On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 4th November 2025, the Kiwis defeated Tonga in a real spectacle for international rugby league on Sunday afternoon, but game itself has been overshadowed by very poor handling of concussion protocols of Tongan second rower Eli Katoa.
Katoa took a shoulder to the head in the warmup, which appeared to daze him, however he was allowed to play. He took a further two shots to the head throughout the game, before being rushed to hospital. D'Arcy spoke with former Kiwi and Warriors captain Tohu Harris to hear his thoughts.
D'Arcy shares his thoughts on why he believes Liam Lawson's F1 seat will be safe for the 2026 season
And D'Arcy and NZ Herald sports journalist Nathan Limm discuss the upcoming All Blacks test against Scotland and the situation with Eli Katoa.
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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.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Ed BE Welcome on into the Sports Next podcast. There
we go again. It's Tuesday, the fourth of November twenty
twenty five, courtesy of JJ Gardner Holmes and Zeeland Smoked
Trusted home builder. My name's Darcy Watergrove. I'm with you
for Nick, starting a fifteen to twenty odd minutes. What
have we got lined up for you? Well, we're going
to start with Polu Harris, a former League International Format
(00:42):
Warriors skipper of course, and as we look at the
situation around Ali Cartoa and that horrific head knock to
the power of three that he took during the Test
match versus Tonga. I've got opinion around Liam Lawsa. I
tell you right now he's going to be running for
racing balls next season and I'll tell you why. And
(01:04):
then we joined in the chamber by Nathan Linn as
we discussed some of the big spot stories of the day,
including no Barrett Boys to the power of two with
the Scottish Tests. That's our plan, so led you're going
jib and in some sports swipes today. Noline Todua. I've
(01:24):
forgotten about the colonial You're gone because I don't care.
The Silver Ferns coach in Absentia has thanked the universe
for the utterha she received during her long, stressful standdown
from her role. Ultimately, she returned to the role next year.
That the CEO and net for New Zealand chair are
still there. I don't see it because it's in the
(01:46):
public and you can't talk your riding the waves or
the up and down and all.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
The emotion that go with it.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
But to get such overwhelming the poor it actually made
me feel that I wasn't alone keep me going all
the way. Coach Scott Robinson has taken the wander down
of memory Lane. As a young fella, he played in
Scotland for air. Scoring in meat Pie triggered a fifty
quid reward that had strings though, but he.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
Had showed everyone's pretty much gave it straight bck over
the bar.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
It was well.
Speaker 6 (02:20):
They got fortune long investment.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
It was a really great experience and part of my
life and the real Scotland. Scott and the All Blacks
look to notch up win a number two in their
four leg Grand Slam two. That's the next Sunday morning
against Scotland Racing Bulls. Peter that Liam Lawson has grown
immensely over the course of the twenty twenty five Formula
One season. He got dropped, kept from Red Bull to
(02:44):
races and into the Little Brother Racing Bulls ride. He
scored some points, he had some big scanty test off
a few senior drivers. So yeah, pretty.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
Busy going through everything that sort of we've drug through
this year. I think all the hard stuff as well
always makes you better anyway. If there's anything if I
come out of this this year, which is what I'm
trying to do, I think then I'll be in a
much better place.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
And they are your sports swipes in full effect.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Use and Avian. It's Sportsfix with Dancy Waldegrave.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
We're joined now by Kaoru Harris, a former Warriors skipper
former Kiwi as we look at the unfortunate incident worth
Ali Cartoa in the Test match between Ponga and Kiwi's
gid At Who how are you, I'm good, I'm good,
Thanks for having me and great to have you on again.
Of course we came to you because You've had plenty
of experience when it comes to international rugby league, plenty
(03:38):
of experience with I suppose the tyranny of head knocks,
of being called off of hia everything and this is
all like it's concentrated down to one thing. The first up.
When you saw what he went through, not the first,
the second, but all three of them, what was your
initial feeling, Oh, I was.
Speaker 6 (03:58):
I was terrified for him, like a as a player,
it's probably something that that you can't avoid, is getting
a head knock, So so I sort of know what
I guess one bad one feels like, but he he
had multiple throughout the whole day, and then when I
heard what happened after the game, like it is just
(04:19):
deep concern for him and his family and I'm hoping
he's recovering well. But yeah, it was it was terrifying
to see.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
You've been in a situation like this. We've actually been
cleaned out before the first whistle has been blown.
