March 26, 2026 • 24 mins
On today’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and producer Mark Kelly break down the newly released 2026 NPC schedule.
The duo also preview Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, before Elliott sits down with Blues fullback Peyton Spencer for an in‑depth chat.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
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 Middle of Trust to get inside the
(00:32):
game from every end Goal. It's Rugby Direct with Elliot
Smith and Liam Nabier powered by News Talks B.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by habitat Physio, book today
and stay in the Game. Elliot Smith back with you
for a late week podcast. No, Liam is part of
the podcast still. I've seen some of the feedback on
Apple Podcasts. He is still on the podcast. But when
you break your wrist in ten places, you have a
few specialist appointments to go through as well as other
(01:02):
things as well. And that coincided with going to two
podcasts a week. And it's here to stay. Our shit
jewels have been clashing over the last week while and
Nape's still not back in the office, So for those
of you out there worried about Liam, Hopefully once he's
back in the office and in the next couple of weeks,
we're back to some normality on Rugby Direct. But we
do appreciate you listening, Elligot Smith. As I said, with you,
(01:25):
Mark Kelly, our producer is going to chip in with
a bit here and there today as well. Of course
you would have heard our earlier podcast in the week
when the All Blacks assistant coaches were named. Feels like
it's been a relatively straightforward procession in terms of the
acceptance of those names. I don't think too many people
have quibbled with the people that they put in place,
(01:47):
so I think universally everyone's happy with Neil Barnes in particular,
and his straightforward, no bullshit style of talking that I
think is going to be outstanding for the All Blacks
over the next couple of that he isn't long. May
that be retained when he does media, and hopefully that
flows through to the other coaches as well. I thought
(02:08):
it was refreshing Neil Barnes. He spoke after we did
the podcast the other day, but he cut through the
crap and I just thought it was what we needed
to hear. It was reassuring. The proof is going to
be in the pudding with the coaching, of course, but
he strikes me, and I'm not sure anyone would disagree
listening to this coach that just likes the basics, and
(02:28):
I think that's what's deserted the All Blacks over the
last couple of years is the basics and hopefully this
will be the start of getting it back together. He's
got a lot of work on his plate, Neil Barnes
as he gets down to business with the All Blacks
and Jason Ryan are the only assistants currently in the
country along with tan Umonger. But he's got a job
to focus on with Morena Pacifica, so there's a lot
(02:49):
of work on his plate to connect with the Super
Rugby franchises. It was encouraging to hear that he was
in strong alignment with Jason Ryan, and having interviewed Jason
Ryan for a couple of years now, I think they
will go well together in the All Blacks setup as well.
So universally pretty pleased, I think everyone with the names
that were named by the New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster
(03:11):
on behalf of Dave Rennie. It did throw up a
couple of other questions though, and one of those is
around Winda Pacifica and where they go to next. They
said in their media release when they announced that tana
Umage was leaving that they would start a recruitment process.
I think that's going to be very, very important, and
remembering this is going to be the franchise that has
Ardi Savilla during next year's Rugby World Cup build up,
(03:35):
so they need to manage him well. They need to
have the right coach in charge. I think Orlando Sokai
would probably be a real contender for that role. Potentially
he's been around the traps for a bit and moved
up the ranks coach Wellington to an NPC title. Maybe
Selta mup Asuur former coach of Sarmore, could be in
the conversation as well. Maybe Tom Commentry wants to step
(03:56):
up to head coaching, but he's always been comfortable enough
as an assistant. But I think from one to sake
they need to get that right and I think it's
probably better having that pacifica voice leading the team as
they head into twenty seven and beyond. So watch the
space Tartanaki also having to figure out their coach as
well for the NPC. Although Neil Barnes did do the
(04:17):
launch video. The draw video very entertaining. If you haven't
seen it, search up the Tartanuki social media and hunted out.
He draws every team that scheduled to play this year.
It's pretty special while worth the watch, but he of
course will not be coaching them. We'll get into NPC
in just a moment. Mark Kelly Fervent fan of Bay
of Plenty, is going to jump on give us his
(04:38):
take on the NPC draw which threw up a few surprises.
But first on Rugby directs bit of a treat for you,
we're going to hear from Peyton Spencer the Blues Fallback,
joining us on the podcast ahead of his first start
in the Blues Jersey and fifteen against the Fiji and
Drewer on Saturday at Eden Park. All great pleasure to
be talking to Peyton Spencer on new Stalk zbb's Rugby
(04:59):
Direct podcast or Peyton, welcome to the show and congratulations
on making your debut last weekend. Has it sun Ken
that you now are super rug me play?
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Yeah, I don't know if it's so good yet to
be honest, Yeah, obviously a pretty pretty surreal and special moment,
not for not for just me but my family as well,
I guess, but yeah, just just proud and yes.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
How did you feel you came through? I think it
was about twenty nine minutes half an hour. How did
you feel you came through that game against war Tis.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Uh, Yeah, no, well, I wasn't expecting to get so
much minutes, to be honest, I was just on the
bench and then I didn't didn't realize that Zon went down,
and before I knew it, I was I was already
on the field. So I think I think it was
a pretty good thing. You know, it didn't give me
time to you know, focus on my nerves too much. Yeah,
(05:56):
did it.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Fly by once you're out there? Did it go fast?
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Yeah? Definitely, definitely. I just spoke to be out there,
so definitely when time time flew.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
You had to wait away while for for a super
rugby debut the last couple of years. You know, what's
the process been like to get to this point for you?
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Yeah, it's been you know, it's been a tough couple
a couple of years, you know, with with injuries and whatnot.
