September 3, 2025 • 20 mins
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 3rd September 2025, the 2026 Black Clash was officially announced today, taking place at the Bay Oval on January the 17th next year and Team Rugby announced their first wildcard with ex Australian international Michael Hussey becoming the latest inductee to the side. D'Arcy caught up with Michael to discuss how he's feeling about the event.
D'Arcy speaks on what he thinks of the Black Clash.
And D'Arcy and Nathan Limm, Sports Journalist with the NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB talk All Black selections ahead of the big team announcement tomorrow.
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 EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Welcome on and to the Sports Fix podcast. Another Daynother Dollar,
What Day is it? A'steen takes the third of September
twenty twenty five. My name is Darcy Walter Grave and
an association with JJ Gardner Holmes, Usiland's most trusted home builder,
and this is your home of all of the bite
sized sports freaks you need of an afternoon. Our guest
(00:42):
today on the podcast is mister Cricket Mike Hassi to
join us. Of course, he is going to be at
the Black Clash early next year, So olive a weed
chat with mister Cricket. We've got that and everything else
we normally serve up here on the Fix.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
There's go in other news.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
In sports Swipes today, Addie Savia will chalk up a
ton of all black appearances on Saturday Springbot Marco van
Starden is full of admiration for the rugby machine.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Great player, great guy off the food and the congratuations
team for his unders game.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
And I think you're for us it's also to speak
for you and because he was Blair.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
And you will probably come up for everything. He's got
the location for him.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Emila ram Ncanasio sees good and bad around next year's
A and C the Premiership. The rating former firms at
Skipper is returning to the Pulse for the twenty twenty
sixth season, but she's looking right across all the franchises.
Speaker 5 (01:45):
Obviously lose a lot of experience, which is key for
that real consistent week in, week out performance. But at
the same time, you know it gives girls who haven't
potentially been waiting on the custom opportunity there to step
up and yeah, we're a great time for them, So
I think that positive out of it as well.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Warriors coach Andrew Webster sees the resting of hock Wade
Egan is a pragmatic decision. No risk me with his
nigglely hip complaint.
Speaker 6 (02:11):
Both things can go away pretty quickly or they can
lender and if you had another whaite there, they can
be around for a long time. So I didn't want
to have the thought we're rolling in the playoffs, and
we pushed in this week and then he was an
eligible for selection.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
And that's today's short sports swipes, saying that Mary.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
News and Avidian. It's Sportsfix with Dancy valde Greve Sports.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
This podcast welcomes now Michael Hussy aka Mister Cricket Michael Hussey,
who's going to be playing in the next year's edition
of the Hot Springs Black Clash and association with Wolf Blaze.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Get a mate.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
What do you know of the Black Clash.
Speaker 7 (02:52):
I've talked for fair few people about it. I do
a lot of coaching with Stephen Fleming and so.
Speaker 8 (02:56):
He's giving me a pretty good rundown about how it works.
Speaker 7 (02:58):
My brother, funny Enough, played in the very first Black Clash,
so he told me it's a lot of fun and
a great day as well. So and I've also been
able to coach quite a few New Zealanders of late.
I've had Ratch and Rivenda and Devin Conway at the
IPL with can I Super Kings and Matt Henry in
the one hundred competition in the UK. So they all
speak really highly of it and say it's a lot
(03:20):
of fun and they reckon that the rugby boys go
pretty hard. They're pretty decent cricketers. So I'm looking forward
to playing with them.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Yeah, and a lot of those rugby players have got
gain too, including big scary man Karen Reid.
Speaker 7 (03:34):
I'm glad we're playing cricket and not rugby, that's for sure.
I would not want to run into any of those guys.
I played one day into Nationals against Jeff Wilson as well,
you know, back back a fair few years ago. So
I have heard that, you know, some of the Rugby
boys are a big cricket fans, and I believe they
take it pretty seriously. They sort of train up for
the contest. And I've also heard that we need to win.
The Cricket Boys have won the last few, so it's
(03:55):
time for Team Rugby to have a win.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
Do you feel a bit traitorous, Mike? You're playing for
the Rugby Boys and your name's mister Cricket like.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Do you struggle with that?
Speaker 8 (04:05):
No, not at all.
Speaker 7 (04:06):
I'd probably feel more like a trader if I was
playing for New Zealand Cricket, you know, as an Australian,
that would feel a bit weird, I must admit. So
I'm pretty happy to be joining Team Rugby, to be honest,
and meeting you know, these legendary all black and sort
of taking the field with him should be a lot
of fun.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
And over the last couple of years they've had a
couple of superstars playing in the Black Clash, a guy
called Chris and a bloke called Brian, more commonly known
as mister Gail and mister Lara. You're in a pretty
esteemed company there, mister cricket.
Speaker 8 (04:36):
No, I don't look at it that way.
Speaker 7 (04:37):
I look at I've got massive shoes to fill, and
I'm a bit nervous about that because I pretty much
haven't played a game of cricket in about a decade.
So I've got a little bit of practice to do
in Australia before I get over there in January.
