February 25, 2026 • 23 mins
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview the third round of Super Rugby Pacific.
They also discuss the latest changes to the NZ Rugby high performance environment and how it could change the game across New Zealand.
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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.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Straight down the Middle, Try.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliott Smith and Liam Navier, powered by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Ed B Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio Book
Today and Stay in the Game. We are back another week,
Elliott Smith and I see it on Monday's episode. Keep
your phone on Bewley you have because welcome back to
Rugby Direct the midweek edition.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
You did you warned me. I had it on loud
and got that call yesterday and I'm not happy to
fill in any time. Elliott and chat to rugby issues
and we've geez, look at the rugby news cycle. We
were what in the studio steady six seventy odd hours ago.
And another departure at New Zealand Rugby. Scott Robinson's got
(01:13):
a coaching gig, obviously got super games ahead.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
It's but doing It's all go, It is all go.
Let's start with the news of Chris Lendrum leaving a
couple of days ago. It was announced by New Zealand Rugby.
He's been general manager of Professional Rugby and Performance most
recently that's his job title. He's had a few other
hats of similar roles at the organization, been there for
twenty years but now leaving, and they're going to take
(01:38):
that opportunity to reshape the High Performance program, restructure it,
rescope the High Performance Director role and it certainly sounds
like the HP director thereafter will oversee the all Blacks
program the head coach, the new head coach will report
to him, and it's certainly a bit of a change
from what we used to PERHPAE more off the Northern
(01:59):
Hemisphere style, maybe like just a David nusafora has overseen
it a couple of nations up north, you know, a
real director of rugby. Well, for me that it looks
like they're wanting any coach, at least a former coach
potentially to take on that role. But I guess your
reaction to Lindram departing bills and also the way that
they're going to look to rescope this role.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Yeah, I've always like the way Chris Lendrin's come across
and media. Seems a very calm presence and you know,
speaks very well and knows you know the ins and
outs of the rugby environment and landscape better than most.
It just felt to me, though, when we factor in
Mike Anthony's departure on top of Scott Robertson's departure and
(02:42):
all these changing parts. If we even look a little
bit further down the high performance ladder, when we look
at a Guy Caine Jury, who as of today's just
been appointed in a Men's National Pathways coaching role, that
there was a real changing of the guard, a real evolution.
And for Chris Lendrim, he probably took a look around
and said, I'm one of the last people left here
(03:03):
and now perhaps this is my time to vacate. I
still see going to help a consultancy period through until
the end of the year. But for me it felt
a little bit inevitable, and you know it must have
for you know, perhaps not knowing the full ins and
outs of the hierarchy system. It was the fact that
the All Blacks coach has up until now reported to
(03:26):
the CEO. I feel like for some people that would
really shock a few people that and now that's finally
going to be changed, which I think is a necessary change.
There's such a difference these days between the professional rugby
landscape and everything else the CEO needs to be dealing
with from a commercial and financial and logistical standpoint that
a rugby person needs to be overseeing the All Blacks
(03:51):
machine from an on field.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Perspective, that's right. I mean, the All Blacks is vitally
important to New Zealand rugby, so it made sense in
a way for them to report to a CEO. But
there needs to be I think that bridge in between
and the CEO needs to be concentrating once we've got
one in place. Of course, on signing, you know, the
sponsorship and keeping the game, taking over in various facets
and not being so concerned with the you know, the
(04:14):
all books. Obviously it's going to form a major part
of it, but there needs to be some sort of
bridge in between. It's going to be fascinating to see
the kind of person they want for this role. You know,
I've seen Joe Schmid's day mentioned and his names he
mentioned in this sort of capacity perhaps a Director of
Rugby role before, but you know he's contracted to Australian
Rugby through this year or through the middle of the year.
(04:35):
He basically has said that he's not going to entertain
anything until after the next World Cup. Steve Hansen might
be a goal potentially coming back from Toyota he fills
the director of rugby roll up there currently, this will
be a much bigger scope at this point in his
career or his life. Does he want to take on
something like that doesn't need to be a rugby person.
I think it's an interesting question as to where they
(04:57):
need to go and the kind of person that they
want sitting in that role. For me, I think it
needs to be a former coach, high profile coach, because
they know the ins and outs that walks. I had
to deal with the you know, the pressures of the
CEO and what the CEO is after and how much
money they're going to spend on various programs, et cetera.
They can fight that fight, but they can also talk
to the new All Blacks head coach. So for me,
(05:18):
it has to be someone that's been in a high
performance rugby coaching environment.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
The one thing I'd add earlier is the timing is tricky,
isn't it. You know they're under time pressure. The recruitment
process is already underway to replace Scott Robertson and an
ideal circumstance, you'd want a bit more alignment around putting
the new high performance director in place and them actually
being part of the recruitment process for an All Black's
(05:44):
head coach. So you just wonder. I'm sure a Jamie
Joseph or a Dave Rennie in all likelihood would get
on with you know, the caliber of potential candidates you're
talking about there, you Joschmits and your Steve Hansen's. But again,
I would have thought, in an ideal world, from a
recruitment standpoint, you'd want to have your high performance director
in place to get an All Blacks coach. But it
is sort of a cart before horse in many ways.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Indeed, we spoke on the Monday edition of Rugby Direct
Stephen Larkham had been linked by The Daily Telegraph to
a role in the new All Blacks environment, potentially as
an assistant coach. Since then, Stephen Larkin has shut it down.
