July 14, 2025 • 18 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 14 July 2025, The All Blacks delivered a far more convincing win over the French on the weekend. Rugby commentator Tony Johnson runs his eye over the performance and the things that stood out to him
Piney speculates on who may be named for the third test of the series.
Plus, Clay Wilson joins the Chamber to recap an impressive Warriors 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 EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello there and welcome into a new week and to
a fresh episode of the Sports Fix podcast in association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder.
I'm Jason Pine. Great to have you listening in as
we reflect on the All Blacks reclaiming the Dave Gallaher
Trophy taking an unassailable two nil lead in their three
(00:42):
Test series against France. So how should we reflect on
Test two and what might Razor do in Test three?
I've got some thoughts, as will Skysport commentator Tony Johnson,
who joins us on the podcast. Today, we're in the
Chamber as well, kicking that around and the Warriors too,
Cantanna Boyd pick up where Lup Mecar left off, Clay
(01:04):
Wilson in the Chamber today and the latest and sports
news as well, so let's get into it.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
In other news, let's get going by checking out some
of the biggest sports stories floating around today to the
latest NASCAR Cup Series race in California to start.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
It's a road course runaway.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Shane van Guzburg dominates and wins Cinema. You are unbelievable man,
Shane van Gisbergen taking the check and flag for his
third consecutive road win, leading ninety seven of the one
hundred and ten lamps after starting on pole. A humdinger
of a Wimbledon singles final for the men unfolding between
Carlos Alcarat and Yarnick Center across four sets. It's yarn
(01:53):
At Center's time to shine at Wimbledon. Alcharez took the
first set sixty four, but Center tripled down six four,
six four sixty four in response for his fourth major victory.
And Chelsea have dominated Paris, Jerman to win the Club
well Cup final three nil in New York and lift
the trophy for a second time. Job World Cup.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
Sadams. What a month and a half of history for
Exel Alaska.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
You're listening to the Sports Fix podcast. The All Blacks
have reclaimed that Dave gallaher trophy beating France forty three
seventeen in Wellington on Saturday night to take an unassailable
two Neil lead and the three test series. Let's bring
in Skysport commentator Tony Johnson TJ. Thanks for joining us
on Sports Fix. How satisfied do you think Scott Robertson
will be after his site's performance on Saturday night.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
I think you'd be a lot happier after the second
test than he was after the first. I think they
were satisfied enough to get the wind piney, but there
were a lot of work ons, and I think most
of those work ons we saw improvement in those on
Saturday night. Still a few things to work on. Some
of the set Sorry, the kickoff receptions weren't brilliant, just
one or two little aspects here, and they went through
(03:13):
a bit of a period in the second half where
things got a little bit sloppy, But by then I
guess the tests they knew they were going to win
the test, probably by a comfortable margin. Changes coming on
sometimes happens in test matches, but no, I think by
and large, I think they'll be really pleased with the
steps that they took in the second test, and I
(03:36):
guess now the task is to continue that improvement when
they go to Hamilton for the third.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
In terms of the things that you saw biggest improvement
and the ones that Scott Robertson even highlighted after the
first test that he was hoping to see some gains
and what impressed you specifically, particularly in that first half
on Saturday.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
I picked the platform that the team laid first of all,
the forwards have done a really good job and it's
exciting to see the way Fabian Holland has taken to
Test rugby, a really big man in the middle of
that all black packing them off to a good start.
He spook to French we but at line out time
he's been winning all his own line out ball but
he was a real menace there. We know how good
(04:16):
he is around the breakdown. But I think what we
saw was just evidence that a couple of tweaks that
they've made to the team in terms of the personnel.
They did the right thing by giving them another chance
and so what we saw was at tupaul Vai and
just a shame that he picked up that head knock
and has ruled him out of Hamilton. But growing in
that number six Jersey that there's some depth potentially at Lock.
(04:40):
When you consider how well Patrick Tuipulotu played in the
place of Scott Barrett Holland just looks there to stay
and who knows what his ceiling is, and you've still
got Sam Dowry to come back, and a couple of
other guys on the fringe. So I think maybe the
development of Tupulva as a guy who could be a
very good test lock, but he could be an extremely
good Test number six. The balance looked good, the aggression
(05:04):
looked good. They carried the ball really strongly and that
kind of s the platform for what was to follow,
and obviously we saw some good back play as well.