Speaker 8 (04:49):
So yeah, I'm feeling the pressure already.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
It's a long time to not play. Give any idea
what your forms like. You do know what in bad
to pick up, don't you?
Speaker 7 (04:58):
Sorry, I don't have any idea what my form's like.
I do remember which end to hold, but I can
assure you I will be having a few nets sort
of before we get there. I hope I can come
in still remembering how to play a little bit. But yeah,
I'd like to help out a fair bit if it
possibly can.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
So what attitude are you taking into this match? So
you get over the white line and suddenly, oh no,
this is serious, I am playing cricket. Or is there
a little bit of joy maybe that you carry on
to the deck with you.
Speaker 8 (05:27):
It's always joyful playing cricket, of course.
Speaker 7 (05:29):
You know, it's always a beautiful day when you be
able to get out there and play cricket. But I mean,
I'm an Australian. We're playing against New Zealand cricketers. I
don't like to lose to New Zealand very often at all,
so I'll probably be bringing some sort of seriousness to
it as well. I don't want to lose a game
against the Kiwis. So yeah, hopefully we can get the
job done.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
Bit of white line fever, eh, whether you're playing desk
cricket or the Black Clash or maybe grade to cricket,
you guys are just built like that.
Speaker 7 (05:55):
Yeah, And I guess you're dealing with former and you
know some of them are still current sort of high
performance athletes and they do put a bit of pride
in their performance, so you do want to I just
don't want to embarrass myself, to be honest, So I'd
like to know, do okay on the day, but look,
I'm looking to come over and have a lot of
fun as well. You know, I think it's a great concept.
(06:16):
I mean the highlights that I've seen in the past.
The crowd gets right into it. The rugby boys love
their cricket that the cricket boys love their rugby, and
so it's just a great opportunity to come and, you know,
connect with these guys, these great athletes, and have a
really good time over a game of cricket.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Fencer, going back down memory lane and maybe reviving there.
What was it a twenty four ball sixty against Pakistan
eighteen off one over? Do you want to go back
to those hells here in days?
Speaker 7 (06:44):
Oh my gosh, my memory is it was gone a
long long time ago. That feels like about one hundred
years ago.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Now.
Speaker 7 (06:50):
I would love to be able to go back to
those days, but unfortunately, you know, those days are long gone.
So if I can just make some sort of contribution
along the way and offer a bit of humor and
sort of a good company for everyone, then I'd be
very happy.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Of course, might be playing against Tim Salvie, the blokes, Well,
it's pretty still playing. He's only just stopped playing international cricket.
How do you get under his skin, either kind of
player that might give him bit a lip? Do you
reckon a but a band to Mike.
Speaker 8 (07:18):
I won't be giving anyone any lip.
Speaker 7 (07:20):
I'll just be keeping my head down Labama and trying
to get some somehow fine bad on ball.
Speaker 8 (07:24):
That's all every thing. Yeah, I'm a bit nervous.
Speaker 7 (07:26):
Yeah, yeah, Jim's I'm coaching in the one hundred competition and
he's still playing as one of the overseas players.
Speaker 8 (07:31):
So that's a little bit daunting.
Speaker 7 (07:33):
But yeah, let's hope I can just sort of tactically
sort of knock him around and then maybe try and
get a few runs off the other boys.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Dancy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
I'm in two minds about the Black Clash. Plainly, it
is a very popular form of entertainment. It never stops
attracting the punters. Everyone who's been there, and I'm not
one of them, have said it is a wonderful time.
It is a celebration of summer, it is a celebration
of cricket, and well, I normally say sport is far
(08:10):
too important to be taken seriously that I wonder about
this version of the game. Cricketing celebrities, rugby celebrities pack
the lineups for both sides. Lucky enough in the past
to have guys like Multi Mulutheran, Chris Gail, Brian Lara,
and this time around it is Michael Hussy. I get
(08:33):
that it's all played in jest. There's a wee bit
of white line fever though, I'm sure for the rugby
players and the cricketers when they start playing, and amongst
the rugby players there are some pretty handy cricketers. My
issue is the import of the fixture, and let's face it,
it has none. It doesn't matter, there's nothing in it.
(08:55):
It's just a form of entertainment. But who am I
to poo poo this event year after year after year.
It sells out, it's got a huge television audience. It
is a celebration of the game of cricket and a
celebration of some of our best athletes rugby and cricket.
It has a lot of fun in the commentary as well,
(09:17):
and they talk about playing sport with a lot of joy. Well,
this sport does bring a lot of joy to the
participants and of course to the crowd as well. It's
not really my bag. I watch way too much sport
as it is, and I simply haven't got the time
to commit to a game where there is simply nothing
(09:38):
on the line. I'm not telling you not to go.
You wouldn't listen anyway. It provides a huge amount of
entertainment and joy for the families and the fans. So
who am I to dismiss that? But I can honestly
say you won't catch me driving to Todunger to sit
in the crowd. I am the grinch who stole cricket.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
The chamber is now in session on sportsfects.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
I'm a chamber now say we because myself and Nathan
lem Out of News Talks EB Sports the part Big
Day Tomorrow and Nathan Huge Day to Maruge Huge Day.
