August 29, 2025 • 9 mins
A potential remedy to one of the All Blacks' Achilles heels in 20-25 is back on the rugby field this weekend.
Wing Caleb Clark returns for Auckland in their NPC match away to champions Wellington, after seven weeks out.
He’s keen to return to the fold as soon as possible, joining Piney to discuss his recovery, his year so far, and his hopes of soon donning the black jersey.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Turn to the rugby field tomorrow. For Caleb Clark when
Auckland played Wellington at Bodydoor Park, he has recovered from
his ankle injury.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Now for Anton Lena Proud through the Old Blacks Panda
Park on half time. McKenzie runs a nice one, makes
up handa park. Clark swerving his way through I would
have made a short and Becky wasn't. He managed to
get over momentum power Payla Park.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
But try this time.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Yeah, I'm sure the All Blacks would love to have
that sort of try scoring ability back at their disposal
next weekend. That's all to come. Caleb Clarke with is
with us on Weekend Sport. Can you just remind us
Caleb how and when the ankle injury occurred?
Speaker 5 (00:53):
O good, good to be on the show.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Yeah, it just happened sort of that week we were
preparing to play France and Wellington sort of that last
big session and yeah, just a little accident on the
training field. Just one of the players just made a
tack when he swung around and collected me on the
other side. So for a couple of ligaments in the ankle.
But now we're now we're back and ready to go.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Good to hear. So what is the recovery mainly consistent
of Caleb? Have you been able to do any any
cardigo for example, get on the bike. Have you been
able to do anything of that sort.
Speaker 4 (01:30):
Yeah, a little bit like that. The first two weeks.
Was pretty much staying offered and lived in a moon
boot for yeah, the first two weeks, but found other
ways to stay fit.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
So the skiater, the salt bike and the grinder became
my three best friends over those weeks. But as soon
as I could get on a lot bike and start that,
then yeah, that's what I did.
Speaker 4 (01:53):
But nothink in a place good old running and good
old rugby. So once I got back on that training
field around week four, then yeah, that really got to
put the work in.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
So was your last game of rugby then at the
end of rugby?
Speaker 6 (02:07):
Yeah, yeah it would have been.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
Yeah that christ shirts.
Speaker 6 (02:13):
Well but yeah, excited and ready to go.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
It seems like a long time ago. Well, great to
have your back. How challenging though, has it been watching
both Auckland and also the All Blacks in the time
that you've been on the sidelines and not being able
to help them out.
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Yeah, like any rugby player would be just just inching
to get out there.
Speaker 6 (02:31):
So did hurt a little bit, but you know, added
a bit more fuel to the fire and being with
the Falkland.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
Side if it's really exciting.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
We've got some young players.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
That are are super talented but just haven't gone the
right results. So I'll find a I've kind of learned
a little bit more get myself and growing myself in
the leader space and trying to just build the confidence
and yeah, just have some fun and get that Internet
back in.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
That is the silver lining I think, isn't it that
you get the chance to go back to your province
and be influential there is that the role that returning
All Blacks are asked to play within their MPC sides
off and here the All Blacks coaches say that you
know you meant to go back into your provinces and
and and lead to be the All Black in that team.
Is that is that the message you've given?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Yeah, yeah, definitely.
Speaker 6 (03:19):
And Commas Razer has just.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Been around only my feet and where I am, So.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
It's the awkward side and just building confidence and having
fun with the boys, and yeah, just just leadership bront
in this team. I look around, there's probably fourth I
said it over there of twenty fourth there. It's a
it's a young side and it's a new, new sort
of way to lead. But I'm really excited and.
Speaker 6 (03:44):
Yeah, just happy to be back there on Sunday.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Be back up on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
During your time on the sidelines, have you had much
contact with Scott robertson the other all Blacks coaches, the
management team, maybe the medical staff as well.
Speaker 6 (03:55):
Yeah, we probably had more contact with medical and the SENC.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
So I had a lot of conmos with Macha who's
the physio, Gilly l Senc and caepe cat cat our muticians,
and then had conversations with some my but Tamady and
Jason and healthy.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
So yeah, it's they've been good keeping contact.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
It's actually be on my hand or playing because I
kept going I said the same thing, they' that's my thought.
