August 29, 2025 • 11 mins
The biggest test of the year is fast approaching.
The All Blacks are set to put their 30-year unbeaten at Eden Park record on the line as they host the Springboks.
Former Springbok Breyton Paulse joined Piney to discuss the first rounds of the Rugby Championship, and what we can expect from next week’s clash.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB Today.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
The biggest Test match of this year and of many
years will take place All Blacks spring Box Eden Park
next Saturday night, five past seven. The undefeated record which
stretches back thirty one years at that ground is well
and truly on the line, with the All Blacks far
from convincing in their first five tests of the year,
(00:34):
the latest of which saw them lose an Argentina for
the very first time. It's a pleasure to welcome into
the show outstanding former spring Box outside back Brighton Paulsa to.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Two merchants.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
Miliainas World tackled there well, Red Bark, greats of Paulsa,
Kumarati Han, Monty's got it came Monty ft Pitasa, Brighton Paulsa.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
What a player now a highly respected rugby commentator and analyst.
Breton Welcome into week in Sport here on news Talk
set be New Zealand, South Africa. Arrive here in New Zealand.
They're already here off the back of a split series
with the Ballabies in South Africa. Did they do enough
on that second Test for you? In Cape town to
convince you they are being to come over here and
(01:21):
win one or both of these Test matches against the
All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Yeah, Jason, I tell you what, thanks for having me.
First of all, I think it's wide open, mate.
Speaker 5 (01:30):
I think the spring Books also are not at the
best place at the moment, considering you know, a couple
of months back when obviously the world champions came into
the international season with a lot of confidence. But unfortunately,
unfortunately the Wallaby's got it right to put a little
bit of doubt into Olmantra and unfortunately, you know, some
(01:53):
of the stall Warts who has been doing it for
Russy Erasmus haven't really come to the party. A few injuries. Also,
it's only offering the course. But I can tell you
one thing. You know, when the Springboks played the All
Blacks and in my opinion, the biggest rowery in modern
day rugby and still is, I think the Springboks will
lift their game another one hundred percent and I do
(02:16):
believe the mighty Oblegs will certainly do that as well.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Before we move on to the series, what on earth
happened at Ellis Park?
Speaker 5 (02:25):
Oh, Jerz, Let me tell you after the game it
was like somebody is somebody has just died in the family.
It was a horrible, horfic, horrible and absolutely it was
like a scary movie that it played off. But you've
gotta give credited to the Wallabies and the way they
came out in the second half, because after eighteen minutes
(02:47):
the Springboks were up and running and it was like
just another day of the office for them, twenty two
five and everybody thought that, wow, you know, another five
points and thank you very much. But let me tell you,
the Wallabies came back and the second out they started
to get. Believe, one interesting state that I that I
found after that game was the box obviously tried to
play the hand of Tony Brown. They tried to, you know,
(03:09):
sort of get a more kicking style of rugby and
try and play the Wallabies off the park. They made
something like two hundred and thirty five passes, which they
haven't done in the last ten years.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
And unfortunately, the Wallabies got their.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Second win, so to speak, and they came out in
the second half and capitalize on one or two mistakes.
And let make me tell you, it was an absolute
disastrous display from the spring Walks in that second half
and thank goodness, you know, we got the win against
the Wallabies a week later and that will certainly give
the spring Walks a little bit of confidence when they
(03:41):
faced the All Bicks next week.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Well, let's talk about game plan then. If that wasn't
successful at Alice Park, that the Tony Brown method, do
you expect them to be more conservative and go back
to that, you know, that that four dominated game plan
that we've come to know so well from them.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
Oh yes, oh yes, because because of the Tony Brown effect,
I think, you know, lessons learned and I think Russia
will park that may be for another couple of months
before we he really goes back to that. I think
we will go back to the old traditional way, you know,
the suffocate and strangle, the bullying of the forwards in
your faces kind of play and and really play a
(04:19):
kicking game.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
You know, that's been really good for us.