Speaker 6 (04:33):
I've had had a couple probably through the week at training,
but not not in a warm up, And and the
footage that I saw of it wasn't slow motion, so
it's it's hard to tell, but it didn't look good,
and yeah, it's it's a it's a tough situation. Like
he he's obviously proud of playing for Tonga and he
(04:53):
wants to be out there with his brothers and to
represent their country, and yeah, yeah, so he's he's going
to want to play and sometimes you sort of just
have to, I guess, protect him from himself. And not
that it was his folders. It was a freak accident,
but yeah, it was. It was hard to see, hard
(05:16):
to watch.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
You've been playing rugby league for a long time. You're
selling real estate now, much more sensible, no head highs
or knocks in that particular sport if you caught that.
But over the time that you played, how many times
did you see situations like that where it's more heavily
policed now where players just want to play and they'll
(05:36):
do anything to get back in the line. Again, this
was prevalent early doors, wasn't it.
Speaker 6 (05:42):
Yeah, yeah, absolutely, And it wasn't as heavily policed early on,
especially when I started. It's sort of come in towards
the end of my career where a bit harsher protocol
around it come in. But yeah, it's it's the it's
the it's slowly changing, but players they always will want
(06:04):
to play, if that makes sense, But like it's slowly changing,
and that's probably that's good for players' health and good
for the game because because then you see players with
that much talent stick around a bit longer because they
stay healthier. And but yeah, you see the effects of it,
like on one small one that doesn't look bad, can
(06:27):
affect your ability and your reaction times and things like that,
and it opens up for it to happen again throughout
the game. So it's really hard. And obviously Allie's was
his situation was the extreme, and you never want to
see a player go through that. So that's that part's
really concerning. But you know, I think it's something that
(06:50):
the league has to continue to look at and hopefully
protect the players as much as they can.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Well, the difficult thing here is it doesn't fall under
the protocol. If it doesn't happen during the game, there's
not a lot they can do except trust their own
team doctors. Is there a thought process that maybe that
needs to be stretched out and cover the warm up
and everything there, because technically they didn't do anything illegal
or wrong, but maybe the NRL or the ARL or
(07:19):
he's in a league needs to look over this and
go actually, hold on, it's under our jurisdiction right from
when you get to the park.
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Yeah, I sort of think I didn't know if that
was covered or not. But they have an independent doctor
at the ground, so I assume that anything that happens
in the ground, and that's warm up included, or even
in the dressing rooms, the independent doctor needs to be
provided footage so you can see what happens. And I
(07:45):
don't Again, I don't know the process. It's a tough
one because, yeah, the rule is clear during the game. Obviously,
if it's not in place, they probably have to look
at that because the players, no matter what, their health
needs to come first, because you know, you want these
players to be healthy to play long careers, and yeah,
(08:08):
to not have to go through something that extreme like
Ali did, and because it's terrible to see.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfax with Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Liam Lawson was on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning.
Go back find the interview, have a listen. Lem of course,
if you don't know. As a Formula One driver, he
peddles for Racing Balls, which is the youngest sister team
of Red Bull Racing. There's been a lot of conjecture
around Liam's future with the team. They have yet to
(08:43):
confirm at Red Ball or Racing Balls exactly who their
drivers will be. We know that at Red Bull Max
Verstappan has got the role. It's widely thought that Isaac
Haga will be taking the second drive moving up from
Racing Balls, which leaves Yuki Sonoda, Arvin Lindblad and Liam Lawson.
As you know, three does not go into two. A
(09:06):
lot of thought around this, a lot of discussion around this.
I'd like to put it to bed right here, right now.
How do I do that? It's very very simple. Next
year Honda are leaving Red Ball. They will no longer
be their engine suppliers. The reason Yuki Sonoda, there's not
that much chopped behind the wheel, has got a job
(09:26):
for Red Bull is because Honda want them there and
they paid for it. So I don't see him lasting
one New York minute at the end of the season.
Rumor that is going across to dale Coin Racing the
IndyCar Series. They are, of course powered by Honda. Ford
are the new engine supplies on the block for Red
Bull and Racing Balls. Over the last couple of weeks
(09:48):
they have gone on the advertising offensive when it comes
to their involvement with those two teams. Part of that
has been a couple of Instagram posts, and I'd suggest
more around other social media talking about Ford, talking about
what that mark and what that brand brings. So who
(10:08):
was in these Instagram reels I'll tell you is Zach
Haga and Liam Lawson? Now a more planet. Would you
put a whole campaign around advertising the new engine supply
for a Formula One team and use two guys who
will not be involved in the team the following year.