Speaker 6 (04:26):
I need to be better at that. But they've been
really good.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Provided you get through tomorrow, okay, then would you theoretically
be ready to play against the spring Box a week
from now?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (04:41):
My my hand is up so now that I'm back
with Awkward, I'm ready to go and just putting my
hand up as best I can. So pretty much that's
down to down to the coaches and how they want
to go, But me personally, my hand is always up
and I'm just ready to go.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Now.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
I'm sure you've had a close eye on the All
Blacks test matches and there's been a lot of chat
about the aerial battle. Winning the aerial battle. How important
that's become in top level right me, not just in
te matches but an All Rugby. Really, how much do
you pride yourself personally, Caleb on that part of your game.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Oh, It's just something that I've developed over the years,
especially you know, it started in the sevens a few
years ago. Leam Barry was the one that Jordan into
myself in will Warbrick and that's sort of whether the
love for the aerial game started. But over the years
I got to work alongside some special people and.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
You know, with the league and a lot of the revenues,
boys just helped define some of that skill. So yeah,
I really enjoyed and it's one of the parts of
the game that I feel like I can sort of
take leading. So yeah, it's now with that rule change
last year, it's just it's become such a key part
of the game and that sort of excites me.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yeah, tell me more about that. How much has that
rule change change things in the aerial battle.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
It's just the fact that you particular anymore and it's
become just a one on one battle. And in the
air I think the team that sort of texter has
more of a chance of getting the ball back. The
favors that team, and yeah, again it's just a massive
momentum shift.
Speaker 6 (06:13):
If you get it wrong, you know, it's a scrum
back to the other team or penalty at work. So
I think, yeah, that real change has made it quite interesting.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
I couldn't remember back to France was probably the first
time when we played the French and we started getting
penalized for it, it started to really show. So yeah,
so it's an interesting one.
Speaker 6 (06:33):
It helps me when I'm chasing the ball there.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
And off the field. Caleb, it's been a challenging time
for you. In June, you pled guilty to dangerous driving
and failing to stop for police. Back in December, how
do you reflect on that incident In the last few
months now.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Yeah, So one of those things that happened in life
for me that I've grown a lot from throughout that time.
Speaker 8 (06:58):
Especially sort of just to hear what the ball was
going to say with probably some of the hardest things
that I've had and to be feared that was happening
all through Super So just sitting it through the unknowns, Bobby,
a big learning curve for me and a victims not
only myself, but my my family and all my loved ones.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
So yeah, so that's the part that's that's grown me
a lot, and now that it's all past, I'm definitely
learned my lesson and just ready to keep being sort
of that positive, politive person in the community, but also
just getting back into rugby, ready to rip.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Well said, Well said. We're all looking forward to seeing
you back out on the field for Auckland tomorrow in
the first instance, Caleb, and who knows a week from now,
maybe in a black jersey as well. All the best
against the Wellington lines and Potado. Thanks for your time today, mate,
Thanks Caleb. Caleb Clark there joining us so yeah, back
on the field. Hasn't played since the final game of
Super Rugby, but ankle injuries I guess you can. You
(07:56):
can keep up with your cardio. As as Caleb said there,
you just hope that he hasn't lost anything in terms
of his ability to jump, because I get the feeling
listening to Break and pauls an hour ago that that's
what South Africa will bring to the Garden of Eden
next Saturday night. An aerial game, a kicking game. Look,
I think there's a huge temptation to bring Caleb Clarke
(08:17):
back into the twenty three at the very least, and
maybe even straight back in depending how he goes tomorrow.
If he gets through tomorrow, Okay, I think you're back,
Caleb Clark in to that eleven jumper next weekend. What
you're doing and around that, I'm not sure, but yeah,
I just think you you know, they know what's coming.
(08:38):
The aerial battle was a huge part of that second
test in particular against Argentina and the first one as well. Actually,
and the All Blacks have said all year it's a
real work on for them, something that they really have
to address. And Caleb Clark has long been regarded as
one of the best when it comes to diffusing high kicks.
