the fifteen that U
and I and the country will back one hundred percent,
the bench coming on to finish off the job. I
absolutely I want to say this to all all of
(09:09):
black coaches and trust their knowledge where they want to
take the team, and you lie, just go along for
the right mate. They are the people who understand what
they want and mate, you and I just sit back
and enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's sportsfix with Dancy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
There was only a matter of time, it wasn't it
before FIFA folded to the commercial demands of such a
massive event such as the World Cup. We've seen them
Teata previously. In fact, over the last few weeks we've
had these ridiculous hydration breaks, which is just another reason
to play more commercials, therefore reake more money toward their
(09:54):
already bulging coffers. Now they're going to have an extended
halftime show, suggesting that they want to rival the NFL
when it comes to major halftime productions. Again another exc
use to put more commercial minutes within the game of
football to attract more money to fill their already bulging coughers.
(10:16):
But this World Cup has really been an exercise in
FIFA ignoring their own advice. Don't even get me started
on Donald Trump and Johnny Infantino and the boys Club.
They've forgot going now with the way they've behaved. It's
been a sad sight watching both of these two clowns,
and indeed FIFA do what they've done to apparently the
(10:37):
world's beautiful game. It has been ugly thanking then, though
at least beyond all of that, we've had a really,
really good tournament set to go again tomorrow with England
taking on Argentina in the Southern Atlantic fight, and we
hope the best team wins and puts on an absolute
display against Spain on Monday morning. And hey, at least
(11:01):
with a half an hour break full of half pipe
celebrities and crappy music. We get to have time to
go and make ourselves any extra, a couple of cups
of tea and maybe some eggs on toast. See. I'm
desperately trying to find some good in this corrupt mess. FIFA,
get in the sea.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
The chamber is now in session.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
On Sportsfax, the chamber doors swingeth open. It sounded quite biblical,
didn't it. And I welcome you in from n Z
Herald the sports reporter there. His name is Ben Francis.
He is a recidivist on this program. Being welcome on
in DARCYA. It's so glad, so glad you're back. It's
so nice to be here.
Speaker 6 (11:38):
Ae.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
I can tell you lying because your mouth's moving. I'm
a grumpy swine, especially when I'm full of painkillers and
a horrible knee. I've become quite I don't think patience
is at the forefront right now, but you know you
make me smile. So welcome on in. Let's talk about
what happened in sport of recent times. I suppose this
morning is the first thing we look at. I'll say
this Frombly twenty four hours. It would be bored with
(12:01):
it that the irresistible force meets the immovable object. Today,
France take on Spain and the immovable object deal didn't
move and the irresistible force just flailed to one side.
That was amazing viewing. They they did whatever one thought
they would do, and the French had no answers, did
they exactly?
Speaker 5 (12:23):
You know, France, they got so many great attacking players
and they tried to throw everything they could at Spain
and they just couldn't get through every It seemed like
everything was just gelling. And it actually kind of reminded
me the way there was times where Spain's defense was
kind of shifting back and forth across the edge of
the field and kind of reminded me of almost like
you know, you know, like handball, good old handball, like
(12:43):
you see the Europeans play kind of reminded me of
like when you see the goals near like the defenses
continually like shifting around the whole thing. But it was
it was just fascinating to see. And how you know,
you got these superstar players like for example, Den Belly,
and they just couldn't do anything. They were almost just
strangled out the game. And look, many people here picked
Spain to win the World Cup, but I think overall
(13:03):
France were the team to beat, and the way they
kind of were just not in it was just absolutely
mind blowing.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
We're really hard to score without the ball. I think
we've worked that one out, but they didn't seem to
adjust or make the necessary adjustments the frontline in France
to work through what was going on. They didn't. I
think they were out coached. How dare I say that?
It must be quite a blow to the French side
knowing that they got basically done on the white ball.
Speaker 5 (13:31):
I mean, lots of the sport does come down to
tactics and your formations and all those sort of things.
And you know, whatever Spain did worked, and if they
face England or Argentina in the final, whoever that is
going to be, it's going to be a very tough
game for either of them. Of course, Spain just chasing
their second ever World Cup, which sounds crazy because they've
only won the one in twenty.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Ten and they are though reigning European champions, so they
understand what it means to actually get the job done.