Zak Haja is pretty much a done deal to run
(10:29):
at Red Ball. That suggests to me when you look
at the time that Liam spent on air pumping up
the tires of Ford, that says to me he's an
absolute uean for the seat at Racing Balls. I rest
my case.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Time me out to assemble and the chamber. I suppose
two people can be an assembly. I suppose it's myself
and Nathan Limb. He used to be a journalist for
news Talk zb in Sport, but he's since moved what
one desk and now he's working for New Zealand Herald,
so he's still under the same umbrella. How are you
enjoying the change of circumstance, Nathan Linny, welcome.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
I'm enjoying it, Darci. I do miss the microphone, I
miss being behind the microphone.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
So it's good to be able to join you in
the chamber from time to time as well. But yes,
enjoying the new role.
Speaker 7 (11:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
Great stuff. Coming up this weekend, the Scottish team are
taking on New zeal And. They're looking to be the
fly in the ointment, aren't they. Because Scotland's another one
of these teams. It's never managed to beat the All Blacks,
and of course of recent times it's been really the flavor,
hasn't Let's just beat the All Blacks for the first time.
So I won't say clear and present danger, it's very
obvious danger. A lot of people think that the Scottish
(11:42):
might actually have the wherewithal to roll the All Blacks
and test number two of the four test series.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
One hundred percent. I mean, if you look back on
last year, they gave us an almighty scare was it
twenty three fourteen heading into the last twenty minutes and
the All Blacks end up prevailing thirty one twenty three
and the All Blacks have obviously suffered a couple of
big blows to Darcy. This morning news confirmed that Scott
Barrett and Jordi Barrett both ruled out of the test.
(12:08):
But I'm quite excited to see how this changes the
All Blacks. I really want lesterfying Anoku to get a star.
Perhaps two Pire shifts to twelve, or you bring Anton
len Brown.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
Super Well, yeah, I once that problem. He goes, We'll
go back to you in your favorite position. Quintin Pyre
and Lester come on now. And he told me last
week he said, look, I can plan the wing, I
can play in midfield, but I'm also a bit of
a loosey as well. And the size and the speed
of that guy, what a loose Fords. He can do everything?
Speaker 7 (12:38):
Well, yeah, that's it. He's got everything.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
He's got that size, he's got the pace, he's got
the footwork, and who knows, maybe he is the long
awaited answer to the All Blacks Number thirteen Jersey that
has been I suppose a bit of an issue over
the last Really, the midfield combination has been a rotating,
revolving door since Ann and comrade.
Speaker 7 (12:59):
Smith departed halfway through ten years ago. Darcy said, can.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
We give him back he's still playing mate.
Speaker 7 (13:05):
Yeah, but we need a center. We did a number thirteen.
Yeah that's true.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
But yeah, I'd really like to see Lester and Nuku
come in there. Obviously, Sam dowries to replace Scott Bout,
so you'd imagine Josh Lord might go and to start there.
So but yeah, the midfielder is I guess the big
area that I'm looking for to see how things work.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
Well. Josh Lord didn't exactly cover himself in shame, did he.
He played really really well for a guy who got
dragged in with five minutes done on the Test match.
He showed why the All Black selectors love him so much.
I just hope that his brittle and fragile body can
hold together. You shouldn't laugh some just have that curse,
don't Yeah no, no, not too well.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Endless concussions for me going up playing record, But Josh
Lord was was fantastic, I thought in the lineout, especially
at a couple of steals in the line out has
been an area for the All Blacks that that has
been a real problem area this year and still showed
signs of being a little bit shaky against Ireland. So
he was a real highlight in the area for me.
(14:10):
So yeah, really we're really excited to see whether Josh
Lord can bring the same off.
Speaker 7 (14:13):
He's in a starting jump of this week.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
We haven't lost the third Barrett, which is great boat
and is still there. But what exactly do you think
we lose without Jordie and without Scooter Scott.
Speaker 4 (14:24):
I should say, well, I think the main thing is
the experience in the level head because you're going to
two guys Josh Lord, Leicester Fining Nooker who haven't been
in the test jumper a hell of a lot over
the last couple of years. Lester obviously got a few
tests a few years ago, but he's really only just
come back into the fray and Josh Lord is obviously
very young and his test career has been you know,
(14:45):
the tests have been few and far between because of
those injuries that you mentioned, Darcy. So I think just
those level heads, Scott Barward obviously being the captain, but
Artie will step up as we used to him doing.
Speaker 7 (14:55):
He's all right, he's not a bad replacement as he
so Artie will do well.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
But yeah, I think it would just be that sort
of level headedness, the directness perhaps, but I backed those
two to step in competently.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Scott Robertson has used players and he's given them plenty
of rope and then he's not sent them on their
way but it's okay, we've tried you, you can move on.
And that's with Billy Proctor, that was with Damien McKenzie
playing in pivot. He does this, He gives people plenty
of room. Look, this is not the end of Billy Proctor,
(15:29):
but I think the way he's dragged people in and
revolved them around. Now we set up this end of
year tour, he needs to be able to pack the
players that are going to suit the role. They're going
to be informed that aren't going to let him down,
and they've all had experience so many players but fifty
five throughout the year, so they're all yeah. So in that,
do you see any other major adjustments in selection when
(15:53):
the team comes out?
