August 7, 2025 • 17 mins
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave and Jason Pine for 7 August 2025, New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson joins the podcast to discuss inking a deal with Richie Mo'unga to return to NZ Rugby, scheduled for the start of NPC in 2026.
D'Arcy and Piney then discuss what this means for the All Blacks number 10 jersey as we advance to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Plus, the second test between the Blackcaps and Zimbabwe gets underway with some fresh faces in the team, due to both unavailability and injury.
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Episode Transcript
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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.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks d BE.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into the Sports Fixed podcast. Today
is Thursday, August the seventh. I'm Jason Pine with Darcy
water Grave. But before he says hello, we're here in
association with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder,
not saying that the sponsor is more important than you, dars,
but the sponsor is more important than you.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Yeah, I'd say definitely, the sponsor is more important than me.
Thanks very much GJ for are coming on board today, Piney,
how are you make thirsd Very good, very good to get.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
Together again as a team, as a unit, as one.
Absolutely all those things.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
And I've got a couple of things I want to
ask you about, including of course the big news of
the day around Richie Moonger, and presumably we'll have someone
to chat on that as well.
Speaker 4 (01:00):
Of course we will, Piney. We're going to go straight
to the top.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Mark Robinson, CEO of n Z, joins us to discuss
the hand of the prodigal Sun great.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Stuff and the latest in sports news too, So let's
get into it. In other news, let's get underway with
some of the big sports stories around today. Otago paceman
Jacob Duffy will make his Test debut for the black
Caps and the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo starting tonight.
Speaker 4 (01:25):
He'll take the place of the.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Injured Willow Rourke. The black Caps will also again be
without regular Test captain Tom Latham. He's failed a test
on his shoulder injury, so Mitchell Setner will lead the
team again.
Speaker 5 (01:36):
Some massive loss, obviously unfortunate for him. I think he
was tracking nicely through that first Test and probably a
little bit soreer than and he wanted it to be,
so I guess unfortunately for me, you know, missus out again.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has hit back at the
NRL's sanctions following an incident involving Penrith trainer Corey Bocking.
The NRL's handed down a fifty thousand dollars fines of
the club and a five match band to Bocking, who
ran in front of a late conversion attempt against the Titans.
Boss Andrew Abdo says it took him too account five
(02:08):
pre incidents involving Penrith train is going back to twenty
twenty one, but Cleary says the sanctions aren't fair.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
I just think it's.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Harsh and I think it's unfair for one person to
receive a suspension based on things that have happened before
that never happens.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
And concerned from former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan over
the future of Super Rugby following the Wallaby's relaxed eligibility rules.
They've confirmed the rule restricting the number of overseas based
players Wallaby's coaches can pick, known as the ghetto Law,
has been shelved.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
You'll have players that will just be raided.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Who if you're any good to go overseas.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Then I don't know.
Speaker 6 (02:45):
I just post the question, what does Super Rugby become
meant to be an economic driver for ri you Scandavillion.
It's Sports Fix with Jason Lyne and Dussi Laude Grave.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
It was announced today that Sky Television have retained the
rights for Supercars coverage for another four years. Great for
the petrol heads out there, does big The question has
excitement around the series abated somewhat after the loss of
the superstars like Scott McLaughlin, like Shane Van Gisberg, and
(03:19):
as new Zellam become slightly detached with a wonderful wide
world of supercars. Shouldn't do because of course next year,
not one but two races, the party's coming to christ
It's already in topor and by that stage you'd like
to think some personalities would have risen to the top.
And that's what sport relies on, not only results or
(03:43):
primarily results, but the personalities behind those results, which is interesting.
Shane van Gisberg and one of the best we've ever had,
doesn't exactly exude a positive personality with the media, not
as favorite place as favorite places and the cockpit of course,
Scott McLaughlin was something else, and guys from days gone by,
(04:04):
so cheers. Greg Murphy did a lot for the sport.
