November 11, 2024 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for Tuesday 12 November 2024 - Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney talks about his return for another shot at Super Rugby glory and what will be different this year?
D'Arcy delivers an opinion piece on the fizzer that is Super Rugby team naming day.
Plus, NZ Herald Online Sports Editor Alex Powell joins the panel to discuss New Zealand's biggest race day.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks. It be
follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
It be Why Hello there and welcome on into the
Sports Fixed podcast. My name is Darcy Watergrave edits at Tuesday.
It's the twelfth of November twenty twenty four. Coming up
on this show, Robert Penny's going to join us, remember
the head coach of the Crusaders. Under huge pressure. People
thought he wouldn't keep his job, but he did and
(00:43):
now he's named his team for Super Rugby Pacific twenty
twenty five. Will also be joined by Alex Powell and
the Chamber as we throw around some ideas, some discussion
points and a bit of spittle two around the big
sporting stories of the day. I've got opinion on Super
Rugby Pacific and the launching of the squad naming day underwhelming. Yeah,
(01:06):
I think so that's the plan. It'll be the root
of us. Now, do not get a monks les go
in other news in sport today, this is what happened
all blacks prop Ethan the group is putting his best
for Ford because he's trying to force a record into
the twenty three four Sunday's Test against France. The group,
(01:28):
usually the first choice loosehead, has missed the last two
Tests after being stood down for the England match due
to a breach of team standards. Forward's coach Jason Ryan
insists his card is not marked. Yeah, he was considered
after the English Test that we were awarded form and
that's sometimes just what happens, isn't it. Guys get opportunities,
(01:49):
but been working extremely hard as they all have. Scott
Barrett has stepped down as Crusader's captain. The All Blacks
skipper led the team to four Super Rugby titles, to
take me over from Sam Whitelock in twenty twenty. Coach
Rob Pennies explained their decision ahead of next season.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Street would say it's going to be too challenging for
him to do both jobs.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
You know, it's a big ask doing the All Black job.
Former professional golfer Greg Turner has teed off about the
scope of Stephen Alker's success on the PGA Champions Tour.
The fifty three year olds claimed his second Charles Schwab Cup,
the overall title, having one in twenty twenty two and
finishing runner up last year. Never won on the PGA Tour.
(02:33):
That has wrapped up eight tournament wins since joining the
senior equivalent for those aged fifty plus, he's probably putting
his best on the main tour in his forties, but
with a game that didn't really suit that tour, but boy,
it suits the senior tour.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Of course, they're a little bit shorter, the guys are
a little bit older and who he is quite as far.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Leading of X.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sports VIX powered by
News Talks v.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
We're joined now by the head coach the Crusaders, Rob Penny.
Of course, today all the Super Rugby squads have been
announced for Super Rugby Pacific next year. Rob, welcome to
the program. Cast up than you boys. Who are the
new kids on the block that excite you?
Speaker 3 (03:12):
Yeah, fantastic. Thanks. Without going through them name by name,
there's a number of new faces in there that are
going to contribute, we feel, massively to the environment. It's
going to make it very competitive and very stimulating at
the same time, which is you know, which is a
nice freshness I guess about it.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Of course, not only have you have the new follows.
You've got a very solid core of extraordinary experienced players
as well, who I expect you'll lean on quite heavily
throughout the year.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
On Well, that's the key. Any successful group has critical,
massive experience and talent across it to have success. We
just hope we can have access to those top line boys,
as you're alluding, more regularly than we were able to
last year, and you know they can assist us and
(04:05):
you know, getting some of those clutch moments that we
weren't quite able to get over the line last year.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
How's the condition of all of the players selected? Of
course the ever present specter of injury does hang around.
But how have they started? How are they looking?
