February 22, 2026 • 37 mins
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round two of Super Rugby Pacific, The Brumbies thump the Crusaders, What's going wrong for the defending champs?
Also, the boys review the latest matches out of the 6 nations, and could Stephen Larkham be a smokey to be part of the next All Black coaching staff?
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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 podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight down the Middle, Trunk Guy, try to get inside
(00:29):
the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott
Smith and Liam Navier, powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome in too, Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio
Book Today and Stay in the Game Rugby Direct. Back
on another week, Round two in the Books of Super
Rugby Elliott Smith and with me our voice of the Crusaders,
Nick Buley. Greetings, Bills, thanks for jumping in again. As
Liam recuperates, he'll be back hopefully later in the week,
but good to have your company again.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Yeah, that voice tested yesterday, Elliott to tell you what
twelve tries and certainly did not have the Brumbies putting
fifty on the Crusaders and I ch on my bingo card.
But here we are, keen to unpack that game and
the other ones we saw in around two.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Well, let's start there and then work our way backwards
across the rest of the weekend. That was a stunning
result for the Brumbies, hadn't been the Crusaders in christ
Shoots since the year two thousand, first time they put
fifty on a New Zealand team in New Zealand. They
set all sorts of records yesterday with that performance and
we're worthy winners. And the Crusaders just faded big, big
(01:39):
time in that game. And I'm intrigued to hear what
your sense of it was on the ground commentating the game,
because that was an abomination of performance from the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Yeah, we'll start with the Crusaders because you know it's
a New Zealther Rugby podcast. Overall Kurdos to the Brumbies,
but just I mean, there were signs there in round one,
weren't there for the Crusaders arasturm performance conditions can't be
brought into question or debate under the roof in Dunedin
and they were rightly eaten by the Highlanders. And then
(02:10):
we roll on into this one first time at home
for fifteen years on from a devastating earthquake here in
christ Church anniversary and you know, no lack of motivation,
but the Crusaders again just airs drueing their line out,
borderline dysfunctional. Yes, they muscled up on defense and I
(02:32):
thought they were lucky that it was only nineteen fourteen.
At halftime the Brumby said the wind at their backs
and it felt like the Brummies had fired a few
shots but didn't get the pay that they should have.
In fact, I remember saying in commentary the territory the
Brumbies had no wonder my necks a little bit sort
of the left. It was eighty five percent territory and
it wasn't you know, a full gale wind. But in
(02:54):
that first half it was all Brumbies, and Brummy said
about sixty percent of possession as well. So I did
wonder if the Crusaders could get some quality ball, made
the right decisions with that wind at their backs, would
they put the Brumbies away? But the eras continued and continued,
so with all that becomes free position for the Brumbies.
And by the seventieth minute mark, despite the fact it was,
(03:18):
it was it thirty one twenty four and you thought, oh,
the Crusaders are still hanging in there. Somehow. You know
that because at the end of the day they still
have you know, a fair amount of striking, least of
fining a noookoo much better sevu reese out wide. They
got in with a sniff. But again, the era is
just compounding matters and they were their own worst enemies
(03:42):
for the Brumbies though to push clear from thirty one
to twenty four in front with seventy two minutes gone
to win fifty to twenty four, it really is staggering,
and you know, questions need to be asked about where
the Crusader's minds are at. Yes, they come in off
the back of a title last year, but I just
got the sense postmatch, and I know it's February, and
I know competitions are one in February, but there was
(04:05):
just a bit of a sort of ho hum, that's up.
That's other unfortunate, but we'll move on. But almost it
felt similar to the twenty twenty four campaign, which, as
we all know, they didn't even make the fight. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Absolutely, I was gonna ask you how much of that
do you think is down to returning to the rickety
old Scaffold Stadium in Addington, because it kind of felt
like they'd signed off last year with the title. They
made a big deal about how it was their home
and how much it meant to people after the earthquakes
to have rugby back and played professionally in the city,
et cetera, et cetera. The new stadium comes online in
(04:39):
two months almost exactly how much do you think? I mean,
I know they're lost away from home last week, but
going back to the stadium where they pretty much finished
last year, has that played a role at all?
Speaker 3 (04:50):
It may have. Yeah, No, you're absolutely right. Obviously the
last time they were there they were lifting the trophy
and it was contrasting scenes. Obviously, you know, fully jubilant scenes.
But yeah, it just sort of lingers as like the
longest ever farewell tour for this rackety old temporary stadium
and still got two more games to come their Highlanders
on the fourteenth, the March of the Fiji and Drawer
(05:10):
in Easter, and I know there's a lot of excitement
about the stadium. The Crusaders in terms of the coaching
staff have acknowledged, you know, are potential change and the
way they're attacking shape because they'll be under the roof
and with that, you know, they won't probably play as
much ten man rugby at the back end of the
season when conditions do become a factor. And look, they
(05:32):
need to concentrate on the here and now rather than
worry too much about the shiny new stadium and the
potential finals football in there. Because the way things are
going and the way the drawer is set up, Chiefs
next in Hamilton and the Blues following that Eden Park,
they could be staring down the barrel of oh and
four a similar start to what we saw in twenty
four and it's a long way back from there. It is.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Indeed, discipline wise, the Crusader is very poor. Yes, I
think they considered the first seven, if not eight penalties.
It's sort of evened up by the n nine and
five and a couple of you know, yellow cards obviously
that were dished out as a result, and the Brumby's
got one as well. But discipline was very, very poor.
Didn't get a first half penalty, conceded a truckload and
(06:14):
then the handling and little errors similar to to the
previous week against the Highlanders in Dunedan really let them
down and it was a kind of game. I don't
know if you felt the same way Bailly Bills, but
you know it fell like the Crusaders would flick a
switch at some point and you know, in the last
twenty roll over the top and win, you know, thirty
eight to thirty one or something like that. You kept
(06:35):
waiting for it and it never happened, and the Brumbies
just kept extending their leadout.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah, per rugby pass, forty turnovers conceded now in the
first two games. Twenty five against the Highland is fifteen
against the Brumbies, And it is the same sort of stuff. Yeah,
just unforced areas drop balls mentioned the lineout before operated
at fifty four percent efficiency. This is with a Test
all Black and George Bell throwing the ball into the
lineout and then Test centurion and Cody Taylor coming off
(07:01):
the bench throwing the ball into the lineout, and yes,
conditions perhaps a little bit tricky, but certainly no excuses.
It was the same for both teams. So yeah, like you,
I totally agree. Early I thought the Crusaders of old
the last twenty minutes would come over the top, particularly
wind at their backs, but it didn't happen. And selectorially,
I don't really know where they turn because that's more
(07:24):
or less full strength for the Crusaders in terms of
the players available, you know, particularly in those key positions.
Obviously the Rivers Raehanna was withdrawn midway through last week
with a training injury. It sounds like he won't be
fit for the Chiefs this weekend, so more pressure comes
on Taha Keimena and Noah Hope them to really step up.
(07:46):
But at the same time too, you know the old cliche,
it does start up front, and I think it's time now.
I know Robbiani has acknowledged, you know, you have to
easier all blacks back in. You know that the Tomighty
Williams is the Cody Taylor's that they need to start,
and the Crusaders need to get back on track and fast. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Absolutely, the wood on the Brumbies, they were magnificent. I
thought they ran some great lines that put pressure on
the Crusaders right around the park. And I didn't think
the defense was great, but they weren't asked too many
questions from the Crusaders either. And by the end of it,
you know, Andy Mulehead running rings around them. Charlie Kale
is having an exceptional start to the season as well.
(08:27):
But the Brumbies were sort of playing and you know,
Brumbys are very good side, but they were playing Crusader's
rugby against the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Yeah, very well balanced team and the but I love
the most it was that they were willing to have
a crack and you know there wasn't as much kicking
as I've seen over the previous two rounds or smart kicking,
you know, the little chip over the top by declar
Meredith identifying that space and behind obviously bounce to the
ball and came to Pritchard's there to score that. Right,
(08:55):
That was a big moment in the second half. And
as you say, their back row, I thought Rob Valentini
was outstanding, Charlie Kale out in the wide channels, four
tries now in two matches, Andy Mulehead let's not forget
you know Tom right out that serious knee injury at
the moment he was a standout as well, and led
really well by Ryan Lonegan, who I don't know if
you saw that head on sevyis goodness, you know for
(09:18):
a little fowler maybe a slightly bigger fellow. Well, that
was a moment in itself, so kudos to the Brumbies.