Speaker 5 (04:21):
Obviously, you've got guys like Justin Colby who's good in
the air, Damien Willems such a fine look, and Gomo
Zulu is doing well. But I think for me, hundred
Polard again every time when there's a bit of a crisis,
Russi Asmus will always bring back a hundred Polard who
gives a bit of calmness. You know, he's not the
most fascious guy. It gives you the three points, It
gives you control of a game. And obviously with our
(04:43):
forwards in terms of getting physical and getting dominant upfront
in the scrumbs and and and and and and uh
you know, the set pieces. I think that will be
the box going into New Zealand. We we can't play
the old Blacks any other way then, you know, make
it slow, make it messy, and try and get under
the skin.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
The All Blacks. Of course, it's been a big talking
point over here. Brighton lost the aerial battle in the
test matches against Argentina. Is that an area you expect
South Africa to target?
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Yes, they certainly will. They certainly will.
Speaker 5 (05:15):
But let me tell you, you know, I'm I'm a big
fan of Will jordan ISAs feel he reminds me of
a blow called Christian Cullen because we used to play
against Christian Cullen.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Ye know he was he was always the guy we were.
We weren't scared of the late Great Joloo.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
We were most scared of Christin Cullen and I tell
you well, Will Jordan's got that. Will Jordan's got that
same sort of attitude in same field.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
For the game.
Speaker 5 (05:37):
For me, he's such a special player. But do expect
aerial battle. We will kick a lot from Grant Williams
number nine. Obviously the team still need to be selected,
but Grant Williams has been really good with his kicking,
as well as Cobas Rhino on the bench, and then
the likes of hundred Paulart and and and obviously you
know Damion Lender and Jessic Kill They certainly are good
(05:58):
combo in midfield.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
But you know what this one is for the taking
from any kind of team.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
I mean, if I had to put my house, you know,
a bets team on this game, It's hard to tell
because I just feel where both teams are. New Zealand
got the history of the Eden Park. You know they
haven't lost there for how many years? They haven't lost
in so many games, So for me, it's a really
difficult one to call. I mean, you guys are begs
against the wall. We we're not wearing an all cylinders,
(06:25):
So I would say at the moment, you know, it's
it's weighing up to be a classical game come next
week Saturday.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Absolute. Look, you've summarized it perfect perfectly. It's a coin
flip as far as I'm concerned as well, Brighton see
Callis has been cleared to travel to New Zealand. Hapiger
boosters that.
Speaker 5 (06:43):
It's a big boss for the morale of the team.
I mean, you know, see our's presence alone. You know,
he's the kind of guy that he again, he brings
calmness to the team.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
He's inspiring.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
You know, you always create a vibe when when when
those pressure moments arise, and he's absolutely absolutely massive. Whether
he will play next week remains to be seen because
initial you know, medical results shown that he was gonna
be out for four weeks. But massively important for the team,
massively inspirational for the team, and and and certainly just
(07:16):
his presence although he could not you probably would not
play next week, but he's he's training, and just his
presence around the team certainly loves the team.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
About another twenty percent.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
You were on the winning side against the All Blacks
five times I think ninety nine two six among were
they among some of your fondest victories in a Springbok
Jersey beating the All Blacks.
Speaker 5 (07:40):
Absolutely absolutely, Jays, I can tell you one thing, you know,
And he's still the same today. Once a Springbook player
gets the not to play his first game, you quickly
look at the calendar to see where when are we
gonna play the o next, you know, And it's still
like that. I think the respect is so mutual and
and it's it is in off the field. I think
(08:01):
it's a wonderful rivalry has been coming on for years
and and made that long long continual years. Teams were
go through dips and they will go through phases with
new personnel, new coaches. But I'm so happy that Rossie
and Rasmas certainly brought back that rivalry, you know, and
and Razor as well. You can see that he's really
trying hard from an orbit's perspective, to get them back
(08:21):
on track in where you guys belong, as he's obviously
number one or two, you.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Know, for for the most part.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
So for me, it's absolutely messive and always it has
been a privilege. And and those are fond memories that
you just mentioned for me as as a Spinboak player,
those are the ones that I remember.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
And you played against Joonal Long who seven times and
he never scored a try. He never scored a try?
Speaker 3 (08:41):
What's the secret?
Speaker 2 (08:41):
What was the sacred?
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Just hang on, Jayson. I just normally, you know, most
of the times he ran over me.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
But sometimes when I had the opportunity to tackle him,
I just grabbed a leg, you know, and waited for.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
He was such a great guy open field as well. Jayson.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
I certainly have some fond memories, you know, but it's
a wonderful step for us.
