July 4, 2025 • 20 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine & Elliott Smith for 4 July 2025, Māori All Blacks halfback Sam Nock joins the podcast to discuss playing on home soil again when the team takes the field against Scotland in Whangarei tomorrow.
In The Chamber, Piney and Elliott discuss Razor's first assignment of the year as the All Blacks take on an understrength French side. How much rusty-ness should be expected in the first match?
Plus, what makes a Dunedin test week so special?
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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.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Talks ed B. Hi there and welcome into the Sports
Fix podcast for Friday, the fourth of July Independence Day
in the United States. But here it is All Blacks
Test one of the year EVE and the sports FITX
podcast coming to your live from Dunedin today in association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder. I'm
(00:40):
Jason Pine Elliot Smith with us on the podcast today
as we look ahead to tomorrow night's first test of
twenty twenty five razors first assignment of the year as
the All Blacks take on a rather under strength French
side under the roof in Dneda. But there's more than
just that tomorrow. The Maori All Blacks also in action
against Scotland and Fun today. So Elliot's got a chat
(01:01):
with Sam Knock in Maori All Blacks half back coming up.
We're going to kick around a few issues around the
rugby and the Warriors two and the latest and sports
news coming your way. So without any further ado, let's
get into it. In other news, let's check out some
of the big sports stories around today. A timely return
to major form for Novak Jokovic at Wimbledon. He has
(01:24):
advanced to the third round in straight sets over local
Dan Evans.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Agreed from the start of the played almost flawless tennis
that or is very welcome in the Grand Slams or
anywhere you play.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Key Wee Formula One driver Liam Lawson is crediting a
growing relationship with his engineer for an uptick and performance.
He roared to a career best sixth in Austria last
weekend and prime for a strong showing at this weekend's
British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Lawson says bonding with Ernesto
Desadelio has been a key to an improvement in form.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Hard work, sitting with the engineers, finding things in the
car that suit you. Obviously, a relationship with your engineer
is one of the most important things because if he
understands you, and he understands things that you like that
he doesn't even have to ask, then you start ahead.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
Of the game.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
And the tragic car crash which killed Liverpool and Portuguese
football er Diego Jotta and his brother Andre Silver in
Northwest Spain has brought a motion to the four outside anfield.
Jotter has died eleven days after his wedding. He had
three children with his wife. Fans have gathered outside anfield.
Speaker 5 (02:27):
Three pre football and the smile on his feet for
all the time he was depicting me of in Julion
what you do.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Things are more important than football, and this certainly is
more important than football.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
It's half breaking, it's as inside and the reason fumly putting.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
As friendly leading of vix, we've got just the ticket.
It's Sports Vix now by News Talks Evy.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
There's something a little bit special about a Test match
in Dunedin. It's one of a number of cities around
our country that host test match is on a regular basis,
But when you're in Dunedin and it's Test weekend, you
know that it is Test weekend. And I'm not sure
you can say that about some of the biggest cities
that international Test matches. Certainly in Auckland it can get
(03:11):
lost in everything else that's going on, similarly with Wellington.
But here in Dunedin where we are for this weekend's
first Test of twenty twenty five, there is already a
real buzz around the place. It probably helps that Dunedian's
quite compact and the retail and hospitality sector is based
in and around the Octagon, so a lot of folk
(03:32):
are gathering there to get themselves ready for what they
hope will be a really big start to the Test year.
The venue, of course, absolutely fantastic. Forsyth Bar Stadium has
to be one of the best rugby venues in the country,
not just because it's got a roof on it, but
that is a big part of it, but also the
shape and how close the fans are to the action.
(03:54):
You are right on top of the players pretty much
wherever you are around the Forsyth Bar Venue. Add in
the Scarfees of course, who always make plenty of noise
in the zoo, and it makes for an absolutely terrific atmosphere.
For the second year in a row, the All Blacks
start their Test season in Dunedin, one day short of
(04:15):
a year after Scott Robertson got underway his All Black's
head coach. He is back this time. I think he
feels a bit more relaxed. It's like he's had a
year under his belt and this is probably understandable. So
nothing is as new to him as it was last year,
and you'd have to think that after a sixteen fifteen
win over England a year ago, this one will be
(04:37):
a lot more comfortable. The side that France have sent over,
as we know, is certainly short on experience and should
be no match for an all Black side wanting to
prove themselves very early on in the year, some potential debutants,
some intriguing positional switches and of course the first chance
to see the team in twenty twenty five. The ingredients
(04:59):
are all here and the melting pot that is Dunedin
is going to mix them all together and split something
at it around it around about seven o'clock tomorrow night,
which no, we're all going to enjoy Tes City, Dunedin,
no better place.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
This is Sports Fix, your daily dose of sports news
now and by News Talks EBB.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
The Maldi All Blacks back in action on a big
day for New Zealand rugby tomorrow. The New Zealand under
twenties in action overnight in Italy against Georgia and the
Under twenty World Championship. The Black Fan's playing the Black
Fans fifteen and a trial match of sorts ahead of
the World Cup, the Madi All Blacks playing Scotland and
Funaday and of course the All Blacks to round out
the day against France seven O five. Joining us now
(05:42):
is the Maldi All Blacks half back Sam Knock. Sam,
thanks for your time with us here on News Talks, EDB.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
What in no no worries?