The big thing about supercars this year and after Ipswich
this weekend, there is a guy on the rise and
rise his name is Matt Payne. He probably won't win
the championship this year, but he's put himself in a
very good position to look up toward the top later
(04:26):
on in the season. You've got Ryan Wood as well
as a young peddler to celebrate. Andre Heinngartner is still there,
which Hee Standaway is there? Jackson Evans is there. The
other thing that's going to I think bring the excitement
to supercars is the new format for the end of
the season.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
It's not unlike.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
NASCAR, and beyond the Baththurst experience, the top ten drivers
then start competing for the right to call themself the
champion for twenty and twenty five.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
It's a brave new.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
World for supercars, but it's one I would like to
think is the Super because series a bit more impetus
and reason to watch. Here's hoping. I am congratulations Sky.
I'm not sure about the energy behind supercars in New
Zealand right here, right now, but I know I've still
got heaps of love for the tin top.
Speaker 6 (05:24):
Taxis dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sports Fix with Jason
Vine and Darcy.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Waldegrave, CEO of n ZR, Mark or Robinson. Good evening, Mark, Darcy, Hi,
how are you very well? Hey mate? Thanks for joining
us on the show. Big News today. Obviously Richie Mulanga,
It's finally over the line. Something that you guys. Well,
first up, I'll ask it, how.
Speaker 7 (05:49):
Long have you been negotiating this for a look, there's
obviously been a bit of speculation over the last twelve
to eighty months, but in practical terms, the most meaningful
conversations have been happening for the last few months really,
probably since sort of or so.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
So when you're doing this, you're pulling it out.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
What are the major points of negotiation, What were the
sticking points, what were the easy points around getting him
home again?
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (06:21):
Look, I think you know, ultimately this is Richie's decision,
isn't it. And we're delighted obviously He's he's a great talent,
He's been a great servant of the game here in
New Zealand. He you know, contributes incredibly well on and
off the field. So primarily with any athlete, you know,
i've got to be one wanting to be part of
our environments and our teams, and Richie certainly wants to
(06:45):
do that. He has a strong hunger and desire to
be back in New Zealand, so that was always a
really positive start point. I'm obviously not going to go
under the details of it, but you know, we had
some discussions about the length of contract. That was probably
the main thing. But ultimately, you know, Richie's decided to
go through to the end of the World Cup, which
(07:05):
we're really pleased by and we're looking forward to having
him home.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
So eighteen month contract and I think that maybe flies
in the face. Although you guys can make your own
rules because you are nz A, you can do what
you want. But the story's floting around about his ability
to be fast tracked back into the All Blacks. Maybe
he has been stemied because of the short term nature
of the contract.
Speaker 7 (07:27):
Yeah, that's right, he'll be He'll be available for the
All Blacks and the latter part of twenty twenty six,
and the exact dates on that aren't clear yet because
the calendar and competition's work is still to be finalized.
That'll be announced hopefully in the next two or three months,
and we'll no more than but at the stage it'll
(07:48):
be the latter part of twenty six, so.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
That means he won't be playing for the All Blacks Inittially,
he's got to come back and do some time in
the NPC before he gets that the tick to go
ahead and pull on a black jersey again.
Speaker 7 (08:02):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Was that negotiated?
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Is there a chance that that might move with Scott
robertson go see if we won for the World cut,
we need to get him back in black as soon
as possible.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
There's there wiggle room there.
Speaker 7 (08:13):
Mark, Oh, look, this is this is the reality of
the of the policy we have. And that was part
of the discussions we had about the length of contract.
If we'd had a you know, a longer agreement, then
that would have been a possibility. But we were all
parties were really clear that if it was a shorter
(08:33):
term contract like that, that was the agreement we'd have
that to come in, will be available for the All
Blacks later in twenty six.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Any pressure though from from Razor should it be later
in the time?
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Games? You hold on with on, come on, no.
Speaker 7 (08:46):
I think everyone's everyone's clear. We had a number of
conversations at the start of the year, didn't we, And
I think Rays has been really clear that having been
in the role now for eighteen months, certainly after his
first twelve months, he saw the real benefit and saw
the flexibility we have with the eligibility policy, saw the
benefits of it and also saw it from both sides.
In terms of us needing to be fear and reasonable
(09:07):
with with all the play as we have in our environments.
