August 29, 2025 • 8 mins
Peter Lakai is one of a number of All Blacks featuring as part of round five of rugby's NPC ahead of next weekend's test against South Africa.
Lakai joined Adam Cooper to discuss Sunday's Wellington-Auckland match, and where he feels he sits in the All Blacks environment after a recent knee injury.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let's crack on straight into the hour and now in
preview tomorrow's provincial rugby doubleheader at Potty to A Park.
The Wellington Pride underway first against Tartanuki and the Fara
Parma Cup from eleven thirty five and then the Lions
here one from four in the NPC. We're looking to
bounce back when they host Auckland from five past two.
As you'll know, a number of All Blacks have been
(00:20):
released for this match, including Reuben Love and Peter Luckeye
for the Lions who are part of the traveling party
to Argentina. Kyle Preston was named at half back for Wellington,
but that he's been pulled more recently so that indicates
with Courtiers at Artsima battling a bit of a chest injury,
Kyle Preston might be in line to feature for the
All Blacks in that big spring Box Test next weekend.
(00:43):
What an amazing Test debut that could be in terms
of that fixture. Of course, Caleb Clark also has been
battling in an own injury of his own. He's been
named to play for Auckland and that match tomorrow, So
plenty of All Blacks taking part in that game and
one of them joins us. Now Peter Larkey openside Flanka
for Wellington, is with us. And you'll know Peter Luco
had been battling a bit of a knee injury on
(01:04):
the back of Super rugby, missed the All Blacks Tests
against France, but was on the plane over in Argentina
for those two tests as part of the wider traveling party.
So Peter's back getting some minutes ahead of the upcoming
All Blacks Tests and Peter is with us. Morning to you, Peter,
Thanks for your time mates, and yeah, how's it been.
I guess you've clocked up the air miles, but no
(01:26):
rugby for you for the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
How have they played out for you?
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Yeah? Cheers, cheers Adam, Yeah it's been good. Obviously played
the game against before shooting off to Argia and I
spent a few weeks over there and then yeah, now
back back for the Lions this week against Auckland. So yeah,
just looking forward to getting some minutes under my belt.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Yeah, because I guess a lot of people would ask Peter,
you know, what do you get out of being as
part of that All Black squad? What do you even
get up to when you're there? When you when you're
not named in the twenty three for either of those tests.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Yeah, yeah, majority of the time is just tripping aside
as best we can. If we're not in that twenty three,
then we're pripping down for the test on Saturday. So yeah,
that's pretty much all we get up to.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
And you obviously, you know, unfortunately picked up that injury
and at the back end of Super Rugby. How's just
that overall recovery gone? You're back to one hundred per.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, like you said, got injured last game,
I'll quarter final and then spent eight weeks three have
been and then played sixty minutes against Canterbury and then
eighty versus White Heat and then that was my sort
of return to play done and then yeah, obviously now
this this week will be my third game and sort
(02:53):
of sort of three months. So yeah, just looking forward
to getting some some more moments.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
And where do you think all that's left you in
relationship to these Springbok tests coming up, the first of
which is at Eden Park. Of course, Peter in seven
days time, you were a chance for those, whereas you know,
have there been discussions with with the selectors around where
you may sit in relation to that.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
Yeah, I just got to keep keep working, putting my
head down, and yeah, this week's a good opportunity to
to get some minutes in and get my match fittness back.
So yeah, I just got to keep tipping away and
then whatever happens happens, I guess.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Yeah, give us a bit the difference.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
How much more significant for you you're getting back in
that picture as you being out on the park this
weekend at Potty as opposed to, as you said, being
one of the training players for the Abs over there.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Yeah, it's a lot different. You know, finally get to
get to run out and play an actual game, which
is you know, which is exciting. You know, it's you know,
just holding the tackle page. You're actually actually going out
there and playing against live opposition. So you know, I'm
looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
How gutted was the All Blacks team after that that
defeat before the trip home?
