August 18, 2025 • 20 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 18th August 2025, the Wallabies have shocked the world by overcoming a 22-0 deficit to beat the Springboks 38-22 at Ellis Park. Wallabies legend Stirling Mortlock provides his thoughts on the incredible result.
Chris Wood is back at it with 2 goals on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. Piney runs out of superlatives to describe one of New Zealand's greatest ever footballers
Plus, Elijah Fa'afiu joins the peoples chamber to recap the All Blacks win over Los Pumas, and can the Warriors stay in the top 4?
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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 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into a new week and into
a fresh episode of the Sports Fix podcast and association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder. It's Monday,
August eighteen. I'm Jason Pine. Great to have you listening
in off the back of a weekend where there were
all sorts of surprises, but none bigger than what happened
(00:41):
at Alice Park and Johannesburg with for the first time
in over six decades, the Wallabies achieved victory over the
spring Box, and not just any victory, victory from twenty
two nil down off the back of thirty eight unanswered points,
a quite remarkable test match. We're joined on Sports Fix
today by Australian great Sterling Mortlock. How's the result being
(01:05):
received over there? First of all, I'd imagine with a
lot of excitement, But is it a flash in the pan?
Can they go again in Cape Town in a week
from now? Elijah a few who pops into the chamber
to chat rugby and a bit of rugby league as well.
And I've got some thoughts on the incredible form of
Chris Wood right now.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
So lot's to get through. Let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
In other news, let's get things started with a look
at the big sports stories around today. All blacks, Lockpatrick
Twey pilot too. It's been revealed when to hospital after
the opening Rugby Championship went over Argentina in Cordoba yesterday
due to concussion. He came off the bench in the
second half. He has rejoined the team. Assistant coach at
Jason Ryan says toe p a lot who had an HIA.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
It went off the hospital and he hit a couple
of check ups as well, which we're monitoring over the
next twenty four hours.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Saddy potentially unlikely for this week. Chris Wood has scored
twice in Nottingham Forest's opening game of the Premier League
Football season, helping them to a three to one home
victory over Brentford. He opened the scoring after five minutes
before seizing upon an incisive pass from teammate Elliott Anderson
in first half.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
Stop each time Chriss.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Gone away here, we'd beyond the goalkeeper Transford scores again
and Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavel is reflecting on missing
a medal at the Basketball Asia Cup and Jedda, New
Zealand beaten seventy nine seventy three by Iran in the
bronze medal playoff. Flavel says there's still a lot to
like as they built towards their goal of qualifying for
(02:35):
the twenty twenty eight Olympics.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
We took a youngish group to provide a lot of
experience and build our depth. Overall, I think we move
away from this tournament learn a lot more about ourselves.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
On the Sports Fix podcast. Without a Doubt.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
The big story of the weekend was the Wallabies pulling
off an utterly magnificent comeback to open the Rugby Championship
in grand style, a famous thirty eight to twenty two
win over the World champions spring Box in Johannesburg.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
Trailing twenty two.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Nil after twenty minutes, Australia scored thirty eight unanswered points
to record their first Test when in South Africa since
twenty twelve and their first at Alice Park since nineteen
sixty three. Let's bring an Australian rugby legend at Sterling
Mortlocke Sterling. Where does that rank among the best Wallaby's
performances you've seen in recent times?
Speaker 4 (03:31):
I'd say it has to be it. You know, it's
either right up there or one of the best we've
ever had. As you just alluded to, we had won
at Altitude in Celebriga since ninety fish three and that,
you know, that is something that has eluded many, many,
many great Wallaby teams and certainly you know, I was
(03:54):
very lucky to have played in a pretty strong era
and I had many a time at Attitude where we
walked off the field not just suffering a loss, but
suffering a bad loss. I think. So the opportunity now
for this is to show that the Lion series and
then obviously this amazing win isn't a flash in the
(04:15):
pan moment. It is the standard of this team and
it's a very young team is capable of moving forwards.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
How do you assess their ability to do that, to
not just win this one, and you know there's been
a lot of excitement around about it, but to back
up what happened to Dallas Park first of all, where
a similar performance in Cape Town this coming weekend.
Speaker 4 (04:34):
Yeah, I mean that's a huge challenge. I do recall
I think it was two thousand and eight when we
had two matches back to back over in South Averica
and we won our first one. I think it was
at Durban I want to buy about I think it's
twelve points, and then we went to Attitude and actually
put fifty points on us. When you play a team
consecutive weeks on the trot at their home in their town,
(05:00):
it's extremely difficult to win both of those games, or
even one of those games. So no doubt, and there's
already been a narrative of Austrain Reganyes, Camp they're expecting
a counter punch, and that's rightly so you'd assume that's
going to happen. They're world champions, they're extremely proud nation.