So look, I've not talked to Raiser in the last
little while about this, but no, he's pretty clear about
where things stand here as.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Far as discussions, not only with Richie, but I'm presuming
with one of your old mates, old teammates, Todd Blackett.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Did you talk to.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
Him, did you pick anything up from him after having
him under control mine over and his team that went
on to win yet another championship.
Speaker 7 (09:37):
We had a couple of chats last year, you know,
when unfortunately there was a bit of speculation. So Toddy
and I have known each other a long time. Again,
won't go into the details of those chats, but a
lot of respects for him and what he's done in
Japan and what he's given New Zealand rugby, So we
just wanted to make sure we're on the same page
when there's a bit of noise floating around. But they
(09:58):
were great, great chats. He was very helpful and constructive,
as he always is, and it was nice to catch
up put the art, we sort of the work stuff out,
just to catch up on how he's doing, have a
family and all that sort of thing and how he's
doing in life. So it was a nice way. Rugby
has this funny way of reconnecting with people you've met
over the years, Darcy, so it was good good to
catch up with them.
Speaker 6 (10:17):
The Chamber is now in session.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
On Sports VEX, into the Chamber we go.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Richie Mulonga, the name on everybody slips this afternoon after
two o'clock at news that he will return to New
Zealand rugby next year via the NPC with Canterbury. I'm
sure you've heard all the details by now you've.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
Given it a bit of thinking time.
Speaker 6 (10:38):
Dus.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
What's your overall view on Richie muwong are coming back
and the conditions under which he is coming back.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Does this mean that Bowden, Barrett and Damien McKenzie.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Are on notice or not? I don't know, because he's
only back for what a bit of MPC action. He'll
jump on board. The all Blacks are presuming towards the
end of the Championship and maybe on the end of
year tour and then into Super Rugby and then.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
Off to the world. Can'ty what does that say about
the other two blokes?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Well, I guess it means that nobody is indispensable. I
think they wouldn't have got Richie Monger back unless they
were pretty sure they were taking them to the Rugby
World Cup. So I think we can say that Richie
Wong is going to be on that plane. Will Boden
Barrett and Damien McKenzie be on that same plane? I
think you can probably say that Damien McKenzie will Boden Barrett.
(11:28):
I just wondered darsh you know there was that interesting
little comment after the test against France and Wellington where
you said, you know what, you never know when a
test is going to be your last test. When the
Mugby World Cup rolls around in twenty seven, Boden Barrett
will be thirty six years old. Dan Carter was thirty
three in twenty fifteen. It's only a comparison. Body looks
(11:49):
after himself. What's what's your gut?
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Only a number, as they say, doesn't matter what level
you're at. If you still got that, there's two things
the physicality, I you've still got the desire. And we
saw their return, the comeback if you will, of Boden
Barrett once they ran with dmac for a bit looks
like he hasn't lost anything at all. It's the desire
for me. But look Martin on he's still playing. What
is he forty years only? He's a freak, right, But
(12:16):
who's to say. If you've got that passion, you want
to do something and you want an amazing career after
representing the All Blacks with some great clubs, so this
is the perfect time. So the competition within that movement,
it's great. It's like a It's like a shootout, isn't it.
It's a super rugby shootout for a position in the
World Cup.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
The other thing that interests me is the timing of
all of this because next year, of course we know
that the All Blacks are it's ye to be announced,
but they are going to South Africa in August and
September for a tour, one of the old fashioned tours.
Now he won't play on that tour. I think that's
a missed opportunity. Why wouldn't you get Richie Monger into
the team for that? He'll play the Bledisloe Cup tests
(12:58):
after that, if available and selected, and then the Northern Tours.
You say, but why wouldn't you take him on a
two month tour or whatever it is of South Africa
just to get him in.
Speaker 4 (13:06):
Then I could see that not being set in stone though.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
If you're a Razor thin and okay, we need to
get this guy, so they will, they will bend for
their own needs. I think they've got to be flexible.
