March 29, 2026 • 28 mins
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into all the fallout from Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific.
The boys break down the biggest talking points from the weekend — including whether anyone can stop the red‑hot Hurricanes — before going head‑to‑head on who should be the next All Blacks captain.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio, Straight
Down the Middle, SCY try to get inside the game
(00:30):
from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and
Leam Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habits Health Book today
and stay in the game. Elliott Smith with me Liam Napier.
Another busy weekend of rugby in the books. Greetings, Liam,
welcome back into Rugby Directors.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Always great to be he Elliott. Always plenty of happening,
isn't that there is?
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Indeed, in some breaking news that's come just before we
record on this podcast to Mighty Williams ruled out of
Super Rugby for the rest of twenty twenty six with
a serious infection. This news from the Crusaders this morning.
The All Black prop has been diagnosed with discitis, which
is an infection in one of the discs in the spine,
(01:15):
which sounds horrible. He's had blood tests, et cetera, et cetera,
and he's going to be on antibiotics for a long time.
So his Crusader season is over. It's a pretty big blow.
He was due to come back from suspension I think
last week. They didn't obviously include him that week. We
now know why.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
Massive blow.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Elliott very well, big human, first and foremost, isn't the
tomicy and it's been a big part of the Crusader's
success in recent years and looked good an increasingly destructive scrummager,
great fitness these days around the field, very much the
all court modern day props. So massive setback for the Crusaders.
(01:54):
I've actually had a mate who's been through something similar.
It does sound pretty random of virus in your back,
but it's it can be very debilitating and with to
mighty ruled out for the whole of the year, that
speaks to its severity. So I guess, you know, I
thoughts with him. He's going to be in hospital for
a period of time before he's allowed to go home
(02:15):
first and foremost, and then I guess hopefully bounce back
at some point later in the year for the All Blacks.
But yeah, pretty nasty illness that it is.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Indeed, Adam Thompson remember about a decade ago he had
the same thing. I think he copped it in Japan
and he was in hospital for about two months. I
think they had some trouble figuring out exactly what it was.
So they've got to obviously the point of knowing what
it is with tomighty. So hopefully it's you know, slow
and steady progress and he can make his return to
international rugby at some point this season. Let's through the
(02:45):
weekend that was and look fairly unconvincing. The Chiefs twenty
four to fourteen over the Western Forest in Perth on
Saturday night. Felt like the Chiefs are poised to break
the game open. Just before halftime. They had a try
that Jacobson scored, No sorry, Jacob scored off the back
(03:06):
of a line out that wasn't called not straight by
the referee. They've got a bit lucky then, but they
could have been nineteen seven twenty one seven and a
half time if they haven't fluffed their lines. But then
just got into a little bit of an arm wrestle
with the Western Force, which they are quite good at doing,
and couldn't find a way to really break the shackles
at all in that contest. It was a fairly middling performance.
(03:26):
I thought from the Chiefs, what did you make of it?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
It was and it's probably a reflection of the season
to date. I think quite unconvincing. I've had some bad
losses that I'm thinking about the Crusaders at home, and
just quite a bit patchy really and unconvincing outside of that,
And look, I think the Force a better team than
they have been in recent years. They pushed the Hurricanes,
(03:50):
They've been wine in Pacifica when they were out here,
and have been competitive in other fixtures this year. But
they're also a team that's New Zealand sides in particular
view with rotation in mind, you think about Josh Jacob
coming into ten Leroy Carter at center, Samersoni Takiaho on
the bench, so as one of the also rans. To
(04:11):
a degree, the Force are viewed in that light, and
I think that can cause disruption. But the Chiefs should
have probably put them away even in those circumstances. By
twenty thirty points. They had a number of line breaks,
so many blowing chances they're handling areas, their execution they're
finishing was really off. Maybe it was a symptom of
(04:31):
a weaber disruption on the way to the game with
the bus breaking down, but look, no excuses rarely expect
a lot more from this Chief's.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Team, absolutely, and you look back at the last two weeks,
the swing in Australia GA, they'll be disappointed with their
return I think in the end. Obviously the lost of
the Brumbies last week in a poor ish performance will
be with a win against the Western Force, you there's
a lot to improve as they come back and play
the Wartors this weekend.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
There is, indeed, and the coaching change with John O
Gibbs coming in, there was always going to be a
bit of a transition there and you'd have to say
the Chiefs aren't performing as well as they have in
recent years, but maybe they'll find those improvements between now
and the end of the year. They've been bridesmaid on
so many occasions come the playoffs, so maybe they're getting
(05:19):
that rust out now.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
How much do you think that tinkering them? And obviously
they had to make some tweaks there and move Jacob
into ten and Mackenzie at fallback, But do you think
that is actually more of an issue than you know?
Obviously trying to build some depth and rotating players out
and keeping players fresh, But at this point of the
season I think they need to string together some consistent performances,
don't they.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
They do, and they probably need to see a bit
more out of well some of their regular stars. I
don't think McKenzie's been at his best since coming back
from having his first Child's probably got a lot on
his hands on the home fronts. He's missed a couple
of raally regulation kicks in both Canberra and Perth, and yeah,
(06:01):
that disruption can have an impact.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
But I agree, I think they need to.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
Start settling on their best team where possible, developing those
combinations and really driving home improvements because they look at
this point anyway a bit of a shadow of the
team of recent times, recent years they do.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
The Blues beating the Fiji and Juwer forty to fifteen.
Took a while for the Blues to get going. There
was a bit of a just that a sense of
inevitability about how this was all going to end. But
at halftime, you know, the game was certainly in the balance,
but you know, the Blues in the final half hour
took the game away. Some of the youngsters stepping up
Kurdy Vai, Peyton Spencer I thought were impressive in the
(06:42):
closing stages and their ability to find space around the
Fiji and Durer attack. But again, you know, forty fifteen.
It's not a result to be sniffed at from the Blues,
but they were clunky at times and didn't look like
a team you know that were you know, making a
claim for the throne of super Rugby New Zealand or
(07:03):
at least specific.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
It feels like the Blues have a lot more in
them points despite you know, clocking up the points and
sitting pretty much level with the Hurricanes at the top
of the table banking bonus points, they have had a
reasonably softer draw and look, I did take them a
long time to get going. I think they struggled with
the jurors physicality on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
At times.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
The Blues like to have it their own way with
their pack laying the platform before they go wide. But
as you mentioned, there's some of that. It's good to
see some of the youngsters standing up. Also, Sam Dowry
coming to the four is standing skipper. After his injury
troubles of recent years, he's starting to find some form.
