May 17, 2026 • 30 mins
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Super Rugby run home — with the top two all but locked in, can anyone stop the red-hot Hurricanes?
Plus, the future of rising star Fehi Fineanganofo — is there a genuine chance he stays in New Zealand and pushes for All Blacks honours?
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio
straight down the middle of tru try to get inside
(00:37):
the game from every end goal. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, powered by News Talks at B.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Welcome into Rugby Directs back again for another week, and
of course we are powered by our good friends at
Habit Health. Book today and stay in the game. Elliott
Smith with me Liam Napier, Sports Corresponded rugby writer for
The New Zealand Herald napes back again and Dar I
say that the cane train keeps rolling on.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
To toot Elliott's You're on board, Bill, and it was
great to have your presence. And I must say, I
think we're almost at full capacity now, so anyone else
wanting to jump on the bandwagon better get on board.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Really good with that badwagon comes to a crash in
the fast semi finals.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
Seats are fast falling up. Mate.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Okay, well, let's start with that game, as we always do,
work our way backwards over the key games of the weekend.
From a New Zealand perspective, Hurricanes forty seven Blues twenty four. Look,
the Hurricanes were exceptional forty points to seven, driven by
some really strong performances out of their pack. I thought
their forwards carried really well, especially in the first forty
(01:47):
to fifty minutes. Also their props Numidia and Tossy Muwer
carried really strongly. Dun's had a cracking game. Luck I
was everywhere, and then just laid the platform for the
Hurricanes to do what they do really well, which has
worked their outsides and give them plenty of ball and
they look to be honestly, they look three and the
(02:08):
Blues looked one dimensional. On the basis of that performance.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
It's a great way of putting it, Elliott, the contrast
between the two teams couldn't have been starker.
Speaker 4 (02:18):
I think it was a.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Real illustration of where these two teams sit in the
pecking order, where their trajectories are going. And a look
earlier in the year, the Hurricanes humbled the Blues in
Wellingtons and I think it was round nine, similar scoreline,
but the Blues were down on troops at that point.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
They had no.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Patrick two, Polo two and a couple of others. I
think Hoskinstituto might have been missing from their pack, so
they had a few excuses away from home as well.
This was the Blues final regular season game. They had
post to twenty thousand people. Dalden Papoli was the only
major out. They did have to reshuffle their back line
(02:58):
and they did lose quite a few in the full
plaque to Hias throughout the game, but as you say,
just really one dimensional on the back foot.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Their forward path.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Was humbled really, and like you say, it was a
really dynamic performance from the Hurricanes pack and guys like
Armor and new Mayor in particular, and Tossi with Tyrol
Lomax still to come back, really stepping up. And that's
been the Hurricanes Achilles, hasn't it in previous years. I've
(03:32):
always had the flashy backs and that they still have
that this year. But the transformation has come up fronts
and in their defense and in their work at the breakdown.
They've got the most turnovers in the competition this year
and they really are doing it all. So the Blues
were never really in that contest. They competed at times,
but twenty one zero down at halftime, the game's gone.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
And despite a late flourish.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I think there's some real question marks to be asked
about where the Blues are at, and it does feel
like they are really stale currently.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
It does, and that's two losses in a row now
and kind of big losses at the hands of fellow
New Zealand teams. Obviously that the Hurricanes put them more
to the sword than the Crusaders did previously under the
roof in christ Church. But I think over the two
weeks you struggled to mount in the argument that the
Blues have a convincing case to win this title. If
(04:26):
we drilled down into that, what do you think is
going wrong? I thought Boden Barrett didn't have a great
night out and he's had a few poor nights out
this season for the Blues. Their packs struggled to get going. Especially,
I thought they're type five. You know, Signa was into everything.
I thought Rampling had probably his best game and those
two were impressive, But they're type five. Just went matching
(04:49):
up to what the Hurricanes were delivering on the other
side of.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
The ball, absolutely, and things that have worked well for
the Blues, like their line out, have has disintegrated in
the past two weeks. They had issues against the Crusaders
there and they were they again came to the four
against the Hurricanes. Some of that you can contribute to
Warner Durns probably the most prominent lineout forward in terms
of contesting and stealing opposition ball this year. But they're
(05:16):
just not getting enough pay from their pack and if
you can meet them physically match them up front, it
doesn't seem like they've got any other levels leavers to pool.
Caleb Clark barely sees any ball. Boden Barrett feels like
he's a wee bit gun shy, in a bit of
a ruts even you know, things that have worked well
for him in recent years. His kicking game is deserting him.
(05:40):
He had that charge down try and then maybe lost
a bit of confidence. And even his passing is quite erratic.
There's a number of instances this year where he's just
completely missed his intended receivers. So that's a real concern.
