June 24, 2025 • 42 mins
D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include:
NZ Herald rugby writer Liam Napier on the All Blacks selection.
Talkback - All Blacks selections.
Du'Plessis Kirifi on getting the All Blacks call-up.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Dancy Wildergrave
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Bang.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Welcome in. This is a sports talk on news Talks THEREB.
My name's Darcy Wordergrave. It is six minutes half to seven.
It is a Tuesday, twenty fourth of June twenty twenty five,
talking sport from now through until eight o'clock tonight. You've
had a day in a bit to consider to mull
(00:38):
over the all black team named by Razor Robinson and
his chums. Yesterday. You've considered it. What have you come
up with? When I first saw it yesterday, I'm like, Okay,
what have I got here? Why has this happened? Why
has this happened? What's happening here? What's the excuse for this?
(01:00):
So I've had a day to muloedover. You've had a
day to mulodover. I want to talk about it tonight.
And Liam Napier joins, a shortly New Zealand Herald rugby writer.
He's paid to marl over it and then rite about
it as well. He'll join the program as we pick
a part of the nature of that team. I think
the the biggest question mark around this team is how
(01:25):
you turn up with eight hundred midfielders and a winger.
That's what we've got. Like that's over the top, I know,
but only two specialist wingers out there, whole part of
midfielders including some converted wingers. I don't know where this
is going. I would like you to tell me on
eight hundred and eighty ten eighteen anything else you've considered
(01:49):
overnight around the makeup of the side and what this
says about what Scott Raso Ray Robertson has planned for
the All Blacks the sea. Of course it all starts
an earnest in a week and a half or so.
Is a take on the French touring team. So we
talk about that worthily, and we'll talk about that with
you on a eight hundred eight ten eighty three phone
(02:10):
number Nation. Why do you can text them of course
nine two ninety two. It's ZBZB Stanta text charge that
does applying toward the end of the program will catch
up with the Plessi Carriffe. Finally he's got his All
Black cap. What a relieved and happy individual he is
after a lot of struggle to get that jersey. Nearly
(02:31):
the part of the shore decided to stick around and
give it what for. And he is now basking in
that effort. The machi has got on the reward. It's
an all black jersey. We'll talk to him about that
later on in the piece. That's what we're going to
be doing. And when I say we, I mean we
(02:51):
a eight hundred eighty ten eighty. But before that, let's
do this. Quincypyrus back black after three years in the
wilderness through the actions of Oka Darcy Swain. Even though
dars stor the career of Quinn and wrecked his knee. Well, temporarily,
Quinn has built a bridge, has got has moved on.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
It's been a long time now, it's probably coming up
three years.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
But I haven't spoken to my club when he played
against them once and we didn't speak then.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
But yeah, I'm sort of past it now, and I
know he copped a lot of slap for it the year.
I'm just hoping to move on from it now. I
guess here, see, I know tennis club's finest. The Lulu
Sun women's player is not the number one seed in
defending champ out of the East, but Open, which is
a woman lead and events. She's topled the world number
(03:41):
sixteen Daria Cazakina in three sets. So will this victory
spur on to greater things at the annual celebration of
Strawberry Scream and.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
Pins, Yeah, definitely. I mean it's a great person match
to win here at Eastbourne, so I'm really happy with
that and I'm gonna try to continue.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Dul and Wattoni's a legeni Ark can't buy a trick?
Where's wing man got hap dropped? During Saturday's Last of
the Panthers coach Jameel Webster has revealed that the high
ankle spraying will keep the Flying Mullets sideline for a
few weeks, including a handy bye week. Hopefully that buy
produces that to three games or five games or whatever
(04:25):
it might be. He's in good spirits and the scam
was doesn't need surgery, so that's good. That's great, no
surgery of it. And the Phoenix Women have welcomed Victoria
Essen to this side the goalkeepers. Been playing her trade
in Scotland twenty eight caps for the Football Ferns. Her
return home is welcomed by the next and her.
Speaker 5 (04:47):
I've enjoyed my time in Europe, but I also I
miss New Zealand. I love New Zealand, so yeah, when
I was looking for opportunities and the Phoenix came up
and I just think it was a good fit at
the right time for me to go home.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
And building that quite the roster. And that's today, right.
Let's pick apart some of the All Black side. I
say picking apart will be for hours if you do
the whole lot. But let's sit down with Liam and
Napien now and talk about the nature of the team.
He joins us. Now, good evening, Liam, Hey does reading
(05:22):
your piece as you do in the New Zealand and
held looking at the All Blacks And this is the
most interesting side of it, isn't it. No wingers are
pile of midfielders. How does this actually work? Do you think? Welcome?
Speaker 6 (05:37):
Yeah? Great to be here? Does look? It's an interesting squad,
very intriguing on a number of fronts, and you've picked
up on one there. Unbalanced on first glance, isn't it?
In the back line six midfielders seems very bloated. There's
four second fives among that group and only two specialist wingers.
You do have a lot of versatility within the squad.
(05:59):
Guys like Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Rikowanni can all play wings,
so it's not like the All Blacks don't have, you know,
really high caliber options there. Rico only of course, started
his career on the wing. Will Jordan's played the vast
majority of his test career on the wing, so there
is flexibility. But if you're an Ammonia Nadaura or Leroy Carter,
(06:21):
who both of whom played brilliantly for the Chiefs this year,
that'd feel hard done by. And then if you're a
David Havili on the outside looking in after seeing six
midfielders selected, you'd be pretty aggrieved as well.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
What does it say about wing stocks or More's the
point the want for Scott Robertson to use players who
can cover many different positions. I don't know if this
has worked entirely well, especially when it comes to do
wingers in midfielders in the past. Are we satisfied with this?
Speaker 6 (06:55):
It does evoke a few historical anxieties, doesn't it dark
when you think about putting square pigs in round holes?
Are getting a wee bit clever with playing players out
of position, particularly at World Cups. We won't go there
tonight and keep everyone, everyone's heart rate at a certain level.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
I'm old enough, I lived through that. You cannot do
this to me again. But this is this is this
not a huge issue. Is this just the nature of
the size of squads and we just have to deal
with it.
Speaker 6 (07:26):
Look, I think I would have liked to have seen
some more specialist wings in the squad. You've only got
sever Rehese and Caleb Clark. And while there is that
that flexibility there, I do see it as a very
specialized position. So I think they are a bit lights
in that departments. But when it comes to the midfields,
I do like the composition of who they've picked. I
(07:49):
like the fact that they are picking big, powerful, destructive
ball carriers to punch over that game line. You've got
Jordy Barrett, quint To Pier and Taatavanaua who is an
absolute tank both over the ball and ball in hand.
So it's a bit of it an experimental feel with
guys like Tather Tavanaha. Bring him in see what he's
(08:11):
capable of. But then you've got someone like Quinta Pye,
who makes a comeback after three years out of the
All Blacks had that horrific knee injury from the dog
Act from Darcy. Swain showed resilience and was an absolute
standout for the Chiefs this year. Very physical, very dominant
on the carry and on defense. So I do like
(08:34):
that departments, but I can't see them carrying six midfielders
for the whole season, so it is going to be
about taking your chances when they arrive.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
So you talk about Rica Yuanni, he started out there.
Many people think that you can't just transform into a center.
You grow up in that position because it's such a
nuanced role. But he's coming and done it in All Black,
done reasonably well, pushing him out to the wing, and
maybe do we see him reverting back to where he
started off? Is this maybe what the on the wall is.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
I think that the All blackswell At the announcement yesterday,
we asked Scott Hansen and Scott Robertson about where they
see Tava tavannahwah and it is predominantly in the midfield
and as a second five. And this is a new
position for him. Largely he's very raw in his transition
from the wing to the midfield. It's only happened this
(09:29):
year really with the Highlanders, so that is a bit
of a punt, particularly from a defensive point of view.
He might may be caught out, but he is a
point of difference. He is built like a tank. He
had the most turnovers in Super Rugby bar No. One,
so obviously Creefy was a freak and Tavavawa had more turnovers.
(09:50):
So if you're injecting a guy like that off the bench,
there's a bit of risk, but there is potentially a
lot of upsides. And just with Rico, I think he's
been a center for a long time now. He's learned
that position, but he is under pressure from a guy
like Billy Proctor, who will see more game time this
year than he did last. And there's also into Lennard
(10:11):
Brown in the squad, so I think you will see
Rico shift out to the wing a lot more this season.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
International rugby is no place to learn your craft in
the midfield. As I said very nuance second five center,
you've got to know what you're doing before you've even
done it. You can't grab the ball and hope and
pass that Tata. There's a real problem here that he
might get hugely exposed in that role by opposition attacks.