So to me, that was just I think it was
just across the board, like a five to six percent improvement,
which at that level is usually quite significant, and I
(05:26):
think that was probably the most pleasing thing that they
stepped it up. They addressed some of the issues that
that had in Duneden, and you know, it's still room
for improvement, but everything that can improve is certainly of
the fixable variety. There's nothing in there that's sort of saying, boy,
you know, that's not working or this needs to change
(05:48):
or something like that. It's just a general across the board,
development of the team and the very positive I think.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
To Paul, vot was one of the two players I
wanted to get your view on. So let's start with him.
Have you seen enough? Is he the man to wear
six in these really big test matches to come later
in the year.
Speaker 5 (06:06):
Well, when you consider how little he's actually played there,
I think he played. He started one Test before this
series at number six and I'm pretty sure they lost
that one. And he's had a few games there, but
not many for the Chiefs. But he fills that tight
loose role where a guy who has to have the
ability of a tight foward to move bodies at the breakdown,
(06:28):
that sort of thing. But he makes his tackles. He's
a very good, strong direct runner. He runs quite low
and that makes him hard to stop. And of course
he's a very good lineout forward. They've got plenty of
options at line out with him being in the team.
I just had a feeling at times last year they
just didn't have enough height. They needed an extra tall player.
(06:48):
They were operating with a reasonably small loose forward trio,
and I think he's provided the balance there. But the
other thing too, is you know he's got a good
rugby IQ. He's an intelligent player. He's a player who
is improving all the time, so I think definitely having
him start the game and Sammy Penny Finale coming off
(07:11):
the bench. We know what a good impact player he
can be and don't forget at some point in the
future Shannon Frizzell might come back into the mix as well.
So there's some depth there, but also the balance enables
Ardie Savia to play where I think he definitely plays best,
and that's on the open side.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
The other player I want to get you view was
Billy Proctor, another who's been given opportunities consecutive Test matches
in the thirteen Jersey. I think by his own admission,
he was better in Wellington than he was in Dunedin.
Does he appeal to you TJ as the long term
All Black center.
Speaker 5 (07:47):
Well, he's certainly a player that I really liked watching
play over the last few years. I think at twenty
eighteen when he played his first Test that was up
in Tokyo. If I'm not mistaken, Piney, he's always looked
the goods of course at Super rugby level and the
way the Hurricanes play, they've been good to They've been
good enough to be able to create at half a
(08:08):
meter and half a second of time and space that
you don't always get at the top level of the game,
and he's a guy that can make the most of that.
His first test, I think he kind of got singled
out because there was a mistackle. He came up, got
himself into a bad spot and tried to make the
tackle and the guy stepped through him at of sodby
the fallback, and I guess that was quite glaring, but
(08:30):
it's not the sort of mistake you see from him. Look.
I like the idea of him being at center. I
still think that Recall Yolani is a guy who could
be play well at center as well, but particularly with
the sad news today that Caleb Clark's going to be
out for probably a couple of months, may well miss
the Rugby Championship, that's the combination I think going forward
(08:53):
with Billy Proper at center and recall Yann on the
left wing. I think the injury to Caleb Clark probably
means that that is going to be the combination, and
it doesn't bring with any great concerns. I think it's
a good combone and it'll get better as they get
time working together.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Thanks as always for your analysis and expertise. TJ. That's
Tony Johnson's Sky Sport rugby commentator, joining us on the
Sports Fixed podcast sports As Scott Robertson contemplated his team
selection for the third Test on the flight to Hamilton yesterday.
His task would have been made a lot easier by
the fact his team played so well on Saturday and Wellington,
(09:35):
allowing him to complete his plan of giving every player
in the squads in game time in this three test series.