I've spoken to New Zealand rugging. My understanding is that
there has been no approach there. So you know, all
(06:27):
those hopes and dreams I had on Monday been crushed
by you know, the reality of it. Not happening. But look,
I can see why his name was link because he's
a quality coach and look, maybe it's given them pause
for thought that maybe this guy could be involved. But
it sounds like it's not going to happen.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Yeah, that was all of a sudden. We're a little
bit let down after getting a bit excited here on
Monday when re Elliott's But again, as you say, pause
for thought, I still would like to think in my
position hasn't changed that an international voice would be of
considerable value. I know, as I said on Monday, they
are going chips in on a Kiwi, whether that is
(07:03):
Joseph or ready for the top job. But they will
I'm sure, push some assistance that they would prefer, or
perhaps New Zealand Rugby will have some candidates in mind.
I just hope they again not ring fencing themselves to
New Zealanders, because there's a lot of rugby ip out
there to put the All Blacks in a better position
to win a World Cup.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
It did seem slightly odd that Lucky had been linked
to New Zealand rugby with no head coach in charge.
So I mean whether the coach, the penelty gone hey,
can you work with Larkin? We're going to sound him out.
It sounded, you know a bit, you know, similar to
the previous one. You know, horse befu, the cark up
before the horse. You know, you've got to get one
place in place before you can get the other one
in place. So yeah, watch the space. But I suspect
(07:45):
that Stephen Larkin will start the Brumby's next year. Maybe
he'll coach them to a title this year. Moving on,
Scott Robertson back in charge of a rugby team. He's
in the coach of the bar Bars this year. He
will get to coach against South Africa this year after all,
just perhaps not in the game or serious he was
hoping for. They're going to play against the Brocks in
(08:05):
June and then also going coach in Wales. I guess
he's dipping his toe back in the water. There's a
few restrictions obviously on what he can do this year.
You'd expect maybe once this year is out, there might
ramp up a little bit more about Scott Robertson and
his coaching future.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
I suspect so. But it has scant consolation, isn't it
getting a one off match against the Springboks as opposed
to the Greatest Rivalry Tour. But it is great from
just a personal perspective to see Scott Robertson get back
on his feet, so to speak, from a coaching perspective,
get a gig. He's still very well respected and I'm
sure those offers are already streaming through and time is
(08:46):
on his side. He very much doesn't need to rush
into things. The one thing I thought I'd just throw
it at Elliott he's partnering up with Philippe Contopomi in
The Barbarians. Could you see a scenario where that partnership
could come into the Puma's mix potentially?
Speaker 3 (09:03):
Yeah, absolutely, look at make his sharp appointment for them
in a world get a different sort of intel. I
really like the way the Permas are building, and if
Contupoi thinks there's a perhaps a missing piece there or
something that Scott Robertson can add, and I don't think
it'd be the worst thing for him to maybe be
sort of as an advisor or as an assistant coach
for twelve months to get a different perspective on things
(09:26):
and view things in a different way. So look, I
wouldn't rule that out entirely hard to know where the
chips fall around international coaching. You know, three weeks ago
we thought Gregor Townsend might be gone from Scotland. Now
I suspect all State of the World Cup. So maybe
as an assistant coach, that might be Scott Robinson's best
chance of getting a ticket over to Australia as a
(09:48):
coach at next year's tournament. So yeah, watch the space.
I mean, as you mentioned, interesting as well, isn't it
to see what kind of team you can put together
with the Barbers? Will there be any players as coach
from the Crusaders or maybe even all Blacks environment before
non currently in New Zealand, I would think, but there'll
be probably a few New Zealanders smatted through the squad
that he'll assemble for those games. So we will see
(10:09):
who he puts together for those Barbars games. Super a
good teams out for the week three games and bills
on your patch. No Cody Taylor for the Crusaders this week.
Lister of Fighting Anooka comes in at center as well.
Brandon Enall's at a wedding. But you know, the Crusaders,
as we discussed on Monday, they need these changes to
(10:30):
work and work quickly, and not having Cody Taylor there
is a big blow it is.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Yeah, unfortunately it sounds like it's more on the minor side.
And speaking of Rob Penny on Tuesday said, you know,
if it was a final they probably would have risked it.
But particularly with the lineout wobbles that they've had on Sunday,
what was it seven from thirteen a little over fifty
percent efficiency rates and the experience of Cody Taylor usually
(10:55):
just thrives playing against the Chiefs in particular, so that
puts a bit of extra pressure on George bow as
a starter. And then young Man and moa Letto who's
only played a handful of first class games across Super
rugby and in PC. So we'll interesting to see how
both of those two go. I think those other changes
certainly were required on form. I think even if the
(11:18):
braiden in or wasn't away at a wedding, the drums
were beating for Leester fining Minoku to start, he seemed
to make a real statement after being benched. After starting
on the wing in round one, he made something ridiculous
like eleven tackle breaks across about thirty five minutes of rugby,
so looking forward to seeing him start at center and
(11:40):
to Mighty Williams as well. That's a significant inclusion. He
played about thirty five minutes on the weekend, but to
have him there from the start, partnering with Fletcher ywell,
the Crusaders will be hoping they can try and get
a bit of pay at the scrum. They only had
three scrum feeds against the Brumbies on Sunday, as mentioned
a lot of lineouts, but yeah, they're up against it
(12:01):
against the Chiefs team. I just look on paper Elliott
and particularly the strength and depth and the loose forward
three and their four pack in general. But to have
Simon Parker. I know they've got Kaylen Boshier moving over
to open side flanker, Luke Jacobson as a back row,
and then their their replacement options and none other than
Wallace to Titi and Sammerpeni female. So that's probably one
(12:23):
area of concern. I feel like for the Crusaders is
their back three with Gardener, Blackadder and Leo Willie. I
think it's a little bit too same same and I
think they really are missing the impact to Tom Christie.
