March 31, 2025 • 18 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for the 31st of March 2025, Damian McKenzie has signed an extension with NZR, which will keep him in New Zealand until 2029. He joins the podcast to discuss his decision to stay on these shores.
Piney offers his thoughts on Auckland FC, and what may become an unprecedented debut season for an A-League team.
Plus, the Elijah Fa'afiu is back in the peoples' chamber to recap another impressive Warriors performance, and Moana Pasifika getting their biggest ever win.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix howard By News Talks ed B.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hi there and welcome into a new week, Welcome to
the back end of an old month, and welcome to
a fresh episode of the Sports Fix podcast for today, Monday,
the thirty first of March. I'm Jason Pine. Good to
have you along. Big news for New Zealand Rugby today.
Damien McKenzie has re signed with New Zealand Rugby the
Chiefs and why cuttle until the end of twenty twenty nine.
(00:45):
That makes him the longest contracted player. No one else
and the All Blacks is contracted beyond Damien McKenzie's new
contract of the back end of twenty twenty nine. The
man himself is with us on Sports Fix today to
tell us about the ins and outs of this and
how difficult or easy a decision it was. We're inside
the People's Chamber with a larger for you, talking about
(01:06):
the Warriors, talking about and Auckland f C. And I've
got some information for you as well on Auckland f C.
When is the earliest they could possibly win some silverware.
Let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
In other news, Let's.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Get underway, as always withhe a look at some of
the big sports stories around today. Disbelief the eighteen year
old kiwi Ski of finn Melville lives after winning gold
at his debut World Championships in Switzerland, beating out the
likes of Nick Goffer and Alex Ferrera, who have five
Olympic medals between them.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
I grew up watching them with Nico and in the
slope with Neck.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
They're both my idols, so I honestly can't believe it.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
New Break. His owner Mark Mitchell believes he's brought in
the personnel to return the Australian Basketball League club to
its former glory, with former owners Paul and Liz Blackwell
back involved as shareholders.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Not only because they won on the court, but because
of what they did off the court, the ties to
the community and all the programs that they set up
that are still having effects.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
So we're going to bring them back and autumnd FC
football coach Steve Corica has appoarded his side's defensive performance
in their two Little A League win away at the
Brisbane Raw, which puts them seven points clear in the
A League with just five regular season games to go,
we worked hard for a clean sheet again and it
was really pleasing. We've probably considered to too many goals
of late in the our last four or five games
(02:29):
and wanted to try to stop that.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
This is the Sports Fix Podcast. Damien McKenzie has recommitted
to New Zealand Rugby, the Chiefs and White Cuttle for
a further four years through until the end of twenty
twenty nine. He joins us on Sports Fix. Congratulations on
the new contract, Damien, was this an easy decision to make? Order?
Do you have to mull over a few other opportunities
as well before you put pen to paper?
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Yeah, thanks Matte he it was a in the en.
It was a bit of an easy decision to spep
ground and and recommit to the Chiefs in New Zealand
and Rugby. Obviously no place like home and I think
she's still a lot more to keep to both clubs.
But yeah, I guess during the process it did take
a while. I obviously had experience at a time overseas
(03:22):
for a brief period of time around twenty twenty two,
So yeah, it was. It did took a lot of
going back and forth, but in the end, yeah, it
ended up actually been quite an easy decision to around to.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
The fact that you've had that time in Japan. Make
it easier to stay because you've done that already and
scratch that itch, or in fact, did you think, Hey,
I quite liked it over there, I wonder whether I
should go back.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
I really love my time at Japan. I was awesome
to I guess, experience a different style of rugby, different culture,
and Japan's a great place and it was lucky enough
to be a part of a really cool, cool club
over there in Suntory, and so the thought of going
back was definitely on my mind. I guess the opportunity
(04:10):
in New Zealand was, I guess one that I thought
I couldn't give up. And obviously both clubs have done
so we've given so much with the Chiefs and then
the All Blacks, and I feel like there's a great
opportunity in the next two years and want to be
a part of it in New Zealand. So yeah, like
that opportunity to go back to Japan really excited me.