So yeah, there's big question marks to ask about the Blues.
I think they seem bereaft of confidence and ideas and
(06:03):
just don't know where they're going to turn. Because it's
all good and well when they can get on the
front foot. They can go through the front door, but
if that's not working, they just look a bit headless.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
They do and their thirdest stands, but have the buy
this week and then the Chiefs away in the final round,
the Crusaders six points behind them, the Brumbies probably can't
get there. They're nine points behind them. They may yet
hold on to third, but it's going to be fascinating
to see who they get in that third and fourth matchup,
because they could potentially, just the luck of the drawer,
(06:37):
have a Brumbies maybe even have a Reds in that
third fourth game, which would give them potentially any easier
pass through to the semi finals than say the Chiefs
or maybe the Hurricanes if they have to potentially meet
the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
I think the Crusaders are the team that you don't
want to meet come the playoff time because they'll probably
have Will Jordan, Scott Barrett and another of others coming back.
And if the Blues are matching up with the Crusaders,
I think on you'd certainly tip that only only going
one way, So it's gonna be interesting to see how
(07:13):
all that shakes down, and just I guess going back
to the point about the contrast between the Hurricanes and
the Blues. It really did come down to the variety
in their game, didn't it. The Hurricanes scored from rolling wolves,
they scored out wides, they scored a brilliant special set
move where they'd set up the mall and came sweeping
(07:35):
around the blind side and Anade gave the inside ball
to Kidning a holo. So just the variety to their
play where the Blues the seem a bit stale, a
bit dodgy, a bit predictable in one dimensional. So this
really did illustrate where the two teams are at, and
just that the variety in their game was really stark.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
It was fitting on and off as well. Equals Joe
Roff and Ben Lamb's record of sixteen tries in a season.
You wouldn't put it past some you know, bettering that
against the Highlanders this week or Crusaders potentially. Maybe they
look to rest him for one of those two games
ahead of the playoffs, but he should have that record outright,
you would think by the time all is said and
(08:15):
done the season. I guess on that point as well. Liam,
if you are the Hurricanes, you are now five points
clear of the Chiefs, so you haven't completely locked down
top spot as yet. So do you roll out your
quote unquote best team again this week and then give
them a lot of the starters a week off for
that final game in christ Church against the Crusaders. You know,
in the final week of the regular season. What would
(08:37):
you do if you're Clark Ladlaw to freshen up this
team if they need freshening up before the playoffs.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
It's a great position to be in, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Clack Well Laidlaw said postmatch that fan and off four
pulled up a bit lame, whether it was cramp or
Jesus had a big workload this year, so he did
intimate that he may be rested this week. And when
you've got a guy like Josh Moreby waiting in the
wings who scored four tries against Mowana and had the
week off, maybe they looked to rotate a wee bit there.
(09:07):
But I think I would be going all out for
the Landers, looking to get a bonus point and potentially
lock up that top spot. One victory maybe all the
Hurricanes need. The Chiefs have to go and play the Crusaders,
probably without Damien McKenzie. So that's a tough ask, but yeah,
the Hurricanes might only need to go full guns blazing
(09:30):
one week, look to get a bonus points, and then
potentially in the final round before the playoffs, you could
rotate and look to go into those playoffs really fresh.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Yeah, it's pretty good problem for Clark Laidlaw to have.
Let's go backwards again to Friday Night, the Chiefs forty
two over the Highlanders twelve. Look that the Highlanders scored first,
but by and large this was usual transmission from the Chiefs.
So we've talked a couple of times on the podcast
that maybe we haven't seen the best of them, but
(10:00):
in a way, they didn't really have to get out
of second gear to beat this Highlanders team. There was
an impressive performance from Lucas Casey obviously on the other
side of the ball, but I never felt like the
Chiefs were too in danger of losing that one, and
obviously they won by thirty in the end.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
Yeah they did.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
And look, I thought it was a workmanlike performance from
the Chiefs. I don't think it was their best performance
of the year, but like you say, they never felt
like they were in danger of losing it. I was
extremely impressed with Lucas Casey and a losing team. I
thought he was the best player on the park. Some
of his stats around carrying meeters, maids, turnovers, he was everywhere,
(10:40):
switching from open side to number eight. I thought it
was a real standout performance. And those sort of guys
that have to be the future of the Highlanders, don't
they They have to hold on some they have to
harness them and evolve them. Because a young guy who
came on the scene in the NPC and lit it
up is showing that he can match it at super
(11:02):
rugby level when potentially putting his case forward for high
honors later in his career against some established all Blacks
and Luke and Luke, Jacobson, Wallace, a TC, some of Pennies, now,
I thought Lucas Casey outshone them all.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
I thought he did so. I thought it was a
really good performance from Lucas Casey and certainly gave Dave Renni,
who would be in the stands, something to ponder perhaps
for that South African tour that maybe he might be
applied to look to for those midweek games with a
view to seeing how he goes in the all blacks environment.