Now too, paor V is unavailable after failing his HIA
on Saturday. He joins Caleb Clark, Scott Barrett, tom I
T Williams and Wallace Atiti from the squad that was
originally named for the series who aren't available Saturday. So
that leaves six players who are available and haven't yet
(09:58):
played in the first two tests. Brody McCallister, well, he
can come on at reserve hooker for his debut. I'd
say Cody Taylor should be able to celebrate the occasion
of his one hundredth ten by starting in front of
New Zealand fans. Noah Hotham, Similarly, he can come on
as reserve halfback with either Cam Royguard or Cortez Latimer
probably roy Guard getting arrest. Tyrel Lomax he can come
(10:20):
straight and it's starting tight head for Fletcher Newle or
come off the bench. Luke Jacobson well with two por
vty out he can come in at blindside or if
Sammapenny Fenw gets that spot, Jacobson could potentially start at
number eight or cover all three loose forward positions off
the bench. Anton Lennett Brown he could start maybe with
(10:40):
Quintupire in midfield on their home ground, but again with
Lennet Brown's versatility and ability to play twelve and thirteen,
he could be a bench option. And Rubin Love who
will probably start at fullback with Will Jordan carrying a
wee niggle which isn't really worth risking at the stage
of the year. Are the changes I Reckon Damen McKenzie
get to start at ten, Ollie Norris might get a
(11:01):
first Test start in the front row, and Seva Reese
definitely deserves the chance to start again given he lasted
just a minute in the first Test in Duneda with
that head knock. There might even be an opening for
a test debut for nator Arkoi with Fabian Holland and
Patrick Tuwey Polotu the only fit locks left in the squad.
Wouldn't be surprised to see r Koy called in and
(11:23):
straight into the reserve. So here's a possible team. Norris Taylor,
Lomax in the front row, Holland and tuy Pilotu locking
finale Savia and Leo Willie, the Lucy's Rattama and McKenzie
and the Haarves to Paya and Lennart Brown and midfield
with Rhys Nadawah and Love the back three on the
bench McAllister, Tossy Dgrut, r Koy, Jacobson Hotham, Tavatavanaway and
(11:47):
Rico Yuwani. That is what I would do. The actual
team itself is named on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
The Chamber is now in session on SPORTSFX.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
On the Sportsbeks podcast, Let's get inside the Chamber. What
an honor. At the start of this week to welcome in,
sports editor at news Talk said b Clay Wilson Klay,
it's approval to have you joining us in the chamber.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Welcome.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
I was just about to say, the privilege is all
mine Piney. To grace the airways with you is always
a pleasure, So thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
All Right, enough of that, enough of the mutual admiration society,
Let's talk some sport. I want to get to the
Warriors in a moment. We've had a bit of the
All Blacks on the pod today, but what were your
your main takeaways after Saturday night and Wellington? Anything in
particular that stood out?
Speaker 4 (12:31):
No, just just that it was nice to see them
be more clinical, wasn't And I think that's what everyone
was crying out for the after the first test. So
many opportunities created in Dunedin that weren't taken, so nice
to take a few more. And why the second half
was closer than you would have liked. I think definitely
a step up, wasn't it, And a number of players
looking a bit better. And also you know what it
(12:52):
does now frees them up to be able to make
a few tweaks for this third Test, doesn't it? And
give give some of these guys that haven't had a run,
give them a run because the series is wrapped up.
I'm sure they want to win three zero, but yeah,
just just just another step up and you want to
see with South Africa looming, you want to see another
step up again in Hamilton?
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Absolutely right, And I think you know, if you've got
an opportunity in this All Blacks team, you have to
take it, don't you, Because there's any number of players
now who can fill any number of positions and who
are jockeying for position, just on the just on the
Hamilton things. I don't know what haven't France gone to Hamilton?
Or is that a silly question?
Speaker 4 (13:31):
Well, we don't want to offend white Cutthall based listeners. No, Jason, No,
I don't mind a trip to Hamilton. I mean I'm
not sure how you've fared. Actually, incidentally, a great stadium
to watch rugby in, yes, so so in terms of
going to the rugby itself, I would have no qualms
in doing that because it's a it's a great spectator stadium.
(13:51):
Perhaps not quite as much extracurricular for the for the
fans or the teams in Hamilton as other cities, but
I mean that that just sort of training and sleeping
and eating anyway, and now I'm not sure why they
wouldn't just go and be there for Sunday's game.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
I totally agree with you. And it just I mean,
it's not like it's not like it's the sticks. You know,
it's a decent sized city, Hamilton. You known't call it
the city of the future for nothing, they do not.
And just on the ground you're so right rectangular, right
up close to the action and a place where the
All Blacks I just checked this before we entered the
chamber have played sixteen times before one fifteen and have
(14:27):
averaged fifty three points per game the All Blacks, and
they love the tron that maybe that's why France have
stayed away.