(04:31):
But I think I feel like I've still a little
bit more together in New Zealand leadership.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
So now the All Black with the longest contract, nobody
else is beyond twenty twenty nine. How keen were you
to go beyond twenty twenty seven with the potential of
Allion's tour in twenty twenty nine, for example.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
Yeah, it's obviously great to sign a long term deal
with the New Zealand Rugby and I guess the foot
of potentially being a part of a Lion series in
twenty twenty nine would be extremely exciting, But I guess
it's a lot of watered again under the bridge before then,
sleep We've got a big season this year and then
(05:12):
is obviously the Spavka Tour next year and then leading
into a World Cup in twenty seven. So I mean,
you know, the fact I've signed for four years doesn't
exactly mean I'm just going to get handed the opportunity
to play for All Blecks. I know it's going to
take a bit of work over the next few years,
and that starts with the Chiefs and love what we've
got Garnet at the Chiefs at the moment, and then
(05:32):
hopefully be learn and bigger things come beyond that.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
You're just on the Chiefs. How big a priority is
is it for you? How much you are you motivated
to win a Super Rugby championship or championships plural with
the Chiefs.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
Yeah, extremely motivated. Obviously. I'm been the Chiefs for a
long time now and it was hit them ups and
down definitely throughout my time at the Chiefs, and I
guess in the last couple of years we've been really close,
but I haven't been quite been able to climb that
last turtle. So yeah, extremely motivated to bring a championship
to the region. A club that's getting so much. We've
(06:08):
obviously got a great crew here, very proud province, proud region.
So I mean, the least we can do is try
and bring a championship payments. It's been a long time
since we've been able to do that. Twenty thirteen it
was the last time we were able to win a championship.
So that's extremely motivating for myself to try and help
(06:28):
the Chiefs bring a title to the region.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
You've started the last two games for the Chiefs at
first five, the wins over the Blues and Mowana PACIFICA
the first three of the season at Fallback. I know
you get asked this question a lot, but are you
still equally comfortable in either role or is first five
still your preference?
Speaker 4 (06:47):
Yeah, I feel like I'm equally confident in both position.
Obviously focusing more on playing a lot of first five
at the Chiefs, obviously very few games played with Josh
Jakin playing team. He's a great, great young player, And
I guess now with Sean being back that with us,
it's allowed me to jump back into that ten. I
(07:10):
guess the way we sort of the stole we players
been able to switch in between the boat. But I
think for myself moving forward, being able to really command
a spot and play ten and really drive a team
around the park as something in a part of my
game I'm always trying to work on, and particularly if
the nequt level with the or lax playing especially playing
(07:30):
ten is just you know, working on my craft around
my game management getting the team around the park for
eighty minutes. So the more I can do that at ten,
I guess then I can sort of shift to fifteen
there in the game, which is also very exciting with
a bit more space.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Absolutely, do you is there any danger do you think
of if you do, I guess, become a bit more
structured at first five, become a game driver. I guess
in a more traditional sense of a first five that
you might lose that that super power of yours to
just make things happen and broken play or do you
feel the two can go hand in hand.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Yeah, it's probably just you know, picking the right moments
when it's on, to have it going when it's not.
And I guess, you know, that's something I pride myself on.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I mean that's
all part of rugby. If you're willing to take the rest,
you know, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it might not.