Speaker 3 (04:21):
Best of knowledge? You know, the guys over in Europe,
which is I think one or two extras have been
at and over the last forty eight hours, so I
think we've got over a dozen there now. They're in
good shape. There's another four or five coming back from
the New Zealand fifteen games. So we haven't had any
issues that we're aware of, except for Cody's head not
(04:43):
which hopefully that won't be a long term think bread
on Enare's just had do we clean up of a
wrist injury which will preclude him from the first couple
of months of the post Christmas activity, which is a
real shame based, you know, because he had the aco
recovery last year, But looking forward to getting him back
into the mix. But apart from that, we do have
(05:04):
two middle rowers and Jamie Henner had a older recon
and quintin Strange had a peck reattachment, So they won't
they'll be they'll be on the cusp of the first
game availability. Jamie's probably a little bit longer. But yeah,
we've got a couple of little injuries, but hopefully nothing
that's going to be too substantial, unlike last year.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Tell us about the driver behind the selection of your
new crew. What do they do as a unit, not individually,
that smash the way back into the team.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
Across the board, we have seen new faces. There's a
level of experience, depth and breadth that you need in
all positions to cover for the unforeseen, which you alluded
to there around injuries that always occur, the potential for growth.
We've noticed some things and some some of those new
boys that we're really excited about, and in one in particular,
(05:59):
you know, with James O'Connor's edition giving us some real
surety and experience and quality of talent in the inside backs.
You know, should we have a bit of an injury
catastrophe like we had last year, and you know, not
having to compromise Dave Havilli's ability to be the best
midfielder he can be by nudging him up into a
into a closer position than he was. So yeah, we're
(06:23):
excited about the new faces coming in and the competition
that that will provide for us across the board.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Massive review, Robert Penny. At the end of last season,
you and your staff under the blow torch for the
poor performance in the twenty twenty four season. Plainly you
would have learned a lot out of that. What are
the primary takeaways for you and your coaching staff.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
The main takeaways and it was done with a high
degree of integrity, as you'd expect from the Crusaders, and
it was a pleasure to be a part of the
main takeaways were that there were merely many small elements
that ended up with an incremental I guess outcome of
areas that we can be better at across the boarder
(07:08):
and that's not only us as coaches, but in every
area of the professional game. So they you know, without
stipulating in any detail what a few of those might be,
just be rest assured that they were small. They've been
addressed and I'm currently still going to be addressed due
(07:31):
to the fact that it's important for us to nail
those those small margins because the you know, the difference
between success and failure and at this level and sport
as narrow as we know, so we'll be better across
the board and a number of a number of areas.
We're excited about the opportunity to implement those.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Twenty twenty four is a pretty treacherous year for you
and your team, Rob This is your second season, what
it will be, so you've got your feet well and
truly under the desk. Even the support, the very vocal
and prominent support of the likes of CEO Colin Mansbridge
must be enormous for you heading into what will be
well a huge year. And as an understatement.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Without that, as I said, the organized the organization runs
a high integrity model, the highly integrated in the whole
program across the board. You know, when when some people
were calling for radical change and you know, the chopping
block to come out, you know, calm heads, rule day.
(08:38):
We're able to look forward now with a high degree
of positivity, as you say, first year in for me,
first year in for Matt Todd. Again, we've lost one
of our coaching group, which is a great, a wonderful
thing for Tomody Allison to be elevated to the all
black environment. So we've got another another new coach coming
into the environment, so you know, there's a bit of
(08:58):
transition happening. There's a few staff that have been elevated
and were rejoicing that as well, So all those things
taken into consideration. You know, it's really nice to have
an understanding and committed board and management that see the
good work that went on, the hard work that went on,
(09:20):
and the reality is at this level, you don't have
to be far off not to not to, you know,
achieve what you're trying to achieve. And that was the
realization post last season. And I've got some I can
I can guarantee on your show, Darcy will be better
for it.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Rob Penny, and thanks for your time. And it's a
while before things get underway, but I think with the
style of the team that you've got it should be
smelling success.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, news talk.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
So for Rugby Pacific launched on the unsuspecting, actually the
very suspecting public today. The names of their squads to
compete in next year's competition. Wasn't exactly an explosive announcement
and granted some of the big names that are changing
teams or being introduced into teams. I'm looking at Ardisavi,
(10:15):
at James O'Connor for example. We knew it was going
to happen. That bubble had already been burst when the
announcements were made, so there was little of substance, little
of storyline. When it comes to announcing the teams that
will compete. This should be a big day. This should
be a red letter day. I know they've got it right.
