March 8, 2026 • 45 mins
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a dramatic Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific — a weekend where the Crusaders were the only Kiwi side to fall. Are the Chiefs and Hurricanes emerging as the teams to beat? Plus, we bring you the latest on who Dave Rennie is eyeing for his All Blacks assistant coaching group.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
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Speaker 2 (00:20):
Middle, Try.
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Try get inside the game from every end Goal. It's
Rugby Direct with Elliot Smith and Liam Napier powered by
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Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio book
today and stay in the game. Rugby Direct back for
another early week edition as we wrap the round that
was run four in Super Rugby Pacific, as well as
a few other rugby issues. And great to welcome Liam
Napier back into the podcast a few days on from
(00:58):
the mannic midweek nature of last week. Liam, welcome in.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Great to be here, Elliott.
Speaker 5 (01:05):
Look, I might only have one working arm at the moment,
but it was a great weekend of footy and certainly
couldn't have hoped for a bitter turn of results, could ye.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Well, I don't know how you managed to be on
the weekends that the Crusaders and Hurricanes both Old Crusaders
lose and the Hurricanes win a week after somehow escaping
that drew a loss, But regardless, let's rip into it
and from a New Zealand perspective. Let's work our way
back and let's get into that Blues Crusaders' performance on
Saturday night, The Blues twenty nine the Crusaders thirteen, a
(01:36):
very good win for the Blues and the context of
the season to date after the loss of the Brumbies
the week prior the loss to the Chiefs in round one.
Winning against the Crusaders has not come easy for the
Blues over the last fifteen twenty years, but that would
be one of the easier wins over the Crusaders, and
(01:56):
the Crusaders very very disappointing. What did you make of
that match?
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Yeah, it's interesting. Look, the Blues were very good.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
I thought they played a lot more rugby than I expected,
particularly in the first off. They broke the Crusaders open
regularly down their left hand flank, I think clictifying and
look who was exposed on defense. A couple of times
got beaten on the outside. But just that the ease
with which that they broke them open was quite surprising.
(02:24):
Caleb Clark running in or was it three tries and
didn't have to do a lot of work for most
of them. I thought it was really stark the way
in which the Blues got go forward and the Crusaders didn't.
And just their their ball carriers, their intense, their their
rout clean everything they did at a higher standard generally
(02:47):
than than the Crusaders, And.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
It was quite surprising given the way in which the.
Speaker 5 (02:52):
Crusaders stepped up the week previous against the Chiefs and
really responded in that manner. And you know, you've got
to pose the question at the moments, are the Crusaders
just completely off their game when they don't have Will Jordan?
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Is he that influential? Well?
Speaker 2 (03:07):
I think he is and I put that to Rob
Penny on Saturday Night? Is that so much of their
attack just revolves around Will Jordan? And remember in twenty
twenty four they didn't have him for the entire comp
of Memory Serves, or at least a very very long
stretch of it, and they were a shadow of the
team they'd been under Scott robertson the years prior. Not
(03:30):
having Will Jordan basically decimated that campaign. And it feels
like when they don't have him on the park, they
really do miss a trick. The decision to move Taha
Kimita back to fullback did not pay dividends I don't
think he's ever played there, certainly at NPC level or higher.
He went off at halftime but barely sort of had
a touch in the first spell, very very quiet. They
(03:52):
think they needed to move Fee Harckey to fall back
and maybe Dallas McLeod or Brandon Inaw onto the wings
or maybe firing a nooku onto the wing potentially, and
swapped those around with sev Reeson. Maybe it felt like
Rob Penny got that selection wrong. Will Jordan out for
the weekend with rest and from what I understand, a
(04:13):
personal engagement, So there was a bit of combo of
all backs rest there. But they did not look threatening
at all with ball in hand and were very lateral
on the attack and we're waiting for someone to spark
things up and it just didn't happen.
Speaker 5 (04:29):
No, their attack was very middling, very predictable, and I
think they've got to move to Kimita back to ten.
I wouldn't pin that whole performance on Rivers Rahuna, but
I just feel like Kimita offers so much more with
ball in hands, He challenges the line. His goal kicking
isn't as good, but he's so much more of an
(04:50):
attacking threat, so I'll be putting him back to ten.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
You desperately need, obviously Will Jordan back.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
But lestifying anok who has returned to super rugby hasn't
gone to plan. I think some of his soft skills
we spoke about this earlier in the year, his pensiont
for throwing off flows that aren't necessarily always on. He's
great were ball in hands, but defensively still getting exposed
at times, So some issues there for the Crusaders to
(05:17):
work through. And yeah, I think my spies were out Elliott.
You're probably aware of this as well.
Speaker 4 (05:21):
Will Jordan.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
I think it was his brother's wedding and christ Church
Urich and Muwanga was there as well, so making the
most of his all black rest and enjoying family occasion.
But the Crusaders desperately need him back for their sudden
derby with the Highlanders. The Blues on the flip side
very important one in the context of their season, isn't it.
They've had a couple of tight losses and if that
(05:45):
starts to spiral, then belief comes into question. You start
pointing the finger and trying to drill deep into everything
and fix everything well in front of a pretty decent
turnout on a beautiful Saturday night in Auckland.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
They really turned it on from an.
Speaker 5 (06:00):
Attacking perspective and some of their big bull carriers really
did the job on the Crusaders up front.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So the dead the Crusader's dug the hole. And I
think that'll probably what hurts the most when they go
through their Monday review, is that, dear I say it.
I know wanted to trade from the Blues performance, but
the Blues didn't have to work as hard as they
would usually have to to get a win over the Crusaders.
You think over the last few years when they've managed
to beat the Crusaders, you know they've had to really
(06:27):
roll the sleeves up and you know it's a full
eighty minute performance. Well, really, they didn't have to play
to their full potential to beat the Crusaders, who turned
the ball over twenty four times in that game. The
basic skill execution, the basic handling from the Crusaders was
not of super rugby standard, and you know Rob Penny
(06:49):
looked exasperated when they cut to in the coach's box.
But these are basic skills that super rugby players should have.
So I don't know what got into them on Saturday night.
But it was a shadow of the team that you
know won the week prior against the Chiefs and to
come from behind performance before we leave this game, Liam
bow and Barrett was thrusting to start at ten, first
(07:11):
game since the end of your tour last year. Steven
Petafetta withdrawn with a wee niggle not expected back this
week either. Look, it was I thought a very good
and composed performance from Boden Barrett at ten for someone
that hadn't seen the lot of game time, had been
expecting to come off the bench. He steered the ship
really really well.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
He did a hugely influential his crossfield kick for I
think was Cody Vais finish in the corner, brilliant finish,
but just those little touches of class you can't buy.
Unfortunate for Steven Peedefetter, who missed most of last year
with recurring half injuries. It's not a good sign that
that's come back in any capacity. Hasn't really stamped his
(07:57):
authority and his couple of chances at ten, so you'd
think potentially a bit of a long rowback with Boden there.
Boden will have to go through all Blacks rests at
various points this year, even though he had a late start,
so potentially some openings. But yeah, Boden's certainly showing that
he's still got those moments of brilliance in them, and
I think just as calm composure around directing their attack.
(08:20):
He kicked one ball out in the full and missed
a bit of a penalty, one penalty as well that
he'd normally expects to get, But all in all, very
accomplished display. And yeah, let's not sugarcoat that Crusader's performance,
particularly in the second half. You mentioned the errors there
really basic skills and just the lack of I think
attacking deception. They couldn't get any front foot penetration. It
(08:42):
really was a terrible second half performance.
Speaker 4 (08:45):
You know that the door was left to jar, wasn't
it with the back.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
End of the first half Cody Taylor's scoring, and you thought, okay,
the Crusader's go in here, there's we could see a
trademark second half comeback.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
But it was anything but.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
No exactly didn't score a point in the second spell.
After getting back to nineteen thirteen, the break couplican versions
as maybe nineteen seventeen they dug growing Gravy Crusaders and
now with just the one win to their name and
the Highlanders who have already beaten them this season at
home this weekend a very very interesting turning point potentially
in their season. Let's go to the Highlander's force on
(09:25):
Saturday afternoon, interned in plenty of points thirty nine to
thirty one, the Highlanders taken in the end. This was
super raggy madness at its best, lead changes of plenty
back and forth, but ultimately the Highlanders just a fraction
too good for the Weastern fourth, who have clearly improved
the season, but not enough to close out a victory
(09:45):
like that.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
No important win for the Holanders.
Speaker 5 (09:48):
I think Jamie Joseph I saw on post match talking
about it as being a must win and I don't
think you can discount I think it was Tavanaua who
termed it chaos during the week around everything with Jamie
Joseph and the All Blacks job, There's no doubt there
was a massive distraction on the team and the assistant
(10:11):
coaches at the handers would have had to take on
a lot with Jamie going away for interviews and being
wrapped up in their All Blacks process. So I think
to get a win in the context of everything that
went on there is very important for the Honders. I
think in the context of the year these are These
are two teams, two pretty pretty average teams compared to others.
(10:35):
The Honders have knocked over the Crusaders, but I think
that probably elevated where they are at, and they do
have some issues. I think Jack Taylor missed his first
six lineouts, which is quite staggering for a hooker, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
That's faith half back not hitting.
Speaker 5 (10:51):
His first five with his first six passes, and he'd
be probably hooked after that. So important win for the Hondas,
and they had to dig deep and come back, and
there were some nice touches from Jacob Rushmavuki Nepkins and
a few others dotted around the high.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
But yeah, I just feel like they don't have the.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
Depth of other teams and the Force of previous week
had a good one against Mouana, but I don't see
them challenging the top teams in the competition either, So,
as you say, bit of a back and forth, but
not necessarily a game of high quality.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
No No. I mean a lot of points. I thought
Tunguey Tower was impressive again for the Highlanders and continues
to put his name up in lights. And you'd have
to think whether you know Dave Reddy was watching that
on a Saturday afternoon in Kobe, he would have been
very impressive with what he saw from Caleb Tunguytower's ability
to take on the line I thought was excellent again
and just the out and outpace that he in power
(11:49):
that he has makes them irresistible. Forces fell off a
lot of tackles in that game. You know, they got
themselves into a position where they could have won, but
I think their tackle percentage I was looking at the
stats last night preparing for the pot. It was roughly
around in the vicinity of sort of seventy percent, which
is not going to get the job done at Super
(12:09):
rugby level, but a confidence boosting win for the Highlanders
as they head north to play the Crusaders this week,
and as we touched on before, they've already beaten them.
