February 11, 2026 • 20 mins
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the team lineups for the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific.
They also discuss their Super Rugby fantasy lineups for the opening weekend and take a look at the latest developments in the Blues replacement coach saga.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio
Straight down.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
The Middle, try.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Get inside the game from every end of goal. It's
Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Navier powered by
News Talks d B.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby's Direct Episode two hundred powered by habitaw Physio.
Book today and stay in the Game two hundred. Up
for Rugby Directs Liam Napier with me as always Liam.
What a milestone for a little wee pod. That's it.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Raise the bats double ton so greats of the game
have never got there.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Yeah, here we are. Here, we are two hundred and
put yourself on the back. That's right, and nothing special.
You know, we're just going to keep our heads down
and you know, maybe get the singles still ticking away.
You know, job's not done yet, So maybe in the
next few weeks we might have some some special celebrations
for out two hundred podcast.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Yeah, maybe a Fox and Fizz or a Cannabury draft.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
That's right on the podcast today. In fact, probably with
addressing at the top of the show. Over the next
few weeks we're going to see how we go with
a couple of episodes a week. We'll roll out some
predictions previews at the start of the Thursday podcast, and
then Monday will be more about reviewing the weekend that
was and also keen for your feedback as well. We
(01:41):
at two hundred of crowded, a milestone for ourselves. We've
got an email now which is great rugby direct at
dot co dot inzid if you want to get in touch.
Every Thursday on the pod, we'll read a couple of
letters or emails and get your feedback on the show
and respond to that.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Yeah, come at us. Hot takes, rumors around the traps,
news reviews, any feedback, anything you like, Come come at
us for steam Ahead.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Absolutely. We already got into the predictions for the weekend
on our Monday podcast. We'll do that on Thursdays from
now on. We'll run through the teams and some of
the surprises that have been named very shortly. But first
and foremost, Liam, some news that you dropped in the
last twenty four or so hours. The blue shortlist for
the replacement for vern Cotter has come out, or at
(02:29):
least you've been able to glean some of that information.
Ian Foster and Jason Holland at the pointy end of
that shortlist. Some big revelations that two members of recent
All Black Stars are poised to potentially be in line
for the Blues.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Kig yeah or the Blues are well advanced first and
foremost in that search to replace Cotder because Cotter and
new CEO Carl Budge held transparent discussions throughout the back
end of last year. The Blues first and foremost went
after Dave Rennie. That was the third time in four
years or something like that they went after Rehn's when
(03:06):
Leo McDonald was leaving prior to Land and Codder. He
knocked them back then and has knocked them back again.
He's a chiefs man through and through. I thought he
would be a great fit for the Blues. And so
Hollands and Ian Foster top of the shortlist. I'm sure
they're talking to others. What do you make of those
(03:28):
two names? Would they be a good fit for the Blues?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
I'm not entirely sure. I think Jason Hollands, you know,
he gets rave reviews around what he's able to do.
I know Duprief in your piece spoke very highly of
Jason Honds and the work that he's done, and other coaches,
other players that have worked with Jason hond and the
Hurricanes environment and also the All Blacks have spoken highly
of him. Clearly that All Blacks environment wasn't fit for him,
(03:53):
nor was it fit for well most of the coaching stuff,
including the head coaching stuff, So I think he's worthy
of an opportunity as head coach. He had time at
the Hurricanes, obviously doing it there, there was yanked out
of that to come to the All Blacks distant coaching job,
so it kind of feels like maybe he needs a
little bit of a reset, potentially in the form of
(04:14):
going back to Super Rugby and laying out your credentials there.
Again for Jason Holland, and I'm sure he's got claims
maybe down the track to be back on the international
coaching stuff, so that could happen. So feels like he
needs to go back maybe to Super Rugby or an
international coaching job. I'm more surprised about Ian Foster being
in the mix because that feels like maybe a step
backwards in some regards for Ian Foster coaching in Japan
(04:38):
obviously at club level now, but he did the coaching
thing at the super rugby level for seven ish seasons
off the top of my head for the Chiefs. Kind
of been there, done that. I'm not sure where career
wise this move would sit for him, so I'm surprised
to see his name on that shortest. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
I think Holland is well regarded as an attack coach
and he's certainly got more to offer than his current
role going back to the Hurricanes as an assist Stince.
I think they've got a really strong coaching staff with
him going back, so maybe a head coach role for him.
Wad appeal Ian Foster I think didn't have great success
(05:22):
as a Super ragby head coach with the Chiefs. Took
them to one final where they were humbled in South
Africa by a very good Bulls team. I think they
made one other semi final. He's obviously accrued a lot
of experience since then. I think it was twelve years
with the All Blacks and as you mentioned, now in Japan,
but that's not going very well currently in Japan. Him
and Hanson their team up there. I think they've lost
(05:43):
nineteen of twenty five games and.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
A pretty good roster as well.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
They do and it'll be a massive cultural shift as well.
