June 21, 2024 • 17 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine and D'Arcy Waldegrave for 21st June 2024, Tony Johnson previews the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final
It's the eve of the Super Rugby Pacific final with the Chiefs and the Blues both looking to end their title droughts. Sky Sport commentator Tony Johnson joins the podcast to give his analysis on where both teams need to target in order to be crowned champions.
Plus, Piney joins D'Arcy to discuss who they expect Razor to name in the first All Blacks squad of the year, and can the Warriors bounce back against the Titans
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at b
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix howard By News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
It be Hello and welcome into Friday and a fresh
episode of the Sports Fixed podcast. It is June twenty one.
I'm Jason Pine.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
I'm Darcy waalder Grave.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Huge weekend, Piney, looking forward to this so much, Oh
so am I. I want to break down the Super
Rugby Final with you as we discuss things in the chamber. Also,
if possible, I want to get a couple of your
thoughts on the All Black squad selection. I've got a
couple as well. What have we got in the way
of a guest on the podcast today?
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Tony TJ.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Johnson is our guest man who's covered I don't know
how much Super Rugby and how many Super Rugby finals,
but he'll give us the skinny across both of these
teams heading into what should be we hope an explosive
finals game of rugby. Piney sounds great, let's get into it.
In other news, let's check out some of the big
(01:11):
sports stories around today. Sprinter Zoey Hobbs has cruised to
victory in the one hundred meters at a track and
field meat in Poland.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Cancer pity pressure on Zoey Hopze helps getting into a
running halfwa through.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
The race now sorry Hobbs of New Zealand pulling.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Away with Easey Zoey Hobbs worst the clock.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Just tying up perhaps in the last twenty meters, Zoey
Hobbs posting a meat record eleven point one seven seconds
to beat her rivals from Belgium and Italy to Football's Euros.
And speaking of Italy, they're the defending champions, but that's
suffered their first loss of the tournaments and the hold.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Is beaten in this group fixture right highly Francit Spain
who are well worth the victory.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
In the end, it was an own goal that decided it.
And the Queen's Club Grass Tennis tournaments and the build
up to Wimbledon, British player Jack Draper knocking out defending
champion Carlos Alcarrat in straight sets in the round of sixteen.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
It is victory for Jack's Draper.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Through the biggest one of his.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Trea leading of Vix, We've got just the ticket. It's
sports Vix palled by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Ivy will welcome to the program. To Tony Johnson, I suggest, Tony,
you've commentated more Super Rugby games and more finals than
most of us have had hot dinners. What numbers this one, mate.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Mate, I've got no idea. I think in some way,
shape or form, be it as a commentator, sideline or
presenter or in the case of the Fog final in
christ Urge all three, I reckon probably about twenty. I
was certainly there for the first one, which was nineteen
ninety six. I did that for your fine organization and
(02:55):
caused a bit of a stink on the Monday morning
because unexpectedly the Blues had the final, and I don't
know why, in a throwaway line said something about tickets
being on sale this morning. Well they weren't. They went
on standull lunchtime, and at lunch time there thousands of
people queuing down Sandringham Road waiting for tickets because they'd
(03:16):
heard somebody had on the radio tell them that the
tickets were going on sale at nine o'clock. So yeah,
that was Yeah, that's a long time. It's twenty eight
years ago, now, Darcy.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
That is a while ago. Don't maim you feel so old.
So this weekend this is big. You talk about people
quelling down Sanjingham Road, it probably would have happened if
they had a chance to cube. It was all online.
Forty four thousand odd souls for the Battle of the
bomb Bays. Only had one Battle of the bomb Bays
this season. As it turns out, by chance, they're having
(03:45):
their second one. This is a worthy final.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
Oh absolutely. I know you know a lot of sympathy
for the Hurricanes because they set the pace rights throughout.
They played a phenomenal brand of rugby, But when it
gets to this end of the season, it's all about
who plays the big moments, the big occasions the best.