Speaker 4 (15:54):
No, because Scott Robertson, sorry, has been very conservative his
whole entire tenure as all Blacks coach, I will point
out you know you're saying, oh, he's giving these guys
a lot of time, but if lest a word to
come in. He hasn't had a lot of time in
the midfield, in the stoning jumper this this year, was
supposed to play in the Test jumper this year. But
(16:14):
would you expect him to start Lest? I want I
want him to start Lester fighting and Nuku. But given
Billy Proctor's had a few extra games, I mean, do
you think that Billy Proctor should be in there?
Speaker 3 (16:23):
Billy Proctor is a good player, but I think when
you turn up and make a statement like Lester and
Nuku did, it's really hard to ignore that statement. I'm
Billy Proctor is a fine player. Didn't exactly grab the
opportunity he was given. Quinto Pi grabbed that opportunity when
he turns up. Did Damien McKenzie at pivot? No he didn't.
(16:45):
So I like the way he's rolling here, But any
other major tweaks. You're not going to mess too much
with with the wingers, now, are you? You're not going
to mess with the fullback now? Are you going to
miss with the Lucy's.
Speaker 4 (16:55):
Or that no, potentially potentially Wallace Titi no, I might
like to see him starting at number eight. I thought
like I was fine, but that the impact that we
get from Titi off the bench, So it becomes whether
or not you want that from the.
Speaker 7 (17:07):
Start or or whether he wanted to. I mean they
both work.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
I suppose to Titi has just that little bit extra size
and heightened when you're looking at the line out. Potentially
that that gives them another option that Lark I might not.
I'm not sure how that works with them, but that
would be the only other area, but I think it
would be fairly consistent.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Other than that, No, Tmighty Williams should come and to start,
shouldn't he. I think we'll see that the different teammate
when he came on the park.
Speaker 4 (17:29):
Scrum wise, I love the energy brought to and the
turnovers were one as well. You know toopo A was
getting crap from Kevin Peterson a little while ago for
cheering for turnovers. Well, Tobiti Williams might be the next
one because he was shouting and clapping it up.
Speaker 7 (17:43):
I love that. I love that energy off the bench.
So yeah, potentially he moves in as well.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
We heard from Paul Huharis earlier on the podcast talking
about that horrible situation without carpla. That was awful. Anyone
who's seen the knock that he took before the game
even started, then he took another one, then he took
a third, and at the end of it, like if
he was a regular club player, he might have gone
home with a headache and not woken up. This is
(18:08):
serious and this has got to be addressed. Surely.
Speaker 7 (18:10):
This is how people die, This is how people get CTE.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
I mean that that hit he took before the game
was actually sickening.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Like when I watched this, he should have knocked them out.
Speaker 7 (18:21):
It made my stomach turn a wee bit.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
And actually it's a complete travesty that none of the
trainers or the coaches, if anyone saw that, took the
opportunity to go actually discussion play. He's taken a massive it.
It's actually unthinkable that he was that he was put
on to play and then took another head knock and
then carried on playing again. I don't care if he
(18:45):
passes his HIA on the field. He needs to be
taken off. That's so obvious from that hit. The only
thing I can think is that just none of the
coaches and the trainers knew the extent of it, or
because if you saw that clip, surely you'd be like this,
No way he should play and cut them a wee.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
Bit of slack because the player themselves are they're not
going to do And that's what I thought. Who was
saying the players need to protected from themselves because anyway,
I'm fine, I'm fine, I'll keep playing. I'm fine, I
don't want to miss this test match. And you've got
to counter that. It's hard to hook someone with that
attitude though, aren't.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
Yeah, I do understand that it's a conversation. I mean,
does personal responsibility come into it.
Speaker 7 (19:21):
It's your head.
Speaker 4 (19:22):
If you know you've taken a massive knock, does that
come into play as well? But I think at this
point it does need to be on the trainers and
the coaches to have an eye it.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Watch this space and on that. We'll let you get
back to your typewriter. Nathan Lynn, New Zealand Herald, former
News TALKSZB and general man about sport. We thank you
very much for your time, your attitude and your opinion.
Speaker 7 (19:41):
Thanks mate, Thanks Mike leading a vex.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sportsfix News Talks.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
VV and there is another edition of the Sports Fix podcast.