But I guess it's just been a bit more consistent
and the decisions I'm making, and particularly once you get
(08:27):
to a test arena, the opportunities are a lot fewer,
so making sure I'm a bit more accurate when it
comes to a test rugby. But I mean, the more
experience I'm able to get at Super rugby, and now
the trump from Super to Test is a decent leap,
but the more experience I can get a teen and
playing team for a team and leading the team around
the park. I mean hopefully that only puts me in
(08:49):
good stead for what's to come later in the flee.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Yep, exciting times ahead. Well, congratulations again on the new
contract extension Damien, and thanks for joining us here on
the Sports Fixed podcast. Damien McKenzie re signed through until
the end of twenty twenty nine. S Well after three
straight draws, good to see All FC back to their
winning ways last night with a two nil win away
(09:12):
at Brisbane Raw. Probably not their best performance of the
season if we're honest, but more than enough to get
the job done against a pretty poor Brisbane side. Having
said that, they were pretty good in the first half
actually Brisbane, but it was always going to be Auckland
FC's game once Nando Pinaker scored the first goal just
before half time, Hiroki Saki adding the second near the
end after a var review. Initially he was ruled offside
(09:35):
not to beat, so Aukland two nil, three points in
the bag as they head back across the Tasman ten
games unbeaten now and a seven point lead at the
top of the A League Ladder with just five regular
season games to go. Next up for Auckland f C,
they host the Western Sydney Wanderers at go Media Stadium
(09:55):
on Saturday. So now you start to do the maths
and you think to yourself, when might Auckland f C
feasibly secure the Premier's Plate, the Minor Premiership, the regular
season silver. Well, if we take it out, they need
nine points from their last five games to secure the plate.
(10:16):
That would give them fifty four points, and nobody else
can get to fifty four even if they win all
of their remaining games. But it may well come even
sooner than that. Here's the equation which is the most palatable,
and that is that Auckland FC could feasibly win the
Premier's Plate as early as next weekend, not this coming
(10:38):
but next weekend. If they beat Western Sydney this coming
Saturday and Sydney FC away the following Saturday, they'll win
the title. If Western United, their closest challenger, drop three
points across their next two games, and Melbourne City, who
are third at the moment, drop two points across their
(11:00):
next two games. I know it's a little bit hard
to follow, but if you stay with me on this,
it's possible that in a fortnight from now, or in
their very first season would have won their first piece
of self aware. Then of course it's onto the finals
and winning the Premier's Plate. Finishing top gives you the
advantage of hosting the Grand Final if you make it.
(11:22):
We could potentially be an uncharted territory here, a team
new to the A League winning it all at the
first time of asking, and who's to say they won't.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
On the sports Fix podcast, let us gather inside the Chamber,
the People's Chamber. On a Monday, Elijahitus popped in, what
about the Wars our year? I know it's not your team,
but our year.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
I mean you could say that. I mean we say
that every year, Well the Warriors fans say it every year.
But I think they can have a lot to be
confident about after the win against the Tigers, Like these
type of close contests are the ones that usually decide
the contenders in the NRL. Then, coming off the win
against the Roosters in the last round at home, this
(12:13):
went against the Tigers is a huge confidence brew So
I'd say definitely promising. I'd definitely be optimistic if you're
a Warriors man.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Yeah, Look, I think there's there's a lot of optimism
around today, and I think we can also put Las
Vegas squarely in their rear view mirror, can't we. You know,
it seems like more and more like an outlier with
extenuating circumstances and far too much to see and do
in Vegas. I'm not sure i'd i'd be accepting an
invitation to go back there if I was Andrew Webster.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
No, I wouldn't either, unless you want to go, I know, gamble,
do something in Las Vegas. Have a bit of fun
over there, But of course it's it's all business for
the Warriors, and I guess again first round doesn't really
decide how the rest of the season is going to go.
These early stages Round two onwards have definitely helped the
(13:03):
Warriors out in that regard. But again, still a long
way to go in the season, so anything can happen.
But the Warriors have definitely done well at least to
begin the season and put Vegas behind.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
Them absolutely right before we move on, just be interested
in your thoughts on Luke Metcalf. He got a bit
of criticism after Vegas. I think he's been good in
the time since. What's your recessment been of the man
who's in charge of filling Sean Johnson's boots.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Yeah, he's been awesome, especially in the Tigers contest where
he had the confidence to step up himself make that
penalty kick from about thirty five meters out right in
front the conditions. Andrew webs the send in his post
match that there was a bit of win, so he
was worried. He had his doubts, but ultimately Metcalf's the
guy who has the confidence in himself. He's able to
(13:47):
back himself, which is what you want from your half back.
And he's definitely Any negativity that he received after Vegas
is a long gone, I feel like, and he's definitely
proven that he is the guy to steer the ship
for the side.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
He's got a super right over the weekend. The standout
result in terms of something nobody saw coming, well, I
can't find anybody who saw it coming. Is more White
has went over the Crusaders in christ Church. What did
you make of this?