Very well coached by Stephen Larkham, who, as it turns out,
is wearing the ten jersey the last time the Brumbies
beat the Crusaders and christ Jitch back in the year
two thousand, so a special moment firm and a special
moment for the team too. That was James Slipper's two
hundred Super Rugby game, got himself a try as well,
(09:41):
and now knocking on the door for the all time
Super Rugby recorder, which is currently held by Whyatt Crocketts.
So look, if you've got some pre season tickets on
the Brumbies, I know it's febris, but you ought to
be pretty happy.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Well, that's the thing. I think that Blues Brumbies game
is pivotal this weekend already in the in the context
of the season. Let's talk about the Blues who beat
the Force forty two to thirty two in juneedle up
in Western Australia, just outside of Perth, or outside of
the main center of Perth. Anyway, that was certainly a
game that happened. I need not really what to say
(10:13):
about the I mean it was it felt like that
the Blues are always relatively in control, but they didn't
rise to any great heights and Vin Kotda won't be
happy they shipped thirty two points away to the Western Force.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Yeah, I think it was the suburban nature of where
it was. How that I must glancing up and wondering
if this was a replay of a preseason game from
a couple of weeks earlier. But yeah, as you say,
it never felt like the Blues were any great danger.
I know the score line suggests it was close, but
the Blues did it enough. It is a tough road
(10:47):
trip to go all the way over to Western Australian
as you say, now now off to Canberra. Brumbies haven't
even been home. Speaking of Brumby's went to Perth and
then christ Church, plenty of travel for them and now
getting back to the Australian capital. But that game, as
you say, shapes up as a real doozy, a litmus
test for both teams. In round three, it does. The
(11:09):
Blues have been disappointed. They let the bonus points slip
as well with Ben Donaldson's late try. Very im press
once again by Torrian Barnes coming off the bench for
the Blues this week after starting in round one. He
looks like a you know, a player of immense promise.
His name was mentioned a couple of years ago.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Is up and come a couldn't get into the Crusaders
system now making every poster when it the Blues so
interesting to see whether they start him this week against
the Brumbies, and.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
What a what a story that Tory and Barnes. You know,
he came through the reimagination of the Super Rugby Draft
that was held in the off season. My understanding, you know,
wider training group deal the way it works and the
fact that he is a Canterbury representative of the Crusaders
had first opportunity to offer him something they were willing
(11:54):
to wait and went elsewhere. And obviously you know they've
got Oli Mathis as an example as a loose forward
in their wider training group. But the Blues swooped in.
I don't know exactly how it worked on the zoom
call with the first pick or the second pick, but
what a perk it's been and Torian Barnes so far
making every post of winner and as you say, it
could very much now be in the conversation to be
(12:14):
a regular starter or certainly in the twenty three.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
That would be good content that needs to be broadcast
somewhere next year. The Super Rugby Draft.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Chiefs Jack Jack Beasley listens, hasn't.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
He he does on occasion yeah, we should put forward
that to him for for next season. Chiefs twenty six,
Highland is twenty three in Dunedin, Chiefs go two from two.
Far from convincing again the Chiefs, you know that you
don't win the competition in round two. They've got enough
to get the job done. A moment of magic, a
(12:45):
moment of controversy from quin to Pie with the goal
line dropout that ended in Leroy Carter going coast to coast.
I don't think the Chiefs will be entirely happy with
the way they played, but sometimes you just got to
roll your sleeves up and tack the four points as
they come.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Just on the so called controversy, are you you know,
I don't know where exactly where you stand, Elliott, but
are you sad ast fly that you know there's been
all this discussion pre season around the influence of the
over influence of the TMO given it wasn't clear and
obviously just happy that we moved on or at the
fact that we're debating it suggests that perhaps it did
regard or was worthy of examination.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
You know what, I'm actually find that it was played
on with I don't think it was. It was worth
pulling back. I mean, I'm not a big fan of
the TMO at the best of times. That seems like
something they maybe should have caught. But you know what,
I'm not against it. I think the TMO, the least
influence it has on the game, the better we would
have been going down right to the frames. I mean,
it didn't look on the IT test that it was,
(13:44):
you know, a proper dropkick. But you know, sometimes you've
just got to live with the decisions as they come
from the on field referee. So you know, we saw
the superb we come out last week and say two
po vised try shouldn't have been able to stand for
diving over a couple of Blues defenders close to the line.
Maybe they'll do something similar this week. But with the
(14:06):
TMO influence in the game, you know, they can't spot everything,
and I'm not sure you know why exactly we have it,
So the least influence the better in my mind, what
about you.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Yeah, I'm totally comfortable with it. Although it is funny
yet two weeks in a row we could be getting
an edict and boxes very soon to say that that cheat,
that trashionist died. Although I would say I love the innovation.
And again I'm sort of HARKing back to the point
I made earlier around having a crack. You know, that
was just heads up foot He wasn't it from Quintupay.
He saw the Highlanders weren't there, went for the little
(14:36):
grubber kick goal on dropout and then set sail and
then got Leroy Carter on his way. That was really
the only moment that really excited me outside of the
Caleb tongueytail try, which again looking up at what's coming
at him in terms of the pictures presented defensively and
running the ball back with pace and purposes and he
a player. But yeah, again I did struggle with that
(14:58):
one as a contest. I feel like that one will
be filed down and the ones where you're not going
to watch it again. It was only good because it
was close. This just I know the data suggests to
the super rugby teams that you should box kick when
you have positioned just outside your own twenty two because
you don't want to exert any energy, you know, running
(15:21):
it up or picking and going and let's get a
contestable kick up in the air. It's a fifty to
fifty and if we get it back, that's great. But
what that doesn't account for is the spectacle. And it's
just my numbing watching the amount of the amount of kicks.
I think it was again under the roof, seventy kicks
(15:41):
and that contest between the Chiefs and Highland is far
too many for my liking. Was eighty two the Highlanders
Crusaders the week before. It's just a lottery. It doesn't
make for a great spectacle. I expect a lot more
in February, particularly when we're you know, the competition is
banging on about being an entertaining product. There's just nothing
entertaining about watching half backs kick and wingers, you know,
(16:02):
contest in the air and knock the ball on.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Yeah, it's doing my head. In all honesty, I can't
stand it. In rugby. I think the tactics seem to
have just completely gone out the window and they seem
comfortable now going fifty to fifty lotteries because chances are
it's going to be a knock on from you know,
the receiving team, or there's going to be some sort
of a bounce that might go your way. That's not
(16:24):
rugby to me. It's pure lottery and I don't think
it's an entertaining spectacle. I think something has to change
in that regard.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
So do they go back to the blocker rule?
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I think they should.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
Yeah, I think I honestly should. I think thinking out
loud now, But is that the way to get back,
get back to where we were two years ago?
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Yeah, I think quite possibly. And I think the tactics
have just completely gone out of kicking. It's just the
upper and unders that come from half back in tenure.
We don't see a lot of and I know that
you know, defending in the backfield is a little bit
different because the risk of the fifty to twenty two now,
but you don't see a lot of kicking for lineouts
or kicking for position on the field anymore. It's very
(17:02):
much just up and under and I think that a
lot of the tactics leave a lot to be wanting.
So look, I'm back to blocker rule. I think there's
a number of things that Will Rugby could implement there.
And you're right for super Rugby promoting this fast attacking
style of rugby that was a kick battle and perfect
conditions under the roof in Dunedin, and I just don't
know that that is going to win too many spectators.
(17:24):
You know, it's very similar to AFL and AWAYFL is
a great sport. I watch a lot of it during
the season, but I watch AFL for a reason. I
watch rugby for a reason. Don't try and merge the two.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
Yeah, and look, ultimately, for John Gibbs, first year coach,
his currency is wins, so he won't care about what
we're saying. But yeah, I'd love to see a little
bit more endeavor. You know, speaking of watching the Brumbis
yesterday and the way in which they went around their
attacking plated you know, more of that please if you're
(17:55):
listening coaches out.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
There, absolutely Wartars thirty six thirteen over the draw, a
very good win for the war Tars under a little
bit of pressure. Was it was quite close early in
the second spell, but they kicked away and the war
tar Is looking pretty handy at this point of the season.
And then on Friday night it was the Hurricanes against
Mowana Pacifica to start the round. Muana started very nicely. Indeed,
(18:16):
Domin added the first ten minutes or maybe just under
scored the opening try. But from then onwards it was
pretty much one way traffic and the Hurricanes winning fifty
two points to ten just a little too good, little
too polished against Moana Pacificer who had played in Fiji
the week before, made you know, entirety of changes to
their team. I think it was twenty two in the
(18:37):
end changes they made to their side for this game,
and they looked at basically in the end the Hurricanes.
Pretty good start to the season from them after the
first round by what did you make of it?