Speaker 5 (05:50):
Well, last week in Japan was a good win, big
second half, of course, around a lot of points in
that game. What did you take out of that performance
as a team?
Speaker 4 (05:58):
H resilience. Really, it was really hot. I think that's
why we started to come away with it in second half.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
I started to cool it down, but we came together
nicely as a team and we're pretty happy with their performance.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
What lessons have you taken out of that week to
put into this week against Scotland and fun today.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
I think we just adapted.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Well.
Speaker 6 (06:27):
We have been together for very long, so we're just
building those connections For Scotland to word, it's just going
to be all about physicality for us.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
We know we need to win that, so we're very excited.
Speaker 5 (06:41):
How have you handled the hectics you joys. You mentioned
you went together that long when you came in and
got into camp, then flew out to Tokyo pretty quickly.
You're back in fun day for this game tomorrow. It's
been a will wind couple of weeks. How are you
handling that? As a team?
Speaker 6 (06:55):
We had to be pretty good. Actually, our messaging throughout
the week's would be good. Just all about mindset really.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Not uh lo lot usually it as an excuse, I guess.
So we're very excited.
Speaker 6 (07:14):
I'm I'm very excited for to play in front of
my home fans, fans and family.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
So co wait, well north of a special place for
you of course, growing up there and playing for the
Tully far as well. How special is that going to
be tomorrow afternoons with a moldy all black jusey on home.
Speaker 4 (07:31):
Swell, uh it's.
Speaker 6 (07:34):
It's going to be very special as well as born
it's where my roommate was born to the River's Rehanter.
So we we played this kind stop thinking about it.
So we're very excited for.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
I mean, it's obviously one thing Sam to to wear
the moldy all black jusy on home, sober to do
it in front of your friends and family is special
to have the requests for tickets been this week?
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Yeah, especially there's the tickets lest so.
Speaker 6 (08:10):
All of my older families ask you for tickets under
there that they don't want to sit in the rain.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
I told them to screw your umbrella and enjoy it.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Give us an idea of that. The connections and how
important is for the Maldi All Blacks to be connected
to your culture and each other around the park.
Speaker 6 (08:29):
I think that's what makes us different than any other
team is connictions.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
You have to have BOLDI blood to play this team,
and we really.
Speaker 6 (08:42):
Delve deep into that and it's been really good connections
both fallen off the field and we know that comes Saturday,
we've got each other's back and we're looking forward to it.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
You don't give me any chances obviously each year to
playing for the All Blacks. It's such a short window
of time. So does that make us more special? I
used to know that you're on together for a couple
of weeks each season.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Yeah, it does.
Speaker 6 (09:05):
It also gives us renovation. For this is the first
time we've played the top two dash in a wall,
so we wanted to put a good performance so then
we could get big games like this and more often, what.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
Do you expect from Scotland then tomorrow? Obviously a different
Scotland team than perhaps usual without their British and Irish
Lions players or in Australia, but threatening. Nonetheless, what are
you expecting to face tomorrow afternoon?
Speaker 4 (09:31):
And Fanaday you were over there.
Speaker 6 (09:33):
They're pressurive side too. They're big, big Southern Hellustree like
ball carriers defenders, they play a bit of a different stole.
They've got a good seat piece, so we expecting a
physical game and we're looking.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
For to that good England captaining the side for the
first time, obviously you've played a lot with him at
the Blues in Super rugby. How has he risen to
the task of leading the Moldy or black side.
Speaker 6 (10:05):
He's been a great leader of ours for off mine
for a number of years. It just comes natural to him.
I don't know about his leadership after fair he took
us out for the other day.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
We didn't catch his but he's head to do it
really well.
Speaker 6 (10:26):
I'm matually really proud of and I can't wait to
keep hither. Yeah, it comes to there are they.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
Well no chef for team dinner? Unfortunately they're Sam You
mentioned your roommate Rivers Rayhan and you played together for
the Tiny five for a few seasons. He's had a
great season for the Crusaders m VP in the final.
You're playing together last week, you're playing again tomorrow. How
is that combination built again in this camp?