They're going to come out with all guns blazing in
Cape Town. I think the great thing from my perspective
(05:21):
is that the question was asked after a really successful
British and Irish Lions Can campaign. But unfortunately, you know,
it was a dead rubber in the third match. The
second match was an amazing Test match. So it was
a successful campaign in regards to they put rugby on
the map in our region. A lot of people were
(05:43):
talking about the Wallabies performances obviously not successful. So then
the ammunition or the inspiration to go out against the
world champions and play really really well was there. And
they delivered, and they delivered and some So now the
challenge is to do that again. Each had tough one,
you know, to play them two weeks in a row
(06:05):
and get to victories in a row, that's extremely extreme difficult.
But you know, I guess seen twenty two points down
in attitude and this team not even not even showing
any signs of panic and the belief, you know, it's
a great foundation this team moving forwards.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
There was a school of thought, I think that the
Wallabies might be a bit fatigued after what was a
tough Lion series and then going all the way to
South Africa and playing at altitude first up. How would
they have avoided that possibility? And what stood out the
most to you about the way in which they won
the match from so far behind, Well, I.
Speaker 4 (06:42):
Think, you know, attitude is just one factor. I think
also typically when you play the Box at altitude it's
a spiritual home often so, and the crowd gets behind
them and they seem to grown another leg. I think
what was interesting on that performance was that you could
(07:03):
see that the Box at times were fatigued as well,
and the game that times was on an edge. But
every time that happened, it was actually the Australians of
Worldbies that that found another gear, another another way to
turn that in their favor. And there a couple of
tries that happened that will almost look like the Box
could have almost scored, but we turned it around and
it was almost a fourteen point delta. So on key moments,
(07:27):
this team has a belief that they can they can
find their way, and that's really really important from my perspective.
And then probably what's really interesting as well, unstructured possession
is becoming a real weapon for this will of his outfit.
So that's a fantastic thing from my perspective, because you know,
a lot of the game revolves around box kicking to
(07:50):
deftbal kicking and unstructured possession and saying that the foundations
are quite good too, so this this world is outfit,
there's set people's set. Peace was quite was quite strong
as well. So, you know, it is really interesting to
see this team develop and blossom under Joe smitt Andy's coaching.
(08:11):
Teams should lead your guidance. What I'm excited about is
the fact that a hell of a lot of this
team is still very, very young, but the belief is there.
The belief and that belief in playing you know, unstructured
and less scripted Putty is really awesome to watch.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
How do you think Joseph so he is going in
the thirteen jersey?
Speaker 4 (08:36):
Yeah, I think he's going well. I think thirteen. You know,
I think everyone player will probably say that their position
or their previous position is one of the hardest for
the best, but certainly from my perspective, thirteen is a
tough position because you are a linked person both in
attack and defense. In particular defense, You've got a lot
of decisions to make that are really impactful and meaningful
(09:00):
in the game for the team. I think he's only
getting better. He hasn't played many test matches at thirteen,
and as he continues to get that as opportunity to
play at thirteen, he's definitely going to grow and develop.
What it's clear is he's got world class attributes and
that's whether you chuck him, you know, at thirteen or
(09:21):
fullback on the wing. But I'd love to see him
get more time at thirteen. You know. A few weeks
ago I actually said that there's no downside of him
in getting exposed on the wing ender, which is what
happened in my career for a couple of years before
I got the opportunity to play consistently at thirteen. But
I think he's got the attributes to be a world
class thirteen if he gets opportunity to play some consistent
(09:43):
footy there, that's.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Great exciting times. Indeed for Australian rugby. Sterling really appreciate
you joining us on sports Fox. That is Sterling Mortlocke
Australian rugby legend.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Sports Sex Sex Sex.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
It took Chris Wood just five minutes to pick up
where he left off last season for Nottingham Forest. Having
found the net twenty times in the last Premier League season,
the All White skipper scored twice this morning to guide
his side to a three to one went over Bremford
in their first match of the new campaign. The first
came after he headed Goldwoods from a corner in the
fifth minute, when the ball rebounded back to him. He
(10:17):
reacted quickest and finished in clinical fashion. But his footballing
IQ was also on show for the second goal. Play
was broken up in midfield, and before the ball had
even found its way to the feet of teammate Elliot Anderson,
Wood had already started his run in behind Bremford's defense
in expectation of a pass. That early movement gained him
(10:39):
a couple of vital seconds once the ball did arrived
around the keeper and slot home. Now half the time,
in fact, maybe more than that, the ball doesn't arrive,
but when it does, Chris Wood's experience had him perfectly
positioned to capitalize. That was Chris Wood's ninety first Premier
League goal ninety one. That's more than genuine footballing superstars
(11:02):
Dennis Burgcamp did. He a Drogba and Fernando Torres, and
for the meantime, it's more than Earling Harland of Manchester City.