At the very point at end, I don't think you
can underestimate that the power of that ability, that inner
confidence that a team has actually we deserve to be here.
We can do this and we don't care what you do, France.
We can do this and we're going to do it
better than whatever you're doing as well.
Speaker 5 (14:11):
So well, they said after the game, we're the best
team in the world, and you feel like after performance
like that, regardless what happens in the final, it's justified.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
So let's talk a little bit about tomorrow because England
Argentina the Southern Atlantic clash, which is what it is.
Let's face it, I don't know which way this goes.
We're talking about this yesterday. My key thought here is
that England have fought like dogs, especially their last two matches,
and ve've shown that they've got what it takes even
though the chips are down to actually get the job done.
So does that mean favorite System slightly sits with England
(14:43):
or have they got a monkey on their back, or
a gorilla on their back, or a whole troop of
baboons they simply won't be able to get rid of.
Speaker 5 (14:49):
I think people are going to look at the history
of England in terms of you know, how they usually
do crumble on the big stage, and there is no
bigger stage in this especially against Argentina, who or the
reigning world champs. But I feel like Argentina almost it
sounds weird to say for a world champion they have
rode a lot of luck.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
To get to the stage. Well, they've got all the
referees on their team.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
Sorry delete delete, I'm not seriously like it feels like
they have roaded their luck a little bit. I mean
the Scotsman and me obviously wants argent China the word,
but I think for the better story it would be England.
So I guess we'll just see how it goes tomorrow morning.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
And well, they keep writing their luck and what do
they always say in sport, I'd rather be lucky than good. Yeah,
it's a tragedy, tragic thing to say, but maybe true.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
But I mean, we're gonna talk regularly shortly about us.
Go back to the Broncos.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Last year.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
They were out of the eight and midway point last season,
court form at the back end rode a hell of
a lot of luck. They had a finals game against
the Raiders where they should have lost three times. The
Raiders blow out and they Bronco has been on doin
the Grand finals. Sometimes that's all you need.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
It's all go tomorrow seven o'clock in the morning for
that second semi final feet Foot World Cup and catching
on TV and C Plus. By the way, And no,
I'm not being paid to say that, but I think
what the provider has been pretty good, even though I
actually had to pay for it, which is unusual in
my role.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
But so be it.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
I took that. I'm glad I dipped in and did that, right,
wiries your this is strange because they're not having a bye.
The Warriors have actually got what eight consecutive games now
before the end of the season without a break. Yeah,
well they had.
Speaker 5 (16:15):
They came back last week, so the nine and a
few factor in finals if they don't. If they don't
have a break during the finals, they could have as
many as thirteen games straight, which is a hell of
a lot. But back home in Auckland, and it's been
a very long time since they've been in Auckland against
the Dragons, who.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
Are last place.
Speaker 5 (16:30):
They did play earlier this season, but I feel like
the Dragons have improved since then and Auckland's going to
be a cold night. It's going to probably be quite
jewy on the ground, so it's going to be a
real Fords battle. So we're going to have the experience
of the Warriors forward pack with so many great leaders
against a young, promising forward pack and the Dragon. So
I think it is going to make for a very
interesting contest.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
It's to be very strong Warriors side too, just man
for man right across the thirteen and beyond. That's that's
pretty impressive, except the obvious injured characters who aren't there.
But by and large, this is well you were telling
me before we got into the chamber, probably the strongest side.
Andrew's name, Yeah, obviously not.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
This is cart You can't pick Tanner, you can't pack Jackson,
Ford camp at Roger. Those guys are injured. But out
of everyone available, this is definitely And it's kind of
crazy that you think Charms is on the extended bench.
He can't even crack the team and he's scored, you know,
four tries in a few games ago. But they've got
Dallen back and the Warriors really need to kick on
with these games. They've got a very winnable run coming
out Dragons. They've got the Titans Bulldogs coming up before
(17:30):
the Panthers a big home game there very very soon.
So they rack up the wins here, they're guaranteed it
pretty much a spot in the top eight, roughly one
to two more wins guarantees than the spot in the
top eight they need.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
That's not good enough.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
That's not good enough.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
They the top four good enough.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
I say no because I feel like I feel like
if they can avoid the travel to Australia, they say
they finished second, they get a home final Week one.
They win that get the week off which they will
need after ten straight games, and then they've got a
Grand Final qualifier in Auckland and not having to travel, having.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
That break will be a big help.