We talk about that quite a lot. Piney and want
ENZ Cricket to around their players. Now in New Zealand rugby,
we know they stretch awee bit, it's in their best interest.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
To stretch some warm you know what I like about this?
I hope that.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Razor doesn't end up running with the tried and not
so true. We need to build for several years to
get a proper World Cup campaign. What the South Africans
have taughtois as you start at the start of the year,
you get your team together, are the best players there
and then and then you run with that.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
I hope that's what they plan on doing.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
I do too.
Speaker 4 (13:50):
I do too.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
It seems they're hell bent on making him play in
PC before he can play for the All Blacks, which
seems as it just seems counterintuitive to me. And as
you say, these rules are bendable, breakable, flexible and whichever
way you need them to be. So yeah, maybe Richie
Wonger will go to South Africa next year. We wait
and we see. Now speaking of cricket, as you just
did second Test tonight black Caps against some barbwe a
(14:12):
going to be some changes. Michael Bracewell has left the
touring party, Nathan Smith is injured, Willow Rawk is injured.
Jacob Duffy's going to play. We've heard that there might
be a couple of other new faces as well, Matt
Fisher potentially with a test debut. Zach Folks might get
the call up. Ahs Betels there he's not a new face,
but he could be included. I actually don't think it matters, Dars.
I feel like, you know, we've got more than enough
(14:35):
to see off Zimbabwe, haven't we time in the saddle?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
This is the best thing we talk about. Development of
teams in New Zealand A has been very, very key.
I was reading articles about Garrick Stead recently, maybe on
crick Info, about what he learned in his time, and
he was adamant that the New Zealand A program is
extraordinarily important. This is not New Zealand A, but it's
kind of because a couple of our rock stars aren't there,
(14:59):
and then injury has taken some of our better players away,
so it's almost like an a team. So the development
for these nasty fasties, these quicks is huge, that this
is a great opportunity. And no, they shouldn't be bothered
by Zimbabwe and the strength of Zimbabwe. They've got to
make the porter, they say, a postal winner. I'll see
(15:21):
that Latham is shoulders still giving him trouble as well,
so he won't be selected. Another chance for Henry Knickels
to prove his worth and of course a couple of
other bats in there as well. It should be fun.
I mean, I'll watch it till I pass out and
a pull of my own dribble about midnight.
Speaker 4 (15:38):
I'm sure.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Yeah, Look, I'll attempt to do the same, maybe sands dribble,
but we'll give it a go.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
But I like it.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Henry Duffy folks fisher a four prong pacer tack attack
with Sanna adding the spin of we didn't need a
lot of spin in the first test, same deck, so
I don't think i'd be bringing Patel and I'd be
saying to Matt Henry Matt lead this very green pace
attack and Matt Henry po pick up ten or twelve.
It's anyway, so it won't matter. But Henry, Duffy, Folks, Fisher,
you talk about building. That's not a bad way to
(16:06):
do it.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Does that is a lot of debutante action though that
yes makes three of them had never played at a
test level Ford New Zealand before experience sometimes, But is
that a bit of a stretch maybe even after I'm
talking before about New Zealand day and improving and putting
people up to that top level.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Well, I guess what I guess The alternative is that
you play Ags Patel and so, so you have two
spinners sent in a Patel Henry and then only two debutantes.
We know duff ex playing, that's been confirmed, so one
of Folks or Fisher. Maybe that's a better balance. Maybe
that that will quell any concerns you might have.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Well maybe they do run with all those placemen and
they take a fair amount of the burden, but not
all of it, which means that Matt Henry won't break.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
That's my biggest fear. Now, just e'se off on Matt Henry.
He's way too important.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Get those other young fellows in there to bend their backs,
and the too valuable to break is Matt Henry.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
That is us in the chamber today.
Speaker 6 (17:04):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports use how
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Speaker 2 (17:11):
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Thank you for downloading, thank you for listening, thank you
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Speaker 3 (17:23):
And you should also know by now that we've got
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it's got the Monday shift. I've got the rest. We
love your contribution, be.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
It by text, Ork. We'd rather you Exy called up
quite frankly and then.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
Same same come Saturday and Sunday weekend Sport Jason Pine
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Speaker 4 (17:43):
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Speaker 1 (17:52):
Listen live on air or online, and keep our shows
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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.