Thanks very much for listening on today, the fourth of
November twenty twenty five. I'm Darcy water Go. Thanks for
your time. You love your energy, your engagement and if
you'd like to be involved more in sport talk, you
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(20:10):
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Speaker 2 (20:33):
For more from News Talks ed B. Listen live on
air or online and
Speaker 1 (20:37):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcasts on Iarradio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Ed BE Welcome on into the Sports Next podcast. There
we go again. It's Tuesday, the fourth of November twenty
twenty five, courtesy of JJ Gardner Holmes and Zeeland Smoked
Trusted home builder. My name's Darcy Watergrove. I'm with you
for Nick, starting a fifteen to twenty odd minutes. What
have we got lined up for you? Well, we're going
to start with Polu Harris, a former League International Format
(00:42):
Warriors skipper of course, and as we look at the
situation around Ali Cartoa and that horrific head knock to
the power of three that he took during the Test
match versus Tonga. I've got opinion around Liam Lawsa. I
tell you right now he's going to be running for
racing balls next season and I'll tell you why. And
(01:04):
then we joined in the chamber by Nathan Linn as
we discussed some of the big spot stories of the day,
including no Barrett Boys to the power of two with
the Scottish Tests. That's our plan, so led you're going
jib and in some sports swipes today. Noline Todua. I've
(01:24):
forgotten about the colonial You're gone because I don't care.
The Silver Ferns coach in Absentia has thanked the universe
for the utterha she received during her long, stressful standdown
from her role. Ultimately, she returned to the role next year.
That the CEO and net for New Zealand chair are
still there. I don't see it because it's in the
(01:46):
public and you can't talk your riding the waves or
the up and down and all.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
The emotion that go with it.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
But to get such overwhelming the poor it actually made
me feel that I wasn't alone keep me going all
the way. Coach Scott Robinson has taken the wander down
of memory Lane. As a young fella, he played in
Scotland for air. Scoring in meat Pie triggered a fifty
quid reward that had strings though, but he.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
Had showed everyone's pretty much gave it straight bck over
the bar.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
It was well.
Speaker 6 (02:20):
They got fortune long investment.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
It was a really great experience and part of my
life and the real Scotland. Scott and the All Blacks
look to notch up win a number two in their
four leg Grand Slam two. That's the next Sunday morning
against Scotland Racing Bulls. Peter that Liam Lawson has grown
immensely over the course of the twenty twenty five Formula
One season. He got dropped, kept from Red Bull to
(02:44):
races and into the Little Brother Racing Bulls ride. He
scored some points, he had some big scanty test off
a few senior drivers. So yeah, pretty.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
Busy going through everything that sort of we've drug through
this year. I think all the hard stuff as well
always makes you better anyway. If there's anything if I
come out of this this year, which is what I'm
trying to do, I think then I'll be in a
much better place.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
And they are your sports swipes in full effect.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Use and Avian. It's Sportsfix with Dancy Waldegrave.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
We're joined now by Kaoru Harris, a former Warriors skipper
former Kiwi as we look at the unfortunate incident worth
Ali Cartoa in the Test match between Ponga and Kiwi's
gid At Who how are you, I'm good, I'm good,
Thanks for having me and great to have you on again.
Of course we came to you because You've had plenty
of experience when it comes to international rugby league, plenty
(03:38):
of experience with I suppose the tyranny of head knocks,
of being called off of hia everything and this is
all like it's concentrated down to one thing. The first up.
When you saw what he went through, not the first,
the second, but all three of them, what was your
initial feeling, Oh, I was.
Speaker 6 (03:58):
I was terrified for him, like a as a player,
it's probably something that that you can't avoid, is getting
a head knock, So so I sort of know what
I guess one bad one feels like, but he he
had multiple throughout the whole day, and then when I
heard what happened after the game, like it is just
(04:19):
deep concern for him and his family and I'm hoping
he's recovering well. But yeah, it was it was terrifying
to see.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
You've been in a situation like this. We've actually been
cleaned out before the first whistle has been blown.
Speaker 6 (04:33):
I've had had a couple probably through the week at training,
but not not in a warm up, And and the
footage that I saw of it wasn't slow motion, so
it's it's hard to tell, but it didn't look good,
and yeah, it's it's a it's a tough situation. Like
he he's obviously proud of playing for Tonga and he
(04:53):
wants to be out there with his brothers and to
represent their country, and yeah, yeah, so he's he's going
to want to play and sometimes you sort of just
have to, I guess, protect him from himself. And not
that it was his folders. It was a freak accident,
but yeah, it was. It was hard to see, hard
(05:16):
to watch.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
You've been playing rugby league for a long time. You're
selling real estate now, much more sensible, no head highs
or knocks in that particular sport if you caught that.
But over the time that you played, how many times
did you see situations like that where it's more heavily
policed now where players just want to play and they'll
(05:36):
do anything to get back in the line. Again, this
was prevalent early doors, wasn't it.