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Yeah, pretty gutted. You know, obviously went down to a
strong RG team and you know, we'll obviously take a
few few lessons from that game. But yeah, that's just
the nature of test footy. If you're not at your
best then, you know, at anyone's game. So yeah, we're disappointed,
but you know what, I sport. I sport the next
(04:33):
week with the springbooks coming.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
To end, and just in generally, how was it sitting
in the stands to some what look like incredible atmospheres
over there.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Yeah, yeah, Argentina are a passionate country and yeah the
fans are no different, So yeah they did get pretty
raaldy up there in the stands.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Aside from minutes on the field this weekend.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
How do you think you can put your best foot
forward for for selection comes some of these big tests
over the next few weeks.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Yeah, I just got to stay ready. You know. Obviously
if you're you know on the twenty three, you're prepping
the team, but you know, just staying ready, just as
if someone goes down and then and then you give
your name called. So yeah, for me, it's just controlling
what I can control, and yeah, staying ready.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
And we've seen you named at seven again.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
You've been open sides right through the year so far
when you have played for the Lions. Is that sort
of you know, where you feel your your your best
equipped to again bid bid for the best minutes possible
in the black Jersey.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Yeah, yeah, I'm easy. You know, I could play seven,
seven or eight. I can bounce from from one and
the others. So I'm just yeah, either jersey, whatever number
I'm playing, I'm just looking to impact the game on
both sides of the wall.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Yeah, all right, and back in lines camp now, obviously,
I'm sure there's been some hard work done during the
week after the lost of Mono War two. Tell us,
I guess what the mood and camp has been like
this week since you've been back, And I guess you
know how determined the team is to turn things around.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yeah, if he determined. Obviously got back on Tuesday midnight,
tuose and I've done for a few days. And yeah,
the boys were hurting, you know, obviously back to back losses.
But this week back at home, I can put it
all against the tough, tough Aukland S. Yeah, we'll be
(06:32):
looking at to turn it around and if we get
the result and change our season around.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
A surprised that Auckland's sort of down that lower end
of the table too, that they've got some good players
kind of Clark could be back for them too, Is
it surprising to see that. That's sort of really hunting
for a win. Two.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Yeah, yeah, they're quite similar to us, you know, good
at seven areas of the game, but probably just just
not seeing a few af you please us for the
full eighty And yeah, the dangerous side when they want
to be, so we'll be aware of that.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
And what kind of strengths do you think you're the
Lions can play on now you've got yourself back, You've
got a couple more experienced guys back like Ruben as well.
You know, what kind of strengths can you guys play
on to hopefully get some success.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
We just got to got to back out of the DNA.
You know, we've got five roboss where boss ball carriers
and athletes and our thought back. So we just got
to be on the collision area and and be hungry
off the wall. And yeah, I think I think we
should should get the result of we we see that.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Well, Peter, I appreciate your time, mate, thanks for chatting
and and good to have you back as part of
the Lions team for this game. So go well this
weekend mate, and whatever's it happens selection wise and everything,
all the best for the next couple of.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
Months, Sweet cheer that cheers for more from news talks.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
There'd be listen live on air or online, and keep
our shows with you wherever you go with our podcasts
on a radio
Let's crack on straight into the hour and now in
preview tomorrow's provincial rugby doubleheader at Potty to A Park.
The Wellington Pride underway first against Tartanuki and the Fara
Parma Cup from eleven thirty five and then the Lions
here one from four in the NPC. We're looking to
bounce back when they host Auckland from five past two.
As you'll know, a number of All Blacks have been
(00:20):
released for this match, including Reuben Love and Peter Luckeye
for the Lions who are part of the traveling party
to Argentina. Kyle Preston was named at half back for Wellington,
but that he's been pulled more recently so that indicates
with Courtiers at Artsima battling a bit of a chest injury,
Kyle Preston might be in line to feature for the
All Blacks in that big spring Box Test next weekend.
(00:43):
What an amazing Test debut that could be in terms
of that fixture. Of course, Caleb Clark also has been
battling in an own injury of his own. He's been
named to play for Auckland and that match tomorrow, So
plenty of All Blacks taking part in that game and
one of them joins us. Now Peter Larkey openside Flanka
for Wellington, is with us. And you'll know Peter Luco
had been battling a bit of a knee injury on
(01:04):
the back of Super rugby, missed the All Blacks Tests
against France, but was on the plane over in Argentina
for those two tests as part of the wider traveling party.
So Peter's back getting some minutes ahead of the upcoming
All Blacks Tests and Peter is with us. Morning to you, Peter,
Thanks for your time mates, and yeah, how's it been.
I guess you've clocked up the air miles, but no
(01:26):
rugby for you for the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
How have they played out for you?