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Outstanding?
Speaker 4 (14:14):
For mine?
Speaker 3 (14:15):
A great statement victory. I think this season they've shown
flashes that they can compete like they've had close losses
to the Force and the Highlanders, they had that amazing
second half performance against the Chiefs, but it was all
about putting the all together for the eighty minutes and
I think this game against the Crusaders definitely did that.
And it's a huge confidence boost. It's a huge step
in terms of the direction that Wina Pacific is trying
(14:37):
to go. And yeah, I'm absolutely stoked with the performance
they put together.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
I spoke to Tana Umager on the radio yesterday and
he said, look, we've been trying to mesh this this
you know pacificus style of play that we we we
all embrace with a with a greater structure, with an
ability to be consistent across eighty minutes, with you know,
an ability to win rugby matches. And I think, yes,
sorry Sunday, when was it women's game? Saturday? Was the
(15:02):
was the personification of that. It was just okay, they
found this, they found this, this perfect mixture of these things.
For you, though, can they continue? Are they a top
six prospect for example?
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Well that's the big question. It's all about being able
to see that on a consistent basis. I think they can.
I think again, the Crusaders one would have given the
confidence and I think it's given them the right formula,
and it's a dangerous formula like the flare and the
creativity and the brute force of Pacific rugby with the
I guess, the discipline and the mental fortitude that you
need to succeed at the highest level. I think they
(15:36):
figured out the formula and I think they know what
they need to do over the next few weeks to
be a top six side. So I definitely think they
can sneak in there. But yet it's still a while
to go in the season.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Yeah, even hearing you outliner there, it's such a potent combination.
You're so right. If they can find that combination consistently,
then cheap as they are going to be a pretty
interesting proposition for the rest of this season and beyond.
And just to finish the weekend's summary, Auckland FC seven
points clear. Now with five games to go, are you
willing to go and stake your claim for a place
(16:08):
for the victory parade through the streets of Penrose?
Speaker 4 (16:13):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Why not?
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I'm already I'm going to park up, I'm going to
camp there. I'm already there. I've pitched my tense already. Finey,
I'm just gonna wait for everyone else to show up.
It's amazing like to do this in your first season,
to be close to the premiers played. Yes, there's still
five games to go, but I think the way that
they've been playing a ten game unbeaten streak, I think
they'll have a lot of confidence now that they've got
(16:34):
their starting defensive back line back. And I don't think
they've played together since December, all four of them, with
Dan Hall coming back, and I think Pineker was suspended
the last game so correct, So having all those guys
together will definitely be a huge confidence boost on the
defensive side of the ball. And I think these last
five games it doesn't need to be pretty football, I
(16:56):
don't think, but I think it's just sort of making
sure they get the three points as many times as
they can leading into the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah, getting the job done. They just need nine points
from their final five games, then that would put them
beyond the reach of everybody. And that's that is if
those below them continue to win as well, which you know,
if the A leagues taught us anything over the years,
it's that you know, it is hard to consistently find results,
particularly when the pressure comes on at the back end
of the season. Look, I'm willing to say they won
(17:22):
the Premier's Plate, which also, of course gives them home
advantage if they make the Grand Final finish. Top Elijah,
and you'll be camping out again for Grand Final tickets, mate.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
I might as well put the tense up in the
Fierce Wheel or something else. I have a great view.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Just go and just move. Just move out to the
industrial the industrial south of Auckland or wherever it is.
My geography is not great, and find a place to
hang out in Penrose. It sounds like the place to
be with the Warriors and Auckland FC doing great things
in that neck of the woods. Great to be in
the chamber with you as always, Elijah. If it works
for you, we'll do it again next Monday.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Sounds good. Thank you, Poney.
Speaker 1 (17:57):
This is Sportsfix, your daily does of sports News cow
and by News TALKSV.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
And that's us on the Sports Fix podcast for today.