Wood is now just one goal short of Australian Mark
Verduka's record of the most buyer player from Oceania. That's
a record that will surely be his very soon, and
he must now be odds on to reach that magical
(11:23):
century mark this season, a feat achieved by just thirty
three players in the history of the Premier League, dating
all the way back to nineteen ninety two. Chris Wood
is operating in rarefied air and has now reached a
point in his career where he knows his game and
find detail and knows exactly what to do and where
(11:43):
to be to score goals.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
And while that's great for.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Nottingham Forest, it's also very good news for the All Whites,
who are now just ten months away from their first
appearance at a Football World Cup since twenty ten. A fit,
firing and informed Chris Wood holds the key to the
All Whites success at the tournament, and his goals could
well guide them to the knockout stages for the first
time ever, making history for his club and his entry.
(12:09):
Not a bad way to spend the twilight of your
football career.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
If you're listening to the sports Fix podcast, and into
the Chamber we go Monday's Chamber. As Monday listeners to
the sports Fix podcast will know by now it's the
People's Chamber. Elijah is in the chair. Let's start with
the rugby. Seventeen points is a pretty decent score line
in a rugby Championship Test. The All Blacks getting the
job done in Cordoba, how happy you reckon they'll be
(12:39):
and how many head scratches do you think there will
be heading to the second Test.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
I think they'll be happy with the win, especially going
to a place like cordor Bowing getting a big win
over Argentina. I don't think they'll be happy with the
actual performance. It was far from an eighty minute performance
or a complete performance from the All Blacks, particularly in
that early second half period where they allowed Argentina to
come back from thirty one ten down to close the
(13:06):
gap to thirty one twenty four. So I think that
will be a huge talking points. And I think one
of the other talking points is around that time bringing
on the reserves in that early second half period. But
I mean I sort of see that as a positive,
Like you bring these reserves on, they endure a bit
of hostility and then pressure from the home side, and
they managed to regain their composure at the end there
(13:27):
which led to those two late some of Suni Takiyajill tries.
So I think all in a great win, but also
a lots of work on for the All Blacks.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Last year. Of course we had problems in the last
twenty minutes, didn't we. There were a number of occasions
on which the All Blacks got run over every single
one of their defeats last year. They led it half time,
so there was an examination of the second half and
in particular last twenty minutes. I think last twenty minutes
yesterday was pretty good. It was that twenty as you say,
just after halftime. I still don't get the decision to
(13:56):
take Cortez Latma off after fifty minutes. I get the
front row stuff, I do get that, less so the hooker,
but the props I do get. But why would they
take Cortez off with half an hour ago?
Speaker 5 (14:07):
I have no clue. I think Cortez was having a
very strong game. I think he answered a lot of critics.
He may have been critical of his performances during the
French series, but I think he's sort of shown that
he deserves to be that number two half back behind
cam roy Guard and he stepped up when he was
asked to be the starter. So I would have liked
to see Cortez get a bit more of a run. Yeah,
(14:29):
and bringing finleyon, Yeah, that's very questionable. But I think
big props to Cortez for the performance he did put
on when he was on the field.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
I agree, I think he had probably his best test,
So yeah, look forward to seeing him probably start there again,
and when cam roy Guard's back, just re establishing that
one two punch. While a Satiti by the sounds of it,
will be fit for the second test, you'd imagine he
would come straight back. And do you think we're looking
at a Satiti at eight, saver at seven two poor
vity at six situation here?
Speaker 5 (14:59):
Yeah, most likely. But I also wouldn't be surprised if
they sort of ease Wallace back into things and name
him on the bench to start things, because I think,
you know, one top of I was phenomenal at number
six again and I think he's sort of proven his case.
