February 18, 2026 • 21 mins
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview round two of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss Dalton Papali’i’s move to the French Top 14 side Castres Olympique and Leicester Fainga'anuku being dropped to the bench.
And for the first time, the boys dive into the mailbag.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight down the Middle, try get inside the game from
(00:30):
every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam
Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by habit hel Physio. Book
today and stay in the game Rugby Direct Direct. Back
for our midweek podcast Elliott Smith and with me. Liam
Napier has been summed out through injury. Well, hopefully touch
base with Liam later next week. And then is Nick Bewley,
our Crusader's commentator to join us this week? Bills, thanks
(00:59):
for giving up some of your time and joining us
on Rugby Direct.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Ellie.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Always a pleasure and it goes to show, doesn't it?
Row to and Super Rugby Pacific. It's already taking a
toll on players and broadcasters.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
And journalists, so my thoughts to Liam. Hopefully recovers absolutely
let's ripen to it. Dalton Papalletti announcing a couple of
days ago now that he is leaving New Zealand rugby
after the season. He only played one test last year.
He's played nine on forty tests for the All Blacks
but decided that he is out heading to Castra Olympeak
(01:36):
in France. Did this catch you by surprise, nekor did
that perhaps the interview gave with TVNZ the week before
signal that he might be on the way out.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
Yeah? I suppose, without knowing the full extent of the
details and the timeline, part of me thought Dalton would
be one of those players who was clearly out of
favor under Scott Robertson that might stick around and at
least wait to see who the next All Blacks coaches
and push towards the twenty twenty seven Rugby World Cup
in terms of getting a flight over to Australia. So look,
(02:10):
this deal may have been done for all we know,
you know over the Christmas New Year period. I just
think I do wonder whether he has perhaps a little
bit of regret around the time, and given he spoke
so highly of his experience and the All Blacks fifteen
at the back end of last year with Jamie Joseph
who was the coach of that All Blacks fifteen team,
who is now one of only two realistic contenders to
(02:33):
replace Scott Robertson in the top All Blacks jobs. So
curious timing to say the least. But here's a guy
who's given plenty to the Blues in particular and New
Zealand rugby, and you current begrudge a player at this
point of his career looking at the riches of France.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Yeah, I can't blame him either. I think it's a
play going before his time, though I think he had
more to give the All Blacks Jersey. I don't think
he had a great Super rugby year last year, but
he's always delivered. I felt on the international stage in
the kind of open so flanket that I think maybe
the All Blacks have been searching for in terms of
luck basement for Sam Kine. Obviously, DSRVs lotted in at
(03:11):
seven most of the time last year, but in terms
of that that similarity is Sam Kaine. I think Golden
Papaletti had it. But he made his point clear that
he probably didn't gel with the All Blacks coaching staff
last year, didn't know that they'd be on the art obviously,
and when he didn't get selected for the end of
year tour last year, he had a clause in his
contract that meant he could head abroad. So I think
(03:32):
it's a lost in New Zealand.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Rag.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
We certainly lost for the Blues as they go forward,
and look, I think you know he'll be He can
console himself if he's at any point disappointed or second
thinks the decision, he can go. Look, I'm probably getting
a pretty good payday out of out of it all.
Another news item in the last couple of days bulls
(03:53):
the AB's coaching timeline. This is from a colleague Liam,
of course, who said that it's probably still three weeks away.
I'm sure you ought exactly the same in box Facebook
messenger chats. Everything's blowing up with all sorts of theories.
McCaul is apparently in as an assistant coach. We've got
Hanson coming back. I think they're going to get Fred
(04:14):
Allen back in at some point too. So are you
surprised that it's taking perhaps this longer? Do you like
the way that they're going about doing their due diligence?
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
Look, outside of people asking me about who the Sam
Ruth kids, that has been the question I've been put to,
or put the most too, over the last six or
so weeks.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
What is going on with this all? Blacks coaching situation.
I don't know, and.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
I'm not going to add to the fuel by rumor
or scuttle. But here, however, based on Liam's report, and
I don't dismiss his reporting whatsoever, I'm not surprised to
hear that, you know, Interim CEO Steve Lancaster and former
All Black Dame Coles, who are on this panel, this
appointment panel, have gone to observe Jamie Joseph in his
environment at the Highlanders and then now heading to Japan
(05:01):
to do the same at Kobe with Dave Renni. Although
I do find that a little bit, I wonder what
sort of what they're actually going to see. I feel
like if my boss was coming down here to the
christ Church offers to observe how I was looking ahead
of a potential promotion, I'd probably act on my best behavior.
Maybe not, you know, compared to what I'm like, you know,
(05:22):
week and week out. Alas, I'm not surprised by the
timeline I was. I was pretty shocked to hear that
all of a sudden it sounded like an appointment could
be made last week, earlier this week. I think, you
know New Zealand Rugby that there is no real rush
in the sense of July as the first Test match.
I know there's been discussion around it being a potential distraction.