This is a guy Im Foster who played one hundred
and forty eight games for wakatur still resides there when
he's not in Japan very much. You know, a favorite
son in that region.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Yeah. Does the being on the shortness indicate that they've
shonne an interest in this job.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
It's that that the Blues are seeking them. So look,
there's no guarantees that either of them necessarily want the post,
but the top of the que I guess the other question,
I think I don't know if either of them are
necessarily the right fit. But if not them, then who else?
Is there a pathora of other options out there? You've
(06:31):
got people like Wayne p Vack, who I guess struggled
a little bit with with Wales. And then there's the
question of the current coaching staff at the Blues. Guys
like Paul Tito is quite highly regarded. You've also got
Jason o'haleran and others. What's their future beyond Van Connada's tenure.
So some big wider ramifications there for the Blues, but
(06:52):
they're clearly well down the track. And if well they
won't get ready, will they get Foster? Will they get
Holland and if not then then who else.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
There's not really a great deal of options out there
in the world of rugby, is there at that the
moment from New Zealand perspective question, did Dave really withdraw
before or after the All Blacks job came out? I
mean it was never interested in the first place, but
we're do you know whether the bat signal was sent
up before or after? Before?
Speaker 3 (07:19):
It was late last year, so that was prior to
the decision around Scott Robinson, which was what Jan fifteen,
mid Jan something like that. So at that point the
All Blacks weren't on his radar, so he just determined
that that role wasn't for him. I just had a
thought there. One other guy who was quite highly regarded
(07:41):
was Ross Filippo. He was at the Chiefs. I think
he was even touted about the possibility around the Crusaders.
Highly regarded as a smart tactician, I think, well liked
by the players. I was quite surprised that he left
the Chiefs. I think he's gone up to Japan currently.
But there's not a number of names that scream outs
(08:03):
as somebody that's going to immediately take this the Blues
team forward and the Blues want someone an established head coach,
someone that can be their long term, someone that can
drive recruitment, retention, and I guess build on the foundations
that Coda has laid.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Yeah, that's right, and that's probably an ongoing issue with
New Zealand rugby. Is the pipeline of coaches and where
they go to and once they've hit a certain ceiling,
they go to the All Blacks, they go internationally, or
they go to Japan and that leaves I think just
a sort of wide middle class missing of coaches in
(08:38):
New Zealand rugby. You look at maybe Super Rugby and
Mark Brown had some success with Otago last year, but
it was his first season back after a Crusader a
Cannabury stint that didn't work out well with ruben Thorn.
Canterbury had Marty Burke for a few seasons and was
successful under him, but whether he's ready to make the
leap up to Super rugby head coaching. So doesn't feel
like that's the realm that blues the room. When you
put up Ian Foster and Jason Holland, who have international experience,
(09:01):
doesn't feel like they're targeting someone from NBC or even
their own staff to move up to that role.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Yeah, and I think one of the big things is
that recruitment and retention piece, because players will go for
a coach or they will potentially leave for a coach. Look,
Jamie Joseph has done a good job historically at the
Hondas and in recent times he's landed Josh Jacob for
next year. So being able to recruit and retain players
(09:30):
in that super rugby environment which is highly competitive, is
a massive, a massive tick, and clearly the Blues want
someone with an established name who can bring that to
them absolutely well.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Then quite a still in place had the Blues and
sprung a bit of a surprise in naming his team
for the opening game on Saturday against the Chiefs touring
in Barnes at Blindside Flanka, which raised some eyebrows. I
knew he was in the wider training group. He's had
about a dozen or thereabout games for Canterbury player that
I've heard is an immense promise, but hasn't always got
a great deal opportunities for Candorbrey even but boy, he
(10:06):
must have in Preston preseason because who can play blind
side pretty handily is on the bench for this game,
and they've gone Torrigan, Barnes and for a day Bill
on the blind side flank.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Yeah, I got to be honest, had to do a
bit of research on him. Haven't seen a lot of
them play. I think what it speaks to is you
tend to see some of these selections early in the
season when players have done well, wider squad members have
done the full pre season and some of those other players,
whether they be All Blacks or All Blacks fifteen, coming later.