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Yeah, it was a good start from the Canes. Didn't
surprise me though, and I'm really pleased that Tanner Hermang
and the Wainer coach came out and had a bit
of a crack at the schedule because a six day
turnaround from going from Auckland to Latoka, back to Auckland
down to Wellington to play a Hurricanes team that had
the first round by that shouldn't happen. And you know
(19:08):
mine are up against it already that they deserve to
have a little bit more of a fear go when
it comes to the schedule anyway, But that's by the
side I thought the Canes in terms of their attack,
we know how exciting their their rock star backlineers. You know,
Jordi Barrett looked right at home and obviously had to
take on a bit more of the playmaking responsibility after
(19:30):
that serious knee injury to Brett Cameron. Goodness may feel
for that guy, but when you see fair Young and
Norfold or Josh Morby, Callum Harken looks good with ball
in hand. Yeah, the Canes, they're a team that will
be there or thereabouts again. Greater tests await for them,
So I don't want to cast a massive judgment over
(19:52):
them based on one game against a team that perhaps
might not be in the finals picture, but it's a start.
I suppose the question now is Elliott, where do they
turn at first five when they still well a month
away from Reuben Love and all likelihood based on what
we're hearing, could be without Brett Cambon from the remainder
of the season.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
I think they're gonna have to go to Callum Harkin.
They've got Lucas Kashmore who's been playing in their B team.
I don't know the exact name of the town. I
think it's the Hunters. Maybe last couple of weeks you'd
imagine he comes onto the bench. Harry Godfrey gone for
the season as well, as they've had a lot of
bad luck at ten. They play the Drewer away this week,
so they're doing the reverse of Mowana and going to
(20:31):
play the Drewer this week. It'd be interesting to see
Clark Laidlaw's approach to that game. Do they send over
a full strength team they have the war Retars in
Sydney the following week. I'm not sure where they jump
straight from playing in Suva or Latoka from Memory over
to Sydney. I'm not sure how that will work. But
(20:52):
where they send a lesser strength team over to that
game against the Drewer, who don't look much chopped the season,
then go back to full strength for the war Retars
game in round four will be interesting. But I think
they've got to go with Harkin and give him some
time in the saddle.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
Yeah, totally agree. Whoever they go with, they need to
back in for the next month or so until until
whenever Ruben Love returns. But it will be interesting. I
feel like that's one for you and Lambs to keep
an eye on the team the week after they go
to Laotoka. You know, it's a one start like it's
such a tough place to go, you know, being here
(21:27):
in christ Church. The Crusaders put so much resource into
finally winning against the drawer and fig last year they
had specialist help from Hockey New Zealand and all sorts
of things going on with ice vests and what have you,
and then the recovery side of things. So it is
tricky and that is tough. Having that the Warratars who,
as you say, have started with a real hissiner or
(21:49):
all the following week.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Quick breaking back into the final four after this on
Rugby Directs. You're back with Rugby Direct time now for
the Final four. MVP voting on the way as well.
Bull's six Nations. Busy week in Ireland, stun England, Scotland,
scrappars Wells and France is too good for Italy? What
stood out from those games for you?
Speaker 3 (22:10):
Swing Low is warthwork about to go?
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Wow?
Speaker 3 (22:14):
Goodness me, what's happened? You know they were airborne? What
about a ago two weeks ago exactly? Yeah, Sir Steve
Borthwick and the almighty thud you know Cup, which to
be fair, you know that was Scotland won seven of
the last eight, so you go Okay, that was a
little bit unusual, but that was always a game Scotland
we're going to get up for. And then that scoreline
(22:36):
against Ireland, and now I see, based on some reporting
over in the UK, the pressure is right on Steve Borthway,
who would want to be a coach. But yeah, it
was just quite an abject performance from England. And this
is against an Irish team that I feel like I've
been saying for the last twelve or eighteen months is
on a serious decline in terms of their age profile.
(22:56):
They needed some form of regeneration and they got a
performance there after it the weekend, much to the delight
of Andy Farrell. But from an England perspective surely, particularly
the way France are traveling as well, it leaves any
ambitions of lifting a Six Nations trophy and tatters.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
I have to say that they're probably gone at that point.
Ireland I thought were excellent. They bullied England right around
the park. I thought Jamison Gibson Park was outstanding. He
was denied to try in the first bill that probably
should have stood, so it could have been even further.
But they out kicked England, they outran England, They just
buried them into the grounds with a very very good
(23:35):
performance and England would run ragged by the end of it.
I just thought that was an Island team that rolled
back the clock when all the questions were against them,
when people were asking, as you said, whether this Island
team was on the decline. Well, they stood up and
they get up for the games against England. But that
was a performance that I did not see coming. I
thought England would win that probably by seven to ten points,
(23:57):
but England were shell shocked by the end of it.
Then when the hooks Luke, Cow and Dickie after half
an hour, Maratoji looks a shadow of himself. He looks
he doesn't look and I heard our colleagues from the
Times podcast the Ruck Will Kelliher and co up there
talking about it. He looks short of a gallop. I
know he's been through some personal strife with his mother
(24:19):
passing away, but he does not look international rugby ready.
So they are an interesting position now after back to
back losses. It's a fellow week this week in terms
of the six Nations. Then they come back, they head
to Rome and then they finish off this season with
the big game against the French in the final round,
(24:40):
so look get back them to win that next game,
but hard to see them getting past France, who just
look like the champions and waiting of this competition. Moving
on our topic to the global calendar, our colleague at
staff Paul Kelly, friend of the podcast, reporting this over
the weekend that All Black's assistant coach Jason Bryan is
(25:00):
heading up North for discussions around the shape of the
future calendar. Greg Barclay going up as well. Now, this
has been something that South Africa has been pushing for
a few years now. I was having the international calendar
move so you'd have the Six Nations mirroring the Rugby
Championship and being played February March. You'd have the Rugby
(25:21):
Championship in that window. Super Raby would sort of wrap
around it bere an April start or maybe even a
September start with you know international breaks along the way, Bules.
What do you make of it? I mean that sounds
like the New Zealand rugby position is an outlie compared
to the rest of the world.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Yeah, that's what I was going to say. You know,
it doesn't need a it just needs a majority votes
for World Rugby, so South Africa are pushing this through.
Obviously it doesn't really change that much for your northern
hemisphere countries. And interestingly, in Paul's report it mentioned that
he's aware that Rugby Australia are fans of the idea
(25:59):
as well, and I was sort of racking my head
as to why that would be, and I suppose it
would be because the Rugby Championship in February and March,
when it's just slightly congested on the sporting calendar in Australia,
perhaps not as much international cricket home international cricket then,
and the AFL and NRAL really only just starting to
get underway, if not in the back end of March.
(26:21):
So it sort of leaves in New Zealand rugby in
a really awkward position because I don't think they'd want
to change, but they might not have a choice. So
then it just comes down to if this does get
passed through where the land in super Rugby, would you
want to have it two months later to what it
currently starts in April or do you look at having
(26:41):
it I guess what would be the front end of
like an American or English school year in September leading
into the Rugby Championship in February March. But then what
does that mean for the NPC. So a lot of
moving parts here, and it feels like New Zealand Rugby
are just perhaps going to get delta hand that they
(27:02):
can't do much about.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Yeah exactly. I'm not sure when a vote potentially would
take place on that, but I know talks are pretty
crucial this coming week around it. It'd be interesting to
see when this would start because you know, you zeeal
Ond Rugby sold broadcast deals on the basis of their
current calendar through to twenty thirty, so whether it would
start twenty thirty one, you know, a lot of water
to go under the bridge in that regard super rugby teams.
(27:23):
I know, maybe not all of them, but I've been
some have been crying out saying they don't have enough
time with fans, they don't have enough games to sell fans.
This wouldn't necessarily solve that problem, but they'd be in
the conversation for a bit more. So they started in
September and the season finished somewhere around May June. You know,
that is longer to be part of the conversation with fans.
(27:45):
You know, I think there's a bit of frustration out
there that you know, they get into it and just
on the back end of summer and you know, mid
February they start and then you know, some teams are
done and dusted by early June, if not in the
you know, if you make the finals, it's mid June.
So I know superraggod teams would value that connection a
little bit more. But I'm not sure it's best for
the game playing over summer in New Zealand. I just
(28:06):
don't know that it's going to win too many fans,
and so watch the space on that one topic. Three
in the Final four could Stephen Larkhim coach the All
Blacks as an assistant. This has been floated by Jamie
Panderam from Sydney's Daily Telegraph, saying that it had been
mentioned or it had been a part of the conversation,
potentially that there could be a place for Stephen Larkham
(28:28):
in an All Blacks coaching staff as an assistant. To
quote Pander's piece, Remembers across the Dets have rammed up
in recent days that Brumby's coach Larkhim is under consideration
by New Zealand Rugby as an assistant coach to either
Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie. What do you make of that?