And I think the Chiefs have done a pretty good
job flying under the radar to a degree. They were
a favorite with a lot of people before it started,
(04:09):
but then all the attention went elsewhere. It went on
the Blues because they were playing this brutally efficient or
efficiently brutal style of rugby. It went on the Hurricanes because,
as I say, they were playing this just fantastic brand
of you know, really I suppose fearless type of rugby.
And of course, at the same time, the Crusaders were floundering,
(04:31):
so the Chiefs just rolled up their sleeves and got
on with it qualified forth. But that's a dangerous spot
to be and as human error or something. I don't know, mate,
you know, it's a hard job to get it right.
But I just think they've got the formula right this year.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
Key matchups, key moments, just as important as each other.
There are some ferocious and talented players right across the
back line, right across the forward pack. I don't know
who to back in this situation. Is there any area
do you think where the match is going to be
really instrumental in the result?
Speaker 4 (05:11):
Tony Well, I think that the Blues have, you know,
increasingly looked to their scrum as a means of gaining
an advantage and in the way that the Crusaders used
to do. And there's some incredible stat that I think
something like forty six percent of the scrums that they
(05:31):
have been involved and have resulted in penalties to the Blues,
mostly off their own ball, but some off the opposition ball.
I mean, that is absolutely that is amazing. So they
are scrumming for penalties and that's the sort of thing
that if they you know, if they If you go
on doing that over the next two or three seasons,
people might start getting a bit tired of it. But
right now it's very effective. So that that's an area
(05:53):
where I think they'll look to gain an exam advantage. Well,
I thought the chief scrum has improved this year. They
stood up pretty well in Wellington last week. As I
mentioned before, I think if the Chiefs have got in
the vantage there, they're probably their breakdown play there, steals
at the breakdown probably a little bit more. And again
just those X factor players in Satiti last week, you know,
(06:17):
McKenzie Nadowa, their ability to spark something out of the ordinary.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Every time you see something with one team where they
might you know, get an advantage, then you look at
the other team and think, well, yeah, but they're better
at that. So that's what makes this such an enticing prospect.
The other thing, I suppose if there's a question mark,
there's a couple of guys that are that are playing
that might have a bit of an injury cloud. I
(06:42):
mean as Patrick Tweplotu, you know he is he really
how deep can he go into the game. Tyrone Thompson
hasn't played more than twenty four minutes in a Super
Rugby match this year. This is the first time he's
starting and they're throwing them in a run on hook s. Stevenson,
he's had that niggolie hamstring and you know issue, so
those little things like that might factor into it as well,
(07:05):
and then of course you know that that will test
depth and they both got pretty strong benches as well.
So mate, I don't know. I can't I honestly can't
pick it. And so the best thing we can do
is have a game and let them decide.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
And as someone who cares neither way, although I am
up in one of the Blues boxes, I just want
to see a terrific game of frug I'm sure that's
what most of us and of course Scott Robinson wants
to see as well. And no injuries and on that
will let you get on with your preparation. Tony Johnson,
as always, thanks for your time and expertise.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Okay, mate, cheers Darcy.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
This is Sportsfix, your daily does of sports news, gowing
By news talks.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Evy Okay, thought with peril as this may be it's
prediction time for the Super Rugby final. Blues Bee Chiefs
tomorrow night and I sold out Eden Park, which incidentally
is absolutely terrific. The Blues are favorites, no doubt, and
for good reason. A lot of things kind of stacked
in their favor. They're at home, they've had an extra
day since they're semi final against the Brumbies, which they
(08:05):
won far more comfortably than the Chiefs brutal Colm Test
against the Hurricanes. The Blues won the last meeting between
the two just three weeks ago. They've got a settled
squad that looks totally in sync and have completely brought
in to Vern Cottter's game plan, and in true Wisaki
Naholo style, they've got their inspirational captain Patrick Twey Pilotu
back from what looked to be a six to eight
(08:26):
week injury after just a fortnight. By contrast, the Chiefs
have lost their number one hooker in summer, Saune tokeiaho
is back up Bradley Slater also under an injury cloud,
and star fallback Sean Stevenson must also be a little
bit of a doubt after pulling out of the semi
last weekend. But even given all of that, the Chiefs
are a chance an absolute chance to win tomorrow night.