(10:37):
So those guys are put in the work. But also
I think Vernqutder wants a bigger six, and Anton Signa
is a traditional seven, and Dalton Papalis there, so he
wants that traditional six, the more bigger man, the balance
of in that loose forward trio. So I think it's
probably a nod to that because they've Adrian Choate's not
(10:58):
there and Cameron sil four is not there, and so
he's taken a punt and it's good to see young
player get a crack.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Absolutely, yeah, look at a player of immense promise. Also good
offer toing a fussy back up on the field after
a very serious neck injury last year. The opponents on Saturday,
the Chiefs have decided to leave out a whole host
of all blacks. Experienced Damian McKenzie's new dad, so he
was never going to probably play this match. But there's
no Wallace to tit. No Leroy Carter and the Becks.
Mournie Nadawa is also not there. Simon Parker not there.
(11:28):
So low on firepower from this for this opening Grand
game the Chiefs, although I say that, and the players
that they are rolling out in the Lucifard trio, you
know Bouchier, Jerome Brown, Luke, Jacobson, no slide on them,
very very good players and you know they've got a
very good back three when you put in time Waiflour
with Mado Soturro. This goes back to the discussion we're
having on our Monday podcast around their depth. When you
(11:49):
can leave out four or so all Blacks and still
put out a team like that, you know you're doing
something right, aren't you?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Who are and you're right? It is the depth You've
still got Jacob, You've got Xavier Rowe and Cortis Rasma
that one two half back punch. You've got Quinta Pyra
and Daniel Rohner. In the midfield. But I am I'm
quite surprised at the odds for this game. The Blues
are I think two thirty five outsiders at home. Probably
the stronger team on paper, I think, And I think
(12:20):
it also goes back to what was saying on Monday
about the wind kind of being taken out of the
competition at the start when so many all Blacks are
must seen, particularly in the headline derby games such as this.
So yeah, interesting to see how that game pans out.
I'm not sure if you received it, but Jim kay
is the new media manager for the Chiefs, sent something
out from the Chiefs chief executive saying Eden Park's the
(12:46):
national stadium and it should be the Chief's home ground
as well. There's plenty of Chiefs guys from the region,
so let's see how many Chiefs fans turn up and
whether they can get them over the line.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
Well, you went into the office yesterday, but Eden Park
in the Blues sent around. I think we had at
one stage four cakes in our office from eden Park
in the Blues. Valentine's Day related with the Pink I
sing Pink Love hearts and ai image of the middle
of the Blues and Chiefs together on Valentine's Day, so
it's a nice cake. But yeah, clearly they're doing a
(13:19):
bit to hype up the scam and look, that is
what we need in Super rugby, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
Yeah. Absolutely, they're in a first kiss cam so I'm
sure you'll be front and center for that.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Yeah. I don't think the cameras reached the commentary box,
which is which is quite well, give them a pointer
live Comentry and you still Zibbie Goldswood and I say,
Goldsborden and I heart radio of that match Friday night,
the Highlanders and Crusaders. Crusaders rolling out will Jordan Cody
Taylor off the bench for that game? You look at
the Crusaders, fairly settled line up, no deboots or anything
(13:48):
in that twenty three Rivers Raharna gets the ten after
he steered in the back half of the season last
year with Kimera injured. The Highlanders Lucas Casey, was one
of the breakout stars of the NPC last year, gets
the not at number eight. He's also in the wider
training group like Torrian Barnes is so Jamie Joseph rewarding
that youth early in the season. They've got Hugh Renton
(14:09):
injured currently one of their co captains. But we all
said the blow of Fabian Holland's being ruled out for
the Super Rugby season in the last couple of days
as well, So the Hinlanders probably go from being a
team on the cusp of the six maybe with that
injury to Holand, to maybe just moving outside it. What
do you reckon?
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Yeah, huge blow for the Landers. They don't have as
many hugely influential world class Test players and to lose
Holland's and it sounds like he could be out of
the July Test for the All Blacks as well, so
maybe touch and go for South Africa.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Just on him.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
I think it's probably a reflection of how much rugby
he played last year both of the Highlanders played huge
minutes and then came into his rookie Test season, was
World Breakthrough Player of the Year, featured highly prominently. So
I think it's a bit of a warning shot around
player workload. Injuries can happen at any time, but I'd
(15:08):
don't think from his longevity perspective, missing this link the
rugby is going to hurt him and unfortunately, I think
it could be another challenging season for the Highlanders. They
already lost Hill and Pledger and they were wooden spooners
last year. I expect them to improve, but I can
see the Crusaders winning that very comfortably. Other talking point
(15:29):
is leicstifying a Nookho's return comes on the left wing,
but it sounds like he is going to feature perhaps
quite regularly as a hybrid player as a loose forward. Yes,
and he did that for too long when he was
about ten kg heavier. But this is the first time
I've really seen this well being talked about publicly and
(15:54):
something that's going to happen consistently. Is it an isolated case?
And how do you think he would go switching from
midfield wing to the loose forward. It's pretty interesting.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
It is very interesting. Look, I really like the innovation.