Speaker 5 (18:02):
I feel like even if they finish third or fourth
where they've got to travel to Australia, and if they lose,
yes to get another life. But that just that travel
factor and that long run of games that could you know,
where a few players out come the back end of
the season. So I feel like it's top two for
the Warriors. They have to finish there. Luckily for them,
a few results have gone their way over the past
few weeks, so there is now a little bit more
(18:24):
of a gap than there was. The other thing that
is massively in their favor is their points differential. They've
got a really strong points differential compared to lots of
the other teams that are chasing a top four spot.
The Dolphins was quite high, but after they got schlacked
by the Sharks has dropped down. The Sharks has gone
up a bit, but the Warriors there's a still in
such a strong position where if it comes down to
points differential as well, so everyone has to remember that factor.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
Any l three sixty paying any attention to the Warriors.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
Yet, I mean I listened to a lot of the
Australian podcasts and it's always the same thing with the Warriors.
It's always just the same questions, you know, can they win?
It is at their time this year always mentioned about
Fisher Harrow's barney like all it's just the same stuff
regurgitated all the time.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
So where's the strength and the Warriors for this week?
King specifically? If you look to me, they've got strengths
all over the park. Is there any particular area where
they should and will dominate? Saint George?
Speaker 5 (19:16):
Well, I go back to the Ford Pack because I
feel like the Warriors have got one of the best
forward packs, if not in the NRL, and they're going
up against such a young forward pack which is very
raw but has a lot of potential to one day
probably be the best pack in the NRL. So I
think that's going to be really intriguing to see. And
a guy like Aaron Clark with James Fisher, Harrispak he
was back to his best last week against Tigers and
(19:37):
Jacob Laban caming off a great performance. I feel like
Lekker off the bench at the moment as well as
great for him and he needs to kind of, you know,
provide those impact moments instead of being a full eighty
minute player. So things are looking good at the moment
for the Warriors, and as I say, they've got to
really capitalize on these opportunities if they really want to
solidify their top two spot and be a genuine title contender.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
You want to read more about the Warriors in ziherl
dot co dot nz is you will read what comes
out of the mind through the pen pens these days
you do, I write everything done nice old school, Ben Francis,
thanks for joining us in the chamber. Cherio Das leading
a VIX.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sportsfix how it by
News Talks IVY.
Speaker 2 (20:20):
And that's it for the Sports Fix podcast. Thanks very
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(20:43):
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(21:04):
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That's Pineyer myself here on the Fix.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
For more from News Talks ed B. Listen live on
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sortsfix Howard by News Talks d be.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome on end to the Sports Fix podcast. Hello to you.
My name is Darcy Waldgrave. I am head from now
through to the end of this cast. Be that teen
fifteen twenty minutes. I never know it is a Wednesday.
It's the fifteenth of July twenty twenty six. Our feature
interview today is Worth Camo. That is Ian Jones, legendary
(00:41):
all blacks Lock as we look at the possibility of
being turned by the Irish at the Fortress of Eden
Park on Saturday night. I've got some thoughts as well
around FIFA and their twenty twenty six World Cup. The
world's Beautiful Game has been made to look particularly ugly
by the people in charge, and will be joined in
(01:03):
the chamber by a mate. Ben Francis, sports newswriter out
of the New Zealand Herald, we look at a couple
of the big sports stories in sport today. That's the
plan has always hit go my friends and in the
vagaries of sport today, the Spanish football team has put
the tournament favorites to bed with a down and two
(01:24):
zip World Cup semi final victory over the toothless French.
The outgoing French manager did the aide de Champ through
a translator, says that Spain played at a high level,
but France well way. Werner's good as they could have been.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
They closed out all the spaces. Also, we've made some
technical mistakes, so it's is difficult to create problems when
the technical level is, you know, standard.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
The new kid on the all black bloc Deutsche, Lucy
Anton Segna, is pleased as punch DA's former Blues teammate
Rico Yoanni back in the fold again. Hopefully REGs will
will bring Irish intel after his time at Leinster. If
you can't do that, at least he will bring some
pretty trolling chat.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
He's been a defferent amount of time and this team
and knows all the faces here and we're just happy
to have him in this week and Rob turtles with
him again and maybe get something to tell about the
Irish not yet but maybe.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
And world number one. It means golfer Scottie Chaffler. It
showed signs of being a human last week when he
missed the cut at the Scottish Open. Father fatigue kicked
his door and he's given that rude awakening all due respect.
