June 10, 2024 • 17 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 10th June 2024, Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee discusses the benefits of having an afternoon kickoff for their semi-final.
The Hurricanes have decided on a 4:35pm kickoff for their Super Rugby semi-final this Saturday. CEO Avan Lee discusses the benefits of the afternoon kickoff time and whether they take into account clashing with other sport codes when it comes to choosing a good kickoff time.
Plus, Elijah Fa'afiu joins the chamber to discuss the Black Caps' woes - and what should the Warriors do when Shaun Johnson returns from his injury?
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talk sed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talk sed B.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello and welcome into a fresh week and a fresh
episode of the Sports Books podcast from Monday, June tenth.
I'm Jason Pine. Good to have you along today on
the podcast. The Hurricanes have chosen four point thirty five
as kickoff time for their Super Rugby semi final on Saturday.
How did that go down with the broadcaster who enjoys
the seven o'clock kickoff and what were the reasons behind
(00:43):
choosing the afternoon kickoff time. Avonlea Hurricane CEO with us
on that Elijah for you, as always on a Monday,
pops into the chamber to kick around a bunch of
sporting issues and some thoughts on the Black Caps and
their ability to bounce back at the T twenty Cricket
World Cup.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Let's get into it in other news.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
As always, let's start with some of the big sports
stories from today. Carlos el Karez has secured his maiden
French Open tennis title.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
He's been in Alexander's ver ev.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
In five sets and paid tribute to his opponent, unbelievable.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
The level that's your playing, the level of war you
your morning every day. I know that you give for
your your heart every day you step on the core.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Pellos el Karez has now won all three of his
Grand Slam finals and A twenty one, the youngest man
to win a major.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
On three different surfaces. A T twenty World.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Cup Cricket thriller unfolded between India and Pakistan and New York.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Different. That's a tremendous come back.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
India won by six runs after being dismissed, but just
one hundred and nineteen and world number one Scotti Scheffler
has claimed victory on the PGA Tours Memorial Tournaments in Ohio.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
If I hold a few more parts, they probably wouldn't
have been a really good round. But I'll say that
a few bounces my way, there are a few bounces
or breaks go my way. They could have looked a
little bit different, But you know, I feel like I
stepped up when I needed to do in.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
The end beating of Vix. We've got just the ticket.
It's sports Fix now. My news talks Ivy on.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
The Sports Fix podcast.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
The final four have been found for Super Rak Pacific
twenty twenty four semifinals this coming weekend. Friday night, five
past seven, the Blues will host the Brumbies at Eden
Park and then on Saturday afternoon four to thirty five
top qualifiers the Hurricanes will take on the Chiefs in
the second semi final. The kickoff time is interesting, four
(02:37):
thirty five rather than five past seven that I know
a lot of people expected that it might be on
Saturday night. Let's bring in Hurricane CEO Avan Lee Evan
who makes the call about the kickoff time Saturday four
to thirty five.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
Did you get to decide that, No, not this week.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
We did last week before the quarterfinal, I would have
said if we win, what did say? If we win,
one semi will be Friday seveno five and the other
one we Saturday seveno five. So they put the top
qualifier at four thirty five on Saturday, which is the
time that we would have picked. Anyway. The Warriors play
(03:16):
after that, so they're trying. You know, obviously they want
people to come to the sky, want people to come
to the ground on Saturday, but they also want them
to watch the Warriors later on. So that's I think
that's the background behind why it's four thirty five. It's
the you know, big rugby game, big league game. How
the people watch both, that's the that's the motivation as
(03:37):
far as I can see.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
So that's so it's Sky's call. They make the call
for a four thirty.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
Yeah, they're a big part of it. Last week it
was our call. We got to choose whatever we wanted.
You know, people tend to watch sport at night more
than they do in the afternoon, so that's just a
big driver for Sky's subscribers and broadcasting model. So that's
been that's been the way it's been for a long time.
(04:05):
They're getting they're obviously better now with afternoon games, which
is which is really encouraging, and they also want big
crowds because it looks better on TV. So you know,
we're really happy that they're willing to have the odd
afternoon game and to have it at the semi finals.