(05:44):
Well the Highlanders dismissed any notion of that by dispatching
the Crusaders last week, and I did hear and read
that Kobe had to win in the Japanese competition. So look,
I'm sort of pleased they're doing their due diligence and
taking their time because they ought to. It's it's the
top job in New Zealand rugby.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
That's right. It's an important decision. They didn't get it
clearly right last time. By what transpires, they need to
get it right for the run to the Rugby World Cup.
And you're right, there is no real rush because if
they do appoint Dave Rennie, look he's contracted through until
May June with his Japanese club, and no amount of
New Zealand dollars is going to attempt Kobe to release
him early. You know, if Jammie Joseph were to be
(06:24):
appointed the job, they could maybe get him out of
the Highlanders. But I think you know, he said obviously
got to have a coach in the next couple of months,
but I don't think there's any point rushing into a decision,
And when they made the decision on January sixteenth, I
think it was to part ways with Scott robertson two
months or thereabouts felt about rights. In terms of announcement,
I think that's probably about where we'll land with this
(06:45):
All Blacks coaching job. Bill's News from your way. As
we get into the Super rgby teams, lesterfying Onnoku, would
you say dropped to the bench for this game against
the Brumbies on Sunday afternoon? He had a Barry Crocker
on the opening ground against the Highlanders. Not great defensively
dropped A lot of ball would be classified as being dropped.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
I think so.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
I think that's what it is, certainly bingch and look,
they had to get Will Jordan back there obviously after
not starting last week. They've got huge raps on shay
Fie Harkey on the wedding in terms of what he
can offer, particularly defensively and under the high ball.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
They've got Sebby Reese.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
My understanding during the bulk of pre season is that
Lester Fying Nuku trained primarily at center, so for me,
it was more a discussion around whether it will be
Lester fying Anoku or Brighton in or outside the skipper
David Harvey in the midfield. But look, it's been a
fascinating one for us down here because Lester fying Noku openly,
in fact, I sat next to him while he put
(07:45):
this on the record, declared himself that he wants to
showcase his versatility. He wants to have a familiar a
similar role sorry to what he had at Tulin in
terms of being a hybrid player where it's start games
in the midfield and finish them in the as a flanker.
It seems to me, having spoken of Rob Penny and
got comments from him on the record on Tuesday of
(08:07):
this week, that they're keen to sort of get back
to basics with Lester Fyingnook. You get, you know, declutter
the mind of the potential of playing as many as
three different positions across eighty minutes of rugby and just
get back to being the athlete we know he can be.
So it'll be fascinating actually to see where he comes on.
I suspect it'll be in the midfield, but based on
(08:31):
his performance last week drawn a line in the sand
here really to say you just can't drop that many balls,
You can't have those defensive reads that allowed for that
first Highlands try to Caleb Tonguey tell and I don't
mind it. I do worry, though there was a lot
of excitement about being a hybrid player, we may never
see this before it even got off the ground.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Well, that's right. I mean you don't think you'll see
him trotting at number eight in the second half against
the Brumbies and the christ which sun on Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
I'm going to say no. And look, look they've got
Corey Callo there.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
They've got plenty of depth in the loocifle trands, not
as if they need to. And I think it's always
just going to be based on the sea situation of
a game. But I think to get the best out
of lessa finding who's particularly early on he hasn't been
in a crusader's environments is twenty twenty three, they should
just primarily focus on home being the best center or
the best winger, if that's what they decide is his
(09:23):
best position. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
Not too many other surprises from the Super Rugby team
Namings Wednesday. We saw the Blues make a few changes
to their pack, none to the back line. Chiefs bring
in a couple of all wax Leroy Carter, Simon Parker
and Moni Nadawa come back in to their side to
head south to the Highlanders who have made just the
one change with Ethan the group coming back into the
starting side. The Hurricanes. We'll have Royguard and Billy Procter
(09:47):
coming off the bench. There's I think seven debutants, in fact,
ten debutants. I think it might be across the two
fifteens or two twenty threes rather from that, Hurricanes more
in a Pacific game, but not too many other surprises
from those respective sides, so probably a good chance you'll
to run through the weekend. And you've been handed Liam
(10:07):
Napiers tipping pen for the week. He got two of five.
I got one of five in the opening round. So
it wasn't the greatest in all honesty.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
And what was your one? Sorry?
Speaker 2 (10:18):
My one was the Chiefs beating the Blues. His two
were the Moratars in the Brumbies. I picked, we both
picked the Crusaders. I picked the Reds, we both picked
the drawer and I picked the Force. So yeah, tough
fold start to the tipping comp for both of us
in all honesty, so let's rip in to it. Hurricanes,
More one of pacifica gold sport, iHeartRadio seven O five
(10:42):
Friday Night More one with a good win in Fiji?