But yeah, just you know, stayed in it and finally
managed to have a good, you know, pretty good preseason
this year. You know, finally gathered a bit of confidence
(06:41):
back and and yeah, just said full belief in my
ability and and yeah, managed to finally get that debut
under the belt.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Absolutely, and how did you feel as a team coming
off that one? You know, came from behind to win it.
Those are the games that you've got to take and
and claim, you know, very important competition points, aren't they?
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Oh yeahred percent? Yeah it was. It was a massive
one for the boys obviously, you know, got we had
two weeks then until our by week, and we wanted
to we wanted to finish off strong, hopefully getting onto
the you know, top of that that leaderboard. So you
had to come come back from what twenty twenty odd
points down and to to want to end when when
(07:25):
I was a bonus point as well was now is massive.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
And obviously a few changes this week as you play
the drawer, you're obviously getting a start. How exciting is
that prospect come Saturday night?
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Oh yeah, yeah, I wasn't. I wasn't too sure what
was going to happen with too naming, But yeah, when
I saw my fim my name in the in the
starting lineup, I was you know, you know obviously to
get that that privilege to put on the fifteen jersey.
But yeah, I'm just gonna go out there and do
(07:57):
do what I can do. My best and yeah, just
enjoy the moment.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
With your listens from last week that you'll take into
to this week. What specifically you're looking to improve on individually.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
Yeah, I'm not too not too sure. I have a
few things. I feel like, just finding my feet, finding
my feet still, you know, getting used to the speed
the physicality of of super rugby. So yeah, hopefully you
find in the first first few few minutes.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
And then yeah, on the way, what do you expect
from the drawer this week? They're being sort of wee
bit up and down this season, but they can be
pretty dangerous when they get born hand.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Yeah. Yeah, I feel like you never know what you're
gonna get with Fuji. Obviously, their their skills and skill
skills and everything is you know, next level obviously some
big boys, so physicality is going to be a big one.
But yeah, I feel like, yeah, we're just focusing on
(09:00):
focusing on our game. You know what we need to do,
We know what we need to do to win, obviously,
but yeah, we know, we know some of their strengths,
so obviously will be looking out for that. But yeah,
pretty much just mainly focus on on what we have
to do and hopefully get a job done.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
And how special seeing on the TV coverage last week
to have your parents over there in Sydney for your debut.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
I mean, yeah, obviously it was. It was special heads
you know, all of my family over over to watch. Now,
it was very special to have them there, you know,
obviously watching my debut. To see them after the game,
you know, go to spend time with them, just to
share the moment with with them was you know, it's
(09:45):
cool as a very special moment.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
And and just personally do you see yourself as a
as a teen to fifteen in the way you can
play with you primarily sort of focusing on on fullback
for now?
Speaker 3 (09:56):
Yeah, for now I would say I'm primarily focusing on
on being out the back at full back, fullback or wing.
You know, I haven't played. I mean I wouldn't say
no to plane sin, but yeah, yeah, right now I'm
focusing on being being on the outside.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
Good man, Well, wishing the best of luck from fullback
this week against the Drawer. Thanks to your time, Peyton.
Nice to catch up and best of luck this week.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Great to catch up with Peyton Spencer. What a nice
shack man and really looking forward to see where he
goes on his Rugby Jersey junior brother in the next week,
while and looking forward to seeing get his first start
on Saturday live commentary of course of that game on
gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Let's get into the NPC and
the draw that has been released and look a few surprises.
(10:45):
We've gone away from the provincial grounds that have especially
for Wellington been their home for the last couple of seasons,
played at Jerry Collins Stadium and port Or for a
couple of seasons. They're playing all their home games at
Henry Stadium this year, which seems suboptimal. I'd have to
be honest. Now, at Jerry Colin Stadium it provided a
little bit of an issue because they couldn't have games
(11:06):
at night there and that flows on to the rest
of the drawer. I'm sure. But you know, we've cried
out for years for the NPC to go to smaller
venues and now they seem to be going back. Auckland
Rugby have yet to announce whithery're attacking a game to
or high school. Canterbury is going to play all their
games in one New Zealand stadium in the center of
the city rather than take a game to rng Eura,
(11:28):
which they have in the path. So look on the
surface of it, pretty disappointing what we've seen there. I'm
sure there are legitimate reasons for it, but we've been
crying out for years Mark around taking these games, especially
the ones in the big centers, to smaller venues, and
now we seem to have gone back to the start.
What he made to the draw.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
It's idiol elliot, I'll tell you that much Afray. It's
as you said, that one Canterbury game that they're playing
Ring Euro it's a sellout. It's incredible scenes. Jerry Colin
Stadium has been a phenomenal place. It seems to always
just absolutely bucket down with rain when they do play there.
And I've been to the last couple of Auckland games
at Auckland Grammar and they're still only sort of four
(12:09):
or five thousand, but it feels like a it feels
like a proper sort of big crowd, and I there's
lots of list as, no big bay of plenty steamers.
Then we played the toting of Domain. I think our
capacity is about four and a half thousand, and it
feels like it's ten, twelve to fifteen sort of thing
with the draw for just speaking as a Steamers fan,
we've actually only got I think I believe two games
(12:30):
at the toting Of domain this year. The rest of
them are in Roade Vegas at the Honey Pit Rotoro
International Stadium, and again just because we don't have lights
in Totinger, but you'll see the crowds drop off probably
eighty percent ninety because nobody in Rotoroa really supports the bay.
Nobody makes that fifty minute drive.