(10:37):
As they release each team, they stagger them out an
hour after hour after hour to make it easier for
us in the media to deal with it and announce
the teams as they come. Everybody has their time in
the sun, but that's all that's done. There's no other
reason for us to look forward, to salivate and to
celebrate the natures of our team it just seems a
(10:59):
bit wet, a bit limp. Now, I'm not a marketing
and New zeal And Rugby aren't paying me to come
up with a master plan. But you would think with
their major product outside of international rugby, somebody would come
up with some kind of song or dance or concept
or idea or controversy or storyline or I don't know,
(11:24):
but something that makes this a day to celebrate Super
Rugby Pacific and all that it stands for and everything
that the fans are looking forward to. It's in your
court now, nz are. This is your premiere competition. This
is your advertisement for the international game. This is how
(11:44):
you get the juices following in the fan base. And
just announcing a team an hour after an hour after
an hour, with no storyline, no fanfare, no fun, no
reason to look forward to. You're really dropping the ball.
May you pick it up and run with it?
Speaker 1 (12:02):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
Step into the chamber. Alex Powe is the digital sport
editor for New Zealand Herald. He joins us now he's
looking as sad as I am. There no Formula one
this weekend either, mate. This is an absolute tragedy. I'm
not supposed to talk about this, but are you glune?
Are you hanging in there?
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Only a week to go, mate, Only another week to
get through and then we're back.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
All right, then we breathe right, let's get the super
rugby that is the flavor of the day. The sides
announced today? Is this the more song and dance required? Mean,
that's pretty flat. They staggered the announcement, so I suppose
the media can get their eyes and hands and mouths
around what's going on. But but that's it.
Speaker 4 (12:42):
It's a bit flat, isn't it that it does. It's
just underwhelming.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
You know.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
We know because of the way the contracts work with
the New Zealand Rugby that they're all central anyway, so
we've more or less got an idea who's where Before
you might get the odd guy from the NBC to
get picked up. I mean the big one was Sardi
Savia and that was announced months ago.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Well what about James O'Connor Again, that was announced months ago.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
And that wasn't announced. That was broken only confirmed it
because someone said, hey, have you signed James O'Connor And
that person was newgzbes Neck barely on your neck.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Well done. It's hard to keep a secret though in
this area because as you said, it's so small New
Zealand Rugby. Everyone knows each other. We're only an hour's
plane flight from anywhere, so it does make it difficult.
Can they do anything though.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Well, that's the issue because it's centrally contracted, and that's
where news on Rugby's had its made advantage because you
look at what goes on in England and the you know,
England Rugby says to the clubs you can't play him
this weekend. They needs a break in. The clubs go
back and say, well, who are you? We're the one
paying his wages. Whereas what we have is where all
the clubs are mostly owned by New Zealand Rugby, they
can get the bigger picture of you. But this is
the shortfall of it, is that it's not very entertaining
(13:51):
in this sense because they're all run by the same
people who have the same agenda.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Well, I suppose it's a turd, and if they roll
it glitter and glitter, we'll all still know it's a
turd because it's just an announcement. So am I asking
too much? I just feel like this is their major
comp petition, not international. This is the one that they
really should be lighting the touch paper and going, hey,
look at what we've got. Am I right or not?
Speaker 4 (14:16):
I's the one thing that I think would completely change
it as complete freedom of movement between all clubs. You know,
Biden Barrett's gone to the Warrior Tars, no way. You know,
Harry Wilson's come to the Urricanes. What is replacing you know,
imagine that where there's who knows if the fans will
get on board in the same way that I would,
But I think that would completely change that competition.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Could they keep it under wraps though, up until the
day and then your release and go well here's what's
happening here and goes wow, you're kidding there, You've got that.
It's possible they can keep it.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
See looks, I don't think the good.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
They so a dance off firecrackers show. I know there's
nothing they can do ready to add to it?
Speaker 3 (14:59):
Is there?
Speaker 1 (14:59):
No?
Speaker 4 (14:59):
Super Rugby is not about the players who get signed
and come through unless someone comes back. I mean, arguably,
what's the best signing today is it Solomon l A
Marlock coming back from the NRL.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Maybe we see what the NRL does for players. Just
take a look at Old Mate over the weekend too. Wow, Sole,
that was stunning. But we're not need to talk about Odsie.