So some inclusions for the Crusaders a bigger mission and Taylor.
But I think from where the Chiefs are on paper
(12:43):
and this is still without Cortez at artamis still without
Damien McKenzie. I think that I can see why the
tab of the Chiefs a dollar thirty favorite.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
Well, it's remarkable, isn't that He courty's right to my
opporternity to leave. Still, I don't think he's back in camp.
If he is, he hasn't been there back long. Damien
McKenzie came in at the start of the week. They've
decided that don't you to risk him this week against
the Crusaders wild Rather, don't need to rush him in.
Bring him in against Mowaa Pacifica next week. He hasn't
played any rugby since the end of year tour. And
(13:13):
then they can bring on like a Lolakeye Forgetsie as
well off the bench, as well as former Wallaby players,
so that stacks and I think they'll very much go
three from three this week. We'll touch on the tipping
and just a moment elsewhere around the traps, no surprises.
Calum Harkin gets the nod at ten for the Hurricanes
and what is becoming a cursed juicy at ten, Rubin
(13:35):
Love obviously out already Brick Cameron as we discussed earlier
in the week, and Harry Godfrey already up for the season.
You'd be hoping that he gets through the weekends game,
where right also brought through Lucas Cashmore as well, back
from injury. Otherwise minimal changes to the Highlanders and Blues
for their respective games. We'll get into tipping in a moment,
but first let's dive into the Rugby Direct mail bag,
(13:55):
which you can get in touch with us via social
media or on Rugby Direct at z dot co dot
m z's. This is from Matthew Willoughby, who messaged myself
and Liam on Twitter early in the week going, Guys,
how is the integrity of the comp not question? When
wanna can rotate fourteen players into round two? We touched
a little bit on this on the Monday Pod Bules,
(14:18):
but Tana Umanger gave for the comp a little bit
of a serve for that because basically he felt like
there was no other answer than bringing in a whole
host of players given the way that their schedule started.
So that's probably the competition of integrity was the other
teams rotate big time for various games, but that was
a fairly drastic selection from Tana Umager.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
It was. I think it brings the spotlight again on
Laotoka and games at Churchill Park, particularly this early in
the year when it's even hotter than usual in FGM.
Just saving quick look on the weather forecast, it's supposed
to be upwards of thirty two degrees for this Hurricanes
drawer game on Saturday. And it doesn't surprise me one
(15:02):
iota that teams are going to such drastic action either
more not the week after, if not doing some pretty
forward thinking the week before. Even look at the Canes
the way they've reintegrated cam roy Garden Billy Proctor as
an example. You know, both came off the bench last week,
so it kind of has to be done. And the
(15:24):
Hurricanes have, you know, have to go over to Sydney
next week to play the Waratahs. So personally, I'm guessing
it correat me if I'm wrong. But it's a lighting issue,
isn't it Laotoka. That's why these games have to be
played in the middle of the day. But it is
a real factor around the squad rotation. No, I don't
think from a fan perspective it is great, or probably
(15:45):
from a fantasy perspective, it's great. There's so much squad rotation,
but it is really tricky. Having spoken of these Crusaders
guys last year, coming back from Laotoka took most of
them at least a week if not more to recover.
Such was the jurists they are under in terms of
the heat.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Yeah, I don't believe that Lauotoka ground has sufficient lighting
to host basically games at night. I think so that's
an issue because they can basically only play in one
or two time slots each week, and for Super Rugby,
you know they need those night games. And then again
it's imbalanced if there are night games in Fiji versus
playing in day. You know, go to Suva play at
(16:23):
night at seven o'clock on a Saturday or Friday. That's
a different game rarely to playing at two thirty five
in Lautoka. So there's all sorts of considerations. Until that
is sorted, until there are facilities, there probably going to
be an issue ongoing for Super Rugby. I thanks to
your feedback in the mail bag, Matthew, and always welcome
to get in touch anyone into the pod. Let's get
in some tipping bules. All these games live on gold
(16:45):
Sport and iHeartRadio. This week, well one are Pacifica against
the Force from Bokakoe on Friday night, seven o five.
I'm calling this game and look, I'm gonna give it
to more onea Pacifica. But wouldn't surprise me if the
Force come over and take a win. They have scored
a lot of points last week thirty two against the Blues,
twenty four against the Brumbies the week prior. I mean
(17:05):
they conceded fifty six, sure, but they have points to them.
This Western Force team, it's just the defense that has
a few question marks. There might be a lot of
points in this one. I suspect and book goee.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
I think you bang On took the words out of
my mouth there. I think it was last year, was
it Ben Donaldson? Eighty minutes into the game Force beat
Moana and it was forty eight forty five or something
in the most game of super Touch. I think it
could be that again at Pukakoi, and just to be different,
I will go with the Force. I thought from the
highlights I saw of the game against the Blues, there's
(17:37):
enough enough signs of encouragement for Mowana perhaps, you know,
having recovered now from that trip to Laotoka, they should
be better than they were against the Hurricanes. I think
it'll be close, but I'll go.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Force Indeed, Red's Highlanders. I think this is one of
the games that has a claim to be matched with
the Round. There's probably three games that have claims to
be matching the Round. Here Reid, Thailand is sun Corpse
Stadium Friday night. Big test for the Highlanders, who frustrated
they didn't get that win last week against the Chiefs,
could have been two and Z to start the season.