Would he be a person you'd want to have in the.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
Mix, certainly, But it does surprise me that he'd be
a consideration for either team, you know, either coaching candidate,
whether it's Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie. But you know,
as was evidence yesterday, it's clearly a very well coached team,
the Brumbies. And Steven Larkham has been around the game
for many years now. He's got that international experience, he's
(29:09):
been the Wallabies attack coach, He's had experience up in
the North with Munster. I don't know though, whether is
this a job he'd want to take on, you know,
and particularly I guess that my concern around head coaches
going back to being assistant coaches has probably heightened over
the last twelve to twenty four months when you look
at Leon McDonald, Jason Holland in the previous All Blacks regime.
(29:35):
But certainly when you look at as I say, how
well the Brumbies are traveling and have traveled under Larkham
and his coaching pedigree, and is all around sort of
philosophy on the game and so it's beyond that, just
the willingness to go beyond our shores. You know, obviously
we're very very much and on a ki we coaching
(29:56):
have been the head coach of the All Blacks, but
I think it's high time that we get some international
experience and the assistance and just add something a little
bit different in terms of the IP we don't know
at all, as evidenced by the fact we won the
World Cup and don't have it twenty fifteen exactly, I would.
Speaker 2 (30:12):
I think it's a great idea if they can figure
out a way to get him involved.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
Now.
Speaker 2 (30:16):
I don't know how this conversation potentially has come about,
if if pandas piece is on the money, whether Stephen
Larkham has expressed interest, whether it's a New Zealand rugby idea,
going to the coaches going could you work with a
Stephen Larkham will build some build him into your coaching
lineup potentially. Don't know the nature of those conversations, but
I think he's a very very astute rugby coach. He's
(30:38):
probably seen now with lez Kiss being appointed to the
Wallabies role that has pathed to getting that should he want,
it is going to you would think, given say les
Kes will be real point. I'm trying to think when
his contract ends. But he's only getting a short run
to the World Cup, and I think he's contracted beyond
that as well, so it's going to be a while toll.
That job is in theory available, why not go overseas?
(30:59):
Larkin was an assistant coach for Michael Checker at the
twenty fifteen World Cup. You know, they were very impressive
on attack, then punched above their weight a little bit
in terms of what they are able to do on
attack with the kind of players they had in their
roster at that point, got them to a World Cup finals.
So if he's available, if he can work with either
(31:20):
one of those head coaches, I'm all for getting him
into the mix, which flows nicely into our final topic
in the final four? Is this the year? On the
twenty third of February, an Australian team finally wins Super
Rugby Bills.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
Since we're all about hot takes here on Rugby director,
I'm gonna say yes again. I'm a little bit facetious,
but based on the evidence of the first two rounds.
The Brumbies and the Warritars have played the best rugby
and it's not really that close. Again, bigger fish to fry,
particularly on the Waratars side, that you can't sneeze at
what the Brumbi's achieved here in christ Church with fifty
(31:54):
points on the Crusaders. And as we've alluded to over
the course of this episode, super ragkmed titles aren't one
in February, but it is just great to see, particularly
this competition. I know Lamb and yourself go on about it, Elliott,
it needs jeopardy. The fact that the Crusaders, you know, yes,
dynasties are important, but the fact that they are thereabouts.
(32:16):
It just feels like the Crusaders and the Chiefs are
going to be the final or certainly in the semi
final mix each and every year when it comes to predictions.
Isn't necessarily great for interest to casual sporting interest across
both sides of the Tasman. So I think this is
great for the Brumbies and I tell you who else.
A funny wee story came yesterday as I was waiting
(32:37):
for Rob Penny and Stephen Larkham to do media after
the Brumbies Crusaders. One fellaw who won't will be pretty
happy if one of the Australian teams wins or at
least host the final was one of the guys who
was working in the catering department at Venues Order Tah.
He was saying to one of his colleagues, do I
really hope the Crusaders don't host the final this year
because we're going to have then have to change all
(32:58):
the beer out because the Warriors are here the next
day and we all know what they drink. So for
the sake of the catering team at one New Zealand
Stadium to kah that they'll be hoping are Brumbies or
Waratars or they like get up and at least host
the final in June.
Speaker 2 (33:14):
Well, I think that's a very good point. Maybe not
the beer in terms of but there's that Jeopardy, isn't
it And it's that hosting the finals. I don't know
what they're drinking Camebra Canberra. Is it a Canbra bitter
or something like that. I don't know, but the you know,
had finals games hosted at home. But if they can
merge their way into a top spot, move their way
(33:34):
rather into a top spot. That the Brumbies can finish
top of the table and have home advantage through the clubs,
then it makes it very very difficult. It's a tough
place to go and win, as the Crusaders have done
with the home advantage you know, flipped last season when
the Chiefs lost in the opening round to the Blues
and then the Crusaders were quasi top for the last
two games of the season. If they can be top
of the ladder win that opening quarter final, then it's
(33:57):
a very very tricky place to go. I think the
same applies for the Waratars, maybe less so than Canberra,
but if you can finish in that top two, it's
just so important in your hopes of winning the title.
So if the Brumbies can continue there's winning run and
you pick up those victories, then you know that home
advantage could see them win that drought breaking title.
Speaker 3 (34:17):
Yeah, and it's been far too long. What was it,
twenty fourteen Waratahs, twenty eleven Reds just off the top
of my head. So in terms of being a trans
Tasmin competition, even when I was doing the preview for
the Brumbies Crusaders and you know there was all this
excitement around it's one of the sort of great rivalries.
And then you looked at I think Crusaders won twelve
of the last thirteen, as I say, and lost to
(34:38):
the Brumbies and christ it's for twenty six years. You
can't really sell a rivalry when it's that lopsided. But
now you know there's a there's a little bit of
hope there that we can go into each round. And
I know we're going to get into tipping in the
later in the week, but our tipping suggests it's a
good competition in the sense that you can't predict who's
going to win on each in any given day.
Speaker 2 (34:59):
Absolutely time Now for some MVP voting around two will
bring you the collated results next week as we get
into round three from the first couple of rounds. But look,
i'll kick things off bills. My three goes to Fang
and all four. I thought he was exceptional. It was
a lion board decision with Josh Molby for me as
to whether he got the three points or the two.
(35:19):
Morlby gets my two points. I thought though, those players,
if they can stay fit just on either side of
the wing, and I know it was a poor performance
from Mowana, but they're so devastating I think we'll be
going to France. Potentially has only made him a better player.
So for here for three, Josh Morlby for two, and
my one goes the way of Quinta Pie.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (35:37):
Maybe it wasn't entirely legal, but that's heads up footy
and that's smart and I thought he had an exceptional
game otherwise as well.
Speaker 3 (35:43):
Look, I should have clarified before coming on. Am I
allowed to perk Australian players? Oh?
Speaker 2 (35:48):
So this is the thing I should clarify it should
I should mention this? It is only for the six
teams based in New Zealand. So yeah, unfortunately, Charlie Kale,
Andy Buerheads, Ben Donaldson not eligible for the Rugby Direct Medal.
Speaker 3 (36:01):
Yeah, that's tough scene. I was James Slipper in there
as well. Sorry, So that's that's rather unfortunate for the
Brumbis and for or the benefit of this segment of
the podcast. But look on the basis that I suppose, Yeah,
the Hurricanes were the only team that really impressed me
from an attacking standpoint across the course of the season.
Across the course of the round. Sorry, yeah, I'll go similarly.
(36:24):
Maybe I'll flip it around. I thought Josh Moreby, as
you say, for him to come back into the competition
and really slot in there. And there's a fair bit
of competition there and that hurricanes back line as to
where he slots and very good finisher, so he can
have the three and fair he can have the two
and hmm, Chiefs Chiefs season, I mean takeya. At the
(36:45):
end of the day he scored a couple of pretty
critical tries that the Chiefs got the chocolates as a
result from. So Summersony Tokyo can have my one. And
if I ever do this again, I now know the rules.