What happens when the team is named? There are so
many theories around what Razor Robertson does. Will he hit
(10:22):
the panic button? Will he change multiple positions? Will he
stay with exactly what he's got He knows what he's
got ahead of him. Will he carry on with his
master plan of slowly building We we.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Don't know, do you. It's so exciting, isn't it. I
love this, don't you love this? About international sporting, about
the All Blacks. But everyone gets involved and everyone has
an opinion. It's such an exciting time of year.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
So much pressure on the guys.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Massive, But that's that's the reality of being the coach
of the All Blacks, isn't it. It's a privilege to
have that kind of pressure. I think that Raisers Throughout
his ten years All Blacks coach has been very conservative.
He's been very conservative in the game plan. He's been
very conservative in the selections, and I can't see him
changing now just because they lost a Test to Argentina.
The All Blacks played well in Cordoba. They played well
in that opener. The second game in Argentina was uncharacteristic, sloppy,
(11:09):
so many eras. We usually as we move through the
year we see those eras work their way out of
the All Blacks game. But the discipline is still a massive,
massive issue. You know, three yellow cards, it's just it's
unheard of.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
Well, I had Sir Graham Henry on the show yesterday
dropping a name there, but he was like, look, they
just weren't running at one hundred percent in their minds.
They weren't trying to run ten out of ten eight
and a half. And when you're not fully committed because
you think you're going to win, See, that's when the
discipline issues start creeping in. When your mind is not
fully on what it's supposed to be doing, they'll be
definitely awake.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
Now there's no excuse for that anytime. If you are
in All Blacks Jersey, there is no excuse to ever
not be running at one hundred percent and ever not
be one hundred percent switched on. You know how many
people want to wear that all black jersey.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Complacency.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
No excuse for complacency or not being at one hundred
percent or not. Excuse, but it happened, right yeah, well
exactly regardless, no excuse, no excuse at all. The question
for Razor is is okay? I think he's going to
be conservative in terms of his selections. The All Blacks
have a real problem. They had a real problem under
the high ball in that second Test. And we know
that South Africa is going to come to Edon Park
(12:15):
and they are going to rain bombs down on the
New Zealand Black back three, so they have to be
onto it. Man Will Jordan if he's presumably he'll be
back there at full back, but Seva Reese if he's retained.
Everyone needs to be onto it. They cannot have the
same mistakes in collecting that ball because South Africa is
going to expose that over and over and over again.
(12:35):
And you can bet that they're bringing at least a
six to two forwards back's bench split and they're going
to try and bully the All Blacks with their kicking
game and then rushing them with the fourth.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
So the back three as they are eleven fourteen fifteen. Sorry,
if they got the capacity to actually deal with this,
Was that just a bit of a skid last week?
Can they reboot reform or is there may be a
need to go We're going to need someone out of
there and someone in.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Well.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
It's interesting to see how they go about it right
because if you think back to the twenty eleven World
Cup you brought up, Sir Graham Henry, when they move
towards that World Cup, they built their back three based
on who was best under the high ball, because in
sow that and when the All Blacks were losing to
South Africa in two thousand and nine, that's what they
were being able to get an advantage from. So they
picked as for our Dad, Corey, Jane and Richard who
he being predominantly a center because he was so good
(13:24):
under the high ball, and that's when Millsmulliana was sort
of moved out of there. So do they go back
to something like that Looking towards the twenty twenty seven
Rugby World Cup, do they start having to give them
the way the game is going picking their back three
based on who's best under the high ball, in which
case Seeva Reese is someone who's a bit shorter might
be at a disadvantage in comparison to someone like Caleb
(13:44):
Clark who is very good under the high ball. I
know we're not going to see Caleb Clark there this
weekend because he's been named for Auckland, but it is
something definitely to consider because unless the rules change, South
Africa and other teams are going to keep using the
strategy against the All Blacks and they're going to have
to deal with it.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
There's another wild theory that maybe Jordi Barrett, because of
his length, goes out in the back and look at
the look on your face.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
I heard it because I had this debate at home
as well with my flat and he suggested that. But
Jordi Barratt hasn't been at fullback for years now. They
could put him back there one hundred percent, but he's
been at second five for a while now, and for
me he is the first choice second five. I think
Will Jordan is going to be the man who sticks
in that number fifteen. Jersey Raiser loves him there obviously
all the time, and the Crusaders with him there, so
(14:26):
I can't see that changing. For me. The change would
be on the wings.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
So midfield doesn't change at all, because again more theorizing
around that. No, Billy Proctor, he's the man they're going with,
and we've got Jordi in their.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
Denegraph and Rico on the wing. I think they stick
with that, and I think Billy Proctor is the right
one to stay in that center Jersey for now. I
think he proved himself at super rugby level. I like
Rico on the wing. I think you know, he's great
with ball in hand, but I don't think he is
a test level center. I think they should persevere with
Billy Procter and you know he has made a few mistakes,
but that that happens.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Confidence building, isn't it. That's what Scott Robertson's been doing.