I'm all about trying things in rugby and I think
the sport desperately needs it. And I think maybe in
New Zealand have been a little bit too conservative, you know,
around six two benches and various other things. If you
can find a hybrid player like that, you know. Oli
Mathis is another one potentially's with the Crusaders as well.
Speaker 3 (16:22):
Though they're saying he will stay at open side or
loose forward, which is probably good for a young player
to focus on one.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
Yeah, one, and then look, if you've still got the
pace and whatever, you can move into the back line
or flip between the two a bit later in the Korea. Look,
I think it's a really good move. I'm not sure
it's going to happen this weekend. They've got a few
injuries in the outside backs with mac a springer and
a couple other things, but as the season goes on,
it could make the makeup of their bench and how
they approach that very interesting as the campaign continues. So,
(16:52):
as I say all about innovation in rugby, he's got
the build for it, doesn't he He does. He does, absolutely,
even with dropping ten gigs as well, So I'm excited
to see how that goes. No Hurricanes of course this week,
so we wait. We do wait to see what team
they roll out next week when they open this season.
They've got a tricky game first up as well, don't
they. They've got the Chieps, is that right? No? The Minor
(17:14):
PACIFICA next week, don't they at home?
Speaker 3 (17:16):
It's coming home, Earliot.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
I can feel it Okay, I don't know what you
feel like, but we'll see as the season goes on.
Moving on on Rugby Direct, we have a fantasy league. Indeed,
we set it up. Our producer Mark is set one
up for us. So if you want to join our league,
just search when you go into the league, join the
league on the Super Rugby Fantasy website, play Fantasy Rugby
(17:39):
dot com and you can join us in there and
just search Rugby Direct Podcast. So we'd like to have
you there. We're gonna get a prize for the winner.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Yeah, it will be a bloody good prize, so get
around it and come try to take it off me.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
It's very interesting given the way your team went last year.
But you so join us in Rugby Direct Podcast just
such that in they're all one word and you can
join our league. Look forward to having you in there.
But we are going to run through the teams that
we've created, at least for round one and see how
much they differ. You've got what a budget, I think
fifteen million to create your team. Let's go front Rows first.
(18:17):
You go first, and then I'll respond, all right, this
is what I got so far.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
You know, it could be a few late tweaks, but
I've gone Aiden Ross switched from the Chiefs to the Reds, Someersoni,
Takiajo and Angus Starvel Okay.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
I've got Ethan Degrouz, Bradley Slater and Tom Robertson out
of the force Okay.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
Yeah, interesting to see Bradley stay to get the start,
switch to the Blues and straight into the starting.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Max curticklar in the twenty three. I'll go to locks next.
I've got Sam Darry and Bobby Body out of the
Fijian and Drawer.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
Nice goood cool. I've got dari as well and to Buvai.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
Okay. Lucas Casey is my loose forward alongside Carlo Tuzano,
who was a fantasy gunment last year. You got to
have him and Rob Valatini completes my three. Okay.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
Yeah, I've got Tazano, Fraser mcwright another big performer traditionally,
and I've gone Christian Leo. I've actually got quite a
host of Crusaders of max them out because I think
they will go well this weekend.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Yeah. You actually probably got more Crusaders than I have,
which is interesting. I know, hope them is my halfback
seven Parafeder is my tenor okay, maker, We're aligned there. Okay, Midfield,
I'm intrigued to hear what you've got. I've gone Ta
Tavanawa okay. And Leicester I've gone Lester and Sualliti. Yeah. Nice,
and the warrators influence continues on the outside backs and
(19:37):
me Max Jiorgensen, Calor, Tounguey Tower and Corey Tool. Okay.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
So I've got Jorgensen and tongue in Tao and Sevarice
who is my captain?
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Captain, I've captain Carlo Tizanto, so we will see how
that unfolds. Join us, as I say on the Rugby
Direct podcast, Super Rugby Fantasy League. Just searching the all
one where Rugby Direct podcast. You can also get in
touch as I mentioned at the top of the podcast
Rugby Direct at inzid dot co dot inzi gets in
touch with us. Also want to mention mit one of
our listeners, Breet, last night at Podsave America their lives
(20:09):
in Takapuna. Was great to meet him. Came up and
introduced himself and said he's a big fan of the podcast,
so it was lovely to meet him and thanks very much.
For the listening to the pod.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Oh yeah, always great to meet the listeners, and who knows,
maybe one day we have our very own live show.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
There's the dream that is the dream. Thanks to Mark
Kelly for producing. We'll be back with you on Monday
as Super Rugby gets in the books. Look forward to
your accompanied then on Rugby Direct powered by.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
Habit for more from News Talks ed B Listen live
on air or online, and keep our shows with you
wherever you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio
Straight down.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
The Middle, try.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Get inside the game from every end of goal. It's
Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Navier powered by
News Talks d B.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby's Direct Episode two hundred powered by habitaw Physio.