Speaker 2 (36:55):
You've picked up a hospital pass brilliantly, Bules and run
with it. So thank you very much for that, and
thank you for your time on Raby Direct. Keep the
phone on. I'm sure we'll touch base again over the
course of the season anytime, Elliot pleasure and you can
get in touch with the podcast of course at Rugby
Director at nzdme dot co dot nz will open up
the mailbag on Thursday. Fool your feedback as well. But
(37:17):
thanks to Mark Kelly for producing. Thanks to Mick Bewley,
and our thanks to Habit help Busier, book today and
stay in the game
Speaker 1 (37:28):
For more from News Talks b listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight down the Middle, Trunk Guy, try to get inside
(00:29):
the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott
Smith and Liam Navier, powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome in too, Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio
Book Today and Stay in the Game Rugby Direct. Back
on another week, Round two in the Books of Super
Rugby Elliott Smith and with me our voice of the Crusaders,
Nick Buley. Greetings, Bills, thanks for jumping in again. As
Liam recuperates, he'll be back hopefully later in the week,
but good to have your company again.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Yeah, that voice tested yesterday, Elliott to tell you what
twelve tries and certainly did not have the Brumbies putting
fifty on the Crusaders and I ch on my bingo card.
But here we are, keen to unpack that game and
the other ones we saw in around two.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Well, let's start there and then work our way backwards
across the rest of the weekend. That was a stunning
result for the Brumbies, hadn't been the Crusaders in christ
Shoots since the year two thousand, first time they put
fifty on a New Zealand team in New Zealand. They
set all sorts of records yesterday with that performance and
we're worthy winners. And the Crusaders just faded big, big
(01:39):
time in that game. And I'm intrigued to hear what
your sense of it was on the ground commentating the game,
because that was an abomination of performance from the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Yeah, we'll start with the Crusaders because you know it's
a New Zealther Rugby podcast. Overall Kurdos to the Brumbies,
but just I mean, there were signs there in round one,
weren't there for the Crusaders arasturm performance conditions can't be
brought into question or debate under the roof in Dunedin
and they were rightly eaten by the Highlanders. And then
(02:10):
we roll on into this one first time at home
for fifteen years on from a devastating earthquake here in
christ Church anniversary and you know, no lack of motivation,
but the Crusaders again just airs drueing their line out,
borderline dysfunctional. Yes, they muscled up on defense and I
(02:32):
thought they were lucky that it was only nineteen fourteen.
At halftime the Brumby said the wind at their backs
and it felt like the Brummies had fired a few
shots but didn't get the pay that they should have.
In fact, I remember saying in commentary the territory the
Brumbies had no wonder my necks a little bit sort
of the left. It was eighty five percent territory and
it wasn't you know, a full gale wind. But in
(02:54):
that first half it was all Brumbies, and Brummy said
about sixty percent of possession as well. So I did
wonder if the Crusaders could get some quality ball, made
the right decisions with that wind at their backs, would
they put the Brumbies away? But the eras continued and continued,
so with all that becomes free position for the Brumbies.
And by the seventieth minute mark, despite the fact it was,
(03:18):
it was it thirty one twenty four and you thought, oh,
the Crusaders are still hanging in there. Somehow. You know
that because at the end of the day they still
have you know, a fair amount of striking, least of
fining a noookoo much better sevu reese out wide. They
got in with a sniff. But again, the era is
just compounding matters and they were their own worst enemies
(03:42):
for the Brumbies though to push clear from thirty one
to twenty four in front with seventy two minutes gone
to win fifty to twenty four, it really is staggering,
and you know, questions need to be asked about where
the Crusader's minds are at. Yes, they come in off
the back of a title last year, but I just
got the sense postmatch, and I know it's February, and
I know competitions are one in February, but there was
(04:05):
just a bit of a sort of ho hum, that's up.
That's other unfortunate, but we'll move on. But almost it
felt similar to the twenty twenty four campaign, which, as
we all know, they didn't even make the fight. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Absolutely, I was gonna ask you how much of that
do you think is down to returning to the rickety
old Scaffold Stadium in Addington, because it kind of felt
like they'd signed off last year with the title. They
made a big deal about how it was their home
and how much it meant to people after the earthquakes
to have rugby back and played professionally in the city,
et cetera, et cetera. The new stadium comes online in
(04:39):
two months almost exactly how much do you think? I mean,
I know they're lost away from home last week, but
going back to the stadium where they pretty much finished
last year, has that played a role at all?
Speaker 3 (04:50):
It may have. Yeah, No, you're absolutely right. Obviously the
last time they were there they were lifting the trophy
and it was contrasting scenes. Obviously, you know, fully jubilant scenes.
But yeah, it just sort of lingers as like the
longest ever farewell tour for this rackety old temporary stadium
and still got two more games to come their Highlanders
on the fourteenth, the March of the Fiji and Drawer
(05:10):
in Easter, and I know there's a lot of excitement
about the stadium. The Crusaders in terms of the coaching
staff have acknowledged, you know, are potential change and the
way they're attacking shape because they'll be under the roof
and with that, you know, they won't probably play as
much ten man rugby at the back end of the
season when conditions do become a factor. And look, they
(05:32):
need to concentrate on the here and now rather than
worry too much about the shiny new stadium and the
potential finals football in there. Because the way things are
going and the way the drawer is set up, Chiefs
next in Hamilton and the Blues following that Eden Park,
they could be staring down the barrel of oh and
four a similar start to what we saw in twenty
four and it's a long way back from there. It is.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Indeed, discipline wise, the Crusader is very poor. Yes, I
think they considered the first seven, if not eight penalties.
It's sort of evened up by the n nine and
five and a couple of you know, yellow cards obviously
that were dished out as a result, and the Brumby's
got one as well. But discipline was very, very poor.
Didn't get a first half penalty, conceded a truckload and
(06:14):
then the handling and little errors similar to to the
previous week against the Highlanders in Dunedan really let them
down and it was a kind of game. I don't
know if you felt the same way Bailly Bills, but
you know it fell like the Crusaders would flick a
switch at some point and you know, in the last
twenty roll over the top and win, you know, thirty
eight to thirty one or something like that. You kept
(06:35):
waiting for it and it never happened, and the Brumbies
just kept extending their leadout.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah, per rugby pass, forty turnovers conceded now in the
first two games. Twenty five against the Highland is fifteen
against the Brumbies, And it is the same sort of stuff. Yeah,
just unforced areas drop balls mentioned the lineout before operated
at fifty four percent efficiency. This is with a Test
all Black and George Bell throwing the ball into the
lineout and then Test centurion and Cody Taylor coming off
(07:01):
the bench throwing the ball into the lineout, and yes,
conditions perhaps a little bit tricky, but certainly no excuses.
It was the same for both teams. So yeah, like you,
I totally agree. Early I thought the Crusaders of old
the last twenty minutes would come over the top, particularly
wind at their backs, but it didn't happen. And selectorially,
I don't really know where they turn because that's more
(07:24):
or less full strength for the Crusaders in terms of
the players available, you know, particularly in those key positions.
Obviously the Rivers Raehanna was withdrawn midway through last week
with a training injury. It sounds like he won't be
fit for the Chiefs this weekend, so more pressure comes
on Taha Keimena and Noah Hope them to really step up.
(07:46):
But at the same time too, you know the old cliche,
it does start up front, and I think it's time now.
I know Robbiani has acknowledged, you know, you have to
easier all blacks back in. You know that the Tomighty
Williams is the Cody Taylor's that they need to start,
and the Crusaders need to get back on track and fast. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Absolutely, the wood on the Brumbies, they were magnificent. I
thought they ran some great lines that put pressure on
the Crusaders right around the park. And I didn't think
the defense was great, but they weren't asked too many
questions from the Crusaders either. And by the end of it,
you know, Andy Mulehead running rings around them. Charlie Kale
is having an exceptional start to the season as well.
(08:27):
But the Brumbies were sort of playing and you know,
Brumbys are very good side, but they were playing Crusader's
rugby against the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Yeah, very well balanced team and the but I love
the most it was that they were willing to have
a crack and you know there wasn't as much kicking
as I've seen over the previous two rounds or smart kicking,
you know, the little chip over the top by declar
Meredith identifying that space and behind obviously bounce to the
ball and came to Pritchard's there to score that. Right,
(08:55):
That was a big moment in the second half. And
as you say, their back row, I thought Rob Valentini
was outstanding, Charlie Kale out in the wide channels, four
tries now in two matches, Andy Mulehead let's not forget
you know Tom right out that serious knee injury at
the moment he was a standout as well, and led
really well by Ryan Lonegan, who I don't know if
you saw that head on sevyis goodness, you know for
(09:18):
a little fowler maybe a slightly bigger fellow. Well, that
was a moment in itself, so kudos to the Brumbies.
Very well coached by Stephen Larkham, who, as it turns out,
is wearing the ten jersey the last time the Brumbies
beat the Crusaders and christ Jitch back in the year
two thousand, so a special moment firm and a special
moment for the team too. That was James Slipper's two
hundred Super Rugby game, got himself a try as well,
(09:41):
and now knocking on the door for the all time
Super Rugby recorder, which is currently held by Whyatt Crocketts.