So look the Blues. The cavalry is coming back as well,
(07:48):
isn't it. Potentially Dalton Papal Patrick two, Polo two and
a number of others as well. So there's plenty of
firepower for them to come back, but you'd expect to
see a lift in the coming weeks as well.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Yeah, absolutely looking and they did win that game without
Papaali Situtu's sullivan on the weekend just on Darry We
obviously had him in a podcast last year and simracor
m saying something about using his size, and maybe it
was Luke Ramano potentially saying something to him. Well, it
feels now that he's more comfortable using that size of
(08:20):
his He's put on a bit of muscle. He looks
more imposing than perhaps he did when he came out
when you know, maybe he was a bit more of
a rake at the line out and around the park.
Now he looks like a full bodied specimen in that
blues pack.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Yeah. I think there's a natural age of maturing, isn't there.
Speaker 4 (08:41):
Into a frame you can pack on weight, you can
have all the eggs you want, but you can't fast
forward evolution. And I think Type five forwards generally mature
in their late twenties, some of them even their early thirties.
So Samdarry's actually been around quite a while, but I
(09:01):
think we're starting to see the best of him. He's
very astute, he's a great line technician, but as you mentioned,
it is that physicality that he's going to need to impose,
particularly when it comes to the Test arena. And look,
he also knows when he looks around at the depth
of New Zealand locks and with Dave Rennie saying you'd
(09:21):
love to get Brodie Rittellick back, maybe there was a
week kick up the backside as well for him to
stake his claim.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Absolutely, Look wasn't vintage Blues, but it's another word that
they are second on the ladder. Again, we moved back
and to Saturday afternoon. The Hurricanes far too good for
the Reds fifty two fourteen. The Reds haven't beaten the
Hurricanes in Wellington since the Athletic Park days. How many
name changes has Henry Stadium been through since then and
(09:50):
different different variations etc. Quite remarkable that this has continued.
But this was a superb performance from the Hurricanes.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
Liam. Look, I'll allow you to wax lyrical before I
had a few.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
Thoughts, Oh Elliott, Well, it's not to like mate, It's
a wee bit of a gloomy day, isn't it in
Auckland today? But when the Hurricanes are running rampant, you
can't help but wake up with a smile from air
to air. Look, I think the Canes this year scored
forty one tries that wrapped up fifty points on a
number of occasions, and I think it's the speed with
(10:25):
which they're playing with. That was a reds team that
has had success in recent years against is on opposition,
they got phrasing right back and yet still they couldn't
slow the Hurricanes rockball, and that's because of their dominant carries.
And then when they have that front foot platform, jeez,
I've got some skills and that back line and they
(10:48):
can score some points very quickly.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
So unless you find a way to slow that rockball down,
you're going to be in real trouble.
Speaker 4 (10:56):
So I think the Cane train is in full steam,
but it's I'm not going to anoint its champions just yet, Elliott,
because it's a bloody tough run home for the Canes
that they got to this weekend, and then they basically
play eleven weeks straight and I think they have six
Derbys in their last eight games, so I wouldn't say
(11:16):
the jury's out just yet, but we're going to learn
a lot more over the back half of the year
as the weather turns as well. It was a great
evening in Wellington and the Cane certainly made the most
of it.
Speaker 5 (11:27):
Yeah, that's right, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
When those games come thick and fast and you've got
a compound wins back to back against New Zealand sides
or the stronger sides in the competition, that's when it's
going to be really difficult. Crucial game for me is
that the Brumbies in christ Church and super Round and
over Anzac weekends, though they don't travel well to Canberra.
The Hurricanes lost a couple of playoffs there in the
(11:49):
last few years. But if they can get that win there,
that's a pretty crucial win over another top six team.
They've got the Crusaders, et cetera, as you mentioned, but
they can string a few wins together against these teams
and claim top spot on the ladder, then they're going
to be very very difficult to spot to stop. Rather,
what I like is their forward play this season, and
I think the Fords have traditionally not only been a
(12:11):
weakness of the Hurricanes, but they've always been quite predictive
in the way that they go about things and haven't
always had the strength. But this time they've got a
few variations in that pack around.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
The set piece.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
They've got the platform that their back line is able
to play off. And that's always been the thing for
the Hurricanes. I've always had these exciting backs, and you
even go back to the nineties and tana Umonger, it
was running around in Christian color and et cetera, et cetera,
but they didn't always have the forward pack to match
their much haunted backs. What feels like this time and
Devin Flanders is potentially coming of age in that pack.
(12:44):
Warned Durns has added a lot to them this season
as well, are more etcetera, etcetera. It feels like all
the parts are sort of clicking for the Hurricanes when
maybe they haven't necessarily in the past.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Absolutely, I think previous iterations of the Hurricanes have generally
had great loose forwards, but that's the type five where
the soft underbelly has been potentially exposed.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
Mentioned Warner Deernsey.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
I think it's taken him a few weeks to adjust
from Japanese rugby to Super rugby, maybe the increased physicality
there and just coming to Grips with a new team.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
And he's been a great addition.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
And there is real depth to this Hurricanes team outside
of maybe half back. They do have a number of
different options that they can turn to. We even saw
you know, Cullum Harkins step into the ten shoot. I
think he was about third or fourth choice. Now they've
got Reuben Love back. I think he'll grow in confidence
in the coming weeks. You've just recently had Tyrol.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Lomax come back.
Speaker 4 (13:44):
They've got real depth and they're propping ranks as well,
so that with that four pack there, there's no excuses
for the Hurricanes. I've always, as you say, had those
starts out of backs. You got Finn young and off
for running, ramping on the wing. I think back to
back hat tricks, nine tries this year. He's looking unstoppable.
And then you've got Kinni Naholo waiting in the wings
(14:05):
for a couple of weeks to come back. So at
this point it's hard to see him cracking the starting
side when he's probably walking to most other teams going around.
So yeah, lots of like about the Hurricanes, but as
we mentioned, pretty tough run home and that depth will
be need to be utilized.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Absolutely, get a couple of injuries potentially and things go awry.