It's just icing on the cake really.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Obviously four thirty five works well for a segment of
you of your fan base, those with the younger children,
for example, who perhaps wouldn't come to a game at
seven o'clock. What about your clubs around the Wellington region, Evan,
who play club rugby on Saturday at you know, mid afternoon.
How are they feeling about a four thirty five kickoff?
Speaker 4 (04:42):
Yeah, I mean that's all done through our relationship with
Wellington Rugby, so they manage all that club rugby in
the region, so they are put in club rugby forward.
They've got one hundred and ninety fixtures on Saturday to
sort of play around with. But you know, the clubs,
the clubs are keen to you know, obviously to play
(05:04):
their club rugby, but also to come to the stadium.
So it's not idea in that regard. But you know,
especially if you didn't change the club rugby kickoff time,
that would be sort of counterproductive. But bringing it forward
to one o'clock means those people can play their games
or support their club and then get down to the
stadium if they want.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
To and can do The players like afternoon games.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Yeah, they love it. I think everyone loves it really,
Like it's a long day. You know, when you get
up at whatever time in the morning to wait around
till seven o'clock at night is actually actually a long day.
And when you finish the game, you've still got an evening,
you know, get home to your kids or your partner
or what have you and have some time with them.
(05:48):
Whereas late game on a sad day, that's your evening gone.
So it's I think it's the best of both worlds,
to be honest, at that sort of four thirty five slot,
do you, at.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
The start of the year budget for playoff games? Do
you think to yourself, Okay, we've got a good team here,
well we might host quarter, we might host a Semidyar.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Factor that into your numbers at the start of the season.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
No, we don't. We never have and I'd be surprised
if we ever will. But it definitely has goals about
where we want to be. We just don't put any
numbers around it. And you know, getting a couple of
big crowds is obviously a real bonus. But I don't
think any of the New Zealand teams budget for finals.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
I know that Wellington Phoenix said, you know, big crowds,
they don't get to keep the gate take unfortunately from
finals matches, but they said big regular season crowds really
made a difference as far as as I think you
do keep the revenue, don't you? From these playoff matches.
How big a difference does that make to your bottom line?
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Oh? Huge? To be honest, it's more expensive to play
a game in the playoffs than it is round Rolin
in terms of stadium cost. You will sort of pay
a fee to the opposition. But no, a semi final
was as massive a final would just be incredible. Really,
But you know, we assen before the whole organization is
(07:12):
focused on Saturday. It's going to take a big job
to beat the Chiefs. So but yeah, the finances from
a semi final are great. Lets you get twenty plus.
It's through positive.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
I bet all the best for a great week. Avan
thanks for joining us on the Sports Fixed podcast that
is avonlea, Hurricanes CEO, ahead of his size's semi final
Saturday afternoon, four thirty five at Sky Stadium.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
This is Sports Fix, your daily dose of sports news,
how in by News talks evy.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
After Saturday's humiliation at the hands of Afghanistan, the black
Caps are very much in Bob the Builder mode at
the T twenty Cricket World Cup. But can they fix it?
And even if they can, will it be enough? The
first point of order is Thursday's game against the Weast Indies.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
It is must win.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
It's effectively knockout lose, and the Black Caps will not
make it through to the next stage. In fact, even
if they win, it might not be enough because only
two of the five teams in each group go through.
So even if New Zealand beat the West Indies more
on that in a sec that might not be enough
if the West Indies then turn around and beat Afghanistan
and those two and US all end up on the
(08:22):
same number of points, because then it comes down to
net run rate, and US losing by so much to
Afghanistan certainly didn't help that anyway. All they can do
is try to win on Thursday. So how well the
bowling was okay on Saturday, the fielding was rarely below
pardo and the batting was terrible and it surely can't
be that bad again, can it. Selection wise, you have
(08:46):
to bring in Rich and Ravendra. Probably Jimmy Nishim is
worth a shot as well. They're kind of all in
with Devin Conway as wicket keeper, even though he clearly
doesn't love it and that broken finger might still be
giving him a bit of grief. Similarly, they kind of
have to stick with Finn Allen now and hope that
his high risk, high reward style pays some dividends for me.