So look, if you've got some pre season tickets on
the Brumbies, I know it's febris, but you ought to
be pretty happy.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Well, that's the thing. I think that Blues Brumbies game
is pivotal this weekend already in the in the context
of the season. Let's talk about the Blues who beat
the Force forty two to thirty two in juneedle up
in Western Australia, just outside of Perth, or outside of
the main center of Perth. Anyway, that was certainly a
game that happened. I need not really what to say
(10:13):
about the I mean it was it felt like that
the Blues are always relatively in control, but they didn't
rise to any great heights and Vin Kotda won't be
happy they shipped thirty two points away to the Western Force.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Yeah, I think it was the suburban nature of where
it was. How that I must glancing up and wondering
if this was a replay of a preseason game from
a couple of weeks earlier. But yeah, as you say,
it never felt like the Blues were any great danger.
I know the score line suggests it was close, but
the Blues did it enough. It is a tough road
(10:47):
trip to go all the way over to Western Australian
as you say, now now off to Canberra. Brumbies haven't
even been home. Speaking of Brumby's went to Perth and
then christ Church, plenty of travel for them and now
getting back to the Australian capital. But that game, as
you say, shapes up as a real doozy, a litmus
test for both teams. In round three, it does. The
(11:09):
Blues have been disappointed. They let the bonus points slip
as well with Ben Donaldson's late try. Very im press
once again by Torrian Barnes coming off the bench for
the Blues this week after starting in round one. He
looks like a you know, a player of immense promise.
His name was mentioned a couple of years ago.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Is up and come a couldn't get into the Crusaders
system now making every poster when it the Blues so
interesting to see whether they start him this week against
the Brumbies, and.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
What a what a story that Tory and Barnes. You know,
he came through the reimagination of the Super Rugby Draft
that was held in the off season. My understanding, you know,
wider training group deal the way it works and the
fact that he is a Canterbury representative of the Crusaders
had first opportunity to offer him something they were willing
(11:54):
to wait and went elsewhere. And obviously you know they've
got Oli Mathis as an example as a loose forward
in their wider training group. But the Blues swooped in.
I don't know exactly how it worked on the zoom
call with the first pick or the second pick, but
what a perk it's been and Torian Barnes so far
making every post of winner and as you say, it
could very much now be in the conversation to be
(12:14):
a regular starter or certainly in the twenty three.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
That would be good content that needs to be broadcast
somewhere next year. The Super Rugby Draft.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Chiefs Jack Jack Beasley listens, hasn't.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
He he does on occasion yeah, we should put forward
that to him for for next season. Chiefs twenty six,
Highland is twenty three in Dunedin, Chiefs go two from two.
Far from convincing again the Chiefs, you know that you
don't win the competition in round two. They've got enough
to get the job done. A moment of magic, a
(12:45):
moment of controversy from quin to Pie with the goal
line dropout that ended in Leroy Carter going coast to coast.
I don't think the Chiefs will be entirely happy with
the way they played, but sometimes you just got to
roll your sleeves up and tack the four points as
they come.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Just on the so called controversy, are you you know,
I don't know where exactly where you stand, Elliott, but
are you sad ast fly that you know there's been
all this discussion pre season around the influence of the
over influence of the TMO given it wasn't clear and
obviously just happy that we moved on or at the
fact that we're debating it suggests that perhaps it did
regard or was worthy of examination.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
You know what, I'm actually find that it was played
on with I don't think it was. It was worth
pulling back. I mean, I'm not a big fan of
the TMO at the best of times. That seems like
something they maybe should have caught. But you know what,
I'm not against it. I think the TMO, the least
influence it has on the game, the better we would
have been going down right to the frames. I mean,
it didn't look on the IT test that it was,
(13:44):
you know, a proper dropkick. But you know, sometimes you've
just got to live with the decisions as they come
from the on field referee. So you know, we saw
the superb we come out last week and say two
po vised try shouldn't have been able to stand for
diving over a couple of Blues defenders close to the line.
Maybe they'll do something similar this week. But with the
(14:06):
TMO influence in the game, you know, they can't spot everything,
and I'm not sure you know why exactly we have it,
So the least influence the better in my mind, what
about you.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Yeah, I'm totally comfortable with it. Although it is funny
yet two weeks in a row we could be getting
an edict and boxes very soon to say that that cheat,
that trashionist died. Although I would say I love the innovation.
And again I'm sort of HARKing back to the point
I made earlier around having a crack. You know, that
was just heads up foot He wasn't it from Quintupay.
He saw the Highlanders weren't there, went for the little
(14:36):
grubber kick goal on dropout and then set sail and
then got Leroy Carter on his way. That was really
the only moment that really excited me outside of the
Caleb tongueytail try, which again looking up at what's coming
at him in terms of the pictures presented defensively and
running the ball back with pace and purposes and he
a player. But yeah, again I did struggle with that
(14:58):
one as a contest. I feel like that one will
be filed down and the ones where you're not going
to watch it again. It was only good because it
was close. This just I know the data suggests to
the super rugby teams that you should box kick when
you have positioned just outside your own twenty two because
you don't want to exert any energy, you know, running
(15:21):
it up or picking and going and let's get a
contestable kick up in the air. It's a fifty to
fifty and if we get it back, that's great. But
what that doesn't account for is the spectacle. And it's
just my numbing watching the amount of the amount of kicks.
I think it was again under the roof, seventy kicks
(15:41):
and that contest between the Chiefs and Highland is far
too many for my liking. Was eighty two the Highlanders
Crusaders the week before. It's just a lottery. It doesn't
make for a great spectacle. I expect a lot more
in February, particularly when we're you know, the competition is
banging on about being an entertaining product. There's just nothing
entertaining about watching half backs kick and wingers, you know,
(16:02):
contest in the air and knock the ball on.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Yeah, it's doing my head. In all honesty, I can't
stand it. In rugby. I think the tactics seem to
have just completely gone out the window and they seem
comfortable now going fifty to fifty lotteries because chances are
it's going to be a knock on from you know,
the receiving team, or there's going to be some sort
of a bounce that might go your way. That's not
(16:24):
rugby to me. It's pure lottery and I don't think
it's an entertaining spectacle. I think something has to change
in that regard.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
So do they go back to the blocker rule?
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I think they should.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
Yeah, I think I honestly should. I think thinking out
loud now, But is that the way to get back,
get back to where we were two years ago?
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Yeah, I think quite possibly. And I think the tactics
have just completely gone out of kicking. It's just the
upper and unders that come from half back in tenure.
We don't see a lot of and I know that
you know, defending in the backfield is a little bit
different because the risk of the fifty to twenty two now,
but you don't see a lot of kicking for lineouts
or kicking for position on the field anymore. It's very
(17:02):
much just up and under and I think that a
lot of the tactics leave a lot to be wanting.
So look, I'm back to blocker rule. I think there's
a number of things that Will Rugby could implement there.
And you're right for super Rugby promoting this fast attacking
style of rugby that was a kick battle and perfect
conditions under the roof in Dunedin, and I just don't
know that that is going to win too many spectators.
(17:24):
You know, it's very similar to AFL and AWAYFL is
a great sport. I watch a lot of it during
the season, but I watch AFL for a reason. I
watch rugby for a reason. Don't try and merge the two.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
Yeah, and look, ultimately, for John Gibbs, first year coach,
his currency is wins, so he won't care about what
we're saying. But yeah, I'd love to see a little
bit more endeavor. You know, speaking of watching the Brumbis
yesterday and the way in which they went around their
attacking plated you know, more of that please if you're
(17:55):
listening coaches out.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
There, absolutely Wartars thirty six thirteen over the draw, a
very good win for the war Tars under a little
bit of pressure. Was it was quite close early in
the second spell, but they kicked away and the war
tar Is looking pretty handy at this point of the season.
And then on Friday night it was the Hurricanes against
Mowana Pacifica to start the round. Muana started very nicely. Indeed,
(18:16):
Domin added the first ten minutes or maybe just under
scored the opening try. But from then onwards it was
pretty much one way traffic and the Hurricanes winning fifty
two points to ten just a little too good, little
too polished against Moana Pacificer who had played in Fiji
the week before, made you know, entirety of changes to
their team. I think it was twenty two in the
(18:37):
end changes they made to their side for this game,
and they looked at basically in the end the Hurricanes.
Pretty good start to the season from them after the
first round by what did you make of it?