And back to Friday night, The Highlander is thirty nine
Mawana Pacific nineteen and fascical scenes at North Harbor Stadium
with the lights going off the last twenty minutes not televised,
but the Highlanders just putting Mowana to the sword. You know,
(14:46):
Moana're missing a couple of players. No Tom Savage on
Friday Semtai Law was out as well. But The Highland
is just a little too good and a bit of
a confidence boosting wind for the Highlanders after a tough
few weeks.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
Yeah, much needed, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
And I thought they were really good for it in
the first half and they scored in a.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
Multitude of ways. They use them all.
Speaker 4 (15:09):
They went why Caleb Tongueytow was highly involved on both wings,
going looking for work and creating scoring and creating tries.
They were all over more on the really and yeah,
bizarre sick in half. We didn't see most of it,
but I don't think a point was scored either, so
maybe we didn't miss too much.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
I didn't miss too much either when it was really
the round where anything that could go wrong did go wrong.
You know, the lights out in Albany, cheese bas breaks
down the way to the stadium. As you mentioned Sean Maloney,
the Australian commentator lost his voice midgame. Well, I missed
two games through illness. You know, whatever could go wrong
over the weekend did go wrong. But ultimately a pretty
(15:50):
entertaining week of Super Rugby and the books Lamb and
just a quick word as well, the war Tars upsetting
the Brumbies thirty twenty eight and maybe there is some
life in the old New South Wales war Tars this
season after all.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
Yeah, certainly didn't see that result coming. They'd been very
underwhelming so far this year, the Waratars and camera is
an extremely difficult place to go. The Brumby's been running
hot and the Waratars really came out of the blocks
and blew them away and then hung on late. So
much needed win for the waratas. I wouldn't say they're
(16:24):
back by any stretch. Need a lot more convincing yet,
but they've clearly done a lot of work during the
week in a huge win in the context of their season.
Because I'm pretty much ready to draw a line through them,
so you might have to be revisiting that.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
Well, I'll hold that thought because after the break in
the Final four, I'm going to ask you just about
how many teams you are prepared to draw a line
through for the title this season? Back after this on
Rugby Direct, You're back with rugby. It's a direct powered
by habit health, physio time Now for the Final four, well,
it's been underlying the last couple of weeks too. Hat
tricks as many weeks fineng and all four for the Hurricanes.
(17:00):
Is letting him go an egregious era from New Zealand
rugby and the Canes or is it just the way
pro rugby is these days?
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Lamb ah, look Ali, I think you'd love to keep
them all and New Zealand rugby is on the cusp
of losing some good ones when you think about Dalton, Papallii, Hoskins,
the tout a j Lamb, Brandon Enor and a number
of others leaving and this is quite common for that
tier of player to go in the years prior to
(17:29):
your World Cup, because after the World Cup you see
the flood of regular internationals come onto the market. So
this is the window for that next tier. Fenough has
come of age, hasn't he Probably in the past year maybe,
And look, Clark Blaidlaw identified his talents a long way
out through his ties to him with the sevens team.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
He loves his.
Speaker 4 (17:54):
Work great on defense as much as his finishing ability.
It's a shame to lose a player in great form.
I think the reality is the money that he was
offered by Newcastle, who are backed by red Ball in
the UK, would have been at least three times would
have been offered from New Zealand rugby. He's got a family,
so on that front it's a bit of a no brainer.
(18:16):
But when you think about Test level wingers traditionally are
selected when they're hot and fine and off four right
now as the hottest prospects, certainly from a try scoring
standpoint in Super rugby.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Yeah, he's playing exceptional rugby. I think he's playing exceptional
rugby last year as well as that power winger, but
also got a lot of pace to him too. He's
kind of the packaging as you mentioned that hot hand.
You know, in New Zealand, if you're the you know,
the hot ticket wing, you're at a certain point in time,
you basically have a pass through to the All Blacks
and he's playing some good rugby. It's a real shame
(18:51):
to see him go. I know, Clark Laidlall said over
the weekend, you know, maybe we haven't seen the last
of him, but you know, two years away, you don't
know how he comes back. It's a couple of years older,
et cetera, et cetera. So I think it's a shame
for New Zealand rugby that he is going at this point.
But you can't deny the dollar signs that were in
front of him. Topic two in the Final four. I
went a little bit under the radar last week with
(19:12):
the All Blacks assistants being named. But Scott McCleod, former
All Blacks assistant defense coach, going to the Wallabies under
Liz Kiss's coaching staff later in the year. Is that
a good appointment for the Wallaby's lamb.
Speaker 3 (19:25):
I think it's a solid appointment.
Speaker 4 (19:26):
You're looking at someone that's been to two World Cups,
so he's got experience coaching Japan coach in New Zealand's
I'm not sure who else the Wallabies were considering on
that front. I certainly wouldn't call him goes farther calling
Scott McLeod at guru as was tousted I think even
not by the Rugby Australia press release or certainly out
(19:48):
of Australia. So yeah, interesting to see that Wallaby's coaching
group come together. They're not shy of hiring New Zealanders,
are they. Mike cron has been over there in recent times.
Joe Schmidt. So Scott McLeod the latest, what about you?
How do you think he'll go?
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Look, I think he probably wasn't appreciated at the time
for his work, but you look back at that World Cup,
especially now and what the All Blacks are able to do.
Also on the knockout stages, I guess you know, twenty
four points against Ireland but shut them down including that,
you know, incredible, what was it thirty seven phases right
(20:26):
at the end of the game to deny them a
very good defensive performance against Argentina in the semi final.
I think they didn't consider trying that game, and then
eleven points against South Africa sorry, twelve points against Africa
in the final. You know, a pretty good defensive system
that he obviously set up there from the All Blacks.
(20:47):
I think there's a lot of eyes on the attack
and what Joe Schmid had been able to do but
maybe didn't quite get his flowers at the time. Interested
to see what he can do with the Wallabies and
whether he can put the same successes there though, But
I think it is a solid appointment for the Wlbies.
Thing I think Anthony sebold mate Jamie Panderin was floating
that on the weekend is being straight out of axas
(21:09):
manly coach into Liz Kisses squad after being dumped's Eddie Jones.