Jamie Joseph, you know, with no distractions this week that
looms is an important game for both teams in the
context of the competition, doesn't it? The Highlanders If they
win that they're back to three and two. The Crusaders
(12:30):
win that they're you know, two and three. So this
week Looms is pretty vital for both sides. We'll get
into that on Thursday, but you know, a pretty pivotal
match coming up.
Speaker 5 (12:40):
Indeed, Yeah, in the Southern Derby, you can never right
off the Hlanders and it's where they like to be
written off.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
No one will expect them to win going to christ Church.
Speaker 5 (12:48):
Will Jordan will be back, but I would expect the
Crusaders to get up there all right.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Friday Night, Hurricanes fifty nine Waratas nineteen Liam. You can
wax lyrical if you like about this. This was a
performance I didn't see coming I thought the Wartars. In fact,
we did exchange some tips because we didn't have time
to do it on the podcast last week, and I
tipped the Wartars from memory. But they were blow off
(13:15):
the park by a very very good Hurricanes performance. Off
the back of that lost last week against the Fiji
and Drawer, which was an insipid performance from the Hurricanes,
this showed what they can do against the Wartars team
that you know, had been riding some highs after a
couple of good wins to too.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Elliott, you're on there on the cane train yet.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
No, I don't have a ticket as yet.
Speaker 5 (13:39):
Well you better get them quick, mate, because it's gonna
sell It's gonna fast sell out because look, the next
few weeks the Hurricanes have a pretty good run. They've
got the Western Force this week and I expect them
to build a bit of a momentum. Now, look, this
performance was a real stake in the ground and a
real statement because it's not easy coming from Fiji to
(14:01):
play anything. Generally speaking, teams are zep with energy, canke
bit of legs and fall away, particularly in the last
quarter of matches. Well, there was a stark difference here
in both teams conditioning. It was really clear that the
Hurricanes were intent on running the war Tars around.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
The war Tows are.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
A very big, physical team and it was very even
in the first probably half an hour, but the Hurricanes
did have a lot of success getting around the war Tows.
Rush defense broke them open on the edges and some
great performances, and then they completely ran away with.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
It in the second half.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
Some of the support play, the offloading, the skills on
display from backs and forwards, was just sublime, So I
think a really important performance in the context of the
Hurricane season. You've got to remember they're still without Reuben Love,
They've lost Breck Cameron.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
Callum Harkin. I thought stepped up had a couple of
nice touches in this game. So look the Hurricanes.
Speaker 5 (15:04):
I've got all the ingredients, Elliott to give it a
real shape this year, and I think this pfe months
will make you run stit up and take notice of that.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
They have all the ingredients. I do worry about their depth,
and for me, the drop off from Royguard to Anadi
at half back and beyond, I think is a masive one.
And we saw a Nati get last twenty minutes and
the game was gone by that point in time. But
if Royguard gets injured, then I think the Hurricanes are
(15:35):
at a bit of strife, as we saw a couple
of seasons ago, so I would worry on that front.
I was impressed by vill Juan a couple of years ago.
He seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.
I'm not sure what's gone on there. But if they
can keep Royguard relatively injury free, and who knows if
he'll played the Western Force this week. He may not
need to. Then they are going to be a real
contender for the title. You think about that draw. So
(15:57):
far haven't had to play a New Zealand team as it,
so there are bigger challenges potentially to come for them,
you know, Hurricanes a sorry the Highlanders next week is
their first New Zealand aubbit, but have to leave the
country again in the regular season. So it's all set
up for the Hurricanes. And really I'm king for your thoughts, Lamb,
but anything less than the title at this point seems
(16:19):
like a failure.
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Staring the pot, staring the pot here and yet look,
look shoot for the stars, Elliott.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
But I think the titles wide open and we're seeing
that this year.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
You know, the Chiefs started the season favorites, but they
were knocked over at home by the Crusaders. The Crusader's
been real, Jack and Hyde. The Blues beat the Crusaders
but haven't totally convinced. The Hurricanes have been off and on.
So even the Brumbies, Australia's best team, we're knocked over
at home by the Red So I think that's what
you want to see from the competition in general, but
(16:53):
this this title does feel wide open, and I do
believe the Hurricanes have got everything they need. Billy Procter
and Jordi Barrett in that midfields are combining really nicely.
Jordi Barrett's little chip kick was it was one one
brilliant try. I think you've still got the Holo to
come back on the edge and Reuben Love going to
(17:15):
add another attacking dimension see Carifi. That was his first
game back. So I do think they have some depth.
Warner durns your big tabs on him. He's just starting
to find his feet. They've got real depth in the
front row. Was No one wants to tackle him down
the edge. If he can sort his wine out throwing out,
(17:35):
then yeah, I think the Hurricanes are a real threat.
We do need to see them against New Zealand opposition
because that's generally the benchmark, but I don't think they'll
carry any fear into those games, so they can build
a bit of momentum and as you say, keep Roygard
fit could be title Town coming home.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
Mate.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Let's just mark this down. It's the ninth of March
and you're referring to title town with the Hurricanes. One
thing that did impress me with that performance was just
their ability to find meters with with you know, with
ball in hands, you know, even when the attack of
the post contact meters. You know, we're really impressive from
the Hurricanes and that's the kind of super rugby that
(18:15):
they've always wanted to play, and the war Tars to
an extent let them. But I thought just their ability
on the carry was very, very impressive, just to get
themselves in the right position of the park, set up
those tries and you know, lead drives and everything like that,
just combining to put the Wartars on the back foot
constantly on defense. So I thought it was a really
(18:36):
smart game plan from from the Hurricanes on Friday Night.
Speaker 5 (18:40):
Yeah, they've got big bull carriers, don't They are more
Peter Luckeye a number of their props. I think Lowaki
has been a revelation coming in this year. On the
tight head side. Xavier new Mea is very mobile prop
as well. So yeah, they've got a lot of threats.
What about what about the Waratars Is that their bubble
(19:02):
burst there was the first time that they've really faced
full strength opposition. I think they're going to be without
who we haven't actually seen the best of this year
probably for the next month by the sounds, is it
another year of hype coming to nothing for Sydney team Quite.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Quite well, be Yeah, they were I thought good in
the opening two rounds against the Reds, kicked away later
in that one. I thought they were pretty impressive. They
put the drawer away, then they had to buy and
they folded against the Hurricanes on the weekend. And now
they've got a pretty pretty tricky couple of weeks. They've
got the Reds who are riding high after that win
(19:39):
over the Brumbies, then the Blues come to town. Then
they've got to go to Canberra and face the Brumbies,
then they go and play the Chiefs. I think off
the top of my head, and I think they might
have another buye off off off the top of my head.
So that's a tricky few weeks, and you know, the
bubble has been probably boost on them, and if they
don't get back on the horse quickly this week against
(20:01):
the Reds, then it could unravel really really quickly. With
no Suwa Lee, who as you said, hadn't been overly impressive,
but it's such a big name and presence in that team.
Had a lot of mistakes in that back line. Without
them on the weekends, you know that they could unravel
pretty quickly.
Speaker 5 (20:19):
I reckon, Yeah, it does feel like another familiar tale
for the Waratas some good offseason recruits, but I think
that's gonna be really hurt their confidence. And we're also
yet to see them travel across the ditch to New
Zealand's and historically that doesn't go well for them either.
So unfortunately, I think it could be a familiar script
(20:42):
for the Waratars and it might be left to the
Brumbies and Reads to contest the pointing end of this
season again.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
All right, let's go to the first game of the round,
which was the Chiefs fifty seven more onea PACIFICA twenty four.
Look a jobb done for the Chiefs. In many ways,
they were clearly the better team. Wasn't always going to
plan for them in that game, but they were just
good enough. I thought on the night, you know, they
got to a tricky position. I think about twenty minutes
(21:10):
in when Turportelas scored the first of his tries. It
was nineteen fourteen at that point, and he thought, Okay,
maybe Mowana are coming back. Into this, but you just
had a sense that the Chiefs are ultimately going to
be a little too good and by halftime I think
it was what thirty one fourteen kicked away in the
second spell and you know, Mwana never saw them really again,
(21:31):
never got close to them again. A job done for
the Chiefs after a tricky Saturday night the week before
against the Crusaders. They'll be pretty pleased with that bounce back.
Speaker 5 (21:40):
They will confidence boosting one at home. I'm not too
sure they'll take a huge amount out of that. I'm
keen to focus on a bit on Moana here because
the last three weeks their combined score I think there
are one hundred and forty four points conceded to fifty
three scored. So it's quite stark given the positive note
(22:03):
that they started the year on in Fiji, and for me,
their plights is summed up by current Tymouflow went in
the off season to the Chiefs and played for the
development team at the weekend, and I think that's.
Speaker 4 (22:18):
A real slap in the face.
Speaker 5 (22:20):
It's a sign that's you know, we desperately need some
form of Super rugby draft to even out the spread
of talents in New Zealand, whether it be to Muana
or the Highlanders. You've also got guys like Riley Higgins
not playing for the Hurricanes, a real talent at second five,
so these guys need to be playing rugby. Timewoy Flow
has been outed as a potential future All Black prospect
(22:42):
and can't get a looking at the Chiefs. So it
could be a tough year for Mowana. They're trying hards.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
You know.