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (10:50):
For those since Uh, I don't know he would he
would have been eleven years old. It's been a while now,
we've been some we've been good mates. Uh. When he
first came with the Kpig just for being the m
VP of Super Rugua, so had to I had to
really humble them and bring them big down to earth.
(11:14):
Did we went the draped and yeah, he could have
stopped talking about the Crusaders and watching his own highlights.
So it's just they took a whole for It's ingred
that we're playing for the Motives now. But now they
were back home. Like I said before, we're very excited
to play with Both of us were born in a
(11:39):
place that means a lot to us.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
In a four A team that means a lot for
us too, so we're very excited.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
So for the Model Banks tomorrow, what was the ideal scenario?
What do you want to get out of this game
tomorrow against Scotland as a team.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
To be honest, just a word. That's what we're here
for is to win the game, especially on now I'm
home park, my home park. H Yeah, that's pretty simple.
We just want to win.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
And finally Sam the big old day four Rugby tomorrow
the under twenties, the Black fans are playing a traumatch yourselves,
the Moldy or Blacks and then the All Blacks later
on against France. Is it specially to be part of
a big day like that for New Zealand?
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Yeah, that's cool, is it? First time?
Speaker 5 (12:27):
I think so?
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (12:31):
Now I've got my sisters played for the black Fast
fifth day there obviously I'm the Moldis Yeah. Some might
best make to the All Black sirs. It's an exciting
time for Yeah, for a lot of us here, it'll
be cool. Hopefully the New Zealand gets behind us so
we all get four four from four.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Oh.
Speaker 6 (12:53):
I guess the black face curreally either way though, wouldn't
they say?
Speaker 5 (12:58):
Really appreciate a beast to u tomorrow afternoon with the
Mai All Blacks look forward to seeing you, do you think?
Thanks for joining us here on News Talk.
Speaker 4 (13:06):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix on
the Sports Fix podcast.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
Time to pop inside the Chamber on First Test of
the Year Eve the podcast is you know? Coming to
you from Dunedin today. Ellie Smith's in the chamber with me.
What feeling do you get? What I've been about thirty
hours out or so from the test starting. It's always
hard to know what to expect from the All Blacks
and the first Test of the year, so we'll ask
the question, what are you expect from in the first
(13:33):
Test of the year.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
Look, I think it's natural to expect a little bit
of rustiness because it's the first test of the year
and that's what we always get out of an All
Blacks performance, regardless of whether they win or lose. There's
some rustiness there, but I think the team naming is
really lit a fuse under it. There's so many eyebrow
raising selections in the mix for this game tomorrow that
there's a lot more intrigue than maybe there would have
(13:54):
been if Scott Robertson had rolled out a similar team
to the one he was using at the back end
of last year. So with twop O VII on the
blind side, the change at wing, the four debutantes in
the mix, that's at an extra layer of intrigue and
it feels like a real sea change moment for the
All Blacks. Now whether that is the reality in five
test time and we've reverted back to the team that
we're more familiar with last year, but it feels like
(14:16):
it is and I expect that. You know, there's a
few players there that will be desperate to take their
chances tomorrow night. Fabian Holland for one Dafi off the
bench and two po Vi. This is a real opportunity
for two point V to last take in the ground
to go I am the All Blacks long term six.
If you fail, you fail fast and you're revert back
to using him as a lock. But it could be
the start of something special tomorrow night. He's been there,
(14:38):
of course before, but it feels like the All Blacks
have empowered and with the confidence to go out there
tomorrow night and play a role.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Yeah, big night for two Paul V. You've been doing
your prep for the commentary tomorrow night. What do you
make of France? What should we expect from this very
green leblu look.
Speaker 5 (14:54):
French of the French rugby union've got a lot of
depth of the prioritized that in recent years the under
twenty pathways have been very, very strong for them and
we'll see a few of those players coming to the
four tomorrow. These are players though that you recognize maybe
from being on the bench in the six or being
in the wider training group. Now they're finally getting their chance,
but I think you steer at it and go five
debutantes and the run on side is big for any team,
(15:16):
and the All Black's got four in their twenty three,
but they've got a little more experience surrounding at Gale
for Coup Center stands out ninety four caps. Rabat Lamani
hasn't played a Test in six years. He's a tight
head prop he adds fifty four caps worth of experience
and outside of that, there's not many that have played
or none that have played more than twenty. So there's
a real hole of experience in this in this French team.