(09:06):
It's Ruch and Ravendra in for Mark Chapman, but they
must be willing to float Rachen anywhere in the top
six is a left hander, and four out of our
top six Alan Williams and Phillips Mitchell are right handed.
So if, for example, Devin Conway gets out first, then
send Rachen in at three to keep that left right
combo going. That's just one small thing, but all in all,
(09:28):
we just have to do everything a whole lot better. Thankfully, Thankfully,
the black Caps have shown an ability to bounce back
from poor results in the past and play a heck
of a lot better next time around. In this instance,
they're going to have to otherwise it'll be our worst
World Cup for quite some time, maybe our worst one ever.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
So can they fix it? I hope they can.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
On the Sports Fix podcast. It's probably the most popular
feature of the Sports Fix podcast, I would say, particularly
on a Monday when we get into the Chamber, joined
by Elijah for you from News Talks, he'd being in
zed Me's Sports News team. I note that you haven't
gone with the white tuxedo for the chamber, Elijah, contrary
to what you were sporting at the Radio Awards on Thursday.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Good to see you, though, good to see you if
I know.
Speaker 6 (10:21):
Unfortunately, no, that was just a one time suits unfortunately,
but I'm glad to be back into the chamber with
you and after another big weekend of sports.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Absolutely well, let's let's have a look at a couple
of the issues floating around today. Just spoken to Avon
Lee on the Sports Fix podcast about the four to
thirty five kickoff for Super Rugby Semi Final number two
Saturday afternoon, when the Hurricanes host the Chiefs. How do
you feel about about a four to thirty five kickoff,
given the fact that you won't be in Wellington to
go to the game. How do you feel about it
(10:51):
as a as a television viewer.
Speaker 6 (10:53):
I honestly think it's the best idea that you could
come up with a your the Hurricanes. I think the
last thing you want if you're the number one seeded
Super Rugby side is to go up against a Warriors
team that's riding a three game hot streak at the moment.
It's probably the ideal to have sports viewers try and
figure out which which games to watch. I think for
(11:14):
the Hurricanes, especially those down in Willington, I think we've
seen this year with Phoenix fans. You know, they're able
to draw a lot of fans. Twenty plus twenty twenty
five thousand plus fans head over to Sky Stadium to
watch games. So I think it's a good core on
the on their end or whoever made the decision to
(11:35):
have the game at four thirty five.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Yeah, I think it's the first time I can remember
where another sporting contest like as you've outlined, the Warriors
who play what seven thirty Saturday night, has been taken
into account. I have always just assumed that these things
happen in isolation, that the you know, whoever gets to
make the decision Sky New Zealand Rugby, the two teams involved,
(11:57):
just think of only themselves. But if it's come into
the conversation that hey there's a Warrior's game on, we
don't want people to have to choose between the two.
Let's have a four to thirty five so then they
can watch that and then watch the Warriors, I think
that's putting the fan at the middle.
Speaker 6 (12:12):
I'm all for it, Yeah, for sure, especially if you're
super rugby and you're trying to find ways to get
more fans up tuning and arriving at the stadium. So
we've seen earlier in the season the Blues and the Hurricanes,
how I guess near perfect that formula was all the
ingredients were their state pup. Tensy at Steak was great crowd,
great weather. So hopefully we see the same thing between
(12:35):
the Hurricanes and in Chiefs this weekend.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
All right, let's go to the Warriors, who take on
the Storm in a blockbuster at Mount Smart on Saturday night. Now,
the last time Sean Johnson played for the Warriors was
in the loss to the Roosters. Since then, they've beaten
the Panthers, the Dolphins, and the Cowboys in consecutive games
with De Mighty Martin in the seven jumper. We don't
know yet what the situation is around Sean Johnson's return,
(12:58):
but do you think he would definitely go back into
that seven jumper when he's fitting available.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
I think if you're the Warriors, if there is any
doubts still over Sean Johnson and his injuries, you have
to have Timity Martin, and I think from my perspective,
I'd rather continue writing the hot hand because Timti over
the last few weeks, during that winnistry has been outstanding,
like he's stepped up in place of Sean Johnson. And
we didn't see this earlier in the season when the
(13:25):
two of them were paired up in the halves for
some reason, Shawn was the lead playmaker. But TIMTI has
really made the half back position his own over the
last few weeks. So if I'm the Warriors, I would
continue writing that hot hand.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
If they go back to the Johnson Martin combination, which
they may well do. Andrew Webster has said, Look, Shawn
Johnson's a special player. I want him in my side.