Speaker 2 (12:48):
But so that's that just quart a gouple of strays.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
Now, yeah, no I don't I don't mind Roada Vegas,
but it's yeah, the schedule's weird. There's a couple of
two or five games and then they'll just have a
big gap from that two to seven and there'll be
two games at ten past seven. And I do get
slightly worried with Tea and said sort of now producing
it and chucking on their platforms with sort of the
(13:13):
last what's particularly this last series with the black Cats
black Caps South Africa, it seemed like they really took
their hands off the wheels as a production value. So
I hope it's a lot better than what they've kind
of done with cricket in the last year. But yeah,
exciting that's free to there. What is the first time
in thirty years, Yeah, of the MPC. Yeah, so there's
(13:35):
a lot to play for. But it doesn't make any
sense to me why teams like Auckland and Wellington have
gone back to thirty thousand seat plus stadiums when they
only get five to seven thousand people.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
Yeah, and it was such a great year of NPC
last year as well. People think it's the best one
in the years and it was genuinely it was great
contests and highly entertaining rugby and a lot of that
is because it's played during the day. You know, the
games at night, you know, just don't have that switch
on factor and all the attendance factor. I would have
been putting more games in the day. You can stagger them.
You can have a one o'clock kick off, you have
(14:07):
a three o'clock kickoff in maybe a four thirty or
five o'clock kickoff.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
You couldn't agree more. And it's one of those things.
Particularly in the last what ten to fifteen years, the
Super rugby sort of provinces haven't been sort of I
say shotgunning the players sort of thing like now, if
you've grown up in Total or we've grown up in
Napier or Tartanaki, you actually go home and play for
your province now and you've seen that with the results Auckland.
(14:32):
What haven't made the top eight in the last two years.
I think they've crushed the format New Zealand rugby and
with the quarterfinals and all that sort of stuff, but
they just haven't sort of worked out the venues where
I believe if there's an opportunity to play in a
stadium less than sort of fifteen thousand people, that's where
you should be playing every time.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Aukland should be playing at Trusts Stadium. They should not
be playing at Eden.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
Come with how many great first fifteen venues there are,
from Grandma to dilwor the Kings to Saint Kence. You
could check that on. It'd be great viewing on television
with the estory in the background. Like there's plenty of options.
And I just don't understand when the last time I
went to Auckland MPC game was a couple of years
ago and against Southland, and one stand was you could
(15:15):
sit there for the Rugby and the other stand there's
an art show on and it's unbelievable. But there was
the day that the triple head with a Heartland game.
I think it was a fair Apartment Cup and then
into an NPC. But yes, strange strange decisions, but the
one I just throw out my favorite game. I'm already
looking forward to Round two. Shield up for grabs, Otaga Canterbury.
(15:35):
Canterbury take that shield, that'd be great. I love that
they're playing the Steamers the following week when you get
your hotes up. We don't have a great track there
playing in Canterbury. I think we've won about twice in
twenty years.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
But once it gets to one New Zealand Stadium made
it stay fortress.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Yeah, and I actually for the first couple of weeks,
I think that's going to be well supported down there.
Canterbury Rugby, I think so.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
And look, I'm I'm into minds like I think it's
going to be a big NBC sorry, big super season
once it kicks off there with Super Round. But I
think for the first year or so, there's still going
to be that novelty factor of going to the stadium. Absolutely,
it may be physical out maybe by the second year
and when NPC twenty twenty seven rolls around, it may
be an issue, but I think it's it's going to
be a success down there and can't wait. And incidentally,
(16:17):
before we wrap this up, not on NPC, but they
have an Outscribe playing the halftime show of the opening
Crusader's Warritars game in the Super Round.
Speaker 3 (16:27):
Huge.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
I can't wait there. It's one of Canterbury's favorite sons,
isn't it. Well.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
His first album is definitely his most successful, was called
The Crusader.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
Yeah, and it makes sense. It's like the Warriors bringing
out Savage home.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Game into that stuff.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Yeah, I think they don't do it enough in Super Rugby.
I know they've kind of worked out in the last
particularly this season with the sort of kid zones and whatnot.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Yeah, I look I like the Exponents playing at the
Chiefs home game like they did in ninety six. That
was cool, But yeah, they've no no on You know,
Scribe is twenty years from his heyday, but he's still
resonant with a lot of the people, especially the Three.
Speaker 4 (17:04):
Usually some of his songs are still when they're on a.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
If any How, I got the skills set that's the
saying that has written exactly exactly right. Enough about scribe,
let's get into some tipping. Liam and I both got
four each last weekend. He picked the Chiefs to beat
the Brumbies. I picked the drawer to beat the Reds.
Otherwise we were the same four or four lims ahead
(17:30):
by one and the overall standings. Although having said that,
Liam's tips have been done by mules on occasion the season,
and now they're going to be done by you. So
a lot apprecia for Liam to maintain that slender one
point lead. We start with Mowana Pacifica against the Highlanders
seven o five on Friday night. Commentating this game alongsid
pet A Latini for a Gold Sport on iHeartRadio. Hasn't
(17:51):
been a flash couple of weeks for Mowana Pacifica ship
fifty seven I think it was against Mowana after that
big loss to the Western Force and then the Hurricanes,
they're in a bit dire straits Mowana. Can they bounce
back though against the Highlanders.
Speaker 4 (18:07):
Well, talk about struggling. Highlands are right up there as well.
What a record breaking fifty to seven loss last week
against the Really and they scored first. Yeah it was
so there was fifty unanswered. I think that the largest
loss ever in Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Well they drop for our fuck a Tabor for this
week as.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Well, interesting was it?
Speaker 2 (18:25):
The younger is coming in at half back, Adam Lennox
off the bench. They've got a lot of injuries at Locke.
No Lucas Casey this week. What do you reckon?
