July 18, 2025 • 17 mins
On Sports Fix with Elliott Smith and Jason Pine 18 July 2025, Wallabies legend Drew Mitchell dishes on an under-strength Aussie line-up's chances of creating upset against the Lions tomorrow night.
In The Chamber, Elliott and Piney consider what success will look and feel like for the All Blacks' final test, and what it means for the Wellington Phoenix to be hosting Wrexham AFC.
Plus, Piney offers his predictions for the big weekend of sport.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Hello there and welcome into the Sports Fix podcast for Friday,
the eighteenth of July. We're hearing association with GJ. Gardner Holmes,
New Zealand's most trusted home Build It and the podcast
coming today from Test City, Hamilton or blacks Front tomorrow.
I'm Jason Pine with Elliott Smith across the desk.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Welcome to Mulu Country. Piney, I mean every twenty four
hours I've soaked it in. You were here now on
the ground and we're booting to the Test match tomorrow
night and day.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
No cow bells to be heard.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Just do you expect the fore you tomorrow night?
Speaker 4 (00:47):
I would suspect so, yes, sir. After they've being vilified
by the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Final a few
weeks ago, I think all the car bell owners of
the Wakato surrounds and we bring them to the stadium
tomorrow night to make sure they'.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Hurd all right. We want to talk a bit about
the Test match during our chamber segment on sportsbooks today
and but of football news as well. In terms of
an interview, who are we hearing from today?
Speaker 4 (01:06):
We're going to hear from Form Wall of these outside
be Drew Mitchell's going to join us on the eve
of the Lions Test series very much, looking forward to
that series starting. What chance the walld is the four
dollars outsiders at the tab? Can they turn an upset
over tomorrow night in Brisbane?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Looking forward to here from Drew Mitchell and the latest
and sports news as well. So let's get into it.
In other news, let's get underway with some of the
big sports stories making news in the last week. While
Tata Pagacha back in the Yellow Jersey on cyclings Tour
de France after winning the mountainous one hundred and eighty
kilometer stage twelve.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
The defending champion destroys his rivals today triumphs on all
to come twenty stage wins in the Tata France and
now we wait to find out where the time gaps
are going to be.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
The gout to beat rival Jonas Vinger Guard by two
minutes and ten seconds today to extend his overall advantage
to three minutes and thirty one seconds. The defending champion
English women have beaten in Sweden three to two on
penalties in their Women's Euro quarter final in Zurich. Now
the pressure is on Swede and again Smeller holboat my
(02:17):
store actually.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
Doesn't The eighteen year old last them all over the
park and England through.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
To the seventh find England to raised a two miil
half time deficit to force extra time and escaped in
the shootout despite not converting four of their seven attempts,
and panic is setting in among the country's top Netpaul
is over continued uncertainty surrounding the A and Z Premiership's future.
Net for New Zealand claim and You broadcast Dealers weeks away,
but are choosing not to comment until an arrangement is finalized.
(02:48):
Silver Ferns and pulsmod coarter Maddie Gordon says the public
are unaware just how nervous they are. It's not really
out there like how uncertain it is, and it actually
is like there. I know there are a lot of
girls who are freaking out, so I.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Think it's hard to say that.
Speaker 4 (03:02):
We do try and just put it to the back
of our minds because it is our career.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Med Ects. We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix
by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Very pleasure to welcome in former Wallaby Drew Mitchell across
a New Zealand on the eve of the Line series. Drew,
thanks for your.
Speaker 6 (03:18):
Time, no no aries, Thanks very much having me.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Well, how's the feeling across the Tearsman on the eve
of the Test series starting between the Wallabies and the Lines?
Do you since the Wallaby's probably going as an underdog
into the series, Yeah.
Speaker 6 (03:34):
Of course. I mean, like you look at the makeup
of the team, there's probably there's three countries of the
four of a place above us in the world ranking.
So honestly, if the Lions don't do us three and
it'll be embarrassing for them. But I uh, yeah, they've
got their rightful favorites tag. But at the same time,
I'm really liking what I've I've been seeing with this
team and the growth they've had under Joe Schmidt the
(03:54):
last eighteen months, so I'm going in pretty positive.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
What chance do you give them of creating a bit
of an upset? Is tomorrow night the opportunity at sun
Corpse Stadium to really light a fire under the series.