(10:39):
Do you have that fear too. Am I just freaking
out for no reason.
Speaker 6 (10:42):
It's a real risk to us. I think second five
you're a wee bit more protected than you are as
a center. As a center, there's so much more space
between you and your winger. You think about, you know,
some of our best defensive backs over the years, they
have been centers, the Conrad Smiths of the world. So
your second five is a bit more protected between your
(11:04):
ten and and center. But look, I think what they'll
do is they'll bring Tather Taverna and I don't see
them playing him in the first test, maybe not this
even the second. Perhaps they'll bring him off the bench
for the third test easim and give them time. But
there is undoubtedly an element of risk. But if you
don't give these guys a chance, then you don't know.
(11:26):
They could have picked David Havili. He's played thirty two
tests in the last four years. They know what they're
going to get. But tav Tavna has that X factor.
He's a bit of a wild card. So they're prepared
to take a bit of a punt and the hope
that he does take the test rugby and provides that
point of difference as far as.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
The rest of the squad is concerned them, Napier his
on Herald joins us. There is also some question marks
over some of the decisions made when he's leaving some
of his so called mates, as the media often describe
it as out of the crusader's side, out of that lineup.
What this says to me, though, is he is willing
(12:07):
to He's willing to throw the dice a bit. In
his second year, he feels like he has the space
to actually do that and he can.
Speaker 6 (12:16):
Yeah, look does I think in his first year Scott
Robinson was very, very conservative in his selections. They blooded
ten rookies last year, the all Blacks. But when push
came to shove, when the pressure came on, they backed
experience in every possible type selection call. And what you're
seeing now is the willingness to be more brave and
(12:40):
bold and I think a clearer picture of how they
want to play. What's important to them, and that really
is about go forward power, a bit of versatility. But
in those type selections you talk about, Ethan Blackheader was
a massive surprise for pretty much everyone that he is
not in this squad, not purely because he's from the Crusaders,
(13:04):
but he has been favored through successive All Black regimes
back to Ian Foster and last year. He's a guy
that's had massive injury troubles, but what's ethan is his
lack of punch his ball carrying. He doesn't have the
same post contact meters as a guy like some of
(13:25):
Penny Female or a Wallace to Titi and the All
Blacks have also, strangely only selected five loose forwards, and
they're prepared to use Scott Barrett and to Guviai as
blindside cover. I think they were looking at a guy
like Simon Parker, the Chiefs loose forward, but he's out
for at least the next month with an ankle injury.
So it is worth keeping in mind that the squad's
(13:48):
thirty two man squad is only for the French series,
and that the All Blacks will pick another squad. So
I think you'll see further change. But you're right some
big calls. You know that there were accusations. I was
one of them that in some of the tight selections,
I felt the All Blacks did favor, you know, some
of the former Crusaders, and I think we saw that
(14:10):
with guys like Schaefie Harckey coming in as a training
partner last year, but that's certainly not the case with
this squad. They've left out George Bauer, who was strong
in the final series. Lucy had prop and picked Olie
Norris from the Chiefs. Ethan Blackhead has been cut David
Heavily another example. So they have certain You certainly can't
accuse the selectors of favoring the Crusaders in this picture.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
And anything else. Selections wives that struck you as a
little oddly and nape you and litill come out. I
who's been picked or who hasn't been picked? Something else
you can look at.
Speaker 6 (14:43):
I think injuries have played a bit of a factor.
You've got guys like Novasa Armoor and Peter Lakeye carrying injuries.
But Brody McAllister was a real bolter, the Chiefs hooker,
former Crusader. He moved up to Hamilton this year and
had a real impact both starting and coming off the bench.
I thought, having invested in I think twenty two to
(15:05):
twenty three year old George Bell last year, that the
All Blacks would have continued that theme. But they've been
impressed by Brody McAllister, so that was a surprise. I'm
really intrigued to see how they bring through these rookies.
Fabian Holland is another one who everyone expected to be
in that squad's He became eligible last year, the first
(15:28):
Dutch born All Black and I think he's a guy
that will make a real impact and I'm really happy
to see do see Carefi in there a real reward
for perseverance. He was first in the All Blacks going
back the best part of five years and has gone
away as matured in the leadership roles with Wellington and
the Hurricanes and been a real standout for them this year,
(15:51):
particularly in that turnover capacity. So when you think about
the composition of the bench bench stars, and you're looking
at potentially bringing guys like Carrefi, Tava tav Nahwa, Fabian
Holland off the bench, there's a bit of a new
emerging breeds there that's could change the dynamic of how
the All Blecks finish games. And that's something they really
(16:11):
need and are looking to target because the four games
they lost last year, they led them all at halftime.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
You no need for the DMO. We've got the breakdown
on Sports Talk Call.
Speaker 5 (16:25):
News Talk.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
Twenty two past seven. Natepier their sport writer rugby writer
for the New Zealand Herald, taking a look into the
team that was named yesterday for the first up series
against the visiting French AB or C side. I'm not
entirely sure what one it is. They'll think they're a
so we should be very very afraid. I got plenty
(16:50):
of cock eyed conspiracy theories around these selections, only a
few of them which will land. Most of them will
be blown out of the sky without a chance. Pesky
buzzards floating around the team that I've launched into the side.
I share some of those worth you eventually, but I
like to hear your theories. What has caused you to
(17:14):
question the selection of this team the most? Is there
any overwhelming theory or set of choices that have left
you going I see something else. It's all very well
looking at the players in their various positions, and those
players fighting each other for positions. I like, ive you
(17:34):
a better player if you've got better numbers, you do
work both sides of the ball. Can you push through?
But but you know what I mean? But bigger, bigger
issues around that, with the nature the setup of the side.
Just going into this series, there is a couple I
would like to hear yours. Oh, eight hundred and eighty
(17:58):
ten eighty. It's a free phone number nationwide. If your
nation indeed is New Zealand, you can text nine two
nine two z b Z to be a standard at
text charge does apply. Looking forward to your calls coming
up next. This is news Talk z B seven twenty
(18:21):
seven Sports Talk is his news Talk zed B. I'm Darcy.
I'd like to chat to you. Eight hundred eighty ten
eighty lines open free for a number nationwide. Not play
a v player, but overarching, what does the selection say
to you about the nature of Scott Robertson's All Blacks.
This is his second shot. Last year he was called conservative.
(18:48):
Last year he was accused, as we touched on with Liam,
of being a bit of a Crusaders fanboy and leaning
into the Red and Black when required, maybe not advancing
as gay across the entire rugby community, but that's understandable.
(19:09):
Is the guy who had a huge amount of success
coach in the Crusader side, so he knows exactly what
he can expect and what he can get out of
the place. So what we've got now is he's starting
to look far and wide. I'm fascinated by a couple
of selections and what they say long term around this team.
(19:40):
I don't know why there are so many midfielders. It
makes zero sense to me. Maybe you can help me
with that. On eight hundred and eighty ten eighty there
are only two wingers. There are other wingers that can
fall into place if necessary. We look at Rico Yowani,
who's been a center with limited success over the years,
(20:02):
never quite completely and utterly nailed that role. Very difficult task,
I think to come into Descender's role from the wing.
Have we seen many, many many times before I make
it succeed well. Jordan can play on the wing, we
know this. Boden Barrett can play at fullback. Damiel McKenzie's
(20:24):
first five. Is this what it's signaling at I think
Rico is going to it, probably doesn't want to play
on the wing again, But I get the feeling when
you look at the side. This is just this is
just a feeling. It's all it is. Challenge this or
bring your own one into it. He's going to be
(20:48):
pushed out wide and he might end up staying out
there with the surfeit of midfield as they have in
that side, you're effective. Not a lot of big, bustling,
brawling midfielders, but midfielders all the same. And you could
look at ap sevy Reese, how long he's got Will
(21:11):
he still be around come the World Cup in a
few years time. You'd expect Caleb Clark would be. Are
they just place savers for Lester Ukel who'll be on
his way back? In fact, his team havesably be knocked out?