(15:37):
So you know, you can talk about the unknne it
really is with the French team. They make them out
in absolutely gel. You know, there's a few combinations there
from top fourteen level, but it's hard to see them
stringing together, you know, eighty minute performance given the travel,
everything like that tomorrow nights. But they you know, we've
seen French teams in the past when you've been written
off there are a very very dangerous side ninety nine
(15:58):
two thousand and seven. Yes, probably stronger French teams than
what the All Blacks are facing tomorrow night. But write
them off at your peril, I think is probably the
message from Scott robertson.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
All right, it's a big dave of rugby tomorrow with
the under twenties in action and also the mighty All
Blacks were heard from Sam Knock of course on the
podcast today Black Ferns against the Black Ferns fifteen. Also
in Fang today, Ellen Bunting close to naming his World
Cup squad. So there will be a bit in this,
won't there.
Speaker 6 (16:21):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Absolutely absolutely. This is a chance, last chance saloon really
for a lot of players to stick their hand up
and won. By the name of Ruby two. He has
a chance tomorrow to try and I press and try
and get back in the first choice. Thinking of Ellen Bunting,
there's other players as well that the matchups there. You know,
Luke Connor has been on the outside looking in in
terms of a hooker role. So look, this is the
(16:43):
beauty of a trial match. It brings out, you know,
players that really want to claim an opportunity to get
and put some pressure on the first choice team and
get on that plane to England because from now onwards,
you know, there's a Test against Australia next week at
sky Stadium. You go into you know, basically camp. After
that they're naming the team three weeks today, two weeks today,
so you know there's not a lot of time left
(17:03):
to impress Alan Bunting, so out of the games tomorrow.
Obviously the Test match is big, but you know, don't
sleep on that Black Fans, Black Black Fans fifteen's game.
There's gonna be a lot of feeling in that game
for sure.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
No Warriors to occupy us this weekend. They've got to
buy and it's probably come at quite a good time
given the injuries they suffered last week to Luke Metcalf
and chances Luka klukstart to go on top of the
other ones they have what's your gut on what Andrew
Webster will do in that number six jersey, sorry, that
number seven jersey now he doesn't have Luke Metcalf for
the rest of the season. Which way do you think
(17:34):
will go to Mardy Martin Tanner Boyd.
Speaker 5 (17:36):
I probably lean towards going Tanner Boyd. He's been in
great foreman reserve grade this season for the Warriors and
the New South Wales Cup. He's controlled NRAL teams before
to minder Matter, has had a lot of NRAL under
his belt. But that seven jersey is so pivostful and
I almost think that's the least disruptive role as putting
Tanna Boyd in as an out and out seven to
Mighty Marting and play full back. He can play five eighth,
he can play half back as well. But you know,
(17:58):
I think Tanner Boyd has earned the opportunity from what
he's done in reserve grade. And you're right, I think
this week off for the Warriors is probably a little
bit of a good chance to reset, you know, losing
Nickel Cloks for a few weeks obviously the rest of
the season for Metcalf, Mitch Barnett going as well, having
to back up this week with all that pressure I
think would not be a great thing for the Warriors,
just to allowing them a week off to reset a
(18:18):
little bit, get through that final Origin game. I think
will ultimately be a good thing, and they're going to
have to approach it in small chunks.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
You know.
Speaker 5 (18:26):
It is a bit of a derailing of their hopes
for this season. But I think Tanna Boyd, if he
comes in a half back, you know, he's been playing
some good rugby league, can steer them back in the way.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
I totally agree. And the next three games aren't, on
the face of it anyway arduous. You know, they are
teams that are in the lower airchelons of the table.
Having said that, as we know, there's no easy game
in the NRL. I think the fact that the Warriors
are front loaded their season with a bunch of wins
helps them a lot, obviously, doesn't it.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
They've done the work absolutely and you look at it
and they are still, you know, comfortably in the top
four a couple of wins ahead. So you extrapolate that out,
they're comfortably more than comfortably in the top eight. So
even if they were to go on a little bit
of a slide, they've done the work in the first
half of the season that should protect them and get
them into that type eight, regardless of how long it
may be Taxa Tana board or Tomighty Martin to start
(19:10):
getting in the rains of things and ultimately, you know,
you don't want to slide too far, you know, in
the eights, but in you know, home advantage and second
chances are so big in the NRL. But if they're
able to stay in the top eight and then hit
their straps again come August and September, that's where the
Warriors want to be.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
All right, it's an interesting weekend. No Warriors this weekend.
It's pretty much all rugby. We'll keep you right across
on News Talks edbity.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
This is Sports Fix, your daily does of sports news,
cowing by News Talks EBB.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
And that brings to an end the Sports Fix podcast
for today. Thank you so much for listening in. We
really appreciate you downloading, subscribing, and listening to sports Fix.
It drops into your podcast feed sort of mid afternoon
most weekdays, sometimes a little bit later depending on how
we're going, but I ran about this time. Anyway, into
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Talks zb sports, checkout Sports Talk weeknights between seven and
(20:03):
eight and weekend Sport Saturday and Sunday between midday and three.