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Yeah? Cheers, cheers Adam, Yeah it's been good. Obviously played
the game against before shooting off to Argia and I
spent a few weeks over there and then yeah, now
back back for the Lions this week against Auckland. So yeah,
just looking forward to getting some minutes under my belt.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Yeah, because I guess a lot of people would ask Peter,
you know, what do you get out of being as
part of that All Black squad? What do you even
get up to when you're there? When you when you're
not named in the twenty three for either of those tests.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Yeah, yeah, majority of the time is just tripping aside
as best we can. If we're not in that twenty three,
then we're pripping down for the test on Saturday. So yeah,
that's pretty much all we get up to.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
And you obviously, you know, unfortunately picked up that injury
and at the back end of Super Rugby. How's just
that overall recovery gone? You're back to one hundred per.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, like you said, got injured last game,
I'll quarter final and then spent eight weeks three have
been and then played sixty minutes against Canterbury and then
eighty versus White Heat and then that was my sort
of return to play done and then yeah, obviously now
this this week will be my third game and sort
(02:53):
of sort of three months. So yeah, just looking forward
to getting some some more moments.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
And where do you think all that's left you in
relationship to these Springbok tests coming up, the first of
which is at Eden Park. Of course, Peter in seven
days time, you were a chance for those, whereas you know,
have there been discussions with with the selectors around where
you may sit in relation to that.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
Yeah, I just got to keep keep working, putting my
head down, and yeah, this week's a good opportunity to
to get some minutes in and get my match fittness back.
So yeah, I just got to keep tipping away and
then whatever happens happens, I guess.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Yeah, give us a bit the difference.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
How much more significant for you you're getting back in
that picture as you being out on the park this
weekend at Potty as opposed to, as you said, being
one of the training players for the Abs over there.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Yeah, it's a lot different. You know, finally get to
get to run out and play an actual game, which
is you know, which is exciting. You know, it's you know,
just holding the tackle page. You're actually actually going out
there and playing against live opposition. So you know, I'm
looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
How gutted was the All Blacks team after that that
defeat before the trip home?
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Yeah, pretty gutted. You know, obviously went down to a
strong RG team and you know, we'll obviously take a
few few lessons from that game. But yeah, that's just
the nature of test footy. If you're not at your
best then, you know, at anyone's game. So yeah, we're disappointed,
but you know what, I sport. I sport the next
(04:33):
week with the springbooks coming.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
To end, and just in generally, how was it sitting
in the stands to some what look like incredible atmospheres
over there.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Yeah, yeah, Argentina are a passionate country and yeah the
fans are no different, So yeah they did get pretty
raaldy up there in the stands.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Aside from minutes on the field this weekend.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
How do you think you can put your best foot
forward for for selection comes some of these big tests
over the next few weeks.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Yeah, I just got to stay ready. You know. Obviously
if you're you know on the twenty three, you're prepping
the team, but you know, just staying ready, just as
if someone goes down and then and then you give
your name called. So yeah, for me, it's just controlling
what I can control, and yeah, staying ready.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
And we've seen you named at seven again.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
You've been open sides right through the year so far
when you have played for the Lions. Is that sort
of you know, where you feel your your your best
equipped to again bid bid for the best minutes possible
in the black Jersey.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Yeah, yeah, I'm easy. You know, I could play seven,
seven or eight. I can bounce from from one and
the others. So I'm just yeah, either jersey, whatever number
I'm playing, I'm just looking to impact the game on
both sides of the wall.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Yeah, all right, and back in lines camp now, obviously,
I'm sure there's been some hard work done during the
week after the lost of Mono War two. Tell us,
I guess what the mood and camp has been like
this week since you've been back, And I guess you
know how determined the team is to turn things around.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yeah, if he determined. Obviously got back on Tuesday midnight,
tuose and I've done for a few days. And yeah,
the boys were hurting, you know, obviously back to back losses.
But this week back at home, I can put it
all against the tough, tough Aukland S. Yeah, we'll be
(06:32):
looking at to turn it around and if we get
the result and change our season around.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
A surprised that Auckland's sort of down that lower end
of the table too, that they've got some good players
kind of Clark could be back for them too, Is
it surprising to see that. That's sort of really hunting
for a win. Two.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Yeah, yeah, they're quite similar to us, you know, good
at seven areas of the game, but probably just just
not seeing a few af you please us for the
full eighty And yeah, the dangerous side when they want
to be, so we'll be aware of that.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
And what kind of strengths do you think you're the
Lions can play on now you've got yourself back, You've
got a couple more experienced guys back like Ruben as well.
You know, what kind of strengths can you guys play
on to hopefully get some success.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
We just got to got to back out of the DNA.
You know, we've got five roboss where boss ball carriers
and athletes and our thought back. So we just got
to be on the collision area and and be hungry
off the wall. And yeah, I think I think we
should should get the result of we we see that.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Well, Peter, I appreciate your time, mate, thanks for chatting
and and good to have you back as part of
the Lions team for this game. So go well this
weekend mate, and whatever's it happens selection wise and everything,
all the best for the next couple of.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
Months, Sweet cheer that cheers for more from news talks.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
There'd be listen live on air or online, and keep
our shows with you wherever you go with our podcasts
on a radio
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