If they go back to Johnson at seven and Timightty
Martin goes into the sixth jumper, as you've said they
did for you know, six or seven games earlier in
the season with varying degrees of success, how do you
assess Tomighty Martin's ability to take what he's been doing
(14:00):
in the seven jumper into the sixth jumper with Sewan
Johnson back.
Speaker 6 (14:03):
Well, I think it just becomes a balancing act at
that point because Tomidy, he'll obviously have some confidence over
the last few weeks. Shawn's coming back, and he's used
to being that lead playmaker. So I think there's gonna
have to be some sacrifice on Sean's part to allow
Timidy to do his bit on his side of the field.
And I think for the Warriors to sign to sort
(14:24):
of progress forward, they're going to need both Timighty and
Sean to work together and contribute i'd say equally, So
that might have to be a balancing act for for
those two.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
And what about Shanelle Harris de Vita.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
He's worn the six jerday the last two games and
done it pretty well from most observer's accounts. What's his
role to play moving forward?
Speaker 6 (14:45):
I like to have him as that utility off the bench,
I think. I think that was what was initially planned
when he first came back into the side. So it's
quite handy to have someone like Shanew who can easily
slot in as a harves option. But I think i'd
personally keep him in the seventeen, maybe as a utility
option off the bench, and maybe have Wade Egan as
(15:06):
that main hooker option, but if as a backup then
you know she Noew's there on the bench as well,
so that's probably how I would use him.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
Yeah, and they did that with great effect earlier in
the season. I think it was on the he was
in the seventeen jumper against the Raiders, the Knights, the
Rabbit O's. They won all of those games. So yeah,
maybe it's utility value that Chanell Harris Tavita brings from
from now on. We don't, as I say, yet, know
what Shawn Johnson's availability will be like for this weekend's
game against the Storm. Finally, today in the chamber, Elijah,
(15:34):
how are you feeling optimism wise around the black Caps
ability to turn around what was a pretty abject performance
against Afghanistan on Saturday and reverse things and beat the
West Indies and effectively a knockout T twenty game on Thursday.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
I honestly have no faith piny and in the black Caps,
like I think judging off the performance over the weekend,
it looked like the team had just arrived on the
day like with no practice leaning up to the pitch,
and obviously obviously the travel was a bit the joint
with the team, but even then there's probably a few
players he hadn't played cricket since mid feb I think
(16:11):
one of those would be Demon Conway's obviously been dealing
with an injury, but you would have thought a few
of those pairs would have had some warm up games
beforehand at least or something to kind of keep them
in that crickets space. But honestly, the way things have gone,
could they do well as the tournament goes on, Yes,
but I think by then it will be too little
(16:31):
too late. Once you considern rate, net run rate will
be a big factor in deciding who progresses out of
the group stages. So from my point of view, I
just I can't see the black Caps moving on.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Yeah, I tend to agree, as I said earlier in
the podcast, even if they do beat the West and these,
there's still a highly likely scenario under which they don't
make it through. So yep, things are going to have
to change in a hurry. Thankfully T twenty allows things
to change in a hurry out of all the formats,
So let's hope they can turn it around on Thursday.
Always enjoy spending time in the chamber with you, Elijah.