Let's move on. Auckland have got two Super Rugby sides.
We're well aware of this. We've got Auckland the champions,
the Blues. I might add I have to say that
I'm still bitter, but that's okay. They've got the title
(15:30):
and you've got Mowana Pussyficker big enough for two teams.
Auckland as a city.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
I mean, I think we're still learning what mo Onea
Pacifica can be and what they need to be.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Do they even know what they are?
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Well, i'd argue yeah they do, but they are still
finding their feet. Artie sa they're going there as a
huge domino to fall, but they cannot rest on that.
They need to build. You know, it's not about Artist,
It's about the next one, and after that's about the
next one.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
So as far as though appealing to the masses and
taking eyeballs and bums away from the Blues, it's a
hard task because we don't know what they stand for,
we don't know who they are. Their home ground is
miles away from their support base, and it's an awful
ground to boot. They've had no success that what is
(16:20):
to happen one is to click and to get actually
make this work. Is it as simple as getting marquee players?
Will that put bums on scene?
Speaker 4 (16:26):
I think it will help, all right? People love a winner.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
Let's not forget Auckland as the largest Pacific city in
the world. You know, there will not be any shortage
of possible fans. But it's about, like you say, engaging them.
How do they make them connect with us?
Speaker 2 (16:40):
You know?
Speaker 4 (16:41):
And I say us as mine and Pacifica not not
ends in me. But no, that that is a challenge
that there might It's not gonna be an overnight fix.
You know, we're comparing them to the Blues, the Hurricanes,
the Chiefs, the huns crews, who have had decades to
build their support bases and their identities, and now they're
being compared to more in Pacifica, who are what four
(17:01):
years in.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
There's support base isn't on the north shore of Auckland.
It's probably as far away from a support base as
you can get. They don't need any o the choice though.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
I don't know you think about places like Audi were
you know, big Pacific community there.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Thank you Alexa Powell Digital Sports Center of the here. Look,
it's going to be a long road, but I'm sure
all of these parameters, there's got to be a part
of all of them to try and make this team
a success. I don't think any of us want to fail,
do we?
Speaker 4 (17:32):
No, absolutely not. And this is where they've almost come
on start because New Zealand Rugby has gone to great
lengths to say no more Iner PACIFICA. I'm not the
sexth New Zealand team. They are completely separate from us
as an organization, and yet they're operating within New Zealand
Rugby's jurisdiction and their catchment. So it's not an easy
job that they've got.
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Well let's leave their job to them and we'll move
on to our last subject, New Zealand Cup date. Look,
if you're a cantab if you're from Ultipehi, christ Church
from the anti christ Church, biggest day of the year.
Anyone else though outside of that region, do you even
Baton Island or no?
Speaker 4 (18:07):
It's like, I'm sorry, I'm happy for you, I'm happy
for the people of christ Church. They deserve a lot,
you know, the horrors that city has had to endure
for decades, you know, and and let them have something
kind of It's Cup Date.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Great. The best thing about Cup Date. It's always a
nice day. I can't get over it. It must must
have been fifty years more since they've had any rain
on cup days. So if you're going to get married
on cup date, A yeah, And it's very entertaining kind
of five six o'clock when things really start to get
loose and everything unravels. That's of course when the TV
(18:44):
shows get down there with the cameras and embarrass everybody.
Speaker 4 (18:46):
But I mean, look, if someone's not falling into a bin,
it's just not in the back of a live shot.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
What are we doing now? I think you're right on
that one. It's a great day for Cantabs to celebrate
their own and celebrate a day that means a lot
to them and the celebration of their province as well
throughout the week. So I am God got on your cannabury.
It's a story Alex saying I hate banks Digital sports
seeders of the New Zealand Herodage. It's about to get
punched from the ex Cantab, the current cantab. It's now
(19:14):
living in Auckland. I'm quite sure even how to describe it.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
If you all love it so much, why do you leave?
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Thanks Alex, have a good day.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Fine and
Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
That's it for another edition of the Sports Fixed podcast.
My name is Darcy Walter Grave. There was Tuesday, the
twelfth of November twenty twenty four. If you want this
in your m box every weekday, just subscribe. And if
you want to do us all a favor, I know
you do. Tell your friends, Tell your family so they
can climb on board the Sports Fix podcast. Look after yourself.