The red coming off you know, the bye last week,
(18:10):
how will they go? I suspect the Reds might be
able to get the job done at home.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
What so you yeah, I'm gonna go with the Reds
as well. I think it would have been a bit
of a reality check from them in Round one losing
to the Warritars having to buy lez Kiss doesn't take
a step backwards in terms of the way he goes
about things. So I think they'll be much improved for
the Highlanders. They've been there or thereabouts. I really again
(18:37):
on stress this point that I made on Monday. I
would love to see more endeavor from them in terms
of unleashing Caleb Tonguey Tel, Jacob Rutamak, Vuki Niekins and
Jona Nauki. It just seems a little bit conservative in
terms of the they're They're attacking shape at the moment.
I think they lead the competition for kicks first trip
away and interestingly Elliott Adam Lennox starting at half back
(18:58):
Tarva to come off the bench. So I'm not not
sure if that's a recognition of trying to get more
impacts laden games or just they please with the way
Lennox is travel But I'm still just going to go
the Reds.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Yeah who Jamie Joseph saying he's pretty pleased with what
Adam Nicks has been offering and rewarded him with the start.
Interesting to see what fucker Tarba can do off the bench,
you know. Probably human diight in Brisbane and Queensland might
be abo to make a difference in that laster twenty
twenty five minutes or so. The game we just talked
about before, fig and Drawer against the Hurricanes four thirty
(19:30):
five on Saturday. The drawer yet to pick up when
the season can the Hurricanes go over to a pretty
tough ground and take the points.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
This is a game. I was having a laugh with
my Wlington colleague Adam Cooper that after all the hype
around the Canes a big win in their first game,
this will be the sort of one they lose. But look,
I am going to go just on strength of the
team that they've named here Clark Laidlaw's named, and the
way that the drawer are playing, and particularly to lose
to Mowana at home. Usually they're so strong at home.
(20:06):
I think the Canes should get it done. Although yeah,
it's a tricky place to go. I feel like I
rarely have it home this point, and better teams or
just as good as teams have found it tough in Lautokas.
Don't be shocked. I wouldn't call it an upset by
any stretch. If the drawer beat the.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
Case, I'm going to go the drawer for an upset.
There we go, all yeah, absolutely, grand Father rematch Chiefs
Crusaders seven o five on Saturday in Hamilton. I can't
see the Crusaders going up there and winning. I can
see them going up there and winning, But I find
it hard to see on the basis of what we
saw and got served up by the Crusaders on Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Yeah, this is tough though again I feel like if
we discard that last seven minutes, which no you can't,
but you know, thirty one twenty four, the game and
the balance, if the Crusaders can just tidy up the area,
stop giving away free position, tidy up there, ill discipline.
There's a quality team there. But I just think the
(21:08):
Chiefs just know what to do at this time of
the year in terms of accumulating points. In fact, I
thought it was a bit cheeky and funny that Rob
Penny called them the Kings of pool play in Tuesday Media.
Just a slide dig there, but saying that the Chiefs
have won five of their last six regular season games
against the Crusaders, and I can see that becoming six
(21:31):
from seven just on the evidence of what we're seeing
over the first fortnight.
Speaker 3 (21:34):
So you going the Chiefs, Chiefs, Chiefs for you and
Brumbies against the Blues. Really fascinating game in Canberra nine
to thirty five on Saturday night again live on Gold
Sport and iHeartRadio. Can the Brumbies get the victory against
the Blues. First time at home for the Brumbies this season.
Blues on a two week road trip in Australia. They
were in Perth last week. I believe they went to
(21:56):
Sydney for a few days and have landed in Canberra.
We're about to land in Canberra for this game. Fascinating game.
Look I think the Brumbies are going to go and
take another one?
Speaker 2 (22:06):
What so you yeah? I do? And chanting to Stephen
Larkham on Sunday postmatch after that went over the Crusaders.
He said, one of the great things and something I
don't think he thought he'd never done. Has effectively picked
the same twenty three no injuries and I see he's
unchanged again. So they've got that continuity, they've got that confidence.
They're back at home. They beat the Blues last year
(22:28):
at Eden Park. I think it'll be close. The Blues
have got reason to get up that Stalton Papali's one
hundredth game. I s Curtic Glynn's listed to start. He's
back in the mix. Sam Dowry back from concussion, so
they're more or less back to full strength obviously, Sands
Boone and Barrett. But this Brumbi's team is humming, and
I suspect they're going to be pretty tricky to stop.
(22:51):
And as we saw, if if they can put you
away late in games and make it quite the margin,
So Brumby's for me three and zero.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
There we go. Yeah, I'm going the same Brumbies to
round out the week here. Of course, you can follow
us in the Rugby Direct podcast Fantasy as well as
if you are that way inclined. But that'll do us
for Rugby Direct for another week. We are back on Monday, Bules,
keep your phone on. I have been assured by our
walking wounded compatriot Liam Napier that he will be back,
(23:22):
perhaps on Zoom. He's dealing with a broken wrist, so
but I say keep the phone on because you've probably
got more chance of answering it than Liam at this
point in time.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
Well, yeah, my thoughts out to Liam Napier. But no,
it's always good to jump in studio with your Elliott
and there's always plenty to digest in the world of rugby.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
Sure as thanks to Mark Kelly for producing and thanks
to having help for us. Your book today and stay
in the game.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
For more from news, talks, ed B Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Straight down the Middle, Try.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliott Smith and Liam Navier, powered by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Ed B Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio Book
Today and Stay in the Game. We are back another week,
Elliott Smith and I see it on Monday's episode. Keep
your phone on Bewley you have because welcome back to
Rugby Direct the midweek edition.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
You did you warned me. I had it on loud
and got that call yesterday and I'm not happy to
fill in any time. Elliott and chat to rugby issues
and we've geez, look at the rugby news cycle. We
were what in the studio steady six seventy odd hours ago.