Book today and stay in the Game two hundred. Up
for Rugby Directs Liam Napier with me as always Liam.
What a milestone for a little wee pod. That's it.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Raise the bats double ton so greats of the game
have never got there.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Yeah, here we are. Here, we are two hundred and
put yourself on the back. That's right, and nothing special.
You know, we're just going to keep our heads down
and you know, maybe get the singles still ticking away.
You know, job's not done yet, So maybe in the
next few weeks we might have some some special celebrations
for out two hundred podcast.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Yeah, maybe a Fox and Fizz or a Cannabury draft.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
That's right on the podcast today. In fact, probably with
addressing at the top of the show. Over the next
few weeks we're going to see how we go with
a couple of episodes a week. We'll roll out some
predictions previews at the start of the Thursday podcast, and
then Monday will be more about reviewing the weekend that
was and also keen for your feedback as well. We
(01:41):
at two hundred of crowded, a milestone for ourselves. We've
got an email now which is great rugby direct at
dot co dot inzid if you want to get in touch.
Every Thursday on the pod, we'll read a couple of
letters or emails and get your feedback on the show
and respond to that.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Yeah, come at us. Hot takes, rumors around the traps,
news reviews, any feedback, anything you like, Come come at
us for steam Ahead.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Absolutely. We already got into the predictions for the weekend
on our Monday podcast. We'll do that on Thursdays from
now on. We'll run through the teams and some of
the surprises that have been named very shortly. But first
and foremost, Liam, some news that you dropped in the
last twenty four or so hours. The blue shortlist for
the replacement for vern Cotter has come out, or at
(02:29):
least you've been able to glean some of that information.
Ian Foster and Jason Holland at the pointy end of
that shortlist. Some big revelations that two members of recent
All Black Stars are poised to potentially be in line
for the Blues.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Kig yeah or the Blues are well advanced first and
foremost in that search to replace Cotder because Cotter and
new CEO Carl Budge held transparent discussions throughout the back
end of last year. The Blues first and foremost went
after Dave Rennie. That was the third time in four
years or something like that they went after Rehn's when
(03:06):
Leo McDonald was leaving prior to Land and Codder. He
knocked them back then and has knocked them back again.
He's a chiefs man through and through. I thought he
would be a great fit for the Blues. And so
Hollands and Ian Foster top of the shortlist. I'm sure
they're talking to others. What do you make of those
(03:28):
two names? Would they be a good fit for the Blues?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
I'm not entirely sure. I think Jason Hollands, you know,
he gets rave reviews around what he's able to do.
I know Duprief in your piece spoke very highly of
Jason Honds and the work that he's done, and other coaches,
other players that have worked with Jason hond and the
Hurricanes environment and also the All Blacks have spoken highly
of him. Clearly that All Blacks environment wasn't fit for him,
(03:53):
nor was it fit for well most of the coaching stuff,
including the head coaching stuff, So I think he's worthy
of an opportunity as head coach. He had time at
the Hurricanes, obviously doing it there, there was yanked out
of that to come to the All Blacks distant coaching job,
so it kind of feels like maybe he needs a
little bit of a reset, potentially in the form of
(04:14):
going back to Super Rugby and laying out your credentials there.
Again for Jason Holland, and I'm sure he's got claims
maybe down the track to be back on the international
coaching stuff, so that could happen. So feels like he
needs to go back maybe to Super Rugby or an
international coaching job. I'm more surprised about Ian Foster being
in the mix because that feels like maybe a step
backwards in some regards for Ian Foster coaching in Japan
(04:38):
obviously at club level now, but he did the coaching
thing at the super rugby level for seven ish seasons
off the top of my head for the Chiefs. Kind
of been there, done that. I'm not sure where career
wise this move would sit for him, so I'm surprised
to see his name on that shortest. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
I think Holland is well regarded as an attack coach
and he's certainly got more to offer than his current
role going back to the Hurricanes as an assist Stince.
I think they've got a really strong coaching staff with
him going back, so maybe a head coach role for him.
Wad appeal Ian Foster I think didn't have great success
(05:22):
as a Super ragby head coach with the Chiefs. Took
them to one final where they were humbled in South
Africa by a very good Bulls team. I think they
made one other semi final. He's obviously accrued a lot
of experience since then. I think it was twelve years
with the All Blacks and as you mentioned, now in Japan,
but that's not going very well currently in Japan. Him
and Hanson their team up there. I think they've lost
(05:43):
nineteen of twenty five games and.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
A pretty good roster as well.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
They do and it'll be a massive cultural shift as well.