Was Jones in England for a couple of years. Maybe
that could happen potentially.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
He's certainly looking for a job, is he isn't he? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (21:24):
The other thing to note about Scott McLeod's appointment with
defense is it probably means that unless less kiss goes
out and hires someone else, that he's going to have
quite a big say in the Wallabies attack. Traditionally Liz
as a defense coach, so interesting to see how he
might go with a switching portfolios with the Wallabies, there we.
Speaker 5 (21:45):
Go interesting to watch the space.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Topic three is alluded to how many teams are you
prepared to draw a line through for the Super Rugby
title this season? So the Hurricanes, Blues, Brumby's, Reds, Chiefs,
Crusaders inside the top six as it stands, the war
to right has two points out sort of, the war
tis outside as it stands, Highland is outside Fiji and
drew a force in more one of PACIFICA. How many
(22:09):
teams cannot win the title?
Speaker 5 (22:11):
Liam, Well, I.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Think the top six probably stays how it is, unless
to what waratars can find a rich vein of form.
I don't think the Reds are capable of winning the title,
so I would say, on paper, on form, on my
gap field, there's probably five teams that can still win
the Super Rugby title, and I know that everyone will
(22:36):
hope that it's down to four and the Crusaders keep
stumbling along as well.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
No, mate, the Crusader's are back after beating water last week.
New stadium opening in a few weeks. They've got Derby's
plenty to finish the season, but don't worry about that.
They'll be home in host look I yeah, Mowana won't
win it. Force won't win it, Drill won't win a
Highlanders won't win it, war Tars won't win it. I'm
going to keep the Reds in there for the time being,
but you know they're on notice after the weekend that was,
(23:06):
and they really need to show something over the next
coming a couple of weeks. They've got the Force at
home this week, then they've got the Crusaders next weekend.
If they can't beat the Crusaders next weekend, then lines
through them for me. They need a couple of statement
wins in the next week. While topic number four, as
we touched on last week in Rugby reck the assistant
had done, who would you pick as the All Blacks
(23:28):
captain this year?
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Liam?
Speaker 4 (23:31):
I suspect that Dave Reny might go down the co
captain and see roots. I think Scott Barrett was a
reluctant captain. I don't think I think it had an
impact on his form, so I would not be having
him captain.
Speaker 3 (23:48):
I think Artie's a contender.
Speaker 4 (23:50):
I think when he's captain the team he's played really well.
So that's important and it is first and foremost so
important that your captain is one of your first picks.
He has to be starting. There has to be no
questions around that. I think Jordi Barrett is a really
strong candidate captain under the last regime. So you could
(24:12):
potentially see a scenario where you're looking at maybe an
Artie Severe and Jordi Barrett, maybe a Cody Taylor or
a Jordi Barrett combination.
Speaker 2 (24:20):
Okay, look, I'd probably go Cody Taylor. Look, I know
Artie's got a lot of fans out the Yere and
he has played well. I still have questions over his
game managements as a Test captain, and I just think
you kind of almost need to let Ardi be Arti.
And you know, I know there's, as I said, a
legion of fans that believe the path is now been
(24:42):
cleared for him to be the All Black Skipper. I'm
not as convinced. I almost think that you need to
I think you do need to change. I think you
need to go to someone like Cody Taylor. The question
marker would have on Cody as a couple of cynical
penalties that he is capable of giving away. You think
back to England last year, there's been a couple of
times in Super Rugby where he's given away cynical penalties.
(25:03):
You can't really do that as a captain, but I'd
probably lean towards Cody. I'm not convinced around co captains Liam.
Speaker 5 (25:11):
You know, the captain sees a one man job for mine.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
Yeah, I tend to agree.
Speaker 4 (25:16):
I like to have not a dictatorial leader, but certainly
one man in that job and you can have the
leadership support cast around them. But I also think that
the days where it has to be a forward are
a bit outdated as well. You think, you know, Tanuma
was a great form of black captain. I don't think
(25:37):
there's any question about Jordi Barrett's place in that team.
Cody Taylor, I think definitely has claims. But I also
think you needed to utilize guys like SAMMASONI, Takyajo and
I suffer more off the bench, so potentially they're coming
on with half an hour ago.
Speaker 3 (25:53):
I've seen how important that that impact from the.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
Bench is, where maybe a guy like Jordi plays deeper
into the game, So maybe that comes into consideration as well.
Speaker 5 (26:03):
Yeah, good point, good point.
Speaker 2 (26:05):
Before we wrap up on RAIGHTPI direct time now for
we're our MVP you're seeing Liam. You give me your
three two ones and we'll pop it into the spreadsheet
and we'll come out with some results in the next
week and update you on how it's all tracking.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
Well.
Speaker 4 (26:18):
It has to be one from the cane train, doesn't it.
Elliott's be rude not to so. Fennyanng and or four
gets my three the red hot try scoring machine. I'm
going to go Caleb Tunguataw for two. Just really impressed
by his work, great his physicality.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
We're ball on hand.
Speaker 4 (26:35):
I think you've still got some work ons on defense
and with the difference in the Test game, a bit
to prove under the high wall as well. But he's
doing everything possible with ball in hands. And I'm going
to go one to your man who you've anointed as
one of the world's best locks in a great team
like the Hurricanes, Wanna Durns. So he's coming on nicely.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
Too well done, Yep, you come on to the Warner
Dunes Fan Club. Welcome in as much as it disturbs me.
I've also given two Hurricanes players and they're the same
Hurricanes players three points FEddi Finn Young and a fo
He's got my three, Quinti Pie has got my two.
He was everywhere again for the Chiefs and as we
(27:19):
discussed at the top, middling performance, but again he's just
been one of their standouts as standards haven't dropped this season,
even if maybe the team hasn't risen with him. And yep,
Warner Dunes gets my one as well. So we're on
a similar page there, which is a little bit disturbing actually, Liam,
but there we go.
Speaker 3 (27:35):
I'm sure you're right the ship.
Speaker 4 (27:37):
Next week when when the Crusaders lose their nine, the
one hundredth game and final game at Apollos Stadium, and
you still manage to include a few red and.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Blacks, we'll make sure of that absolutely. Only three games
this weekend. We'll touch based again on Thursday and go
through those Liam, thank you very much for your time.
Speaker 5 (27:58):
As always on Ragia Direct.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Treat that mate, that is Raby Direct for another week.