That's been as msn't it.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
One hundred percent? And you've got to do that when
you bring someone into a test environment. I think people
are sort of raising their eyebrows as Proctor hasn't been
you know, in the head like scoring tries. But the
All Blacks game plan doesn't put the ball in his
hands a lot of the time. You ease a support
player a lot of the time he's clearing out rucks.
So you can't criticize the guy for not getting his
hands on the ball when that's not actually what the
game plan is doing. Where he really needs to stand
(15:24):
up as defensively and there's still a few defensive mishaps happening.
We saw a couple in the French series, but that's
something I think he can brush up.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
We've got an issue at half back. We'll talk about
Sir Graham Henry again Eyins Finland. Christy was the best
All Black player on the park over in Argentina. Even
though it didn't look good, it looks like he's going
to be running and they're going to have a rank
amateur coming off the bench.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Scary.
Speaker 4 (15:47):
I didn't think that Finlay Christie was any any of
the best player in that second Test, But I mean,
Sir Graham Henry, that was just that was just that
was just my take, but I respect his opinion on that.
I mean, if Cortez at Artem is training this week,
if he's training on a Tuesday, that's still four or
five days out from the test, I expect him to play. Actually,
(16:10):
I think quartiers that Artema will run out. I might
I might well be wrong, but in that case, and
I think I think Christy will be on the bench there.
We don't know the extent of Kyle Preston's injury at
ankle injury and All Back spokesperson said it was just
a cut. Who knows if it was just a cut,
but we will see. But no, I think that Asima
is going to start what.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
About six seven eight more juggling with that because we've
got the bench to take into account as well. We've
got the lock stock and where that goes. I won't
even talk about the front rugg I that's reasonably cemented,
but that combo because these possibility that I might play
in two roles off the bench. He can cover both roles.
I don't know how that come up.
Speaker 4 (16:50):
I think I think they stick with Vai and the
blindside flank. I quite like it with Barrett Holland at
lock and invite you on the bench because Viti gives
another premium line out option. You've got three locks effectively
on the park, and he can play that blindside role
really well. So I think he's a locker at six literally.
And in terms of seven and eight, I wonder whether
(17:12):
you go Arti at eight, Kadifi starting at seven, or
the other option is Ardi at seven, and then you
have Satiti at eight, and then you look to maybe
Jacobson on the bench. You could fill in a couple
of different roles if it was me. I think I
don't know if Stitis played quite enough rugby yet. So
potentially Arti at eight, Dups at seven.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
Right, we don't even go through the bench because we've
kind of touched on many before, or three were out
of the Chamber's great to have you in arguing with
Sir Graham Henry Hill. Let's look at the wars just
quickly coming up on Friday night. Only one change way egan.
Understandable there, but they haven't put up a weekend team.
Their destinies not on their own hands. But they'll just
(17:52):
be focusing on the eighty minutes regardless of what it
means right because they need that momentum. Dare I say
it going into the final.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
Seat people people are gonna laugh, Darsie. But but Top
four is still on here. Top four is still on
them and the Bulldogs are both named near full strength
squads to tackle the Broncos and the Sharks, and that
is the Broncos and the Sharks could well lose, both
of them, could well lose this weekend Warriors beat Manly
and Manly boom Top four done.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
You're very confident based on.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
What based on fact that that is what could I
know that.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
The Warriors have got to win what.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
After what happened last week.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
The Warriors have got to win one hundred percent. But
I believe it's concentration lapses. That's what they've talked about
for the last few weeks. And the frustrating thing is
that it's still the issue that hasn't fixed. But if
they put the complete performance together, they can do it.
They know they can do it. They can beat manly
one hundred percent they can, and so based on the table, yeah,
one hundred percent. Top four is still on. Of course,
(18:52):
people going to there's only an outside chance the Broncos
and the Sharks both could teams they could well, they'll
be highly motivated to clinch that top four spot as well,
But we just got to wait and see.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
So the All Blacks have got no right to not
be playing at one hundred percent and the Warriors are
going to learn how to concentrate. Sounds very similar. Moving
to the weekend, Nathan loom Out of the ZB Sports Department,
I thank you for your time and your cheek cheers.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Does this is Sportsfix? Your daily dose of sports news?
Cow in By News talks evy.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
He winds up Sports Fix for another day, that day
being Wednesday, the third of September twenty twenty five. Name
is Darcy, want to go? Thanks very much for listening.
If you've enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe that way it'll
turn up in your inbox on a week daily basis.