Thanks for downloading things, thanks for listening in, and thanks
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And if you are a subscriber to sports Fix, the
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(18:27):
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Speaker 1 (18:29):
For more from News Talks EDB, listen live on air
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix howard By News Talks ed B.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hi there and welcome into a new week, Welcome to
the back end of an old month, and welcome to
a fresh episode of the Sports Fix podcast for today, Monday,
the thirty first of March. I'm Jason Pine. Good to
have you along. Big news for New Zealand Rugby today.
Damien McKenzie has re signed with New Zealand Rugby the
Chiefs and why cuttle until the end of twenty twenty nine.
(00:45):
That makes him the longest contracted player. No one else
and the All Blacks is contracted beyond Damien McKenzie's new
contract of the back end of twenty twenty nine. The
man himself is with us on Sports Fix today to
tell us about the ins and outs of this and
how difficult or easy a decision it was. We're inside
the People's Chamber with a larger for you, talking about
(01:06):
the Warriors, talking about and Auckland f C. And I've
got some information for you as well on Auckland f C.
When is the earliest they could possibly win some silverware.
Let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
In other news, Let's.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Get underway, as always withhe a look at some of
the big sports stories around today. Disbelief the eighteen year
old kiwi Ski of finn Melville lives after winning gold
at his debut World Championships in Switzerland, beating out the
likes of Nick Goffer and Alex Ferrera, who have five
Olympic medals between them.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
I grew up watching them with Nico and in the
slope with Neck.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
They're both my idols, so I honestly can't believe it.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
New Break. His owner Mark Mitchell believes he's brought in
the personnel to return the Australian Basketball League club to
its former glory, with former owners Paul and Liz Blackwell
back involved as shareholders.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Not only because they won on the court, but because
of what they did off the court, the ties to
the community and all the programs that they set up
that are still having effects.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
So we're going to bring them back and autumnd FC
football coach Steve Corica has appoarded his side's defensive performance
in their two Little A League win away at the
Brisbane Raw, which puts them seven points clear in the
A League with just five regular season games to go,
we worked hard for a clean sheet again and it
was really pleasing. We've probably considered to too many goals
of late in the our last four or five games
(02:29):
and wanted to try to stop that.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
This is the Sports Fix Podcast. Damien McKenzie has recommitted
to New Zealand Rugby, the Chiefs and White Cuttle for
a further four years through until the end of twenty
twenty nine. He joins us on Sports Fix. Congratulations on
the new contract, Damien, was this an easy decision to make? Order?
Do you have to mull over a few other opportunities
as well before you put pen to paper?
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Yeah, thanks Matte he it was a in the en.
It was a bit of an easy decision to spep
ground and and recommit to the Chiefs in New Zealand
and Rugby. Obviously no place like home and I think
she's still a lot more to keep to both clubs.
But yeah, I guess during the process it did take
a while. I obviously had experience at a time overseas
(03:22):
for a brief period of time around twenty twenty two,
So yeah, it was. It did took a lot of
going back and forth, but in the end, yeah, it
ended up actually been quite an easy decision to around to.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
The fact that you've had that time in Japan. Make
it easier to stay because you've done that already and
scratch that itch, or in fact, did you think, Hey,
I quite liked it over there, I wonder whether I
should go back.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
I really love my time at Japan. I was awesome
to I guess, experience a different style of rugby, different culture,
and Japan's a great place and it was lucky enough
to be a part of a really cool, cool club
over there in Suntory, and so the thought of going
back was definitely on my mind. I guess the opportunity
(04:10):
in New Zealand was, I guess one that I thought
I couldn't give up. And obviously both clubs have done
so we've given so much with the Chiefs and then
the All Blacks, and I feel like there's a great
opportunity in the next two years and want to be
a part of it in New Zealand. So yeah, like
that opportunity to go back to Japan really excited me.