Can they back it up at sky Stadium Bules.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
Oh, look, it's not out of the realms of possibility,
but you know, I know how much teams, how difficult
it is for teams coming back from Lao Toka, and
that's just evident based on Tana among his team sheet
here where he's made twenty two of a possible twenty
three changes. I think miracle fire Lung he's the only
survivor after his hat trick and he's been moved back
to the bench. While the Hurricanes, you know, it's effectively
(11:10):
a one week longer pre season. They've got a lot
of class on this team sheet. Jordy Barrett. Of course
back from Leinster firepower off the bench as you mentioned,
in the form of cameroy guards. So I can't go
past the cane training and particularly given I'm here covering
for Liam, I'm going to look after my own welfare.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Yeah, I was going to say the Super Round might be,
you know, a tough round for you if indeed you
were to tip against the Hurricanes when Liam heads it
down for that a bit later in the year. So
maybe just stick to the stick to the games, which
is exactly what I'm going to do. War Tars Fiji
and drew a good start from the war Tars last week.
I was really impressed by the way they kicked home
in the last twenty minutes against the Reds. I can't
(11:48):
see the drawer getting close on Friday.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
Yeah, very encouraging signs from the war Atars. And it's
about time too, you know again, you look at that
the class on paper and it's about time that they
are really contender and super Rugby Pacific. We saw last
year the drewer terrible on the road and until there's
evidence to suggest otherwise, I think that could continue.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
And yeah, Chipson for the task.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Highlander's Chief Saturday Night, seven oh five. Paul Allison, Brendan
Laney calling this one on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Interesting game,
the Chiefs obviously winning in round one. They weren't entirely convincing,
but still got the job done. Their favorites for the
title Highlanders get too home games at back to back
to start the season. What say you, where do you
(12:34):
see this one going?
Speaker 4 (12:36):
You know, this is a tough one a call, and
perhaps I wouldn't say that a week ago, but kudos
to the Highlanders and you know, you look at them
without Fabian Holland and Dylan played here and then there's
a few question marks here in terms of how well
they can contend. We did see last year that they
started the season, whether real, hissin orw I think they
won two of their first three before the wheels completely
(12:56):
came off. So I'm going to go with the outside
the home team. I'm going to say they keep on
keeping on. Joan and Ariki's fiftieth game, I thought he
was super impressive, and in combination with Jacob Ruttamatavuki Niekins
and Caleb tonguingtown the back three, I really like Lucas
Casey at number eight. Yeah, I didn't see enough from
(13:18):
the Chiefs to convince that they're hitting their straps at
this point of the season, so I think they're a
little bit vulnerable. If you're ever going to beat the Chiefs,
I think it's now.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
That's a big call. I'm going to go the Chiefs. Look,
but I can see the case for the Highlanders and boy,
if they win two from two, the drums are just
going to beat there a little bit louder, aren't they
fit for Jammie Joseph to be the All Blacks head coach.
Force in Blues nine thirty five on Saturday night and
jundle up in Western Australia, which I think is about
twenty k's outside of Perth. The usual stadiums being used
(13:48):
for the Women's Asia Cup, so they're basically playing on
this sort of suburban ground on Saturday night. But the
Force were pretty disappointing last week. The Blues were in
great but I fancy the Blues to get the job
done in Perth. What about you?
Speaker 4 (14:04):
Yeah, similar with me. I've got some concerns regarding the
this year. I'd like to be corrected, but I think
they stand to be one of the sort of easier
beats weekend week out. So look, I think the Blues
they'll be disappointed. They were clunky, So we're many teams
last week, but I think were the week under their belts. Yes,
(14:27):
it is a tough road trip to get all the
way out to suburban Western Australia. But I think there's
enough class there that they should click in together and
get their first win of the season.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
And the game you'll be calling Saturday, sorry, Sunday afternoon,
three thirty five Crusaders and Brumbies. The TB's got the
Brumbies as rank outside is at three forty to the
Crusaders one thirty. The Crusaders, you know, were clunky last
week and then they had the bench come on, looked
a little bit better, but the Brumbies rolled over the
top of a pretty poor forced team. This is a
(14:56):
fascinating game. Look, I think the Crusaders should win. I'm
gonna tip them, but you know, the Brumbies coming to
christ Jitch and getting up seat wouldn't necessarily be out
of the realms of possibility. Although I did note last
night and this stumby that the Brumbies have them won
in christ Jurge since the year two thousand, I believe.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Is that right?
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Yeah? I did get some information through that they've never
won at Apollo Projects Stadium out in Addington. This is
the third to last game the Crusaders will host the
Highlanders and the Drawer here before moving into their shiny
new indoor arena in Central Town. But yeah, as you
read out those odds there, Elliot, it must have been
I was thinking gamble responsibly.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
But there's a bit, there's a bit of value there.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
I think this Brumbies team again, like I know, it's
the four, so how much do you read into piling
on fifty six points in the sun. But Charlie Klee
in the back roll and the way their back line
was humming. It's an afternoon game and the weather whether
it does look good for Sunday afternoon, I think the
Brumbies are in with the real sniff. I am going
(15:59):
to tip the Crusaders just in terms of history and
bounce back from a disappointing showing last week.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
They get Fletcher Mule back as well as a starter.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
They have to Mighty Williams off the bench as well
as will Jordan's starting. So they usually put away Australian
teams at home. But I'm like you, I wouldn't be
shocked if we're sitting here Monday and the Crusader's roun two.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Yeah, I think it's much closer game than friends at
the tab. Looking at a couple more things before we
go the tipping comp. Of course, you can join us
on Rugby Direct podcast, just search it there on the website,
which is play Fantasy Rugby dot com. How did you
go first week in the fantasy bills?