But now with Patrick twee plots who possibly missing the
second test or likely to miss the second test. Obviously
(15:20):
the fours needs to be shuffled around there, so I
wouldn't mind if all has sort of eased into this
is a situation. But I also wouldn't be as surprised
if he was brought back into the starting lineup, but
that is a huge return for for the All Blacks.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
That team is named on Friday morning, New Zealand time
for the second Test, which is ten past nine Sunday
morning in Bina series. I think the All Blacks have
already arrived, so they'll have a good week of preparation there.
I'm looking now, Elijah at the NRL table. The Warriors
are fourth on thirty two points with three games to go,
one point ahead of the Panthers, who also have three
(15:53):
games to go. The mathematician in me would say that
if the Warriors win their final three games, they finish
in the top four. Now, what does the logical think
in your head say about their ability and likelihood of
winning those three games.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
I think if you asked me a month ago, I
would have said, yeah, easily, the Warriors can win their
final three games, just looking at who they're up against
and where those opponents sit on the table. But given
how they've performed over this last month, I'm not as certain,
particularly when they're coming up against the Titans, who have
been their bogie team for some reason over the last
couple of seasons. So again, I feel like We've mentioned
(16:30):
this the last few weeks that there's no easy wins
in the NRALS. So it's hard for me to sort
of say the Warriors can win these last three games
and then earn their spot in the top four. I
think it's going to be very tricky, but I think
it can be done, particularly off their last performance. They
got the win, as ugly as it was over the Dragons,
they got the two points that they needed to and
you sort of need to win those type of ugly
(16:50):
contests if you're going to contend in the top four.
So yeah, I wouldn't one hundred percent say the Warriors
will win their last three games, but I think, yeah,
it will be very hard to say.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
I reckon one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
You're right about the way they won it, though it
actually does not matter. It doesn't matter one little bit
how you win games at the stage of the season,
especially when you've lost three on the trot.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
It's just the fact that you win the game.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
And look, it certainly won't make any best of the season,
you know videos at the end of the year that
went over the Dragons, but the fact remains they won it.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
And then I look at the Titans, I think to myself,
what is it about these guys?
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Since they beat the Warriors three or four weeks ago,
they've lost to the Panthers that was narrow. Actually, they've
lost of the Rabbit o's that was narrow. Then the
Sharks put fifty four on them over the week. How
earth can the Warriors not beat the Titans.
Speaker 5 (17:40):
I like, just what you've just said about the titans
last three performances. It's easy to look at those performances
and those results and think, yeah, the Warriors can easily
get one over the Titans. But I just I don't know.
I can't just one hundred percent say that the Warriors
can beat the Titans, given what's happened over the last
couple of years between these two sides. So we'll see
(18:01):
what happens again. The Panthers, who are one point behind
the Warriors, they come up against the top of the
table Raiders. So that's going to be a great content test.
And yeah, but the Warriors will be focused on what
they need to do, and they need to go over
to the Gold Coast and get that win.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
They do. That's it.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
That's as simple as that. Their destiny is back in
their own hands. Had dropped out of their hands with
the loss a week ago, but the Panthers losing to
the Storm the other night and snapping that long winning
streak of Theirs as given the Warriors an open door.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
They have to walk through it. They have to walk
through it.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Beat the Titans first, come back home, beat their Eels,
and then go to Manly and beat the Sea Eagles.
You know, as you say, in the middle part of
the season, you would have said, you know what, those
three games are absolutely winnable and the Warriors are favorites
and all of them. But it just goes to show,
doesn't it, what the NRL is like this season. You
actually can't pick anything from week to week, can you?
Speaker 5 (18:48):
No, definitely not. And I think I think a big
thing to bring up is that the Warriors could be
without Jackson Ford or very well likely will be without
Jackson Ford due to suspension. And I think Jackson Ford
doesn't get enough credit for what he's done in the
absence of Mitch Barnett. I think he's been such a
key contributor for this Warrior's forward pack and missing him
will test that forward depth even more so. That could
(19:09):
be a key loss over the next coming weeks. But
then you hope that the returns of Kirk keep Well
and too Mighty Martin from the concussions could could help
offset that.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
I think there are a few more twist and turns
and a few more discussion points for us on the
Monday Morning People's Monday Afternoon People's Chamber, Elijah, we'll knock
it on the HEF for today and no doubt convene
with more interesting discussion a week from now.
Speaker 5 (19:32):
Sounds good. Thank you for needing a VEX.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix powered by News.