Speaker 6 (04:05):
Yeah, I think so. I mean the Wallaby's always like
playing at sun Corps. I know that the lines have
never actually been beaten there, so that's another sort of
interesting side, so that I guess that sort of line
of thinking. But I don't know. I just I just
like the like I said, I just like the way
that the will he has been building, the team that
(04:25):
they put together. Obviously, you know you're going to miss
out and the big presence of Rob Balatin in the
back row, but it gives a guy like a champion
to CORREYPT me an opportunity and I think that's probably
where it's going to be one and loss around that breakdown.
Who can secure the attacking breakdown the best and sort
of create a platform for their halves And yeah, look,
(04:46):
I'm really looking forward to it.
Speaker 4 (04:48):
I was really impressed by by Champion Decrippani during Super
Rugby for the four, so I thought he really stood
out there. Obviously, Valentini's a loss, but this is the
kind of chance for him to make a bit of
a name for himself, isn't it.
Speaker 6 (04:59):
Yeah. I think it's just the type of game that
suits him. It's going to be combative, it's going to
be confrontational and you know, he's a big body and
he's pretty uncompromising, So I think this type of arena
is certainly going to suit him in the style of
play that's going to be needed to be played to
win this game. So yeah, I mean, look, it's always
a big asked making a debut in the first game
(05:19):
of a line series, but yeah, I'm really excited to
see how he goes.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
You mentioned Joshman what he's been able to do with
his team. Obviously there's a finish line in sight a
little bit later on, but the way that he's been
able to give Australia a little bit more personal confidence
than they've had in recent times. Just what has he
been able to do with the Wallabyes players.
Speaker 6 (05:38):
Yeah, look, I think he's instilled a lot of belief
in them, you know, probably something we're lacking for a
period of time because off the back of the twenty
twenty three World Cup. But I think he's just gone
back and anything you hear from someone from within the camp,
they just talk about how he just simplifies things and
he just really nails down the basics, the core skills,
the work areas, the work ethic and you know, once
(06:00):
you sort of nailed those, then the boys are skillful.
But to be able to exercise those skills, you've got
to make sure you secure those, you know, the foundations
of the game. And I think that's kind of what
he's done. He's really stripped it back. But the importance,
that's the importance on the on the basics, and you know,
off the back of that platform can be built and
then the boys can play.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
A lot's been written about Joseph also, so since he switched,
and even before he switched to rugby union, is this
the stage where he could you know, really impress in
a testament if we saw a glimpse of him last
year obviously on the interview too, then for the warortize
amidst injury this year. But is this a stage where
this might be, you know, the making of him as
a rugby player.
Speaker 6 (06:39):
Yeah, i'd say so. I would imagine this is probably
one of the core reasons why he came across to
be a part of this series. And you know, he's
a he's an absolute superstar, and to be on a platform,
but the lines and the first test presents, I think
he'd really eat it up. So look, I think it's
going to be one of those things. Joseph Silly is
not going to be able to win the game on
his own, but I'm sure he's going to go out
(07:00):
there and he just seems like one of those guys
when you're looking across for the huddle and he's in
your squad, you just just I think I would imagine
give all the other players a little bit more comfort
knowing that they're going out there with him, and you know,
we just sort of know that the cast piyer that
he is, and I'm sure we're going to see more
than just climpses of that on Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
He's not in the match day twenty three, but James
O'Connor player you would have played with during your career
in the twenty three, do you not in the twenty three,
but in the squad? Do you like that selection of
O'Connor and what he might bring to, you know, some
of inexperienced tens.
Speaker 6 (07:33):
Yeah. Absolutely, I mean I think what James brings isn't
just on the match day. It's also like around the
training and you've got young hals like Tommy Lyon and
you know, starting this weekend, Ben Donalds and all those
little those moments between between players of training and you know,
watching film and analysis and all that sort of stuff.
(07:53):
The experience that he'd be able to impart on those
young tens will be invaluable, and I honestly think we'll
see James in the match Day twenty three comes sort
of game two going three.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
The lines have gone largely unchallenged so far, but they
haven't faced that the toughest tests. What have you made
of the lines and the waves? The sort of has
gone about their business against the super rugby sides in
the Austratia and New Zealand combined team.
Speaker 6 (08:14):
Yeah, look, they've done all that's been asked for them.