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Speaker 2 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into the Sports Fixed podcast. Today
is Thursday, August the seventh. I'm Jason Pine with Darcy
water Grave. But before he says hello, we're here in
association with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder,
not saying that the sponsor is more important than you, dars,
but the sponsor is more important than you.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Yeah, I'd say definitely, the sponsor is more important than me.
Thanks very much GJ for are coming on board today, Piney,
how are you make thirsd Very good, very good to get.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
Together again as a team, as a unit, as one.
Absolutely all those things.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
And I've got a couple of things I want to
ask you about, including of course the big news of
the day around Richie Moonger, and presumably we'll have someone
to chat on that as well.
Speaker 4 (01:00):
Of course we will, Piney. We're going to go straight
to the top.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Mark Robinson, CEO of n Z, joins us to discuss
the hand of the prodigal Sun great.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Stuff and the latest in sports news too, So let's
get into it. In other news, let's get underway with
some of the big sports stories around today. Otago paceman
Jacob Duffy will make his Test debut for the black
Caps and the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo starting tonight.
Speaker 4 (01:25):
He'll take the place of the.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Injured Willow Rourke. The black Caps will also again be
without regular Test captain Tom Latham. He's failed a test
on his shoulder injury, so Mitchell Setner will lead the
team again.
Speaker 5 (01:36):
Some massive loss, obviously unfortunate for him. I think he
was tracking nicely through that first Test and probably a
little bit soreer than and he wanted it to be,
so I guess unfortunately for me, you know, missus out again.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has hit back at the
NRL's sanctions following an incident involving Penrith trainer Corey Bocking.
The NRL's handed down a fifty thousand dollars fines of
the club and a five match band to Bocking, who
ran in front of a late conversion attempt against the Titans.
Boss Andrew Abdo says it took him too account five
(02:08):
pre incidents involving Penrith train is going back to twenty
twenty one, but Cleary says the sanctions aren't fair.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
I just think it's.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Harsh and I think it's unfair for one person to
receive a suspension based on things that have happened before
that never happens.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
And concerned from former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan over
the future of Super Rugby following the Wallaby's relaxed eligibility rules.
They've confirmed the rule restricting the number of overseas based
players Wallaby's coaches can pick, known as the ghetto Law,
has been shelved.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
You'll have players that will just be raided.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Who if you're any good to go overseas.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Then I don't know.
Speaker 6 (02:45):
I just post the question, what does Super Rugby become
meant to be an economic driver for ri you Scandavillion.
It's Sports Fix with Jason Lyne and Dussi Laude Grave.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
It was announced today that Sky Television have retained the
rights for Supercars coverage for another four years. Great for
the petrol heads out there, does big The question has
excitement around the series abated somewhat after the loss of
the superstars like Scott McLaughlin, like Shane Van Gisberg, and
(03:19):
as new Zellam become slightly detached with a wonderful wide
world of supercars. Shouldn't do because of course next year,
not one but two races, the party's coming to christ
It's already in topor and by that stage you'd like
to think some personalities would have risen to the top.
And that's what sport relies on, not only results or
(03:43):
primarily results, but the personalities behind those results, which is interesting.
Shane van Gisberg and one of the best we've ever had,
doesn't exactly exude a positive personality with the media, not
as favorite place as favorite places and the cockpit of course,
Scott McLaughlin was something else, and guys from days gone by,
(04:04):
so cheers. Greg Murphy did a lot for the sport.
The big thing about supercars this year and after Ipswich
this weekend, there is a guy on the rise and
rise his name is Matt Payne. He probably won't win
the championship this year, but he's put himself in a
very good position to look up toward the top later
(04:26):
on in the season. You've got Ryan Wood as well
as a young peddler to celebrate. Andre Heinngartner is still there,
which Hee Standaway is there? Jackson Evans is there. The
other thing that's going to I think bring the excitement
to supercars is the new format for the end of
the season.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
It's not unlike.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
NASCAR, and beyond the Baththurst experience, the top ten drivers
then start competing for the right to call themself the
champion for twenty and twenty five.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
It's a brave new.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
World for supercars, but it's one I would like to
think is the Super because series a bit more impetus
and reason to watch. Here's hoping. I am congratulations Sky.