Have they over in front? So he'll be back and
(21:31):
be playing a bit of NPC. As soon as he
laces up, he'll be straight into the side. So it's
very much a testing theory this team. Well, I find
it odd ish that someone like Nawa has found themselves
(21:53):
playing in a few positions to great effect. But it
started off with a Hessen the roar and then general
consensus that he carried his entire team for the back
end of that competition. He became less effective. But do
you want somebody learning their trade in the midfield who's
only really just got there, has cut their teeth on
(22:13):
super rugby? Is that entirely smart? Like I'm no coach.
I'm not the all black coach. These are just ideas
and this is what I'm thinking. There's a couple of
thrust here. One Scott Robinson's proving though. I'm not just
going to pick crusaders because when you look at black
(22:35):
at it, who hasn't got the ability to crunch offensively
but defensively he is a monster. The thought around there
wants someone like Finale is going to run through people.
But I would suggest that one of my favorite words
(22:56):
in rugby is discipline, and maybe that's where some openie
might fall over. It's hard to bust through tackles when
you're sitting on the bench right on the naughty box.
So I see this as Baby being a sit down
and a cup of tea for Blackadder so he doesn't break,
and then come the Championship we will see him back
in black again. David Harvilly, you're leaving a guy with
(23:23):
that manna, that experience. You can't not doing it so
purely because this French side is purportedly not going to
be the best side they'll send over. Razor feels like
he's got some space to play jiggery pokery with the
midfield and find out who's got what because he knows
he's got David Harvilly in the background, even to drag
(23:45):
him straight back in again. So we see some crazy
shuffling because he claims that every player is going to
be playing over this three test series. Force Rico back
out to the wing again. Hopefully Will Jordan doesn't find
himself on the wing again. Hopefully we don't have a
(24:09):
situation where we lose a winger or two during the
test series. Eight hundred and eighty ten eighty? Am I
right with any of these Do any of these ideas
reverberate with you? I eight one hundred and eighty ten eighty.
I'm not going to be conservatively more. I'm not just
(24:30):
gonna pick crusaders. I'm gonna play around a heap in
this series against the French and then you'll see the
real All Black team come championship time. Is that Is
that a fair assumption? Let me know. I eight hundred
eighty ten eighty is the sports stock On News Talks, HEB.
We're joined by du Plessy carriffeet. Later on the piece
(24:54):
as we talk about his elevation to the All Blacks.
This is News Talks EBB. Seven thirty seven sports stock
on NEWSTALKSB lots of text traffic. We'd love to hear
your voice, so eight hundred eighty ten eighty talking about
the all black selection and the strange aura floating around
(25:18):
the team, with the nature of the selections, and what
we can gauge out of this, around the drive of
Scott robertson what he wants to achieve by picking a
team like this. Feel free to interrupt with texts without
text anytime that I read through these texts. Blackhead and
(25:41):
Missing is an absolute disgrace, writes this text. It's a
total injustice, especially at the expensive finale. Who seems to
be asleep for sixty of the eighteen minutes when is
a concern of Jordan's injured, we lose more strike power.
Tabat is a big call, but I make with it adventurous.
(26:03):
Surprised to see McAllister o a bell, but obviously I
haven't seen much of either. Toss he's a bit lucky.
Maybe he's there for his humor. He's a right dag
thrilled for head of to PLESSI Carriffe say that to
his face. I imagine love is the third first, five
eighth let's tear those frogs legs off. Thank you, Darcy,
(26:26):
whipp it up. Not many people are going to be interested.
It's just an all black team. Most people are over
it these days. I don't think so. I think there's
still a fascination with the All Blacks. I think we're
still rightly proud of them. I want to see them
do well, and there's more fascination around this when you
think about the turbo boost that Super Rugby had. That
(26:47):
was a phenomenal competition and it ended up with two
powerhouses slugging it out at the top. Although in saying
that wasn't really a slug out, the Crusaders said, well,
we're going to smash you in the front and then we're
going to hoist bombser and see how your coat and
the chiefs didn't Ockham's razor. Yes, indeed, Mars rights Darcy
(27:09):
and I'm not a Crusaders fan, but I'm definitely All
Blacks fan. I was shocked that Blackadded didn't make the team.
The guy's a machine on the field, got no respect
for his body, throwing himself at anyone we knew him
in the All Blacks. Muzz I think he's getting arrest, like,
we're going to try and a look at a few of
these guys see how they go. But you're quite brittle
and you've had a crazy comeback, So maybe just breathe
(27:33):
and we'll look at these new guys or newsh guys,
and we'll see what we can pull out of them.
Definitely haven't seen the end of him. Well I don't
believe so anyway, go to our next text, Skinny rights
tough tother Nawa had a better first season at twelve
(27:55):
and Super Rugby and Sonny Bill Williams did. Possibly as
a few more conspiracies around here are suggesting that maybe
the or Blacks just picked up a tough so he
can't represent fig Hey. I think they've tried it on before.
But this character says it's an ideal time for him
to cut his teeth, see what he can do with
some support and not have to carry his team. And
(28:18):
that's very fair. This guy's still worried about first five.
The Kingsy doesn't handle any sort of pressure. Well, I
keep Barrett there and add another first time like a
Jacob or the Hurricanes one. I think that Ruben Love
is going to end up playing a role in that,
(28:39):
and I know that the Chiefs didn't have the best
time of it over the weekend, but it's in games
like that where your first five stands up and runs
the game. And I didn't see anyone standing up there
except the Crusader's first five, Okay, and that actually be
alarm bells as far as a gift that he is
(28:59):
Damian McKenzie and the mad stuff he can do in
the fact that he proved a lot during the season
when it comes to the crunch where is he? We
found a lot about that over the weekend at the
Super Rugby Final. There are more texts, but I'm not
going to go through them except this one. Honestly, heavily
(29:22):
was average throughout the season. Others deserved ahead of him,
with all due respect, Yeah, I disagree that this guy
is such a solid player. I love having guys like
that in the midfield, so things just don't go pair
shape when there's a bit of pressure on someone who
can deal that. That's him. So he'll be back in
the mix again. I don't see any of his guys
(29:43):
as never coming back. This is proof from Scott robertson
everyone that he's not going to pick Red and Black,
and he's going to be a bit more adventurous than
he was last time around. There might be some maybe
he's bowing to the masses and popularity when it comes
to the top of top of nahwah, couple of players.
(30:08):
I mean, fascinating French series, it really is. I can't
work out how George Dyer has missed selection, writes another
Neil is an obvious starter. George has been the best
tight head this year. Shelfoon should feel hard done by,
but I'm not angry that Holland was picked. Otherwise, Yuanni
(30:32):
and Clark are getting lucky. Yuanni, especially with the depth
of the midfield. He's going to find himself out in
the wing, I swear, And of course Clark can score
try this year. I mean, I didn't help that his
team were in that flash, but so be it. Anyway.
I think whatever we yack to a bloke called Kiffe,
(30:56):
well that's his last name, dupless carrif he you're gonna
stop messing that one up. He's going to join us shortly,
as dupes about his elevation to the All Blacks overdue.
This is news talks.
Speaker 5 (31:06):
He be.
Speaker 3 (31:10):
Coming up shortly. The plas CARRIFFI joins us for that.
Bass has got a word. Hey mate, what do you
got on your mind?
Speaker 4 (31:20):
Evening? Yeah, I just wanted to just comment on the
All Blacks. I think it's a good squad. Really happy
with those five guys that got in. Surprised by Olin
Norris and what's his name, Brady. I'm a Chiefs fan,
so I was quite happy about that. And just with Halverly,
(31:41):
I think he played himself out in that last game
in the final by getting sent off I think that
really sort of sealed us fake.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
I don't agree with you, but if that's what you think, absolutely,
I don't think they would cut a guy from an
All Black side based on one thing in a final
when you look at the work he's done.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Yeah, maybe not maybe not just that thing. But I
think Tupi has been more dynamic. Maybe this year I
really had. You know, he's done well and they got
to a final and won it. But I just think,
you know, he offers a little bit more maybe two player.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
Yeah, I think he's had a really good season. I
ain't complaining about that. Anton Lennet Brown is not around,
Nadawah is in for him, so he might play out wide.
We know George Barrett, we know what he's got. Billy Proctor.
I think the question marks here are possibly well, no
(32:37):
way and now long Rico.
Speaker 4 (32:40):
Goes for Yeah, I'm surprised about Rica. Actually, maybe they
want to send them off, you know, in a good
way or something like that. They give him some more tests,
I'm not too sure, or they want them to usher
the other new guys. And I'm not sure, but I
don't think he deserves to be in there.