Speaker 5 (14:34):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (14:35):
Maybe I don't know. Is it going to be cowbells
leg Can we check in with Colin Mansbridge on that one?
As the cowbolls allowed this weekend? Maybe that's the secret
to the All Blacks success there.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Yeah, I think there'll be the odd cowbell there and
I don't think Colin Mansbridge's jurisdiction goes into Hamilton, probably
quite rightly. So, Hey, Warriors, yesterday they got the job
done against the West Tigers, a pretty important win actually
because that had the back to back losses of course
and the two buys. Did you see an upswing and
do you feel confident as they attack the sort of
(15:06):
back seven or eight rounds of the season.
Speaker 4 (15:08):
Yeah, I think this was a bit of a settler
of the nerves for Warriors fans, wasn't it, because they
obviously we lost Mitch Barnett and then you lose a
couple in the row row and you lose Luke Metcalfe.
You know who's them was the Dallym leader when we
last knew about it, and you think, oh, it's going
to pieces, but at that point you still third on
the ladder, You're still very much in the race. And
(15:29):
after a week off to come back in and have
a pretty convincing performance. I mean they probably should have
won that by more and I think Andrew Webster indicated
that yesterday they should have won that game by a
bit more. Goes to show that there's real depth in
this team. And man Tana Boyd, he didn't overplay his
hand at all. He looked great in stepping into that
seven jersey for Luke metcalf So, you know, I think,
(15:49):
you know what, while you say their premiership chances have
taken a big blow losing a couple of key players
in terms of the eight and making the top four
they've got to be right there. They're four clear of
the Broncos in fifth. So you know, you win five
or six of these games coming in, and you make
the top four, you get a home playoff, and and
Bob's your uncle. I thought, Yeah, just just really impressed
(16:10):
to see them be able to fill those voids, have
a week off and come back and say, hey, we're
still a team that's gonna make some noise towards the
back end of the season.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
When you look at the games they have remaining clay
as well and the current positions of their opposition. So
next up the night, they're thirteenth, the Titans who are
currently bottom, the Dolphins who are tenth, the Bulldogs who
are going along nicely in third, the Dragons eleventh, the
Titans again bottom, the Eels who are fifteenth, and then
the Sea Eagles to finish, who are currently seventh. So
(16:39):
it's a reasonably friendly running, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
Yeah? And what's that eight or nine games? Then, like
I said, you win five or six of those with
the likes of the opposition you mentioned, you should if
they're going to be a team that's in contention. Now
I will caveat this by saying the NRL is the
competition I trust the least in terms of results you
should get. But yeah, like you look at those teams
and you say, well, if they're going to be a
(17:02):
team that's to do something in the postseason, then that
they should. They should win five or six of those
games and stroll on into the top four. So I
think you got to look at it with glass half
full in terms of what they produced yesterday, and like
you say, the run and that they've.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Got just before we finished with the Warriors and leave
the chamber, lek a hell of Seama. I can't believe
this kid's only nineteen. He could be anything, couldn't he.
Speaker 4 (17:21):
Yeah, I mean I'm not trying to think what I
was doing at nineteen and not simply wasn't as prominent
as what he's doing, isn't he Just he's just a
beast and he's not I mean, I'm sure up close
he's a big guy. But you know when you compare
him to some of the other people in his position
or other forwards out there, you know, he's quite a
worry in a way bloke, isn't he. But man, he
just just goes at everything. I love how he can
(17:43):
test those high balls, created that crucial try at the
end there yesterday and then scored that one himself and
just shrugging people off doing what he does. It's just
great to have a guy like that. And Piney signed
on for another two or three seasons already on top
of his deal just a few weeks ago, so you know,
to have him locked up and not have the big
Sydney clubs sniffing around for someone like that is great
(18:04):
news for the future of the Warriors if he can,
you know, stay fit and just keep progressing. Lucky Hesben.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
Yeah, a long term prospect for the Warriors and an
exciting one at that. That will do us in the
chamber for today. Thanks for stopping it, Clay, I really
appreciate it too easy.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Thanks binding needing a.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Fix, We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix powered
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Speaker 2 (18:25):
And that brings to men in the Sports Fix podcast
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Speaker 1 (18:48):
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This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello there and welcome into a new week and to
a fresh episode of the Sports Fix podcast in association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder.