We're back in the later in the week thanks to
producer Mark Kelly. Thanks to sponsors Heabit Health Us your
book Today.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Then Today for more from News Talks at b listen
live on air or online, and keep our shows with
you wherever you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio,
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio, Straight
Down the Middle, SCY try to get inside the game
(00:30):
from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and
Leam Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habits Health Book today
and stay in the game. Elliott Smith with me Liam Napier.
Another busy weekend of rugby in the books. Greetings, Liam,
welcome back into Rugby Directors.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Always great to be he Elliott. Always plenty of happening,
isn't that there is?
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Indeed, in some breaking news that's come just before we
record on this podcast to Mighty Williams ruled out of
Super Rugby for the rest of twenty twenty six with
a serious infection. This news from the Crusaders this morning.
The All Black prop has been diagnosed with discitis, which
is an infection in one of the discs in the spine,
(01:15):
which sounds horrible. He's had blood tests, et cetera, et cetera,
and he's going to be on antibiotics for a long time.
So his Crusader season is over. It's a pretty big blow.
He was due to come back from suspension I think
last week. They didn't obviously include him that week. We
now know why.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
Massive blow.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Elliott very well, big human, first and foremost, isn't the
tomicy and it's been a big part of the Crusader's
success in recent years and looked good an increasingly destructive scrummager,
great fitness these days around the field, very much the
all court modern day props. So massive setback for the Crusaders.
(01:54):
I've actually had a mate who's been through something similar.
It does sound pretty random of virus in your back,
but it's it can be very debilitating and with to
mighty ruled out for the whole of the year, that
speaks to its severity. So I guess, you know, I
thoughts with him. He's going to be in hospital for
a period of time before he's allowed to go home
(02:15):
first and foremost, and then I guess hopefully bounce back
at some point later in the year for the All Blacks.
But yeah, pretty nasty illness that it is.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Indeed, Adam Thompson remember about a decade ago he had
the same thing. I think he copped it in Japan
and he was in hospital for about two months. I
think they had some trouble figuring out exactly what it was.
So they've got to obviously the point of knowing what
it is with tomighty. So hopefully it's you know, slow
and steady progress and he can make his return to
international rugby at some point this season. Let's through the
(02:45):
weekend that was and look fairly unconvincing. The Chiefs twenty
four to fourteen over the Western Forest in Perth on
Saturday night. Felt like the Chiefs are poised to break
the game open. Just before halftime. They had a try
that Jacobson scored, No sorry, Jacob scored off the back
(03:06):
of a line out that wasn't called not straight by
the referee. They've got a bit lucky then, but they
could have been nineteen seven twenty one seven and a
half time if they haven't fluffed their lines. But then
just got into a little bit of an arm wrestle
with the Western Force, which they are quite good at doing,
and couldn't find a way to really break the shackles
at all in that contest. It was a fairly middling performance.
(03:26):
I thought from the Chiefs, what did you make of it?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
It was and it's probably a reflection of the season
to date. I think quite unconvincing. I've had some bad
losses that I'm thinking about the Crusaders at home, and
just quite a bit patchy really and unconvincing outside of that,
And look, I think the Force a better team than
they have been in recent years. They pushed the Hurricanes,
(03:50):
They've been wine in Pacifica when they were out here,
and have been competitive in other fixtures this year. But
they're also a team that's New Zealand sides in particular
view with rotation in mind, you think about Josh Jacob
coming into ten Leroy Carter at center, Samersoni Takiaho on
the bench, so as one of the also rans. To
(04:11):
a degree, the Force are viewed in that light, and
I think that can cause disruption. But the Chiefs should
have probably put them away even in those circumstances. By
twenty thirty points. They had a number of line breaks,
so many blowing chances they're handling areas, their execution they're
finishing was really off. Maybe it was a symptom of
(04:31):
a weaber disruption on the way to the game with
the bus breaking down, but look, no excuses rarely expect
a lot more from this Chief's.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Team, absolutely, and you look back at the last two weeks,
the swing in Australia GA, they'll be disappointed with their
return I think in the end. Obviously the lost of
the Brumbies last week in a poor ish performance will
be with a win against the Western Force, you there's
a lot to improve as they come back and play
the Wartors this weekend.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
There is, indeed, and the coaching change with John O
Gibbs coming in, there was always going to be a
bit of a transition there and you'd have to say
the Chiefs aren't performing as well as they have in
recent years, but maybe they'll find those improvements between now
and the end of the year. They've been bridesmaid on
so many occasions come the playoffs, so maybe they're getting
(05:19):
that rust out now.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
How much do you think that tinkering them? And obviously
they had to make some tweaks there and move Jacob
into ten and Mackenzie at fallback, But do you think
that is actually more of an issue than you know?
Obviously trying to build some depth and rotating players out
and keeping players fresh, But at this point of the
season I think they need to string together some consistent performances,
don't they.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
They do, and they probably need to see a bit
more out of well some of their regular stars. I
don't think McKenzie's been at his best since coming back
from having his first Child's probably got a lot on
his hands on the home fronts. He's missed a couple
of raally regulation kicks in both Canberra and Perth, and yeah,
(06:01):
that disruption can have an impact.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
But I agree, I think they need to.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
Start settling on their best team where possible, developing those
combinations and really driving home improvements because they look at
this point anyway a bit of a shadow of the
team of recent times, recent years they do.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
The Blues beating the Fiji and Juwer forty to fifteen.
Took a while for the Blues to get going. There
was a bit of a just that a sense of
inevitability about how this was all going to end. But
at halftime, you know, the game was certainly in the balance,
but you know, the Blues in the final half hour
took the game away. Some of the youngsters stepping up
Kurdy Vai, Peyton Spencer I thought were impressive in the
(06:42):
closing stages and their ability to find space around the
Fiji and Durer attack. But again, you know, forty fifteen.
It's not a result to be sniffed at from the Blues,
but they were clunky at times and didn't look like
a team you know that were you know, making a
claim for the throne of super Rugby New Zealand or
(07:03):
at least specific.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
It feels like the Blues have a lot more in
them points despite you know, clocking up the points and
sitting pretty much level with the Hurricanes at the top
of the table banking bonus points, they have had a
reasonably softer draw and look, I did take them a
long time to get going. I think they struggled with
the jurors physicality on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
At times.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
The Blues like to have it their own way with
their pack laying the platform before they go wide. But
as you mentioned, there's some of that. It's good to
see some of the youngsters standing up. Also, Sam Dowry
coming to the four is standing skipper. After his injury
troubles of recent years, he's starting to find some form.