Speaker 3 (32:56):
Well, I think he might find himself on a bench
covering wing and center.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, when you look at it like that,
when you look at it like that, yeah, that'll be good,
I suppose. And Ethan Blackett, I don't think he's played
enough this season. You know, if you put him in there,
do a good job. But he just hasn't been out
there enough.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
Indeed, Sorry, I just I just lost process for a
second there, Bears.
Speaker 4 (33:29):
Oh sorry, just with Ethan, I just think he hasn't
played enough minutes this year. That's all.
Speaker 3 (33:39):
Bears. We're going to stop because we're going to be
chatting now to do proceed Carriffy, He joins us. Now
after getting into the All Bucks finally, good evening, dudes.
You've got the big start tomorrow. You're all in camp.
The fun has died down, the selection has died down,
and now it's all about the Marky. You ready for this?
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Yeah, I hope. So obviously a big couple of days
of yeah, with the announcement and a bit of family time,
which has been really nice to reflect and acknowledge. I
guess the step that's happened, but under no illusion all
the hard work and learning and growth is still in
front of us. Also, Yeah, looking forward to it, but
I hope I'm ready.
Speaker 3 (34:19):
I think it would be. You waited long enough, haven't you.
You've been sitting there ready to go, but it's not
worked so much so is that you're nearly upsticked and left?
Speaker 6 (34:26):
Didn't you?
Speaker 2 (34:29):
It was definitely a possibility at a stage there, But yeah,
it's been a lot of definitely taken the long road
around to get to get here, compared to some of
the other boys who make it a lot younger. But
you know, I'm grateful for my journey and I think
I've learned a lot of things along the way. So yeah,
you're right, hoping, I am ready.
Speaker 3 (34:48):
What have you tuned up in the time you've been waiting,
because there'd be a lot of reflection in your path,
in your route, trying to consider what have you done right,
what have you done wrong? A lot of internalization of that,
and then you've got to put it to the outside
and perform. So what's been the biggest thing, any thing
over the years that that's pushed you up to.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
The four that's a really good question. I think the biggest,
biggest area of growth for me personally over especially the
last two two seasons, has just been around consistency. I've
always been able to play, you know, good footy, but
being able to do it week in week out and
be someone's I guess my teammates can rely on has
(35:29):
been a challenge of mine in the past. So yeah,
i'd say that's my proudest area of growth, and I
would say a strength of mine now. Yeah, But you're right,
you know, like a lot of a lot of reflecting
and learning along the way, and often times we don't
have a lot of time to learn, you kind of
each week you're thrust into the public eye to execute
a plan and do a job, and sometimes you don't
(35:49):
do it to you know, the best of your capabilities
and it's under scrutiny. So yeah, learn learns a lot
in public and learns a lot in private, but grateful
for both, I guess. And it's put me in a
good spot now.
Speaker 3 (36:01):
Quite confronting for you two, you know, later in your
late twenties now to work out where you want to
go and what you want to do. Is that an
internal challenge? Was it setting? Was it easy? A man
did that operate?
Speaker 2 (36:14):
I wouldn't say anything's easy. I wouldn't say it's upsetting either.
Just yeah, just I think just always being real clear
on what I've always wanted to achieve, and it's becoming
all back and never losing sight of that no matter
how hard it got or how potentially deflating the situation
became for me. But just understanding that, yeah, it's not
(36:36):
always going to be easy, and sticking to it and
trusting the process. But you know, it's not just me.
I'm extremely grateful and lucky to have amazing people in
my life who who challenge me and keep me grounded
but lift me up when I'm when I'm a little
bit down at times as well. So you're really lucky
for you know, those people in my life who can
often hold me up when when I feel like I'm
(36:58):
not I'm not going to get the job done, but
they can bring me back down to earth real quick
when I'm getting too big for myself. So yeah, yeah,
really grateful.
Speaker 3 (37:06):
As far as this year is concerned. Put your finger
on what's impressed. I don't know if you've talked with
Scott Robertson or any of the coaching staff, but what
do you think you've put down that has made the
All Blacks pick you up? What have you excelled at.
Speaker 2 (37:21):
I think my whole career, my ability to just compete
all the time has always been something I guess I
could I've been able to build my game on, but
be more specific, potentially just my physicality both sides of
the bar, and not just being physical, but being accurate
as well and making plays in a sense that impact
(37:42):
the game and crucial moments. So yeah, there's a I'd
say those two or two and a half are probably
the big ones for me. I haven't quite had that
chat so far with the coaches, but there's definitely something
that was beneficial for us at the Hurricanes, so I
imagine it might be the same for them.
Speaker 3 (37:57):
As far as your teammates and the Hurricanes, all of
your teammates particularly, yet you loose ses Who's been the
most influential do you think in your development?
Speaker 2 (38:07):
Yeah, it's a that's a new one. Actually, haven't been
asked that question. Hard to go past Brad Shields. He's
just he's just an all around quality guy and and
he's been doing it for a long time here at
the Canes and then overseas and now back here at
the Canes and willing to Raby. So really lucky to
spend time alongside him this year and work together and grow. Yeah,
(38:28):
and just learn off him, ask questions and just see
how he operates. Billy Proctor is another one, just the
way that he really quietly goes about his work, but
it's really effective in everything he does. So learns a
lot of how he operates in this in the and
I guess his routines inhabits. Yeah, and then the rest
(38:48):
of the just all of the lucies that the Hurricanes are.
There's a lot of firepower there and some boys are
far more talented than I am. So I'm really lucky,
I guess to be working alongside then week and week out,
and and Yeah, gleaning a couple of things off him
every now and then that can have my own game.
Speaker 3 (39:05):
Are you talking about Billy Proctor? Here's a guy and
not too dissimilar to yourself who has stuck around and
he's applied himself. He's learned his role and quietly he's
gotten better and better and now he's getting the rewards.
So that kind of influence I expect will be quite
motivating for someone like yourself.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Yeah. Look, Bill, he's an east phenomenal bro. Like if
you if you see how he operates every week, you
just you can understand why he's as good as he is. Yeah,
pretty pretty cool. Customer doesn't say a lot, but when
he has something to say, everyone listens because it's usually
on the on the mark. And yeah, he just goes
out every week like most of us do and just
(39:45):
try to nil our own role first and hopefully that
has an impact on the on the player either side
of us. So yeah, part of part of being a yeah,
part of trying to be a great player and teammateers
is helping those around you through your own actions. So
there's definitely a strength of his and something that I
admire in him and have learned.
Speaker 3 (40:02):
From what is with your ball snaffling ability. It's almost
it's like, right since you've started, you just blined for
that thing every time. But were you born hunched over
a ruck trying to pick the ball up?
Speaker 6 (40:15):
Mate?
Speaker 3 (40:15):
It's like you're so natural there.
Speaker 2 (40:17):
Yeah, I'm not sure I was. I was hunched over
a ruck, but I was actually playing half back till
about sixteen seventeen, so I didn't make the switch to
could of forwards until a bit later. Yeah, I just
enjoy just enjoy the ruck. I just enjoyed the competitiveness
of it, the physicality. Put on a little bit of
(40:38):
weight this year, so I feel like I can definitely
hold my own in those in those type spaces. But yeah,
maybe my accuracy. You know, early on I was pretty
viable to give away penalties and that's definitely an area
of growth that I've made over the last few years,
in an area that I'm proud of. And yeah, it's
definitely turned into a strength of not just mine but
the Hurricanes is our ability to turn ball over in
(41:00):
crucial moments. But yeah, I really enjoyed it that part
of it. It's a technical part obviously of everyone watching
in four different rests, so you got to get it
right otherwise you put your team under a lot of pressure.
Speaker 3 (41:13):
My two favorite words in rugby for years were speed
and accuracy. That's been got discipline added to that list
now as well. And that's what you're you're summarizing there. Hey, congratulations,
this is great news for you, for your whole family
and your friends. Really looking forward to seeing what kind
of ruckets you can cause in a black jersey get
amongst jeers.
Speaker 2 (41:33):
Darcy, thank you mate, looking forward to it so we.
Speaker 3 (41:38):
I also found out today deeps, thank you very much.
Duples it's Carriffe. So I actually asked him off he
setting this into you up, said any actually say your
last name kid if he kiddy, he goes Carriffe. I
don't know where the road r came from. So that
he guys done, say your name Duple carriffy nice. Nice,
(42:01):
Thanks very much for your calls, thanks for your texts,
thanks for your ears, and thank you Ans Middlesag. I'm
Darcy Walter Grave. I'll be back again tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (42:13):
For more from Sports Talk, Listen live to News Talks
it B from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Dancy Wildergrave
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Bang.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Welcome in. This is a sports talk on news Talks THEREB.