Speaker 4 (16:41):
Well, speaking of Charlie Calee, I see he was the
highest scoring player of the lot in round one, I
did not have Charlie cale and Bewley's battlers, which really
set me on the back foot. I put my faith
and Lester fining Anooko as my captain, and, like many
across the codes, play but a nral fantasy and the like.
(17:02):
The pressure, the weight of expectation to be a captain
and my fantasy teams is obviously too much for mere mortals.
And as you outlined earlier, Elliott to Lesta had a
bit of a shocker and is now finding himself on
the bench.
Speaker 3 (17:14):
So I think I'm.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
About sixty seventh of your ninety odd teams in the
Rugby Direct Fantasy comp.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
But it is round one. I'll keep chpping away.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
Yeah, I'm aout same sixty two out of one hundred
and three. If you want to join us, please do
on at Rugby Direct podcast, searching on the Fantasy website
and we are going to dig into the mailbag every
Thursday on Rugby Direct. Rugby Direct at inz dot co
dot nz. Producer Mark has dug through the mail bag.
(17:43):
Got time for one this week. This is an interesting
one actually from Steve. What was the point of Super
Rugby coming out and saying the two po vi try
should not have been awarded It was in the thirty
first minute of the game. I understand if it was
the last player of the game, but still plenty of
footy to be played. That's from Steve and the King
Country Love the pod guys, cheap smart. Thanks Steve for
your email. I'll throw this to you. Are you first buels?
(18:06):
We're Super Rugby right to come out and say that
tri shouldn't have been given the green light from Ben
O'Keeffe on the.
Speaker 4 (18:11):
Night, I actually didn't mind the transparency, to be totally honest.
I think there is an element of gray with this
rule and cast my mind back to the British and
Irish Lions series last year. In fact, there was an
incident in the Six Nations Ireland game at the weekend
against Italy. I think it might have been Dan Sheen
(18:31):
again diving with the ball where it just seems like referees.
It's a little bit open for interpretation where the rule
has been in place of the law. Sorry, it has
been in place for some time now in terms you
can't dive, you know, into into a tackle or over
an attempted tackle. So I think it's more a case
(18:53):
of giving this publicity because of the nature of the law,
as opposed to we got this wrong, we got this right.
I cast my one back to the Crusaders Highlanders game,
and I know there was a couple of decisions there
that Crusaders weren't particularly happy with, but they didn't feel
like it needed a full blind forensic investigation and public
(19:15):
you know outcry over either. So personally I don't mind it,
particularly if we're now going to have more consistency for
a law that for me anyway, seems reasonably clear.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
Yeah, it does seem pretty clear. On the night I
had a question mark over it. We talked about it
in the commentary box, but it wasn't beside a ruck,
so I thought that legally you could be able to
do it. But having seen the footage up closed and
replayed since then, you can see the Blues defenders I
think one of them is Bradley Slater and I can't
remember who the other one is, but they're clearly duck
and low and TUBOVII is going over the top to
(19:46):
evade a tackle. I think that's the nature of how
close in defenders are. They're taught to go low, close
to the line. I saw them coming. I leaped over
the top, clear breach of the rules. But I suspect
that they may need to clarify a few things just
around you know, when you can be taken in the year,
and various things, because there's been a few instants in
(20:09):
recent times of defenders jumping over the top try as given,
and defenders don't seem to know exactly when they're allowed
to make tackles in the year, if they're allowed to
make tackles in the year when players are in flight.
So I think we'll Rugby needs to come out and clarify.
But having seen the footage back subsequently, I think they
made the right call. And look, I don't mind them
coming out and saying that it was interesting to hear
from the Blues who basically were a bit frustrated by
(20:31):
the decision and raise the alarm on Saturday night, But also,
you know, applauding the transparency even though they don't get
five points back, and you know they had plenty of
time in that game to cancel out that Chiefs try
and they weren't good enough to do so, so five
points gone. But Vincotta made a point as well of
saying the postmatch that sometimes you've actually in this competition,
got to be happy with taking one point away from
(20:54):
the game. Sometimes that actually is a not bad return.