He defends his Open title this weekend. Like if you
look at a football team that's made it really far
(02:43):
each year in the NFL, it's really.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Hard to continue to do that each.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
And every year.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
And I feel like I'm at a point in the
season where you know, we've.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
Played a lot of golf.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
I've played a lot of high level golf.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Sometimes you get a little bit more.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Tired of coaching, praising, understanding. And that's sport today, Newcapion.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
It's Sportsfix with Dancie Waldegrave and it's.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
A warm welcome, a huge cuddle to old mate in Jones.
One of the greatest locks we've ever had. As we
look ahead to the possibility maybe of the eden Park
Fortress being collapsed by the Irish on Saturday night, get here.
How are you?
Speaker 6 (03:23):
I'm well, thanks stars. It's been a huge week here
at the Allbacks Experience. People are pumped up, of course,
a big Test match in Auckland, so it's nice to see,
nice to feel it.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
The record at the Fortress at eden Park, how heavy.
Is this weight on the All Blacks or does it
work the other weight? Does it lift these guys up
to another level knowing what they're defending.
Speaker 6 (03:45):
Well, you know the mindset of an All Black and
works the other way, right, It's they want to add
to that record. You think of the opposition, have all
those doubts about that record, how they can get that
across the line, how they can win at Eden Park.
So that's on the other side. But the All Backs,
it's just about the adding to that legacy. The crowd
(04:06):
plays a huge part, you know. So every one going
along to Eden Park on Saturday night will feel connected,
feel involved, feel part of that fortress mentality and that
kind of just helps us circle the wagon. So the
crowd plays a big part. So the sellout, which is
going to be fantastic, It's going to be rocking, and
the players use that energy. They are inspired by that
(04:29):
energy of our home crowd. They'll all the messages during
the week. You just have to look around this All
Backs experience at the moment as I see all these
kids coming in in All Back jerseys, just thinking and
giving the energy to the team. This is what it
stands for, that the All Backs are our national team. They
are the team that we all get in behind. And
(04:52):
it's days like nights like this at Edon Park that
we really need the crowd. And we're going to get
the crowd because it's going to be awesome.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
And with Dave Reenie, he's taken this side over. There's
been a huge change in structure right across z R
from the top right the way to the bottom of
the All Blacks team as well. From what you know
of Dave Rennie, do you think he'll lean much on
this record and the defense of this record, Will we
take another direction for inspiration for the All Blacks for
(05:21):
this Irish test.
Speaker 6 (05:23):
No, I believe he'll lean into the legacy, lean into
the history of who the All Blacks are, what that
jersey is meant to players before this current team, that
jersey demands of all of those players who have played
at Eden Park, added to that record, that legacy at
Eden Park. He'll lean right into that, and from all
(05:46):
of that, this current team can then add their own legacy,
their own mana to that jersey. So no, he that's
right in his wheelhouse about connection, about history, about legacy.
But also and rightfully so, how this team can create
their own legacy, their own manna. What direction do they
(06:08):
want to take this team? So yeah, he's good for
that and he's been brilliant to see and how he
connects with New Zealand is how we are part of
what he wants us or wants this team to go on.
He wants New Zealand to go on that journey as well.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
What have you seen in the first two tests in
this new Renny regime with the All Blacks and where
they are heading? What can you pull out of the
game so far to the positive? And I suppose are
there any bits that are maybe nagging in the background
about what should be or hasn't been achieved.
Speaker 6 (06:43):
It's all positive for me. Test wins that's pretty special.
And the speed of what they can play the game
at I think kind of often sets New Zealand apart.
The skill, the agility, the fitness of our athletes I
think is a real strength of New Zealand rugby. So
(07:06):
we're seeing a lot of that, seeing a lot of togetherness,
aren't we When they had to defend. The defending really
tight when they need to, which is good. And we're
seeing some good depth off the bench. So you know
those second wave coming through, which has been pretty cool
to see. And you know there's some resilience. We were
(07:26):
under the pump in the first thirty forty odd minutes
last weekend, but stayed calm. He clearly did some clear
messing at halftime. And what you need, Darcy, in a
game of football is that resilience to wear those oppositions down,
to apply pressure for longer periods of time in the opposition.