Speaker 4 (18:36):
I think the Landers will do it. My only issue
would be as currently in Auckland according this on the Thursday,
terrible weather. They used to sort of inside stuff. I
know they're Southern men whatnot, but they play in Forsyth
Bar where there's a roof. I think they Highlanders will
squeak by. I'll be a one to ten, one to
ten victory twelve. Sorry for the Landers.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Yes, I'm going to go more one to Pacifica. I
think there's too many injuries there for the Highlanders, although
Moe has got a couple of Smissy tip or Di
Low is out injured. But I'm going to go more
one at home.
Speaker 4 (19:06):
Just the X factor, Caleb Tangata's unbelievable this season and
on that and that sort of back through, I think
they've still got something that can break open games and
so that it will be close. Mine will hang around
to about sixtieth minute and then run out of gas.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Okay, okay, Brumbies. Wata's nine to thirty five.
Speaker 4 (19:23):
Brumbies.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
You can Yeah, I can't get past the Brumbies. Look,
the more they collect wins like this, the high they're
going to be on the table at the end of
the season. That's always been potentially their issues that they
haven't finished in the top two. They don't play that
extra week at home, they have to go on the
road in week two. The longer they can play at home,
the more dangerous start. It's kind of like the Crusaders.
You give them a home game, maybe not so much
(19:44):
with the new stadium, but no one wants to go
to a Canberra in June and June.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
Yeah, absolutely, And you kind of saw that, not that
it was in June last week, but twenty four to
seven down against the Chiefs and Slippers, historic two three
game whatever it was, and they didn't give up. It
was bang bang tried two tries in three minutes and
then yeah, and they've kind of they had that huge
victory against the Crusaders and then that was massive again
in against the Chess. Yeah, I'm going Brumby. It's just yeah,
(20:10):
it's it's a fortress over there.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
I'm with young Brumbies Hurricanes. Read this is at the
aforementioned Henry Stadium in Wellington for thirty five Saturday. Ross
Bond and Matt Buck have the call for you on
gold Sport and iHeart Radio.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
The Happy Couple of Wellington.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (20:27):
No, I think your Hurricanes at this point of the season.
What round seven are the form team, the favorite team
for me to win, to win the title. Yeah, I'm
going Hurricanes. Then would kill you if you and I
was thinking about just going all sort of underdogs just
to really screw with Liams. But no, I think Hurricanes
will do it easy Blues draw. I suspect the Blues
(20:49):
will do this easy draw. Don't travel particularly well. The
Blues have a couple of injuries. Papa is out, so
two two is out, Sullivan is out, They've got Peyton
Spencer starting, who we heard from before on the pod.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
But I think they'll be too got.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
At home, Yes, and it could one think that could
help for you. It's as mentioned before, it's absolutely teeming
down in Auckland currently whether it's not looking great on Friday,
and that's pretty much Lauatoka in a nutshell not probably
not one hundred percent humidity that they're used to. Yeah,
but yeah, the Blues will. They had a bit of
a scare last week against the Wortars and maybe that
(21:24):
sort of second half might have sort of kicked their
season back into tracks. So yeah, I'll be going bluesing
that one as well.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
And the final game of the round Force the Chiefs.
This is in Perth on sayat Today Night Malcolm Jordan
with the call for you of that one. I think
the Chiefs win, but I think the Force will give
them a little bit of a scare. That Force I
have Zach Lomax. They don't have a lot about them necessarily,
(21:50):
but I just think two weeks on the road for
the Chiefs that sort of thing. I know they'll be
frustrated and probably come out hissing after last week, but
they've got a few injuries. You know, Daniel Rohn has
returned home to Bova's returned home. They're not the only one.
So I think the Chiefs win, but I'm hesitant to
go through plus at this point in time.
Speaker 4 (22:09):
Yeah, I'm really excited to put my blue and gold
eye patch on Arcoy's getting a start at Lock. I
think I mean the Force Colors he was last year.
He was in the sort of realm of almost being
caught up to the All Blacks. He was called up
for the late into squads. At some point. It's finally
getting a proper go starting and he hasn't looked great
(22:32):
to start the LB first, to admit that. And also
Leroy Carter other steaming and that's a player that like
you might not think he's plaid there a lot, but
for Steamers he's played there half a dozen times. Actually
Round one of NPC last year. I actually believe he
almost ruined David Haveli's All Blacks career because he ran
around them on two separate occasions to score in a
(22:52):
massive win for the Steamers in round one. And I
love it. I think he's I've been huge on this
hybrid player and we don't quite have one year in
Super rugby in New Zealand or an Indian rugby at all.
And I think he can play half back. Meagine him
at thirteen. Perfect player isn't just keep playing wherever somebody
gets injured or not playing well or whatever the cases.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
I think there are questions around his defense and his
high ball ability on the wing, but boy, he's got
more pace than you can shake his stick.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
Aut and he's strong and he loves getting in the
ruck and more of this. Yeah, it's what they call
him bumper. But yeah, I'm very, very excited to see
him and also just to keep on this Babel any
Steamers chat. Great to hear Emmony now that I was
resigned for a couple more years as well. I don't
know how much he'll play for the Steamers in the
coming years if he sticks around, there's all black jerseys.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
Well, he's another one that can play fullback, wing and center.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
And that's that's been from what's Craiden McMillan and Richard
what have done with the Steamers this year because we've
had so many outside backs with for Heir from the Hurricanes.