Speaker 5 (22:50):
You've got guys like Augustine Pulu coming back very late
stage of his career mentioned Tunneloa. There sixteen tackles, fifteen runs,
seventy meters. I thought he was great and I've seen
a few questions around his potential eligibility in the future
as the potential All Blacks prospect Wana. Collectively, Yeah, they're
(23:11):
in a pretty pretty tough sport, aren't they they are.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Look I think on tilaw I've really rated him. I
thought it was excellent. Last year he was swept under
the Mowana picked him up in the for the wider
training group at the start of twenty twenty five. He
was educated in Highlanders territory. They didn't pick him up
and then Mawana scooped him up on a wider training
(23:34):
group contract last year. I think he's on a two
year deal with them now. Now the All Blacks can't
pick out of Majana players, so it'd have to be
until he gets out of you know, out of that
Majana contract is my understanding. But very very good player.
But if you look at that Mouana side, you're right
Taimoid for lad goes and I just don't think they've
got enough in their back line to be a real
(23:56):
threat that their forwards are do you know, you know,
Yeomen's work up front and low supported by fire Lungey
and good, you know, solid hard working second row of
Savage and Craig, good front row that occasionally get a
few penalties. But their back line I just don't think
is up to super rugby level. You know, Garden Baship
(24:17):
has had his time at the Hurricanes, Pallegrini came on
early doors and then went off again. But they're just
not getting enough out of the back line. La Marpe
looks past it from what I've seen Almuloor, it looks
like yesterday's man and they just don't generate enough in
their back line to be a threat to opposition. Teams,
(24:38):
and I think it's going to be a very very
long season. And on time Way Flout, you know, it's
a bit of the levi Ar Moores and look, there's
plenty of time for Time wayfil how to turn it around.
But More went from being a big fish in a
small pond at more on a Pacifica. Then he went
to the Crusaders and didn't really leave an impact. Tava
Tava Nahwai. I did the opposite, you know, I went
to Mourner and then there's had a huge impact with
the Highlanders, became an All Black out of it. But
(25:01):
you know he's got some work to do, I guess
in terms of finding his way into the chief starting
side over the cu weeks if he wants to push
for that All Blacks jersey when he's eligible later in
the year. But as for Mowana, look, as you said,
Blues away at Eton Park this weekend and the Crusaders
at North Harbor Stadium the following weekend. There's no, there's
(25:22):
not only up inside, is there from one to PACIFICA.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
No, it's a bloody tough run that yeah, big time And.
Speaker 5 (25:31):
Tamoi filout going to a team where you've got two established,
well largely established All Black Wings and leg Rokada and
money in an hour and a pretty classy operator and
attending nine as to touto out the back as well
along with Coobs Fabling who's really impressed at the weekend
and has been you know, knocking on the door certainly
(25:55):
at Super rugby level in recent years, quite an underrated player,
particularly for his size. It's very different, isn't it than
going to the holandas where you sort of can back
yourself to get game time to build games consistency.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
So what's better?
Speaker 5 (26:11):
Is it better to stay in the team where you're
going to be playing, even if they're not at the
elite standard of you know, the top teams in the competition,
or go to a team like the Chiefs and try
and further your national aspirations. It's a real roll of
the dice in some cases. But if you're not in
the shot window then you're not going to be viewed.
(26:32):
So it's a pretty vexed decision for some of these guys.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Yeah totally, And if they want to be All Blacks eligible,
they've got to leave Molwana before we leave the Super
Rugby weekend. The Chiefs head into the buy on the
back of that win over Malwana four weeks into the
comp with a bit of a breather. How do you
think they feel with a three win one loss record
at this point.
Speaker 5 (26:54):
I think they'll still be stung by their home loss
to the Crusaders, just the manner of it, the fact
that they were up quite significantly and then got rolled
considered a lot of unanswered points, so that loss will
sting them. It'll fester, I think over the buy and
they'll be very realistic over where Moana are at in
(27:15):
the context of that performance. But look, their squad still
boasts probably the best depth throughout the competition.
Speaker 4 (27:22):
The guys like Leroy Carter are building some real form.
Speaker 5 (27:25):
They've just got Damien McKenzie back, so he'll have a
real impact over the back end of this campaign. I
thought he was good without being amazing, and he'll get
better and better in the coming weeks, particularly as he
said it was into that ten Jersey. So look, I
think they've still got to be probably favorites for the
title at this point, but they've still got a lot
of improvement in them as well.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Indeed Brumby's as well. We did touch on this briefly,
but they blew it against the Reds. Bit of controversy
at the end, but a couple of late tries Reds
get home in a game that was delayed by ninety minutes.
And now everyone's had at least one defeat so far
in Super Rugby and that'll be a tough one for
the Brumbies to take this loss to the Reds.
Speaker 5 (28:08):
It will look they probably got away with one of
the week previously against the Blues and then cut one
on the chin this week.
Speaker 4 (28:14):
And as you say, the Dangunu.
Speaker 5 (28:17):
Non call on the knock on should have been called
I think in my view, so the reads perhaps fortunate,
but you take your luck and you run with it.
I think it's been great to see Carter Gordon come back.
He would be I think my starting ten for the Wallabies.
Not too sure where less Kiss will go when he
takes the rains later in the year for the Wallabies,
but I just think he's such a big presence. He's
(28:40):
got a great running game. I think his goal kicking
will improve over time. He'll build confidence as he builds
some consistency back in the fifteen man game after his
time in the league. So I think that's a real
win for Australian rugby getting him back.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Indeed, yet very impressed by what he's offered so far.
Let's take a quick break here on rugby. Come back
with the Final four MVP voting as well. After this
you're back with Rugby direct time. Now for the Final four.
Let's ten our attention to the Six Nations. First and
foremost bit of chaos over the weekend. Very impressive performance
from Scotland to beat France forty seven fourteen. It was
(29:18):
at one point final score fifty forty. You know, was
what three or four weeks ago that Gregor Townsend was
walking the plank potentially and may not even see out
the Six Nations in charge of Scotland. Well, now they've
got a chance potentially to win it. On the final
day we had Italy's greatest day in their rugby history
potentially beating England. And now these questions over Steve Borthwick.
(29:42):
This has been a mad Bonker's Six Nations? What did
you make of all the action over the weekend? Limb.
Speaker 5 (29:49):
It's brilliant, isn't it, Elliott? I think this is what
every rugby fan wants to see. Maybe not the English,
but incidentally upsets Galore and yeah, it's been a wild
old tournament. I think Scotland's great one, great performance, great turnarounds,
but in the context of the tournament, they could rue
letting France come back at the Deaf there and Jagger
(30:11):
bonus point because that puts some well ahead on points differential.
So they only need, I think, to beat England's at
home in Paris this weekend, which is no given necessarily,
while Scotland have to go to Dublin and they don't
have a great recent record against the Irish. The Irish
in great form themselves, but look, it sets up the
(30:32):
tournament and a magic result for Italy. I didn't think
it was their best performance of the tournament either, but
hugely significant result be in England for the first time.
The All Blacks are the only team in the top
ten that they are yet to defeat Elliott's, so I
think that's a real marker for Gonzalo Cosada and what
he's done with that team. Menon Cello is a real
(30:55):
talent in the midfields, had a couple of brilliant breaks
to set up that famous win over England's a real
middling lost performance from England's They were up lates, they
had advantages, they kept away so much possession. They seem
to have lost all ability to attack. Maro Tojo given
(31:18):
away a late headless yellow card, very unnecessary. So I
think there are deep, real questions around Steve Borthwick's rain.
I don't expect there to be a rash change, but
he's certainly under massive pressure and in back home.
Speaker 2 (31:35):
He is big time and it's unraveled. You know, they
were will beaters. They were, you know, closing in on
the World Cup two or three weeks back, and now
they look a shadow of themselves. And I think it's
going to invite some questions about some of the players
in that team all of a sudden, and this can
happen very very quickly in rugby, is that this team
now looks old. They look a shadow of themselves. You know,
(31:56):
the players like Jamie George have given great service for England,
but and he's had to play some big minutes. They
have a lot of depth at hooker. Marotogi doesn't look
himself and obviously he's had, you know, the loss of
his mum not so long ago, and that's understandable, but
he doesn't look like the maru Atoji that we know
they have blundered big time. Marcus Smith, I don't know
(32:18):
what's going on there. They now seem really rattled and
it's gonna be interesting to see what happens. I was
listening to our colleagues from The Times the Rock podcast
Will collor Her and co. Last night, and you know
they think that maybe there's a change coming potentially, but
they'll see out the campaign and maybe get July as well.
But a lot hinges now on this we ken cam Borthwick,
(32:41):
rally the troops and get them up for this trip
to Paris. If they do that then maybe you say
it wasn't the best campaign, but they finish on the
high If not, if France is able to do a
number on them, then it's basically inquisition time at Twickenham, isn't.
Speaker 4 (32:56):
It It is?
Speaker 5 (32:58):
And look, when things start to unravel, it can be
really hard to get it back together. So and Paris
is one of the harder places to go and world rugby.
France aren't a great traveling team. They don't do so
well away from home, whether it be in Edinburgh or
South Africa, or they don't bring their best talent.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
Out to New Zealand and they won't again in July
because of their.
Speaker 5 (33:19):
Top fourteen, so they basically never went out here but
back in Paris at the Start de France where everyone
gets whipped into a bit of a frenzy. It is
a really hard place to go and win. And yeah, look,
Steve Worthwick, not only that match, but then in July.
Speaker 4 (33:36):
They have to go out to South Africa.
Speaker 5 (33:37):
So yeah, I think there'll be a fair bit of
panic behind the scenes and those among the England ranks well.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
Indeed, topic number two. It's been a few days. Obviously,
we recorded a couple of podcasts on the Wednesday when
it was announced at Dave Rennie is the new coach
of the All Blacks There's obviously been reaction, but by
and large has seemed pretty universally approved. Obviously there was
some Jamie Joseph supporters out there, but it doesn't feel like,
(34:06):
you know, there's a split in the All Black space
as there has been in the past when they've appointed
a coach, tension moves to the assistance. Now you gave
us some intel when we spoke last week. There's a
few more names that have been thrown about on various
podcasts and articles and other things kind of among his
name has been mentioned, Tom Coventry, etc. But the tea leaves, etc.