I'm not sure about the energy behind supercars in New
Zealand right here, right now, but I know I've still
got heaps of love for the tin top.
Speaker 6 (05:24):
Taxis dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sports Fix with Jason
Vine and Darcy.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Waldegrave, CEO of n ZR, Mark or Robinson. Good evening, Mark, Darcy, Hi,
how are you very well? Hey mate? Thanks for joining
us on the show. Big News today. Obviously Richie Mulanga,
It's finally over the line. Something that you guys. Well,
first up, I'll ask it, how.
Speaker 7 (05:49):
Long have you been negotiating this for a look, there's
obviously been a bit of speculation over the last twelve
to eighty months, but in practical terms, the most meaningful
conversations have been happening for the last few months really,
probably since sort of or so.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
So when you're doing this, you're pulling it out.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
What are the major points of negotiation, What were the
sticking points, what were the easy points around getting him
home again?
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (06:21):
Look, I think you know, ultimately this is Richie's decision,
isn't it. And we're delighted obviously He's he's a great talent,
He's been a great servant of the game here in
New Zealand. He you know, contributes incredibly well on and
off the field. So primarily with any athlete, you know,
i've got to be one wanting to be part of
our environments and our teams, and Richie certainly wants to
(06:45):
do that. He has a strong hunger and desire to
be back in New Zealand, so that was always a
really positive start point. I'm obviously not going to go
under the details of it, but you know, we had
some discussions about the length of contract. That was probably
the main thing. But ultimately, you know, Richie's decided to
go through to the end of the World Cup, which
(07:05):
we're really pleased by and we're looking forward to having
him home.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
So eighteen month contract and I think that maybe flies
in the face. Although you guys can make your own
rules because you are nz A, you can do what
you want. But the story's floting around about his ability
to be fast tracked back into the All Blacks. Maybe
he has been stemied because of the short term nature
of the contract.
Speaker 7 (07:27):
Yeah, that's right, he'll be He'll be available for the
All Blacks and the latter part of twenty twenty six,
and the exact dates on that aren't clear yet because
the calendar and competition's work is still to be finalized.
That'll be announced hopefully in the next two or three months,
and we'll no more than but at the stage it'll
(07:48):
be the latter part of twenty six, so.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
That means he won't be playing for the All Blacks Inittially,
he's got to come back and do some time in
the NPC before he gets that the tick to go
ahead and pull on a black jersey again.
Speaker 7 (08:02):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Was that negotiated?
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Is there a chance that that might move with Scott
robertson go see if we won for the World cut,
we need to get him back in black as soon
as possible.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
There's there wiggle room there.
Speaker 7 (08:13):
Mark, Oh, look, this is this is the reality of
the of the policy we have. And that was part
of the discussions we had about the length of contract.
If we'd had a you know, a longer agreement, then
that would have been a possibility. But we were all
parties were really clear that if it was a shorter
(08:33):
term contract like that, that was the agreement we'd have
that to come in, will be available for the All
Blacks later in twenty six.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Any pressure though from from Razor should it be later
in the time?
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Games? You hold on with on, come on, no.
Speaker 7 (08:46):
I think everyone's everyone's clear. We had a number of
conversations at the start of the year, didn't we, And
I think Rays has been really clear that having been
in the role now for eighteen months, certainly after his
first twelve months, he saw the real benefit and saw
the flexibility we have with the eligibility policy, saw the
benefits of it and also saw it from both sides.
In terms of us needing to be fear and reasonable
(09:07):
with with all the play as we have in our environments.
So look, I've not talked to Raiser in the last
little while about this, but no, he's pretty clear about
where things stand here as.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Far as discussions, not only with Richie, but I'm presuming
with one of your old mates, old teammates, Todd Blackett.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Did you talk to.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
Him, did you pick anything up from him after having
him under control mine over and his team that went
on to win yet another championship.