And don't forget we have full live commentary of the
first Test of the year on news Talk SAIDB, Gold
Sport and iHeartRadio build Up from six kickoff just after
seven tomorrow, bringing it live to you from Fullsyth Bar Stadium.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
For more from News Talk SEDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
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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.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Talks ed B. Hi there and welcome into the Sports
Fix podcast for Friday, the fourth of July Independence Day
in the United States. But here it is All Blacks
Test one of the year EVE and the sports FITX
podcast coming to your live from Dunedin today in association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder. I'm
(00:40):
Jason Pine Elliot Smith with us on the podcast today
as we look ahead to tomorrow night's first test of
twenty twenty five razors first assignment of the year as
the All Blacks take on a rather under strength French
side under the roof in Dneda. But there's more than
just that tomorrow. The Maori All Blacks also in action
against Scotland and Fun today. So Elliot's got a chat
(01:01):
with Sam Knock in Maori All Blacks half back coming up.
We're going to kick around a few issues around the
rugby and the Warriors two and the latest and sports
news coming your way. So without any further ado, let's
get into it. In other news, let's check out some
of the big sports stories around today. A timely return
to major form for Novak Jokovic at Wimbledon. He has
(01:24):
advanced to the third round in straight sets over local
Dan Evans.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Agreed from the start of the played almost flawless tennis
that or is very welcome in the Grand Slams or
anywhere you play.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Key Wee Formula One driver Liam Lawson is crediting a
growing relationship with his engineer for an uptick and performance.
He roared to a career best sixth in Austria last
weekend and prime for a strong showing at this weekend's
British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Lawson says bonding with Ernesto
Desadelio has been a key to an improvement in form.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Hard work, sitting with the engineers, finding things in the
car that suit you. Obviously, a relationship with your engineer
is one of the most important things because if he
understands you, and he understands things that you like that
he doesn't even have to ask, then you start ahead.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
Of the game.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
And the tragic car crash which killed Liverpool and Portuguese
football er Diego Jotta and his brother Andre Silver in
Northwest Spain has brought a motion to the four outside anfield.
Jotter has died eleven days after his wedding. He had
three children with his wife. Fans have gathered outside anfield.
Speaker 5 (02:27):
Three pre football and the smile on his feet for
all the time he was depicting me of in Julion
what you do.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Things are more important than football, and this certainly is
more important than football.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
It's half breaking, it's as inside and the reason fumly putting.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
As friendly leading of vix, we've got just the ticket.
It's Sports Vix now by News Talks Evy.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
There's something a little bit special about a Test match
in Dunedin. It's one of a number of cities around
our country that host test match is on a regular basis,
But when you're in Dunedin and it's Test weekend, you
know that it is Test weekend. And I'm not sure
you can say that about some of the biggest cities
that international Test matches. Certainly in Auckland it can get
(03:11):
lost in everything else that's going on, similarly with Wellington.
But here in Dunedin where we are for this weekend's
first Test of twenty twenty five, there is already a
real buzz around the place. It probably helps that Dunedian's
quite compact and the retail and hospitality sector is based
in and around the Octagon, so a lot of folk
(03:32):
are gathering there to get themselves ready for what they
hope will be a really big start to the Test year.
The venue, of course, absolutely fantastic. Forsyth Bar Stadium has
to be one of the best rugby venues in the country,
not just because it's got a roof on it, but
that is a big part of it, but also the
shape and how close the fans are to the action.
(03:54):
You are right on top of the players pretty much
wherever you are around the Forsyth Bar Venue. Add in
the Scarfees of course, who always make plenty of noise
in the zoo, and it makes for an absolutely terrific atmosphere.
For the second year in a row, the All Blacks
start their Test season in Dunedin, one day short of
(04:15):
a year after Scott Robertson got underway his All Black's
head coach. He is back this time. I think he
feels a bit more relaxed. It's like he's had a
year under his belt and this is probably understandable. So
nothing is as new to him as it was last year,
and you'd have to think that after a sixteen fifteen
win over England a year ago, this one will be
(04:37):
a lot more comfortable. The side that France have sent over,
as we know, is certainly short on experience and should
be no match for an all Black side wanting to
prove themselves very early on in the year, some potential debutants,
some intriguing positional switches and of course the first chance
to see the team in twenty twenty five. The ingredients
(04:59):
are all here and the melting pot that is Dunedin
is going to mix them all together and split something
at it around it around about seven o'clock tomorrow night,
which no, we're all going to enjoy Tes City, Dunedin,
no better place.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
This is Sports Fix, your daily dose of sports news
now and by News Talks EBB.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
The Maldi All Blacks back in action on a big
day for New Zealand rugby tomorrow. The New Zealand under
twenties in action overnight in Italy against Georgia and the
Under twenty World Championship. The Black Fan's playing the Black
Fans fifteen and a trial match of sorts ahead of
the World Cup, the Madi All Blacks playing Scotland and
Funaday and of course the All Blacks to round out
the day against France seven O five. Joining us now
(05:42):
is the Maldi All Blacks half back Sam Knock. Sam,
thanks for your time with us here on News Talks, EDB.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
What in no no worries?