Speaker 4 (19:38):
Talks IVV.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
And that just about blows the full time whistle on
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Speaker 1 (20:04):
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Speaker 2 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into a new week and into
a fresh episode of the Sports Fix podcast and association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder. It's Monday,
August eighteen. I'm Jason Pine. Great to have you listening
in off the back of a weekend where there were
all sorts of surprises, but none bigger than what happened
(00:41):
at Alice Park and Johannesburg with for the first time
in over six decades, the Wallabies achieved victory over the
spring Box, and not just any victory, victory from twenty
two nil down off the back of thirty eight unanswered points,
a quite remarkable test match. We're joined on Sports Fix
today by Australian great Sterling Mortlock. How's the result being
(01:05):
received over there? First of all, I'd imagine with a
lot of excitement, But is it a flash in the pan?
Can they go again in Cape Town in a week
from now? Elijah a few who pops into the chamber
to chat rugby and a bit of rugby league as well.
And I've got some thoughts on the incredible form of
Chris Wood right now.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
So lot's to get through. Let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
In other news, let's get things started with a look
at the big sports stories around today. All blacks, Lockpatrick
Twey pilot too. It's been revealed when to hospital after
the opening Rugby Championship went over Argentina in Cordoba yesterday
due to concussion. He came off the bench in the
second half. He has rejoined the team. Assistant coach at
Jason Ryan says toe p a lot who had an HIA.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
It went off the hospital and he hit a couple
of check ups as well, which we're monitoring over the
next twenty four hours.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Saddy potentially unlikely for this week. Chris Wood has scored
twice in Nottingham Forest's opening game of the Premier League
Football season, helping them to a three to one home
victory over Brentford. He opened the scoring after five minutes
before seizing upon an incisive pass from teammate Elliott Anderson
in first half.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
Stop each time Chriss.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Gone away here, we'd beyond the goalkeeper Transford scores again
and Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavel is reflecting on missing
a medal at the Basketball Asia Cup and Jedda, New
Zealand beaten seventy nine seventy three by Iran in the
bronze medal playoff. Flavel says there's still a lot to
like as they built towards their goal of qualifying for
(02:35):
the twenty twenty eight Olympics.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
We took a youngish group to provide a lot of
experience and build our depth. Overall, I think we move
away from this tournament learn a lot more about ourselves.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
On the Sports Fix podcast. Without a Doubt.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
The big story of the weekend was the Wallabies pulling
off an utterly magnificent comeback to open the Rugby Championship
in grand style, a famous thirty eight to twenty two
win over the World champions spring Box in Johannesburg.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
Trailing twenty two.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Nil after twenty minutes, Australia scored thirty eight unanswered points
to record their first Test when in South Africa since
twenty twelve and their first at Alice Park since nineteen
sixty three. Let's bring an Australian rugby legend at Sterling
Mortlocke Sterling. Where does that rank among the best Wallaby's
performances you've seen in recent times?
Speaker 4 (03:31):
I'd say it has to be it. You know, it's
either right up there or one of the best we've
ever had. As you just alluded to, we had won
at Altitude in Celebriga since ninety fish three and that,
you know, that is something that has eluded many, many,
many great Wallaby teams and certainly you know, I was
(03:54):
very lucky to have played in a pretty strong era
and I had many a time at Attitude where we
walked off the field not just suffering a loss, but
suffering a bad loss. I think. So the opportunity now
for this is to show that the Lion series and
then obviously this amazing win isn't a flash in the
(04:15):
pan moment. It is the standard of this team and
it's a very young team is capable of moving forwards.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
How do you assess their ability to do that, to
not just win this one, and you know there's been
a lot of excitement around about it, but to back
up what happened to Dallas Park first of all, where
a similar performance in Cape Town this coming weekend.
Speaker 4 (04:34):
Yeah, I mean that's a huge challenge. I do recall
I think it was two thousand and eight when we
had two matches back to back over in South Averica
and we won our first one. I think it was
at Durban I want to buy about I think it's
twelve points, and then we went to Attitude and actually
put fifty points on us. When you play a team
consecutive weeks on the trot at their home in their town,
(05:00):
it's extremely difficult to win both of those games, or
even one of those games. So no doubt, and there's
already been a narrative of Austrain Reganyes, Camp they're expecting
a counter punch, and that's rightly so you'd assume that's
going to happen. They're world champions, they're extremely proud nation.