Speaker 3 (09:03):
But you know, he's one of the greatest able to
play the game. And I'm so happy you never could
the scord again those against.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Us, Bradon, we can't wait for these. We can't wait
for these test matches in the next couple of weeks.
Thank you so much for joining us across New Zealand
to give us your insight.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
Thank you for having me days and be the best
in win.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
No, indeed, we just don't know who that's going to be. Breighton,
Thanks mate, really appreciate your time. Breton paulsa out of
South Africa. What a champion of a bloke. What a
player he was too man, so quick, but yeah, a
great defender. That's one of the all time great mysterious,
mysterious mystical stance, isn't it Joon Olong who never scored
(09:41):
a try against the Springboks. Crazy. The tab have framed
up odds for this game a week tonight already New
Zealander dollar fifty five, South Africa two forty. I thought
it'd be closer than that. Those odds will change, of
course over the next seven days as teams are named
and the weight of money comes in one while or
(10:02):
the other. But if you want to get South Africa
at two forty you can at the moment. Look, I'm
not saying they won the game. I think the All
Blacks will win the game, but I think the All
Black's going to win every game they play. But that's
the odds at the moment. Incidentally, Australia one forty five
Argentina two seventy for the first of their two test matches,
which is actually before the All Black South Africa game
next Saturday. It's four thirty in the afternoon that game,
(10:24):
so two thirty local time over in Australia. I'm not
quite sure why they've done that, but the Australia Argentina
game is first it's being played in Townsville and then
All Black South Africa. Just to let you know, will
be broadcasting the show from the Kingslander Fine Establishment not
(10:45):
far from Eden Park next Saturday afternoon between midday and three.
If you're in the area, we'd love you to pop
down and say today we'll have a star started lineup
of guests from both sides of the divide, South Africa
and New Zealand going to a ready read the vibe
of the rugby public ahead of what is a massive,
massive test match next Saturday night at Eden Park and
(11:06):
of course live commentary here on News Talks EDBAT and
the postgame show straight away afterwards, and then of course
next Sunday. So look, I don't want to get too
far ahead of ourselves. Still week out, but you're looking
forward to next weekend spending time in and around Eden Park.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to News Talks EDB weekends from midday or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB Today.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
The biggest Test match of this year and of many
years will take place All Blacks spring Box Eden Park
next Saturday night, five past seven. The undefeated record which
stretches back thirty one years at that ground is well
and truly on the line, with the All Blacks far
from convincing in their first five tests of the year,
(00:34):
the latest of which saw them lose an Argentina for
the very first time. It's a pleasure to welcome into
the show outstanding former spring Box outside back Brighton Paulsa to.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Two merchants.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
Miliainas World tackled there well, Red Bark, greats of Paulsa,
Kumarati Han, Monty's got it came Monty ft Pitasa, Brighton Paulsa.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
What a player now a highly respected rugby commentator and analyst.
Breton Welcome into week in Sport here on news Talk
set be New Zealand, South Africa. Arrive here in New Zealand.
They're already here off the back of a split series
with the Ballabies in South Africa. Did they do enough
on that second Test for you? In Cape town to
convince you they are being to come over here and
(01:21):
win one or both of these Test matches against the
All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Yeah, Jason, I tell you what, thanks for having me.
First of all, I think it's wide open, mate.
Speaker 5 (01:30):
I think the spring Books also are not at the
best place at the moment, considering you know, a couple
of months back when obviously the world champions came into
the international season with a lot of confidence. But unfortunately,
unfortunately the Wallaby's got it right to put a little
bit of doubt into Olmantra and unfortunately, you know, some
(01:53):
of the stall Warts who has been doing it for
Russy Erasmus haven't really come to the party. A few injuries. Also,
it's only offering the course. But I can tell you
one thing. You know, when the Springboks played the All
Blacks and in my opinion, the biggest rowery in modern
day rugby and still is, I think the Springboks will
lift their game another one hundred percent and I do
(02:16):
believe the mighty Oblegs will certainly do that as well.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Before we move on to the series, what on earth
happened at Ellis Park?
Speaker 5 (02:25):
Oh, Jerz, Let me tell you after the game it
was like somebody is somebody has just died in the family.