I do think though, when you look at those games
against the Western Forced war Tis Brumbies and whatever, I
think those teams have been in the fire for sort
of fifty odd minutes. But it's when the bench comes
on and when you're bringing sort of starting internationals off
your bench compared to kind of a depleted sort of
state team, that's where the probably the difference has been
(08:36):
and the score lines have really blown out at that point,
which also then gives me a confidence knowing that we're
an international signe and the quality of our bench is
going to be greater than what they faced and those
lead up games. But yeah, I mean, you can only
play what's in front. The lines have done a good
job to date. They've shown it also that they don't
just play that sort of ten man rugby. They can
(08:57):
attack from anywhere. They've got some really exciting bucks that
on that transition for your counter attack, they can really
test you. So yeah, I mean I've been impressed by them,
but at the same time, so having a bit of
confidence that there's opportunities there for the Wallabies.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Right sporting prediction time for a very very busy weekend.
All Blacks France Tomorrow night, Hamilton. I reckon the All Blacks,
put fifty on them. This French team is stumbling towards
the finish line. They want to get on that plane,
get home and have their break. Meantime, there are some
very hungry All Blacks out there, desperate to seize their opportunities.
(09:37):
They know that depth is building with us in this
All Black side, so every time you get the chance,
you have to seize it with both hands. A bunch
of cheese players on their home soil in Hamilton, this
could get ugly for Leir Blurt to follow. The Wallabies
up against the British and Irish Lions first Test in Brisbane.
I feel like the best chance the Wallabies have of
(09:58):
winning one is this one. The lines look good. The
Wallabies are still a work in progress. It could be close,
but I just fear the longer the Lions are together,
the better they will be. So if there is to
be a chance for a Wallaby's win, it could be
Tomorrow night. Warriors both the Newcastle the men and the women.
I'm picking wins for both. Really really keen to see
(10:19):
more from Tanner Boyd as well in the seven jumper
for the Warriors men. Ryan Fox and Daniel Hilly are
at the Open Championship. Fox he got a bit of
work to do. He's four over after the first round.
Hilly is even par would love to see them both
make the cut. I fear though, that Ryan Fox has
left himself a bit too much to do. The black
Caps to beat Zimbabwe tonight and on Sunday afternoon in Wellington,
(10:43):
the Saints to pick up their lucky thirteenth New Zealand
National Basketball League title when they take on the Southland Sharks.
Those are my predictions for what they are worth. Maybe
we can revisit them on Monday.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Into the Chamber we go on the Sports Fixed podcast.
Let's talk about the All Blacks France tomorrow night. First
of all, what does success look like feel like for
the All Blacks tomorrow night?
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Well, I think it's getting these players out in the
park and seeing another convincing win from the All Blacks
that is success.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
I think.
Speaker 4 (11:18):
Look, everyone would accept a win, but not as much
as they would like. Perhaps a convincing win and seeing
Reuben Love perform, seeing Damie McKinsey get ten. And remember
this is all about Raiser's four to four project towards
the twenty seventy seven World Cup. So success looks like
these players slotting in and you don't miss a beat.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Now.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Where that will happen with the All Blacks with so
many changes to their team remains to be seen. But
if they can pull off a victory tomorrow night, learn
a little bit more about some of these players that
have been given their opportunities, and wrap up the series
three nil, then I think it's job well done. Start
of the year Techbox for the All.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Blacks really interested about this depth argument because you know,
there's always injuries, there's always loss of form. So a
guy might think, you know what, I'm ready third or
fourth in the pecking order. I can read the room here.
But you're often only one injury away from a major
Test match, aren't you?
Speaker 4 (12:05):
That's right? And the example that Scott Rolinson points to
is Donald twenty eleven and the fourth choice first five
that All Blacks had to call upon. So they want
their depth in every position and tomorrow it gives them
the opportunities of going. Is Reuben Love our second choice
full back and a Test match? Or is that Damien
McKenzie still and there is a drop down? Is Damien
McKenzie the ten? Probably? But that gives them more of
(12:25):
an ammunition and more argument towards it tomorrow night as well.
Court Israetima give them more game time?
Speaker 3 (12:30):
Is he? Definitely?