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Yeah, it was a good start from the Canes. Didn't
surprise me though, and I'm really pleased that Tanner Hermang
and the Wainer coach came out and had a bit
of a crack at the schedule because a six day
turnaround from going from Auckland to Latoka, back to Auckland
down to Wellington to play a Hurricanes team that had
the first round by that shouldn't happen. And you know
(19:08):
mine are up against it already that they deserve to
have a little bit more of a fear go when
it comes to the schedule anyway, But that's by the
side I thought the Canes in terms of their attack,
we know how exciting their their rock star backlineers. You know,
Jordi Barrett looked right at home and obviously had to
take on a bit more of the playmaking responsibility after
(19:30):
that serious knee injury to Brett Cameron. Goodness may feel
for that guy, but when you see fair Young and
Norfold or Josh Morby, Callum Harken looks good with ball
in hand. Yeah, the Canes, they're a team that will
be there or thereabouts again. Greater tests await for them,
So I don't want to cast a massive judgment over
(19:52):
them based on one game against a team that perhaps
might not be in the finals picture, but it's a start.
I suppose the question now is Elliott, where do they
turn at first five when they still well a month
away from Reuben Love and all likelihood based on what
we're hearing, could be without Brett Cambon from the remainder
of the season.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
I think they're gonna have to go to Callum Harkin.
They've got Lucas Kashmore who's been playing in their B team.
I don't know the exact name of the town. I
think it's the Hunters. Maybe last couple of weeks you'd
imagine he comes onto the bench. Harry Godfrey gone for
the season as well, as they've had a lot of
bad luck at ten. They play the Drewer away this week,
so they're doing the reverse of Mowana and going to
(20:31):
play the Drewer this week. It'd be interesting to see
Clark Laidlaw's approach to that game. Do they send over
a full strength team they have the war Retars in
Sydney the following week. I'm not sure where they jump
straight from playing in Suva or Latoka from Memory over
to Sydney. I'm not sure how that will work. But
(20:52):
where they send a lesser strength team over to that
game against the Drewer, who don't look much chopped the season,
then go back to full strength for the war Retars
game in round four will be interesting. But I think
they've got to go with Harkin and give him some
time in the saddle.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
Yeah, totally agree. Whoever they go with, they need to
back in for the next month or so until until
whenever Ruben Love returns. But it will be interesting. I
feel like that's one for you and Lambs to keep
an eye on the team the week after they go
to Laotoka. You know, it's a one start like it's
such a tough place to go, you know, being here
(21:27):
in christ Church. The Crusaders put so much resource into
finally winning against the drawer and fig last year they
had specialist help from Hockey New Zealand and all sorts
of things going on with ice vests and what have you,
and then the recovery side of things. So it is
tricky and that is tough. Having that the Warratars who,
as you say, have started with a real hissiner or
(21:49):
all the following week.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Quick breaking back into the final four after this on
Rugby Directs. You're back with Rugby Direct time now for
the Final four. MVP voting on the way as well.
Bull's six Nations. Busy week in Ireland, stun England, Scotland,
scrappars Wells and France is too good for Italy? What
stood out from those games for you?
Speaker 3 (22:10):
Swing Low is warthwork about to go?
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Wow?
Speaker 3 (22:14):
Goodness me, what's happened? You know they were airborne? What
about a ago two weeks ago exactly? Yeah, Sir Steve
Borthwick and the almighty thud you know Cup, which to
be fair, you know that was Scotland won seven of
the last eight, so you go Okay, that was a
little bit unusual, but that was always a game Scotland
we're going to get up for. And then that scoreline
(22:36):
against Ireland, and now I see, based on some reporting
over in the UK, the pressure is right on Steve Borthway,
who would want to be a coach. But yeah, it
was just quite an abject performance from England. And this
is against an Irish team that I feel like I've
been saying for the last twelve or eighteen months is
on a serious decline in terms of their age profile.
(22:56):
They needed some form of regeneration and they got a
performance there after it the weekend, much to the delight
of Andy Farrell. But from an England perspective surely, particularly
the way France are traveling as well, it leaves any
ambitions of lifting a Six Nations trophy and tatters.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
I have to say that they're probably gone at that point.
Ireland I thought were excellent. They bullied England right around
the park. I thought Jamison Gibson Park was outstanding. He
was denied to try in the first bill that probably
should have stood, so it could have been even further.
But they out kicked England, they outran England, They just
buried them into the grounds with a very very good
(23:35):
performance and England would run ragged by the end of it.
I just thought that was an Island team that rolled
back the clock when all the questions were against them,
when people were asking, as you said, whether this Island
team was on the decline. Well, they stood up and
they get up for the games against England. But that
was a performance that I did not see coming. I
thought England would win that probably by seven to ten points,
(23:57):
but England were shell shocked by the end of it.
Then when the hooks Luke, Cow and Dickie after half
an hour, Maratoji looks a shadow of himself. He looks
he doesn't look and I heard our colleagues from the
Times podcast the Ruck Will Kelliher and co up there
talking about it. He looks short of a gallop. I
know he's been through some personal strife with his mother
(24:19):
passing away, but he does not look international rugby ready.
So they are an interesting position now after back to
back losses. It's a fellow week this week in terms
of the six Nations. Then they come back, they head
to Rome and then they finish off this season with
the big game against the French in the final round,
(24:40):
so look get back them to win that next game,
but hard to see them getting past France, who just
look like the champions and waiting of this competition. Moving
on our topic to the global calendar, our colleague at
staff Paul Kelly, friend of the podcast, reporting this over
the weekend that All Black's assistant coach Jason Bryan is
(25:00):
heading up North for discussions around the shape of the
future calendar. Greg Barclay going up as well. Now, this
has been something that South Africa has been pushing for
a few years now. I was having the international calendar
move so you'd have the Six Nations mirroring the Rugby
Championship and being played February March. You'd have the Rugby
(25:21):
Championship in that window. Super Raby would sort of wrap
around it bere an April start or maybe even a
September start with you know international breaks along the way, Bules.
What do you make of it? I mean that sounds
like the New Zealand rugby position is an outlie compared
to the rest of the world.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Yeah, that's what I was going to say. You know,
it doesn't need a it just needs a majority votes
for World Rugby, so South Africa are pushing this through.
Obviously it doesn't really change that much for your northern
hemisphere countries. And interestingly, in Paul's report it mentioned that
he's aware that Rugby Australia are fans of the idea
(25:59):
as well, and I was sort of racking my head
as to why that would be, and I suppose it
would be because the Rugby Championship in February and March,
when it's just slightly congested on the sporting calendar in Australia,
perhaps not as much international cricket home international cricket then,
and the AFL and NRAL really only just starting to
get underway, if not in the back end of March.
(26:21):
So it sort of leaves in New Zealand rugby in
a really awkward position because I don't think they'd want
to change, but they might not have a choice. So
then it just comes down to if this does get
passed through where the land in super Rugby, would you
want to have it two months later to what it
currently starts in April or do you look at having
(26:41):
it I guess what would be the front end of
like an American or English school year in September leading
into the Rugby Championship in February March. But then what
does that mean for the NPC. So a lot of
moving parts here, and it feels like New Zealand Rugby
are just perhaps going to get delta hand that they
(27:02):
can't do much about.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Yeah exactly. I'm not sure when a vote potentially would
take place on that, but I know talks are pretty
crucial this coming week around it. It'd be interesting to
see when this would start because you know, you zeeal
Ond Rugby sold broadcast deals on the basis of their
current calendar through to twenty thirty, so whether it would
start twenty thirty one, you know, a lot of water
to go under the bridge in that regard super rugby teams.
(27:23):
I know, maybe not all of them, but I've been
some have been crying out saying they don't have enough
time with fans, they don't have enough games to sell fans.
This wouldn't necessarily solve that problem, but they'd be in
the conversation for a bit more. So they started in
September and the season finished somewhere around May June. You know,
that is longer to be part of the conversation with fans.
(27:45):
You know, I think there's a bit of frustration out
there that you know, they get into it and just
on the back end of summer and you know, mid
February they start and then you know, some teams are
done and dusted by early June, if not in the
you know, if you make the finals, it's mid June.
So I know superraggod teams would value that connection a
little bit more. But I'm not sure it's best for
the game playing over summer in New Zealand. I just
(28:06):
don't know that it's going to win too many fans,
and so watch the space on that one topic. Three
in the Final four could Stephen Larkhim coach the All
Blacks as an assistant. This has been floated by Jamie
Panderam from Sydney's Daily Telegraph, saying that it had been
mentioned or it had been a part of the conversation,
potentially that there could be a place for Stephen Larkham
(28:28):
in an All Blacks coaching staff as an assistant. To
quote Pander's piece, Remembers across the Dets have rammed up
in recent days that Brumby's coach Larkhim is under consideration
by New Zealand Rugby as an assistant coach to either
Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie. What do you make of that?