They're going to come out with all guns blazing in
Cape Town. I think the great thing from my perspective
(05:21):
is that the question was asked after a really successful
British and Irish Lions Can campaign. But unfortunately, you know,
it was a dead rubber in the third match. The
second match was an amazing Test match. So it was
a successful campaign in regards to they put rugby on
the map in our region. A lot of people were
(05:43):
talking about the Wallabies performances obviously not successful. So then
the ammunition or the inspiration to go out against the
world champions and play really really well was there. And
they delivered, and they delivered and some So now the
challenge is to do that again. Each had tough one,
you know, to play them two weeks in a row
(06:05):
and get to victories in a row, that's extremely extreme difficult.
But you know, I guess seen twenty two points down
in attitude and this team not even not even showing
any signs of panic and the belief, you know, it's
a great foundation this team moving forwards.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
There was a school of thought, I think that the
Wallabies might be a bit fatigued after what was a
tough Lion series and then going all the way to
South Africa and playing at altitude first up. How would
they have avoided that possibility? And what stood out the
most to you about the way in which they won
the match from so far behind, Well, I.
Speaker 4 (06:42):
Think, you know, attitude is just one factor. I think
also typically when you play the Box at altitude it's
a spiritual home often so, and the crowd gets behind
them and they seem to grown another leg. I think
what was interesting on that performance was that you could
(07:03):
see that the Box at times were fatigued as well,
and the game that times was on an edge. But
every time that happened, it was actually the Australians of
Worldbies that that found another gear, another another way to
turn that in their favor. And there a couple of
tries that happened that will almost look like the Box
could have almost scored, but we turned it around and
it was almost a fourteen point delta. So on key moments,
(07:27):
this team has a belief that they can they can
find their way, and that's really really important from my perspective.
And then probably what's really interesting as well, unstructured possession
is becoming a real weapon for this will of his outfit.
So that's a fantastic thing from my perspective, because you know,
a lot of the game revolves around box kicking to
(07:50):
deftbal kicking and unstructured possession and saying that the foundations
are quite good too, so this this world is outfit,
there's set people's set. Peace was quite was quite strong
as well. So, you know, it is really interesting to
see this team develop and blossom under Joe smitt Andy's coaching.
(08:11):
Teams should lead your guidance. What I'm excited about is
the fact that a hell of a lot of this
team is still very, very young, but the belief is there.
The belief and that belief in playing you know, unstructured
and less scripted Putty is really awesome to watch.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
How do you think Joseph so he is going in
the thirteen jersey?
Speaker 4 (08:36):
Yeah, I think he's going well. I think thirteen. You know,
I think everyone player will probably say that their position
or their previous position is one of the hardest for
the best, but certainly from my perspective, thirteen is a
tough position because you are a linked person both in
attack and defense. In particular defense, You've got a lot
of decisions to make that are really impactful and meaningful
(09:00):
in the game for the team. I think he's only
getting better. He hasn't played many test matches at thirteen,
and as he continues to get that as opportunity to
play at thirteen, he's definitely going to grow and develop.
What it's clear is he's got world class attributes and
that's whether you chuck him, you know, at thirteen or
(09:21):
fullback on the wing. But I'd love to see him
get more time at thirteen. You know. A few weeks
ago I actually said that there's no downside of him
in getting exposed on the wing ender, which is what
happened in my career for a couple of years before
I got the opportunity to play consistently at thirteen. But
I think he's got the attributes to be a world
class thirteen if he gets opportunity to play some consistent
(09:43):
footy there, that's.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Great exciting times. Indeed for Australian rugby. Sterling really appreciate
you joining us on sports Fox. That is Sterling Mortlocke
Australian rugby legend.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Sports Sex Sex Sex.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
It took Chris Wood just five minutes to pick up
where he left off last season for Nottingham Forest. Having
found the net twenty times in the last Premier League season,
the All White skipper scored twice this morning to guide
his side to a three to one went over Bremford
in their first match of the new campaign. The first
came after he headed Goldwoods from a corner in the
fifth minute, when the ball rebounded back to him. He
(10:17):
reacted quickest and finished in clinical fashion. But his footballing
IQ was also on show for the second goal. Play
was broken up in midfield, and before the ball had
even found its way to the feet of teammate Elliot Anderson,
Wood had already started his run in behind Bremford's defense
in expectation of a pass. That early movement gained him
(10:39):
a couple of vital seconds once the ball did arrived
around the keeper and slot home. Now half the time,
in fact, maybe more than that, the ball doesn't arrive,
but when it does, Chris Wood's experience had him perfectly
positioned to capitalize. That was Chris Wood's ninety first Premier
League goal ninety one. That's more than genuine footballing superstars
(11:02):
Dennis Burgcamp did. He a Drogba and Fernando Torres, and
for the meantime, it's more than Earling Harland of Manchester City.