Who else we've had Bloody Nigel Yeah, he used to
see there as well, and we've had sevens players galore,
Emony Leroy and just about fitting Cole Forbes another one.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
So this is an esteemer's podcast. I'd love it to
be though, but yeah, it's exciting because that's what NPC
is for trialing it out sort of things, seeing what
they can do, and this is that next step for them,
and it's gonna be great to see how how Leuo
Okarta goes at third it is.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Indeed, you're a good band, producing Mark. Thank you very
much for joining us on at rge B direct, howored
by Habit Health. We're back next week of course, hopefully
Lim is with us as well. We'll see you next
time for more from News Talks ed B. Listen live
on air or online
Speaker 1 (24:39):
And keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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 Middle of Trust to get inside the
(00:32):
game from every end Goal. It's Rugby Direct with Elliot
Smith and Liam Nabier powered by News Talks B.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by habitat Physio, book today
and stay in the Game. Elliot Smith back with you
for a late week podcast. No, Liam is part of
the podcast still. I've seen some of the feedback on
Apple Podcasts. He is still on the podcast. But when
you break your wrist in ten places, you have a
few specialist appointments to go through as well as other
(01:02):
things as well. And that coincided with going to two
podcasts a week. And it's here to stay. Our shit
jewels have been clashing over the last week while and
Nape's still not back in the office, So for those
of you out there worried about Liam, Hopefully once he's
back in the office and in the next couple of weeks,
we're back to some normality on Rugby Direct. But we
do appreciate you listening, Elligot Smith. As I said, with you,
(01:25):
Mark Kelly, our producer is going to chip in with
a bit here and there today as well. Of course
you would have heard our earlier podcast in the week
when the All Blacks assistant coaches were named. Feels like
it's been a relatively straightforward procession in terms of the
acceptance of those names. I don't think too many people
have quibbled with the people that they put in place,
(01:47):
so I think universally everyone's happy with Neil Barnes in particular,
and his straightforward, no bullshit style of talking that I
think is going to be outstanding for the All Blacks
over the next couple of that he isn't long. May
that be retained when he does media, and hopefully that
flows through to the other coaches as well. I thought
(02:08):
it was refreshing Neil Barnes. He spoke after we did
the podcast the other day, but he cut through the
crap and I just thought it was what we needed
to hear. It was reassuring. The proof is going to
be in the pudding with the coaching, of course, but
he strikes me, and I'm not sure anyone would disagree
listening to this coach that just likes the basics, and
(02:28):
I think that's what's deserted the All Blacks over the
last couple of years is the basics and hopefully this
will be the start of getting it back together. He's
got a lot of work on his plate, Neil Barnes
as he gets down to business with the All Blacks
and Jason Ryan are the only assistants currently in the
country along with tan Umonger. But he's got a job
to focus on with Morena Pacifica, so there's a lot
(02:49):
of work on his plate to connect with the Super
Rugby franchises. It was encouraging to hear that he was
in strong alignment with Jason Ryan, and having interviewed Jason
Ryan for a couple of years now, I think they
will go well together in the All Blacks setup as well.
So universally pretty pleased, I think everyone with the names
that were named by the New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster
(03:11):
on behalf of Dave Rennie. It did throw up a
couple of other questions though, and one of those is
around Winda Pacifica and where they go to next. They
said in their media release when they announced that tana
Umage was leaving that they would start a recruitment process.
I think that's going to be very, very important, and
remembering this is going to be the franchise that has
Ardi Savilla during next year's Rugby World Cup build up,
(03:35):
so they need to manage him well. They need to
have the right coach in charge. I think Orlando Sokai
would probably be a real contender for that role. Potentially
he's been around the traps for a bit and moved
up the ranks coach Wellington to an NPC title. Maybe
Selta mup Asuur former coach of Sarmore, could be in
the conversation as well. Maybe Tom Commentry wants to step
(03:56):
up to head coaching, but he's always been comfortable enough
as an assistant. But I think from one to sake
they need to get that right and I think it's
probably better having that pacifica voice leading the team as
they head into twenty seven and beyond. So watch the
space Tartanaki also having to figure out their coach as
well for the NPC. Although Neil Barnes did do the
(04:17):
launch video. The draw video very entertaining. If you haven't
seen it, search up the Tartanuki social media and hunted out.
He draws every team that scheduled to play this year.
It's pretty special while worth the watch, but he of
course will not be coaching them. We'll get into NPC
in just a moment. Mark Kelly Fervent fan of Bay
of Plenty, is going to jump on give us his
(04:38):
take on the NPC draw which threw up a few surprises.
But first on Rugby directs bit of a treat for you,
we're going to hear from Peyton Spencer the Blues Fallback,
joining us on the podcast ahead of his first start
in the Blues Jersey and fifteen against the Fiji and
Drewer on Saturday at Eden Park. All great pleasure to
be talking to Peyton Spencer on new Stalk zbb's Rugby
(04:59):
Direct podcast or Peyton, welcome to the show and congratulations
on making your debut last weekend. Has it sun Ken
that you now are super rug me play?
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Yeah, I don't know if it's so good yet to
be honest, Yeah, obviously a pretty pretty surreal and special moment,
not for not for just me but my family as well,
I guess, but yeah, just just proud and yes.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
How did you feel you came through? I think it
was about twenty nine minutes half an hour. How did
you feel you came through that game against war Tis.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Uh, Yeah, no, well, I wasn't expecting to get so
much minutes, to be honest, I was just on the
bench and then I didn't didn't realize that Zon went down,
and before I knew it, I was I was already
on the field. So I think I think it was
a pretty good thing. You know, it didn't give me
time to you know, focus on my nerves too much. Yeah,
(05:56):
did it.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Fly by once you're out there? Did it go fast?
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Yeah? Definitely, definitely. I just spoke to be out there,
so definitely when time time flew.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
You had to wait away while for for a super
rugby debut the last couple of years. You know, what's
the process been like to get to this point for you?
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Yeah, it's been you know, it's been a tough couple
a couple of years, you know, with with injuries and whatnot.
But yeah, just you know, stayed in it and finally
managed to have a good, you know, pretty good preseason
this year. You know, finally gathered a bit of confidence
(06:41):
back and and yeah, just said full belief in my
ability and and yeah, managed to finally get that debut
under the belt.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Absolutely, and how did you feel as a team coming
off that one? You know, came from behind to win it.