So look the Blues. The cavalry is coming back as well,
(07:48):
isn't it. Potentially Dalton Papal Patrick two, Polo two and
a number of others as well. So there's plenty of
firepower for them to come back, but you'd expect to
see a lift in the coming weeks as well.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Yeah, absolutely looking and they did win that game without
Papaali Situtu's sullivan on the weekend just on Darry We
obviously had him in a podcast last year and simracor
m saying something about using his size, and maybe it
was Luke Ramano potentially saying something to him. Well, it
feels now that he's more comfortable using that size of
(08:20):
his He's put on a bit of muscle. He looks
more imposing than perhaps he did when he came out
when you know, maybe he was a bit more of
a rake at the line out and around the park.
Now he looks like a full bodied specimen in that
blues pack.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Yeah. I think there's a natural age of maturing, isn't there.
Speaker 4 (08:41):
Into a frame you can pack on weight, you can
have all the eggs you want, but you can't fast
forward evolution. And I think Type five forwards generally mature
in their late twenties, some of them even their early thirties.
So Samdarry's actually been around quite a while, but I
(09:01):
think we're starting to see the best of him. He's
very astute, he's a great line technician, but as you mentioned,
it is that physicality that he's going to need to impose,
particularly when it comes to the Test arena. And look,
he also knows when he looks around at the depth
of New Zealand locks and with Dave Rennie saying you'd
(09:21):
love to get Brodie Rittellick back, maybe there was a
week kick up the backside as well for him to
stake his claim.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Absolutely, Look wasn't vintage Blues, but it's another word that
they are second on the ladder. Again, we moved back
and to Saturday afternoon. The Hurricanes far too good for
the Reds fifty two fourteen. The Reds haven't beaten the
Hurricanes in Wellington since the Athletic Park days. How many
name changes has Henry Stadium been through since then and
(09:50):
different different variations etc. Quite remarkable that this has continued.
But this was a superb performance from the Hurricanes.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
Liam. Look, I'll allow you to wax lyrical before I
had a few.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
Thoughts, Oh Elliott, Well, it's not to like mate, It's
a wee bit of a gloomy day, isn't it in
Auckland today? But when the Hurricanes are running rampant, you
can't help but wake up with a smile from air
to air. Look, I think the Canes this year scored
forty one tries that wrapped up fifty points on a
number of occasions, and I think it's the speed with
(10:25):
which they're playing with. That was a reds team that
has had success in recent years against is on opposition,
they got phrasing right back and yet still they couldn't
slow the Hurricanes rockball, and that's because of their dominant carries.
And then when they have that front foot platform, jeez,
I've got some skills and that back line and they
(10:48):
can score some points very quickly.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
So unless you find a way to slow that rockball down,
you're going to be in real trouble.
Speaker 4 (10:56):
So I think the Cane train is in full steam,
but it's I'm not going to anoint its champions just yet, Elliott,
because it's a bloody tough run home for the Canes
that they got to this weekend, and then they basically
play eleven weeks straight and I think they have six
Derbys in their last eight games, so I wouldn't say
(11:16):
the jury's out just yet, but we're going to learn
a lot more over the back half of the year
as the weather turns as well. It was a great
evening in Wellington and the Cane certainly made the most
of it.
Speaker 5 (11:27):
Yeah, that's right, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
When those games come thick and fast and you've got
a compound wins back to back against New Zealand sides
or the stronger sides in the competition, that's when it's
going to be really difficult. Crucial game for me is
that the Brumbies in christ Church and super Round and
over Anzac weekends, though they don't travel well to Canberra.
The Hurricanes lost a couple of playoffs there in the
(11:49):
last few years. But if they can get that win there,
that's a pretty crucial win over another top six team.
They've got the Crusaders, et cetera, as you mentioned, but
they can string a few wins together against these teams
and claim top spot on the ladder, then they're going
to be very very difficult to spot to stop. Rather,
what I like is their forward play this season, and
I think the Fords have traditionally not only been a
(12:11):
weakness of the Hurricanes, but they've always been quite predictive
in the way that they go about things and haven't
always had the strength. But this time they've got a
few variations in that pack around.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
The set piece.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
They've got the platform that their back line is able
to play off. And that's always been the thing for
the Hurricanes. I've always had these exciting backs, and you
even go back to the nineties and tana Umonger, it
was running around in Christian color and et cetera, et cetera,
but they didn't always have the forward pack to match
their much haunted backs. What feels like this time and
Devin Flanders is potentially coming of age in that pack.
(12:44):
Warned Durns has added a lot to them this season
as well, are more etcetera, etcetera. It feels like all
the parts are sort of clicking for the Hurricanes when
maybe they haven't necessarily in the past.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Absolutely, I think previous iterations of the Hurricanes have generally
had great loose forwards, but that's the type five where
the soft underbelly has been potentially exposed.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
Mentioned Warner Deernsey.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
I think it's taken him a few weeks to adjust
from Japanese rugby to Super rugby, maybe the increased physicality
there and just coming to Grips with a new team.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
And he's been a great addition.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
And there is real depth to this Hurricanes team outside
of maybe half back. They do have a number of
different options that they can turn to. We even saw
you know, Cullum Harkins step into the ten shoot. I
think he was about third or fourth choice. Now they've
got Reuben Love back. I think he'll grow in confidence
in the coming weeks. You've just recently had Tyrol.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Lomax come back.
Speaker 4 (13:44):
They've got real depth and they're propping ranks as well,
so that with that four pack there, there's no excuses
for the Hurricanes. I've always, as you say, had those
starts out of backs. You got Finn young and off
for running, ramping on the wing. I think back to
back hat tricks, nine tries this year. He's looking unstoppable.
And then you've got Kinni Naholo waiting in the wings
(14:05):
for a couple of weeks to come back. So at
this point it's hard to see him cracking the starting
side when he's probably walking to most other teams going around.
So yeah, lots of like about the Hurricanes, but as
we mentioned, pretty tough run home and that depth will
be need to be utilized.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Absolutely, get a couple of injuries potentially and things go awry.