Tell you colleagues, tell your friends, tell your family, tell
anybody and they can climb on board the Sports Fix
(19:46):
as well. And if it's interactive sport audio. You're after,
well we've got that for you as well, seven to
eight pm Monday to Friday. It's called Sports Talk. Piney
has got the shift on Monday, I'm Tuesday through Friday
and then Piney gets all all the work come Saturday
and Sunday from a twelve midday to three o'clock on
(20:07):
News Talk zb with week in Sport. We both love
you to join us for any of those shows. Hey,
thanks very much for listening to The Fix. Good on
your GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zeland's most trusted home builder
for climbing on board. Have a cracking rest of your
day or evening wherever it might be. We'll catch you
again tomorrow here on the Fix.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
For more from News Talk ZEDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcast on iHeartRadio
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 EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Welcome on and to the Sports Fix podcast. Another Daynother Dollar,
What Day is it? A'steen takes the third of September
twenty twenty five. My name is Darcy Walter Grave and
an association with JJ Gardner Holmes, Usiland's most trusted home builder,
and this is your home of all of the bite
sized sports freaks you need of an afternoon. Our guest
(00:42):
today on the podcast is mister Cricket Mike Hassi to
join us. Of course, he is going to be at
the Black Clash early next year, So olive a weed
chat with mister Cricket. We've got that and everything else
we normally serve up here on the Fix.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
There's go in other news.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
In sports Swipes today, Addie Savia will chalk up a
ton of all black appearances on Saturday Springbot Marco van
Starden is full of admiration for the rugby machine.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Great player, great guy off the food and the congratuations
team for his unders game.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
And I think you're for us it's also to speak
for you and because he was Blair.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
And you will probably come up for everything. He's got
the location for him.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Emila ram Ncanasio sees good and bad around next year's
A and C the Premiership. The rating former firms at
Skipper is returning to the Pulse for the twenty twenty
sixth season, but she's looking right across all the franchises.
Speaker 5 (01:45):
Obviously lose a lot of experience, which is key for
that real consistent week in, week out performance. But at
the same time, you know it gives girls who haven't
potentially been waiting on the custom opportunity there to step
up and yeah, we're a great time for them, So
I think that positive out of it as well.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Warriors coach Andrew Webster sees the resting of hock Wade
Egan is a pragmatic decision. No risk me with his
nigglely hip complaint.
Speaker 6 (02:11):
Both things can go away pretty quickly or they can
lender and if you had another whaite there, they can
be around for a long time. So I didn't want
to have the thought we're rolling in the playoffs, and
we pushed in this week and then he was an
eligible for selection.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
And that's today's short sports swipes, saying that Mary.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
News and Avidian. It's Sportsfix with Dancy valde Greve Sports.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
This podcast welcomes now Michael Hussy aka Mister Cricket Michael Hussey,
who's going to be playing in the next year's edition
of the Hot Springs Black Clash and association with Wolf Blaze.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Get a mate.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
What do you know of the Black Clash.
Speaker 7 (02:52):
I've talked for fair few people about it. I do
a lot of coaching with Stephen Fleming and so.
Speaker 8 (02:56):
He's giving me a pretty good rundown about how it works.
Speaker 7 (02:58):
My brother, funny Enough, played in the very first Black Clash,
so he told me it's a lot of fun and
a great day as well. So and I've also been
able to coach quite a few New Zealanders of late.
I've had Ratch and Rivenda and Devin Conway at the
IPL with can I Super Kings and Matt Henry in
the one hundred competition in the UK. So they all
speak really highly of it and say it's a lot
(03:20):
of fun and they reckon that the rugby boys go
pretty hard. They're pretty decent cricketers. So I'm looking forward
to playing with them.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Yeah, and a lot of those rugby players have got
gain too, including big scary man Karen Reid.
Speaker 7 (03:34):
I'm glad we're playing cricket and not rugby, that's for sure.
I would not want to run into any of those guys.
I played one day into Nationals against Jeff Wilson as well,
you know, back back a fair few years ago. So
I have heard that, you know, some of the Rugby
boys are a big cricket fans, and I believe they
take it pretty seriously. They sort of train up for
the contest. And I've also heard that we need to win.
The Cricket Boys have won the last few, so it's
(03:55):
time for Team Rugby to have a win.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
Do you feel a bit traitorous, Mike? You're playing for
the Rugby Boys and your name's mister Cricket like.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Do you struggle with that?
Speaker 8 (04:05):
No, not at all.
Speaker 7 (04:06):
I'd probably feel more like a trader if I was
playing for New Zealand Cricket, you know, as an Australian,
that would feel a bit weird, I must admit. So
I'm pretty happy to be joining Team Rugby, to be honest,
and meeting you know, these legendary all black and sort
of taking the field with him should be a lot
of fun.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
And over the last couple of years they've had a
couple of superstars playing in the Black Clash, a guy
called Chris and a bloke called Brian, more commonly known
as mister Gail and mister Lara. You're in a pretty
esteemed company there, mister cricket.
Speaker 8 (04:36):
No, I don't look at it that way.
Speaker 7 (04:37):
I look at I've got massive shoes to fill, and
I'm a bit nervous about that because I pretty much
haven't played a game of cricket in about a decade.
So I've got a little bit of practice to do
in Australia before I get over there in January.
Speaker 8 (04:49):
So yeah, I'm feeling the pressure already.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
It's a long time to not play. Give any idea
what your forms like. You do know what in bad
to pick up, don't you?
Speaker 7 (04:58):
Sorry, I don't have any idea what my form's like.