(17:06):
I think we should lock it in and do it
again next Monday.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
Fine dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine
and Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
That is your Sports Fix podcast for another day. A
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Talk zb sport, tune into Sports Talk weeknights between seven
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Speaker 1 (17:36):
For more from news Talks EDB listen live on air
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talk sed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
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Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello and welcome into a fresh week and a fresh
episode of the Sports Books podcast from Monday, June tenth.
I'm Jason Pine. Good to have you along today on
the podcast. The Hurricanes have chosen four point thirty five
as kickoff time for their Super Rugby semi final on Saturday.
How did that go down with the broadcaster who enjoys
the seven o'clock kickoff and what were the reasons behind
(00:43):
choosing the afternoon kickoff time. Avonlea Hurricane CEO with us
on that Elijah for you, as always on a Monday,
pops into the chamber to kick around a bunch of
sporting issues and some thoughts on the Black Caps and
their ability to bounce back at the T twenty Cricket
World Cup.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Let's get into it in other news.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
As always, let's start with some of the big sports
stories from today. Carlos el Karez has secured his maiden
French Open tennis title.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
He's been in Alexander's ver ev.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
In five sets and paid tribute to his opponent, unbelievable.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
The level that's your playing, the level of war you
your morning every day. I know that you give for
your your heart every day you step on the core.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Pellos el Karez has now won all three of his
Grand Slam finals and A twenty one, the youngest man
to win a major.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
On three different surfaces. A T twenty World.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Cup Cricket thriller unfolded between India and Pakistan and New York.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Different. That's a tremendous come back.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
India won by six runs after being dismissed, but just
one hundred and nineteen and world number one Scotti Scheffler
has claimed victory on the PGA Tours Memorial Tournaments in Ohio.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
If I hold a few more parts, they probably wouldn't
have been a really good round. But I'll say that
a few bounces my way, there are a few bounces
or breaks go my way. They could have looked a
little bit different, But you know, I feel like I
stepped up when I needed to do in.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
The end beating of Vix. We've got just the ticket.
It's sports Fix now. My news talks Ivy on.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
The Sports Fix podcast.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
The final four have been found for Super Rak Pacific
twenty twenty four semifinals this coming weekend. Friday night, five
past seven, the Blues will host the Brumbies at Eden
Park and then on Saturday afternoon four to thirty five
top qualifiers the Hurricanes will take on the Chiefs in
the second semi final. The kickoff time is interesting, four
(02:37):
thirty five rather than five past seven that I know
a lot of people expected that it might be on
Saturday night. Let's bring in Hurricane CEO Avan Lee Evan
who makes the call about the kickoff time Saturday four
to thirty five.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
Did you get to decide that, No, not this week.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
We did last week before the quarterfinal, I would have
said if we win, what did say? If we win,
one semi will be Friday seveno five and the other
one we Saturday seveno five. So they put the top
qualifier at four thirty five on Saturday, which is the
time that we would have picked. Anyway. The Warriors play
(03:16):
after that, so they're trying. You know, obviously they want
people to come to the sky, want people to come
to the ground on Saturday, but they also want them
to watch the Warriors later on. So that's I think
that's the background behind why it's four thirty five. It's
the you know, big rugby game, big league game. How
the people watch both, that's the that's the motivation as
(03:37):
far as I can see.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
So that's so it's Sky's call. They make the call
for a four thirty.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
Yeah, they're a big part of it. Last week it
was our call. We got to choose whatever we wanted.
You know, people tend to watch sport at night more
than they do in the afternoon, so that's just a
big driver for Sky's subscribers and broadcasting model. So that's
been that's been the way it's been for a long time.
(04:05):
They're getting they're obviously better now with afternoon games, which
is which is really encouraging, and they also want big
crowds because it looks better on TV. So you know,
we're really happy that they're willing to have the odd
afternoon game and to have it at the semi finals.
It's just icing on the cake really.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Obviously four thirty five works well for a segment of
you of your fan base, those with the younger children,
for example, who perhaps wouldn't come to a game at
seven o'clock. What about your clubs around the Wellington region, Evan,
who play club rugby on Saturday at you know, mid afternoon.