Speaker 6 (05:42):
Yeah, yeah, absolutely, And it wasn't as heavily policed early on,
especially when I started. It's sort of come in towards
the end of my career where a bit harsher protocol
around it come in. But yeah, it's it's the it's
the it's slowly changing, but players they always will want
(06:04):
to play, if that makes sense, But like it's slowly changing,
and that's probably that's good for players' health and good
for the game because because then you see players with
that much talent stick around a bit longer because they
stay healthier. And but yeah, you see the effects of it,
like on one small one that doesn't look bad, can
(06:27):
affect your ability and your reaction times and things like that,
and it opens up for it to happen again throughout
the game. So it's really hard. And obviously Allie's was
his situation was the extreme, and you never want to
see a player go through that. So that's that part's
really concerning. But you know, I think it's something that
(06:50):
the league has to continue to look at and hopefully
protect the players as much as they can.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Well, the difficult thing here is it doesn't fall under
the protocol. If it doesn't happen during the game, there's
not a lot they can do except trust their own
team doctors. Is there a thought process that maybe that
needs to be stretched out and cover the warm up
and everything there, because technically they didn't do anything illegal
or wrong, but maybe the NRL or the ARL or
(07:19):
he's in a league needs to look over this and
go actually, hold on, it's under our jurisdiction right from
when you get to the park.
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Yeah, I sort of think I didn't know if that
was covered or not. But they have an independent doctor
at the ground, so I assume that anything that happens
in the ground, and that's warm up included, or even
in the dressing rooms, the independent doctor needs to be
provided footage so you can see what happens. And I
(07:45):
don't Again, I don't know the process. It's a tough
one because, yeah, the rule is clear during the game. Obviously,
if it's not in place, they probably have to look
at that because the players, no matter what, their health
needs to come first, because you know, you want these
players to be healthy to play long careers, and yeah,
(08:08):
to not have to go through something that extreme like
Ali did, and because it's terrible to see.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfax with Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Liam Lawson was on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning.
Go back find the interview, have a listen. Lem of course,
if you don't know. As a Formula One driver, he
peddles for Racing Balls, which is the youngest sister team
of Red Bull Racing. There's been a lot of conjecture
around Liam's future with the team. They have yet to
(08:43):
confirm at Red Ball or Racing Balls exactly who their
drivers will be. We know that at Red Bull Max
Verstappan has got the role. It's widely thought that Isaac
Haga will be taking the second drive moving up from
Racing Balls, which leaves Yuki Sonoda, Arvin Lindblad and Liam Lawson.
As you know, three does not go into two. A
(09:06):
lot of thought around this, a lot of discussion around this.
I'd like to put it to bed right here, right now.
How do I do that? It's very very simple. Next
year Honda are leaving Red Ball. They will no longer
be their engine suppliers. The reason Yuki Sonoda, there's not
that much chopped behind the wheel, has got a job
(09:26):
for Red Bull is because Honda want them there and
they paid for it. So I don't see him lasting
one New York minute at the end of the season.
Rumor that is going across to dale Coin Racing the
IndyCar Series. They are, of course powered by Honda. Ford
are the new engine supplies on the block for Red
Bull and Racing Balls. Over the last couple of weeks
(09:48):
they have gone on the advertising offensive when it comes
to their involvement with those two teams. Part of that
has been a couple of Instagram posts, and I'd suggest
more around other social media talking about Ford, talking about
what that mark and what that brand brings. So who
(10:08):
was in these Instagram reels I'll tell you is Zach
Haga and Liam Lawson? Now a more planet. Would you
put a whole campaign around advertising the new engine supply
for a Formula One team and use two guys who
will not be involved in the team the following year.
Zak Haja is pretty much a done deal to run
(10:29):
at Red Ball. That suggests to me when you look
at the time that Liam spent on air pumping up
the tires of Ford, that says to me he's an
absolute uean for the seat at Racing Balls. I rest
my case.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Time me out to assemble and the chamber. I suppose
two people can be an assembly. I suppose it's myself
and Nathan Limb. He used to be a journalist for
news Talk zb in Sport, but he's since moved what
one desk and now he's working for New Zealand Herald,
so he's still under the same umbrella. How are you
enjoying the change of circumstance, Nathan Linny, welcome.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
I'm enjoying it, Darci. I do miss the microphone, I
miss being behind the microphone.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
So it's good to be able to join you in
the chamber from time to time as well. But yes,
enjoying the new role.
Speaker 7 (11:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
Great stuff. Coming up this weekend, the Scottish team are
taking on New zeal And. They're looking to be the
fly in the ointment, aren't they. Because Scotland's another one
of these teams. It's never managed to beat the All Blacks,
and of course of recent times it's been really the flavor,
hasn't Let's just beat the All Blacks for the first time.