And the games aren't ever going to be won in
(07:48):
the first thirty or forty minutes. Were fans like you
and I probably want that to happen, It's unrealistic. But
the team changed tactically they say, stayed strong and they
went away with the game quite comfortably in the end.
That should be real positive for all of us.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
How close do you think Jones is the all Blacks
are having they're starting fifteen or is that an irrelevance
under this new regime from what we've seen in the
last two test matches. To go at Eden Park because
you'd think it will be their best team that they'll
be named this weekend, because history says it needs to be.
Speaker 6 (08:27):
Yeah, I totally agree with you. I think it needs
to be. It should be the occasion the opposition is
deserving of all of that, isn't it. And then those
combinations as we get past Eden Park and then start
looking ahead to the South African Tour. We need those combinations.
We need that kind of mindset. But we also need,
(08:49):
which we're going to have to have in Cerca, that
next man up mentality because you know injuries are going
to happen. So whoever the fifteen players that run out
there for us Darcy will be the fifteen that U
and I and the country will back one hundred percent,
the bench coming on to finish off the job. I
absolutely I want to say this to all all of
(09:09):
black coaches and trust their knowledge where they want to
take the team, and you lie, just go along for
the right mate. They are the people who understand what
they want and mate, you and I just sit back
and enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's sportsfix with Dancy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
There was only a matter of time, it wasn't it
before FIFA folded to the commercial demands of such a
massive event such as the World Cup. We've seen them
Teata previously. In fact, over the last few weeks we've
had these ridiculous hydration breaks, which is just another reason
to play more commercials, therefore reake more money toward their
(09:54):
already bulging coffers. Now they're going to have an extended
halftime show, suggesting that they want to rival the NFL
when it comes to major halftime productions. Again another exc
use to put more commercial minutes within the game of
football to attract more money to fill their already bulging coughers.
(10:16):
But this World Cup has really been an exercise in
FIFA ignoring their own advice. Don't even get me started
on Donald Trump and Johnny Infantino and the boys Club.
They've forgot going now with the way they've behaved. It's
been a sad sight watching both of these two clowns,
and indeed FIFA do what they've done to apparently the
(10:37):
world's beautiful game. It has been ugly thanking then, though
at least beyond all of that, we've had a really,
really good tournament set to go again tomorrow with England
taking on Argentina in the Southern Atlantic fight, and we
hope the best team wins and puts on an absolute
display against Spain on Monday morning. And hey, at least
(11:01):
with a half an hour break full of half pipe
celebrities and crappy music. We get to have time to
go and make ourselves any extra, a couple of cups
of tea and maybe some eggs on toast. See. I'm
desperately trying to find some good in this corrupt mess. FIFA,
get in the sea.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
The chamber is now in session.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
On Sportsfax, the chamber doors swingeth open. It sounded quite biblical,
didn't it. And I welcome you in from n Z
Herald the sports reporter there. His name is Ben Francis.
He is a recidivist on this program. Being welcome on
in DARCYA. It's so glad, so glad you're back. It's
so nice to be here.
Speaker 6 (11:38):
Ae.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
I can tell you lying because your mouth's moving. I'm
a grumpy swine, especially when I'm full of painkillers and
a horrible knee. I've become quite I don't think patience
is at the forefront right now, but you know you
make me smile. So welcome on in. Let's talk about
what happened in sport of recent times. I suppose this
morning is the first thing we look at. I'll say
this Frombly twenty four hours. It would be bored with
(12:01):
it that the irresistible force meets the immovable object. Today,
France take on Spain and the immovable object deal didn't
move and the irresistible force just flailed to one side.
That was amazing viewing. They they did whatever one thought
they would do, and the French had no answers, did
they exactly?