Speaker 4 (12:31):
The two is no hope. They'm able to convince things
off the bench. So you're building depth that way, and
you're building a case to go, yep, this is the
option we've got and we can go down the list
and go these are our players in the position, which
is what France are kind of doing on this tour
as well in a different way. South Africa is doing
it as well in the way that they're building, but
the All Blacks probably haven't been doing it as well
recently in some years where you know there is injuries
(12:53):
and there is a drop off in the next player.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
France, do you expect them to be more like the
France from Dunedin or the France from Wellington.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
I think in theory like the France from Dunedin. They've
brought in a lot of those players that were in
Dunedin that were left out last where Galphaku the experience
of a couple of those players that heaven preston that
first Test that weren't seeing their number eight Giyard was
very very good under the roof and d Eden didn't
play last week. So I would expect them to be
more like that French team in that first Test. It's
(13:21):
been a long season for them. It remains to be
seen in my mind, whether they'll you know, turneel down
in the series, whether they've got something left and then
weather I want to leave here with a two to
one victory because we've seen teams before have that, you know,
proverbial foot on the plane and go we're done here
and we just want to get back and spend the
summer in southern France or wherever it might be. And
who could blame them? So I would expect more like
(13:42):
the first test that the way the squad's gone. Fabian
Galzagabe blasted the referees last night as well at as
media conference, so it's fascinating to see how that'll all unfold.
We look forward to to, you know, with the French
turn up and what kind of French team it is.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Indeed we do so the third and final test of
the series in Hamilton tomorrow night five past seven kickoff
now two hours earlier. There's a football mate John.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
There is indeed welcome to Wrexham. Well welcome to Wellington Wrexham.
If see this is fascinating and look, I understand the
crowds have been big. What do what you take on
a piney the Wellington Phoenix hosting Rix MFC. Who you
know a championship team out of the UK that they
you know, five or six years ago no one would
have heard of them, but they've got a profile out
of the show on Disney. What's your take on it
as as a Phoenix, as a Wellington person, as a
(14:25):
Phoenix fan commentator, etc. What do you take on it.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
It's a bit of a free hit as far as
the Phoenix are concerned. I think you know, Wrexham turn
up and and you know, you're right. They're a team
that you know six seven years ago, you know who
were they? I think we probably had heard of the
town of Wrexham, but didn't know there was a football
team there, you know, the rock Star ownership group or
the movie star ownership group, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenny and
(14:48):
the back to back to back promotions. What you said
before is exactly right, Elliott. They're a championship team, so
it's a good quality opposition for Wellington. I don't quite
know how either side will play it. I saw the
other night when they played Sydney. At one stage there
were nineteen subs made at the same time. One team
made ten and the other made nine, so that's you know, unlimited.
(15:09):
So it may well be that they give an hour
to their top, their so called top team, the Phoenix
and Wrexham, and then and then give some kids a go.
But look, the Phoenix don't normally play football in July,
so here we are and it's an opportunity to watch
them play.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
And they're going to sign by the sound of it,
Liby Cacacci, which is a great connection to have from
the Wellington to Wrexham. If that deal goes through, which
it sounds like it's going to.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
The sources are good. I think he is going to
turn up there. He won't be there tomorrow night. Unfortunately
that would have been a real full circle moment. But yeah,
by the sounds of things, Liby Cacacci will join Wrexham
as they push for the Premier League.
Speaker 4 (15:40):
And a bit more news from the football world. Auckland FC.
Tommy Smith is leaving. Is this a surprise and how
big a loss is this to the Black Knights?
Speaker 3 (15:48):
I don't know if it's Is it a surprise, It's
not a shock. It is a surprise because I only
in the context of what is twelve months from now,
and that is the Football World Cup and Tommy Smith
has said he wants to finish his career effectively by
going to a second World Cup. He and Chris would
of course were Aaron twenty ten and they talked a
lot about how they would like to you know, sixteen
(16:09):
years later put a cap on or certainly Tommy Smith's career.
There's nothing in the release about a new club. He's
going back to the UK to support his family. Look,
his family have given up a lot for him, traveling
the world, his wife and two kids to support Tommy
and his football endeavors for Auckland FC. Look, he was
(16:29):
never the first choice. There was Dan Hall and Nando
pinek At they were it too, but Tommy Smith performed
a really interesting and important role there last season. You know,
he came in when Hall was injured and he was
always a bit of a closer if they needed someone
to come on. But his influence in the playing group
is going to be severely missed. The culture that he drove,
the standards, that sort of thing. He showed a lot
(16:50):
of those young guys how to be a professional footballer,
how to look after yourself so you can play at
the top level for two decades. So that will be
a loss. But yeah, I'm I'm as interested to find
where he ends up and what that'll mean for his
all whites chances watch the space, Well I always watched
spaces and here's one to open up the door out
(17:11):
of the chamber.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news powered
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Speaker 3 (17:20):
That brings the curtain down on Sports Fix for another
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(17:40):
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Speaker 1 (17:47):
For more from News Talks EDB, listen live on air
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Hello there and welcome into the Sports Fix podcast for Friday,
the eighteenth of July. We're hearing association with GJ. Gardner Holmes,
New Zealand's most trusted home Build It and the podcast
coming today from Test City, Hamilton or blacks Front tomorrow.