My name's Darcy Wordergrave. It is six minutes half to seven.
It is a Tuesday, twenty fourth of June twenty twenty five,
talking sport from now through until eight o'clock tonight. You've
had a day in a bit to consider to mull
(00:38):
over the all black team named by Razor Robinson and
his chums. Yesterday. You've considered it. What have you come
up with? When I first saw it yesterday, I'm like, Okay,
what have I got here? Why has this happened? Why
has this happened? What's happening here? What's the excuse for this?
(01:00):
So I've had a day to muloedover. You've had a
day to mulodover. I want to talk about it tonight.
And Liam Napier joins, a shortly New Zealand Herald rugby writer.
He's paid to marl over it and then rite about
it as well. He'll join the program as we pick
a part of the nature of that team. I think
the the biggest question mark around this team is how
(01:25):
you turn up with eight hundred midfielders and a winger.
That's what we've got. Like that's over the top, I know,
but only two specialist wingers out there, whole part of
midfielders including some converted wingers. I don't know where this
is going. I would like you to tell me on
eight hundred and eighty ten eighteen anything else you've considered
(01:49):
overnight around the makeup of the side and what this
says about what Scott Raso Ray Robertson has planned for
the All Blacks the sea. Of course it all starts
an earnest in a week and a half or so.
Is a take on the French touring team. So we
talk about that worthily, and we'll talk about that with
you on a eight hundred eight ten eighty three phone
(02:10):
number Nation. Why do you can text them of course
nine two ninety two. It's ZBZB Stanta text charge that
does applying toward the end of the program will catch
up with the Plessi Carriffe. Finally he's got his All
Black cap. What a relieved and happy individual he is
after a lot of struggle to get that jersey. Nearly
(02:31):
the part of the shore decided to stick around and
give it what for. And he is now basking in
that effort. The machi has got on the reward. It's
an all black jersey. We'll talk to him about that
later on in the piece. That's what we're going to
be doing. And when I say we, I mean we
(02:51):
a eight hundred eighty ten eighty. But before that, let's
do this. Quincypyrus back black after three years in the
wilderness through the actions of Oka Darcy Swain. Even though
dars stor the career of Quinn and wrecked his knee. Well, temporarily,
Quinn has built a bridge, has got has moved on.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
It's been a long time now, it's probably coming up
three years.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
But I haven't spoken to my club when he played
against them once and we didn't speak then.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
But yeah, I'm sort of past it now, and I
know he copped a lot of slap for it the year.
I'm just hoping to move on from it now. I
guess here, see, I know tennis club's finest. The Lulu
Sun women's player is not the number one seed in
defending champ out of the East, but Open, which is
a woman lead and events. She's topled the world number
(03:41):
sixteen Daria Cazakina in three sets. So will this victory
spur on to greater things at the annual celebration of
Strawberry Scream and.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
Pins, Yeah, definitely. I mean it's a great person match
to win here at Eastbourne, so I'm really happy with
that and I'm gonna try to continue.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Dul and Wattoni's a legeni Ark can't buy a trick?
Where's wing man got hap dropped? During Saturday's Last of
the Panthers coach Jameel Webster has revealed that the high
ankle spraying will keep the Flying Mullets sideline for a
few weeks, including a handy bye week. Hopefully that buy
produces that to three games or five games or whatever
(04:25):
it might be. He's in good spirits and the scam
was doesn't need surgery, so that's good. That's great, no
surgery of it. And the Phoenix Women have welcomed Victoria
Essen to this side the goalkeepers. Been playing her trade
in Scotland twenty eight caps for the Football Ferns. Her
return home is welcomed by the next and her.
Speaker 5 (04:47):
I've enjoyed my time in Europe, but I also I
miss New Zealand. I love New Zealand, so yeah, when
I was looking for opportunities and the Phoenix came up
and I just think it was a good fit at
the right time for me to go home.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
And building that quite the roster. And that's today, right.
Let's pick apart some of the All Black side. I
say picking apart will be for hours if you do
the whole lot. But let's sit down with Liam and
Napien now and talk about the nature of the team.
He joins us. Now, good evening, Liam, Hey does reading
(05:22):
your piece as you do in the New Zealand and
held looking at the All Blacks And this is the
most interesting side of it, isn't it. No wingers are
pile of midfielders. How does this actually work? Do you think? Welcome?
Speaker 6 (05:37):
Yeah? Great to be here? Does look? It's an interesting squad,
very intriguing on a number of fronts, and you've picked
up on one there. Unbalanced on first glance, isn't it?
In the back line six midfielders seems very bloated. There's
four second fives among that group and only two specialist wingers.
You do have a lot of versatility within the squad.
(05:59):
Guys like Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Rikowanni can all play wings,
so it's not like the All Blacks don't have, you know,
really high caliber options there. Rico only of course, started
his career on the wing. Will Jordan's played the vast
majority of his test career on the wing, so there
is flexibility. But if you're an Ammonia Nadaura or Leroy Carter,
(06:21):
who both of whom played brilliantly for the Chiefs this year,
that'd feel hard done by. And then if you're a
David Havili on the outside looking in after seeing six
midfielders selected, you'd be pretty aggrieved as well.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
What does it say about wing stocks or More's the
point the want for Scott Robertson to use players who
can cover many different positions. I don't know if this
has worked entirely well, especially when it comes to do
wingers in midfielders in the past. Are we satisfied with this?
Speaker 6 (06:55):
It does evoke a few historical anxieties, doesn't it dark
when you think about putting square pigs in round holes?
Are getting a wee bit clever with playing players out
of position, particularly at World Cups. We won't go there
tonight and keep everyone, everyone's heart rate at a certain level.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
I'm old enough, I lived through that. You cannot do
this to me again. But this is this is this
not a huge issue. Is this just the nature of
the size of squads and we just have to deal
with it.
Speaker 6 (07:26):
Look, I think I would have liked to have seen
some more specialist wings in the squad. You've only got
sever Rehese and Caleb Clark. And while there is that
that flexibility there, I do see it as a very
specialized position. So I think they are a bit lights
in that departments. But when it comes to the midfields,
I do like the composition of who they've picked. I
(07:49):
like the fact that they are picking big, powerful, destructive
ball carriers to punch over that game line. You've got
Jordy Barrett, quint To Pier and Taatavanaua who is an
absolute tank both over the ball and ball in hand.
So it's a bit of it an experimental feel with
guys like Tather Tavanaha. Bring him in see what he's
(08:11):
capable of. But then you've got someone like Quinta Pye,
who makes a comeback after three years out of the
All Blacks had that horrific knee injury from the dog
Act from Darcy. Swain showed resilience and was an absolute
standout for the Chiefs this year. Very physical, very dominant
on the carry and on defense. So I do like
(08:34):
that departments, but I can't see them carrying six midfielders
for the whole season, so it is going to be
about taking your chances when they arrive.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
So you talk about Rica Yuanni, he started out there.
Many people think that you can't just transform into a center.
You grow up in that position because it's such a
nuanced role. But he's coming and done it in All Black,
done reasonably well, pushing him out to the wing, and
maybe do we see him reverting back to where he
started off? Is this maybe what the on the wall is.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
I think that the All blackswell At the announcement yesterday,
we asked Scott Hansen and Scott Robertson about where they
see Tava tavannahwah and it is predominantly in the midfield
and as a second five. And this is a new
position for him. Largely he's very raw in his transition
from the wing to the midfield. It's only happened this
(09:29):
year really with the Highlanders, so that is a bit
of a punt, particularly from a defensive point of view.
He might may be caught out, but he is a
point of difference. He is built like a tank. He
had the most turnovers in Super Rugby bar No. One,
so obviously Creefy was a freak and Tavavawa had more turnovers.
(09:50):
So if you're injecting a guy like that off the bench,
there's a bit of risk, but there is potentially a
lot of upsides. And just with Rico, I think he's
been a center for a long time now. He's learned
that position, but he is under pressure from a guy
like Billy Proctor, who will see more game time this
year than he did last. And there's also into Lennard
(10:11):
Brown in the squad, so I think you will see
Rico shift out to the wing a lot more this season.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
International rugby is no place to learn your craft in
the midfield. As I said very nuance second five center,
you've got to know what you're doing before you've even
done it. You can't grab the ball and hope and
pass that Tata. There's a real problem here that he
might get hugely exposed in that role by opposition attacks.