The thing that stood out to me, and as I
mentioned a number of times here, the stats don't tell
(11:39):
the full story because they can be skewed by the
way that matches go. But you look at the territory
Highlanders fifty eight forty two, position fifty nine to forty
one in favor of the Highlanders, carries one hundred and
sixty nine to one hundred and nineteen, four hundred and
fifty eight post comptat meters to three hundred and two.
The Chiefs conceded ten penalties to five. They missed thirty
three tackles the Chiefs to thirteen. On the basis of
(12:02):
what the stats show, there's no way the Highlanders should
have lost that by thirty points.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
No, absolutely not.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
I guess yes, that's don't tell the full picture, and
that they couldn't convert when they had a number of opportunities,
and the Chiefs are fairly ruthless when they get guys
like Sammasoni, Takyaho or natur Arkoi close to the line,
are pretty difficult to stop. And ultimately it just comes
down to converting those chances, those entries into the twenty two.
(12:30):
And I think that's what we saw from the Hurricanes
as well, particularly in that first half. They didn't actually
have that many opportunities, but they had three opportunities, Bang
Bang Bang took them. And the Blues are on the rack,
and that's probably the difference with where the Hollanders right
at the moments and why they struggle to match the
New Zealand teams. Obviously their roster isn't as strong and
(12:55):
a massive loss for them, and Caleb Tongueytowl really feel
for him.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
You'd have to.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Think bolted on and that all black squads. So they
haven't had a lot of luck this year with Fabian
Holland missing, Dylan Pledge as well and now Caleb Tonguetow
and their roster as a whole. They can't afford to
lose those real upper echelon players, can they.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
No, they can't. I have thought of the last few
weeks that they haven't perhaps been or looked as well
drilled as Highland as teams have in the past, especially
the way they started the season with that went over
the Crusaders and actually looked like a well drilled outfit
that maybe wouldn't win, you know, maybe maybe about five
hundred for the season or maybe you know, might be
(13:36):
able to sneak a few upsets, but they seem to
have gone backwards. And whether that's the toll of the
season and a lot of these players playing big minutes,
I'm not sure. Ta ta Nahwa doesn't seem to be
having the influence that he's had, you know, in previous
Compared to previous seasons, or even compared to earlier in
the season. It feels like they're looking a bit tired
and they can see the finish line and cite the
(13:57):
Thailanders team with just one more game to go for
them before a final round.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
By yeah, I think that's fair, and it's probably been
a lack of evolution and progression. The Highlanders finished what
Wooden Spooners last year, and you could argue they haven't
really improved from that obvious roster challenges, But you just
want to see incremental improvements, don't you, And I don't
think we're seeing that from them.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
They had what a big win at the start of the.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Year and haven't really fired a lot of shots since
they beat the Waratars two weeks ago in Dunedin, But
struggling to ever think of to think of other real
notable performances from them this year, so a few questions
potentially be asked once the season wraps up. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
Absolutely, they do have Josh Jacon of course coming in
next year into their lineup. A couple of other games
of course. On the weekend Force nineteen over the Reds
fourteen and the drawer going down to the Waratarz and
Fig fifty thirty five. The war retars still in the
mix for the playoff spots. The Force and Theory as
(15:04):
well could potentially get there on thirty two, although it's
a long w back for them, but you know, we're
going to have some really tight spots. We'll get into
this in the final four shortly. But those Australian teams
are eating each other the season, aren't they.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
They are, indeed, and well there's probably a question to
be asked about just how good the Australian teams are.
And I think we've probably seen them even out since
the demise of the Melbourne Rebels. The talent pools probably
spread there. Not sure whether they've actually lifted or improved,
(15:40):
but they do seem to be fairly even among the
teams that do remain. So I can't see any of
them being overly competitive come playoff time, and it's pretty
hard to predict which one is actually going to emerge
as the best team as well.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
It is indeed, I thought the Brumbies were, you know,
a chance to finish top two earlier in the season
and they've gone slid down to fifth. Yeah, it feels
like they've gone backwards a bit over the course of
the season. Is well, quick break back with more after
this on Rugby Derecks. Back now with the final four
four rugby topics that Liam and I debate. First one
(16:18):
for you, Liam, who's the next cab off the rank
when it comes to All Blacks wingers if we assume
and I think we both do, that Caleb tunguy Toe
was going to be named in that squad later on
this month, sorry, next month.