So I won't say clear and present danger, it's very
obvious danger. A lot of people think that the Scottish
(11:42):
might actually have the wherewithal to roll the All Blacks
and test number two of the four test series.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
One hundred percent. I mean, if you look back on
last year, they gave us an almighty scare was it
twenty three fourteen heading into the last twenty minutes and
the All Blacks end up prevailing thirty one twenty three
and the All Blacks have obviously suffered a couple of
big blows to Darcy. This morning news confirmed that Scott
Barrett and Jordi Barrett both ruled out of the test.
(12:08):
But I'm quite excited to see how this changes the
All Blacks. I really want lesterfying Anoku to get a star.
Perhaps two Pire shifts to twelve, or you bring Anton
len Brown.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
Super Well, yeah, I once that problem. He goes, We'll
go back to you in your favorite position. Quintin Pyre
and Lester come on now. And he told me last
week he said, look, I can plan the wing, I
can play in midfield, but I'm also a bit of
a loosey as well. And the size and the speed
of that guy, what a loose Fords. He can do everything?
Speaker 7 (12:38):
Well, yeah, that's it. He's got everything.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
He's got that size, he's got the pace, he's got
the footwork, and who knows, maybe he is the long
awaited answer to the All Blacks Number thirteen Jersey that
has been I suppose a bit of an issue over
the last Really, the midfield combination has been a rotating,
revolving door since Ann and comrade.
Speaker 7 (12:59):
Smith departed halfway through ten years ago. Darcy said, can.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
We give him back he's still playing mate.
Speaker 7 (13:05):
Yeah, but we need a center. We did a number thirteen.
Yeah that's true.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
But yeah, I'd really like to see Lester and Nuku
come in there. Obviously, Sam dowries to replace Scott Bout,
so you'd imagine Josh Lord might go and to start there.
So but yeah, the midfielder is I guess the big
area that I'm looking for to see how things work.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
Well. Josh Lord didn't exactly cover himself in shame, did he.
He played really really well for a guy who got
dragged in with five minutes done on the Test match.
He showed why the All Black selectors love him so much.
I just hope that his brittle and fragile body can
hold together. You shouldn't laugh some just have that curse,
don't Yeah no, no, not too well.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Endless concussions for me going up playing record, But Josh
Lord was was fantastic, I thought in the lineout, especially
at a couple of steals in the line out has
been an area for the All Blacks that that has
been a real problem area this year and still showed
signs of being a little bit shaky against Ireland. So
he was a real highlight in the area for me.
(14:10):
So yeah, really we're really excited to see whether Josh
Lord can bring the same off.
Speaker 7 (14:13):
He's in a starting jump of this week.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
We haven't lost the third Barrett, which is great boat
and is still there. But what exactly do you think
we lose without Jordie and without Scooter Scott.
Speaker 4 (14:24):
I should say, well, I think the main thing is
the experience in the level head because you're going to
two guys Josh Lord, Leicester Fining Nooker who haven't been
in the test jumper a hell of a lot over
the last couple of years. Lester obviously got a few
tests a few years ago, but he's really only just
come back into the fray and Josh Lord is obviously
very young and his test career has been you know,
(14:45):
the tests have been few and far between because of
those injuries that you mentioned, Darcy. So I think just
those level heads, Scott Barward obviously being the captain, but
Artie will step up as we used to him doing.
Speaker 7 (14:55):
He's all right, he's not a bad replacement as he
so Artie will do well.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
But yeah, I think it would just be that sort
of level headedness, the directness perhaps, but I backed those
two to step in competently.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Scott Robertson has used players and he's given them plenty
of rope and then he's not sent them on their
way but it's okay, we've tried you, you can move on.
And that's with Billy Proctor, that was with Damien McKenzie
playing in pivot. He does this, He gives people plenty
of room. Look, this is not the end of Billy Proctor,
(15:29):
but I think the way he's dragged people in and
revolved them around. Now we set up this end of
year tour, he needs to be able to pack the
players that are going to suit the role. They're going
to be informed that aren't going to let him down,
and they've all had experience so many players but fifty
five throughout the year, so they're all yeah. So in that,
do you see any other major adjustments in selection when
(15:53):
the team comes out?
Speaker 4 (15:54):
No, because Scott Robertson, sorry, has been very conservative his
whole entire tenure as all Blacks coach, I will point
out you know you're saying, oh, he's giving these guys
a lot of time, but if lest a word to
come in. He hasn't had a lot of time in
the midfield, in the stoning jumper this this year, was
supposed to play in the Test jumper this year. But
(16:14):
would you expect him to start Lest? I want I
want him to start Lester fighting and Nuku. But given
Billy Proctor's had a few extra games, I mean, do
you think that Billy Proctor should be in there?