(34:28):
Seem to be pointing that Jason Ryan might be the
only current assistant that retains a role in this new setup. Limb,
Is that what you're hearing?
Speaker 4 (34:37):
Yep, That's what I'm hearing.
Speaker 5 (34:37):
And probably an appeared back capacity with more of a
focus on the scrum, which is his area of strength,
and I think that's probably a good move. We saw
Britan Evan's broaden last year and I thought he had
quite a big impact on the line out. But if
you bring in a Neil Barnes who's a line out
and breakdown sort of specialist, then you can allow Ryan
(35:00):
to focus more on the scrum. And if you think
back to Ian Foster's regime when he had Jason Ryan
in there, Greg Feak was the specialist scrum coach. So
in most international teams that Ford's role is broken up
and too scrum, line out, breakdown. And I think that
there has been a point in Scott Robertson's tenure where
(35:20):
Jason Ryan had too much on his plates.
Speaker 4 (35:23):
So and then in terms of the other assistants.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
I think Scott Hansen was under massive pressure given the
way that the All Black stuttering attack was going. Someone
to say Allison will be a good coach in time
and has done good things, but I think had struggled
to necessarily grasp that defensive brief and then Brent Evans
is probably just a victim of being surplus to requirements
(35:49):
when you bring in an experience figure like Neil Barnes,
so big changes of foots and I guess the big
question is around Mike Blair, the former Scottish international halfback
and weather New Zealand Rugby are ready and open to
bringing in a foreign assistant coach.
Speaker 2 (36:07):
Well, I think they've got to be ready. While you
were converalcing with your wrist injury, Stephen Larkin was linked
with a role in the All Black set up. Obviously
didn't come to anything and he's resigned with the Brumbies
as of last week. But I think he would have
been a great addition to the lineup. I've been banging
the drum for a while. A different voice in there,
whether it's running the attack or the defense of whatever,
just a different voice I think is valuable in that
(36:30):
All Black setup. From what I understand might Belee are
highly regarded obviously by Dave Rennie, but also the players
that he's worked with in the various teams and capacities
he's had, so you know, he's probably not a name
that New Zealanders will be overly familiar with, but I
think you trust Dave Rennie to put that person in place.
So I guess the question though, is should Dave Rennie
(36:53):
get cart Blanche or what kind of process will New
Zealand Rugby go through here because we've seen around the
assistance before. It can be a source of issues in
a team environment and there needs to be some sort
of balance between Reny getting his men but also in
New Zealand Rugby knowing they're putting the right plea people
in place and employing the right people.
Speaker 4 (37:14):
That's right, And money's also a factor.
Speaker 5 (37:16):
My understanding is Scott Hanson and Jason Ryan are both
on four year contracts, so if Scott Hanson is to
be moved on, then that that will be another significant
payout on top of what they've already paid out for
Scott Robertson, So that would be a factor. But look,
I think the if you put your faith in trust
in a head coach, you have to give him all
(37:38):
her the rights to surround themselves with people that they
know and trust and let them build that environment largely
as they see fits. Other than Jason Ryan, I don't
think there's really a need to put massive stake in
the ground or push the wagon from New Zealand Rugby's
perspective to say you must take on these assistants because
(37:59):
that could destabilize or compromise what when he's trying to
trying to achieve from the outset. So I don't see
that playing outs. Yeah, and just on Mike Blair, I
think from what I've heard spoken to a few people
who have worked alongside him and know him well, he's quite.
Speaker 4 (38:15):
A structured, stats based coach.
Speaker 5 (38:18):
And I also think that Dave Rennie is an attack
coach by trade, so I expect him to have quite
a large degree of influence over the All Blacks attack
and look, I think that was a factor in him
getting the job in the first place. I saw Jamie
Joseph actually refer to that when he did his press
conference at the Highlands after missing out on the job,
(38:39):
and that's a clear area of improvement for the All
Blacks and I think Dave will take a lot of
ownership over that area.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
Topic Number three in the final four a return for
Brody Retellit to New Zealand rugby. This was sort of
a sidebar to the announcement the other day, and we
did touch on it last week around selecting overseas players.
But Brodie Wuck was then on News Talk ZB with
Darcy Watergrave and said his mum had been in touch.
This was sort of the first head heard of it.
But from my understanding, he's off contract with COPE. Would
(39:09):
you like to see him back in New Zealand rugby
and fight for an All Blacks jersey?
Speaker 5 (39:12):
Absolutely? Yeah, I would. I think that Japanese competition provides
longevity for these sort of players. That probably puts an
extra year or two on players' careers. Look, I saw
some footage of brodi Attic. He's a top tri scorer
in that competition, but there was one effort where he's
(39:33):
ranging back making a tri saving tackle, So the efforts
is there. Dave Rennie reckons that he's the fittest and
the strongest he's ever been, and he would know he's
coaching up there for the past three years, but I
think that's his only avenue to the All Blacks is
coming home. I don't see New Zealand rugby bending the
rules as much as Dave's potentially going to push that wagon.
(39:57):
Maybe there has been a change of regime since Scott
Robinson's era and with Mark Robertson at the helm there that.
Speaker 4 (40:06):
That was never going to change. But it's just such
a vexed issue.
Speaker 5 (40:11):
I don't see it happening overnight, certainly not before the
next World Cup. So if Renie does want to see
Rottelic back in the Black jersey, I think potentially he
comes home for one year at the Chiefs.
Speaker 2 (40:23):
Yeah. Topic number four is it time for the All
Black Sevens to ditch the All Blacks name in front
of them? As we spect they're playing off in a
playoff for seventh and eighth at the Vancouver Sevens. I mean,
our third on the late the ladder and did win
in Dubai at the start of it. But I just
(40:45):
it's just not that comfortably with me for a few
years now that they're called the All Black Sevens, and
because I suppose their record hasn't been that great in
terms of Olympic medals and various other things. I just
wonder whether it's time to remove the All Black Sevens
now whether you'd have to do it for the Black
Ferns as well, who do live up to that Black
(41:06):
fans monika a little bit higher than well, a lot
higher than their male counterparts. I don't know, but to me,
you know they've talked to a lot about the trajectory
around the All Blacks and putting pride back in the
All Blacks jersey, et cetera, et cetera. Well, you've got
the sort of side show with the All Black Sevens
jersey and team at the moment that I don't think
has the same you know, standards potentially and same manner
(41:32):
that the All Blacks do get their leveraging off the name,
and you know they're lost to Spain the other day.
I do wonder whether it's time just to revert back
to New Zealand for the Sevens teams.
Speaker 4 (41:43):
Look, I've never been a fan of this, Elliott.
Speaker 5 (41:45):
It's a branding exercise and as you say, it's probably
hurting the brand currently. I've got the All Black Sevens,
we've got the Moldy All Blacks, we've got the All
Blacks fifteen, and it's about parading the brand around the
world's you know, marketing the All Blacks. But when results
don't go well, you're actually diminishing that brand. There's only
(42:08):
one All Blacks, there will will only ever be one
All Blacks. So in my view, it should be the
New Zealand sevens, should be the New Zealand Maori, and
it should be the New Zealand fifteen because the All
Blacks hold a certain prestige, a legacy history, and that's
not to be taken for granted.
Speaker 2 (42:28):
I think we're of the same same agreements there on
that front. Napes MVP voting time after round three, Christian
Leo Willy had the lead on six points to POVI
and Josh Moreby both had five Your three two ones
this week, please Naps.
Speaker 4 (42:44):
I'm going to be a bit biased Elliot mineral backs.
Speaker 2 (42:48):
I think they're all Hurricanes.
Speaker 5 (42:49):
Well they could be, yeah, but I'm not quite as
one eyed as some Crusader supporters. You know, I'd like
to see the breadth of the competition. Sure, sure, I'm
going to go Billy Proctor. I thought he was very
impressive and what he did for the Hurricanes, not just
as tries but as his distribution and it was just
(43:10):
great to see him running with a bit of freedom
after the struggles of last year. And to to Leroy Carter,
just his his work great, the way he gets involved,
the way he goes looking for work, whether it be
at the base or in close with the carries, and
then his acceptive strength.
Speaker 4 (43:28):
For ball in hand as well.
Speaker 5 (43:30):
And I'm going to go one to Cody Vai late
change for the Blues with Boden coming into ten and
thoughts his finish in the corner was brilliance. So a
bit of an unsung hero there had the Blues with
Mark Tala moving on. I thought he really stated his
case at the weekend.
Speaker 2 (43:49):
Very very good. Right my three to two ones, Devin
Flanders gets my three. I need to get a Ford
in there somewhere, And I thought he was excellent in
that performance for the Hurricanes. He's been a name that's
been mentioned around the All Blacks, but never with great
vigor or you know, he's got to be in the
All Blacks. But he's been a solid player for Hawks
(44:10):
Bay and the Hurricanes now for a number of seasons,
played All Blacks fifteen level as well. And to me.
I thought there was an excellent performance from him on
the weekend after he played I thought probably the best
of the Hurricanes the week prior in Fiji as well.
So look, if Dave Rennie was watching on a Friday
night and kobait, he would have been very impressed. I
(44:31):
think what he saw from Devin Flanders, Caleb toungy Ta
gets my two, and Boden Barrett after coming in late
and steering the ship at ten and a very good performance,
gets my one. This week we'll add those into the
mix as well. Just before we wrap up on Rugby Direct,
we will check the mail bag. Already got a few
leaders and emails into the Rugby Direct mail bag over
(44:52):
last week, also that I want to get to on
Thursday Thursdays our dedicated spot for the mail bag. You
can get in touch with us Rugby Direct at news
Talk zb dot co dot in zed, Rugby Direct at
newstalk zeb dot co do in Z. We'll read a
few of those out on our Thursday edition on the podcast,
But until the end, Liam, thank you very much for
your time and rest up. We'll look forward to catching
(45:13):
up later in the week.
Speaker 4 (45:15):
Yeah, I'll keep the one your eyes appreciate.