Those are the games that you've got to take and
and claim, you know, very important competition points, aren't they?
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Oh yeahred percent? Yeah it was. It was a massive
one for the boys obviously, you know, got we had
two weeks then until our by week, and we wanted
to we wanted to finish off strong, hopefully getting onto
the you know, top of that that leaderboard. So you
had to come come back from what twenty twenty odd
points down and to to want to end when when
(07:25):
I was a bonus point as well was now is massive.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
And obviously a few changes this week as you play
the drawer, you're obviously getting a start. How exciting is
that prospect come Saturday night?
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Oh yeah, yeah, I wasn't. I wasn't too sure what
was going to happen with too naming, But yeah, when
I saw my fim my name in the in the
starting lineup, I was you know, you know obviously to
get that that privilege to put on the fifteen jersey.
But yeah, I'm just gonna go out there and do
(07:57):
do what I can do. My best and yeah, just
enjoy the moment.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
With your listens from last week that you'll take into
to this week. What specifically you're looking to improve on individually.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
Yeah, I'm not too not too sure. I have a
few things. I feel like, just finding my feet, finding
my feet still, you know, getting used to the speed
the physicality of of super rugby. So yeah, hopefully you
find in the first first few few minutes.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
And then yeah, on the way, what do you expect
from the drawer this week? They're being sort of wee
bit up and down this season, but they can be
pretty dangerous when they get born hand.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Yeah. Yeah, I feel like you never know what you're
gonna get with Fuji. Obviously, their their skills and skill
skills and everything is you know, next level obviously some
big boys, so physicality is going to be a big one.
But yeah, I feel like, yeah, we're just focusing on
(09:00):
focusing on our game. You know what we need to do,
We know what we need to do to win, obviously,
but yeah, we know, we know some of their strengths,
so obviously will be looking out for that. But yeah,
pretty much just mainly focus on on what we have
to do and hopefully get a job done.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
And how special seeing on the TV coverage last week
to have your parents over there in Sydney for your debut.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
I mean, yeah, obviously it was. It was special heads
you know, all of my family over over to watch. Now,
it was very special to have them there, you know,
obviously watching my debut. To see them after the game,
you know, go to spend time with them, just to
share the moment with with them was you know, it's
(09:45):
cool as a very special moment.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
And and just personally do you see yourself as a
as a teen to fifteen in the way you can
play with you primarily sort of focusing on on fullback
for now?
Speaker 3 (09:56):
Yeah, for now I would say I'm primarily focusing on
on being out the back at full back, fullback or wing.
You know, I haven't played. I mean I wouldn't say
no to plane sin, but yeah, yeah, right now I'm
focusing on being being on the outside.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
Good man, Well, wishing the best of luck from fullback
this week against the Drawer. Thanks to your time, Peyton.
Nice to catch up and best of luck this week.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Great to catch up with Peyton Spencer. What a nice
shack man and really looking forward to see where he
goes on his Rugby Jersey junior brother in the next week,
while and looking forward to seeing get his first start
on Saturday live commentary of course of that game on
gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Let's get into the NPC and
the draw that has been released and look a few surprises.
(10:45):
We've gone away from the provincial grounds that have especially
for Wellington been their home for the last couple of seasons,
played at Jerry Collins Stadium and port Or for a
couple of seasons. They're playing all their home games at
Henry Stadium this year, which seems suboptimal. I'd have to
be honest. Now, at Jerry Colin Stadium it provided a
little bit of an issue because they couldn't have games
(11:06):
at night there and that flows on to the rest
of the drawer. I'm sure. But you know, we've cried
out for years for the NPC to go to smaller
venues and now they seem to be going back. Auckland
Rugby have yet to announce whithery're attacking a game to
or high school. Canterbury is going to play all their
games in one New Zealand stadium in the center of
the city rather than take a game to rng Eura,
(11:28):
which they have in the path. So look on the
surface of it, pretty disappointing what we've seen there. I'm
sure there are legitimate reasons for it, but we've been
crying out for years Mark around taking these games, especially
the ones in the big centers, to smaller venues, and
now we seem to have gone back to the start.
What he made to the draw.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
It's idiol elliot, I'll tell you that much Afray. It's
as you said, that one Canterbury game that they're playing
Ring Euro it's a sellout. It's incredible scenes. Jerry Colin
Stadium has been a phenomenal place. It seems to always
just absolutely bucket down with rain when they do play there.
And I've been to the last couple of Auckland games
at Auckland Grammar and they're still only sort of four
(12:09):
or five thousand, but it feels like a it feels
like a proper sort of big crowd, and I there's
lots of list as, no big bay of plenty steamers.
Then we played the toting of Domain. I think our
capacity is about four and a half thousand, and it
feels like it's ten, twelve to fifteen sort of thing
with the draw for just speaking as a Steamers fan,
we've actually only got I think I believe two games
(12:30):
at the toting Of domain this year. The rest of
them are in Roade Vegas at the Honey Pit Rotoro
International Stadium, and again just because we don't have lights
in Totinger, but you'll see the crowds drop off probably
eighty percent ninety because nobody in Rotoroa really supports the bay.
Nobody makes that fifty minute drive.