And another departure at New Zealand Rugby. Scott Robinson's got
(01:13):
a coaching gig, obviously got super games ahead.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
It's but doing It's all go, It is all go.
Let's start with the news of Chris Lendrum leaving a
couple of days ago. It was announced by New Zealand Rugby.
He's been general manager of Professional Rugby and Performance most
recently that's his job title. He's had a few other
hats of similar roles at the organization, been there for
twenty years but now leaving, and they're going to take
(01:38):
that opportunity to reshape the High Performance program, restructure it,
rescope the High Performance Director role and it certainly sounds
like the HP director thereafter will oversee the all Blacks
program the head coach, the new head coach will report
to him, and it's certainly a bit of a change
from what we used to PERHPAE more off the Northern
(01:59):
Hemisphere style, maybe like just a David nusafora has overseen
it a couple of nations up north, you know, a
real director of rugby. Well, for me that it looks
like they're wanting any coach, at least a former coach
potentially to take on that role. But I guess your
reaction to Lindram departing bills and also the way that
they're going to look to rescope this role.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Yeah, I've always like the way Chris Lendrin's come across
and media. Seems a very calm presence and you know,
speaks very well and knows you know the ins and
outs of the rugby environment and landscape better than most.
It just felt to me, though, when we factor in
Mike Anthony's departure on top of Scott Robertson's departure and
(02:42):
all these changing parts. If we even look a little
bit further down the high performance ladder, when we look
at a Guy Caine Jury, who as of today's just
been appointed in a Men's National Pathways coaching role, that
there was a real changing of the guard, a real evolution.
And for Chris Lendrim, he probably took a look around
and said, I'm one of the last people left here
(03:03):
and now perhaps this is my time to vacate. I
still see going to help a consultancy period through until
the end of the year. But for me it felt
a little bit inevitable, and you know it must have
for you know, perhaps not knowing the full ins and
outs of the hierarchy system. It was the fact that
the All Blacks coach has up until now reported to
(03:26):
the CEO. I feel like for some people that would
really shock a few people that and now that's finally
going to be changed, which I think is a necessary change.
There's such a difference these days between the professional rugby
landscape and everything else the CEO needs to be dealing
with from a commercial and financial and logistical standpoint that
a rugby person needs to be overseeing the All Blacks
(03:51):
machine from an on field.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Perspective, that's right. I mean, the All Blacks is vitally
important to New Zealand rugby, so it made sense in
a way for them to report to a CEO. But
there needs to be I think that bridge in between
and the CEO needs to be concentrating once we've got
one in place. Of course, on signing, you know, the
sponsorship and keeping the game, taking over in various facets
and not being so concerned with the you know, the
(04:14):
all books. Obviously it's going to form a major part
of it, but there needs to be some sort of
bridge in between. It's going to be fascinating to see
the kind of person they want for this role. You know,
I've seen Joe Schmid's day mentioned and his names he
mentioned in this sort of capacity perhaps a Director of
Rugby role before, but you know he's contracted to Australian
Rugby through this year or through the middle of the year.
(04:35):
He basically has said that he's not going to entertain
anything until after the next World Cup. Steve Hansen might
be a goal potentially coming back from Toyota he fills
the director of rugby roll up there currently, this will
be a much bigger scope at this point in his
career or his life. Does he want to take on
something like that doesn't need to be a rugby person.
I think it's an interesting question as to where they
(04:57):
need to go and the kind of person that they
want sitting in that role. For me, I think it
needs to be a former coach, high profile coach, because
they know the ins and outs that walks. I had
to deal with the you know, the pressures of the
CEO and what the CEO is after and how much
money they're going to spend on various programs, et cetera.
They can fight that fight, but they can also talk
to the new All Blacks head coach. So for me,
(05:18):
it has to be someone that's been in a high
performance rugby coaching environment.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
The one thing I'd add earlier is the timing is tricky,
isn't it. You know they're under time pressure. The recruitment
process is already underway to replace Scott Robertson and an
ideal circumstance, you'd want a bit more alignment around putting
the new high performance director in place and them actually
being part of the recruitment process for an All Black's
(05:44):
head coach. So you just wonder. I'm sure a Jamie
Joseph or a Dave Rennie in all likelihood would get
on with you know, the caliber of potential candidates you're
talking about there, you Joschmits and your Steve Hansen's. But again,
I would have thought, in an ideal world, from a
recruitment standpoint, you'd want to have your high performance director
in place to get an All Blacks coach. But it
is sort of a cart before horse in many ways.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Indeed, we spoke on the Monday edition of Rugby Direct
Stephen Larkham had been linked by The Daily Telegraph to
a role in the new All Blacks environment, potentially as
an assistant coach. Since then, Stephen Larkin has shut it down.