How are they feeling about a four thirty five kickoff?
Speaker 4 (04:42):
Yeah, I mean that's all done through our relationship with
Wellington Rugby, so they manage all that club rugby in
the region, so they are put in club rugby forward.
They've got one hundred and ninety fixtures on Saturday to
sort of play around with. But you know, the clubs,
the clubs are keen to you know, obviously to play
(05:04):
their club rugby, but also to come to the stadium.
So it's not idea in that regard. But you know,
especially if you didn't change the club rugby kickoff time,
that would be sort of counterproductive. But bringing it forward
to one o'clock means those people can play their games
or support their club and then get down to the
stadium if they want.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
To and can do The players like afternoon games.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Yeah, they love it. I think everyone loves it really,
Like it's a long day. You know, when you get
up at whatever time in the morning to wait around
till seven o'clock at night is actually actually a long day.
And when you finish the game, you've still got an evening,
you know, get home to your kids or your partner
or what have you and have some time with them.
(05:48):
Whereas late game on a sad day, that's your evening gone.
So it's I think it's the best of both worlds,
to be honest, at that sort of four thirty five slot,
do you, at.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
The start of the year budget for playoff games? Do
you think to yourself, Okay, we've got a good team here,
well we might host quarter, we might host a Semidyar.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Factor that into your numbers at the start of the season.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
No, we don't. We never have and I'd be surprised
if we ever will. But it definitely has goals about
where we want to be. We just don't put any
numbers around it. And you know, getting a couple of
big crowds is obviously a real bonus. But I don't
think any of the New Zealand teams budget for finals.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
I know that Wellington Phoenix said, you know, big crowds,
they don't get to keep the gate take unfortunately from
finals matches, but they said big regular season crowds really
made a difference as far as as I think you
do keep the revenue, don't you? From these playoff matches.
How big a difference does that make to your bottom line?
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Oh? Huge? To be honest, it's more expensive to play
a game in the playoffs than it is round Rolin
in terms of stadium cost. You will sort of pay
a fee to the opposition. But no, a semi final
was as massive a final would just be incredible. Really,
But you know, we assen before the whole organization is
(07:12):
focused on Saturday. It's going to take a big job
to beat the Chiefs. So but yeah, the finances from
a semi final are great. Lets you get twenty plus.
It's through positive.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
I bet all the best for a great week. Avan
thanks for joining us on the Sports Fixed podcast that
is avonlea, Hurricanes CEO, ahead of his size's semi final
Saturday afternoon, four thirty five at Sky Stadium.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
This is Sports Fix, your daily dose of sports news,
how in by News talks evy.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
After Saturday's humiliation at the hands of Afghanistan, the black
Caps are very much in Bob the Builder mode at
the T twenty Cricket World Cup. But can they fix it?
And even if they can, will it be enough? The
first point of order is Thursday's game against the Weast Indies.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
It is must win.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
It's effectively knockout lose, and the Black Caps will not
make it through to the next stage. In fact, even
if they win, it might not be enough because only
two of the five teams in each group go through.
So even if New Zealand beat the West Indies more
on that in a sec that might not be enough
if the West Indies then turn around and beat Afghanistan
and those two and US all end up on the
(08:22):
same number of points, because then it comes down to
net run rate, and US losing by so much to
Afghanistan certainly didn't help that anyway. All they can do
is try to win on Thursday. So how well the
bowling was okay on Saturday, the fielding was rarely below
pardo and the batting was terrible and it surely can't
be that bad again, can it. Selection wise, you have
(08:46):
to bring in Rich and Ravendra. Probably Jimmy Nishim is
worth a shot as well. They're kind of all in
with Devin Conway as wicket keeper, even though he clearly
doesn't love it and that broken finger might still be
giving him a bit of grief. Similarly, they kind of
have to stick with Finn Allen now and hope that
his high risk, high reward style pays some dividends for me.
(09:06):
It's Ruch and Ravendra in for Mark Chapman, but they
must be willing to float Rachen anywhere in the top
six is a left hander, and four out of our
top six Alan Williams and Phillips Mitchell are right handed.