Speaker 2 (12:48):
But so that's that just quart a gouple of strays.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
Now, yeah, no I don't I don't mind Roada Vegas,
but it's yeah, the schedule's weird. There's a couple of
two or five games and then they'll just have a
big gap from that two to seven and there'll be
two games at ten past seven. And I do get
slightly worried with Tea and said sort of now producing
it and chucking on their platforms with sort of the
(13:13):
last what's particularly this last series with the black Cats
black Caps South Africa, it seemed like they really took
their hands off the wheels as a production value. So
I hope it's a lot better than what they've kind
of done with cricket in the last year. But yeah,
exciting that's free to there. What is the first time
in thirty years, Yeah, of the MPC. Yeah, so there's
(13:35):
a lot to play for. But it doesn't make any
sense to me why teams like Auckland and Wellington have
gone back to thirty thousand seat plus stadiums when they
only get five to seven thousand people.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
Yeah, and it was such a great year of NPC
last year as well. People think it's the best one
in the years and it was genuinely it was great
contests and highly entertaining rugby and a lot of that
is because it's played during the day. You know, the
games at night, you know, just don't have that switch
on factor and all the attendance factor. I would have
been putting more games in the day. You can stagger them.
You can have a one o'clock kick off, you have
(14:07):
a three o'clock kickoff in maybe a four thirty or
five o'clock kickoff.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
You couldn't agree more. And it's one of those things.
Particularly in the last what ten to fifteen years, the
Super rugby sort of provinces haven't been sort of I
say shotgunning the players sort of thing like now, if
you've grown up in Total or we've grown up in
Napier or Tartanaki, you actually go home and play for
your province now and you've seen that with the results Auckland.
(14:32):
What haven't made the top eight in the last two years.
I think they've crushed the format New Zealand rugby and
with the quarterfinals and all that sort of stuff, but
they just haven't sort of worked out the venues where
I believe if there's an opportunity to play in a
stadium less than sort of fifteen thousand people, that's where
you should be playing every time.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Aukland should be playing at Trusts Stadium. They should not
be playing at Eden.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
Come with how many great first fifteen venues there are,
from Grandma to dilwor the Kings to Saint Kence. You
could check that on. It'd be great viewing on television
with the estory in the background. Like there's plenty of options.
And I just don't understand when the last time I
went to Auckland MPC game was a couple of years
ago and against Southland, and one stand was you could
(15:15):
sit there for the Rugby and the other stand there's
an art show on and it's unbelievable. But there was
the day that the triple head with a Heartland game.
I think it was a fair Apartment Cup and then
into an NPC. But yes, strange strange decisions, but the
one I just throw out my favorite game. I'm already
looking forward to Round two. Shield up for grabs, Otaga Canterbury.
(15:35):
Canterbury take that shield, that'd be great. I love that
they're playing the Steamers the following week when you get
your hotes up. We don't have a great track there
playing in Canterbury. I think we've won about twice in
twenty years.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
But once it gets to one New Zealand Stadium made
it stay fortress.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Yeah, and I actually for the first couple of weeks,
I think that's going to be well supported down there.
Canterbury Rugby, I think so.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
And look, I'm I'm into minds like I think it's
going to be a big NBC sorry, big super season
once it kicks off there with Super Round. But I
think for the first year or so, there's still going
to be that novelty factor of going to the stadium. Absolutely,
it may be physical out maybe by the second year
and when NPC twenty twenty seven rolls around, it may
be an issue, but I think it's it's going to
be a success down there and can't wait. And incidentally,
(16:17):
before we wrap this up, not on NPC, but they
have an Outscribe playing the halftime show of the opening
Crusader's Warritars game in the Super Round.
Speaker 3 (16:27):
Huge.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
I can't wait there. It's one of Canterbury's favorite sons,
isn't it. Well.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
His first album is definitely his most successful, was called
The Crusader.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
Yeah, and it makes sense. It's like the Warriors bringing
out Savage home.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Game into that stuff.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Yeah, I think they don't do it enough in Super Rugby.
I know they've kind of worked out in the last
particularly this season with the sort of kid zones and whatnot.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Yeah, I look I like the Exponents playing at the
Chiefs home game like they did in ninety six. That
was cool, But yeah, they've no no on You know,
Scribe is twenty years from his heyday, but he's still
resonant with a lot of the people, especially the Three.
Speaker 4 (17:04):
Usually some of his songs are still when they're on a.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
If any How, I got the skills set that's the
saying that has written exactly exactly right. Enough about scribe,
let's get into some tipping. Liam and I both got
four each last weekend. He picked the Chiefs to beat
the Brumbies. I picked the drawer to beat the Reds.
Otherwise we were the same four or four lims ahead
(17:30):
by one and the overall standings. Although having said that,
Liam's tips have been done by mules on occasion the season,
and now they're going to be done by you. So
a lot apprecia for Liam to maintain that slender one
point lead. We start with Mowana Pacifica against the Highlanders
seven o five on Friday night. Commentating this game alongsid
pet A Latini for a Gold Sport on iHeartRadio. Hasn't
(17:51):
been a flash couple of weeks for Mowana Pacifica ship
fifty seven I think it was against Mowana after that
big loss to the Western Force and then the Hurricanes,
they're in a bit dire straits Mowana. Can they bounce
back though against the Highlanders.
Speaker 4 (18:07):
Well, talk about struggling. Highlands are right up there as well.
What a record breaking fifty to seven loss last week
against the Really and they scored first. Yeah it was
so there was fifty unanswered. I think that the largest
loss ever in Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Well they drop for our fuck a Tabor for this
week as.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Well, interesting was it?
Speaker 2 (18:25):
The younger is coming in at half back, Adam Lennox
off the bench. They've got a lot of injuries at Locke.
No Lucas Casey this week. What do you reckon?
Speaker 4 (18:36):
I think the Landers will do it. My only issue
would be as currently in Auckland according this on the Thursday,
terrible weather. They used to sort of inside stuff. I
know they're Southern men whatnot, but they play in Forsyth
Bar where there's a roof. I think they Highlanders will
squeak by. I'll be a one to ten, one to
ten victory twelve. Sorry for the Landers.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Yes, I'm going to go more one to Pacifica. I
think there's too many injuries there for the Highlanders, although
Moe has got a couple of Smissy tip or Di
Low is out injured. But I'm going to go more
one at home.