I've spoken to New Zealand rugging. My understanding is that
there has been no approach there. So you know, all
(06:27):
those hopes and dreams I had on Monday been crushed
by you know, the reality of it. Not happening. But look,
I can see why his name was link because he's
a quality coach and look, maybe it's given them pause
for thought that maybe this guy could be involved. But
it sounds like it's not going to happen.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Yeah, that was all of a sudden. We're a little
bit let down after getting a bit excited here on
Monday when re Elliott's But again, as you say, pause
for thought, I still would like to think in my
position hasn't changed that an international voice would be of
considerable value. I know, as I said on Monday, they
are going chips in on a Kiwi, whether that is
(07:03):
Joseph or ready for the top job. But they will
I'm sure, push some assistance that they would prefer, or
perhaps New Zealand Rugby will have some candidates in mind.
I just hope they again not ring fencing themselves to
New Zealanders, because there's a lot of rugby ip out
there to put the All Blacks in a better position
to win a World Cup.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
It did seem slightly odd that Lucky had been linked
to New Zealand rugby with no head coach in charge.
So I mean whether the coach, the penelty gone hey,
can you work with Larkin? We're going to sound him out.
It sounded, you know a bit, you know, similar to
the previous one. You know, horse befu, the cark up
before the horse. You know, you've got to get one
place in place before you can get the other one
in place. So yeah, watch the space. But I suspect
(07:45):
that Stephen Larkin will start the Brumby's next year. Maybe
he'll coach them to a title this year. Moving on,
Scott Robertson back in charge of a rugby team. He's
in the coach of the bar Bars this year. He
will get to coach against South Africa this year after all,
just perhaps not in the game or serious he was
hoping for. They're going to play against the Brocks in
(08:05):
June and then also going coach in Wales. I guess
he's dipping his toe back in the water. There's a
few restrictions obviously on what he can do this year.
You'd expect maybe once this year is out, there might
ramp up a little bit more about Scott Robertson and
his coaching future.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
I suspect so. But it has scant consolation, isn't it
getting a one off match against the Springboks as opposed
to the Greatest Rivalry Tour. But it is great from
just a personal perspective to see Scott Robertson get back
on his feet, so to speak, from a coaching perspective,
get a gig. He's still very well respected and I'm
sure those offers are already streaming through and time is
(08:46):
on his side. He very much doesn't need to rush
into things. The one thing I thought I'd just throw
it at Elliott he's partnering up with Philippe Contopomi in
The Barbarians. Could you see a scenario where that partnership
could come into the Puma's mix potentially?
Speaker 3 (09:03):
Yeah, absolutely, look at make his sharp appointment for them
in a world get a different sort of intel. I
really like the way the Permas are building, and if
Contupoi thinks there's a perhaps a missing piece there or
something that Scott Robertson can add, and I don't think
it'd be the worst thing for him to maybe be
sort of as an advisor or as an assistant coach
for twelve months to get a different perspective on things
(09:26):
and view things in a different way. So look, I
wouldn't rule that out entirely hard to know where the
chips fall around international coaching. You know, three weeks ago
we thought Gregor Townsend might be gone from Scotland. Now
I suspect all State of the World Cup. So maybe
as an assistant coach, that might be Scott Robinson's best
chance of getting a ticket over to Australia as a
(09:48):
coach at next year's tournament. So yeah, watch the space.
I mean, as you mentioned, interesting as well, isn't it
to see what kind of team you can put together
with the Barbers? Will there be any players as coach
from the Crusaders or maybe even all Blacks environment before
non currently in New Zealand, I would think, but there'll
be probably a few New Zealanders smatted through the squad
that he'll assemble for those games. So we will see
(10:09):
who he puts together for those Barbars games. Super a
good teams out for the week three games and bills
on your patch. No Cody Taylor for the Crusaders this week.
Lister of Fighting Anooka comes in at center as well.
Brandon Enall's at a wedding. But you know, the Crusaders,
as we discussed on Monday, they need these changes to
(10:30):
work and work quickly, and not having Cody Taylor there
is a big blow it is.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Yeah, unfortunately it sounds like it's more on the minor side.
And speaking of Rob Penny on Tuesday said, you know,
if it was a final they probably would have risked it.
But particularly with the lineout wobbles that they've had on Sunday,
what was it seven from thirteen a little over fifty
percent efficiency rates and the experience of Cody Taylor usually
(10:55):
just thrives playing against the Chiefs in particular, so that
puts a bit of extra pressure on George bow as
a starter. And then young Man and moa Letto who's
only played a handful of first class games across Super
rugby and in PC. So we'll interesting to see how
both of those two go. I think those other changes
certainly were required on form. I think even if the
(11:18):
braiden in or wasn't away at a wedding, the drums
were beating for Leester fining Minoku to start, he seemed
to make a real statement after being benched. After starting
on the wing in round one, he made something ridiculous
like eleven tackle breaks across about thirty five minutes of rugby,
so looking forward to seeing him start at center and
(11:40):
to Mighty Williams as well. That's a significant inclusion. He
played about thirty five minutes on the weekend, but to
have him there from the start, partnering with Fletcher ywell,
the Crusaders will be hoping they can try and get
a bit of pay at the scrum. They only had
three scrum feeds against the Brumbies on Sunday, as mentioned
a lot of lineouts, but yeah, they're up against it
(12:01):
against the Chiefs team. I just look on paper Elliott
and particularly the strength and depth and the loose forward
three and their four pack in general. But to have
Simon Parker. I know they've got Kaylen Boshier moving over
to open side flanker, Luke Jacobson as a back row,
and then their their replacement options and none other than
Wallace to Titi and Sammerpeni female. So that's probably one
(12:23):
area of concern. I feel like for the Crusaders is
their back three with Gardener, Blackadder and Leo Willie. I
think it's a little bit too same same and I
think they really are missing the impact to Tom Christie.