(08:49):
Just consider this, They've got the best first five in
the country and Damien Mackenzie driving them around and kicking
all his goals, the calming influence and experience of Anton
Lennet Brown. If Stevenson plays, they've got a deadly back three,
and in Wallace s Titi, he's the breakout star of
Super Rugby this season. And with Luke Jacobson and Summer
Penny fee now they've probably got the better loose forward trio,
(09:12):
only marginally but still probably better. They also say you
have to lose one to win one, and the loss
of the Crusaders and the final at home last season
will still be nagging away at the several players who
are back for another crack this time. As always with
tight contest, this one may well be decided by moments
and by the players who seize those moments rather than
(09:32):
shrinking or shying away from them when they inevitably arrive.
What we definitely have is a fitting finale to what's
been an unpredictable and for the most part, entertaining Super
Rugby season, which might just have a final twist or
two before the silverware is handed out. One thing is
for certain there we know breakdancing from either coach after
the final whistled tomorrow night, Blues by four for me.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Into the Chamber we go. We gather inside the talking box,
as I'm going to call it today, to kick around
some of the sporting issues floating around at the back
end of this week. You've just heard my views on
how tight I think the Super Rugby Final is going
to Beds Blues by four for me, But it wouldn't
be at all surprised if it's the Chiefs to get
up who you got?
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Well, that's so good when you're watching it. You haven't
got any attachment to the Blues or the Chiefs. You
just want a decent game of rugby. And the suggestion is,
even though the Blues are a defensive mind and like
the idea of crunching it up the guts, they really
need to win at home of forty four thousand people.
The Chiefs of course playing a lot more expansive football,
so when they talk about a clash of styles, that's
(10:42):
hopefully what we are going to get. There are weapons
all over the park, in the pack, in the halves. Sorry,
this league terminology I know, and out wide as well.
So I just hope that in this game, both teams
don't seize, both teams don't panic, and I suppose choose
not to lose as opposed to win, because we need
(11:02):
that for Super Rugby. We need that flare, we need
that excitement, we need a great advertisement for Let's face it,
Piney's been fantastic season.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
It has been. I've loved it. I've really enjoyed it.
And often in any sport, as we know, the Grand
Final can offer not live up to expectation. It gets
built up so much, so much hype around about it.
It's the top two teams, it's the season, it's finale,
it's the grand climax, and it sometimes can be a
bit of a fizzle. I get the feeling this one
won't be. I think you're right. There are too many
weapons across both sides, both in the you know, the
(11:33):
big grunter is up front and those with the wheels
and the silkier skills out the back. Plus you know,
a couple of pretty decent first five running cutters for
these two teams for it to be too much of
a of a you know, a canceling each other out
sort of thing. I kind of feel Dars as though
it'll be moments. Like I said just before, it'll be
moments and who seizes those moments, But I just don't
(11:55):
know who that's going to be. There's there's twenty six
guys who good seize the moment there.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Is and I suppose when you look at the clash itself,
the mouthwater and thing about this is this year there
was only one bat on the bomb Bays, wasn't there,
So it's kind of fitting that they do have a
second one, even though it wasn't planned. That's a nice
little touch to this final.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
It also plays nicely into what's going to happen on
Monday afternoon, the selection of the All Black squad, the
first one under the tenure and the watchful eye of
Scott Robertson. A lot of these players who are out
there tomorrow night are going to find themselves in that
list of thirty two. A couple of positions. I'd be
really keen to your thoughts on Dars. What without Aaron
Smith there anymore, and with cam Royguard out with an
(12:38):
injury which is set to keep him out until the
end of year. Tour at least, what are you doing
around our halfbacks for the first part of the international season.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
Well, you can't second guess what Rais is going to do.