It was a horrible, horfic, horrible and absolutely it was
like a scary movie that it played off. But you've
gotta give credited to the Wallabies and the way they
came out in the second half, because after eighteen minutes
(02:47):
the Springboks were up and running and it was like
just another day of the office for them, twenty two
five and everybody thought that, wow, you know, another five
points and thank you very much. But let me tell you,
the Wallabies came back and the second out they started
to get. Believe, one interesting state that I that I
found after that game was the box obviously tried to
play the hand of Tony Brown. They tried to, you know,
(03:09):
sort of get a more kicking style of rugby and
try and play the Wallabies off the park. They made
something like two hundred and thirty five passes, which they
haven't done in the last ten years.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
And unfortunately, the Wallabies got their.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Second win, so to speak, and they came out in
the second half and capitalize on one or two mistakes.
And let make me tell you, it was an absolute
disastrous display from the spring Walks in that second half
and thank goodness, you know, we got the win against
the Wallabies a week later and that will certainly give
the spring Walks a little bit of confidence when they
(03:41):
faced the All Bicks next week.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Well, let's talk about game plan then. If that wasn't
successful at Alice Park, that the Tony Brown method, do
you expect them to be more conservative and go back
to that, you know, that that four dominated game plan
that we've come to know so well from them.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
Oh yes, oh yes, because because of the Tony Brown effect,
I think, you know, lessons learned and I think Russia
will park that may be for another couple of months
before we he really goes back to that. I think
we will go back to the old traditional way, you know,
the suffocate and strangle, the bullying of the forwards in
your faces kind of play and and really play a
(04:19):
kicking game.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
You know, that's been really good for us.
Speaker 5 (04:21):
Obviously, you've got guys like Justin Colby who's good in
the air, Damien Willems such a fine look, and Gomo
Zulu is doing well. But I think for me, hundred
Polard again every time when there's a bit of a crisis,
Russi Asmus will always bring back a hundred Polard who
gives a bit of calmness. You know, he's not the
most fascious guy. It gives you the three points, It
gives you control of a game. And obviously with our
(04:43):
forwards in terms of getting physical and getting dominant upfront
in the scrumbs and and and and and and uh
you know, the set pieces. I think that will be
the box going into New Zealand. We we can't play
the old Blacks any other way then, you know, make
it slow, make it messy, and try and get under
the skin.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
The All Blacks. Of course, it's been a big talking
point over here. Brighton lost the aerial battle in the
test matches against Argentina. Is that an area you expect
South Africa to target?
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Yes, they certainly will. They certainly will.
Speaker 5 (05:15):
But let me tell you, you know, I'm I'm a big
fan of Will jordan ISAs feel he reminds me of
a blow called Christian Cullen because we used to play
against Christian Cullen.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Ye know he was he was always the guy we were.
We weren't scared of the late Great Joloo.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
We were most scared of Christin Cullen and I tell
you well, Will Jordan's got that. Will Jordan's got that
same sort of attitude in same field.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
For the game.
Speaker 5 (05:37):
For me, he's such a special player. But do expect
aerial battle. We will kick a lot from Grant Williams
number nine. Obviously the team still need to be selected,
but Grant Williams has been really good with his kicking,
as well as Cobas Rhino on the bench, and then
the likes of hundred Paulart and and and obviously you
know Damion Lender and Jessic Kill They certainly are good
(05:58):
combo in midfield.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
But you know what this one is for the taking
from any kind of team.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
I mean, if I had to put my house, you know,
a bets team on this game, It's hard to tell
because I just feel where both teams are. New Zealand
got the history of the Eden Park. You know they
haven't lost there for how many years? They haven't lost
in so many games, So for me, it's a really
difficult one to call. I mean, you guys are begs
against the wall. We we're not wearing an all cylinders,
(06:25):
So I would say at the moment, you know, it's
it's weighing up to be a classical game come next
week Saturday.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Absolute. Look, you've summarized it perfect perfectly. It's a coin
flip as far as I'm concerned as well, Brighton see
Callis has been cleared to travel to New Zealand. Hapiger
boosters that.
Speaker 5 (06:43):
It's a big boss for the morale of the team.