Speaker 5 (12:23):
You know, France, they got so many great attacking players
and they tried to throw everything they could at Spain
and they just couldn't get through every It seemed like
everything was just gelling. And it actually kind of reminded
me the way there was times where Spain's defense was
kind of shifting back and forth across the edge of
the field and kind of reminded me of almost like
you know, you know, like handball, good old handball, like
(12:43):
you see the Europeans play kind of reminded me of
like when you see the goals near like the defenses
continually like shifting around the whole thing. But it was
it was just fascinating to see. And how you know,
you got these superstar players like for example, Den Belly,
and they just couldn't do anything. They were almost just
strangled out the game. And look, many people here picked
Spain to win the World Cup, but I think overall
(13:03):
France were the team to beat, and the way they
kind of were just not in it was just absolutely
mind blowing.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
We're really hard to score without the ball. I think
we've worked that one out, but they didn't seem to
adjust or make the necessary adjustments the frontline in France
to work through what was going on. They didn't. I
think they were out coached. How dare I say that?
It must be quite a blow to the French side
knowing that they got basically done on the white ball.
Speaker 5 (13:31):
I mean, lots of the sport does come down to
tactics and your formations and all those sort of things.
And you know, whatever Spain did worked, and if they
face England or Argentina in the final, whoever that is
going to be, it's going to be a very tough
game for either of them. Of course, Spain just chasing
their second ever World Cup, which sounds crazy because they've
only won the one in twenty.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Ten and they are though reigning European champions, so they
understand what it means to actually get the job done.
At the very point at end, I don't think you
can underestimate that the power of that ability, that inner
confidence that a team has actually we deserve to be here.
We can do this and we don't care what you do, France.
We can do this and we're going to do it
better than whatever you're doing as well.
Speaker 5 (14:11):
So well, they said after the game, we're the best
team in the world, and you feel like after performance
like that, regardless what happens in the final, it's justified.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
So let's talk a little bit about tomorrow because England
Argentina the Southern Atlantic clash, which is what it is.
Let's face it, I don't know which way this goes.
We're talking about this yesterday. My key thought here is
that England have fought like dogs, especially their last two matches,
and ve've shown that they've got what it takes even
though the chips are down to actually get the job done.
So does that mean favorite System slightly sits with England
(14:43):
or have they got a monkey on their back, or
a gorilla on their back, or a whole troop of
baboons they simply won't be able to get rid of.
Speaker 5 (14:49):
I think people are going to look at the history
of England in terms of you know, how they usually
do crumble on the big stage, and there is no
bigger stage in this especially against Argentina, who or the
reigning world champs. But I feel like Argentina almost it
sounds weird to say for a world champion they have
rode a lot of luck.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
To get to the stage. Well, they've got all the
referees on their team.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
Sorry delete delete, I'm not seriously like it feels like
they have roaded their luck a little bit. I mean
the Scotsman and me obviously wants argent China the word,
but I think for the better story it would be England.
So I guess we'll just see how it goes tomorrow morning.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
And well, they keep writing their luck and what do
they always say in sport, I'd rather be lucky than good. Yeah,
it's a tragedy, tragic thing to say, but maybe true.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
But I mean, we're gonna talk regularly shortly about us.
Go back to the Broncos.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Last year.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
They were out of the eight and midway point last season,
court form at the back end rode a hell of
a lot of luck. They had a finals game against
the Raiders where they should have lost three times. The
Raiders blow out and they Bronco has been on doin
the Grand finals. Sometimes that's all you need.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
It's all go tomorrow seven o'clock in the morning for
that second semi final feet Foot World Cup and catching
on TV and C Plus. By the way, And no,
I'm not being paid to say that, but I think
what the provider has been pretty good, even though I
actually had to pay for it, which is unusual in
my role.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
But so be it.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
I took that. I'm glad I dipped in and did that, right,
wiries your this is strange because they're not having a bye.
The Warriors have actually got what eight consecutive games now
before the end of the season without a break. Yeah,
well they had.
Speaker 5 (16:15):
They came back last week, so the nine and a
few factor in finals if they don't. If they don't
have a break during the finals, they could have as
many as thirteen games straight, which is a hell of
a lot. But back home in Auckland, and it's been
a very long time since they've been in Auckland against
the Dragons, who.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
Are last place.
Speaker 5 (16:30):
They did play earlier this season, but I feel like
the Dragons have improved since then and Auckland's going to
be a cold night. It's going to probably be quite
jewy on the ground, so it's going to be a
real Fords battle. So we're going to have the experience
of the Warriors forward pack with so many great leaders
against a young, promising forward pack and the Dragon. So
I think it is going to make for a very
interesting contest.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
It's to be very strong Warriors side too, just man
for man right across the thirteen and beyond. That's that's
pretty impressive, except the obvious injured characters who aren't there.