Wood is now just one goal short of Australian Mark
Verduka's record of the most buyer player from Oceania. That's
a record that will surely be his very soon, and
he must now be odds on to reach that magical
(11:23):
century mark this season, a feat achieved by just thirty
three players in the history of the Premier League, dating
all the way back to nineteen ninety two. Chris Wood
is operating in rarefied air and has now reached a
point in his career where he knows his game and
find detail and knows exactly what to do and where
(11:43):
to be to score goals.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
And while that's great for.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Nottingham Forest, it's also very good news for the All Whites,
who are now just ten months away from their first
appearance at a Football World Cup since twenty ten. A fit,
firing and informed Chris Wood holds the key to the
All Whites success at the tournament, and his goals could
well guide them to the knockout stages for the first
time ever, making history for his club and his entry.
(12:09):
Not a bad way to spend the twilight of your
football career.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
If you're listening to the sports Fix podcast, and into
the Chamber we go Monday's Chamber. As Monday listeners to
the sports Fix podcast will know by now it's the
People's Chamber. Elijah is in the chair. Let's start with
the rugby. Seventeen points is a pretty decent score line
in a rugby Championship Test. The All Blacks getting the
job done in Cordoba, how happy you reckon they'll be
(12:39):
and how many head scratches do you think there will
be heading to the second Test.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
I think they'll be happy with the win, especially going
to a place like cordor Bowing getting a big win
over Argentina. I don't think they'll be happy with the
actual performance. It was far from an eighty minute performance
or a complete performance from the All Blacks, particularly in
that early second half period where they allowed Argentina to
come back from thirty one ten down to close the
(13:06):
gap to thirty one twenty four. So I think that
will be a huge talking points. And I think one
of the other talking points is around that time bringing
on the reserves in that early second half period. But
I mean I sort of see that as a positive,
Like you bring these reserves on, they endure a bit
of hostility and then pressure from the home side, and
they managed to regain their composure at the end there
(13:27):
which led to those two late some of Suni Takiyajill tries.
So I think all in a great win, but also
a lots of work on for the All Blacks.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Last year. Of course we had problems in the last
twenty minutes, didn't we. There were a number of occasions
on which the All Blacks got run over every single
one of their defeats last year. They led it half time,
so there was an examination of the second half and
in particular last twenty minutes. I think last twenty minutes
yesterday was pretty good. It was that twenty as you say,
just after halftime. I still don't get the decision to
(13:56):
take Cortez Latma off after fifty minutes. I get the
front row stuff, I do get that, less so the hooker,
but the props I do get. But why would they
take Cortez off with half an hour ago?
Speaker 5 (14:07):
I have no clue. I think Cortez was having a
very strong game. I think he answered a lot of critics.
He may have been critical of his performances during the
French series, but I think he's sort of shown that
he deserves to be that number two half back behind
cam roy Guard and he stepped up when he was
asked to be the starter. So I would have liked
to see Cortez get a bit more of a run. Yeah,
(14:29):
and bringing finleyon, Yeah, that's very questionable. But I think
big props to Cortez for the performance he did put
on when he was on the field.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
I agree, I think he had probably his best test,
So yeah, look forward to seeing him probably start there again,
and when cam roy Guard's back, just re establishing that
one two punch. While a Satiti by the sounds of it,
will be fit for the second test, you'd imagine he
would come straight back. And do you think we're looking
at a Satiti at eight, saver at seven two poor
vity at six situation here?
Speaker 5 (14:59):
Yeah, most likely. But I also wouldn't be surprised if
they sort of ease Wallace back into things and name
him on the bench to start things, because I think,
you know, one top of I was phenomenal at number
six again and I think he's sort of proven his case.
But now with Patrick twee plots who possibly missing the
second test or likely to miss the second test. Obviously
(15:20):
the fours needs to be shuffled around there, so I
wouldn't mind if all has sort of eased into this
is a situation. But I also wouldn't be as surprised
if he was brought back into the starting lineup, but
that is a huge return for for the All Blacks.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
That team is named on Friday morning, New Zealand time
for the second Test, which is ten past nine Sunday
morning in Bina series. I think the All Blacks have
already arrived, so they'll have a good week of preparation there.