I'm Jason Pine with Elliott Smith across the desk.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Welcome to Mulu Country. Piney, I mean every twenty four
hours I've soaked it in. You were here now on
the ground and we're booting to the Test match tomorrow
night and day.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
No cow bells to be heard.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Just do you expect the fore you tomorrow night?
Speaker 4 (00:47):
I would suspect so, yes, sir. After they've being vilified
by the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Final a few
weeks ago, I think all the car bell owners of
the Wakato surrounds and we bring them to the stadium
tomorrow night to make sure they'.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Hurd all right. We want to talk a bit about
the Test match during our chamber segment on sportsbooks today
and but of football news as well. In terms of
an interview, who are we hearing from today?
Speaker 4 (01:06):
We're going to hear from Form Wall of these outside
be Drew Mitchell's going to join us on the eve
of the Lions Test series very much, looking forward to
that series starting. What chance the walld is the four
dollars outsiders at the tab? Can they turn an upset
over tomorrow night in Brisbane?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Looking forward to here from Drew Mitchell and the latest
and sports news as well. So let's get into it.
In other news, let's get underway with some of the
big sports stories making news in the last week. While
Tata Pagacha back in the Yellow Jersey on cyclings Tour
de France after winning the mountainous one hundred and eighty
kilometer stage twelve.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
The defending champion destroys his rivals today triumphs on all
to come twenty stage wins in the Tata France and
now we wait to find out where the time gaps
are going to be.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
The gout to beat rival Jonas Vinger Guard by two
minutes and ten seconds today to extend his overall advantage
to three minutes and thirty one seconds. The defending champion
English women have beaten in Sweden three to two on
penalties in their Women's Euro quarter final in Zurich. Now
the pressure is on Swede and again Smeller holboat my
(02:17):
store actually.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
Doesn't The eighteen year old last them all over the
park and England through.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
To the seventh find England to raised a two miil
half time deficit to force extra time and escaped in
the shootout despite not converting four of their seven attempts,
and panic is setting in among the country's top Netpaul
is over continued uncertainty surrounding the A and Z Premiership's future.
Net for New Zealand claim and You broadcast Dealers weeks away,
but are choosing not to comment until an arrangement is finalized.
(02:48):
Silver Ferns and pulsmod coarter Maddie Gordon says the public
are unaware just how nervous they are. It's not really
out there like how uncertain it is, and it actually
is like there. I know there are a lot of
girls who are freaking out, so I.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Think it's hard to say that.
Speaker 4 (03:02):
We do try and just put it to the back
of our minds because it is our career.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Med Ects. We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix
by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Very pleasure to welcome in former Wallaby Drew Mitchell across
a New Zealand on the eve of the Line series. Drew,
thanks for your.
Speaker 6 (03:18):
Time, no no aries, Thanks very much having me.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Well, how's the feeling across the Tearsman on the eve
of the Test series starting between the Wallabies and the Lines?
Do you since the Wallaby's probably going as an underdog
into the series, Yeah.
Speaker 6 (03:34):
Of course. I mean, like you look at the makeup
of the team, there's probably there's three countries of the
four of a place above us in the world ranking.
So honestly, if the Lions don't do us three and
it'll be embarrassing for them. But I uh, yeah, they've
got their rightful favorites tag. But at the same time,
I'm really liking what I've I've been seeing with this
team and the growth they've had under Joe Schmidt the
(03:54):
last eighteen months, so I'm going in pretty positive.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
What chance do you give them of creating a bit
of an upset? Is tomorrow night the opportunity at sun
Corpse Stadium to really light a fire under the series.
Speaker 6 (04:05):
Yeah, I think so. I mean the Wallaby's always like
playing at sun Corps. I know that the lines have
never actually been beaten there, so that's another sort of
interesting side, so that I guess that sort of line
of thinking. But I don't know. I just I just
like the like I said, I just like the way
that the will he has been building, the team that
(04:25):
they put together. Obviously, you know you're going to miss
out and the big presence of Rob Balatin in the
back row, but it gives a guy like a champion
to CORREYPT me an opportunity and I think that's probably
where it's going to be one and loss around that breakdown.