Speaker 3 (16:23):
Billy Proctor is a good player, but I think when
you turn up and make a statement like Lester and
Nuku did, it's really hard to ignore that statement. I'm
Billy Proctor is a fine player. Didn't exactly grab the
opportunity he was given. Quinto Pi grabbed that opportunity when
he turns up. Did Damien McKenzie at pivot? No he didn't.
(16:45):
So I like the way he's rolling here, But any
other major tweaks. You're not going to mess too much
with with the wingers, now, are you? You're not going
to mess with the fullback now? Are you going to
miss with the Lucy's.
Speaker 4 (16:55):
Or that no, potentially potentially Wallace Titi no, I might
like to see him starting at number eight. I thought
like I was fine, but that the impact that we
get from Titi off the bench, So it becomes whether
or not you want that from the.
Speaker 7 (17:07):
Start or or whether he wanted to. I mean they
both work.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
I suppose to Titi has just that little bit extra size
and heightened when you're looking at the line out. Potentially
that that gives them another option that Lark I might not.
I'm not sure how that works with them, but that
would be the only other area, but I think it
would be fairly consistent.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Other than that, No, Tmighty Williams should come and to start,
shouldn't he. I think we'll see that the different teammate
when he came on the park.
Speaker 4 (17:29):
Scrum wise, I love the energy brought to and the
turnovers were one as well. You know toopo A was
getting crap from Kevin Peterson a little while ago for
cheering for turnovers. Well, Tobiti Williams might be the next
one because he was shouting and clapping it up.
Speaker 7 (17:43):
I love that. I love that energy off the bench.
So yeah, potentially he moves in as well.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
We heard from Paul Huharis earlier on the podcast talking
about that horrible situation without carpla. That was awful. Anyone
who's seen the knock that he took before the game
even started, then he took another one, then he took
a third, and at the end of it, like if
he was a regular club player, he might have gone
home with a headache and not woken up. This is
(18:08):
serious and this has got to be addressed. Surely.
Speaker 7 (18:10):
This is how people die, This is how people get CTE.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
I mean that that hit he took before the game
was actually sickening.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Like when I watched this, he should have knocked them out.
Speaker 7 (18:21):
It made my stomach turn a wee bit.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
And actually it's a complete travesty that none of the
trainers or the coaches, if anyone saw that, took the
opportunity to go actually discussion play. He's taken a massive it.
It's actually unthinkable that he was that he was put
on to play and then took another head knock and
then carried on playing again. I don't care if he
(18:45):
passes his HIA on the field. He needs to be
taken off. That's so obvious from that hit. The only
thing I can think is that just none of the
coaches and the trainers knew the extent of it, or
because if you saw that clip, surely you'd be like this,
No way he should play and cut them a wee.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
Bit of slack because the player themselves are they're not
going to do And that's what I thought. Who was
saying the players need to protected from themselves because anyway,
I'm fine, I'm fine, I'll keep playing. I'm fine, I
don't want to miss this test match. And you've got
to counter that. It's hard to hook someone with that
attitude though, aren't.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
Yeah, I do understand that it's a conversation. I mean,
does personal responsibility come into it.
Speaker 7 (19:21):
It's your head.
Speaker 4 (19:22):
If you know you've taken a massive knock, does that
come into play as well? But I think at this
point it does need to be on the trainers and
the coaches to have an eye it.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Watch this space and on that. We'll let you get
back to your typewriter. Nathan Lynn, New Zealand Herald, former
News TALKSZB and general man about sport. We thank you
very much for your time, your attitude and your opinion.
Speaker 7 (19:41):
Thanks mate, Thanks Mike leading a vex.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sportsfix News Talks.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
VV and there is another edition of the Sports Fix podcast.
Thanks very much for listening on today, the fourth of
November twenty twenty five. I'm Darcy water Go. Thanks for
your time. You love your energy, your engagement and if
you'd like to be involved more in sport talk, you
can on Sports Talk between seven and eight pm Monday
and Friday. On News Talks EB Piney's got the Monday shift,
(20:10):
I've got Tuesday through Friday, and then Jason Pine has
the whole week can in twelve mid day to three
o'clock Saturday and Sunday. That is weekend Sport. If you've
enjoyed what you've heard, share the love, get your mates
on board, and of course you could also subscribe that way.
This turns up automatically into your inbox on a week
daily basis. Look after yourself. Catch you again tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
For more from News Talks ed B. Listen live on
air or online and
Speaker 1 (20:37):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
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