(04:31):
But I think I feel like I've still a little
bit more together in New Zealand leadership.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
So now the All Black with the longest contract, nobody
else is beyond twenty twenty nine. How keen were you
to go beyond twenty twenty seven with the potential of
Allion's tour in twenty twenty nine, for example.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
Yeah, it's obviously great to sign a long term deal
with the New Zealand Rugby and I guess the foot
of potentially being a part of a Lion series in
twenty twenty nine would be extremely exciting, But I guess
it's a lot of watered again under the bridge before then,
sleep We've got a big season this year and then
(05:12):
is obviously the Spavka Tour next year and then leading
into a World Cup in twenty seven. So I mean,
you know, the fact I've signed for four years doesn't
exactly mean I'm just going to get handed the opportunity
to play for All Blecks. I know it's going to
take a bit of work over the next few years,
and that starts with the Chiefs and love what we've
got Garnet at the Chiefs at the moment, and then
(05:32):
hopefully be learn and bigger things come beyond that.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
You're just on the Chiefs. How big a priority is
is it for you? How much you are you motivated
to win a Super Rugby championship or championships plural with
the Chiefs.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
Yeah, extremely motivated. Obviously. I'm been the Chiefs for a
long time now and it was hit them ups and
down definitely throughout my time at the Chiefs, and I
guess in the last couple of years we've been really close,
but I haven't been quite been able to climb that
last turtle. So yeah, extremely motivated to bring a championship
to the region. A club that's getting so much. We've
(06:08):
obviously got a great crew here, very proud province, proud region.
So I mean, the least we can do is try
and bring a championship payments. It's been a long time
since we've been able to do that. Twenty thirteen it
was the last time we were able to win a championship.
So that's extremely motivating for myself to try and help
(06:28):
the Chiefs bring a title to the region.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
You've started the last two games for the Chiefs at
first five, the wins over the Blues and Mowana PACIFICA
the first three of the season at Fallback. I know
you get asked this question a lot, but are you
still equally comfortable in either role or is first five
still your preference?
Speaker 4 (06:47):
Yeah, I feel like I'm equally confident in both position.
Obviously focusing more on playing a lot of first five
at the Chiefs, obviously very few games played with Josh
Jakin playing team. He's a great, great young player, And
I guess now with Sean being back that with us,
it's allowed me to jump back into that ten. I
(07:10):
guess the way we sort of the stole we players
been able to switch in between the boat. But I
think for myself moving forward, being able to really command
a spot and play ten and really drive a team
around the park as something in a part of my
game I'm always trying to work on, and particularly if
the nequt level with the or lax playing especially playing
(07:30):
ten is just you know, working on my craft around
my game management getting the team around the park for
eighty minutes. So the more I can do that at ten,
I guess then I can sort of shift to fifteen
there in the game, which is also very exciting with
a bit more space.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Absolutely, do you is there any danger do you think
of if you do, I guess, become a bit more
structured at first five, become a game driver. I guess
in a more traditional sense of a first five that
you might lose that that super power of yours to
just make things happen and broken play or do you
feel the two can go hand in hand.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Yeah, it's probably just you know, picking the right moments
when it's on, to have it going when it's not.
And I guess, you know, that's something I pride myself on.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I mean that's
all part of rugby. If you're willing to take the rest,
you know, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it might not.
But I guess it's just been a bit more consistent
and the decisions I'm making, and particularly once you get
(08:27):
to a test arena, the opportunities are a lot fewer,
so making sure I'm a bit more accurate when it
comes to a test rugby. But I mean, the more
experience I'm able to get at Super rugby, and now
the trump from Super to Test is a decent leap,
but the more experience I can get a teen and
playing team for a team and leading the team around
the park. I mean hopefully that only puts me in
(08:49):
good stead for what's to come later in the flee.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Yep, exciting times ahead. Well, congratulations again on the new
contract extension Damien, and thanks for joining us here on
the Sports Fixed podcast. Damien McKenzie re signed through until
the end of twenty twenty nine. S Well after three
straight draws, good to see All FC back to their
winning ways last night with a two nil win away
(09:12):
at Brisbane Raw. Probably not their best performance of the
season if we're honest, but more than enough to get
the job done against a pretty poor Brisbane side. Having
said that, they were pretty good in the first half
actually Brisbane, but it was always going to be Auckland
FC's game once Nando Pinaker scored the first goal just
before half time, Hiroki Saki adding the second near the
end after a var review. Initially he was ruled offside
(09:35):
not to beat, so Aukland two nil, three points in
the bag as they head back across the Tasman ten
games unbeaten now and a seven point lead at the
top of the A League Ladder with just five regular
season games to go. Next up for Auckland f C,
they host the Western Sydney Wanderers at go Media Stadium
(09:55):
on Saturday. So now you start to do the maths
and you think to yourself, when might Auckland f C
feasibly secure the Premier's Plate, the Minor Premiership, the regular
season silver. Well, if we take it out, they need
nine points from their last five games to secure the plate.