Who can secure the attacking breakdown the best and sort
of create a platform for their halves And yeah, look,
(04:46):
I'm really looking forward to it.
Speaker 4 (04:48):
I was really impressed by by Champion Decrippani during Super
Rugby for the four, so I thought he really stood
out there. Obviously, Valentini's a loss, but this is the
kind of chance for him to make a bit of
a name for himself, isn't it.
Speaker 6 (04:59):
Yeah. I think it's just the type of game that
suits him. It's going to be combative, it's going to
be confrontational and you know, he's a big body and
he's pretty uncompromising, So I think this type of arena
is certainly going to suit him in the style of
play that's going to be needed to be played to
win this game. So yeah, I mean, look, it's always
a big asked making a debut in the first game
(05:19):
of a line series, but yeah, I'm really excited to
see how he goes.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
You mentioned Joshman what he's been able to do with
his team. Obviously there's a finish line in sight a
little bit later on, but the way that he's been
able to give Australia a little bit more personal confidence
than they've had in recent times. Just what has he
been able to do with the Wallabyes players.
Speaker 6 (05:38):
Yeah, look, I think he's instilled a lot of belief
in them, you know, probably something we're lacking for a
period of time because off the back of the twenty
twenty three World Cup. But I think he's just gone
back and anything you hear from someone from within the camp,
they just talk about how he just simplifies things and
he just really nails down the basics, the core skills,
the work areas, the work ethic and you know, once
(06:00):
you sort of nailed those, then the boys are skillful.
But to be able to exercise those skills, you've got
to make sure you secure those, you know, the foundations
of the game. And I think that's kind of what
he's done. He's really stripped it back. But the importance,
that's the importance on the on the basics, and you know,
off the back of that platform can be built and
then the boys can play.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
A lot's been written about Joseph also, so since he switched,
and even before he switched to rugby union, is this
the stage where he could you know, really impress in
a testament if we saw a glimpse of him last
year obviously on the interview too, then for the warortize
amidst injury this year. But is this a stage where
this might be, you know, the making of him as
a rugby player.
Speaker 6 (06:39):
Yeah, i'd say so. I would imagine this is probably
one of the core reasons why he came across to
be a part of this series. And you know, he's
a he's an absolute superstar, and to be on a platform,
but the lines and the first test presents, I think
he'd really eat it up. So look, I think it's
going to be one of those things. Joseph Silly is
not going to be able to win the game on
his own, but I'm sure he's going to go out
(07:00):
there and he just seems like one of those guys
when you're looking across for the huddle and he's in
your squad, you just just I think I would imagine
give all the other players a little bit more comfort
knowing that they're going out there with him, and you know,
we just sort of know that the cast piyer that
he is, and I'm sure we're going to see more
than just climpses of that on Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
He's not in the match day twenty three, but James
O'Connor player you would have played with during your career
in the twenty three, do you not in the twenty three,
but in the squad? Do you like that selection of
O'Connor and what he might bring to, you know, some
of inexperienced tens.
Speaker 6 (07:33):
Yeah. Absolutely, I mean I think what James brings isn't
just on the match day. It's also like around the
training and you've got young hals like Tommy Lyon and
you know, starting this weekend, Ben Donalds and all those
little those moments between between players of training and you know,
watching film and analysis and all that sort of stuff.
(07:53):
The experience that he'd be able to impart on those
young tens will be invaluable, and I honestly think we'll
see James in the match Day twenty three comes sort
of game two going three.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
The lines have gone largely unchallenged so far, but they
haven't faced that the toughest tests. What have you made
of the lines and the waves? The sort of has
gone about their business against the super rugby sides in
the Austratia and New Zealand combined team.
Speaker 6 (08:14):
Yeah, look, they've done all that's been asked for them.
I do think though, when you look at those games
against the Western Forced war Tis Brumbies and whatever, I
think those teams have been in the fire for sort
of fifty odd minutes. But it's when the bench comes
on and when you're bringing sort of starting internationals off
your bench compared to kind of a depleted sort of
state team, that's where the probably the difference has been
(08:36):
and the score lines have really blown out at that point,
which also then gives me a confidence knowing that we're
an international signe and the quality of our bench is
going to be greater than what they faced and those
lead up games. But yeah, I mean, you can only
play what's in front. The lines have done a good
job to date. They've shown it also that they don't
just play that sort of ten man rugby. They can
(08:57):
attack from anywhere. They've got some really exciting bucks that
on that transition for your counter attack, they can really
test you. So yeah, I mean I've been impressed by them,
but at the same time, so having a bit of
confidence that there's opportunities there for the Wallabies.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Right sporting prediction time for a very very busy weekend.