(19:53):
We'll catch you again come Wednesday.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
For more from News Talks B listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on Iartradio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks. It be
follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
It be Why Hello there and welcome on into the
Sports Fixed podcast. My name is Darcy Watergrave edits at Tuesday.
It's the twelfth of November twenty twenty four. Coming up
on this show, Robert Penny's going to join us, remember
the head coach of the Crusaders. Under huge pressure. People
thought he wouldn't keep his job, but he did and
(00:43):
now he's named his team for Super Rugby Pacific twenty
twenty five. Will also be joined by Alex Powell and
the Chamber as we throw around some ideas, some discussion
points and a bit of spittle two around the big
sporting stories of the day. I've got opinion on Super
Rugby Pacific and the launching of the squad naming day underwhelming. Yeah,
(01:06):
I think so that's the plan. It'll be the root
of us. Now, do not get a monks les go
in other news in sport today, this is what happened
all blacks prop Ethan the group is putting his best
for Ford because he's trying to force a record into
the twenty three four Sunday's Test against France. The group,
(01:28):
usually the first choice loosehead, has missed the last two
Tests after being stood down for the England match due
to a breach of team standards. Forward's coach Jason Ryan
insists his card is not marked. Yeah, he was considered
after the English Test that we were awarded form and
that's sometimes just what happens, isn't it. Guys get opportunities,
(01:49):
but been working extremely hard as they all have. Scott
Barrett has stepped down as Crusader's captain. The All Blacks
skipper led the team to four Super Rugby titles, to
take me over from Sam Whitelock in twenty twenty. Coach
Rob Pennies explained their decision ahead of next season.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Street would say it's going to be too challenging for
him to do both jobs.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
You know, it's a big ask doing the All Black job.
Former professional golfer Greg Turner has teed off about the
scope of Stephen Alker's success on the PGA Champions Tour.
The fifty three year olds claimed his second Charles Schwab Cup,
the overall title, having one in twenty twenty two and
finishing runner up last year. Never won on the PGA Tour.
(02:33):
That has wrapped up eight tournament wins since joining the
senior equivalent for those aged fifty plus, he's probably putting
his best on the main tour in his forties, but
with a game that didn't really suit that tour, but boy,
it suits the senior tour.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Of course, they're a little bit shorter, the guys are
a little bit older and who he is quite as far.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Leading of X.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sports VIX powered by
News Talks v.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
We're joined now by the head coach the Crusaders, Rob Penny.
Of course, today all the Super Rugby squads have been
announced for Super Rugby Pacific next year. Rob, welcome to
the program. Cast up than you boys. Who are the
new kids on the block that excite you?
Speaker 3 (03:12):
Yeah, fantastic. Thanks. Without going through them name by name,
there's a number of new faces in there that are
going to contribute, we feel, massively to the environment. It's
going to make it very competitive and very stimulating at
the same time, which is you know, which is a
nice freshness I guess about it.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Of course, not only have you have the new follows.
You've got a very solid core of extraordinary experienced players
as well, who I expect you'll lean on quite heavily
throughout the year.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
On Well, that's the key. Any successful group has critical,
massive experience and talent across it to have success. We
just hope we can have access to those top line boys,
as you're alluding, more regularly than we were able to
last year, and you know they can assist us and
(04:05):
you know, getting some of those clutch moments that we
weren't quite able to get over the line last year.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
How's the condition of all of the players selected? Of
course the ever present specter of injury does hang around.
But how have they started? How are they looking?
Speaker 3 (04:21):
Best of knowledge? You know, the guys over in Europe,
which is I think one or two extras have been
at and over the last forty eight hours, so I
think we've got over a dozen there now. They're in
good shape. There's another four or five coming back from
the New Zealand fifteen games. So we haven't had any
issues that we're aware of, except for Cody's head not
(04:43):
which hopefully that won't be a long term think bread
on Enare's just had do we clean up of a
wrist injury which will preclude him from the first couple
of months of the post Christmas activity, which is a
real shame based, you know, because he had the aco
recovery last year, But looking forward to getting him back
into the mix. But apart from that, we do have
(05:04):
two middle rowers and Jamie Henner had a older recon
and quintin Strange had a peck reattachment, So they won't
they'll be they'll be on the cusp of the first
game availability. Jamie's probably a little bit longer. But yeah,
we've got a couple of little injuries, but hopefully nothing
that's going to be too substantial, unlike last year.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Tell us about the driver behind the selection of your
new crew. What do they do as a unit, not individually,
that smash the way back into the team.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
Across the board, we have seen new faces. There's a
level of experience, depth and breadth that you need in
all positions to cover for the unforeseen, which you alluded
to there around injuries that always occur, the potential for growth.