I do remember which end to hold, but I can
assure you I will be having a few nets sort
of before we get there. I hope I can come
in still remembering how to play a little bit. But yeah,
I'd like to help out a fair bit if it
possibly can.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
So what attitude are you taking into this match? So
you get over the white line and suddenly, oh no,
this is serious, I am playing cricket. Or is there
a little bit of joy maybe that you carry on
to the deck with you.
Speaker 8 (05:27):
It's always joyful playing cricket, of course.
Speaker 7 (05:29):
You know, it's always a beautiful day when you be
able to get out there and play cricket. But I mean,
I'm an Australian. We're playing against New Zealand cricketers. I
don't like to lose to New Zealand very often at all,
so I'll probably be bringing some sort of seriousness to
it as well. I don't want to lose a game
against the Kiwis. So yeah, hopefully we can get the
job done.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
Bit of white line fever, eh, whether you're playing desk
cricket or the Black Clash or maybe grade to cricket,
you guys are just built like that.
Speaker 7 (05:55):
Yeah, And I guess you're dealing with former and you
know some of them are still current sort of high
performance athletes and they do put a bit of pride
in their performance, so you do want to I just
don't want to embarrass myself, to be honest, So I'd
like to know, do okay on the day, but look,
I'm looking to come over and have a lot of
fun as well. You know, I think it's a great concept.
(06:16):
I mean the highlights that I've seen in the past.
The crowd gets right into it. The rugby boys love
their cricket that the cricket boys love their rugby, and
so it's just a great opportunity to come and, you know,
connect with these guys, these great athletes, and have a
really good time over a game of cricket.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Fencer, going back down memory lane and maybe reviving there.
What was it a twenty four ball sixty against Pakistan
eighteen off one over? Do you want to go back
to those hells here in days?
Speaker 7 (06:44):
Oh my gosh, my memory is it was gone a
long long time ago. That feels like about one hundred
years ago.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Now.
Speaker 7 (06:50):
I would love to be able to go back to
those days, but unfortunately, you know, those days are long gone.
So if I can just make some sort of contribution
along the way and offer a bit of humor and
sort of a good company for everyone, then I'd be
very happy.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Of course, might be playing against Tim Salvie, the blokes, Well,
it's pretty still playing. He's only just stopped playing international cricket.
How do you get under his skin, either kind of
player that might give him bit a lip? Do you
reckon a but a band to Mike.
Speaker 8 (07:18):
I won't be giving anyone any lip.
Speaker 7 (07:20):
I'll just be keeping my head down Labama and trying
to get some somehow fine bad on ball.
Speaker 8 (07:24):
That's all every thing. Yeah, I'm a bit nervous.
Speaker 7 (07:26):
Yeah, yeah, Jim's I'm coaching in the one hundred competition and
he's still playing as one of the overseas players.
Speaker 8 (07:31):
So that's a little bit daunting.
Speaker 7 (07:33):
But yeah, let's hope I can just sort of tactically
sort of knock him around and then maybe try and
get a few runs off the other boys.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Dancy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
I'm in two minds about the Black Clash. Plainly, it
is a very popular form of entertainment. It never stops
attracting the punters. Everyone who's been there, and I'm not
one of them, have said it is a wonderful time.
It is a celebration of summer, it is a celebration
of cricket, and well, I normally say sport is far
(08:10):
too important to be taken seriously that I wonder about
this version of the game. Cricketing celebrities, rugby celebrities pack
the lineups for both sides. Lucky enough in the past
to have guys like Multi Mulutheran, Chris Gail, Brian Lara,
and this time around it is Michael Hussy. I get
(08:33):
that it's all played in jest. There's a wee bit
of white line fever though, I'm sure for the rugby
players and the cricketers when they start playing, and amongst
the rugby players there are some pretty handy cricketers. My
issue is the import of the fixture, and let's face it,
it has none. It doesn't matter, there's nothing in it.
(08:55):
It's just a form of entertainment. But who am I
to poo poo this event year after year after year.
It sells out, it's got a huge television audience. It
is a celebration of the game of cricket and a
celebration of some of our best athletes rugby and cricket.
It has a lot of fun in the commentary as well,
(09:17):
and they talk about playing sport with a lot of joy. Well,
this sport does bring a lot of joy to the
participants and of course to the crowd as well. It's
not really my bag. I watch way too much sport
as it is, and I simply haven't got the time
to commit to a game where there is simply nothing
(09:38):
on the line. I'm not telling you not to go.
You wouldn't listen anyway. It provides a huge amount of
entertainment and joy for the families and the fans. So
who am I to dismiss that? But I can honestly
say you won't catch me driving to Todunger to sit
in the crowd. I am the grinch who stole cricket.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
The chamber is now in session on sportsfects.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
I'm a chamber now say we because myself and Nathan
lem Out of News Talks EB Sports the part Big
Day Tomorrow and Nathan Huge Day to Maruge Huge Day.