I'm looking now, Elijah at the NRL table. The Warriors
are fourth on thirty two points with three games to go,
one point ahead of the Panthers, who also have three
(15:53):
games to go. The mathematician in me would say that
if the Warriors win their final three games, they finish
in the top four. Now, what does the logical think
in your head say about their ability and likelihood of
winning those three games.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
I think if you asked me a month ago, I
would have said, yeah, easily, the Warriors can win their
final three games, just looking at who they're up against
and where those opponents sit on the table. But given
how they've performed over this last month, I'm not as certain,
particularly when they're coming up against the Titans, who have
been their bogie team for some reason over the last
couple of seasons. So again, I feel like We've mentioned
(16:30):
this the last few weeks that there's no easy wins
in the NRALS. So it's hard for me to sort
of say the Warriors can win these last three games
and then earn their spot in the top four. I
think it's going to be very tricky, but I think
it can be done, particularly off their last performance. They
got the win, as ugly as it was over the Dragons,
they got the two points that they needed to and
you sort of need to win those type of ugly
(16:50):
contests if you're going to contend in the top four.
So yeah, I wouldn't one hundred percent say the Warriors
will win their last three games, but I think, yeah,
it will be very hard to say.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
I reckon one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
You're right about the way they won it, though it
actually does not matter. It doesn't matter one little bit
how you win games at the stage of the season,
especially when you've lost three on the trot.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
It's just the fact that you win the game.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
And look, it certainly won't make any best of the season,
you know videos at the end of the year that
went over the Dragons, but the fact remains they won it.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
And then I look at the Titans, I think to myself,
what is it about these guys?
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Since they beat the Warriors three or four weeks ago,
they've lost to the Panthers that was narrow. Actually, they've
lost of the Rabbit o's that was narrow. Then the
Sharks put fifty four on them over the week. How
earth can the Warriors not beat the Titans.
Speaker 5 (17:40):
I like, just what you've just said about the titans
last three performances. It's easy to look at those performances
and those results and think, yeah, the Warriors can easily
get one over the Titans. But I just I don't know.
I can't just one hundred percent say that the Warriors
can beat the Titans, given what's happened over the last
couple of years between these two sides. So we'll see
(18:01):
what happens again. The Panthers, who are one point behind
the Warriors, they come up against the top of the
table Raiders. So that's going to be a great content test.
And yeah, but the Warriors will be focused on what
they need to do, and they need to go over
to the Gold Coast and get that win.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
They do. That's it.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
That's as simple as that. Their destiny is back in
their own hands. Had dropped out of their hands with
the loss a week ago, but the Panthers losing to
the Storm the other night and snapping that long winning
streak of Theirs as given the Warriors an open door.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
They have to walk through it. They have to walk
through it.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Beat the Titans first, come back home, beat their Eels,
and then go to Manly and beat the Sea Eagles.
You know, as you say, in the middle part of
the season, you would have said, you know what, those
three games are absolutely winnable and the Warriors are favorites
and all of them. But it just goes to show,
doesn't it, what the NRL is like this season. You
actually can't pick anything from week to week, can you?
Speaker 5 (18:48):
No, definitely not. And I think I think a big
thing to bring up is that the Warriors could be
without Jackson Ford or very well likely will be without
Jackson Ford due to suspension. And I think Jackson Ford
doesn't get enough credit for what he's done in the
absence of Mitch Barnett. I think he's been such a
key contributor for this Warrior's forward pack and missing him
will test that forward depth even more so. That could
(19:09):
be a key loss over the next coming weeks. But
then you hope that the returns of Kirk keep Well
and too Mighty Martin from the concussions could could help
offset that.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
I think there are a few more twist and turns
and a few more discussion points for us on the
Monday Morning People's Monday Afternoon People's Chamber, Elijah, we'll knock
it on the HEF for today and no doubt convene
with more interesting discussion a week from now.
Speaker 5 (19:32):
Sounds good. Thank you for needing a VEX.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix powered by News.
Speaker 4 (19:38):
Talks IVV.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
And that just about blows the full time whistle on
this edition of Sports Fix. Thank you so much for listening,
Thank you for downloading, Thank you for subscribing subscribers to
the podcast. We'll have a fresh episode appear in their
feed at around about the same time tomorrow. And for
more from News Talks HEB Sports, check out Sports Talk
every weeknight between seven and eight pm and on the
weekend's Weekend Sport midday to three Saturday and again on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
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 iHeartRadio.
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