(10:39):
Do you have that fear too. Am I just freaking
out for no reason.
Speaker 6 (10:42):
It's a real risk to us. I think second five
you're a wee bit more protected than you are as
a center. As a center, there's so much more space
between you and your winger. You think about, you know,
some of our best defensive backs over the years, they
have been centers, the Conrad Smiths of the world. So
your second five is a bit more protected between your
(11:04):
ten and and center. But look, I think what they'll
do is they'll bring Tather Taverna and I don't see
them playing him in the first test, maybe not this
even the second. Perhaps they'll bring him off the bench
for the third test easim and give them time. But
there is undoubtedly an element of risk. But if you
don't give these guys a chance, then you don't know.
(11:26):
They could have picked David Havili. He's played thirty two
tests in the last four years. They know what they're
going to get. But tav Tavna has that X factor.
He's a bit of a wild card. So they're prepared
to take a bit of a punt and the hope
that he does take the test rugby and provides that
point of difference as far as.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
The rest of the squad is concerned them, Napier his
on Herald joins us. There is also some question marks
over some of the decisions made when he's leaving some
of his so called mates, as the media often describe
it as out of the crusader's side, out of that lineup.
What this says to me, though, is he is willing
(12:07):
to He's willing to throw the dice a bit. In
his second year, he feels like he has the space
to actually do that and he can.
Speaker 6 (12:16):
Yeah, look does I think in his first year Scott
Robinson was very, very conservative in his selections. They blooded
ten rookies last year, the all Blacks. But when push
came to shove, when the pressure came on, they backed
experience in every possible type selection call. And what you're
seeing now is the willingness to be more brave and
(12:40):
bold and I think a clearer picture of how they
want to play. What's important to them, and that really
is about go forward power, a bit of versatility. But
in those type selections you talk about, Ethan Blackheader was
a massive surprise for pretty much everyone that he is
not in this squad, not purely because he's from the Crusaders,
(13:04):
but he has been favored through successive All Black regimes
back to Ian Foster and last year. He's a guy
that's had massive injury troubles, but what's ethan is his
lack of punch his ball carrying. He doesn't have the
same post contact meters as a guy like some of
(13:25):
Penny Female or a Wallace to Titi and the All
Blacks have also, strangely only selected five loose forwards, and
they're prepared to use Scott Barrett and to Guviai as
blindside cover. I think they were looking at a guy
like Simon Parker, the Chiefs loose forward, but he's out
for at least the next month with an ankle injury.
So it is worth keeping in mind that the squad's
(13:48):
thirty two man squad is only for the French series,
and that the All Blacks will pick another squad. So
I think you'll see further change. But you're right some
big calls. You know that there were accusations. I was
one of them that in some of the tight selections,
I felt the All Blacks did favor, you know, some
of the former Crusaders, and I think we saw that
(14:10):
with guys like Schaefie Harckey coming in as a training
partner last year, but that's certainly not the case with
this squad. They've left out George Bauer, who was strong
in the final series. Lucy had prop and picked Olie
Norris from the Chiefs. Ethan Blackhead has been cut David
Heavily another example. So they have certain You certainly can't
accuse the selectors of favoring the Crusaders in this picture.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
And anything else. Selections wives that struck you as a
little oddly and nape you and litill come out. I
who's been picked or who hasn't been picked? Something else
you can look at.
Speaker 6 (14:43):
I think injuries have played a bit of a factor.
You've got guys like Novasa Armoor and Peter Lakeye carrying injuries.
But Brody McAllister was a real bolter, the Chiefs hooker,
former Crusader. He moved up to Hamilton this year and
had a real impact both starting and coming off the bench.
I thought, having invested in I think twenty two to
(15:05):
twenty three year old George Bell last year, that the
All Blacks would have continued that theme. But they've been
impressed by Brody McAllister, so that was a surprise. I'm
really intrigued to see how they bring through these rookies.
Fabian Holland is another one who everyone expected to be
in that squad's He became eligible last year, the first
(15:28):
Dutch born All Black and I think he's a guy
that will make a real impact and I'm really happy
to see do see Carefi in there a real reward
for perseverance. He was first in the All Blacks going
back the best part of five years and has gone
away as matured in the leadership roles with Wellington and
the Hurricanes and been a real standout for them this year,
(15:51):
particularly in that turnover capacity. So when you think about
the composition of the bench bench stars, and you're looking
at potentially bringing guys like Carrefi, Tava tav Nahwa, Fabian
Holland off the bench, there's a bit of a new
emerging breeds there that's could change the dynamic of how
the All Blecks finish games. And that's something they really
(16:11):
need and are looking to target because the four games
they lost last year, they led them all at halftime.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
You no need for the DMO. We've got the breakdown
on Sports Talk Call.
Speaker 5 (16:25):
News Talk.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
Twenty two past seven. Natepier their sport writer rugby writer
for the New Zealand Herald, taking a look into the
team that was named yesterday for the first up series
against the visiting French AB or C side. I'm not
entirely sure what one it is. They'll think they're a
so we should be very very afraid. I got plenty
(16:50):
of cock eyed conspiracy theories around these selections, only a
few of them which will land. Most of them will
be blown out of the sky without a chance. Pesky
buzzards floating around the team that I've launched into the side.
I share some of those worth you eventually, but I
like to hear your theories. What has caused you to
(17:14):
question the selection of this team the most? Is there
any overwhelming theory or set of choices that have left
you going I see something else. It's all very well
looking at the players in their various positions, and those
players fighting each other for positions. I like, ive you
(17:34):
a better player if you've got better numbers, you do
work both sides of the ball. Can you push through?
But but you know what I mean? But bigger, bigger
issues around that, with the nature the setup of the side.
Just going into this series, there is a couple I
would like to hear yours. Oh, eight hundred and eighty
(17:58):
ten eighty. It's a free phone number nationwide. If your
nation indeed is New Zealand, you can text nine two
nine two z b Z to be a standard at
text charge does apply. Looking forward to your calls coming
up next. This is news Talk z B seven twenty
(18:21):
seven Sports Talk is his news Talk zed B. I'm Darcy.
I'd like to chat to you. Eight hundred eighty ten
eighty lines open free for a number nationwide. Not play
a v player, but overarching, what does the selection say
to you about the nature of Scott Robertson's All Blacks.
This is his second shot. Last year he was called conservative.
(18:48):
Last year he was accused, as we touched on with Liam,
of being a bit of a Crusaders fanboy and leaning
into the Red and Black when required, maybe not advancing
as gay across the entire rugby community, but that's understandable.
(19:09):
Is the guy who had a huge amount of success
coach in the Crusader side, so he knows exactly what
he can expect and what he can get out of
the place. So what we've got now is he's starting
to look far and wide. I'm fascinated by a couple
of selections and what they say long term around this team.
(19:40):
I don't know why there are so many midfielders. It
makes zero sense to me. Maybe you can help me
with that. On eight hundred and eighty ten eighty there
are only two wingers. There are other wingers that can
fall into place if necessary. We look at Rico Yowani,
who's been a center with limited success over the years,
(20:02):
never quite completely and utterly nailed that role. Very difficult task,
I think to come into Descender's role from the wing.
Have we seen many, many many times before I make
it succeed well. Jordan can play on the wing, we
know this. Boden Barrett can play at fullback. Damiel McKenzie's
(20:24):
first five. Is this what it's signaling at I think
Rico is going to it, probably doesn't want to play
on the wing again, But I get the feeling when
you look at the side. This is just this is
just a feeling. It's all it is. Challenge this or
bring your own one into it. He's going to be
(20:48):
pushed out wide and he might end up staying out
there with the surfeit of midfield as they have in
that side, you're effective. Not a lot of big, bustling,
brawling midfielders, but midfielders all the same. And you could
look at ap sevy Reese, how long he's got Will
(21:11):
he still be around come the World Cup in a
few years time. You'd expect Caleb Clark would be. Are
they just place savers for Lester Ukel who'll be on
his way back? In fact, his team havesably be knocked out?
Have they over in front? So he'll be back and
(21:31):
be playing a bit of NPC. As soon as he
laces up, he'll be straight into the side. So it's
very much a testing theory this team. Well, I find
it odd ish that someone like Nawa has found themselves
(21:53):
playing in a few positions to great effect. But it
started off with a Hessen the roar and then general
consensus that he carried his entire team for the back
end of that competition. He became less effective. But do
you want somebody learning their trade in the midfield who's
only really just got there, has cut their teeth on
(22:13):
super rugby? Is that entirely smart? Like I'm no coach.