And back to Friday night, The Highlander is thirty nine
Mawana Pacific nineteen and fascical scenes at North Harbor Stadium
with the lights going off the last twenty minutes not televised,
but the Highlanders just putting Mowana to the sword. You know,
(14:46):
Moana're missing a couple of players. No Tom Savage on
Friday Semtai Law was out as well. But The Highland
is just a little too good and a bit of
a confidence boosting wind for the Highlanders after a tough
few weeks.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
Yeah, much needed, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
And I thought they were really good for it in
the first half and they scored in a.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
Multitude of ways. They use them all.
Speaker 4 (15:09):
They went why Caleb Tongueytow was highly involved on both wings,
going looking for work and creating scoring and creating tries.
They were all over more on the really and yeah,
bizarre sick in half. We didn't see most of it,
but I don't think a point was scored either, so
maybe we didn't miss too much.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
I didn't miss too much either when it was really
the round where anything that could go wrong did go wrong.
You know, the lights out in Albany, cheese bas breaks
down the way to the stadium. As you mentioned Sean Maloney,
the Australian commentator lost his voice midgame. Well, I missed
two games through illness. You know, whatever could go wrong
over the weekend did go wrong. But ultimately a pretty
(15:50):
entertaining week of Super Rugby and the books Lamb and
just a quick word as well, the war Tars upsetting
the Brumbies thirty twenty eight and maybe there is some
life in the old New South Wales war Tars this
season after all.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
Yeah, certainly didn't see that result coming. They'd been very
underwhelming so far this year, the Waratars and camera is
an extremely difficult place to go. The Brumby's been running
hot and the Waratars really came out of the blocks
and blew them away and then hung on late. So
much needed win for the waratas. I wouldn't say they're
(16:24):
back by any stretch. Need a lot more convincing yet,
but they've clearly done a lot of work during the
week in a huge win in the context of their season.
Because I'm pretty much ready to draw a line through them,
so you might have to be revisiting that.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
Well, I'll hold that thought because after the break in
the Final four, I'm going to ask you just about
how many teams you are prepared to draw a line
through for the title this season? Back after this on
Rugby Direct, You're back with rugby. It's a direct powered
by habit health, physio time Now for the Final four, well,
it's been underlying the last couple of weeks too. Hat
tricks as many weeks fineng and all four for the Hurricanes.
(17:00):
Is letting him go an egregious era from New Zealand
rugby and the Canes or is it just the way
pro rugby is these days?
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Lamb ah, look Ali, I think you'd love to keep
them all and New Zealand rugby is on the cusp
of losing some good ones when you think about Dalton, Papallii, Hoskins,
the tout a j Lamb, Brandon Enor and a number
of others leaving and this is quite common for that
tier of player to go in the years prior to
(17:29):
your World Cup, because after the World Cup you see
the flood of regular internationals come onto the market. So
this is the window for that next tier. Fenough has
come of age, hasn't he Probably in the past year maybe,
And look, Clark Blaidlaw identified his talents a long way
out through his ties to him with the sevens team.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
He loves his.
Speaker 4 (17:54):
Work great on defense as much as his finishing ability.
It's a shame to lose a player in great form.
I think the reality is the money that he was
offered by Newcastle, who are backed by red Ball in
the UK, would have been at least three times would
have been offered from New Zealand rugby. He's got a family,
so on that front it's a bit of a no brainer.
(18:16):
But when you think about Test level wingers traditionally are
selected when they're hot and fine and off four right
now as the hottest prospects, certainly from a try scoring
standpoint in Super rugby.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Yeah, he's playing exceptional rugby. I think he's playing exceptional
rugby last year as well as that power winger, but
also got a lot of pace to him too. He's
kind of the packaging as you mentioned that hot hand.
You know, in New Zealand, if you're the you know,
the hot ticket wing, you're at a certain point in time,
you basically have a pass through to the All Blacks
and he's playing some good rugby. It's a real shame
(18:51):
to see him go. I know, Clark Laidlall said over
the weekend, you know, maybe we haven't seen the last
of him, but you know, two years away, you don't
know how he comes back. It's a couple of years older,
et cetera, et cetera. So I think it's a shame
for New Zealand rugby that he is going at this point.
But you can't deny the dollar signs that were in
front of him. Topic two in the Final four. I
went a little bit under the radar last week with
(19:12):
the All Blacks assistants being named. But Scott McCleod, former
All Blacks assistant defense coach, going to the Wallabies under
Liz Kiss's coaching staff later in the year. Is that
a good appointment for the Wallaby's lamb.
Speaker 3 (19:25):
I think it's a solid appointment.
Speaker 4 (19:26):
You're looking at someone that's been to two World Cups,
so he's got experience coaching Japan coach in New Zealand's
I'm not sure who else the Wallabies were considering on
that front. I certainly wouldn't call him goes farther calling
Scott McLeod at guru as was tousted I think even
not by the Rugby Australia press release or certainly out
(19:48):
of Australia. So yeah, interesting to see that Wallaby's coaching
group come together. They're not shy of hiring New Zealanders,
are they. Mike cron has been over there in recent times.
Joe Schmidt. So Scott McLeod the latest, what about you?
How do you think he'll go?
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Look, I think he probably wasn't appreciated at the time
for his work, but you look back at that World Cup,
especially now and what the All Blacks are able to do.
Also on the knockout stages, I guess you know, twenty
four points against Ireland but shut them down including that,
you know, incredible, what was it thirty seven phases right
(20:26):
at the end of the game to deny them a
very good defensive performance against Argentina in the semi final.
I think they didn't consider trying that game, and then
eleven points against South Africa sorry, twelve points against Africa
in the final. You know, a pretty good defensive system
that he obviously set up there from the All Blacks.
(20:47):
I think there's a lot of eyes on the attack
and what Joe Schmid had been able to do but
maybe didn't quite get his flowers at the time. Interested
to see what he can do with the Wallabies and
whether he can put the same successes there though, But
I think it is a solid appointment for the Wlbies.
Thing I think Anthony sebold mate Jamie Panderin was floating
that on the weekend is being straight out of axas
(21:09):
manly coach into Liz Kisses squad after being dumped's Eddie Jones.
Was Jones in England for a couple of years. Maybe
that could happen potentially.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
He's certainly looking for a job, is he isn't he? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (21:24):
The other thing to note about Scott McLeod's appointment with
defense is it probably means that unless less kiss goes
out and hires someone else, that he's going to have
quite a big say in the Wallabies attack. Traditionally Liz
as a defense coach, so interesting to see how he
might go with a switching portfolios with the Wallabies, there we.