But having said that, they'll want a few more as
they head to Perth on Saturday night. Nick Bully, thank
you very much for your time on Rugby Direct. Look
forward to catching up on Monday after another big weekend
of Super Rugby. Some more Six Nations as well. Call
well on Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
Appreciate that Elliott, cheers mate.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
That is right me Direct powered by Habit Heath book
Today and stay in the game and thanks to Mark
Kelly producing, We'll see you Monday.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
For more from News Talk sed B. Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight down the Middle, try get inside the game from
(00:30):
every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam
Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by habit hel Physio. Book
today and stay in the game Rugby Direct Direct. Back
for our midweek podcast Elliott Smith and with me. Liam
Napier has been summed out through injury. Well, hopefully touch
base with Liam later next week. And then is Nick Bewley,
our Crusader's commentator to join us this week? Bills, thanks
(00:59):
for giving up some of your time and joining us
on Rugby Direct.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Ellie.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Always a pleasure and it goes to show, doesn't it?
Row to and Super Rugby Pacific. It's already taking a
toll on players and broadcasters.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
And journalists, so my thoughts to Liam. Hopefully recovers absolutely
let's ripen to it. Dalton Papalletti announcing a couple of
days ago now that he is leaving New Zealand rugby
after the season. He only played one test last year.
He's played nine on forty tests for the All Blacks
but decided that he is out heading to Castra Olympeak
(01:36):
in France. Did this catch you by surprise, nekor did
that perhaps the interview gave with TVNZ the week before
signal that he might be on the way out.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
Yeah? I suppose, without knowing the full extent of the
details and the timeline, part of me thought Dalton would
be one of those players who was clearly out of
favor under Scott Robertson that might stick around and at
least wait to see who the next All Blacks coaches
and push towards the twenty twenty seven Rugby World Cup
in terms of getting a flight over to Australia. So look,
(02:10):
this deal may have been done for all we know,
you know over the Christmas New Year period. I just
think I do wonder whether he has perhaps a little
bit of regret around the time, and given he spoke
so highly of his experience and the All Blacks fifteen
at the back end of last year with Jamie Joseph
who was the coach of that All Blacks fifteen team,
who is now one of only two realistic contenders to
(02:33):
replace Scott Robertson in the top All Blacks jobs. So
curious timing to say the least. But here's a guy
who's given plenty to the Blues in particular and New
Zealand rugby, and you current begrudge a player at this
point of his career looking at the riches of France.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Yeah, I can't blame him either. I think it's a
play going before his time, though I think he had
more to give the All Blacks Jersey. I don't think
he had a great Super rugby year last year, but
he's always delivered. I felt on the international stage in
the kind of open so flanket that I think maybe
the All Blacks have been searching for in terms of
luck basement for Sam Kine. Obviously, DSRVs lotted in at
(03:11):
seven most of the time last year, but in terms
of that that similarity is Sam Kaine. I think Golden
Papaletti had it. But he made his point clear that
he probably didn't gel with the All Blacks coaching staff
last year, didn't know that they'd be on the art obviously,
and when he didn't get selected for the end of
year tour last year, he had a clause in his
contract that meant he could head abroad. So I think
(03:32):
it's a lost in New Zealand.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Rag.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
We certainly lost for the Blues as they go forward,
and look, I think you know he'll be He can
console himself if he's at any point disappointed or second
thinks the decision, he can go. Look, I'm probably getting
a pretty good payday out of out of it all.
Another news item in the last couple of days bulls
(03:53):
the AB's coaching timeline. This is from a colleague Liam,
of course, who said that it's probably still three weeks away.
I'm sure you ought exactly the same in box Facebook
messenger chats. Everything's blowing up with all sorts of theories.
McCaul is apparently in as an assistant coach. We've got
Hanson coming back. I think they're going to get Fred
(04:14):
Allen back in at some point too. So are you
surprised that it's taking perhaps this longer? Do you like
the way that they're going about doing their due diligence?
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
Look, outside of people asking me about who the Sam
Ruth kids, that has been the question I've been put to,
or put the most too, over the last six or
so weeks.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
What is going on with this all? Blacks coaching situation.
I don't know, and.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
I'm not going to add to the fuel by rumor
or scuttle. But here, however, based on Liam's report, and
I don't dismiss his reporting whatsoever, I'm not surprised to
hear that, you know, Interim CEO Steve Lancaster and former
All Black Dame Coles, who are on this panel, this
appointment panel, have gone to observe Jamie Joseph in his
environment at the Highlanders and then now heading to Japan
(05:01):
to do the same at Kobe with Dave Renni. Although
I do find that a little bit, I wonder what
sort of what they're actually going to see. I feel
like if my boss was coming down here to the
christ Church offers to observe how I was looking ahead
of a potential promotion, I'd probably act on my best behavior.
Maybe not, you know, compared to what I'm like, you know,
(05:22):
week and week out. Alas, I'm not surprised by the
timeline I was. I was pretty shocked to hear that
all of a sudden it sounded like an appointment could
be made last week, earlier this week. I think, you
know New Zealand Rugby that there is no real rush
in the sense of July as the first Test match.
I know there's been discussion around it being a potential distraction.