Speaker 4 (19:06):
Just the X factor, Caleb Tangata's unbelievable this season and
on that and that sort of back through, I think
they've still got something that can break open games and
so that it will be close. Mine will hang around
to about sixtieth minute and then run out of gas.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Okay, okay, Brumbies. Wata's nine to thirty five.
Speaker 4 (19:23):
Brumbies.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
You can Yeah, I can't get past the Brumbies. Look,
the more they collect wins like this, the high they're
going to be on the table at the end of
the season. That's always been potentially their issues that they
haven't finished in the top two. They don't play that
extra week at home, they have to go on the
road in week two. The longer they can play at home,
the more dangerous start. It's kind of like the Crusaders.
You give them a home game, maybe not so much
(19:44):
with the new stadium, but no one wants to go
to a Canberra in June and June.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
Yeah, absolutely, And you kind of saw that, not that
it was in June last week, but twenty four to
seven down against the Chiefs and Slippers, historic two three
game whatever it was, and they didn't give up. It
was bang bang tried two tries in three minutes and
then yeah, and they've kind of they had that huge
victory against the Crusaders and then that was massive again
in against the Chess. Yeah, I'm going Brumby. It's just yeah,
(20:10):
it's it's a fortress over there.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
I'm with young Brumbies Hurricanes. Read this is at the
aforementioned Henry Stadium in Wellington for thirty five Saturday. Ross
Bond and Matt Buck have the call for you on
gold Sport and iHeart Radio.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
The Happy Couple of Wellington.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (20:27):
No, I think your Hurricanes at this point of the season.
What round seven are the form team, the favorite team
for me to win, to win the title. Yeah, I'm
going Hurricanes. Then would kill you if you and I
was thinking about just going all sort of underdogs just
to really screw with Liams. But no, I think Hurricanes
will do it easy Blues draw. I suspect the Blues
(20:49):
will do this easy draw. Don't travel particularly well. The
Blues have a couple of injuries. Papa is out, so
two two is out, Sullivan is out, They've got Peyton
Spencer starting, who we heard from before on the pod.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
But I think they'll be too got.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
At home, Yes, and it could one think that could
help for you. It's as mentioned before, it's absolutely teeming
down in Auckland currently whether it's not looking great on Friday,
and that's pretty much Lauatoka in a nutshell not probably
not one hundred percent humidity that they're used to. Yeah,
but yeah, the Blues will. They had a bit of
a scare last week against the Wortars and maybe that
(21:24):
sort of second half might have sort of kicked their
season back into tracks. So yeah, I'll be going bluesing
that one as well.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
And the final game of the round Force the Chiefs.
This is in Perth on sayat Today Night Malcolm Jordan
with the call for you of that one. I think
the Chiefs win, but I think the Force will give
them a little bit of a scare. That Force I
have Zach Lomax. They don't have a lot about them necessarily,
(21:50):
but I just think two weeks on the road for
the Chiefs that sort of thing. I know they'll be
frustrated and probably come out hissing after last week, but
they've got a few injuries. You know, Daniel Rohn has
returned home to Bova's returned home. They're not the only one.
So I think the Chiefs win, but I'm hesitant to
go through plus at this point in time.
Speaker 4 (22:09):
Yeah, I'm really excited to put my blue and gold
eye patch on Arcoy's getting a start at Lock. I
think I mean the Force Colors he was last year.
He was in the sort of realm of almost being
caught up to the All Blacks. He was called up
for the late into squads. At some point. It's finally
getting a proper go starting and he hasn't looked great
(22:32):
to start the LB first, to admit that. And also
Leroy Carter other steaming and that's a player that like
you might not think he's plaid there a lot, but
for Steamers he's played there half a dozen times. Actually
Round one of NPC last year. I actually believe he
almost ruined David Haveli's All Blacks career because he ran
around them on two separate occasions to score in a
(22:52):
massive win for the Steamers in round one. And I
love it. I think he's I've been huge on this
hybrid player and we don't quite have one year in
Super rugby in New Zealand or an Indian rugby at all.
And I think he can play half back. Meagine him
at thirteen. Perfect player isn't just keep playing wherever somebody
gets injured or not playing well or whatever the cases.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
I think there are questions around his defense and his
high ball ability on the wing, but boy, he's got
more pace than you can shake his stick.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
Aut and he's strong and he loves getting in the
ruck and more of this. Yeah, it's what they call
him bumper. But yeah, I'm very, very excited to see
him and also just to keep on this Babel any
Steamers chat. Great to hear Emmony now that I was
resigned for a couple more years as well. I don't
know how much he'll play for the Steamers in the
coming years if he sticks around, there's all black jerseys.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
Well, he's another one that can play fullback, wing and center.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
And that's that's been from what's Craiden McMillan and Richard
what have done with the Steamers this year because we've
had so many outside backs with for Heir from the Hurricanes.
Who else we've had Bloody Nigel Yeah, he used to
see there as well, and we've had sevens players galore,
Emony Leroy and just about fitting Cole Forbes another one.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
So this is an esteemer's podcast. I'd love it to
be though, but yeah, it's exciting because that's what NPC
is for trialing it out sort of things, seeing what
they can do, and this is that next step for them,
and it's gonna be great to see how how Leuo
Okarta goes at third it is.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Indeed, you're a good band, producing Mark. Thank you very
much for joining us on at rge B direct, howored
by Habit Health. We're back next week of course, hopefully
Lim is with us as well. We'll see you next
time for more from News Talks ed B. Listen live
on air or online
Speaker 1 (24:39):
And keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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