He's not that kind of coach. And we know we've
got a Finland Christi krusty, indeed Christy who's been He's
been given that role and is up to that role.
We've seen what he's done with the Blues. That's great.
On the opposite side is courtism, and what I like
about Courti's itama and the way he plays his game
(13:06):
is he's calmed as farm awe, but he's not so
excitable like he used to be. Understands his role, so
there's a chance he rolls in. But of course are
being a cantab and looking at the effect that Nahokam
had when he rocked up to that team, you can't
help but think he might be an outsider. And TJ.
Pettina is going, hold on, what about me, I've got form,
excuse me, don't miss me out. I don't think there'll
(13:26):
be a bolter outside of those. But in that I
think we've got four good, good contenders. I'd say Peinara
and Christy. You've got the inside line. Who takes that
third spot, that's what's up for argument.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Yeah, I find myself nodding my head in agreement, and yeah,
I've loved what I've seen from Noah Hotham. I can't
wait till Roy Guard's back, obviously, because there's a great
little cohort of halfbacks running around at the moment. Who's
your skipper? Who's your skipper of the All Blacks?
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Well, I have to go Scoot, it wouldn't I, Scott Barrett.
I think the relationship between the coach and the skipper
is enormously important. I don't think you can understand that
because when it comes to selecting of players, and you'll
know this as well, it's not necessarily the best players.
It's the players that are going to understand what the
coach wants so they can formulate a team attack and
(14:14):
all buy into that. And I think that is particularly
present when it comes to the captain. And we know
the relationship that Razor has got with Scooter. Listen to
me and my neck names, and I think that'll be
enough to tip it over because he's got to have
trust in his captain to apply what he wants on
the park, especially under pressure. And let's hope that scooter
stops the brain explosions in red cards at important times.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Say no, Look, it's a valid point that you make,
and you know the history doesn't lie. He has had
discipline problems, but he's I think what's important is he
is a nailed on starter in the team, regardless of
whether his captain or not. But as a captain, I
think that's non negotiable. You have to be a nailed on,
(14:58):
rusted on starter and then they chuck the armband on
you just quickly. On the Warriors, the loss of the
storm for the one hundredth time in a rah. Whatever
it is dark last weekend, the Titans are bottom, but
they beat the Warriors on Anzac Day. Surely that not
going to happen again tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
This is what we love about the NRL. Nobody actually
knows on any given Sunday. Sorry, I'm going back to
movie land again, and it is a Saturday night, I know.
But any team can beat any team. What I'm interested
in with the Warriors is the runner. Now they need
thirty odd points to about to qualify for the eight
setting on fifteen. At the moment, they've got a couple
of buyers, including the last round, which is a buyer,
(15:36):
so they know pretty much what they have to do,
and I'd suggest out of the ten games coming out
ten off the top of my head, they're going to
need seven victories maybe six bottom to actually get into that.
So suddenly it's not talking must win games. When it
comes to the lower opposition. It really becomes very important
that they notch those two points every now, because we
don't want a situation where there are mathematical chants again,
(15:59):
now do we.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Did you tell me who you thought would win the
Super RB Final? No, of course I didn't. I'd say
the Blues.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
I think what they experienced when they got crushed by
the Crusaders a cut couple of years ago might be
just too much for the chief But I'll be honest.
I picked the Chiefs about six weeks ago to run
away with everything because I like the way they are building.
But I think under the pressure of the crowd at
Eden Park that they will blossom the Blues and they'll
get the job done.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
We can both agree we're after a fantastic contest. We've
both got the Blues winning narrowly. That is the chamber
for today.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine and
Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
And that is us on another episode of the Sports
Fix podcast and the end of another week. Don't forget
to subscribe though, and the next episode of sports Fix
will drop automatically into your podcast feed and around it
at this time on Monday afternoon and.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Of course over the weekend twelve to three. Weekend Sport
with the Pine Man Saturday Sunday and during the week
Monday through Friday seven till eight in the evening, sports
Talk with the both of us on News Talk zb
AT A cracking weekend and let's hope the weather holes
for Saturday night.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
For more from newstalkzet B, listen live on air or online,
and keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at b
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix howard By News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
It be Hello and welcome into Friday and a fresh
episode of the Sports Fixed podcast. It is June twenty one.