Speaker 5 (05:50):
Well, last week in Japan was a good win, big
second half, of course, around a lot of points in
that game. What did you take out of that performance
as a team?
Speaker 4 (05:58):
H resilience. Really, it was really hot. I think that's
why we started to come away with it in second half.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
I started to cool it down, but we came together
nicely as a team and we're pretty happy with their performance.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
What lessons have you taken out of that week to
put into this week against Scotland and fun today.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
I think we just adapted.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Well.
Speaker 6 (06:27):
We have been together for very long, so we're just
building those connections For Scotland to word, it's just going
to be all about physicality for us.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
We know we need to win that, so we're very excited.
Speaker 5 (06:41):
How have you handled the hectics you joys. You mentioned
you went together that long when you came in and
got into camp, then flew out to Tokyo pretty quickly.
You're back in fun day for this game tomorrow. It's
been a will wind couple of weeks. How are you
handling that? As a team?
Speaker 6 (06:55):
We had to be pretty good. Actually, our messaging throughout
the week's would be good. Just all about mindset really.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Not uh lo lot usually it as an excuse, I guess.
So we're very excited.
Speaker 6 (07:14):
I'm I'm very excited for to play in front of
my home fans, fans and family.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
So co wait, well north of a special place for
you of course, growing up there and playing for the
Tully far as well. How special is that going to
be tomorrow afternoons with a moldy all black jusey on home.
Speaker 4 (07:31):
Swell, uh it's.
Speaker 6 (07:34):
It's going to be very special as well as born
it's where my roommate was born to the River's Rehanter.
So we we played this kind stop thinking about it.
So we're very excited for.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
I mean, it's obviously one thing Sam to to wear
the moldy all black jusy on home, sober to do
it in front of your friends and family is special
to have the requests for tickets been this week?
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Yeah, especially there's the tickets lest so.
Speaker 6 (08:10):
All of my older families ask you for tickets under
there that they don't want to sit in the rain.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
I told them to screw your umbrella and enjoy it.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Give us an idea of that. The connections and how
important is for the Maldi All Blacks to be connected
to your culture and each other around the park.
Speaker 6 (08:29):
I think that's what makes us different than any other
team is connictions.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
You have to have BOLDI blood to play this team,
and we really.
Speaker 6 (08:42):
Delve deep into that and it's been really good connections
both fallen off the field and we know that comes Saturday,
we've got each other's back and we're looking forward to it.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
You don't give me any chances obviously each year to
playing for the All Blacks. It's such a short window
of time. So does that make us more special? I
used to know that you're on together for a couple
of weeks each season.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Yeah, it does.
Speaker 6 (09:05):
It also gives us renovation. For this is the first
time we've played the top two dash in a wall,
so we wanted to put a good performance so then
we could get big games like this and more often, what.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
Do you expect from Scotland then tomorrow? Obviously a different
Scotland team than perhaps usual without their British and Irish
Lions players or in Australia, but threatening. Nonetheless, what are
you expecting to face tomorrow afternoon?
Speaker 4 (09:31):
And Fanaday you were over there.
Speaker 6 (09:33):
They're pressurive side too. They're big, big Southern Hellustree like
ball carriers defenders, they play a bit of a different stole.
They've got a good seat piece, so we expecting a
physical game and we're looking.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
For to that good England captaining the side for the
first time, obviously you've played a lot with him at
the Blues in Super rugby. How has he risen to
the task of leading the Moldy or black side.
Speaker 6 (10:05):
He's been a great leader of ours for off mine
for a number of years. It just comes natural to him.
I don't know about his leadership after fair he took
us out for the other day.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
We didn't catch his but he's head to do it
really well.
Speaker 6 (10:26):
I'm matually really proud of and I can't wait to
keep hither. Yeah, it comes to there are they.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
Well no chef for team dinner? Unfortunately they're Sam You
mentioned your roommate Rivers Rayhan and you played together for
the Tiny five for a few seasons. He's had a
great season for the Crusaders m VP in the final.
You're playing together last week, you're playing again tomorrow. How
is that combination built again in this camp?
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (10:50):
For those since Uh, I don't know he would he
would have been eleven years old. It's been a while now,
we've been some we've been good mates. Uh. When he
first came with the Kpig just for being the m
VP of Super Rugua, so had to I had to
really humble them and bring them big down to earth.
(11:14):
Did we went the draped and yeah, he could have
stopped talking about the Crusaders and watching his own highlights.