I'm Jason Pine. Great to have you listening in as
we reflect on the All Blacks reclaiming the Dave Gallaher
Trophy taking an unassailable two nil lead in their three
(00:42):
Test series against France. So how should we reflect on
Test two and what might Razor do in Test three?
I've got some thoughts, as will Skysport commentator Tony Johnson,
who joins us on the podcast. Today, we're in the
Chamber as well, kicking that around and the Warriors too,
Cantanna Boyd pick up where Lup Mecar left off, Clay
(01:04):
Wilson in the Chamber today and the latest and sports
news as well, so let's get into it.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
In other news, let's get going by checking out some
of the biggest sports stories floating around today to the
latest NASCAR Cup Series race in California to start.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
It's a road course runaway.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Shane van Guzburg dominates and wins Cinema. You are unbelievable man,
Shane van Gisbergen taking the check and flag for his
third consecutive road win, leading ninety seven of the one
hundred and ten lamps after starting on pole. A humdinger
of a Wimbledon singles final for the men unfolding between
Carlos Alcarat and Yarnick Center across four sets. It's yarn
(01:53):
At Center's time to shine at Wimbledon. Alcharez took the
first set sixty four, but Center tripled down six four,
six four sixty four in response for his fourth major victory.
And Chelsea have dominated Paris, Jerman to win the Club
well Cup final three nil in New York and lift
the trophy for a second time. Job World Cup.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
Sadams. What a month and a half of history for
Exel Alaska.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
You're listening to the Sports Fix podcast. The All Blacks
have reclaimed that Dave gallaher trophy beating France forty three
seventeen in Wellington on Saturday night to take an unassailable
two Neil lead and the three test series. Let's bring
in Skysport commentator Tony Johnson TJ. Thanks for joining us
on Sports Fix. How satisfied do you think Scott Robertson
will be after his site's performance on Saturday night.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
I think you'd be a lot happier after the second
test than he was after the first. I think they
were satisfied enough to get the wind piney, but there
were a lot of work ons, and I think most
of those work ons we saw improvement in those on
Saturday night. Still a few things to work on. Some
of the set Sorry, the kickoff receptions weren't brilliant, just
one or two little aspects here, and they went through
(03:13):
a bit of a period in the second half where
things got a little bit sloppy, But by then I
guess the tests they knew they were going to win
the test, probably by a comfortable margin. Changes coming on
sometimes happens in test matches, but no, I think by
and large, I think they'll be really pleased with the
steps that they took in the second test, and I
(03:36):
guess now the task is to continue that improvement when
they go to Hamilton for the third.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
In terms of the things that you saw biggest improvement
and the ones that Scott Robertson even highlighted after the
first test that he was hoping to see some gains
and what impressed you specifically, particularly in that first half
on Saturday.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
I picked the platform that the team laid first of all,
the forwards have done a really good job and it's
exciting to see the way Fabian Holland has taken to
Test rugby, a really big man in the middle of
that all black packing them off to a good start.
He spook to French we but at line out time
he's been winning all his own line out ball but
he was a real menace there. We know how good
(04:16):
he is around the breakdown. But I think what we
saw was just evidence that a couple of tweaks that
they've made to the team in terms of the personnel.
They did the right thing by giving them another chance
and so what we saw was at tupaul Vai and
just a shame that he picked up that head knock
and has ruled him out of Hamilton. But growing in
that number six Jersey that there's some depth potentially at Lock.
(04:40):
When you consider how well Patrick Tuipulotu played in the
place of Scott Barrett Holland just looks there to stay
and who knows what his ceiling is, and you've still
got Sam Dowry to come back, and a couple of
other guys on the fringe. So I think maybe the
development of Tupulva as a guy who could be a
very good test lock, but he could be an extremely
good Test number six. The balance looked good, the aggression
(05:04):
looked good. They carried the ball really strongly and that
kind of s the platform for what was to follow,
and obviously we saw some good back play as well.