(08:58):
So I think the temptation would have to be there,
wouldn't it to bring him straight back in. We will
wait and see the team is named on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to news talks at B Weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Turn to the rugby field tomorrow. For Caleb Clark when
Auckland played Wellington at Bodydoor Park, he has recovered from
his ankle injury.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Now for Anton Lena Proud through the Old Blacks Panda
Park on half time. McKenzie runs a nice one, makes
up handa park. Clark swerving his way through I would
have made a short and Becky wasn't. He managed to
get over momentum power Payla Park.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
But try this time.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Yeah, I'm sure the All Blacks would love to have
that sort of try scoring ability back at their disposal
next weekend. That's all to come. Caleb Clarke with is
with us on Weekend Sport. Can you just remind us
Caleb how and when the ankle injury occurred?
Speaker 5 (00:53):
O good, good to be on the show.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Yeah, it just happened sort of that week we were
preparing to play France and Wellington sort of that last
big session and yeah, just a little accident on the
training field. Just one of the players just made a
tack when he swung around and collected me on the
other side. So for a couple of ligaments in the ankle.
But now we're now we're back and ready to go.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Good to hear. So what is the recovery mainly consistent
of Caleb? Have you been able to do any any
cardigo for example, get on the bike. Have you been
able to do anything of that sort.
Speaker 4 (01:30):
Yeah, a little bit like that. The first two weeks.
Was pretty much staying offered and lived in a moon
boot for yeah, the first two weeks, but found other
ways to stay fit.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
So the skiater, the salt bike and the grinder became
my three best friends over those weeks. But as soon
as I could get on a lot bike and start that,
then yeah, that's what I did.
Speaker 4 (01:53):
But nothink in a place good old running and good
old rugby. So once I got back on that training
field around week four, then yeah, that really got to
put the work in.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
So was your last game of rugby then at the
end of rugby?
Speaker 6 (02:07):
Yeah, yeah it would have been.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
Yeah that christ shirts.
Speaker 6 (02:13):
Well but yeah, excited and ready to go.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
It seems like a long time ago. Well, great to
have your back. How challenging though, has it been watching
both Auckland and also the All Blacks in the time
that you've been on the sidelines and not being able
to help them out.
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Yeah, like any rugby player would be just just inching
to get out there.
Speaker 6 (02:31):
So did hurt a little bit, but you know, added
a bit more fuel to the fire and being with
the Falkland.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
Side if it's really exciting.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
We've got some young players.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
That are are super talented but just haven't gone the
right results. So I'll find a I've kind of learned
a little bit more get myself and growing myself in
the leader space and trying to just build the confidence
and yeah, just have some fun and get that Internet
back in.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
That is the silver lining I think, isn't it that
you get the chance to go back to your province
and be influential there is that the role that returning
All Blacks are asked to play within their MPC sides
off and here the All Blacks coaches say that you
know you meant to go back into your provinces and
and and lead to be the All Black in that team.
Is that is that the message you've given?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Yeah, yeah, definitely.
Speaker 6 (03:19):
And Commas Razer has just.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Been around only my feet and where I am, So.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
It's the awkward side and just building confidence and having
fun with the boys, and yeah, just just leadership bront
in this team. I look around, there's probably fourth I
said it over there of twenty fourth there. It's a
it's a young side and it's a new, new sort
of way to lead. But I'm really excited and.
Speaker 6 (03:44):
Yeah, just happy to be back there on Sunday.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Be back up on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
During your time on the sidelines, have you had much
contact with Scott robertson the other all Blacks coaches, the
management team, maybe the medical staff as well.
Speaker 6 (03:55):
Yeah, we probably had more contact with medical and the SENC.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
So I had a lot of conmos with Macha who's
the physio, Gilly l Senc and caepe cat cat our muticians,
and then had conversations with some my but Tamady and
Jason and healthy.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
So yeah, it's they've been good keeping contact.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
It's actually be on my hand or playing because I
kept going I said the same thing, they' that's my thought.