So it's just they took a whole for It's ingred
that we're playing for the Motives now. But now they
were back home. Like I said before, we're very excited
to play with Both of us were born in a
(11:39):
place that means a lot to us.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
In a four A team that means a lot for
us too, so we're very excited.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
So for the Model Banks tomorrow, what was the ideal scenario?
What do you want to get out of this game
tomorrow against Scotland as a team.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
To be honest, just a word. That's what we're here
for is to win the game, especially on now I'm
home park, my home park. H Yeah, that's pretty simple.
We just want to win.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
And finally Sam the big old day four Rugby tomorrow
the under twenties, the Black fans are playing a traumatch yourselves,
the Moldy or Blacks and then the All Blacks later
on against France. Is it specially to be part of
a big day like that for New Zealand?
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Yeah, that's cool, is it? First time?
Speaker 5 (12:27):
I think so?
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (12:31):
Now I've got my sisters played for the black Fast
fifth day there obviously I'm the Moldis Yeah. Some might
best make to the All Black sirs. It's an exciting
time for Yeah, for a lot of us here, it'll
be cool. Hopefully the New Zealand gets behind us so
we all get four four from four.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Oh.
Speaker 6 (12:53):
I guess the black face curreally either way though, wouldn't
they say?
Speaker 5 (12:58):
Really appreciate a beast to u tomorrow afternoon with the
Mai All Blacks look forward to seeing you, do you think?
Thanks for joining us here on News Talk.
Speaker 4 (13:06):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix on
the Sports Fix podcast.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
Time to pop inside the Chamber on First Test of
the Year Eve the podcast is you know? Coming to
you from Dunedin today. Ellie Smith's in the chamber with me.
What feeling do you get? What I've been about thirty
hours out or so from the test starting. It's always
hard to know what to expect from the All Blacks
and the first Test of the year, so we'll ask
the question, what are you expect from in the first
(13:33):
Test of the year.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
Look, I think it's natural to expect a little bit
of rustiness because it's the first test of the year
and that's what we always get out of an All
Blacks performance, regardless of whether they win or lose. There's
some rustiness there, but I think the team naming is
really lit a fuse under it. There's so many eyebrow
raising selections in the mix for this game tomorrow that
there's a lot more intrigue than maybe there would have
(13:54):
been if Scott Robertson had rolled out a similar team
to the one he was using at the back end
of last year. So with twop O VII on the
blind side, the change at wing, the four debutantes in
the mix, that's at an extra layer of intrigue and
it feels like a real sea change moment for the
All Blacks. Now whether that is the reality in five
test time and we've reverted back to the team that
we're more familiar with last year, but it feels like
(14:16):
it is and I expect that. You know, there's a
few players there that will be desperate to take their
chances tomorrow night. Fabian Holland for one Dafi off the
bench and two po Vi. This is a real opportunity
for two point V to last take in the ground
to go I am the All Blacks long term six.
If you fail, you fail fast and you're revert back
to using him as a lock. But it could be
the start of something special tomorrow night. He's been there,
(14:38):
of course before, but it feels like the All Blacks
have empowered and with the confidence to go out there
tomorrow night and play a role.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Yeah, big night for two Paul V. You've been doing
your prep for the commentary tomorrow night. What do you
make of France? What should we expect from this very
green leblu look.
Speaker 5 (14:54):
French of the French rugby union've got a lot of
depth of the prioritized that in recent years the under
twenty pathways have been very, very strong for them and
we'll see a few of those players coming to the
four tomorrow. These are players though that you recognize maybe
from being on the bench in the six or being
in the wider training group. Now they're finally getting their chance,
but I think you steer at it and go five
debutantes and the run on side is big for any team,
(15:16):
and the All Black's got four in their twenty three,
but they've got a little more experience surrounding at Gale
for Coup Center stands out ninety four caps. Rabat Lamani
hasn't played a Test in six years. He's a tight
head prop he adds fifty four caps worth of experience
and outside of that, there's not many that have played
or none that have played more than twenty. So there's
a real hole of experience in this in this French team.
(15:37):
So you know, you can talk about the unknne it
really is with the French team. They make them out
in absolutely gel. You know, there's a few combinations there
from top fourteen level, but it's hard to see them
stringing together, you know, eighty minute performance given the travel,
everything like that tomorrow nights. But they you know, we've
seen French teams in the past when you've been written
off there are a very very dangerous side ninety nine
(15:58):
two thousand and seven. Yes, probably stronger French teams than
what the All Blacks are facing tomorrow night. But write
them off at your peril, I think is probably the
message from Scott robertson.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
All right, it's a big dave of rugby tomorrow with
the under twenties in action and also the mighty All
Blacks were heard from Sam Knock of course on the
podcast today Black Ferns against the Black Ferns fifteen. Also
in Fang today, Ellen Bunting close to naming his World
Cup squad. So there will be a bit in this,
won't there.