(05:44):
Well the Highlanders dismissed any notion of that by dispatching
the Crusaders last week, and I did hear and read
that Kobe had to win in the Japanese competition. So look,
I'm sort of pleased they're doing their due diligence and
taking their time because they ought to. It's it's the
top job in New Zealand rugby.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
That's right. It's an important decision. They didn't get it
clearly right last time. By what transpires, they need to
get it right for the run to the Rugby World Cup.
And you're right, there is no real rush because if
they do appoint Dave Rennie, look he's contracted through until
May June with his Japanese club, and no amount of
New Zealand dollars is going to attempt Kobe to release
him early. You know, if Jammie Joseph were to be
(06:24):
appointed the job, they could maybe get him out of
the Highlanders. But I think you know, he said obviously
got to have a coach in the next couple of months,
but I don't think there's any point rushing into a decision,
And when they made the decision on January sixteenth, I
think it was to part ways with Scott robertson two
months or thereabouts felt about rights. In terms of announcement,
I think that's probably about where we'll land with this
(06:45):
All Blacks coaching job. Bill's News from your way. As
we get into the Super rgby teams, lesterfying Onnoku, would
you say dropped to the bench for this game against
the Brumbies on Sunday afternoon? He had a Barry Crocker
on the opening ground against the Highlanders. Not great defensively
dropped A lot of ball would be classified as being dropped.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
I think so.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
I think that's what it is, certainly bingch and look,
they had to get Will Jordan back there obviously after
not starting last week. They've got huge raps on shay
Fie Harkey on the wedding in terms of what he
can offer, particularly defensively and under the high ball.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
They've got Sebby Reese.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
My understanding during the bulk of pre season is that
Lester Fying Nuku trained primarily at center, so for me,
it was more a discussion around whether it will be
Lester fying Anoku or Brighton in or outside the skipper
David Harvey in the midfield. But look, it's been a
fascinating one for us down here because Lester fying Noku openly,
in fact, I sat next to him while he put
(07:45):
this on the record, declared himself that he wants to
showcase his versatility. He wants to have a familiar a
similar role sorry to what he had at Tulin in
terms of being a hybrid player where it's start games
in the midfield and finish them in the as a flanker.
It seems to me, having spoken of Rob Penny and
got comments from him on the record on Tuesday of
(08:07):
this week, that they're keen to sort of get back
to basics with Lester Fyingnook. You get, you know, declutter
the mind of the potential of playing as many as
three different positions across eighty minutes of rugby and just
get back to being the athlete we know he can be.
So it'll be fascinating actually to see where he comes on.
I suspect it'll be in the midfield, but based on
(08:31):
his performance last week drawn a line in the sand
here really to say you just can't drop that many balls,
You can't have those defensive reads that allowed for that
first Highlands try to Caleb Tonguey tell and I don't
mind it. I do worry, though there was a lot
of excitement about being a hybrid player, we may never
see this before it even got off the ground.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Well, that's right. I mean you don't think you'll see
him trotting at number eight in the second half against
the Brumbies and the christ which sun on Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
I'm going to say no. And look, look they've got
Corey Callo there.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
They've got plenty of depth in the loocifle trands, not
as if they need to. And I think it's always
just going to be based on the sea situation of
a game. But I think to get the best out
of lessa finding who's particularly early on he hasn't been
in a crusader's environments is twenty twenty three, they should
just primarily focus on home being the best center or
the best winger, if that's what they decide is his
(09:23):
best position. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
Not too many other surprises from the Super Rugby team
Namings Wednesday. We saw the Blues make a few changes
to their pack, none to the back line. Chiefs bring
in a couple of all wax Leroy Carter, Simon Parker
and Moni Nadawa come back in to their side to
head south to the Highlanders who have made just the
one change with Ethan the group coming back into the
starting side. The Hurricanes. We'll have Royguard and Billy Procter
(09:47):
coming off the bench. There's I think seven debutants, in fact,
ten debutants. I think it might be across the two
fifteens or two twenty threes rather from that, Hurricanes more
in a Pacific game, but not too many other surprises
from those respective sides, so probably a good chance you'll
to run through the weekend. And you've been handed Liam
(10:07):
Napiers tipping pen for the week. He got two of five.
I got one of five in the opening round. So
it wasn't the greatest in all honesty.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
And what was your one? Sorry?
Speaker 2 (10:18):
My one was the Chiefs beating the Blues. His two
were the Moratars in the Brumbies. I picked, we both
picked the Crusaders. I picked the Reds, we both picked
the drawer and I picked the Force. So yeah, tough
fold start to the tipping comp for both of us
in all honesty, so let's rip in to it. Hurricanes,
More one of pacifica gold sport, iHeartRadio seven O five
(10:42):
Friday Night More one with a good win in Fiji?