(10:16):
That would give them fifty four points, and nobody else
can get to fifty four even if they win all
of their remaining games. But it may well come even
sooner than that. Here's the equation which is the most palatable,
and that is that Auckland FC could feasibly win the
Premier's Plate as early as next weekend, not this coming
(10:38):
but next weekend. If they beat Western Sydney this coming
Saturday and Sydney FC away the following Saturday, they'll win
the title. If Western United, their closest challenger, drop three
points across their next two games, and Melbourne City, who
are third at the moment, drop two points across their
(11:00):
next two games. I know it's a little bit hard
to follow, but if you stay with me on this,
it's possible that in a fortnight from now, or in
their very first season would have won their first piece
of self aware. Then of course it's onto the finals
and winning the Premier's Plate. Finishing top gives you the
advantage of hosting the Grand Final if you make it.
(11:22):
We could potentially be an uncharted territory here, a team
new to the A League winning it all at the
first time of asking, and who's to say they won't.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
On the sports Fix podcast, let us gather inside the Chamber,
the People's Chamber. On a Monday, Elijahitus popped in, what
about the Wars our year? I know it's not your team,
but our year.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
I mean you could say that. I mean we say
that every year, Well the Warriors fans say it every year.
But I think they can have a lot to be
confident about after the win against the Tigers, Like these
type of close contests are the ones that usually decide
the contenders in the NRL. Then, coming off the win
against the Roosters in the last round at home, this
(12:13):
went against the Tigers is a huge confidence brew So
I'd say definitely promising. I'd definitely be optimistic if you're
a Warriors man.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Yeah, Look, I think there's there's a lot of optimism
around today, and I think we can also put Las
Vegas squarely in their rear view mirror, can't we. You know,
it seems like more and more like an outlier with
extenuating circumstances and far too much to see and do
in Vegas. I'm not sure i'd i'd be accepting an
invitation to go back there if I was Andrew Webster.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
No, I wouldn't either, unless you want to go, I know, gamble,
do something in Las Vegas. Have a bit of fun
over there, But of course it's it's all business for
the Warriors, and I guess again first round doesn't really
decide how the rest of the season is going to go.
These early stages Round two onwards have definitely helped the
(13:03):
Warriors out in that regard. But again, still a long
way to go in the season, so anything can happen.
But the Warriors have definitely done well at least to
begin the season and put Vegas behind.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
Them absolutely right before we move on, just be interested
in your thoughts on Luke Metcalf. He got a bit
of criticism after Vegas. I think he's been good in
the time since. What's your recessment been of the man
who's in charge of filling Sean Johnson's boots.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Yeah, he's been awesome, especially in the Tigers contest where
he had the confidence to step up himself make that
penalty kick from about thirty five meters out right in
front the conditions. Andrew webs the send in his post
match that there was a bit of win, so he
was worried. He had his doubts, but ultimately Metcalf's the
guy who has the confidence in himself. He's able to
(13:47):
back himself, which is what you want from your half back.
And he's definitely Any negativity that he received after Vegas
is a long gone, I feel like, and he's definitely
proven that he is the guy to steer the ship
for the side.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
He's got a super right over the weekend. The standout
result in terms of something nobody saw coming, well, I
can't find anybody who saw it coming. Is more White
has went over the Crusaders in christ Church. What did
you make of this?
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Outstanding?
Speaker 4 (14:14):
For mine?