I'm Jason Pine.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
I'm Darcy waalder Grave.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Huge weekend, Piney, looking forward to this so much, Oh
so am I. I want to break down the Super
Rugby Final with you as we discuss things in the chamber. Also,
if possible, I want to get a couple of your
thoughts on the All Black squad selection. I've got a
couple as well. What have we got in the way
of a guest on the podcast today?
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Tony TJ.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Johnson is our guest man who's covered I don't know
how much Super Rugby and how many Super Rugby finals,
but he'll give us the skinny across both of these
teams heading into what should be we hope an explosive
finals game of rugby. Piney sounds great, let's get into it.
In other news, let's check out some of the big
(01:11):
sports stories around today. Sprinter Zoey Hobbs has cruised to
victory in the one hundred meters at a track and
field meat in Poland.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Cancer pity pressure on Zoey Hopze helps getting into a
running halfwa through.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
The race now sorry Hobbs of New Zealand pulling.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Away with Easey Zoey Hobbs worst the clock.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Just tying up perhaps in the last twenty meters, Zoey
Hobbs posting a meat record eleven point one seven seconds
to beat her rivals from Belgium and Italy to Football's Euros.
And speaking of Italy, they're the defending champions, but that's
suffered their first loss of the tournaments and the hold.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Is beaten in this group fixture right highly Francit Spain
who are well worth the victory.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
In the end, it was an own goal that decided it.
And the Queen's Club Grass Tennis tournaments and the build
up to Wimbledon, British player Jack Draper knocking out defending
champion Carlos Alcarrat in straight sets in the round of sixteen.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
It is victory for Jack's Draper.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Through the biggest one of his.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Trea leading of Vix, We've got just the ticket. It's
sports Vix palled by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Ivy will welcome to the program. To Tony Johnson, I suggest, Tony,
you've commentated more Super Rugby games and more finals than
most of us have had hot dinners. What numbers this one, mate.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Mate, I've got no idea. I think in some way,
shape or form, be it as a commentator, sideline or
presenter or in the case of the Fog final in
christ Urge all three, I reckon probably about twenty. I
was certainly there for the first one, which was nineteen
ninety six. I did that for your fine organization and
(02:55):
caused a bit of a stink on the Monday morning
because unexpectedly the Blues had the final, and I don't
know why, in a throwaway line said something about tickets
being on sale this morning. Well they weren't. They went
on standull lunchtime, and at lunch time there thousands of
people queuing down Sandringham Road waiting for tickets because they'd
(03:16):
heard somebody had on the radio tell them that the
tickets were going on sale at nine o'clock. So yeah,
that was Yeah, that's a long time. It's twenty eight
years ago, now, Darcy.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
That is a while ago. Don't maim you feel so old.
So this weekend this is big. You talk about people
quelling down Sanjingham Road, it probably would have happened if
they had a chance to cube. It was all online.
Forty four thousand odd souls for the Battle of the
bomb Bays. Only had one Battle of the bomb Bays
this season. As it turns out, by chance, they're having
(03:45):
their second one. This is a worthy final.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
Oh absolutely. I know you know a lot of sympathy
for the Hurricanes because they set the pace rights throughout.
They played a phenomenal brand of rugby, But when it
gets to this end of the season, it's all about
who plays the big moments, the big occasions the best.
And I think the Chiefs have done a pretty good
job flying under the radar to a degree. They were
a favorite with a lot of people before it started,
(04:09):
but then all the attention went elsewhere. It went on
the Blues because they were playing this brutally efficient or
efficiently brutal style of rugby. It went on the Hurricanes because,
as I say, they were playing this just fantastic brand
of you know, really I suppose fearless type of rugby.