I'm not the all black coach. These are just ideas
and this is what I'm thinking. There's a couple of
thrust here. One Scott Robinson's proving though. I'm not just
going to pick crusaders because when you look at black
(22:35):
at it, who hasn't got the ability to crunch offensively
but defensively he is a monster. The thought around there
wants someone like Finale is going to run through people.
But I would suggest that one of my favorite words
(22:56):
in rugby is discipline, and maybe that's where some openie
might fall over. It's hard to bust through tackles when
you're sitting on the bench right on the naughty box.
So I see this as Baby being a sit down
and a cup of tea for Blackadder so he doesn't break,
and then come the Championship we will see him back
in black again. David Harvilly, you're leaving a guy with
(23:23):
that manna, that experience. You can't not doing it so
purely because this French side is purportedly not going to
be the best side they'll send over. Razor feels like
he's got some space to play jiggery pokery with the
midfield and find out who's got what because he knows
he's got David Harvilly in the background, even to drag
(23:45):
him straight back in again. So we see some crazy
shuffling because he claims that every player is going to
be playing over this three test series. Force Rico back
out to the wing again. Hopefully Will Jordan doesn't find
himself on the wing again. Hopefully we don't have a
(24:09):
situation where we lose a winger or two during the
test series. Eight hundred and eighty ten eighty? Am I
right with any of these Do any of these ideas
reverberate with you? I eight one hundred and eighty ten eighty.
I'm not going to be conservatively more. I'm not just
(24:30):
gonna pick crusaders. I'm gonna play around a heap in
this series against the French and then you'll see the
real All Black team come championship time. Is that Is
that a fair assumption? Let me know. I eight hundred
eighty ten eighty is the sports stock On News Talks, HEB.
We're joined by du Plessy carriffeet. Later on the piece
(24:54):
as we talk about his elevation to the All Blacks.
This is News Talks EBB. Seven thirty seven sports stock
on NEWSTALKSB lots of text traffic. We'd love to hear
your voice, so eight hundred eighty ten eighty talking about
the all black selection and the strange aura floating around
(25:18):
the team, with the nature of the selections, and what
we can gauge out of this, around the drive of
Scott robertson what he wants to achieve by picking a
team like this. Feel free to interrupt with texts without
text anytime that I read through these texts. Blackhead and
(25:41):
Missing is an absolute disgrace, writes this text. It's a
total injustice, especially at the expensive finale. Who seems to
be asleep for sixty of the eighteen minutes when is
a concern of Jordan's injured, we lose more strike power.
Tabat is a big call, but I make with it adventurous.
(26:03):
Surprised to see McAllister o a bell, but obviously I
haven't seen much of either. Toss he's a bit lucky.
Maybe he's there for his humor. He's a right dag
thrilled for head of to PLESSI Carriffe say that to
his face. I imagine love is the third first, five
eighth let's tear those frogs legs off. Thank you, Darcy,
(26:26):
whipp it up. Not many people are going to be interested.
It's just an all black team. Most people are over
it these days. I don't think so. I think there's
still a fascination with the All Blacks. I think we're
still rightly proud of them. I want to see them
do well, and there's more fascination around this when you
think about the turbo boost that Super Rugby had. That
(26:47):
was a phenomenal competition and it ended up with two
powerhouses slugging it out at the top. Although in saying
that wasn't really a slug out, the Crusaders said, well,
we're going to smash you in the front and then we're
going to hoist bombser and see how your coat and
the chiefs didn't Ockham's razor. Yes, indeed, Mars rights Darcy
(27:09):
and I'm not a Crusaders fan, but I'm definitely All
Blacks fan. I was shocked that Blackadded didn't make the team.
The guy's a machine on the field, got no respect
for his body, throwing himself at anyone we knew him
in the All Blacks. Muzz I think he's getting arrest, like,
we're going to try and a look at a few of
these guys see how they go. But you're quite brittle
and you've had a crazy comeback, So maybe just breathe
(27:33):
and we'll look at these new guys or newsh guys,
and we'll see what we can pull out of them.
Definitely haven't seen the end of him. Well I don't
believe so anyway, go to our next text, Skinny rights
tough tother Nawa had a better first season at twelve
(27:55):
and Super Rugby and Sonny Bill Williams did. Possibly as
a few more conspiracies around here are suggesting that maybe
the or Blacks just picked up a tough so he
can't represent fig Hey. I think they've tried it on before.
But this character says it's an ideal time for him
to cut his teeth, see what he can do with
some support and not have to carry his team. And
(28:18):
that's very fair. This guy's still worried about first five.
The Kingsy doesn't handle any sort of pressure. Well, I
keep Barrett there and add another first time like a
Jacob or the Hurricanes one. I think that Ruben Love
is going to end up playing a role in that,
(28:39):
and I know that the Chiefs didn't have the best
time of it over the weekend, but it's in games
like that where your first five stands up and runs
the game. And I didn't see anyone standing up there
except the Crusader's first five, Okay, and that actually be
alarm bells as far as a gift that he is
(28:59):
Damian McKenzie and the mad stuff he can do in
the fact that he proved a lot during the season
when it comes to the crunch where is he? We
found a lot about that over the weekend at the
Super Rugby Final. There are more texts, but I'm not
going to go through them except this one. Honestly, heavily
(29:22):
was average throughout the season. Others deserved ahead of him,
with all due respect, Yeah, I disagree that this guy
is such a solid player. I love having guys like
that in the midfield, so things just don't go pair
shape when there's a bit of pressure on someone who
can deal that. That's him. So he'll be back in
the mix again. I don't see any of his guys
(29:43):
as never coming back. This is proof from Scott robertson
everyone that he's not going to pick Red and Black,
and he's going to be a bit more adventurous than
he was last time around. There might be some maybe
he's bowing to the masses and popularity when it comes
to the top of top of nahwah, couple of players.
(30:08):
I mean, fascinating French series, it really is. I can't
work out how George Dyer has missed selection, writes another
Neil is an obvious starter. George has been the best
tight head this year. Shelfoon should feel hard done by,
but I'm not angry that Holland was picked. Otherwise, Yuanni
(30:32):
and Clark are getting lucky. Yuanni, especially with the depth
of the midfield. He's going to find himself out in
the wing, I swear, And of course Clark can score
try this year. I mean, I didn't help that his
team were in that flash, but so be it. Anyway.
I think whatever we yack to a bloke called Kiffe,
(30:56):
well that's his last name, dupless carrif he you're gonna
stop messing that one up. He's going to join us shortly,
as dupes about his elevation to the All Blacks overdue.
This is news talks.
Speaker 5 (31:06):
He be.
Speaker 3 (31:10):
Coming up shortly. The plas CARRIFFI joins us for that.
Bass has got a word. Hey mate, what do you
got on your mind?
Speaker 4 (31:20):
Evening? Yeah, I just wanted to just comment on the
All Blacks. I think it's a good squad. Really happy
with those five guys that got in. Surprised by Olin
Norris and what's his name, Brady. I'm a Chiefs fan,
so I was quite happy about that. And just with Halverly,
(31:41):
I think he played himself out in that last game
in the final by getting sent off I think that
really sort of sealed us fake.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
I don't agree with you, but if that's what you think, absolutely,
I don't think they would cut a guy from an
All Black side based on one thing in a final
when you look at the work he's done.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Yeah, maybe not maybe not just that thing. But I
think Tupi has been more dynamic. Maybe this year I
really had. You know, he's done well and they got
to a final and won it. But I just think,
you know, he offers a little bit more maybe two player.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
Yeah, I think he's had a really good season. I
ain't complaining about that. Anton Lennet Brown is not around,
Nadawah is in for him, so he might play out wide.
We know George Barrett, we know what he's got. Billy Proctor.
I think the question marks here are possibly well, no
(32:37):
way and now long Rico.
Speaker 4 (32:40):
Goes for Yeah, I'm surprised about Rica. Actually, maybe they
want to send them off, you know, in a good
way or something like that. They give him some more tests,
I'm not too sure, or they want them to usher
the other new guys. And I'm not sure, but I
don't think he deserves to be in there.