This is a guy Im Foster who played one hundred
and forty eight games for wakatur still resides there when
he's not in Japan very much. You know, a favorite
son in that region.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Yeah. Does the being on the shortness indicate that they've
shonne an interest in this job.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
It's that that the Blues are seeking them. So look,
there's no guarantees that either of them necessarily want the post,
but the top of the que I guess the other question,
I think I don't know if either of them are
necessarily the right fit. But if not them, then who else?
Is there a pathora of other options out there? You've
(06:31):
got people like Wayne p Vack, who I guess struggled
a little bit with with Wales. And then there's the
question of the current coaching staff at the Blues. Guys
like Paul Tito is quite highly regarded. You've also got
Jason o'haleran and others. What's their future beyond Van Connada's tenure.
So some big wider ramifications there for the Blues, but
(06:52):
they're clearly well down the track. And if well they
won't get ready, will they get Foster? Will they get
Holland and if not then then who else.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
There's not really a great deal of options out there
in the world of rugby, is there at that the
moment from New Zealand perspective question, did Dave really withdraw
before or after the All Blacks job came out? I
mean it was never interested in the first place, but
we're do you know whether the bat signal was sent
up before or after? Before?
Speaker 3 (07:19):
It was late last year, so that was prior to
the decision around Scott Robinson, which was what Jan fifteen,
mid Jan something like that. So at that point the
All Blacks weren't on his radar, so he just determined
that that role wasn't for him. I just had a
thought there. One other guy who was quite highly regarded
(07:41):
was Ross Filippo. He was at the Chiefs. I think
he was even touted about the possibility around the Crusaders.
Highly regarded as a smart tactician, I think, well liked
by the players. I was quite surprised that he left
the Chiefs. I think he's gone up to Japan currently.
But there's not a number of names that scream outs
(08:03):
as somebody that's going to immediately take this the Blues
team forward and the Blues want someone an established head coach,
someone that can be their long term, someone that can
drive recruitment, retention, and I guess build on the foundations
that Coda has laid.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Yeah, that's right, and that's probably an ongoing issue with
New Zealand rugby. Is the pipeline of coaches and where
they go to and once they've hit a certain ceiling,
they go to the All Blacks, they go internationally, or
they go to Japan and that leaves I think just
a sort of wide middle class missing of coaches in
(08:38):
New Zealand rugby. You look at maybe Super Rugby and
Mark Brown had some success with Otago last year, but
it was his first season back after a Crusader a
Cannabury stint that didn't work out well with ruben Thorn.
Canterbury had Marty Burke for a few seasons and was
successful under him, but whether he's ready to make the
leap up to Super rugby head coaching. So doesn't feel
like that's the realm that blues the room. When you
put up Ian Foster and Jason Holland, who have international experience,
(09:01):
doesn't feel like they're targeting someone from NBC or even
their own staff to move up to that role.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Yeah, and I think one of the big things is
that recruitment and retention piece, because players will go for
a coach or they will potentially leave for a coach. Look,
Jamie Joseph has done a good job historically at the
Hondas and in recent times he's landed Josh Jacob for
next year. So being able to recruit and retain players
(09:30):
in that super rugby environment which is highly competitive, is
a massive, a massive tick, and clearly the Blues want
someone with an established name who can bring that to
them absolutely well.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Then quite a still in place had the Blues and
sprung a bit of a surprise in naming his team
for the opening game on Saturday against the Chiefs touring
in Barnes at Blindside Flanka, which raised some eyebrows. I
knew he was in the wider training group. He's had
about a dozen or thereabout games for Canterbury player that
I've heard is an immense promise, but hasn't always got
a great deal opportunities for Candorbrey even but boy, he
(10:06):
must have in Preston preseason because who can play blind
side pretty handily is on the bench for this game,
and they've gone Torrigan, Barnes and for a day Bill
on the blind side flank.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Yeah, I got to be honest, had to do a
bit of research on him. Haven't seen a lot of
them play. I think what it speaks to is you
tend to see some of these selections early in the
season when players have done well, wider squad members have
done the full pre season and some of those other players,
whether they be All Blacks or All Blacks fifteen, coming later.
(10:37):
So those guys are put in the work. But also
I think Vernqutder wants a bigger six, and Anton Signa
is a traditional seven, and Dalton Papalis there, so he
wants that traditional six, the more bigger man, the balance
of in that loose forward trio. So I think it's
probably a nod to that because they've Adrian Choate's not
(10:58):
there and Cameron sil four is not there, and so
he's taken a punt and it's good to see young
player get a crack.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Absolutely, yeah, look at a player of immense promise. Also good
offer toing a fussy back up on the field after
a very serious neck injury last year. The opponents on Saturday,
the Chiefs have decided to leave out a whole host
of all blacks. Experienced Damian McKenzie's new dad, so he
was never going to probably play this match. But there's
no Wallace to tit. No Leroy Carter and the Becks.