And of course, at the same time, the Crusaders were floundering,
(04:31):
so the Chiefs just rolled up their sleeves and got
on with it qualified forth. But that's a dangerous spot
to be and as human error or something. I don't know, mate,
you know, it's a hard job to get it right.
But I just think they've got the formula right this year.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
Key matchups, key moments, just as important as each other.
There are some ferocious and talented players right across the
back line, right across the forward pack. I don't know
who to back in this situation. Is there any area
do you think where the match is going to be
really instrumental in the result?
Speaker 4 (05:11):
Tony Well, I think that the Blues have, you know,
increasingly looked to their scrum as a means of gaining
an advantage and in the way that the Crusaders used
to do. And there's some incredible stat that I think
something like forty six percent of the scrums that they
(05:31):
have been involved and have resulted in penalties to the Blues,
mostly off their own ball, but some off the opposition ball.
I mean, that is absolutely that is amazing. So they
are scrumming for penalties and that's the sort of thing
that if they you know, if they If you go
on doing that over the next two or three seasons,
people might start getting a bit tired of it. But
right now it's very effective. So that that's an area
(05:53):
where I think they'll look to gain an exam advantage. Well,
I thought the chief scrum has improved this year. They
stood up pretty well in Wellington last week. As I
mentioned before, I think if the Chiefs have got in
the vantage there, they're probably their breakdown play there, steals
at the breakdown probably a little bit more. And again
just those X factor players in Satiti last week, you know,
(06:17):
McKenzie Nadowa, their ability to spark something out of the ordinary.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Every time you see something with one team where they
might you know, get an advantage, then you look at
the other team and think, well, yeah, but they're better
at that. So that's what makes this such an enticing prospect.
The other thing, I suppose if there's a question mark,
there's a couple of guys that are that are playing
that might have a bit of an injury cloud. I
(06:42):
mean as Patrick Tweplotu, you know he is he really
how deep can he go into the game. Tyrone Thompson
hasn't played more than twenty four minutes in a Super
Rugby match this year. This is the first time he's
starting and they're throwing them in a run on hook s. Stevenson,
he's had that niggolie hamstring and you know issue, so
those little things like that might factor into it as well,
(07:05):
and then of course you know that that will test
depth and they both got pretty strong benches as well.
So mate, I don't know. I can't I honestly can't
pick it. And so the best thing we can do
is have a game and let them decide.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
And as someone who cares neither way, although I am
up in one of the Blues boxes, I just want
to see a terrific game of frug I'm sure that's
what most of us and of course Scott Robinson wants
to see as well. And no injuries and on that
will let you get on with your preparation. Tony Johnson,
as always, thanks for your time and expertise.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Okay, mate, cheers Darcy.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
This is Sportsfix, your daily does of sports news, gowing
By news talks.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Evy Okay, thought with peril as this may be it's
prediction time for the Super Rugby final. Blues Bee Chiefs
tomorrow night and I sold out Eden Park, which incidentally
is absolutely terrific. The Blues are favorites, no doubt, and
for good reason. A lot of things kind of stacked
in their favor. They're at home, they've had an extra
day since they're semi final against the Brumbies, which they
(08:05):
won far more comfortably than the Chiefs brutal Colm Test
against the Hurricanes. The Blues won the last meeting between
the two just three weeks ago. They've got a settled
squad that looks totally in sync and have completely brought
in to Vern Cottter's game plan, and in true Wisaki
Naholo style, they've got their inspirational captain Patrick Twey Pilotu
back from what looked to be a six to eight
(08:26):
week injury after just a fortnight. By contrast, the Chiefs
have lost their number one hooker in summer, Saune tokeiaho
is back up Bradley Slater also under an injury cloud,
and star fallback Sean Stevenson must also be a little
bit of a doubt after pulling out of the semi
last weekend. But even given all of that, the Chiefs
are a chance an absolute chance to win tomorrow night.