Speaker 2 (45:18):
That that is Liam Napier, Mark Kelly, executive producer and
Rugby directed by Habita Physio. Book Today and stay in
the game.
Speaker 1 (45:30):
For more from news Talks at 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 at B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight down the.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Middle, Try.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Try get inside the game from every end Goal. It's
Rugby Direct with Elliot Smith and Liam Napier powered by
News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio book
today and stay in the game. Rugby Direct back for
another early week edition as we wrap the round that
was run four in Super Rugby Pacific, as well as
a few other rugby issues. And great to welcome Liam
Napier back into the podcast a few days on from
(00:58):
the mannic midweek nature of last week. Liam, welcome in.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Great to be here, Elliott.
Speaker 5 (01:05):
Look, I might only have one working arm at the moment,
but it was a great weekend of footy and certainly
couldn't have hoped for a bitter turn of results, could ye.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Well, I don't know how you managed to be on
the weekends that the Crusaders and Hurricanes both Old Crusaders
lose and the Hurricanes win a week after somehow escaping
that drew a loss, But regardless, let's rip into it
and from a New Zealand perspective. Let's work our way
back and let's get into that Blues Crusaders' performance on
Saturday night, The Blues twenty nine the Crusaders thirteen, a
(01:36):
very good win for the Blues and the context of
the season to date after the loss of the Brumbies
the week prior the loss to the Chiefs in round one.
Winning against the Crusaders has not come easy for the
Blues over the last fifteen twenty years, but that would
be one of the easier wins over the Crusaders, and
(01:56):
the Crusaders very very disappointing. What did you make of
that match?
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Yeah, it's interesting. Look, the Blues were very good.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
I thought they played a lot more rugby than I expected,
particularly in the first off. They broke the Crusaders open
regularly down their left hand flank, I think clictifying and
look who was exposed on defense. A couple of times
got beaten on the outside. But just that the ease
with which that they broke them open was quite surprising.
(02:24):
Caleb Clark running in or was it three tries and
didn't have to do a lot of work for most
of them. I thought it was really stark the way
in which the Blues got go forward and the Crusaders didn't.
And just their their ball carriers, their intense, their their
rout clean everything they did at a higher standard generally
(02:47):
than than the Crusaders, And.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
It was quite surprising given the way in which the.
Speaker 5 (02:52):
Crusaders stepped up the week previous against the Chiefs and
really responded in that manner. And you know, you've got
to pose the question at the moments, are the Crusaders
just completely off their game when they don't have Will Jordan?
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Is he that influential? Well?
Speaker 2 (03:07):
I think he is and I put that to Rob
Penny on Saturday Night? Is that so much of their
attack just revolves around Will Jordan? And remember in twenty
twenty four they didn't have him for the entire comp
of Memory Serves, or at least a very very long
stretch of it, and they were a shadow of the
team they'd been under Scott robertson the years prior. Not
(03:30):
having Will Jordan basically decimated that campaign. And it feels
like when they don't have him on the park, they
really do miss a trick. The decision to move Taha
Kimita back to fullback did not pay dividends I don't
think he's ever played there, certainly at NPC level or higher.
He went off at halftime but barely sort of had
a touch in the first spell, very very quiet. They
(03:52):
think they needed to move Fee Harckey to fall back
and maybe Dallas McLeod or Brandon Inaw onto the wings
or maybe firing a nooku onto the wing potentially, and
swapped those around with sev Reeson. Maybe it felt like
Rob Penny got that selection wrong. Will Jordan out for
the weekend with rest and from what I understand, a
(04:13):
personal engagement, So there was a bit of combo of
all backs rest there. But they did not look threatening
at all with ball in hand and were very lateral
on the attack and we're waiting for someone to spark
things up and it just didn't happen.
Speaker 5 (04:29):
No, their attack was very middling, very predictable, and I
think they've got to move to Kimita back to ten.
I wouldn't pin that whole performance on Rivers Rahuna, but
I just feel like Kimita offers so much more with
ball in hands, He challenges the line. His goal kicking
isn't as good, but he's so much more of an
(04:50):
attacking threat, so I'll be putting him back to ten.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
You desperately need, obviously Will Jordan back.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
But lestifying anok who has returned to super rugby hasn't
gone to plan. I think some of his soft skills
we spoke about this earlier in the year, his pensiont
for throwing off flows that aren't necessarily always on. He's
great were ball in hands, but defensively still getting exposed
at times, So some issues there for the Crusaders to
(05:17):
work through. And yeah, I think my spies were out Elliott.
You're probably aware of this as well.
Speaker 4 (05:21):
Will Jordan.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
I think it was his brother's wedding and christ Church
Urich and Muwanga was there as well, so making the
most of his all black rest and enjoying family occasion.
But the Crusaders desperately need him back for their sudden
derby with the Highlanders. The Blues on the flip side
very important one in the context of their season, isn't it.
They've had a couple of tight losses and if that
(05:45):
starts to spiral, then belief comes into question. You start
pointing the finger and trying to drill deep into everything
and fix everything well in front of a pretty decent
turnout on a beautiful Saturday night in Auckland.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
They really turned it on from an.
Speaker 5 (06:00):
Attacking perspective and some of their big bull carriers really
did the job on the Crusaders up front.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So the dead the Crusader's dug the hole. And I
think that'll probably what hurts the most when they go
through their Monday review, is that, dear I say it.
I know wanted to trade from the Blues performance, but
the Blues didn't have to work as hard as they
would usually have to to get a win over the Crusaders.
You think over the last few years when they've managed
to beat the Crusaders, you know they've had to really
(06:27):
roll the sleeves up and you know it's a full
eighty minute performance. Well, really, they didn't have to play
to their full potential to beat the Crusaders, who turned
the ball over twenty four times in that game. The
basic skill execution, the basic handling from the Crusaders was
not of super rugby standard, and you know Rob Penny
(06:49):
looked exasperated when they cut to in the coach's box.
But these are basic skills that super rugby players should have.
So I don't know what got into them on Saturday night.
But it was a shadow of the team that you
know won the week prior against the Chiefs and to
come from behind performance before we leave this game, Liam
bow and Barrett was thrusting to start at ten, first
(07:11):
game since the end of your tour last year. Steven
Petafetta withdrawn with a wee niggle not expected back this
week either. Look, it was I thought a very good
and composed performance from Boden Barrett at ten for someone
that hadn't seen the lot of game time, had been
expecting to come off the bench. He steered the ship
really really well.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
He did a hugely influential his crossfield kick for I
think was Cody Vais finish in the corner, brilliant finish,
but just those little touches of class you can't buy.
Unfortunate for Steven Peedefetter, who missed most of last year
with recurring half injuries. It's not a good sign that
that's come back in any capacity. Hasn't really stamped his
(07:57):
authority and his couple of chances at ten, so you'd
think potentially a bit of a long rowback with Boden there.
Boden will have to go through all Blacks rests at
various points this year, even though he had a late start,
so potentially some openings. But yeah, Boden's certainly showing that
he's still got those moments of brilliance in them, and
I think just as calm composure around directing their attack.
(08:20):
He kicked one ball out in the full and missed
a bit of a penalty, one penalty as well that
he'd normally expects to get, But all in all, very
accomplished display. And yeah, let's not sugarcoat that Crusader's performance,
particularly in the second half. You mentioned the errors there
really basic skills and just the lack of I think
attacking deception. They couldn't get any front foot penetration. It
(08:42):
really was a terrible second half performance.
Speaker 4 (08:45):
You know that the door was left to jar, wasn't
it with the back.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
End of the first half Cody Taylor's scoring, and you thought, okay,
the Crusader's go in here, there's we could see a
trademark second half comeback.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
But it was anything but.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
No exactly didn't score a point in the second spell.
After getting back to nineteen thirteen, the break couplican versions
as maybe nineteen seventeen they dug growing Gravy Crusaders and
now with just the one win to their name and
the Highlanders who have already beaten them this season at
home this weekend a very very interesting turning point potentially
in their season. Let's go to the Highlander's force on
(09:25):
Saturday afternoon, interned in plenty of points thirty nine to
thirty one, the Highlanders taken in the end. This was
super raggy madness at its best, lead changes of plenty
back and forth, but ultimately the Highlanders just a fraction
too good for the Weastern fourth, who have clearly improved
the season, but not enough to close out a victory
(09:45):
like that.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
No important win for the Holanders.
Speaker 5 (09:48):
I think Jamie Joseph I saw on post match talking
about it as being a must win and I don't
think you can discount I think it was Tavanaua who
termed it chaos during the week around everything with Jamie
Joseph and the All Blacks job, There's no doubt there
was a massive distraction on the team and the assistant
(10:11):
coaches at the handers would have had to take on
a lot with Jamie going away for interviews and being
wrapped up in their All Blacks process. So I think
to get a win in the context of everything that
went on there is very important for the Honders. I
think in the context of the year these are These
are two teams, two pretty pretty average teams compared to others.
(10:35):
The Honders have knocked over the Crusaders, but I think
that probably elevated where they are at, and they do
have some issues. I think Jack Taylor missed his first
six lineouts, which is quite staggering for a hooker, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
That's faith half back not hitting.
Speaker 5 (10:51):
His first five with his first six passes, and he'd
be probably hooked after that. So important win for the Hondas,
and they had to dig deep and come back, and
there were some nice touches from Jacob Rushmavuki Nepkins and
a few others dotted around the high.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
But yeah, I just feel like they don't have the.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
Depth of other teams and the Force of previous week
had a good one against Mouana, but I don't see
them challenging the top teams in the competition either, So,
as you say, bit of a back and forth, but
not necessarily a game of high quality.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
No No. I mean a lot of points. I thought
Tunguey Tower was impressive again for the Highlanders and continues
to put his name up in lights. And you'd have
to think whether you know Dave Reddy was watching that
on a Saturday afternoon in Kobe, he would have been
very impressive with what he saw from Caleb Tunguytower's ability
to take on the line I thought was excellent again
and just the out and outpace that he in power
(11:49):
that he has makes them irresistible. Forces fell off a
lot of tackles in that game. You know, they got
themselves into a position where they could have won, but
I think their tackle percentage I was looking at the
stats last night preparing for the pot. It was roughly
around in the vicinity of sort of seventy percent, which
is not going to get the job done at Super
(12:09):
rugby level, but a confidence boosting win for the Highlanders
as they head north to play the Crusaders this week,
and as we touched on before, they've already beaten them.