What happens when the team is named? There are so
many theories around what Razor Robertson does. Will he hit
(10:22):
the panic button? Will he change multiple positions? Will he
stay with exactly what he's got He knows what he's
got ahead of him. Will he carry on with his
master plan of slowly building We we.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Don't know, do you. It's so exciting, isn't it. I
love this, don't you love this? About international sporting, about
the All Blacks. But everyone gets involved and everyone has
an opinion. It's such an exciting time of year.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
So much pressure on the guys.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Massive, But that's that's the reality of being the coach
of the All Blacks, isn't it. It's a privilege to
have that kind of pressure. I think that Raisers Throughout
his ten years All Blacks coach has been very conservative.
He's been very conservative in the game plan. He's been
very conservative in the selections, and I can't see him
changing now just because they lost a Test to Argentina.
The All Blacks played well in Cordoba. They played well
in that opener. The second game in Argentina was uncharacteristic, sloppy,
(11:09):
so many eras. We usually as we move through the
year we see those eras work their way out of
the All Blacks game. But the discipline is still a massive,
massive issue. You know, three yellow cards, it's just it's
unheard of.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
Well, I had Sir Graham Henry on the show yesterday
dropping a name there, but he was like, look, they
just weren't running at one hundred percent in their minds.
They weren't trying to run ten out of ten eight
and a half. And when you're not fully committed because
you think you're going to win, See, that's when the
discipline issues start creeping in. When your mind is not
fully on what it's supposed to be doing, they'll be
definitely awake.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
Now there's no excuse for that anytime. If you are
in All Blacks Jersey, there is no excuse to ever
not be running at one hundred percent and ever not
be one hundred percent switched on. You know how many
people want to wear that all black jersey.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Complacency.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
No excuse for complacency or not being at one hundred
percent or not. Excuse, but it happened, right yeah, well
exactly regardless, no excuse, no excuse at all. The question
for Razor is is okay? I think he's going to
be conservative in terms of his selections. The All Blacks
have a real problem. They had a real problem under
the high ball in that second Test. And we know
that South Africa is going to come to Edon Park
(12:15):
and they are going to rain bombs down on the
New Zealand Black back three, so they have to be
onto it. Man Will Jordan if he's presumably he'll be
back there at full back, but Seva Reese if he's retained.
Everyone needs to be onto it. They cannot have the
same mistakes in collecting that ball because South Africa is
going to expose that over and over and over again.
(12:35):
And you can bet that they're bringing at least a
six to two forwards back's bench split and they're going
to try and bully the All Blacks with their kicking
game and then rushing them with the fourth.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
So the back three as they are eleven fourteen fifteen. Sorry,
if they got the capacity to actually deal with this,
Was that just a bit of a skid last week?
Can they reboot reform or is there may be a
need to go We're going to need someone out of
there and someone in.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Well.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
It's interesting to see how they go about it right
because if you think back to the twenty eleven World
Cup you brought up, Sir Graham Henry, when they move
towards that World Cup, they built their back three based
on who was best under the high ball, because in
sow that and when the All Blacks were losing to
South Africa in two thousand and nine, that's what they
were being able to get an advantage from. So they
picked as for our Dad, Corey, Jane and Richard who
he being predominantly a center because he was so good
(13:24):
under the high ball, and that's when Millsmulliana was sort
of moved out of there. So do they go back
to something like that Looking towards the twenty twenty seven
Rugby World Cup, do they start having to give them
the way the game is going picking their back three
based on who's best under the high ball, in which
case Seeva Reese is someone who's a bit shorter might
be at a disadvantage in comparison to someone like Caleb
(13:44):
Clark who is very good under the high ball. I
know we're not going to see Caleb Clark there this
weekend because he's been named for Auckland, but it is
something definitely to consider because unless the rules change, South
Africa and other teams are going to keep using the
strategy against the All Blacks and they're going to have
to deal with it.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
There's another wild theory that maybe Jordi Barrett, because of
his length, goes out in the back and look at
the look on your face.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
I heard it because I had this debate at home
as well with my flat and he suggested that. But
Jordi Barratt hasn't been at fullback for years now. They
could put him back there one hundred percent, but he's
been at second five for a while now, and for
me he is the first choice second five. I think
Will Jordan is going to be the man who sticks
in that number fifteen. Jersey Raiser loves him there obviously
all the time, and the Crusaders with him there, so
(14:26):
I can't see that changing. For me. The change would
be on the wings.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
So midfield doesn't change at all, because again more theorizing
around that. No, Billy Proctor, he's the man they're going with,
and we've got Jordi in their.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
Denegraph and Rico on the wing. I think they stick
with that, and I think Billy Proctor is the right
one to stay in that center Jersey for now. I
think he proved himself at super rugby level. I like
Rico on the wing. I think you know, he's great
with ball in hand, but I don't think he is
a test level center. I think they should persevere with
Billy Procter and you know he has made a few mistakes,
but that that happens.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Confidence building, isn't it. That's what Scott Robertson's been doing.
That's been as msn't it.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
One hundred percent? And you've got to do that when
you bring someone into a test environment. I think people
are sort of raising their eyebrows as Proctor hasn't been
you know, in the head like scoring tries. But the
All Blacks game plan doesn't put the ball in his
hands a lot of the time. You ease a support
player a lot of the time he's clearing out rucks.