Speaker 7 (09:37):
We had a couple of chats last year, you know,
when unfortunately there was a bit of speculation. So Toddy
and I have known each other a long time. Again,
won't go into the details of those chats, but a
lot of respects for him and what he's done in
Japan and what he's given New Zealand rugby, So we
just wanted to make sure we're on the same page
when there's a bit of noise floating around. But they
(09:58):
were great, great chats. He was very helpful and constructive,
as he always is, and it was nice to catch
up put the art, we sort of the work stuff out,
just to catch up on how he's doing, have a
family and all that sort of thing and how he's
doing in life. So it was a nice way. Rugby
has this funny way of reconnecting with people you've met
over the years, Darcy, so it was good good to
catch up with them.
Speaker 6 (10:17):
The Chamber is now in session.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
On Sports VEX, into the Chamber we go.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Richie Mulonga, the name on everybody slips this afternoon after
two o'clock at news that he will return to New
Zealand rugby next year via the NPC with Canterbury. I'm
sure you've heard all the details by now you've.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
Given it a bit of thinking time.
Speaker 6 (10:38):
Dus.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
What's your overall view on Richie muwong are coming back
and the conditions under which he is coming back.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Does this mean that Bowden, Barrett and Damien McKenzie.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Are on notice or not? I don't know, because he's
only back for what a bit of MPC action. He'll
jump on board. The all Blacks are presuming towards the
end of the Championship and maybe on the end of
year tour and then into Super Rugby and then.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
Off to the world. Can'ty what does that say about
the other two blokes?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Well, I guess it means that nobody is indispensable. I
think they wouldn't have got Richie Monger back unless they
were pretty sure they were taking them to the Rugby
World Cup. So I think we can say that Richie
Wong is going to be on that plane. Will Boden
Barrett and Damien McKenzie be on that same plane? I
think you can probably say that Damien McKenzie will Boden Barrett.
(11:28):
I just wondered darsh you know there was that interesting
little comment after the test against France and Wellington where
you said, you know what, you never know when a
test is going to be your last test. When the
Mugby World Cup rolls around in twenty seven, Boden Barrett
will be thirty six years old. Dan Carter was thirty
three in twenty fifteen. It's only a comparison. Body looks
(11:49):
after himself. What's what's your gut?
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Only a number, as they say, doesn't matter what level
you're at. If you still got that, there's two things
the physicality, I you've still got the desire. And we
saw their return, the comeback if you will, of Boden
Barrett once they ran with dmac for a bit looks
like he hasn't lost anything at all. It's the desire
for me. But look Martin on he's still playing. What
is he forty years only? He's a freak, right, But
(12:16):
who's to say. If you've got that passion, you want
to do something and you want an amazing career after
representing the All Blacks with some great clubs, so this
is the perfect time. So the competition within that movement,
it's great. It's like a It's like a shootout, isn't it.
It's a super rugby shootout for a position in the
World Cup.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
The other thing that interests me is the timing of
all of this because next year, of course we know
that the All Blacks are it's ye to be announced,
but they are going to South Africa in August and
September for a tour, one of the old fashioned tours.
Now he won't play on that tour. I think that's
a missed opportunity. Why wouldn't you get Richie Monger into
the team for that? He'll play the Bledisloe Cup tests
(12:58):
after that, if available and selected, and then the Northern Tours.
You say, but why wouldn't you take him on a
two month tour or whatever it is of South Africa
just to get him in.
Speaker 4 (13:06):
Then I could see that not being set in stone though.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
If you're a Razor thin and okay, we need to
get this guy, so they will, they will bend for
their own needs. I think they've got to be flexible.
We talk about that quite a lot. Piney and want
ENZ Cricket to around their players. Now in New Zealand rugby,
we know they stretch awee bit, it's in their best interest.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
To stretch some warm you know what I like about this?
I hope that.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Razor doesn't end up running with the tried and not
so true. We need to build for several years to
get a proper World Cup campaign. What the South Africans
have taughtois as you start at the start of the year,
you get your team together, are the best players there
and then and then you run with that.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
I hope that's what they plan on doing.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
I do too.