So if, for example, Devin Conway gets out first, then
send Rachen in at three to keep that left right
combo going. That's just one small thing, but all in all,
(09:28):
we just have to do everything a whole lot better. Thankfully, Thankfully,
the black Caps have shown an ability to bounce back
from poor results in the past and play a heck
of a lot better next time around. In this instance,
they're going to have to otherwise it'll be our worst
World Cup for quite some time, maybe our worst one ever.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
So can they fix it? I hope they can.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
On the Sports Fix podcast. It's probably the most popular
feature of the Sports Fix podcast, I would say, particularly
on a Monday when we get into the Chamber, joined
by Elijah for you from News Talks, he'd being in
zed Me's Sports News team. I note that you haven't
gone with the white tuxedo for the chamber, Elijah, contrary
to what you were sporting at the Radio Awards on Thursday.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Good to see you, though, good to see you if
I know.
Speaker 6 (10:21):
Unfortunately, no, that was just a one time suits unfortunately,
but I'm glad to be back into the chamber with
you and after another big weekend of sports.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Absolutely well, let's let's have a look at a couple
of the issues floating around today. Just spoken to Avon
Lee on the Sports Fix podcast about the four to
thirty five kickoff for Super Rugby Semi Final number two
Saturday afternoon, when the Hurricanes host the Chiefs. How do
you feel about about a four to thirty five kickoff,
given the fact that you won't be in Wellington to
go to the game. How do you feel about it
(10:51):
as a as a television viewer.
Speaker 6 (10:53):
I honestly think it's the best idea that you could
come up with a your the Hurricanes. I think the
last thing you want if you're the number one seeded
Super Rugby side is to go up against a Warriors
team that's riding a three game hot streak at the moment.
It's probably the ideal to have sports viewers try and
figure out which which games to watch. I think for
(11:14):
the Hurricanes, especially those down in Willington, I think we've
seen this year with Phoenix fans. You know, they're able
to draw a lot of fans. Twenty plus twenty twenty
five thousand plus fans head over to Sky Stadium to
watch games. So I think it's a good core on
the on their end or whoever made the decision to
(11:35):
have the game at four thirty five.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Yeah, I think it's the first time I can remember
where another sporting contest like as you've outlined, the Warriors
who play what seven thirty Saturday night, has been taken
into account. I have always just assumed that these things
happen in isolation, that the you know, whoever gets to
make the decision Sky New Zealand Rugby, the two teams involved,
(11:57):
just think of only themselves. But if it's come into
the conversation that hey there's a Warrior's game on, we
don't want people to have to choose between the two.
Let's have a four to thirty five so then they
can watch that and then watch the Warriors, I think
that's putting the fan at the middle.
Speaker 6 (12:12):
I'm all for it, Yeah, for sure, especially if you're
super rugby and you're trying to find ways to get
more fans up tuning and arriving at the stadium. So
we've seen earlier in the season the Blues and the Hurricanes,
how I guess near perfect that formula was all the
ingredients were their state pup. Tensy at Steak was great crowd,
great weather. So hopefully we see the same thing between
(12:35):
the Hurricanes and in Chiefs this weekend.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
All right, let's go to the Warriors, who take on
the Storm in a blockbuster at Mount Smart on Saturday night. Now,
the last time Sean Johnson played for the Warriors was
in the loss to the Roosters. Since then, they've beaten
the Panthers, the Dolphins, and the Cowboys in consecutive games
with De Mighty Martin in the seven jumper. We don't
know yet what the situation is around Sean Johnson's return,
(12:58):
but do you think he would definitely go back into
that seven jumper when he's fitting available.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
I think if you're the Warriors, if there is any
doubts still over Sean Johnson and his injuries, you have
to have Timity Martin, and I think from my perspective,
I'd rather continue writing the hot hand because Timti over
the last few weeks, during that winnistry has been outstanding,
like he's stepped up in place of Sean Johnson. And
we didn't see this earlier in the season when the
(13:25):
two of them were paired up in the halves for
some reason, Shawn was the lead playmaker. But TIMTI has
really made the half back position his own over the
last few weeks. So if I'm the Warriors, I would
continue writing that hot hand.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
If they go back to the Johnson Martin combination, which
they may well do. Andrew Webster has said, Look, Shawn
Johnson's a special player. I want him in my side.