All Blacks France Tomorrow night, Hamilton. I reckon the All Blacks,
put fifty on them. This French team is stumbling towards
the finish line. They want to get on that plane,
get home and have their break. Meantime, there are some
very hungry All Blacks out there, desperate to seize their opportunities.
(09:37):
They know that depth is building with us in this
All Black side, so every time you get the chance,
you have to seize it with both hands. A bunch
of cheese players on their home soil in Hamilton, this
could get ugly for Leir Blurt to follow. The Wallabies
up against the British and Irish Lions first Test in Brisbane.
I feel like the best chance the Wallabies have of
(09:58):
winning one is this one. The lines look good. The
Wallabies are still a work in progress. It could be close,
but I just fear the longer the Lions are together,
the better they will be. So if there is to
be a chance for a Wallaby's win, it could be
Tomorrow night. Warriors both the Newcastle the men and the women.
I'm picking wins for both. Really really keen to see
(10:19):
more from Tanner Boyd as well in the seven jumper
for the Warriors men. Ryan Fox and Daniel Hilly are
at the Open Championship. Fox he got a bit of
work to do. He's four over after the first round.
Hilly is even par would love to see them both
make the cut. I fear though, that Ryan Fox has
left himself a bit too much to do. The black
Caps to beat Zimbabwe tonight and on Sunday afternoon in Wellington,
(10:43):
the Saints to pick up their lucky thirteenth New Zealand
National Basketball League title when they take on the Southland Sharks.
Those are my predictions for what they are worth. Maybe
we can revisit them on Monday.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Into the Chamber we go on the Sports Fixed podcast.
Let's talk about the All Blacks France tomorrow night. First
of all, what does success look like feel like for
the All Blacks tomorrow night?
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Well, I think it's getting these players out in the
park and seeing another convincing win from the All Blacks
that is success.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
I think.
Speaker 4 (11:18):
Look, everyone would accept a win, but not as much
as they would like. Perhaps a convincing win and seeing
Reuben Love perform, seeing Damie McKinsey get ten. And remember
this is all about Raiser's four to four project towards
the twenty seventy seven World Cup. So success looks like
these players slotting in and you don't miss a beat.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Now.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Where that will happen with the All Blacks with so
many changes to their team remains to be seen. But
if they can pull off a victory tomorrow night, learn
a little bit more about some of these players that
have been given their opportunities, and wrap up the series
three nil, then I think it's job well done. Start
of the year Techbox for the All.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Blacks really interested about this depth argument because you know,
there's always injuries, there's always loss of form. So a
guy might think, you know what, I'm ready third or
fourth in the pecking order. I can read the room here.
But you're often only one injury away from a major
Test match, aren't you?
Speaker 4 (12:05):
That's right? And the example that Scott Rolinson points to
is Donald twenty eleven and the fourth choice first five
that All Blacks had to call upon. So they want
their depth in every position and tomorrow it gives them
the opportunities of going. Is Reuben Love our second choice
full back and a Test match? Or is that Damien
McKenzie still and there is a drop down? Is Damien
McKenzie the ten? Probably? But that gives them more of
(12:25):
an ammunition and more argument towards it tomorrow night as well.
Court Israetima give them more game time?
Speaker 3 (12:30):
Is he? Definitely?
Speaker 4 (12:31):
The two is no hope. They'm able to convince things
off the bench. So you're building depth that way, and
you're building a case to go, yep, this is the
option we've got and we can go down the list
and go these are our players in the position, which
is what France are kind of doing on this tour
as well in a different way. South Africa is doing
it as well in the way that they're building, but
the All Blacks probably haven't been doing it as well
recently in some years where you know there is injuries
(12:53):
and there is a drop off in the next player.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
France, do you expect them to be more like the
France from Dunedin or the France from Wellington.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
I think in theory like the France from Dunedin. They've
brought in a lot of those players that were in
Dunedin that were left out last where Galphaku the experience
of a couple of those players that heaven preston that
first Test that weren't seeing their number eight Giyard was
very very good under the roof and d Eden didn't
play last week. So I would expect them to be
more like that French team in that first Test. It's
(13:21):
been a long season for them. It remains to be
seen in my mind, whether they'll you know, turneel down
in the series, whether they've got something left and then
weather I want to leave here with a two to
one victory because we've seen teams before have that, you know,
proverbial foot on the plane and go we're done here
and we just want to get back and spend the
summer in southern France or wherever it might be. And
who could blame them? So I would expect more like
(13:42):
the first test that the way the squad's gone. Fabian
Galzagabe blasted the referees last night as well at as
media conference, so it's fascinating to see how that'll all unfold.