(08:49):
Just consider this, They've got the best first five in
the country and Damien Mackenzie driving them around and kicking
all his goals, the calming influence and experience of Anton
Lennet Brown. If Stevenson plays, they've got a deadly back three,
and in Wallace s Titi, he's the breakout star of
Super Rugby this season. And with Luke Jacobson and Summer
Penny fee now they've probably got the better loose forward trio,
(09:12):
only marginally but still probably better. They also say you
have to lose one to win one, and the loss
of the Crusaders and the final at home last season
will still be nagging away at the several players who
are back for another crack this time. As always with
tight contest, this one may well be decided by moments
and by the players who seize those moments rather than
(09:32):
shrinking or shying away from them when they inevitably arrive.
What we definitely have is a fitting finale to what's
been an unpredictable and for the most part, entertaining Super
Rugby season, which might just have a final twist or
two before the silverware is handed out. One thing is
for certain there we know breakdancing from either coach after
the final whistled tomorrow night, Blues by four for me.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Into the Chamber we go. We gather inside the talking box,
as I'm going to call it today, to kick around
some of the sporting issues floating around at the back
end of this week. You've just heard my views on
how tight I think the Super Rugby Final is going
to Beds Blues by four for me, But it wouldn't
be at all surprised if it's the Chiefs to get
up who you got?
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Well, that's so good when you're watching it. You haven't
got any attachment to the Blues or the Chiefs. You
just want a decent game of rugby. And the suggestion is,
even though the Blues are a defensive mind and like
the idea of crunching it up the guts, they really
need to win at home of forty four thousand people.
The Chiefs of course playing a lot more expansive football,
so when they talk about a clash of styles, that's
(10:42):
hopefully what we are going to get. There are weapons
all over the park, in the pack, in the halves. Sorry,
this league terminology I know, and out wide as well.
So I just hope that in this game, both teams
don't seize, both teams don't panic, and I suppose choose
not to lose as opposed to win, because we need
(11:02):
that for Super Rugby. We need that flare, we need
that excitement, we need a great advertisement for Let's face it,
Piney's been fantastic season.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
It has been. I've loved it. I've really enjoyed it.
And often in any sport, as we know, the Grand
Final can offer not live up to expectation. It gets
built up so much, so much hype around about it.
It's the top two teams, it's the season, it's finale,
it's the grand climax, and it sometimes can be a
bit of a fizzle. I get the feeling this one
won't be. I think you're right. There are too many
weapons across both sides, both in the you know, the
(11:33):
big grunter is up front and those with the wheels
and the silkier skills out the back. Plus you know,
a couple of pretty decent first five running cutters for
these two teams for it to be too much of
a of a you know, a canceling each other out
sort of thing. I kind of feel Dars as though
it'll be moments. Like I said just before, it'll be
moments and who seizes those moments, But I just don't
(11:55):
know who that's going to be. There's there's twenty six
guys who good seize the moment there.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Is and I suppose when you look at the clash itself,
the mouthwater and thing about this is this year there
was only one bat on the bomb Bays, wasn't there,
So it's kind of fitting that they do have a
second one, even though it wasn't planned. That's a nice
little touch to this final.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
It also plays nicely into what's going to happen on
Monday afternoon, the selection of the All Black squad, the
first one under the tenure and the watchful eye of
Scott Robertson. A lot of these players who are out
there tomorrow night are going to find themselves in that
list of thirty two. A couple of positions. I'd be
really keen to your thoughts on Dars. What without Aaron
Smith there anymore, and with cam Royguard out with an
(12:38):
injury which is set to keep him out until the
end of year. Tour at least, what are you doing
around our halfbacks for the first part of the international season.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
Well, you can't second guess what Rais is going to do.
He's not that kind of coach. And we know we've
got a Finland Christi krusty, indeed Christy who's been He's
been given that role and is up to that role.
We've seen what he's done with the Blues. That's great.