Mournie Nadawa is also not there. Simon Parker not there.
(11:28):
So low on firepower from this for this opening Grand
game the Chiefs, although I say that, and the players
that they are rolling out in the Lucifard trio, you
know Bouchier, Jerome Brown, Luke, Jacobson, no slide on them,
very very good players and you know they've got a
very good back three when you put in time Waiflour
with Mado Soturro. This goes back to the discussion we're
having on our Monday podcast around their depth. When you
(11:49):
can leave out four or so all Blacks and still
put out a team like that, you know you're doing
something right, aren't you?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Who are and you're right? It is the depth You've
still got Jacob, You've got Xavier Rowe and Cortis Rasma
that one two half back punch. You've got Quinta Pyra
and Daniel Rohner. In the midfield. But I am I'm
quite surprised at the odds for this game. The Blues
are I think two thirty five outsiders at home. Probably
the stronger team on paper, I think, And I think
(12:20):
it also goes back to what was saying on Monday
about the wind kind of being taken out of the
competition at the start when so many all Blacks are
must seen, particularly in the headline derby games such as this.
So yeah, interesting to see how that game pans out.
I'm not sure if you received it, but Jim kay
is the new media manager for the Chiefs, sent something
out from the Chiefs chief executive saying Eden Park's the
(12:46):
national stadium and it should be the Chief's home ground
as well. There's plenty of Chiefs guys from the region,
so let's see how many Chiefs fans turn up and
whether they can get them over the line.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
Well, you went into the office yesterday, but Eden Park
in the Blues sent around. I think we had at
one stage four cakes in our office from eden Park
in the Blues. Valentine's Day related with the Pink I
sing Pink Love hearts and ai image of the middle
of the Blues and Chiefs together on Valentine's Day, so
it's a nice cake. But yeah, clearly they're doing a
(13:19):
bit to hype up the scam and look, that is
what we need in Super rugby, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
Yeah. Absolutely, they're in a first kiss cam so I'm
sure you'll be front and center for that.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Yeah. I don't think the cameras reached the commentary box,
which is which is quite well, give them a pointer
live Comentry and you still Zibbie Goldswood and I say,
Goldsborden and I heart radio of that match Friday night,
the Highlanders and Crusaders. Crusaders rolling out will Jordan Cody
Taylor off the bench for that game? You look at
the Crusaders, fairly settled line up, no deboots or anything
(13:48):
in that twenty three Rivers Raharna gets the ten after
he steered in the back half of the season last
year with Kimera injured. The Highlanders Lucas Casey, was one
of the breakout stars of the NPC last year, gets
the not at number eight. He's also in the wider
training group like Torrian Barnes is so Jamie Joseph rewarding
that youth early in the season. They've got Hugh Renton
(14:09):
injured currently one of their co captains. But we all
said the blow of Fabian Holland's being ruled out for
the Super Rugby season in the last couple of days
as well, So the Hinlanders probably go from being a
team on the cusp of the six maybe with that
injury to Holand, to maybe just moving outside it. What
do you reckon?
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Yeah, huge blow for the Landers. They don't have as
many hugely influential world class Test players and to lose
Holland's and it sounds like he could be out of
the July Test for the All Blacks as well, so
maybe touch and go for South Africa.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Just on him.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
I think it's probably a reflection of how much rugby
he played last year both of the Highlanders played huge
minutes and then came into his rookie Test season, was
World Breakthrough Player of the Year, featured highly prominently. So
I think it's a bit of a warning shot around
player workload. Injuries can happen at any time, but I'd
(15:08):
don't think from his longevity perspective, missing this link the
rugby is going to hurt him and unfortunately, I think
it could be another challenging season for the Highlanders. They
already lost Hill and Pledger and they were wooden spooners
last year. I expect them to improve, but I can
see the Crusaders winning that very comfortably. Other talking point
(15:29):
is leicstifying a Nookho's return comes on the left wing,
but it sounds like he is going to feature perhaps
quite regularly as a hybrid player as a loose forward. Yes,
and he did that for too long when he was
about ten kg heavier. But this is the first time
I've really seen this well being talked about publicly and
(15:54):
something that's going to happen consistently. Is it an isolated case?
And how do you think he would go switching from
midfield wing to the loose forward. It's pretty interesting.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
It is very interesting. Look, I really like the innovation.