So some inclusions for the Crusaders a bigger mission and Taylor.
But I think from where the Chiefs are on paper
(12:43):
and this is still without Cortez at artamis still without
Damien McKenzie. I think that I can see why the
tab of the Chiefs a dollar thirty favorite.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
Well, it's remarkable, isn't that He courty's right to my
opporternity to leave. Still, I don't think he's back in camp.
If he is, he hasn't been there back long. Damien
McKenzie came in at the start of the week. They've
decided that don't you to risk him this week against
the Crusaders wild Rather, don't need to rush him in.
Bring him in against Mowaa Pacifica next week. He hasn't
played any rugby since the end of year tour. And
(13:13):
then they can bring on like a Lolakeye Forgetsie as
well off the bench, as well as former Wallaby players,
so that stacks and I think they'll very much go
three from three this week. We'll touch on the tipping
and just a moment elsewhere around the traps, no surprises.
Calum Harkin gets the nod at ten for the Hurricanes
and what is becoming a cursed juicy at ten, Rubin
(13:35):
Love obviously out already Brick Cameron as we discussed earlier
in the week, and Harry Godfrey already up for the season.
You'd be hoping that he gets through the weekends game,
where right also brought through Lucas Cashmore as well, back
from injury. Otherwise minimal changes to the Highlanders and Blues
for their respective games. We'll get into tipping in a moment,
but first let's dive into the Rugby Direct mail bag,
(13:55):
which you can get in touch with us via social
media or on Rugby Direct at z dot co dot
m z's. This is from Matthew Willoughby, who messaged myself
and Liam on Twitter early in the week going, Guys,
how is the integrity of the comp not question? When
wanna can rotate fourteen players into round two? We touched
a little bit on this on the Monday Pod Bules,
(14:18):
but Tana Umanger gave for the comp a little bit
of a serve for that because basically he felt like
there was no other answer than bringing in a whole
host of players given the way that their schedule started.
So that's probably the competition of integrity was the other
teams rotate big time for various games, but that was
a fairly drastic selection from Tana Umager.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
It was. I think it brings the spotlight again on
Laotoka and games at Churchill Park, particularly this early in
the year when it's even hotter than usual in FGM.
Just saving quick look on the weather forecast, it's supposed
to be upwards of thirty two degrees for this Hurricanes
drawer game on Saturday. And it doesn't surprise me one
(15:02):
iota that teams are going to such drastic action either
more not the week after, if not doing some pretty
forward thinking the week before. Even look at the Canes
the way they've reintegrated cam roy Garden Billy Proctor as
an example. You know, both came off the bench last week,
so it kind of has to be done. And the
(15:24):
Hurricanes have, you know, have to go over to Sydney
next week to play the Waratahs. So personally, I'm guessing
it correat me if I'm wrong. But it's a lighting issue,
isn't it Laotoka. That's why these games have to be
played in the middle of the day. But it is
a real factor around the squad rotation. No, I don't
think from a fan perspective it is great, or probably
(15:45):
from a fantasy perspective, it's great. There's so much squad rotation,
but it is really tricky. Having spoken of these Crusaders
guys last year, coming back from Laotoka took most of
them at least a week if not more to recover.
Such was the jurists they are under in terms of
the heat.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Yeah, I don't believe that Lauotoka ground has sufficient lighting
to host basically games at night. I think so that's
an issue because they can basically only play in one
or two time slots each week, and for Super Rugby,
you know they need those night games. And then again
it's imbalanced if there are night games in Fiji versus
playing in day. You know, go to Suva play at
(16:23):
night at seven o'clock on a Saturday or Friday. That's
a different game rarely to playing at two thirty five
in Lautoka. So there's all sorts of considerations. Until that
is sorted, until there are facilities, there probably going to
be an issue ongoing for Super Rugby. I thanks to
your feedback in the mail bag, Matthew, and always welcome
to get in touch anyone into the pod. Let's get
in some tipping bules. All these games live on gold
(16:45):
Sport and iHeartRadio. This week, well one are Pacifica against
the Force from Bokakoe on Friday night, seven o five.
I'm calling this game and look, I'm gonna give it
to more onea Pacifica. But wouldn't surprise me if the
Force come over and take a win. They have scored
a lot of points last week thirty two against the Blues,
twenty four against the Brumbies the week prior. I mean
(17:05):
they conceded fifty six, sure, but they have points to them.
This Western Force team, it's just the defense that has
a few question marks. There might be a lot of
points in this one. I suspect and book goee.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
I think you bang On took the words out of
my mouth there. I think it was last year, was
it Ben Donaldson? Eighty minutes into the game Force beat
Moana and it was forty eight forty five or something
in the most game of super Touch. I think it
could be that again at Pukakoi, and just to be different,
I will go with the Force. I thought from the
highlights I saw of the game against the Blues, there's
(17:37):
enough enough signs of encouragement for Mowana perhaps, you know,
having recovered now from that trip to Laotoka, they should
be better than they were against the Hurricanes. I think
it'll be close, but I'll go.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Force Indeed, Red's Highlanders. I think this is one of
the games that has a claim to be matched with
the Round. There's probably three games that have claims to
be matching the Round. Here Reid, Thailand is sun Corpse
Stadium Friday night. Big test for the Highlanders, who frustrated
they didn't get that win last week against the Chiefs,
could have been two and Z to start the season.