Speaker 3 (14:15):
A great statement victory. I think this season they've shown
flashes that they can compete like they've had close losses
to the Force and the Highlanders, they had that amazing
second half performance against the Chiefs, but it was all
about putting the all together for the eighty minutes and
I think this game against the Crusaders definitely did that.
And it's a huge confidence boost. It's a huge step
in terms of the direction that Wina Pacific is trying
(14:37):
to go. And yeah, I'm absolutely stoked with the performance
they put together.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
I spoke to Tana Umager on the radio yesterday and
he said, look, we've been trying to mesh this this
you know pacificus style of play that we we we
all embrace with a with a greater structure, with an
ability to be consistent across eighty minutes, with you know,
an ability to win rugby matches. And I think, yes,
sorry Sunday, when was it women's game? Saturday? Was the
(15:02):
was the personification of that. It was just okay, they
found this, they found this, this perfect mixture of these things.
For you, though, can they continue? Are they a top
six prospect for example?
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Well that's the big question. It's all about being able
to see that on a consistent basis. I think they can.
I think again, the Crusaders one would have given the
confidence and I think it's given them the right formula,
and it's a dangerous formula like the flare and the
creativity and the brute force of Pacific rugby with the
I guess, the discipline and the mental fortitude that you
need to succeed at the highest level. I think they
(15:36):
figured out the formula and I think they know what
they need to do over the next few weeks to
be a top six side. So I definitely think they
can sneak in there. But yet it's still a while
to go in the season.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Yeah, even hearing you outliner there, it's such a potent combination.
You're so right. If they can find that combination consistently,
then cheap as they are going to be a pretty
interesting proposition for the rest of this season and beyond.
And just to finish the weekend's summary, Auckland FC seven
points clear. Now with five games to go, are you
willing to go and stake your claim for a place
(16:08):
for the victory parade through the streets of Penrose?
Speaker 4 (16:13):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Why not?
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I'm already I'm going to park up, I'm going to
camp there. I'm already there. I've pitched my tense already. Finey,
I'm just gonna wait for everyone else to show up.
It's amazing like to do this in your first season,
to be close to the premiers played. Yes, there's still
five games to go, but I think the way that
they've been playing a ten game unbeaten streak, I think
they'll have a lot of confidence now that they've got
(16:34):
their starting defensive back line back. And I don't think
they've played together since December, all four of them, with
Dan Hall coming back, and I think Pineker was suspended
the last game so correct, So having all those guys
together will definitely be a huge confidence boost on the
defensive side of the ball. And I think these last
five games it doesn't need to be pretty football, I
(16:56):
don't think, but I think it's just sort of making
sure they get the three points as many times as
they can leading into the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah, getting the job done. They just need nine points
from their final five games, then that would put them
beyond the reach of everybody. And that's that is if
those below them continue to win as well, which you know,
if the A leagues taught us anything over the years,
it's that you know, it is hard to consistently find results,
particularly when the pressure comes on at the back end
of the season. Look, I'm willing to say they won
(17:22):
the Premier's Plate, which also, of course gives them home
advantage if they make the Grand Final finish. Top Elijah,
and you'll be camping out again for Grand Final tickets, mate.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
I might as well put the tense up in the
Fierce Wheel or something else. I have a great view.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Just go and just move. Just move out to the
industrial the industrial south of Auckland or wherever it is.
My geography is not great, and find a place to
hang out in Penrose. It sounds like the place to
be with the Warriors and Auckland FC doing great things
in that neck of the woods. Great to be in
the chamber with you as always, Elijah. If it works
for you, we'll do it again next Monday.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Sounds good. Thank you, Poney.
Speaker 1 (17:57):
This is Sportsfix, your daily does of sports News cow
and by News TALKSV.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
And that's us on the Sports Fix podcast for today.
Thanks for downloading things, thanks for listening in, and thanks
for subscribing if that's what you have chosen to do.
And if you are a subscriber to sports Fix, the
next episode a fresh episode will drop into your podcast
feed at around about the same time tomorrow and for
more from News Talks EDB Sport, tune into Sports Talk
weeknights between seven and eight all weekend Sport midday to
(18:27):
three Saturday and Sunday.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
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 Iarradio
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