So to me, that was just I think it was
just across the board, like a five to six percent improvement,
which at that level is usually quite significant, and I
(05:26):
think that was probably the most pleasing thing that they
stepped it up. They addressed some of the issues that
that had in Duneden, and you know, it's still room
for improvement, but everything that can improve is certainly of
the fixable variety. There's nothing in there that's sort of saying, boy,
you know, that's not working or this needs to change
(05:48):
or something like that. It's just a general across the board,
development of the team and the very positive I think.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
To Paul, vot was one of the two players I
wanted to get your view on. So let's start with him.
Have you seen enough? Is he the man to wear
six in these really big test matches to come later
in the year.
Speaker 5 (06:06):
Well, when you consider how little he's actually played there,
I think he played. He started one Test before this
series at number six and I'm pretty sure they lost
that one. And he's had a few games there, but
not many for the Chiefs. But he fills that tight
loose role where a guy who has to have the
ability of a tight foward to move bodies at the breakdown,
(06:28):
that sort of thing. But he makes his tackles. He's
a very good, strong direct runner. He runs quite low
and that makes him hard to stop. And of course
he's a very good lineout forward. They've got plenty of
options at line out with him being in the team.
I just had a feeling at times last year they
just didn't have enough height. They needed an extra tall player.
(06:48):
They were operating with a reasonably small loose forward trio,
and I think he's provided the balance there. But the
other thing too, is you know he's got a good
rugby IQ. He's an intelligent player. He's a player who
is improving all the time, so I think definitely having
him start the game and Sammy Penny Finale coming off
(07:11):
the bench. We know what a good impact player he
can be and don't forget at some point in the
future Shannon Frizzell might come back into the mix as well.
So there's some depth there, but also the balance enables
Ardie Savia to play where I think he definitely plays best,
and that's on the open side.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
The other player I want to get you view was
Billy Proctor, another who's been given opportunities consecutive Test matches
in the thirteen Jersey. I think by his own admission,
he was better in Wellington than he was in Dunedin.
Does he appeal to you TJ as the long term
All Black center.
Speaker 5 (07:47):
Well, he's certainly a player that I really liked watching
play over the last few years. I think at twenty
eighteen when he played his first Test that was up
in Tokyo. If I'm not mistaken, Piney, he's always looked
the goods of course at Super rugby level and the
way the Hurricanes play, they've been good to They've been
good enough to be able to create at half a
(08:08):
meter and half a second of time and space that
you don't always get at the top level of the game,
and he's a guy that can make the most of that.
His first test, I think he kind of got singled
out because there was a mistackle. He came up, got
himself into a bad spot and tried to make the
tackle and the guy stepped through him at of sodby
the fallback, and I guess that was quite glaring, but
(08:30):
it's not the sort of mistake you see from him. Look.
I like the idea of him being at center. I
still think that Recall Yolani is a guy who could
be play well at center as well, but particularly with
the sad news today that Caleb Clark's going to be
out for probably a couple of months, may well miss
the Rugby Championship, that's the combination I think going forward
(08:53):
with Billy Proper at center and recall Yann on the
left wing. I think the injury to Caleb Clark probably
means that that is going to be the combination, and
it doesn't bring with any great concerns. I think it's
a good combone and it'll get better as they get
time working together.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Thanks as always for your analysis and expertise. TJ. That's
Tony Johnson's Sky Sport rugby commentator, joining us on the
Sports Fixed podcast sports As Scott Robertson contemplated his team
selection for the third Test on the flight to Hamilton yesterday.
His task would have been made a lot easier by
the fact his team played so well on Saturday and Wellington,
(09:35):
allowing him to complete his plan of giving every player
in the squads in game time in this three test series.
Now too, paor V is unavailable after failing his HIA
on Saturday. He joins Caleb Clark, Scott Barrett, tom I
T Williams and Wallace Atiti from the squad that was
originally named for the series who aren't available Saturday. So
that leaves six players who are available and haven't yet
(09:58):
played in the first two tests. Brody McCallister, well, he
can come on at reserve hooker for his debut. I'd
say Cody Taylor should be able to celebrate the occasion
of his one hundredth ten by starting in front of
New Zealand fans. Noah Hotham, Similarly, he can come on
as reserve halfback with either Cam Royguard or Cortez Latimer
probably roy Guard getting arrest. Tyrel Lomax he can come
(10:20):
straight and it's starting tight head for Fletcher Newle or
come off the bench. Luke Jacobson well with two por
vty out he can come in at blindside or if
Sammapenny Fenw gets that spot, Jacobson could potentially start at
number eight or cover all three loose forward positions off
the bench. Anton Lennett Brown he could start maybe with
(10:40):
Quintupire in midfield on their home ground, but again with
Lennet Brown's versatility and ability to play twelve and thirteen,
he could be a bench option. And Rubin Love who
will probably start at fullback with Will Jordan carrying a
wee niggle which isn't really worth risking at the stage
of the year. Are the changes I Reckon Damen McKenzie
get to start at ten, Ollie Norris might get a
(11:01):
first Test start in the front row, and Seva Reese
definitely deserves the chance to start again given he lasted
just a minute in the first Test in Duneda with
that head knock. There might even be an opening for
a test debut for nator Arkoi with Fabian Holland and
Patrick Tuwey Polotu the only fit locks left in the squad.