Speaker 6 (04:26):
I need to be better at that. But they've been
really good.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Provided you get through tomorrow, okay, then would you theoretically
be ready to play against the spring Box a week
from now?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (04:41):
My my hand is up so now that I'm back
with Awkward, I'm ready to go and just putting my
hand up as best I can. So pretty much that's
down to down to the coaches and how they want
to go, But me personally, my hand is always up
and I'm just ready to go.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Now.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
I'm sure you've had a close eye on the All
Blacks test matches and there's been a lot of chat
about the aerial battle. Winning the aerial battle. How important
that's become in top level right me, not just in
te matches but an All Rugby. Really, how much do
you pride yourself personally, Caleb on that part of your game.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Oh, It's just something that I've developed over the years,
especially you know, it started in the sevens a few
years ago. Leam Barry was the one that Jordan into
myself in will Warbrick and that's sort of whether the
love for the aerial game started. But over the years
I got to work alongside some special people and.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
You know, with the league and a lot of the revenues,
boys just helped define some of that skill. So yeah,
I really enjoyed and it's one of the parts of
the game that I feel like I can sort of
take leading. So yeah, it's now with that rule change
last year, it's just it's become such a key part
of the game and that sort of excites me.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yeah, tell me more about that. How much has that
rule change change things in the aerial battle.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
It's just the fact that you particular anymore and it's
become just a one on one battle. And in the
air I think the team that sort of texter has
more of a chance of getting the ball back. The
favors that team, and yeah, again it's just a massive
momentum shift.
Speaker 6 (06:13):
If you get it wrong, you know, it's a scrum
back to the other team or penalty at work. So
I think, yeah, that real change has made it quite interesting.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
I couldn't remember back to France was probably the first
time when we played the French and we started getting
penalized for it, it started to really show. So yeah,
so it's an interesting one.
Speaker 6 (06:33):
It helps me when I'm chasing the ball there.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
And off the field. Caleb, it's been a challenging time
for you. In June, you pled guilty to dangerous driving
and failing to stop for police. Back in December, how
do you reflect on that incident In the last few
months now.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Yeah, So one of those things that happened in life
for me that I've grown a lot from throughout that time.
Speaker 8 (06:58):
Especially sort of just to hear what the ball was
going to say with probably some of the hardest things
that I've had and to be feared that was happening
all through Super So just sitting it through the unknowns, Bobby,
a big learning curve for me and a victims not
only myself, but my my family and all my loved ones.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
So yeah, so that's the part that's that's grown me
a lot, and now that it's all past, I'm definitely
learned my lesson and just ready to keep being sort
of that positive, politive person in the community, but also
just getting back into rugby, ready to rip.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Well said, Well said. We're all looking forward to seeing
you back out on the field for Auckland tomorrow in
the first instance, Caleb, and who knows a week from now,
maybe in a black jersey as well. All the best
against the Wellington lines and Potado. Thanks for your time today, mate,
Thanks Caleb. Caleb Clark there joining us so yeah, back
on the field. Hasn't played since the final game of
Super Rugby, but ankle injuries I guess you can. You
(07:56):
can keep up with your cardio. As as Caleb said there,
you just hope that he hasn't lost anything in terms
of his ability to jump, because I get the feeling
listening to Break and pauls an hour ago that that's
what South Africa will bring to the Garden of Eden
next Saturday night. An aerial game, a kicking game. Look,
I think there's a huge temptation to bring Caleb Clarke
(08:17):
back into the twenty three at the very least, and
maybe even straight back in depending how he goes tomorrow.
If he gets through tomorrow, Okay, I think you're back,
Caleb Clark in to that eleven jumper next weekend. What
you're doing and around that, I'm not sure, but yeah,
I just think you you know, they know what's coming.
(08:38):
The aerial battle was a huge part of that second
test in particular against Argentina and the first one as well. Actually,
and the All Blacks have said all year it's a
real work on for them, something that they really have
to address. And Caleb Clark has long been regarded as
one of the best when it comes to diffusing high kicks.
(08:58):
So I think the temptation would have to be there,
wouldn't it to bring him straight back in. We will
wait and see the team is named on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to news talks at B Weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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