We look forward to to, you know, with the French
turn up and what kind of French team it is.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Indeed we do so the third and final test of
the series in Hamilton tomorrow night five past seven kickoff
now two hours earlier. There's a football mate John.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
There is indeed welcome to Wrexham. Well welcome to Wellington Wrexham.
If see this is fascinating and look, I understand the
crowds have been big. What do what you take on
a piney the Wellington Phoenix hosting Rix MFC. Who you
know a championship team out of the UK that they
you know, five or six years ago no one would
have heard of them, but they've got a profile out
of the show on Disney. What's your take on it
as as a Phoenix, as a Wellington person, as a
(14:25):
Phoenix fan commentator, etc. What do you take on it.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
It's a bit of a free hit as far as
the Phoenix are concerned. I think you know, Wrexham turn
up and and you know, you're right. They're a team
that you know six seven years ago, you know who
were they? I think we probably had heard of the
town of Wrexham, but didn't know there was a football
team there, you know, the rock Star ownership group or
the movie star ownership group, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenny and
(14:48):
the back to back to back promotions. What you said
before is exactly right, Elliott. They're a championship team, so
it's a good quality opposition for Wellington. I don't quite
know how either side will play it. I saw the
other night when they played Sydney. At one stage there
were nineteen subs made at the same time. One team
made ten and the other made nine, so that's you know, unlimited.
(15:09):
So it may well be that they give an hour
to their top, their so called top team, the Phoenix
and Wrexham, and then and then give some kids a go.
But look, the Phoenix don't normally play football in July,
so here we are and it's an opportunity to watch
them play.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
And they're going to sign by the sound of it,
Liby Cacacci, which is a great connection to have from
the Wellington to Wrexham. If that deal goes through, which
it sounds like it's going to.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
The sources are good. I think he is going to
turn up there. He won't be there tomorrow night. Unfortunately
that would have been a real full circle moment. But yeah,
by the sounds of things, Liby Cacacci will join Wrexham
as they push for the Premier League.
Speaker 4 (15:40):
And a bit more news from the football world. Auckland FC.
Tommy Smith is leaving. Is this a surprise and how
big a loss is this to the Black Knights?
Speaker 3 (15:48):
I don't know if it's Is it a surprise, It's
not a shock. It is a surprise because I only
in the context of what is twelve months from now,
and that is the Football World Cup and Tommy Smith
has said he wants to finish his career effectively by
going to a second World Cup. He and Chris would
of course were Aaron twenty ten and they talked a
lot about how they would like to you know, sixteen
(16:09):
years later put a cap on or certainly Tommy Smith's career.
There's nothing in the release about a new club. He's
going back to the UK to support his family. Look,
his family have given up a lot for him, traveling
the world, his wife and two kids to support Tommy
and his football endeavors for Auckland FC. Look, he was
(16:29):
never the first choice. There was Dan Hall and Nando
pinek At they were it too, but Tommy Smith performed
a really interesting and important role there last season. You know,
he came in when Hall was injured and he was
always a bit of a closer if they needed someone
to come on. But his influence in the playing group
is going to be severely missed. The culture that he drove,
the standards, that sort of thing. He showed a lot
(16:50):
of those young guys how to be a professional footballer,
how to look after yourself so you can play at
the top level for two decades. So that will be
a loss. But yeah, I'm I'm as interested to find
where he ends up and what that'll mean for his
all whites chances watch the space, Well I always watched
spaces and here's one to open up the door out
(17:11):
of the chamber.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news powered
by News Talks AB, and.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
That brings the curtain down on Sports Fix for another
day and another week. Thank you for downloading, thank you
for listening, Thank you for subscribing, and subscribers to Sports Fix,
we'll know that a fresh episode will drop into your
feed and a round about the same time on Monday
afternoon and every day Monday through Friday. And for more
from News Talks AB Sport check out Sports Talk weeknights
(17:40):
between seven and eight pm and on the weekends weekend
Sport midday to three Saturday and Sunday.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
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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