We've noticed some things and some some of those new
boys that we're really excited about, and in one in particular,
(05:59):
you know, with James O'Connor's edition giving us some real
surety and experience and quality of talent in the inside backs.
You know, should we have a bit of an injury
catastrophe like we had last year, and you know, not
having to compromise Dave Havilli's ability to be the best
midfielder he can be by nudging him up into a
into a closer position than he was. So yeah, we're
(06:23):
excited about the new faces coming in and the competition
that that will provide for us across the board.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Massive review, Robert Penny. At the end of last season,
you and your staff under the blow torch for the
poor performance in the twenty twenty four season. Plainly you
would have learned a lot out of that. What are
the primary takeaways for you and your coaching staff.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
The main takeaways and it was done with a high
degree of integrity, as you'd expect from the Crusaders, and
it was a pleasure to be a part of the
main takeaways were that there were merely many small elements
that ended up with an incremental I guess outcome of
areas that we can be better at across the boarder
(07:08):
and that's not only us as coaches, but in every
area of the professional game. So they you know, without
stipulating in any detail what a few of those might be,
just be rest assured that they were small. They've been
addressed and I'm currently still going to be addressed due
(07:31):
to the fact that it's important for us to nail
those those small margins because the you know, the difference
between success and failure and at this level and sport
as narrow as we know, so we'll be better across
the board and a number of a number of areas.
We're excited about the opportunity to implement those.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Twenty twenty four is a pretty treacherous year for you
and your team, Rob This is your second season, what
it will be, so you've got your feet well and
truly under the desk. Even the support, the very vocal
and prominent support of the likes of CEO Colin Mansbridge
must be enormous for you heading into what will be
well a huge year. And as an understatement.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Without that, as I said, the organized the organization runs
a high integrity model, the highly integrated in the whole
program across the board. You know, when when some people
were calling for radical change and you know, the chopping
block to come out, you know, calm heads, rule day.
(08:38):
We're able to look forward now with a high degree
of positivity, as you say, first year in for me,
first year in for Matt Todd. Again, we've lost one
of our coaching group, which is a great, a wonderful
thing for Tomody Allison to be elevated to the all
black environment. So we've got another another new coach coming
into the environment, so you know, there's a bit of
(08:58):
transition happening. There's a few staff that have been elevated
and were rejoicing that as well, So all those things
taken into consideration. You know, it's really nice to have
an understanding and committed board and management that see the
good work that went on, the hard work that went on,
(09:20):
and the reality is at this level, you don't have
to be far off not to not to, you know,
achieve what you're trying to achieve. And that was the
realization post last season. And I've got some I can
I can guarantee on your show, Darcy will be better
for it.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Rob Penny, and thanks for your time. And it's a
while before things get underway, but I think with the
style of the team that you've got it should be
smelling success.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, news talk.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
So for Rugby Pacific launched on the unsuspecting, actually the
very suspecting public today. The names of their squads to
compete in next year's competition. Wasn't exactly an explosive announcement
and granted some of the big names that are changing
teams or being introduced into teams. I'm looking at Ardisavi,
(10:15):
at James O'Connor for example. We knew it was going
to happen. That bubble had already been burst when the
announcements were made, so there was little of substance, little
of storyline. When it comes to announcing the teams that
will compete. This should be a big day. This should
be a red letter day. I know they've got it right.