Can they back it up at sky Stadium Bules.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
Oh, look, it's not out of the realms of possibility,
but you know, I know how much teams, how difficult
it is for teams coming back from Lao Toka, and
that's just evident based on Tana among his team sheet
here where he's made twenty two of a possible twenty
three changes. I think miracle fire Lung he's the only
survivor after his hat trick and he's been moved back
to the bench. While the Hurricanes, you know, it's effectively
(11:10):
a one week longer pre season. They've got a lot
of class on this team sheet. Jordy Barrett. Of course
back from Leinster firepower off the bench as you mentioned,
in the form of cameroy guards. So I can't go
past the cane training and particularly given I'm here covering
for Liam, I'm going to look after my own welfare.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Yeah, I was going to say the Super Round might be,
you know, a tough round for you if indeed you
were to tip against the Hurricanes when Liam heads it
down for that a bit later in the year. So
maybe just stick to the stick to the games, which
is exactly what I'm going to do. War Tars Fiji
and drew a good start from the war Tars last week.
I was really impressed by the way they kicked home
in the last twenty minutes against the Reds. I can't
(11:48):
see the drawer getting close on Friday.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
Yeah, very encouraging signs from the war Atars. And it's
about time too, you know again, you look at that
the class on paper and it's about time that they
are really contender and super Rugby Pacific. We saw last
year the drewer terrible on the road and until there's
evidence to suggest otherwise, I think that could continue.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
And yeah, Chipson for the task.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Highlander's Chief Saturday Night, seven oh five. Paul Allison, Brendan
Laney calling this one on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Interesting game,
the Chiefs obviously winning in round one. They weren't entirely convincing,
but still got the job done. Their favorites for the
title Highlanders get too home games at back to back
to start the season. What say you, where do you
(12:34):
see this one going?
Speaker 4 (12:36):
You know, this is a tough one a call, and
perhaps I wouldn't say that a week ago, but kudos
to the Highlanders and you know, you look at them
without Fabian Holland and Dylan played here and then there's
a few question marks here in terms of how well
they can contend. We did see last year that they
started the season, whether real, hissin orw I think they
won two of their first three before the wheels completely
(12:56):
came off. So I'm going to go with the outside
the home team. I'm going to say they keep on
keeping on. Joan and Ariki's fiftieth game, I thought he
was super impressive, and in combination with Jacob Ruttamatavuki Niekins
and Caleb tonguingtown the back three, I really like Lucas
Casey at number eight. Yeah, I didn't see enough from
(13:18):
the Chiefs to convince that they're hitting their straps at
this point of the season, so I think they're a
little bit vulnerable. If you're ever going to beat the Chiefs,
I think it's now.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
That's a big call. I'm going to go the Chiefs. Look,
but I can see the case for the Highlanders and boy,
if they win two from two, the drums are just
going to beat there a little bit louder, aren't they
fit for Jammie Joseph to be the All Blacks head coach.
Force in Blues nine thirty five on Saturday night and
jundle up in Western Australia, which I think is about
twenty k's outside of Perth. The usual stadiums being used
(13:48):
for the Women's Asia Cup, so they're basically playing on
this sort of suburban ground on Saturday night. But the
Force were pretty disappointing last week. The Blues were in
great but I fancy the Blues to get the job
done in Perth. What about you?
Speaker 4 (14:04):
Yeah, similar with me. I've got some concerns regarding the
this year. I'd like to be corrected, but I think
they stand to be one of the sort of easier
beats weekend week out. So look, I think the Blues
they'll be disappointed. They were clunky, So we're many teams
last week, but I think were the week under their belts. Yes,
(14:27):
it is a tough road trip to get all the
way out to suburban Western Australia. But I think there's
enough class there that they should click in together and
get their first win of the season.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
And the game you'll be calling Saturday, sorry, Sunday afternoon,
three thirty five Crusaders and Brumbies. The TB's got the
Brumbies as rank outside is at three forty to the
Crusaders one thirty. The Crusaders, you know, were clunky last
week and then they had the bench come on, looked
a little bit better, but the Brumbies rolled over the
top of a pretty poor forced team. This is a
(14:56):
fascinating game. Look, I think the Crusaders should win. I'm
gonna tip them, but you know, the Brumbies coming to
christ Jitch and getting up seat wouldn't necessarily be out
of the realms of possibility. Although I did note last
night and this stumby that the Brumbies have them won
in christ Jurge since the year two thousand, I believe.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Is that right?
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Yeah? I did get some information through that they've never
won at Apollo Projects Stadium out in Addington. This is
the third to last game the Crusaders will host the
Highlanders and the Drawer here before moving into their shiny
new indoor arena in Central Town. But yeah, as you
read out those odds there, Elliot, it must have been
I was thinking gamble responsibly.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
But there's a bit, there's a bit of value there.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
I think this Brumbies team again, like I know, it's
the four, so how much do you read into piling
on fifty six points in the sun. But Charlie Klee
in the back roll and the way their back line
was humming. It's an afternoon game and the weather whether
it does look good for Sunday afternoon, I think the
Brumbies are in with the real sniff. I am going
(15:59):
to tip the Crusaders just in terms of history and
bounce back from a disappointing showing last week.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
They get Fletcher Mule back as well as a starter.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
They have to Mighty Williams off the bench as well
as will Jordan's starting. So they usually put away Australian
teams at home. But I'm like you, I wouldn't be
shocked if we're sitting here Monday and the Crusader's roun two.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Yeah, I think it's much closer game than friends at
the tab. Looking at a couple more things before we
go the tipping comp. Of course, you can join us
on Rugby Direct podcast, just search it there on the website,
which is play Fantasy Rugby dot com. How did you
go first week in the fantasy bills?