So you can't criticize the guy for not getting his
hands on the ball when that's not actually what the
game plan is doing. Where he really needs to stand
(15:24):
up as defensively and there's still a few defensive mishaps happening.
We saw a couple in the French series, but that's
something I think he can brush up.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
We've got an issue at half back. We'll talk about
Sir Graham Henry again Eyins Finland. Christy was the best
All Black player on the park over in Argentina. Even
though it didn't look good, it looks like he's going
to be running and they're going to have a rank
amateur coming off the bench.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Scary.
Speaker 4 (15:47):
I didn't think that Finlay Christie was any any of
the best player in that second Test, But I mean,
Sir Graham Henry, that was just that was just that
was just my take, but I respect his opinion on that.
I mean, if Cortez at Artem is training this week,
if he's training on a Tuesday, that's still four or
five days out from the test, I expect him to play. Actually,
(16:10):
I think quartiers that Artema will run out. I might
I might well be wrong, but in that case, and
I think I think Christy will be on the bench there.
We don't know the extent of Kyle Preston's injury at
ankle injury and All Back spokesperson said it was just
a cut. Who knows if it was just a cut,
but we will see. But no, I think that Asima
is going to start what.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
About six seven eight more juggling with that because we've
got the bench to take into account as well. We've
got the lock stock and where that goes. I won't
even talk about the front rugg I that's reasonably cemented,
but that combo because these possibility that I might play
in two roles off the bench. He can cover both roles.
I don't know how that come up.
Speaker 4 (16:50):
I think I think they stick with Vai and the
blindside flank. I quite like it with Barrett Holland at
lock and invite you on the bench because Viti gives
another premium line out option. You've got three locks effectively
on the park, and he can play that blindside role
really well. So I think he's a locker at six literally.
And in terms of seven and eight, I wonder whether
(17:12):
you go Arti at eight, Kadifi starting at seven, or
the other option is Ardi at seven, and then you
have Satiti at eight, and then you look to maybe
Jacobson on the bench. You could fill in a couple
of different roles if it was me. I think I
don't know if Stitis played quite enough rugby yet. So
potentially Arti at eight, Dups at seven.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
Right, we don't even go through the bench because we've
kind of touched on many before, or three were out
of the Chamber's great to have you in arguing with
Sir Graham Henry Hill. Let's look at the wars just
quickly coming up on Friday night. Only one change way egan.
Understandable there, but they haven't put up a weekend team.
Their destinies not on their own hands. But they'll just
(17:52):
be focusing on the eighty minutes regardless of what it
means right because they need that momentum. Dare I say
it going into the final.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
Seat people people are gonna laugh, Darsie. But but Top
four is still on here. Top four is still on
them and the Bulldogs are both named near full strength
squads to tackle the Broncos and the Sharks, and that
is the Broncos and the Sharks could well lose, both
of them, could well lose this weekend Warriors beat Manly
and Manly boom Top four done.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
You're very confident based on.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
What based on fact that that is what could I
know that.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
The Warriors have got to win what.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
After what happened last week.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
The Warriors have got to win one hundred percent. But
I believe it's concentration lapses. That's what they've talked about
for the last few weeks. And the frustrating thing is
that it's still the issue that hasn't fixed. But if
they put the complete performance together, they can do it.
They know they can do it. They can beat manly
one hundred percent they can, and so based on the table, yeah,
one hundred percent. Top four is still on. Of course,
(18:52):
people going to there's only an outside chance the Broncos
and the Sharks both could teams they could well, they'll
be highly motivated to clinch that top four spot as well,
But we just got to wait and see.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
So the All Blacks have got no right to not
be playing at one hundred percent and the Warriors are
going to learn how to concentrate. Sounds very similar. Moving
to the weekend, Nathan loom Out of the ZB Sports Department,
I thank you for your time and your cheek cheers.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Does this is Sportsfix? Your daily dose of sports news?
Cow in By News talks evy.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
He winds up Sports Fix for another day, that day
being Wednesday, the third of September twenty twenty five. Name
is Darcy, want to go? Thanks very much for listening.
If you've enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe that way it'll
turn up in your inbox on a week daily basis.
Tell you colleagues, tell your friends, tell your family, tell
anybody and they can climb on board the Sports Fix
(19:46):
as well. And if it's interactive sport audio. You're after,
well we've got that for you as well, seven to
eight pm Monday to Friday. It's called Sports Talk. Piney
has got the shift on Monday, I'm Tuesday through Friday
and then Piney gets all all the work come Saturday
and Sunday from a twelve midday to three o'clock on
(20:07):
News Talk zb with week in Sport. We both love
you to join us for any of those shows. Hey,
thanks very much for listening to The Fix. Good on
your GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zeland's most trusted home builder
for climbing on board. Have a cracking rest of your
day or evening wherever it might be. We'll catch you
again tomorrow here on the Fix.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
For more from News Talk ZEDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcast on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com