I mean, you know, see our's presence alone. You know,
he's the kind of guy that he again, he brings
calmness to the team.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
He's inspiring.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
You know, you always create a vibe when when when
those pressure moments arise, and he's absolutely absolutely massive. Whether
he will play next week remains to be seen because
initial you know, medical results shown that he was gonna
be out for four weeks. But massively important for the team,
massively inspirational for the team, and and and certainly just
(07:16):
his presence although he could not you probably would not
play next week, but he's he's training, and just his
presence around the team certainly loves the team.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
About another twenty percent.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
You were on the winning side against the All Blacks
five times I think ninety nine two six among were
they among some of your fondest victories in a Springbok
Jersey beating the All Blacks.
Speaker 5 (07:40):
Absolutely absolutely, Jays, I can tell you one thing, you know,
And he's still the same today. Once a Springbook player
gets the not to play his first game, you quickly
look at the calendar to see where when are we
gonna play the o next, you know, And it's still
like that. I think the respect is so mutual and
and it's it is in off the field. I think
(08:01):
it's a wonderful rivalry has been coming on for years
and and made that long long continual years. Teams were
go through dips and they will go through phases with
new personnel, new coaches. But I'm so happy that Rossie
and Rasmas certainly brought back that rivalry, you know, and
and Razor as well. You can see that he's really
trying hard from an orbit's perspective, to get them back
(08:21):
on track in where you guys belong, as he's obviously
number one or two, you.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Know, for for the most part.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
So for me, it's absolutely messive and always it has
been a privilege. And and those are fond memories that
you just mentioned for me as as a Spinboak player,
those are the ones that I remember.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
And you played against Joonal Long who seven times and
he never scored a try. He never scored a try?
Speaker 3 (08:41):
What's the secret?
Speaker 2 (08:41):
What was the sacred?
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Just hang on, Jayson. I just normally, you know, most
of the times he ran over me.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
But sometimes when I had the opportunity to tackle him,
I just grabbed a leg, you know, and waited for.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
He was such a great guy open field as well. Jayson.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
I certainly have some fond memories, you know, but it's
a wonderful step for us.
Speaker 3 (09:03):
But you know, he's one of the greatest able to
play the game. And I'm so happy you never could
the scord again those against.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Us, Bradon, we can't wait for these. We can't wait
for these test matches in the next couple of weeks.
Thank you so much for joining us across New Zealand
to give us your insight.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
Thank you for having me days and be the best
in win.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
No, indeed, we just don't know who that's going to be. Breighton,
Thanks mate, really appreciate your time. Breton paulsa out of
South Africa. What a champion of a bloke. What a
player he was too man, so quick, but yeah, a
great defender. That's one of the all time great mysterious,
mysterious mystical stance, isn't it Joon Olong who never scored
(09:41):
a try against the Springboks. Crazy. The tab have framed
up odds for this game a week tonight already New
Zealander dollar fifty five, South Africa two forty. I thought
it'd be closer than that. Those odds will change, of
course over the next seven days as teams are named
and the weight of money comes in one while or
(10:02):
the other. But if you want to get South Africa
at two forty you can at the moment. Look, I'm
not saying they won the game. I think the All
Blacks will win the game, but I think the All
Black's going to win every game they play. But that's
the odds at the moment. Incidentally, Australia one forty five
Argentina two seventy for the first of their two test matches,
which is actually before the All Black South Africa game
next Saturday. It's four thirty in the afternoon that game,
(10:24):
so two thirty local time over in Australia. I'm not
quite sure why they've done that, but the Australia Argentina
game is first it's being played in Townsville and then
All Black South Africa. Just to let you know, will
be broadcasting the show from the Kingslander Fine Establishment not
(10:45):
far from Eden Park next Saturday afternoon between midday and three.
If you're in the area, we'd love you to pop
down and say today we'll have a star started lineup
of guests from both sides of the divide, South Africa
and New Zealand going to a ready read the vibe
of the rugby public ahead of what is a massive,
massive test match next Saturday night at Eden Park and
(11:06):
of course live commentary here on News Talks EDBAT and
the postgame show straight away afterwards, and then of course
next Sunday. So look, I don't want to get too
far ahead of ourselves. Still week out, but you're looking
forward to next weekend spending time in and around Eden Park.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to News Talks EDB weekends from midday or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio
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