Wouldn't be surprised to see r Koy called in and
(11:23):
straight into the reserve. So here's a possible team. Norris Taylor,
Lomax in the front row, Holland and tuy Pilotu locking
finale Savia and Leo Willie, the Lucy's Rattama and McKenzie
and the Haarves to Paya and Lennart Brown and midfield
with Rhys Nadawah and Love the back three on the
bench McAllister, Tossy Dgrut, r Koy, Jacobson Hotham, Tavatavanaway and
(11:47):
Rico Yuwani. That is what I would do. The actual
team itself is named on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
The Chamber is now in session on SPORTSFX.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
On the Sportsbeks podcast, Let's get inside the Chamber. What
an honor. At the start of this week to welcome in,
sports editor at news Talk said b Clay Wilson Klay,
it's approval to have you joining us in the chamber.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Welcome.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
I was just about to say, the privilege is all
mine Piney. To grace the airways with you is always
a pleasure, So thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
All Right, enough of that, enough of the mutual admiration society,
Let's talk some sport. I want to get to the
Warriors in a moment. We've had a bit of the
All Blacks on the pod today, but what were your
your main takeaways after Saturday night and Wellington? Anything in
particular that stood out?
Speaker 4 (12:31):
No, just just that it was nice to see them
be more clinical, wasn't And I think that's what everyone
was crying out for the after the first test. So
many opportunities created in Dunedin that weren't taken, so nice
to take a few more. And why the second half
was closer than you would have liked. I think definitely
a step up, wasn't it, And a number of players
looking a bit better. And also you know what it
(12:52):
does now frees them up to be able to make
a few tweaks for this third Test, doesn't it? And
give give some of these guys that haven't had a run,
give them a run because the series is wrapped up.
I'm sure they want to win three zero, but yeah,
just just just another step up and you want to
see with South Africa looming, you want to see another
step up again in Hamilton?
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Absolutely right, And I think you know, if you've got
an opportunity in this All Blacks team, you have to
take it, don't you, Because there's any number of players
now who can fill any number of positions and who
are jockeying for position, just on the just on the
Hamilton things. I don't know what haven't France gone to Hamilton?
Or is that a silly question?
Speaker 4 (13:31):
Well, we don't want to offend white Cutthall based listeners. No, Jason, No,
I don't mind a trip to Hamilton. I mean I'm
not sure how you've fared. Actually, incidentally, a great stadium
to watch rugby in, yes, so so in terms of
going to the rugby itself, I would have no qualms
in doing that because it's a it's a great spectator stadium.
(13:51):
Perhaps not quite as much extracurricular for the for the
fans or the teams in Hamilton as other cities, but
I mean that that just sort of training and sleeping
and eating anyway, and now I'm not sure why they
wouldn't just go and be there for Sunday's game.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
I totally agree with you. And it just I mean,
it's not like it's not like it's the sticks. You know,
it's a decent sized city, Hamilton. You known't call it
the city of the future for nothing, they do not.
And just on the ground you're so right rectangular, right
up close to the action and a place where the
All Blacks I just checked this before we entered the
chamber have played sixteen times before one fifteen and have
(14:27):
averaged fifty three points per game the All Blacks, and
they love the tron that maybe that's why France have
stayed away.
Speaker 5 (14:34):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (14:35):
Maybe I don't know. Is it going to be cowbells
leg Can we check in with Colin Mansbridge on that one?