The red coming off you know, the bye last week,
(18:10):
how will they go? I suspect the Reds might be
able to get the job done at home.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
What so you yeah, I'm gonna go with the Reds
as well. I think it would have been a bit
of a reality check from them in Round one losing
to the Warritars having to buy lez Kiss doesn't take
a step backwards in terms of the way he goes
about things. So I think they'll be much improved for
the Highlanders. They've been there or thereabouts. I really again
(18:37):
on stress this point that I made on Monday. I
would love to see more endeavor from them in terms
of unleashing Caleb Tonguey Tel, Jacob Rutamak, Vuki Niekins and
Jona Nauki. It just seems a little bit conservative in
terms of the they're They're attacking shape at the moment.
I think they lead the competition for kicks first trip
away and interestingly Elliott Adam Lennox starting at half back
(18:58):
Tarva to come off the bench. So I'm not not
sure if that's a recognition of trying to get more
impacts laden games or just they please with the way
Lennox is travel But I'm still just going to go
the Reds.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Yeah who Jamie Joseph saying he's pretty pleased with what
Adam Nicks has been offering and rewarded him with the start.
Interesting to see what fucker Tarba can do off the bench,
you know. Probably human diight in Brisbane and Queensland might
be abo to make a difference in that laster twenty
twenty five minutes or so. The game we just talked
about before, fig and Drawer against the Hurricanes four thirty
(19:30):
five on Saturday. The drawer yet to pick up when
the season can the Hurricanes go over to a pretty
tough ground and take the points.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
This is a game. I was having a laugh with
my Wlington colleague Adam Cooper that after all the hype
around the Canes a big win in their first game,
this will be the sort of one they lose. But look,
I am going to go just on strength of the
team that they've named here Clark Laidlaw's named, and the
way that the drawer are playing, and particularly to lose
to Mowana at home. Usually they're so strong at home.
(20:06):
I think the Canes should get it done. Although yeah,
it's a tricky place to go. I feel like I
rarely have it home this point, and better teams or
just as good as teams have found it tough in Lautokas.
Don't be shocked. I wouldn't call it an upset by
any stretch. If the drawer beat the.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
Case, I'm going to go the drawer for an upset.
There we go, all yeah, absolutely, grand Father rematch Chiefs
Crusaders seven o five on Saturday in Hamilton. I can't
see the Crusaders going up there and winning. I can
see them going up there and winning, But I find
it hard to see on the basis of what we
saw and got served up by the Crusaders on Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Yeah, this is tough though again I feel like if
we discard that last seven minutes, which no you can't,
but you know, thirty one twenty four, the game and
the balance, if the Crusaders can just tidy up the area,
stop giving away free position, tidy up there, ill discipline.
There's a quality team there. But I just think the
(21:08):
Chiefs just know what to do at this time of
the year in terms of accumulating points. In fact, I
thought it was a bit cheeky and funny that Rob
Penny called them the Kings of pool play in Tuesday Media.
Just a slide dig there, but saying that the Chiefs
have won five of their last six regular season games
against the Crusaders, and I can see that becoming six
(21:31):
from seven just on the evidence of what we're seeing
over the first fortnight.
Speaker 3 (21:34):
So you going the Chiefs, Chiefs, Chiefs for you and
Brumbies against the Blues. Really fascinating game in Canberra nine
to thirty five on Saturday night again live on Gold
Sport and iHeartRadio. Can the Brumbies get the victory against
the Blues. First time at home for the Brumbies this season.
Blues on a two week road trip in Australia. They
were in Perth last week. I believe they went to
(21:56):
Sydney for a few days and have landed in Canberra.
We're about to land in Canberra for this game. Fascinating game.
Look I think the Brumbies are going to go and
take another one?
Speaker 2 (22:06):
What so you yeah? I do? And chanting to Stephen
Larkham on Sunday postmatch after that went over the Crusaders.
He said, one of the great things and something I
don't think he thought he'd never done. Has effectively picked
the same twenty three no injuries and I see he's
unchanged again. So they've got that continuity, they've got that confidence.
They're back at home. They beat the Blues last year
(22:28):
at Eden Park. I think it'll be close. The Blues
have got reason to get up that Stalton Papali's one
hundredth game. I s Curtic Glynn's listed to start. He's
back in the mix. Sam Dowry back from concussion, so
they're more or less back to full strength obviously, Sands
Boone and Barrett. But this Brumbi's team is humming, and
I suspect they're going to be pretty tricky to stop.
(22:51):
And as we saw, if if they can put you
away late in games and make it quite the margin,
So Brumby's for me three and zero.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
There we go. Yeah, I'm going the same Brumbies to
round out the week here. Of course, you can follow
us in the Rugby Direct podcast Fantasy as well as
if you are that way inclined. But that'll do us
for Rugby Direct for another week. We are back on Monday, Bules,
keep your phone on. I have been assured by our
walking wounded compatriot Liam Napier that he will be back,
(23:22):
perhaps on Zoom. He's dealing with a broken wrist, so
but I say keep the phone on because you've probably
got more chance of answering it than Liam at this
point in time.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
Well, yeah, my thoughts out to Liam Napier. But no,
it's always good to jump in studio with your Elliott
and there's always plenty to digest in the world of rugby.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
Sure as thanks to Mark Kelly for producing and thanks
to having help for us. Your book today and stay
in the game.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
For more from news, talks, ed B Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio
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