Jamie Joseph, you know, with no distractions this week that
looms is an important game for both teams in the
context of the competition, doesn't it? The Highlanders If they
win that they're back to three and two. The Crusaders
(12:30):
win that they're you know, two and three. So this
week Looms is pretty vital for both sides. We'll get
into that on Thursday, but you know, a pretty pivotal
match coming up.
Speaker 5 (12:40):
Indeed, Yeah, in the Southern Derby, you can never right
off the Hlanders and it's where they like to be
written off.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
No one will expect them to win going to christ Church.
Speaker 5 (12:48):
Will Jordan will be back, but I would expect the
Crusaders to get up there all right.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Friday Night, Hurricanes fifty nine Waratas nineteen Liam. You can
wax lyrical if you like about this. This was a
performance I didn't see coming I thought the Wartars. In fact,
we did exchange some tips because we didn't have time
to do it on the podcast last week, and I
tipped the Wartars from memory. But they were blow off
(13:15):
the park by a very very good Hurricanes performance. Off
the back of that lost last week against the Fiji
and Drawer, which was an insipid performance from the Hurricanes,
this showed what they can do against the Wartars team
that you know, had been riding some highs after a
couple of good wins to too.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Elliott, you're on there on the cane train yet.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
No, I don't have a ticket as yet.
Speaker 5 (13:39):
Well you better get them quick, mate, because it's gonna
sell It's gonna fast sell out because look, the next
few weeks the Hurricanes have a pretty good run. They've
got the Western Force this week and I expect them
to build a bit of a momentum. Now, look, this
performance was a real stake in the ground and a
real statement because it's not easy coming from Fiji to
(14:01):
play anything. Generally speaking, teams are zep with energy, canke
bit of legs and fall away, particularly in the last
quarter of matches. Well, there was a stark difference here
in both teams conditioning. It was really clear that the
Hurricanes were intent on running the war Tars around.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
The war Tows are.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
A very big, physical team and it was very even
in the first probably half an hour, but the Hurricanes
did have a lot of success getting around the war Tows.
Rush defense broke them open on the edges and some
great performances, and then they completely ran away with.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
It in the second half.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
Some of the support play, the offloading, the skills on
display from backs and forwards, was just sublime, So I
think a really important performance in the context of the
Hurricane season. You've got to remember they're still without Reuben Love,
They've lost Breck Cameron.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
Callum Harkin. I thought stepped up had a couple of
nice touches in this game. So look the Hurricanes.
Speaker 5 (15:04):
I've got all the ingredients, Elliott to give it a
real shape this year, and I think this pfe months
will make you run stit up and take notice of that.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
They have all the ingredients. I do worry about their depth,
and for me, the drop off from Royguard to Anadi
at half back and beyond, I think is a masive one.
And we saw a Nati get last twenty minutes and
the game was gone by that point in time. But
if Royguard gets injured, then I think the Hurricanes are
(15:35):
at a bit of strife, as we saw a couple
of seasons ago, so I would worry on that front.
I was impressed by vill Juan a couple of years ago.
He seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.
I'm not sure what's gone on there. But if they
can keep Royguard relatively injury free, and who knows if
he'll played the Western Force this week. He may not
need to. Then they are going to be a real
contender for the title. You think about that draw. So
(15:57):
far haven't had to play a New Zealand team as it,
so there are bigger challenges potentially to come for them,
you know, Hurricanes a sorry the Highlanders next week is
their first New Zealand aubbit, but have to leave the
country again in the regular season. So it's all set
up for the Hurricanes. And really I'm king for your thoughts, Lamb,
but anything less than the title at this point seems
(16:19):
like a failure.
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Staring the pot, staring the pot here and yet look,
look shoot for the stars, Elliott.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
But I think the titles wide open and we're seeing
that this year.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
You know, the Chiefs started the season favorites, but they
were knocked over at home by the Crusaders. The Crusader's
been real, Jack and Hyde. The Blues beat the Crusaders
but haven't totally convinced. The Hurricanes have been off and on.
So even the Brumbies, Australia's best team, we're knocked over
at home by the Red So I think that's what
you want to see from the competition in general, but
(16:53):
this this title does feel wide open, and I do
believe the Hurricanes have got everything they need. Billy Procter
and Jordi Barrett in that midfields are combining really nicely.
Jordi Barrett's little chip kick was it was one one
brilliant try. I think you've still got the Holo to
come back on the edge and Reuben Love going to
(17:15):
add another attacking dimension see Carifi. That was his first
game back. So I do think they have some depth.
Warner durns your big tabs on him. He's just starting
to find his feet. They've got real depth in the
front row. Was No one wants to tackle him down
the edge. If he can sort his wine out throwing out,
(17:35):
then yeah, I think the Hurricanes are a real threat.
We do need to see them against New Zealand opposition
because that's generally the benchmark, but I don't think they'll
carry any fear into those games, so they can build
a bit of momentum and as you say, keep Roygard
fit could be title Town coming home.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
Mate.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Let's just mark this down. It's the ninth of March
and you're referring to title town with the Hurricanes. One
thing that did impress me with that performance was just
their ability to find meters with with you know, with
ball in hands, you know, even when the attack of
the post contact meters. You know, we're really impressive from
the Hurricanes and that's the kind of super rugby that
(18:15):
they've always wanted to play, and the war Tars to
an extent let them. But I thought just their ability
on the carry was very, very impressive, just to get
themselves in the right position of the park, set up
those tries and you know, lead drives and everything like that,
just combining to put the Wartars on the back foot
constantly on defense. So I thought it was a really
(18:36):
smart game plan from from the Hurricanes on Friday Night.
Speaker 5 (18:40):
Yeah, they've got big bull carriers, don't They are more
Peter Luckeye a number of their props. I think Lowaki
has been a revelation coming in this year. On the
tight head side. Xavier new Mea is very mobile prop
as well. So yeah, they've got a lot of threats.
What about what about the Waratars Is that their bubble
(19:02):
burst there was the first time that they've really faced
full strength opposition. I think they're going to be without
who we haven't actually seen the best of this year
probably for the next month by the sounds, is it
another year of hype coming to nothing for Sydney team Quite.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Quite well, be Yeah, they were I thought good in
the opening two rounds against the Reds, kicked away later
in that one. I thought they were pretty impressive. They
put the drawer away, then they had to buy and
they folded against the Hurricanes on the weekend. And now
they've got a pretty pretty tricky couple of weeks. They've
got the Reds who are riding high after that win
(19:39):
over the Brumbies, then the Blues come to town. Then
they've got to go to Canberra and face the Brumbies,
then they go and play the Chiefs. I think off
the top of my head, and I think they might
have another buye off off off the top of my head.
So that's a tricky few weeks, and you know, the
bubble has been probably boost on them, and if they
don't get back on the horse quickly this week against
(20:01):
the Reds, then it could unravel really really quickly. With
no Suwa Lee, who as you said, hadn't been overly impressive,
but it's such a big name and presence in that team.
Had a lot of mistakes in that back line. Without
them on the weekends, you know that they could unravel
pretty quickly.
Speaker 5 (20:19):
I reckon, Yeah, it does feel like another familiar tale
for the Waratas some good offseason recruits, but I think
that's gonna be really hurt their confidence. And we're also
yet to see them travel across the ditch to New
Zealand's and historically that doesn't go well for them either.
So unfortunately, I think it could be a familiar script
(20:42):
for the Waratars and it might be left to the
Brumbies and Reads to contest the pointing end of this
season again.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
All right, let's go to the first game of the round,
which was the Chiefs fifty seven more onea PACIFICA twenty four.
Look a jobb done for the Chiefs. In many ways,
they were clearly the better team. Wasn't always going to
plan for them in that game, but they were just
good enough. I thought on the night, you know, they
got to a tricky position. I think about twenty minutes
(21:10):
in when Turportelas scored the first of his tries. It
was nineteen fourteen at that point, and he thought, Okay,
maybe Mowana are coming back. Into this, but you just
had a sense that the Chiefs are ultimately going to
be a little too good and by halftime I think
it was what thirty one fourteen kicked away in the
second spell and you know, Mwana never saw them really again,
(21:31):
never got close to them again. A job done for
the Chiefs after a tricky Saturday night the week before
against the Crusaders. They'll be pretty pleased with that bounce back.
Speaker 5 (21:40):
They will confidence boosting one at home. I'm not too
sure they'll take a huge amount out of that. I'm
keen to focus on a bit on Moana here because
the last three weeks their combined score I think there
are one hundred and forty four points conceded to fifty
three scored. So it's quite stark given the positive note
(22:03):
that they started the year on in Fiji, and for me,
their plights is summed up by current Tymouflow went in
the off season to the Chiefs and played for the
development team at the weekend, and I think that's.
Speaker 4 (22:18):
A real slap in the face.
Speaker 5 (22:20):
It's a sign that's you know, we desperately need some
form of Super rugby draft to even out the spread
of talents in New Zealand, whether it be to Muana
or the Highlanders. You've also got guys like Riley Higgins
not playing for the Hurricanes, a real talent at second five,
so these guys need to be playing rugby. Timewoy Flow
has been outed as a potential future All Black prospect
(22:42):
and can't get a looking at the Chiefs. So it
could be a tough year for Mowana. They're trying hards.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
You know.