(10:37):
As they release each team, they stagger them out an
hour after hour after hour to make it easier for
us in the media to deal with it and announce
the teams as they come. Everybody has their time in
the sun, but that's all that's done. There's no other
reason for us to look forward, to salivate and to
celebrate the natures of our team it just seems a
(10:59):
bit wet, a bit limp. Now, I'm not a marketing
and New zeal And Rugby aren't paying me to come
up with a master plan. But you would think with
their major product outside of international rugby, somebody would come
up with some kind of song or dance or concept
or idea or controversy or storyline or I don't know,
(11:24):
but something that makes this a day to celebrate Super
Rugby Pacific and all that it stands for and everything
that the fans are looking forward to. It's in your
court now, nz are. This is your premiere competition. This
is your advertisement for the international game. This is how
(11:44):
you get the juices following in the fan base. And
just announcing a team an hour after an hour after
an hour, with no storyline, no fanfare, no fun, no
reason to look forward to. You're really dropping the ball.
May you pick it up and run with it?
Speaker 1 (12:02):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
Step into the chamber. Alex Powe is the digital sport
editor for New Zealand Herald. He joins us now he's
looking as sad as I am. There no Formula one
this weekend either, mate. This is an absolute tragedy. I'm
not supposed to talk about this, but are you glune?
Are you hanging in there?
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Only a week to go, mate, Only another week to
get through and then we're back.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
All right, then we breathe right, let's get the super
rugby that is the flavor of the day. The sides
announced today? Is this the more song and dance required? Mean,
that's pretty flat. They staggered the announcement, so I suppose
the media can get their eyes and hands and mouths
around what's going on. But but that's it.
Speaker 4 (12:42):
It's a bit flat, isn't it that it does. It's
just underwhelming.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
You know.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
We know because of the way the contracts work with
the New Zealand Rugby that they're all central anyway, so
we've more or less got an idea who's where Before
you might get the odd guy from the NBC to
get picked up. I mean the big one was Sardi
Savia and that was announced months ago.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Well what about James O'Connor Again, that was announced months ago.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
And that wasn't announced. That was broken only confirmed it
because someone said, hey, have you signed James O'Connor And
that person was newgzbes Neck barely on your neck.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Well done. It's hard to keep a secret though in
this area because as you said, it's so small New
Zealand Rugby. Everyone knows each other. We're only an hour's
plane flight from anywhere, so it does make it difficult.
Can they do anything though.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Well, that's the issue because it's centrally contracted, and that's
where news on Rugby's had its made advantage because you
look at what goes on in England and the you know,
England Rugby says to the clubs you can't play him
this weekend. They needs a break in. The clubs go
back and say, well, who are you? We're the one
paying his wages. Whereas what we have is where all
the clubs are mostly owned by New Zealand Rugby, they
can get the bigger picture of you. But this is
the shortfall of it, is that it's not very entertaining
(13:51):
in this sense because they're all run by the same
people who have the same agenda.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Well, I suppose it's a turd, and if they roll
it glitter and glitter, we'll all still know it's a
turd because it's just an announcement. So am I asking
too much? I just feel like this is their major
comp petition, not international. This is the one that they
really should be lighting the touch paper and going, hey,
look at what we've got. Am I right or not?
Speaker 4 (14:16):
I's the one thing that I think would completely change
it as complete freedom of movement between all clubs. You know,
Biden Barrett's gone to the Warrior Tars, no way. You know,
Harry Wilson's come to the Urricanes. What is replacing you know,
imagine that where there's who knows if the fans will
get on board in the same way that I would,
But I think that would completely change that competition.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Could they keep it under wraps though, up until the
day and then your release and go well here's what's
happening here and goes wow, you're kidding there, You've got that.
It's possible they can keep it.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
See looks, I don't think the good.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
They so a dance off firecrackers show. I know there's
nothing they can do ready to add to it?
Speaker 3 (14:59):
Is there?
Speaker 1 (14:59):
No?
Speaker 4 (14:59):
Super Rugby is not about the players who get signed
and come through unless someone comes back. I mean, arguably,
what's the best signing today is it Solomon l A
Marlock coming back from the NRL.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Maybe we see what the NRL does for players. Just
take a look at Old Mate over the weekend too. Wow, Sole,
that was stunning. But we're not need to talk about Odsie.
Let's move on. Auckland have got two Super Rugby sides.
We're well aware of this. We've got Auckland the champions,
the Blues. I might add I have to say that
I'm still bitter, but that's okay. They've got the title
(15:30):
and you've got Mowana Pussyficker big enough for two teams.