Speaker 5 (21:45):
Go interesting to watch the space.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Topic three is alluded to how many teams are you
prepared to draw a line through for the Super Rugby
title this season? So the Hurricanes, Blues, Brumby's, Reds, Chiefs,
Crusaders inside the top six as it stands, the war
to right has two points out sort of, the war
tis outside as it stands, Highland is outside Fiji and
drew a force in more one of PACIFICA. How many
(22:09):
teams cannot win the title?
Speaker 5 (22:11):
Liam, Well, I.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Think the top six probably stays how it is, unless
to what waratars can find a rich vein of form.
I don't think the Reds are capable of winning the title,
so I would say, on paper, on form, on my
gap field, there's probably five teams that can still win
the Super Rugby title, and I know that everyone will
(22:36):
hope that it's down to four and the Crusaders keep
stumbling along as well.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
No, mate, the Crusader's are back after beating water last week.
New stadium opening in a few weeks. They've got Derby's
plenty to finish the season, but don't worry about that.
They'll be home in host look I yeah, Mowana won't
win it. Force won't win it, Drill won't win a
Highlanders won't win it, war Tars won't win it. I'm
going to keep the Reds in there for the time being,
but you know they're on notice after the weekend that was,
(23:06):
and they really need to show something over the next
coming a couple of weeks. They've got the Force at
home this week, then they've got the Crusaders next weekend.
If they can't beat the Crusaders next weekend, then lines
through them for me. They need a couple of statement
wins in the next week. While topic number four, as
we touched on last week in Rugby reck the assistant
had done, who would you pick as the All Blacks
(23:28):
captain this year?
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Liam?
Speaker 4 (23:31):
I suspect that Dave Reny might go down the co
captain and see roots. I think Scott Barrett was a
reluctant captain. I don't think I think it had an
impact on his form, so I would not be having
him captain.
Speaker 3 (23:48):
I think Artie's a contender.
Speaker 4 (23:50):
I think when he's captain the team he's played really well.
So that's important and it is first and foremost so
important that your captain is one of your first picks.
He has to be starting. There has to be no
questions around that. I think Jordi Barrett is a really
strong candidate captain under the last regime. So you could
(24:12):
potentially see a scenario where you're looking at maybe an
Artie Severe and Jordi Barrett, maybe a Cody Taylor or
a Jordi Barrett combination.
Speaker 2 (24:20):
Okay, look, I'd probably go Cody Taylor. Look, I know
Artie's got a lot of fans out the Yere and
he has played well. I still have questions over his
game managements as a Test captain, and I just think
you kind of almost need to let Ardi be Arti.
And you know, I know there's, as I said, a
legion of fans that believe the path is now been
(24:42):
cleared for him to be the All Black Skipper. I'm
not as convinced. I almost think that you need to
I think you do need to change. I think you
need to go to someone like Cody Taylor. The question
marker would have on Cody as a couple of cynical
penalties that he is capable of giving away. You think
back to England last year, there's been a couple of
times in Super Rugby where he's given away cynical penalties.
(25:03):
You can't really do that as a captain, but I'd
probably lean towards Cody. I'm not convinced around co captains Liam.
Speaker 5 (25:11):
You know, the captain sees a one man job for mine.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
Yeah, I tend to agree.
Speaker 4 (25:16):
I like to have not a dictatorial leader, but certainly
one man in that job and you can have the
leadership support cast around them. But I also think that
the days where it has to be a forward are
a bit outdated as well. You think, you know, Tanuma
was a great form of black captain. I don't think
(25:37):
there's any question about Jordi Barrett's place in that team.
Cody Taylor, I think definitely has claims. But I also
think you needed to utilize guys like SAMMASONI, Takyajo and
I suffer more off the bench, so potentially they're coming
on with half an hour ago.
Speaker 3 (25:53):
I've seen how important that that impact from the.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
Bench is, where maybe a guy like Jordi plays deeper
into the game, So maybe that comes into consideration as well.
Speaker 5 (26:03):
Yeah, good point, good point.
Speaker 2 (26:05):
Before we wrap up on RAIGHTPI direct time now for
we're our MVP you're seeing Liam. You give me your
three two ones and we'll pop it into the spreadsheet
and we'll come out with some results in the next
week and update you on how it's all tracking.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
Well.
Speaker 4 (26:18):
It has to be one from the cane train, doesn't it.
Elliott's be rude not to so. Fennyanng and or four
gets my three the red hot try scoring machine. I'm
going to go Caleb Tunguataw for two. Just really impressed
by his work, great his physicality.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
We're ball on hand.
Speaker 4 (26:35):
I think you've still got some work ons on defense
and with the difference in the Test game, a bit
to prove under the high wall as well. But he's
doing everything possible with ball in hands. And I'm going
to go one to your man who you've anointed as
one of the world's best locks in a great team
like the Hurricanes, Wanna Durns. So he's coming on nicely.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
Too well done, Yep, you come on to the Warner
Dunes Fan Club. Welcome in as much as it disturbs me.
I've also given two Hurricanes players and they're the same
Hurricanes players three points FEddi Finn Young and a fo
He's got my three, Quinti Pie has got my two.
He was everywhere again for the Chiefs and as we
(27:19):
discussed at the top, middling performance, but again he's just
been one of their standouts as standards haven't dropped this season,
even if maybe the team hasn't risen with him. And yep,
Warner Dunes gets my one as well. So we're on
a similar page there, which is a little bit disturbing actually, Liam,
but there we go.
Speaker 3 (27:35):
I'm sure you're right the ship.
Speaker 4 (27:37):
Next week when when the Crusaders lose their nine, the
one hundredth game and final game at Apollos Stadium, and
you still manage to include a few red and.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Blacks, we'll make sure of that absolutely. Only three games
this weekend. We'll touch based again on Thursday and go
through those Liam, thank you very much for your time.
Speaker 5 (27:58):
As always on Ragia Direct.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Treat that mate, that is Raby Direct for another week.
We're back in the later in the week thanks to
producer Mark Kelly. Thanks to sponsors Heabit Health Us your
book Today.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Then Today for more from News Talks at b listen
live on air or online, and keep our shows with
you wherever you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio,
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