If they go back to Johnson at seven and Timightty
Martin goes into the sixth jumper, as you've said they
did for you know, six or seven games earlier in
the season with varying degrees of success, how do you
assess Tomighty Martin's ability to take what he's been doing
(14:00):
in the seven jumper into the sixth jumper with Sewan
Johnson back.
Speaker 6 (14:03):
Well, I think it just becomes a balancing act at
that point because Tomidy, he'll obviously have some confidence over
the last few weeks. Shawn's coming back, and he's used
to being that lead playmaker. So I think there's gonna
have to be some sacrifice on Sean's part to allow
Timidy to do his bit on his side of the field.
And I think for the Warriors to sign to sort
(14:24):
of progress forward, they're going to need both Timighty and
Sean to work together and contribute i'd say equally, So
that might have to be a balancing act for for
those two.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
And what about Shanelle Harris de Vita.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
He's worn the six jerday the last two games and
done it pretty well from most observer's accounts. What's his
role to play moving forward?
Speaker 6 (14:45):
I like to have him as that utility off the bench,
I think. I think that was what was initially planned
when he first came back into the side. So it's
quite handy to have someone like Shanew who can easily
slot in as a harves option. But I think i'd
personally keep him in the seventeen, maybe as a utility
option off the bench, and maybe have Wade Egan as
(15:06):
that main hooker option, but if as a backup then
you know she Noew's there on the bench as well,
so that's probably how I would use him.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
Yeah, and they did that with great effect earlier in
the season. I think it was on the he was
in the seventeen jumper against the Raiders, the Knights, the
Rabbit O's. They won all of those games. So yeah,
maybe it's utility value that Chanell Harris Tavita brings from
from now on. We don't, as I say, yet, know
what Shawn Johnson's availability will be like for this weekend's
game against the Storm. Finally, today in the chamber, Elijah,
(15:34):
how are you feeling optimism wise around the black Caps
ability to turn around what was a pretty abject performance
against Afghanistan on Saturday and reverse things and beat the
West Indies and effectively a knockout T twenty game on Thursday.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
I honestly have no faith piny and in the black Caps,
like I think judging off the performance over the weekend,
it looked like the team had just arrived on the
day like with no practice leaning up to the pitch,
and obviously obviously the travel was a bit the joint
with the team, but even then there's probably a few
players he hadn't played cricket since mid feb I think
(16:11):
one of those would be Demon Conway's obviously been dealing
with an injury, but you would have thought a few
of those pairs would have had some warm up games
beforehand at least or something to kind of keep them
in that crickets space. But honestly, the way things have gone,
could they do well as the tournament goes on, Yes,
but I think by then it will be too little
(16:31):
too late. Once you considern rate, net run rate will
be a big factor in deciding who progresses out of
the group stages. So from my point of view, I
just I can't see the black Caps moving on.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Yeah, I tend to agree, as I said earlier in
the podcast, even if they do beat the West and these,
there's still a highly likely scenario under which they don't
make it through. So yep, things are going to have
to change in a hurry. Thankfully T twenty allows things
to change in a hurry out of all the formats,
So let's hope they can turn it around on Thursday.
Always enjoy spending time in the chamber with you, Elijah.
(17:06):
I think we should lock it in and do it
again next Monday.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
Fine dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine
and Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
That is your Sports Fix podcast for another day. A
fresh episode drops into your podcast feed and around about
the same time tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe and that
will happen automatically. And if you want more from News
Talk zb sport, tune into Sports Talk weeknights between seven
and eight pm and Weekend Sports Saturday and Sunday from
midday until three.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
For more from news Talks EDB listen live on air
or online and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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