Auckland as a city.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
I mean, I think we're still learning what mo Onea
Pacifica can be and what they need to be.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Do they even know what they are?
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Well, i'd argue yeah they do, but they are still
finding their feet. Artie sa they're going there as a
huge domino to fall, but they cannot rest on that.
They need to build. You know, it's not about Artist,
It's about the next one, and after that's about the
next one.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
So as far as though appealing to the masses and
taking eyeballs and bums away from the Blues, it's a
hard task because we don't know what they stand for,
we don't know who they are. Their home ground is
miles away from their support base, and it's an awful
ground to boot. They've had no success that what is
(16:20):
to happen one is to click and to get actually
make this work. Is it as simple as getting marquee players?
Will that put bums on scene?
Speaker 4 (16:26):
I think it will help, all right? People love a winner.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
Let's not forget Auckland as the largest Pacific city in
the world. You know, there will not be any shortage
of possible fans. But it's about, like you say, engaging them.
How do they make them connect with us?
Speaker 2 (16:40):
You know?
Speaker 4 (16:41):
And I say us as mine and Pacifica not not
ends in me. But no, that that is a challenge
that there might It's not gonna be an overnight fix.
You know, we're comparing them to the Blues, the Hurricanes,
the Chiefs, the huns crews, who have had decades to
build their support bases and their identities, and now they're
being compared to more in Pacifica, who are what four
(17:01):
years in.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
There's support base isn't on the north shore of Auckland.
It's probably as far away from a support base as
you can get. They don't need any o the choice though.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
I don't know you think about places like Audi were
you know, big Pacific community there.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Thank you Alexa Powell Digital Sports Center of the here. Look,
it's going to be a long road, but I'm sure
all of these parameters, there's got to be a part
of all of them to try and make this team
a success. I don't think any of us want to fail,
do we?
Speaker 4 (17:32):
No, absolutely not. And this is where they've almost come
on start because New Zealand Rugby has gone to great
lengths to say no more Iner PACIFICA. I'm not the
sexth New Zealand team. They are completely separate from us
as an organization, and yet they're operating within New Zealand
Rugby's jurisdiction and their catchment. So it's not an easy
job that they've got.
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Well let's leave their job to them and we'll move
on to our last subject, New Zealand Cup date. Look,
if you're a cantab if you're from Ultipehi, christ Church
from the anti christ Church, biggest day of the year.
Anyone else though outside of that region, do you even
Baton Island or no?
Speaker 4 (18:07):
It's like, I'm sorry, I'm happy for you, I'm happy
for the people of christ Church. They deserve a lot,
you know, the horrors that city has had to endure
for decades, you know, and and let them have something
kind of It's Cup Date.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Great. The best thing about Cup Date. It's always a
nice day. I can't get over it. It must must
have been fifty years more since they've had any rain
on cup days. So if you're going to get married
on cup date, A yeah, And it's very entertaining kind
of five six o'clock when things really start to get
loose and everything unravels. That's of course when the TV
(18:44):
shows get down there with the cameras and embarrass everybody.
Speaker 4 (18:46):
But I mean, look, if someone's not falling into a bin,
it's just not in the back of a live shot.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
What are we doing now? I think you're right on
that one. It's a great day for Cantabs to celebrate
their own and celebrate a day that means a lot
to them and the celebration of their province as well
throughout the week. So I am God got on your cannabury.
It's a story Alex saying I hate banks Digital sports
seeders of the New Zealand Herodage. It's about to get
punched from the ex Cantab, the current cantab. It's now
(19:14):
living in Auckland. I'm quite sure even how to describe it.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
If you all love it so much, why do you leave?
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Thanks Alex, have a good day.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Fine and
Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
That's it for another edition of the Sports Fixed podcast.
My name is Darcy Walter Grave. There was Tuesday, the
twelfth of November twenty twenty four. If you want this
in your m box every weekday, just subscribe. And if
you want to do us all a favor, I know
you do. Tell your friends, Tell your family so they
can climb on board the Sports Fix podcast. Look after yourself.
(19:53):
We'll catch you again come Wednesday.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
For more from News Talks B listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on Iartradio
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