But by and large, this is well you were telling
me before we got into the chamber, probably the strongest side.
Andrew's name, Yeah, obviously not.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
This is cart You can't pick Tanner, you can't pack Jackson,
Ford camp at Roger. Those guys are injured. But out
of everyone available, this is definitely And it's kind of
crazy that you think Charms is on the extended bench.
He can't even crack the team and he's scored, you know,
four tries in a few games ago. But they've got
Dallen back and the Warriors really need to kick on
with these games. They've got a very winnable run coming
out Dragons. They've got the Titans Bulldogs coming up before
(17:30):
the Panthers a big home game there very very soon.
So they rack up the wins here, they're guaranteed it
pretty much a spot in the top eight, roughly one
to two more wins guarantees than the spot in the
top eight they need.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
That's not good enough.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
That's not good enough.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
They the top four good enough.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
I say no because I feel like I feel like
if they can avoid the travel to Australia, they say
they finished second, they get a home final Week one.
They win that get the week off which they will
need after ten straight games, and then they've got a
Grand Final qualifier in Auckland and not having to travel, having.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
That break will be a big help.
Speaker 5 (18:02):
I feel like even if they finish third or fourth
where they've got to travel to Australia, and if they lose,
yes to get another life. But that just that travel
factor and that long run of games that could you know,
where a few players out come the back end of
the season. So I feel like it's top two for
the Warriors. They have to finish there. Luckily for them,
a few results have gone their way over the past
few weeks, so there is now a little bit more
(18:24):
of a gap than there was. The other thing that
is massively in their favor is their points differential. They've
got a really strong points differential compared to lots of
the other teams that are chasing a top four spot.
The Dolphins was quite high, but after they got schlacked
by the Sharks has dropped down. The Sharks has gone
up a bit, but the Warriors there's a still in
such a strong position where if it comes down to
points differential as well, so everyone has to remember that factor.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
Any l three sixty paying any attention to the Warriors.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
Yet, I mean I listened to a lot of the
Australian podcasts and it's always the same thing with the Warriors.
It's always just the same questions, you know, can they win?
It is at their time this year always mentioned about
Fisher Harrow's barney like all it's just the same stuff
regurgitated all the time.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
So where's the strength and the Warriors for this week?
King specifically? If you look to me, they've got strengths
all over the park. Is there any particular area where
they should and will dominate? Saint George?
Speaker 5 (19:16):
Well, I go back to the Ford Pack because I
feel like the Warriors have got one of the best
forward packs, if not in the NRL, and they're going
up against such a young forward pack which is very
raw but has a lot of potential to one day
probably be the best pack in the NRL. So I
think that's going to be really intriguing to see. And
a guy like Aaron Clark with James Fisher, Harrispak he
was back to his best last week against Tigers and
(19:37):
Jacob Laban caming off a great performance. I feel like
Lekker off the bench at the moment as well as
great for him and he needs to kind of, you know,
provide those impact moments instead of being a full eighty
minute player. So things are looking good at the moment
for the Warriors, and as I say, they've got to
really capitalize on these opportunities if they really want to
solidify their top two spot and be a genuine title contender.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
You want to read more about the Warriors in ziherl
dot co dot nz is you will read what comes
out of the mind through the pen pens these days
you do, I write everything done nice old school, Ben Francis,
thanks for joining us in the chamber. Cherio Das leading
a VIX.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sportsfix how it by
News Talks IVY.
Speaker 2 (20:20):
And that's it for the Sports Fix podcast. Thanks very
much for listening. If you've enjoyed this, we hope that
you are subscribed that way. It comes into your endbox
and automatic basis Monday through Friday. If you haven't do.
And if you've got friends or family or workmates that
need some love from the Sports Fix, let them know,
get them to subscribe as well. If it's a regular
(20:43):
radio year after, we've got that too. On News Talk
ZB Sports Talk between seven and eight pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Jason Pine's got the Monday show. I've got the rest
of the week, and over the weekend Saturday and Sunday,
it's weekend Sport from twelve midday through the three pm.
And the lord of that manner is mister Jason Pine. Hey,
(21:04):
thanks for listening, and we'll both catch you again tomorrow.
That's Pineyer myself here on the Fix.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
For more from News Talks ed B. Listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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