Speaker 3 (32:56):
Well, I think he might find himself on a bench
covering wing and center.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, when you look at it like that,
when you look at it like that, yeah, that'll be good,
I suppose. And Ethan Blackett, I don't think he's played
enough this season. You know, if you put him in there,
do a good job. But he just hasn't been out
there enough.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
Indeed, Sorry, I just I just lost process for a
second there, Bears.
Speaker 4 (33:29):
Oh sorry, just with Ethan, I just think he hasn't
played enough minutes this year. That's all.
Speaker 3 (33:39):
Bears. We're going to stop because we're going to be
chatting now to do proceed Carriffy, He joins us. Now
after getting into the All Bucks finally, good evening, dudes.
You've got the big start tomorrow. You're all in camp.
The fun has died down, the selection has died down,
and now it's all about the Marky. You ready for this?
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Yeah, I hope. So obviously a big couple of days
of yeah, with the announcement and a bit of family time,
which has been really nice to reflect and acknowledge. I
guess the step that's happened, but under no illusion all
the hard work and learning and growth is still in
front of us. Also, Yeah, looking forward to it, but
I hope I'm ready.
Speaker 3 (34:19):
I think it would be. You waited long enough, haven't you.
You've been sitting there ready to go, but it's not
worked so much so is that you're nearly upsticked and left?
Speaker 6 (34:26):
Didn't you?
Speaker 2 (34:29):
It was definitely a possibility at a stage there, But yeah,
it's been a lot of definitely taken the long road
around to get to get here, compared to some of
the other boys who make it a lot younger. But
you know, I'm grateful for my journey and I think
I've learned a lot of things along the way. So yeah,
you're right, hoping, I am ready.
Speaker 3 (34:48):
What have you tuned up in the time you've been waiting,
because there'd be a lot of reflection in your path,
in your route, trying to consider what have you done right,
what have you done wrong? A lot of internalization of that,
and then you've got to put it to the outside
and perform. So what's been the biggest thing, any thing
over the years that that's pushed you up to.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
The four that's a really good question. I think the biggest,
biggest area of growth for me personally over especially the
last two two seasons, has just been around consistency. I've
always been able to play, you know, good footy, but
being able to do it week in week out and
be someone's I guess my teammates can rely on has
(35:29):
been a challenge of mine in the past. So yeah,
i'd say that's my proudest area of growth, and I
would say a strength of mine now. Yeah, But you're right,
you know, like a lot of a lot of reflecting
and learning along the way, and often times we don't
have a lot of time to learn, you kind of
each week you're thrust into the public eye to execute
a plan and do a job, and sometimes you don't
(35:49):
do it to you know, the best of your capabilities
and it's under scrutiny. So yeah, learn learns a lot
in public and learns a lot in private, but grateful
for both, I guess. And it's put me in a
good spot now.
Speaker 3 (36:01):
Quite confronting for you two, you know, later in your
late twenties now to work out where you want to
go and what you want to do. Is that an
internal challenge? Was it setting? Was it easy? A man
did that operate?
Speaker 2 (36:14):
I wouldn't say anything's easy. I wouldn't say it's upsetting either.
Just yeah, just I think just always being real clear
on what I've always wanted to achieve, and it's becoming
all back and never losing sight of that no matter
how hard it got or how potentially deflating the situation
became for me. But just understanding that, yeah, it's not
(36:36):
always going to be easy, and sticking to it and
trusting the process. But you know, it's not just me.
I'm extremely grateful and lucky to have amazing people in
my life who who challenge me and keep me grounded
but lift me up when I'm when I'm a little
bit down at times as well. So you're really lucky
for you know, those people in my life who can
often hold me up when when I feel like I'm
(36:58):
not I'm not going to get the job done, but
they can bring me back down to earth real quick
when I'm getting too big for myself. So yeah, yeah,
really grateful.
Speaker 3 (37:06):
As far as this year is concerned. Put your finger
on what's impressed. I don't know if you've talked with
Scott Robertson or any of the coaching staff, but what
do you think you've put down that has made the
All Blacks pick you up? What have you excelled at.
Speaker 2 (37:21):
I think my whole career, my ability to just compete
all the time has always been something I guess I
could I've been able to build my game on, but
be more specific, potentially just my physicality both sides of
the bar, and not just being physical, but being accurate
as well and making plays in a sense that impact
(37:42):
the game and crucial moments. So yeah, there's a I'd
say those two or two and a half are probably
the big ones for me. I haven't quite had that
chat so far with the coaches, but there's definitely something
that was beneficial for us at the Hurricanes, so I
imagine it might be the same for them.
Speaker 3 (37:57):
As far as your teammates and the Hurricanes, all of
your teammates particularly, yet you loose ses Who's been the
most influential do you think in your development?
Speaker 2 (38:07):
Yeah, it's a that's a new one. Actually, haven't been
asked that question. Hard to go past Brad Shields. He's
just he's just an all around quality guy and and
he's been doing it for a long time here at
the Canes and then overseas and now back here at
the Canes and willing to Raby. So really lucky to
spend time alongside him this year and work together and grow. Yeah,
(38:28):
and just learn off him, ask questions and just see
how he operates. Billy Proctor is another one, just the
way that he really quietly goes about his work, but
it's really effective in everything he does. So learns a
lot of how he operates in this in the and
I guess his routines inhabits. Yeah, and then the rest
(38:48):
of the just all of the lucies that the Hurricanes are.
There's a lot of firepower there and some boys are
far more talented than I am. So I'm really lucky,
I guess to be working alongside then week and week out,
and and Yeah, gleaning a couple of things off him
every now and then that can have my own game.
Speaker 3 (39:05):
Are you talking about Billy Proctor? Here's a guy and
not too dissimilar to yourself who has stuck around and
he's applied himself. He's learned his role and quietly he's
gotten better and better and now he's getting the rewards.
So that kind of influence I expect will be quite
motivating for someone like yourself.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Yeah. Look, Bill, he's an east phenomenal bro. Like if
you if you see how he operates every week, you
just you can understand why he's as good as he is. Yeah,
pretty pretty cool. Customer doesn't say a lot, but when
he has something to say, everyone listens because it's usually
on the on the mark. And yeah, he just goes
out every week like most of us do and just
(39:45):
try to nil our own role first and hopefully that
has an impact on the on the player either side
of us. So yeah, part of part of being a yeah,
part of trying to be a great player and teammateers
is helping those around you through your own actions. So
there's definitely a strength of his and something that I
admire in him and have learned.
Speaker 3 (40:02):
From what is with your ball snaffling ability. It's almost
it's like, right since you've started, you just blined for
that thing every time. But were you born hunched over
a ruck trying to pick the ball up?
Speaker 6 (40:15):
Mate?
Speaker 3 (40:15):
It's like you're so natural there.
Speaker 2 (40:17):
Yeah, I'm not sure I was. I was hunched over
a ruck, but I was actually playing half back till
about sixteen seventeen, so I didn't make the switch to
could of forwards until a bit later. Yeah, I just
enjoy just enjoy the ruck. I just enjoyed the competitiveness
of it, the physicality. Put on a little bit of
(40:38):
weight this year, so I feel like I can definitely
hold my own in those in those type spaces. But yeah,
maybe my accuracy. You know, early on I was pretty
viable to give away penalties and that's definitely an area
of growth that I've made over the last few years,
in an area that I'm proud of. And yeah, it's
definitely turned into a strength of not just mine but
the Hurricanes is our ability to turn ball over in
(41:00):
crucial moments. But yeah, I really enjoyed it that part
of it. It's a technical part obviously of everyone watching
in four different rests, so you got to get it
right otherwise you put your team under a lot of pressure.
Speaker 3 (41:13):
My two favorite words in rugby for years were speed
and accuracy. That's been got discipline added to that list
now as well. And that's what you're you're summarizing there. Hey, congratulations,
this is great news for you, for your whole family
and your friends. Really looking forward to seeing what kind
of ruckets you can cause in a black jersey get
amongst jeers.
Speaker 2 (41:33):
Darcy, thank you mate, looking forward to it so we.
Speaker 3 (41:38):
I also found out today deeps, thank you very much.
Duples it's Carriffe. So I actually asked him off he
setting this into you up, said any actually say your
last name kid if he kiddy, he goes Carriffe. I
don't know where the road r came from. So that
he guys done, say your name Duple carriffy nice. Nice,
(42:01):
Thanks very much for your calls, thanks for your texts,
thanks for your ears, and thank you Ans Middlesag. I'm
Darcy Walter Grave. I'll be back again tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (42:13):
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