Speaker 4 (13:50):
I do too.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
It seems they're hell bent on making him play in
PC before he can play for the All Blacks, which
seems as it just seems counterintuitive to me. And as
you say, these rules are bendable, breakable, flexible and whichever
way you need them to be. So yeah, maybe Richie
Wonger will go to South Africa next year. We wait
and we see. Now speaking of cricket, as you just
did second Test tonight black Caps against some barbwe a
(14:12):
going to be some changes. Michael Bracewell has left the
touring party, Nathan Smith is injured, Willow Rawk is injured.
Jacob Duffy's going to play. We've heard that there might
be a couple of other new faces as well, Matt
Fisher potentially with a test debut. Zach Folks might get
the call up. Ahs Betels there he's not a new face,
but he could be included. I actually don't think it matters, Dars.
I feel like, you know, we've got more than enough
(14:35):
to see off Zimbabwe, haven't we time in the saddle?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
This is the best thing we talk about. Development of
teams in New Zealand A has been very, very key.
I was reading articles about Garrick Stead recently, maybe on
crick Info, about what he learned in his time, and
he was adamant that the New Zealand A program is
extraordinarily important. This is not New Zealand A, but it's
kind of because a couple of our rock stars aren't there,
(14:59):
and then injury has taken some of our better players away,
so it's almost like an a team. So the development
for these nasty fasties, these quicks is huge, that this
is a great opportunity. And no, they shouldn't be bothered
by Zimbabwe and the strength of Zimbabwe. They've got to
make the porter, they say, a postal winner. I'll see
(15:21):
that Latham is shoulders still giving him trouble as well,
so he won't be selected. Another chance for Henry Knickels
to prove his worth and of course a couple of
other bats in there as well. It should be fun.
I mean, I'll watch it till I pass out and
a pull of my own dribble about midnight.
Speaker 4 (15:38):
I'm sure.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Yeah, Look, I'll attempt to do the same, maybe sands dribble,
but we'll give it a go.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
But I like it.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Henry Duffy folks fisher a four prong pacer tack attack
with Sanna adding the spin of we didn't need a
lot of spin in the first test, same deck, so
I don't think i'd be bringing Patel and I'd be
saying to Matt Henry Matt lead this very green pace
attack and Matt Henry po pick up ten or twelve.
It's anyway, so it won't matter. But Henry, Duffy, Folks, Fisher,
you talk about building. That's not a bad way to
(16:06):
do it.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Does that is a lot of debutante action though that
yes makes three of them had never played at a
test level Ford New Zealand before experience sometimes, But is
that a bit of a stretch maybe even after I'm
talking before about New Zealand day and improving and putting
people up to that top level.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Well, I guess what I guess The alternative is that
you play Ags Patel and so, so you have two
spinners sent in a Patel Henry and then only two debutantes.
We know duff ex playing, that's been confirmed, so one
of Folks or Fisher. Maybe that's a better balance. Maybe
that that will quell any concerns you might have.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Well maybe they do run with all those placemen and
they take a fair amount of the burden, but not
all of it, which means that Matt Henry won't break.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
That's my biggest fear. Now, just e'se off on Matt Henry.
He's way too important.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Get those other young fellows in there to bend their backs,
and the too valuable to break is Matt Henry.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
That is us in the chamber today.
Speaker 6 (17:04):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports use how
and by News Talks AB.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
And that is us on the Sportsbox podcast for today.
Thank you for downloading, thank you for listening, thank you
for subscribing. Subscribers know by now that a fresh episode
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time Monday through Friday.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
And you should also know by now that we've got
sports Talk on News TALKSB between seven and eight pm. Pine,
it's got the Monday shift. I've got the rest. We
love your contribution, be.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
It by text, Ork. We'd rather you Exy called up
quite frankly and then.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
Same same come Saturday and Sunday weekend Sport Jason Pine
between twelve midday and three.
Speaker 4 (17:43):
That's where we're at. That's what we're doing. So get
amongst and lend us your ears. See them arek for
more from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
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