Rugby Direct
Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.
Episodes
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney after the All Blacks' commanding victory over Australia, highlighted by a devastating first-half blitz at Accor Stadium.
With the Bledisloe Cup campaign complete, what did we learn from the final two tests across the Tasman?
And with the end-of-year tour looming, just how prepared are Dave Rennie's side for the next tour?
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On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney as attention turns to the second Bledisloe Cup test.
The All Blacks side has been named and coach Dave Rennie has made several notable changes to his starting XV.
The boys break down the key selection calls, what they reveal about the All Blacks' direction, and whether Rennie has gone far enough ahead of another crucial clash with...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down another dominant All Blacks performance at Eden Park, as New Zealand extended its incredible winning streak at the fortress and kept the Bledisloe Cup safely locked away for another year.
What were the key factors behind the victory? Which players stood out? And what changes, if any, should Dave Rennie make ahead of the second test?
The boys...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack a growing crisis at first five for the All Blacks, with Richie Mo'unga the latest star playmaker to join the injury casualty ward.
The boys break down the All Blacks squad named for the opening Bledisloe Cup test against Australia, debating the key selection calls and where the pressure points lie heading into Saturday night.
With the Wallabies showing sign...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier look ahead to the All Blacks' final home test of 2026 as they prepare to welcome a confident Wallabies side fresh off a statement victory over South Africa.
Can New Zealand finish their home campaign on a high, or are Australia poised to spoil the party?
The podcast also dives into one of the biggest Super Rugby moves in recent memory, with Ardie Savea confirming ...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ 34-man squad for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series. With Ruben Love sidelined by an ankle injury, they assess Richie Mo’unga’s opportunity at first five, where Beauden Barrett fits, and the selection calls facing the All Blacks.
The pair also discuss the returns of Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell, Leicester Fain...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier revisit the All Blacks' tour of South Africa with the benefit of hindsight. A few weeks on from the series defeat, the boys unpack what really went wrong, what positives can be taken forward, and what it revealed about the state of the All Blacks under Dave Rennie.
They also break down the outcomes of New Zealand rugby's recent summit, asking the big questio...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith reflects on the All Blacks’ challenging tour of South Africa and the key factors behind the 3-1 series defeat.
Where did it unravel for Dave Rennie side, what lessons can be taken from the campaign, and what needs to change as attention turns to the remainder of the 2026 international season?
Elliott breaks down the biggest talking points and looks ahead to what comes...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith dials in from Baltimore as the All Blacks unveil their side for the fourth and final test of The Greatest Rivalry tour.
Richie Mo'unga returns to the No. 10 jersey, while Codie Taylor captains the All Blacks in a test for the first time.
Is this the combination that can level the series against South Africa and ensure New Zealand leaves with a share of the trophy?
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On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast for one final dispatch from South Africa as the All Blacks' hopes of a series victory come to an end.
After slipping to a 2-1 series defeat against the Springboks, the boys break down where it all went wrong.
Were the All Blacks undone by their own mistakes, or were South Africa simply a class above?
From key moments and selection decisions to the...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Johannesburg as the All Blacks unveil a bold new look for the third test against South Africa.
With veteran hooker Cody Taylor omitted from the matchday 23, Sam Darry promoted into the second row in place of Fabian Holland, and Peter Lakai handed a starting berth at blindside flanker, the selectors have made some major calls.
Are...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Cape Town to dissect the All Blacks' second Test defeat to South Africa.
Where did it all go wrong for Dave Rennie's side?
The pair break down the key moments that shaped the result, assess the selection calls, and debate whether tactical changes are needed ahead of the next test. With the All Blacks now searching for answers, Elliott and Lia...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Cape Town ahead of a massive second test between the All Blacks and Springboks.
With New Zealand chasing a series-clinching 2-0 lead and South Africa desperate to square the ledger, the boys break down the key battles that will decide the contest.
What must the All Blacks do to back up their Ellis Park triumph, and how will the ...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' historic 17-point victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, one of the country's greatest results on South African soil.
What does the statement win mean for the remainder of the series, and have the All Blacks established themselves as clear favourites? The boys break down the key performances, the tactical trends that defined the contest...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the team lists ahead of the opening test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.
Who were the biggest selection surprises? Which side holds the early advantage? The boys leave no stone unturned as they analyse the key matchups and storylines heading into a blockbuster clash in Johannesburg.
Plus, All Blacks first five Ruben Love joins the podcast aft...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' emphatic 50-19 victory over the Bulls as preparations ramp up for the opening test against South Africa.
The boys reveal their picks for Dave Rennie's matchday 23, debate the biggest selection headaches facing the All Blacks coach, and identify the key battles that could shape the first test at Ellis Park on Sunday morning.
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On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Johannesburg to break down the shock recall of Richie Mo'unga to the All Blacks squad. Is he the right man to replace Billy Proctor, or does the move raise more questions than answers?
The team also counts down to the All Blacks' final tour match before next Sunday's first test, dissecting the latest team naming and debating whether Dave Rennie ...
The All Blacks are up and running in South Africa, but was their win over the Stormers convincing enough?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Durban to break down the tour opener, unpack the sweeping changes for the Sharks match, and discuss the growing injury toll after Billy Proctor became the second All Black to head home.
Plus, is it finally time to pick up the phone and call Richie...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier touch down in Cape Town and waste no time diving into the first team naming of the All Blacks' South African tour.
What can we read into Dave Rennie's selections to face the Stormers on Saturday morning? The boys break down the key talking points, potential selection clues, and what this side could tell us about the weeks ahead as the All Blacks face their ...
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' 44-man squad named for South Africa and the United States on the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie and selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes have retained all 34 players from the Nations Championship Southern Series squad, while adding a further 10 players for the demanding seven-week campaign.
With opportunitie...
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