Would he be a person you'd want to have in the.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
Mix, certainly, But it does surprise me that he'd be
a consideration for either team, you know, either coaching candidate,
whether it's Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie. But you know,
as was evidence yesterday, it's clearly a very well coached team,
the Brumbies. And Steven Larkham has been around the game
for many years now. He's got that international experience, he's
(29:09):
been the Wallabies attack coach, He's had experience up in
the North with Munster. I don't know though, whether is
this a job he'd want to take on, you know,
and particularly I guess that my concern around head coaches
going back to being assistant coaches has probably heightened over
the last twelve to twenty four months when you look
at Leon McDonald, Jason Holland in the previous All Blacks regime.
(29:35):
But certainly when you look at as I say, how
well the Brumbies are traveling and have traveled under Larkham
and his coaching pedigree, and is all around sort of
philosophy on the game and so it's beyond that, just
the willingness to go beyond our shores. You know, obviously
we're very very much and on a ki we coaching
(29:56):
have been the head coach of the All Blacks, but
I think it's high time that we get some international
experience and the assistance and just add something a little
bit different in terms of the IP we don't know
at all, as evidenced by the fact we won the
World Cup and don't have it twenty fifteen exactly, I would.
Speaker 2 (30:12):
I think it's a great idea if they can figure
out a way to get him involved.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
Now.
Speaker 2 (30:16):
I don't know how this conversation potentially has come about,
if if pandas piece is on the money, whether Stephen
Larkham has expressed interest, whether it's a New Zealand rugby idea,
going to the coaches going could you work with a
Stephen Larkham will build some build him into your coaching
lineup potentially. Don't know the nature of those conversations, but
I think he's a very very astute rugby coach. He's
(30:38):
probably seen now with lez Kiss being appointed to the
Wallabies role that has pathed to getting that should he want,
it is going to you would think, given say les
Kes will be real point. I'm trying to think when
his contract ends. But he's only getting a short run
to the World Cup, and I think he's contracted beyond
that as well, so it's going to be a while toll.
That job is in theory available, why not go overseas?
(30:59):
Larkin was an assistant coach for Michael Checker at the
twenty fifteen World Cup. You know, they were very impressive
on attack, then punched above their weight a little bit
in terms of what they are able to do on
attack with the kind of players they had in their
roster at that point, got them to a World Cup finals.
So if he's available, if he can work with either
(31:20):
one of those head coaches, I'm all for getting him
into the mix, which flows nicely into our final topic
in the final four? Is this the year? On the
twenty third of February, an Australian team finally wins Super
Rugby Bills.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
Since we're all about hot takes here on Rugby director,
I'm gonna say yes again. I'm a little bit facetious,
but based on the evidence of the first two rounds.
The Brumbies and the Warritars have played the best rugby
and it's not really that close. Again, bigger fish to fry,
particularly on the Waratars side, that you can't sneeze at
what the Brumbi's achieved here in christ Church with fifty
(31:54):
points on the Crusaders. And as we've alluded to over
the course of this episode, super ragkmed titles aren't one
in February, but it is just great to see, particularly
this competition. I know Lamb and yourself go on about it, Elliott,
it needs jeopardy. The fact that the Crusaders, you know, yes,
dynasties are important, but the fact that they are thereabouts.
(32:16):
It just feels like the Crusaders and the Chiefs are
going to be the final or certainly in the semi
final mix each and every year when it comes to predictions.
Isn't necessarily great for interest to casual sporting interest across
both sides of the Tasman. So I think this is
great for the Brumbies and I tell you who else.
A funny wee story came yesterday as I was waiting
(32:37):
for Rob Penny and Stephen Larkham to do media after
the Brumbies Crusaders. One fellaw who won't will be pretty
happy if one of the Australian teams wins or at
least host the final was one of the guys who
was working in the catering department at Venues Order Tah.
He was saying to one of his colleagues, do I
really hope the Crusaders don't host the final this year
because we're going to have then have to change all
(32:58):
the beer out because the Warriors are here the next
day and we all know what they drink. So for
the sake of the catering team at one New Zealand
Stadium to kah that they'll be hoping are Brumbies or
Waratars or they like get up and at least host
the final in June.
Speaker 2 (33:14):
Well, I think that's a very good point. Maybe not
the beer in terms of but there's that Jeopardy, isn't
it And it's that hosting the finals. I don't know
what they're drinking Camebra Canberra. Is it a Canbra bitter
or something like that. I don't know, but the you know,
had finals games hosted at home. But if they can
merge their way into a top spot, move their way
(33:34):
rather into a top spot. That the Brumbies can finish
top of the table and have home advantage through the clubs,
then it makes it very very difficult. It's a tough
place to go and win, as the Crusaders have done
with the home advantage you know, flipped last season when
the Chiefs lost in the opening round to the Blues
and then the Crusaders were quasi top for the last
two games of the season. If they can be top
of the ladder win that opening quarter final, then it's
(33:57):
a very very tricky place to go. I think the
same applies for the Waratars, maybe less so than Canberra,
but if you can finish in that top two, it's
just so important in your hopes of winning the title.
So if the Brumbies can continue there's winning run and
you pick up those victories, then you know that home
advantage could see them win that drought breaking title.
Speaker 3 (34:17):
Yeah, and it's been far too long. What was it,
twenty fourteen Waratahs, twenty eleven Reds just off the top
of my head. So in terms of being a trans
Tasmin competition, even when I was doing the preview for
the Brumbies Crusaders and you know there was all this
excitement around it's one of the sort of great rivalries.
And then you looked at I think Crusaders won twelve
of the last thirteen, as I say, and lost to
(34:38):
the Brumbies and christ it's for twenty six years. You
can't really sell a rivalry when it's that lopsided. But
now you know there's a there's a little bit of
hope there that we can go into each round. And
I know we're going to get into tipping in the
later in the week, but our tipping suggests it's a
good competition in the sense that you can't predict who's
going to win on each in any given day.
Speaker 2 (34:59):
Absolutely time Now for some MVP voting around two will
bring you the collated results next week as we get
into round three from the first couple of rounds. But look,
i'll kick things off bills. My three goes to Fang
and all four. I thought he was exceptional. It was
a lion board decision with Josh Molby for me as
to whether he got the three points or the two.
(35:19):
Morlby gets my two points. I thought though, those players,
if they can stay fit just on either side of
the wing, and I know it was a poor performance
from Mowana, but they're so devastating I think we'll be
going to France. Potentially has only made him a better player.
So for here for three, Josh Morlby for two, and
my one goes the way of Quinta Pie.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (35:37):
Maybe it wasn't entirely legal, but that's heads up footy
and that's smart and I thought he had an exceptional
game otherwise as well.
Speaker 3 (35:43):
Look, I should have clarified before coming on. Am I
allowed to perk Australian players? Oh?
Speaker 2 (35:48):
So this is the thing I should clarify it should
I should mention this? It is only for the six
teams based in New Zealand. So yeah, unfortunately, Charlie Kale,
Andy Buerheads, Ben Donaldson not eligible for the Rugby Direct Medal.
Speaker 3 (36:01):
Yeah, that's tough scene. I was James Slipper in there
as well. Sorry, So that's that's rather unfortunate for the
Brumbis and for or the benefit of this segment of
the podcast. But look on the basis that I suppose, Yeah,
the Hurricanes were the only team that really impressed me
from an attacking standpoint across the course of the season.
Across the course of the round. Sorry, yeah, I'll go similarly.
(36:24):
Maybe I'll flip it around. I thought Josh Moreby, as
you say, for him to come back into the competition
and really slot in there. And there's a fair bit
of competition there and that hurricanes back line as to
where he slots and very good finisher, so he can
have the three and fair he can have the two
and hmm, Chiefs Chiefs season, I mean takeya. At the
(36:45):
end of the day he scored a couple of pretty
critical tries that the Chiefs got the chocolates as a
result from. So Summersony Tokyo can have my one. And
if I ever do this again, I now know the rules.
Speaker 2 (36:55):
You've picked up a hospital pass brilliantly, Bules and run
with it. So thank you very much for that, and
thank you for your time on Raby Direct. Keep the
phone on. I'm sure we'll touch base again over the
course of the season anytime, Elliot pleasure and you can
get in touch with the podcast of course at Rugby
Director at nzdme dot co dot nz will open up
the mailbag on Thursday. Fool your feedback as well. But
(37:17):
thanks to Mark Kelly for producing. Thanks to Mick Bewley,
and our thanks to Habit help Busier, book today and
stay in the game
Speaker 1 (37:28):
For more from News Talks b listen live on air
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