I'm all about trying things in rugby and I think
the sport desperately needs it. And I think maybe in
New Zealand have been a little bit too conservative, you know,
around six two benches and various other things. If you
can find a hybrid player like that, you know. Oli
Mathis is another one potentially's with the Crusaders as well.
Speaker 3 (16:22):
Though they're saying he will stay at open side or
loose forward, which is probably good for a young player
to focus on one.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
Yeah, one, and then look, if you've still got the
pace and whatever, you can move into the back line
or flip between the two a bit later in the Korea. Look,
I think it's a really good move. I'm not sure
it's going to happen this weekend. They've got a few
injuries in the outside backs with mac a springer and
a couple other things, but as the season goes on,
it could make the makeup of their bench and how
they approach that very interesting as the campaign continues. So,
(16:52):
as I say all about innovation in rugby, he's got
the build for it, doesn't he He does. He does, absolutely,
even with dropping ten gigs as well, So I'm excited
to see how that goes. No Hurricanes of course this week,
so we wait. We do wait to see what team
they roll out next week when they open this season.
They've got a tricky game first up as well, don't
they. They've got the Chieps, is that right? No? The Minor
(17:14):
PACIFICA next week, don't they at home?
Speaker 3 (17:16):
It's coming home, Earliot.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
I can feel it Okay, I don't know what you
feel like, but we'll see as the season goes on.
Moving on on Rugby Direct, we have a fantasy league. Indeed,
we set it up. Our producer Mark is set one
up for us. So if you want to join our league,
just search when you go into the league, join the
league on the Super Rugby Fantasy website, play Fantasy Rugby
(17:39):
dot com and you can join us in there and
just search Rugby Direct Podcast. So we'd like to have
you there. We're gonna get a prize for the winner.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Yeah, it will be a bloody good prize, so get
around it and come try to take it off me.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
It's very interesting given the way your team went last year.
But you so join us in Rugby Direct Podcast just
such that in they're all one word and you can
join our league. Look forward to having you in there.
But we are going to run through the teams that
we've created, at least for round one and see how
much they differ. You've got what a budget, I think
fifteen million to create your team. Let's go front Rows first.
(18:17):
You go first, and then I'll respond, all right, this
is what I got so far.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
You know, it could be a few late tweaks, but
I've gone Aiden Ross switched from the Chiefs to the Reds, Someersoni,
Takiajo and Angus Starvel Okay.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
I've got Ethan Degrouz, Bradley Slater and Tom Robertson out
of the force Okay.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
Yeah, interesting to see Bradley stay to get the start,
switch to the Blues and straight into the starting.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Max curticklar in the twenty three. I'll go to locks next.
I've got Sam Darry and Bobby Body out of the
Fijian and Drawer.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
Nice goood cool. I've got dari as well and to Buvai.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
Okay. Lucas Casey is my loose forward alongside Carlo Tuzano,
who was a fantasy gunment last year. You got to
have him and Rob Valatini completes my three. Okay.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
Yeah, I've got Tazano, Fraser mcwright another big performer traditionally,
and I've gone Christian Leo. I've actually got quite a
host of Crusaders of max them out because I think
they will go well this weekend.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Yeah. You actually probably got more Crusaders than I have,
which is interesting. I know, hope them is my halfback
seven Parafeder is my tenor okay, maker, We're aligned there. Okay, Midfield,
I'm intrigued to hear what you've got. I've gone Ta
Tavanawa okay. And Leicester I've gone Lester and Sualliti. Yeah. Nice,
and the warrators influence continues on the outside backs and
(19:37):
me Max Jiorgensen, Calor, Tounguey Tower and Corey Tool. Okay.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
So I've got Jorgensen and tongue in Tao and Sevarice
who is my captain?
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Captain, I've captain Carlo Tizanto, so we will see how
that unfolds. Join us, as I say on the Rugby
Direct podcast, Super Rugby Fantasy League. Just searching the all
one where Rugby Direct podcast. You can also get in
touch as I mentioned at the top of the podcast
Rugby Direct at inzid dot co dot inzi gets in
touch with us. Also want to mention mit one of
our listeners, Breet, last night at Podsave America their lives
(20:09):
in Takapuna. Was great to meet him. Came up and
introduced himself and said he's a big fan of the podcast,
so it was lovely to meet him and thanks very much.
For the listening to the pod.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Oh yeah, always great to meet the listeners, and who knows,
maybe one day we have our very own live show.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
There's the dream that is the dream. Thanks to Mark
Kelly for producing. We'll be back with you on Monday
as Super Rugby gets in the books. Look forward to
your accompanied then on Rugby Direct powered by.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
Habit for more from News Talks ed B Listen live
on air or online, and keep our shows with you
wherever you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio
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