As the cowbolls allowed this weekend? Maybe that's the secret
to the All Blacks success there.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Yeah, I think there'll be the odd cowbell there and
I don't think Colin Mansbridge's jurisdiction goes into Hamilton, probably
quite rightly. So, Hey, Warriors, yesterday they got the job
done against the West Tigers, a pretty important win actually
because that had the back to back losses of course
and the two buys. Did you see an upswing and
do you feel confident as they attack the sort of
(15:06):
back seven or eight rounds of the season.
Speaker 4 (15:08):
Yeah, I think this was a bit of a settler
of the nerves for Warriors fans, wasn't it, because they
obviously we lost Mitch Barnett and then you lose a
couple in the row row and you lose Luke Metcalfe.
You know who's them was the Dallym leader when we
last knew about it, and you think, oh, it's going
to pieces, but at that point you still third on
the ladder, You're still very much in the race. And
(15:29):
after a week off to come back in and have
a pretty convincing performance. I mean they probably should have
won that by more and I think Andrew Webster indicated
that yesterday they should have won that game by a
bit more. Goes to show that there's real depth in
this team. And man Tana Boyd, he didn't overplay his
hand at all. He looked great in stepping into that
seven jersey for Luke metcalf So, you know, I think,
(15:49):
you know what, while you say their premiership chances have
taken a big blow losing a couple of key players
in terms of the eight and making the top four
they've got to be right there. They're four clear of
the Broncos in fifth. So you know, you win five
or six of these games coming in, and you make
the top four, you get a home playoff, and and
Bob's your uncle. I thought, Yeah, just just really impressed
(16:10):
to see them be able to fill those voids, have
a week off and come back and say, hey, we're
still a team that's gonna make some noise towards the
back end of the season.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
When you look at the games they have remaining clay
as well and the current positions of their opposition. So
next up the night, they're thirteenth, the Titans who are
currently bottom, the Dolphins who are tenth, the Bulldogs who
are going along nicely in third, the Dragons eleventh, the
Titans again bottom, the Eels who are fifteenth, and then
the Sea Eagles to finish, who are currently seventh. So
(16:39):
it's a reasonably friendly running, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
Yeah? And what's that eight or nine games? Then, like
I said, you win five or six of those with
the likes of the opposition you mentioned, you should if
they're going to be a team that's in contention. Now
I will caveat this by saying the NRL is the
competition I trust the least in terms of results you
should get. But yeah, like you look at those teams
and you say, well, if they're going to be a
(17:02):
team that's to do something in the postseason, then that
they should. They should win five or six of those
games and stroll on into the top four. So I
think you got to look at it with glass half
full in terms of what they produced yesterday, and like
you say, the run and that they've.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Got just before we finished with the Warriors and leave
the chamber, lek a hell of Seama. I can't believe
this kid's only nineteen. He could be anything, couldn't he.
Speaker 4 (17:21):
Yeah, I mean I'm not trying to think what I
was doing at nineteen and not simply wasn't as prominent
as what he's doing, isn't he Just he's just a
beast and he's not I mean, I'm sure up close
he's a big guy. But you know when you compare
him to some of the other people in his position
or other forwards out there, you know, he's quite a
worry in a way bloke, isn't he. But man, he
just just goes at everything. I love how he can
(17:43):
test those high balls, created that crucial try at the
end there yesterday and then scored that one himself and
just shrugging people off doing what he does. It's just
great to have a guy like that. And Piney signed
on for another two or three seasons already on top
of his deal just a few weeks ago, so you know,
to have him locked up and not have the big
Sydney clubs sniffing around for someone like that is great
(18:04):
news for the future of the Warriors if he can,
you know, stay fit and just keep progressing. Lucky Hesben.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
Yeah, a long term prospect for the Warriors and an
exciting one at that. That will do us in the
chamber for today. Thanks for stopping it, Clay, I really
appreciate it too easy.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Thanks binding needing a.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Fix, We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix powered
by News Talks V.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
And that brings to men in the Sports Fix podcast
for today. Thanks for downloading, Thanks for subscribing, Thanks for
listening in. Subscribers to Sports Fix will know that a
fresh episode drops into your feed and around about the
same time every weekday. And for more from News Talks
EDB Sport, check out Sports Talk weeknights between seven and
eight pm and on the weekend's Weekend Sport midday to
three Saturday and again on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
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 IR Radio
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