Speaker 4 (16:41):
Well, speaking of Charlie Calee, I see he was the
highest scoring player of the lot in round one, I
did not have Charlie cale and Bewley's battlers, which really
set me on the back foot. I put my faith
and Lester fining Anooko as my captain, and, like many
across the codes, play but a nral fantasy and the like.
(17:02):
The pressure, the weight of expectation to be a captain
and my fantasy teams is obviously too much for mere mortals.
And as you outlined earlier, Elliott to Lesta had a
bit of a shocker and is now finding himself on
the bench.
Speaker 3 (17:14):
So I think I'm.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
About sixty seventh of your ninety odd teams in the
Rugby Direct Fantasy comp.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
But it is round one. I'll keep chpping away.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
Yeah, I'm aout same sixty two out of one hundred
and three. If you want to join us, please do
on at Rugby Direct podcast, searching on the Fantasy website
and we are going to dig into the mailbag every
Thursday on Rugby Direct. Rugby Direct at inz dot co
dot nz. Producer Mark has dug through the mail bag.
(17:43):
Got time for one this week. This is an interesting
one actually from Steve. What was the point of Super
Rugby coming out and saying the two po vi try
should not have been awarded It was in the thirty
first minute of the game. I understand if it was
the last player of the game, but still plenty of
footy to be played. That's from Steve and the King
Country Love the pod guys, cheap smart. Thanks Steve for
your email. I'll throw this to you. Are you first buels?
(18:06):
We're Super Rugby right to come out and say that
tri shouldn't have been given the green light from Ben
O'Keeffe on the.
Speaker 4 (18:11):
Night, I actually didn't mind the transparency, to be totally honest.
I think there is an element of gray with this
rule and cast my mind back to the British and
Irish Lions series last year. In fact, there was an
incident in the Six Nations Ireland game at the weekend
against Italy. I think it might have been Dan Sheen
(18:31):
again diving with the ball where it just seems like referees.
It's a little bit open for interpretation where the rule
has been in place of the law. Sorry, it has
been in place for some time now in terms you
can't dive, you know, into into a tackle or over
an attempted tackle. So I think it's more a case
(18:53):
of giving this publicity because of the nature of the law,
as opposed to we got this wrong, we got this right.
I cast my one back to the Crusaders Highlanders game,
and I know there was a couple of decisions there
that Crusaders weren't particularly happy with, but they didn't feel
like it needed a full blind forensic investigation and public
(19:15):
you know outcry over either. So personally I don't mind it,
particularly if we're now going to have more consistency for
a law that for me anyway, seems reasonably clear.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
Yeah, it does seem pretty clear. On the night I
had a question mark over it. We talked about it
in the commentary box, but it wasn't beside a ruck,
so I thought that legally you could be able to
do it. But having seen the footage up closed and
replayed since then, you can see the Blues defenders I
think one of them is Bradley Slater and I can't
remember who the other one is, but they're clearly duck
and low and TUBOVII is going over the top to
(19:46):
evade a tackle. I think that's the nature of how
close in defenders are. They're taught to go low, close
to the line. I saw them coming. I leaped over
the top, clear breach of the rules. But I suspect
that they may need to clarify a few things just
around you know, when you can be taken in the year,
and various things, because there's been a few instants in
(20:09):
recent times of defenders jumping over the top try as given,
and defenders don't seem to know exactly when they're allowed
to make tackles in the year, if they're allowed to
make tackles in the year when players are in flight.
So I think we'll Rugby needs to come out and clarify.
But having seen the footage back subsequently, I think they
made the right call. And look, I don't mind them
coming out and saying that it was interesting to hear
from the Blues who basically were a bit frustrated by
(20:31):
the decision and raise the alarm on Saturday night, But also,
you know, applauding the transparency even though they don't get
five points back, and you know they had plenty of
time in that game to cancel out that Chiefs try
and they weren't good enough to do so, so five
points gone. But Vincotta made a point as well of
saying the postmatch that sometimes you've actually in this competition,
got to be happy with taking one point away from
(20:54):
the game. Sometimes that actually is a not bad return.
But having said that, they'll want a few more as
they head to Perth on Saturday night. Nick Bully, thank
you very much for your time on Rugby Direct. Look
forward to catching up on Monday after another big weekend
of Super Rugby. Some more Six Nations as well. Call
well on Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
Appreciate that Elliott, cheers mate.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
That is right me Direct powered by Habit Heath book
Today and stay in the game and thanks to Mark
Kelly producing, We'll see you Monday.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
For more from News Talk sed B. Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
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