Speaker 5 (22:50):
You've got guys like Augustine Pulu coming back very late
stage of his career mentioned Tunneloa. There sixteen tackles, fifteen runs,
seventy meters. I thought he was great and I've seen
a few questions around his potential eligibility in the future
as the potential All Blacks prospect Wana. Collectively, Yeah, they're
(23:11):
in a pretty pretty tough sport, aren't they they are.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Look I think on tilaw I've really rated him. I
thought it was excellent. Last year he was swept under
the Mowana picked him up in the for the wider
training group at the start of twenty twenty five. He
was educated in Highlanders territory. They didn't pick him up
and then Mawana scooped him up on a wider training
(23:34):
group contract last year. I think he's on a two
year deal with them now. Now the All Blacks can't
pick out of Majana players, so it'd have to be
until he gets out of you know, out of that
Majana contract is my understanding. But very very good player.
But if you look at that Mouana side, you're right
Taimoid for lad goes and I just don't think they've
got enough in their back line to be a real
(23:56):
threat that their forwards are do you know, you know,
Yeomen's work up front and low supported by fire Lungey
and good, you know, solid hard working second row of
Savage and Craig, good front row that occasionally get a
few penalties. But their back line I just don't think
is up to super rugby level. You know, Garden Baship
(24:17):
has had his time at the Hurricanes, Pallegrini came on
early doors and then went off again. But they're just
not getting enough out of the back line. La Marpe
looks past it from what I've seen Almuloor, it looks
like yesterday's man and they just don't generate enough in
their back line to be a threat to opposition. Teams,
(24:38):
and I think it's going to be a very very
long season. And on time Way Flout, you know, it's
a bit of the levi Ar Moores and look, there's
plenty of time for Time wayfil how to turn it around.
But More went from being a big fish in a
small pond at more on a Pacifica. Then he went
to the Crusaders and didn't really leave an impact. Tava
Tava Nahwai. I did the opposite, you know, I went
to Mourner and then there's had a huge impact with
the Highlanders, became an All Black out of it. But
(25:01):
you know he's got some work to do, I guess
in terms of finding his way into the chief starting
side over the cu weeks if he wants to push
for that All Blacks jersey when he's eligible later in
the year. But as for Mowana, look, as you said,
Blues away at Eton Park this weekend and the Crusaders
at North Harbor Stadium the following weekend. There's no, there's
(25:22):
not only up inside, is there from one to PACIFICA.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
No, it's a bloody tough run that yeah, big time And.
Speaker 5 (25:31):
Tamoi filout going to a team where you've got two established,
well largely established All Black Wings and leg Rokada and
money in an hour and a pretty classy operator and
attending nine as to touto out the back as well
along with Coobs Fabling who's really impressed at the weekend
and has been you know, knocking on the door certainly
(25:55):
at Super rugby level in recent years, quite an underrated player,
particularly for his size. It's very different, isn't it than
going to the holandas where you sort of can back
yourself to get game time to build games consistency.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
So what's better?
Speaker 5 (26:11):
Is it better to stay in the team where you're
going to be playing, even if they're not at the
elite standard of you know, the top teams in the competition,
or go to a team like the Chiefs and try
and further your national aspirations. It's a real roll of
the dice in some cases. But if you're not in
the shot window then you're not going to be viewed.
(26:32):
So it's a pretty vexed decision for some of these guys.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Yeah totally, And if they want to be All Blacks eligible,
they've got to leave Molwana before we leave the Super
Rugby weekend. The Chiefs head into the buy on the
back of that win over Malwana four weeks into the
comp with a bit of a breather. How do you
think they feel with a three win one loss record
at this point.
Speaker 5 (26:54):
I think they'll still be stung by their home loss
to the Crusaders, just the manner of it, the fact
that they were up quite significantly and then got rolled
considered a lot of unanswered points, so that loss will
sting them. It'll fester, I think over the buy and
they'll be very realistic over where Moana are at in
(27:15):
the context of that performance. But look, their squad still
boasts probably the best depth throughout the competition.
Speaker 4 (27:22):
The guys like Leroy Carter are building some real form.
Speaker 5 (27:25):
They've just got Damien McKenzie back, so he'll have a
real impact over the back end of this campaign. I
thought he was good without being amazing, and he'll get
better and better in the coming weeks, particularly as he
said it was into that ten Jersey. So look, I
think they've still got to be probably favorites for the
title at this point, but they've still got a lot
of improvement in them as well.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Indeed Brumby's as well. We did touch on this briefly,
but they blew it against the Reds. Bit of controversy
at the end, but a couple of late tries Reds
get home in a game that was delayed by ninety minutes.
And now everyone's had at least one defeat so far
in Super Rugby and that'll be a tough one for
the Brumbies to take this loss to the Reds.
Speaker 5 (28:08):
It will look they probably got away with one of
the week previously against the Blues and then cut one
on the chin this week.
Speaker 4 (28:14):
And as you say, the Dangunu.
Speaker 5 (28:17):
Non call on the knock on should have been called
I think in my view, so the reads perhaps fortunate,
but you take your luck and you run with it.
I think it's been great to see Carter Gordon come back.
He would be I think my starting ten for the Wallabies.
Not too sure where less Kiss will go when he
takes the rains later in the year for the Wallabies,
but I just think he's such a big presence. He's
(28:40):
got a great running game. I think his goal kicking
will improve over time. He'll build confidence as he builds
some consistency back in the fifteen man game after his
time in the league. So I think that's a real
win for Australian rugby getting him back.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Indeed, yet very impressed by what he's offered so far.
Let's take a quick break here on rugby. Come back
with the Final four MVP voting as well. After this
you're back with Rugby direct time. Now for the Final four.
Let's ten our attention to the Six Nations. First and
foremost bit of chaos over the weekend. Very impressive performance
from Scotland to beat France forty seven fourteen. It was
(29:18):
at one point final score fifty forty. You know, was
what three or four weeks ago that Gregor Townsend was
walking the plank potentially and may not even see out
the Six Nations in charge of Scotland. Well, now they've
got a chance potentially to win it. On the final
day we had Italy's greatest day in their rugby history
potentially beating England. And now these questions over Steve Borthwick.
(29:42):
This has been a mad Bonker's Six Nations? What did
you make of all the action over the weekend? Limb.
Speaker 5 (29:49):
It's brilliant, isn't it, Elliott? I think this is what
every rugby fan wants to see. Maybe not the English,
but incidentally upsets Galore and yeah, it's been a wild
old tournament. I think Scotland's great one, great performance, great turnarounds,
but in the context of the tournament, they could rue
letting France come back at the Deaf there and Jagger
(30:11):
bonus point because that puts some well ahead on points differential.
So they only need, I think, to beat England's at
home in Paris this weekend, which is no given necessarily,
while Scotland have to go to Dublin and they don't
have a great recent record against the Irish. The Irish
in great form themselves, but look, it sets up the
(30:32):
tournament and a magic result for Italy. I didn't think
it was their best performance of the tournament either, but
hugely significant result be in England for the first time.
The All Blacks are the only team in the top
ten that they are yet to defeat Elliott's, so I
think that's a real marker for Gonzalo Cosada and what
he's done with that team. Menon Cello is a real
(30:55):
talent in the midfields, had a couple of brilliant breaks
to set up that famous win over England's a real
middling lost performance from England's They were up lates, they
had advantages, they kept away so much possession. They seem
to have lost all ability to attack. Maro Tojo given
(31:18):
away a late headless yellow card, very unnecessary. So I
think there are deep, real questions around Steve Borthwick's rain.
I don't expect there to be a rash change, but
he's certainly under massive pressure and in back home.
Speaker 2 (31:35):
He is big time and it's unraveled. You know, they
were will beaters. They were, you know, closing in on
the World Cup two or three weeks back, and now
they look a shadow of themselves. And I think it's
going to invite some questions about some of the players
in that team all of a sudden, and this can
happen very very quickly in rugby, is that this team
now looks old. They look a shadow of themselves. You know,
(31:56):
the players like Jamie George have given great service for England,
but and he's had to play some big minutes. They
have a lot of depth at hooker. Marotogi doesn't look
himself and obviously he's had, you know, the loss of
his mum not so long ago, and that's understandable, but
he doesn't look like the maru Atoji that we know
they have blundered big time. Marcus Smith, I don't know
(32:18):
what's going on there. They now seem really rattled and
it's gonna be interesting to see what happens. I was
listening to our colleagues from The Times the Rock podcast
Will collor Her and co. Last night, and you know
they think that maybe there's a change coming potentially, but
they'll see out the campaign and maybe get July as well.
But a lot hinges now on this we ken cam Borthwick,
(32:41):
rally the troops and get them up for this trip
to Paris. If they do that then maybe you say
it wasn't the best campaign, but they finish on the
high If not, if France is able to do a
number on them, then it's basically inquisition time at Twickenham, isn't.
Speaker 4 (32:56):
It It is?
Speaker 5 (32:58):
And look, when things start to unravel, it can be
really hard to get it back together. So and Paris
is one of the harder places to go and world rugby.
France aren't a great traveling team. They don't do so
well away from home, whether it be in Edinburgh or
South Africa, or they don't bring their best talent.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
Out to New Zealand and they won't again in July
because of their.
Speaker 5 (33:19):
Top fourteen, so they basically never went out here but
back in Paris at the Start de France where everyone
gets whipped into a bit of a frenzy. It is
a really hard place to go and win. And yeah, look,
Steve Worthwick, not only that match, but then in July.
Speaker 4 (33:36):
They have to go out to South Africa.
Speaker 5 (33:37):
So yeah, I think there'll be a fair bit of
panic behind the scenes and those among the England ranks well.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
Indeed, topic number two. It's been a few days. Obviously,
we recorded a couple of podcasts on the Wednesday when
it was announced at Dave Rennie is the new coach
of the All Blacks There's obviously been reaction, but by
and large has seemed pretty universally approved. Obviously there was
some Jamie Joseph supporters out there, but it doesn't feel like,
(34:06):
you know, there's a split in the All Black space
as there has been in the past when they've appointed
a coach, tension moves to the assistance. Now you gave
us some intel when we spoke last week. There's a
few more names that have been thrown about on various
podcasts and articles and other things kind of among his
name has been mentioned, Tom Coventry, etc. But the tea leaves, etc.
(34:28):
Seem to be pointing that Jason Ryan might be the
only current assistant that retains a role in this new setup. Limb,
Is that what you're hearing?