Speaker 6 (16:21):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Absolutely absolutely. This is a chance, last chance saloon really
for a lot of players to stick their hand up
and won. By the name of Ruby two. He has
a chance tomorrow to try and I press and try
and get back in the first choice. Thinking of Ellen Bunting,
there's other players as well that the matchups there. You know,
Luke Connor has been on the outside looking in in
terms of a hooker role. So look, this is the
(16:43):
beauty of a trial match. It brings out, you know,
players that really want to claim an opportunity to get
and put some pressure on the first choice team and
get on that plane to England because from now onwards,
you know, there's a Test against Australia next week at
sky Stadium. You go into you know, basically camp. After
that they're naming the team three weeks today, two weeks today,
so you know there's not a lot of time left
(17:03):
to impress Alan Bunting, so out of the games tomorrow.
Obviously the Test match is big, but you know, don't
sleep on that Black Fans, Black Black Fans fifteen's game.
There's gonna be a lot of feeling in that game
for sure.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
No Warriors to occupy us this weekend. They've got to
buy and it's probably come at quite a good time
given the injuries they suffered last week to Luke Metcalf
and chances Luka klukstart to go on top of the
other ones they have what's your gut on what Andrew
Webster will do in that number six jersey, sorry, that
number seven jersey now he doesn't have Luke Metcalf for
the rest of the season. Which way do you think
(17:34):
will go to Mardy Martin Tanner Boyd.
Speaker 5 (17:36):
I probably lean towards going Tanner Boyd. He's been in
great foreman reserve grade this season for the Warriors and
the New South Wales Cup. He's controlled NRAL teams before
to minder Matter, has had a lot of NRAL under
his belt. But that seven jersey is so pivostful and
I almost think that's the least disruptive role as putting
Tanna Boyd in as an out and out seven to
Mighty Marting and play full back. He can play five eighth,
he can play half back as well. But you know,
(17:58):
I think Tanner Boyd has earned the opportunity from what
he's done in reserve grade. And you're right, I think
this week off for the Warriors is probably a little
bit of a good chance to reset, you know, losing
Nickel Cloks for a few weeks obviously the rest of
the season for Metcalf, Mitch Barnett going as well, having
to back up this week with all that pressure I
think would not be a great thing for the Warriors,
just to allowing them a week off to reset a
(18:18):
little bit, get through that final Origin game. I think
will ultimately be a good thing, and they're going to
have to approach it in small chunks.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
You know.
Speaker 5 (18:26):
It is a bit of a derailing of their hopes
for this season. But I think Tanna Boyd, if he
comes in a half back, you know, he's been playing
some good rugby league, can steer them back in the way.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
I totally agree. And the next three games aren't, on
the face of it anyway arduous. You know, they are
teams that are in the lower airchelons of the table.
Having said that, as we know, there's no easy game
in the NRL. I think the fact that the Warriors
are front loaded their season with a bunch of wins
helps them a lot, obviously, doesn't it.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
They've done the work absolutely and you look at it
and they are still, you know, comfortably in the top
four a couple of wins ahead. So you extrapolate that out,
they're comfortably more than comfortably in the top eight. So
even if they were to go on a little bit
of a slide, they've done the work in the first
half of the season that should protect them and get
them into that type eight, regardless of how long it
may be Taxa Tana board or Tomighty Martin to start
(19:10):
getting in the rains of things and ultimately, you know,
you don't want to slide too far, you know, in
the eights, but in you know, home advantage and second
chances are so big in the NRL. But if they're
able to stay in the top eight and then hit
their straps again come August and September, that's where the
Warriors want to be.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
All right, it's an interesting weekend. No Warriors this weekend.
It's pretty much all rugby. We'll keep you right across
on News Talks edbity.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
This is Sports Fix, your daily does of sports news,
cowing by News Talks EBB.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
And that brings to an end the Sports Fix podcast
for today. Thank you so much for listening in. We
really appreciate you downloading, subscribing, and listening to sports Fix.
It drops into your podcast feed sort of mid afternoon
most weekdays, sometimes a little bit later depending on how
we're going, but I ran about this time. Anyway, into
your podcast feed every weekday and for more from News
Talks zb sports, checkout Sports Talk weeknights between seven and
(20:03):
eight and weekend Sport Saturday and Sunday between midday and three.
And don't forget we have full live commentary of the
first Test of the year on news Talk SAIDB, Gold
Sport and iHeartRadio build Up from six kickoff just after
seven tomorrow, bringing it live to you from Fullsyth Bar Stadium.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
For more from News Talk SEDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
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