On the opposite side is courtism, and what I like
about Courti's itama and the way he plays his game
(13:06):
is he's calmed as farm awe, but he's not so
excitable like he used to be. Understands his role, so
there's a chance he rolls in. But of course are
being a cantab and looking at the effect that Nahokam
had when he rocked up to that team, you can't
help but think he might be an outsider. And TJ.
Pettina is going, hold on, what about me, I've got form,
excuse me, don't miss me out. I don't think there'll
(13:26):
be a bolter outside of those. But in that I
think we've got four good, good contenders. I'd say Peinara
and Christy. You've got the inside line. Who takes that
third spot, that's what's up for argument.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Yeah, I find myself nodding my head in agreement, and yeah,
I've loved what I've seen from Noah Hotham. I can't
wait till Roy Guard's back, obviously, because there's a great
little cohort of halfbacks running around at the moment. Who's
your skipper? Who's your skipper of the All Blacks?
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Well, I have to go Scoot, it wouldn't I, Scott Barrett.
I think the relationship between the coach and the skipper
is enormously important. I don't think you can understand that
because when it comes to selecting of players, and you'll
know this as well, it's not necessarily the best players.
It's the players that are going to understand what the
coach wants so they can formulate a team attack and
(14:14):
all buy into that. And I think that is particularly
present when it comes to the captain. And we know
the relationship that Razor has got with Scooter. Listen to
me and my neck names, and I think that'll be
enough to tip it over because he's got to have
trust in his captain to apply what he wants on
the park, especially under pressure. And let's hope that scooter
stops the brain explosions in red cards at important times.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Say no, Look, it's a valid point that you make,
and you know the history doesn't lie. He has had
discipline problems, but he's I think what's important is he
is a nailed on starter in the team, regardless of
whether his captain or not. But as a captain, I
think that's non negotiable. You have to be a nailed on,
(14:58):
rusted on starter and then they chuck the armband on
you just quickly. On the Warriors, the loss of the
storm for the one hundredth time in a rah. Whatever
it is dark last weekend, the Titans are bottom, but
they beat the Warriors on Anzac Day. Surely that not
going to happen again tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
This is what we love about the NRL. Nobody actually
knows on any given Sunday. Sorry, I'm going back to
movie land again, and it is a Saturday night, I know.
But any team can beat any team. What I'm interested
in with the Warriors is the runner. Now they need
thirty odd points to about to qualify for the eight
setting on fifteen. At the moment, they've got a couple
of buyers, including the last round, which is a buyer,
(15:36):
so they know pretty much what they have to do,
and I'd suggest out of the ten games coming out
ten off the top of my head, they're going to
need seven victories maybe six bottom to actually get into that.
So suddenly it's not talking must win games. When it
comes to the lower opposition. It really becomes very important
that they notch those two points every now, because we
don't want a situation where there are mathematical chants again,
(15:59):
now do we.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Did you tell me who you thought would win the
Super RB Final? No, of course I didn't. I'd say
the Blues.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
I think what they experienced when they got crushed by
the Crusaders a cut couple of years ago might be
just too much for the chief But I'll be honest.
I picked the Chiefs about six weeks ago to run
away with everything because I like the way they are building.
But I think under the pressure of the crowd at
Eden Park that they will blossom the Blues and they'll
get the job done.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
We can both agree we're after a fantastic contest. We've
both got the Blues winning narrowly. That is the chamber
for today.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine and
Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
And that is us on another episode of the Sports
Fix podcast and the end of another week. Don't forget
to subscribe though, and the next episode of sports Fix
will drop automatically into your podcast feed and around it
at this time on Monday afternoon and.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Of course over the weekend twelve to three. Weekend Sport
with the Pine Man Saturday Sunday and during the week
Monday through Friday seven till eight in the evening, sports
Talk with the both of us on News Talk zb
AT A cracking weekend and let's hope the weather holes
for Saturday night.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
For more from newstalkzet B, listen live on air or online,
and keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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