Speaker 4 (34:37):
Yep, That's what I'm hearing.
Speaker 5 (34:37):
And probably an appeared back capacity with more of a
focus on the scrum, which is his area of strength,
and I think that's probably a good move. We saw
Britan Evan's broaden last year and I thought he had
quite a big impact on the line out. But if
you bring in a Neil Barnes who's a line out
and breakdown sort of specialist, then you can allow Ryan
(35:00):
to focus more on the scrum. And if you think
back to Ian Foster's regime when he had Jason Ryan
in there, Greg Feak was the specialist scrum coach. So
in most international teams that Ford's role is broken up
and too scrum, line out, breakdown. And I think that
there has been a point in Scott Robertson's tenure where
(35:20):
Jason Ryan had too much on his plates.
Speaker 4 (35:23):
So and then in terms of the other assistants.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
I think Scott Hansen was under massive pressure given the
way that the All Black stuttering attack was going. Someone
to say Allison will be a good coach in time
and has done good things, but I think had struggled
to necessarily grasp that defensive brief and then Brent Evans
is probably just a victim of being surplus to requirements
(35:49):
when you bring in an experience figure like Neil Barnes,
so big changes of foots and I guess the big
question is around Mike Blair, the former Scottish international halfback
and weather New Zealand Rugby are ready and open to
bringing in a foreign assistant coach.
Speaker 2 (36:07):
Well, I think they've got to be ready. While you
were converalcing with your wrist injury, Stephen Larkin was linked
with a role in the All Black set up. Obviously
didn't come to anything and he's resigned with the Brumbies
as of last week. But I think he would have
been a great addition to the lineup. I've been banging
the drum for a while. A different voice in there,
whether it's running the attack or the defense of whatever,
just a different voice I think is valuable in that
(36:30):
All Black setup. From what I understand might Belee are
highly regarded obviously by Dave Rennie, but also the players
that he's worked with in the various teams and capacities
he's had, so you know, he's probably not a name
that New Zealanders will be overly familiar with, but I
think you trust Dave Rennie to put that person in place.
So I guess the question though, is should Dave Rennie
(36:53):
get cart Blanche or what kind of process will New
Zealand Rugby go through here because we've seen around the
assistance before. It can be a source of issues in
a team environment and there needs to be some sort
of balance between Reny getting his men but also in
New Zealand Rugby knowing they're putting the right plea people
in place and employing the right people.
Speaker 4 (37:14):
That's right, And money's also a factor.
Speaker 5 (37:16):
My understanding is Scott Hanson and Jason Ryan are both
on four year contracts, so if Scott Hanson is to
be moved on, then that that will be another significant
payout on top of what they've already paid out for
Scott Robertson, So that would be a factor. But look,
I think the if you put your faith in trust
in a head coach, you have to give him all
(37:38):
her the rights to surround themselves with people that they
know and trust and let them build that environment largely
as they see fits. Other than Jason Ryan, I don't
think there's really a need to put massive stake in
the ground or push the wagon from New Zealand Rugby's
perspective to say you must take on these assistants because
(37:59):
that could destabilize or compromise what when he's trying to
trying to achieve from the outset. So I don't see
that playing outs. Yeah, and just on Mike Blair, I
think from what I've heard spoken to a few people
who have worked alongside him and know him well, he's quite.
Speaker 4 (38:15):
A structured, stats based coach.
Speaker 5 (38:18):
And I also think that Dave Rennie is an attack
coach by trade, so I expect him to have quite
a large degree of influence over the All Blacks attack
and look, I think that was a factor in him
getting the job in the first place. I saw Jamie
Joseph actually refer to that when he did his press
conference at the Highlands after missing out on the job,
(38:39):
and that's a clear area of improvement for the All
Blacks and I think Dave will take a lot of
ownership over that area.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
Topic Number three in the final four a return for
Brody Retellit to New Zealand rugby. This was sort of
a sidebar to the announcement the other day, and we
did touch on it last week around selecting overseas players.
But Brodie Wuck was then on News Talk ZB with
Darcy Watergrave and said his mum had been in touch.
This was sort of the first head heard of it.
But from my understanding, he's off contract with COPE. Would
(39:09):
you like to see him back in New Zealand rugby
and fight for an All Blacks jersey?
Speaker 5 (39:12):
Absolutely? Yeah, I would. I think that Japanese competition provides
longevity for these sort of players. That probably puts an
extra year or two on players' careers. Look, I saw
some footage of brodi Attic. He's a top tri scorer
in that competition, but there was one effort where he's
(39:33):
ranging back making a tri saving tackle, So the efforts
is there. Dave Rennie reckons that he's the fittest and
the strongest he's ever been, and he would know he's
coaching up there for the past three years, but I
think that's his only avenue to the All Blacks is
coming home. I don't see New Zealand rugby bending the
rules as much as Dave's potentially going to push that wagon.
(39:57):
Maybe there has been a change of regime since Scott
Robinson's era and with Mark Robertson at the helm there that.
Speaker 4 (40:06):
That was never going to change. But it's just such
a vexed issue.
Speaker 5 (40:11):
I don't see it happening overnight, certainly not before the
next World Cup. So if Renie does want to see
Rottelic back in the Black jersey, I think potentially he
comes home for one year at the Chiefs.
Speaker 2 (40:23):
Yeah. Topic number four is it time for the All
Black Sevens to ditch the All Blacks name in front
of them? As we spect they're playing off in a
playoff for seventh and eighth at the Vancouver Sevens. I mean,
our third on the late the ladder and did win
in Dubai at the start of it. But I just
(40:45):
it's just not that comfortably with me for a few
years now that they're called the All Black Sevens, and
because I suppose their record hasn't been that great in
terms of Olympic medals and various other things. I just
wonder whether it's time to remove the All Black Sevens
now whether you'd have to do it for the Black
Ferns as well, who do live up to that Black
(41:06):
fans monika a little bit higher than well, a lot
higher than their male counterparts. I don't know, but to me,
you know they've talked to a lot about the trajectory
around the All Blacks and putting pride back in the
All Blacks jersey, et cetera, et cetera. Well, you've got
the sort of side show with the All Black Sevens
jersey and team at the moment that I don't think
has the same you know, standards potentially and same manner
(41:32):
that the All Blacks do get their leveraging off the name,
and you know they're lost to Spain the other day.
I do wonder whether it's time just to revert back
to New Zealand for the Sevens teams.
Speaker 4 (41:43):
Look, I've never been a fan of this, Elliott.
Speaker 5 (41:45):
It's a branding exercise and as you say, it's probably
hurting the brand currently. I've got the All Black Sevens,
we've got the Moldy All Blacks, we've got the All
Blacks fifteen, and it's about parading the brand around the
world's you know, marketing the All Blacks. But when results
don't go well, you're actually diminishing that brand. There's only
(42:08):
one All Blacks, there will will only ever be one
All Blacks. So in my view, it should be the
New Zealand sevens, should be the New Zealand Maori, and
it should be the New Zealand fifteen because the All
Blacks hold a certain prestige, a legacy history, and that's
not to be taken for granted.
Speaker 2 (42:28):
I think we're of the same same agreements there on
that front. Napes MVP voting time after round three, Christian
Leo Willy had the lead on six points to POVI
and Josh Moreby both had five Your three two ones
this week, please Naps.
Speaker 4 (42:44):
I'm going to be a bit biased Elliot mineral backs.
Speaker 2 (42:48):
I think they're all Hurricanes.
Speaker 5 (42:49):
Well they could be, yeah, but I'm not quite as
one eyed as some Crusader supporters. You know, I'd like
to see the breadth of the competition. Sure, sure, I'm
going to go Billy Proctor. I thought he was very
impressive and what he did for the Hurricanes, not just
as tries but as his distribution and it was just
(43:10):
great to see him running with a bit of freedom
after the struggles of last year. And to to Leroy Carter,
just his his work great, the way he gets involved,
the way he goes looking for work, whether it be
at the base or in close with the carries, and
then his acceptive strength.
Speaker 4 (43:28):
For ball in hand as well.
Speaker 5 (43:30):
And I'm going to go one to Cody Vai late
change for the Blues with Boden coming into ten and
thoughts his finish in the corner was brilliance. So a
bit of an unsung hero there had the Blues with
Mark Tala moving on. I thought he really stated his
case at the weekend.
Speaker 2 (43:49):
Very very good. Right my three to two ones, Devin
Flanders gets my three. I need to get a Ford
in there somewhere, And I thought he was excellent in
that performance for the Hurricanes. He's been a name that's
been mentioned around the All Blacks, but never with great
vigor or you know, he's got to be in the
All Blacks. But he's been a solid player for Hawks
(44:10):
Bay and the Hurricanes now for a number of seasons,
played All Blacks fifteen level as well. And to me.
I thought there was an excellent performance from him on
the weekend after he played I thought probably the best
of the Hurricanes the week prior in Fiji as well.
So look, if Dave Rennie was watching on a Friday
night and kobait, he would have been very impressed. I
(44:31):
think what he saw from Devin Flanders, Caleb toungy Ta
gets my two, and Boden Barrett after coming in late
and steering the ship at ten and a very good performance,
gets my one. This week we'll add those into the
mix as well. Just before we wrap up on Rugby Direct,
we will check the mail bag. Already got a few
leaders and emails into the Rugby Direct mail bag over
(44:52):
last week, also that I want to get to on
Thursday Thursdays our dedicated spot for the mail bag. You
can get in touch with us Rugby Direct at news
Talk zb dot co dot in zed, Rugby Direct at
newstalk zeb dot co do in Z. We'll read a
few of those out on our Thursday edition on the podcast,
But until the end, Liam, thank you very much for
your time and rest up. We'll look forward to catching
(45:13):
up later in the week.
Speaker 4 (45:15):
Yeah, I'll keep the one your eyes appreciate.
Speaker 2 (45:18):
That that is Liam Napier, Mark Kelly, executive producer and
Rugby directed by Habita Physio. Book Today and stay in
the game.
Speaker 1 (45:30):
For more from news Talks at b Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
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