Speaker 4 (16:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Devastating for Caleb Tunkytail, isn't it. He's been on the
cusp of that All Blacks team, went on the Allbecks
fifteen tour. Probably should have been in the All Blacks
last year. To be honest, Serie Reese was a bit
of a passenger. I certainly felt that Tongueytail should have
been in that mix. So for him now to be
ruled out for the best part of nine months to
a year, massive blow for him personally. Hopefully he can
(16:52):
get back to the player that he was this year
next cab off the rank you're probably looking at guys
La Morning, naraur Lee Roy Carter, who we haven't seen
a lot of this year. Both must big chunks of
the season with the Chiefs. But do you back come
playoff time, so they'll be chomping at the bit to
get out there and impress new coach Dave Rennie. But look,
(17:13):
I don't think you can rule out the possibility of
rehen selecting Finnian Enough for Historically All Blacks coaches have
moved on from players who have signed contracts you think of.
The latest example was probably Mark t Lea. Scott Robinson
did not select him once he had signed in Japan,
(17:33):
and the All Blacks I think, struggled to fill that void.
There's all sorts of arguments, aren't there about developing players
or picking someone who's inform. It's a big year for
the All Blacks, so I think Rennie will be seriously
considering selecting Finnian Enough for what do you reckon?
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Yeah, I think he'll have to mull it over. I'll
be looking at maybe Knina Holo potentially, although he's had
obviously that injury, but I was impressed by what I
saw from him over the weekends. It feels like he's
been around for a long time. He's twenty seven, been
through what this is his third Super Rugby franchise Kannina Hollo.
But he's playing some great rugby you know last year
(18:09):
as well before that injury, and if he can keep
that form up in the playoffs, and I think he's
a contender. I wouldn't rull that. Shafie Hackey as well.
His ability under the high ball I think is really
really vital and test match football. It's gonna be interesting
as well to see what the All Blacks do around
that back three. I would probably look towards maybe moving
(18:32):
Will Jordan back to the wing, especially with that tongue
in tot injury now and Damian McKenzie potentially at fullback.
But it's kind of interesting to see which what preference
Dave Rennie has for the makeup of his back three
and what kind of players he wants.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Yeah, I think that's a good shout with Will Jordan.
He's played some exceptional rugby for the All Blacks on
the wing. Ian Foster used him there predominantly and Scar
Robson went back to him at fullback. I didn't think
he had a particularly good year for the All Blacks
last year. The All Blacks attack wasn't great, but Jordan
did have some struggles under the high ball. He wasn't
(19:07):
alone in that aspect of the game, so then we
need to see some big improvements there.
Speaker 4 (19:12):
But he can give him a.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
Roman commission from the wing. Bill Blacks do have a
number of different options in the backfield. As you say McKenzie,
I thought when he played at fullback, probably played his
best rugby in recent years, I think at fullback for
the All Blacks rather than first five.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
So yeah, I think that's a real live option as well.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
That moves us on to topic number two. On a
similar note, what chances and you wrote about this last
week that he Finn Young and Awfha remains in New
Zealand and doesn't take up that contract with Newcastle Redbulls.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
Not too sure I was going to play out Elliott,
but it's very much a live conversation and Dave Rennie
we caught up with him didn't we last week while
he was in New Zealand and he was at the
Chiefs Highlanders, he visited the Hurricanes. He would have had
a chat to finger Ung and North four and said,
may I want you a more Blacks team? And that
significantly changes the complexion of his earning potential on New Zealand.
(20:11):
Still well shot, probably about one hundred and fifty K
for what he can earn a Newcastle. But look, I've
heard he's having second thoughts, potentially leaning towards a change
of hearts. I don't know how that plays out, but
I think it's a very live proposition that he could
yet stay in New Zealand.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
We talked with Stig Lancast obviously on the podcast and
those quotes are included in your article too. New Zealand
Rug we obviously can't induce him to get out of
this contract. They probably shouldn't pay him out of this contract.
So he is going to have to figure out if
he wants to get out of the Steel. He's going
to have to figure out a way out himself. Isn't
he all look at it through the fine print in
(20:51):
this contract to see whether there's any regal room to
get out of this.
Speaker 3 (20:56):
Yeah, Ultimately it is a ball in his court scenario,
and look, there's a lots of wigh up, isn't there.
He's the guy that's emerged from oni hunger, humble upbringings,
has a desire to help his parents retire, and so
has jumped at the money, probably prematurely. I think at
the start of the year. Things have changed drastically since then,
(21:19):
haven't they. So I haven't spoken to him directly. I've
spoken to people around him, and I think he's got
a lot to think about it in the coming weeks. Interestingly, though,
Elliott's while New Zealand Rugby are saying they won't stable
a new offer and they won't engage in buying him
out of his contracts. Twenty fifteen, while sucking the Holo,
(21:41):
I had signed for Cumont. I think it was quite
a long term deal. He went gang busses that year
and there was an undisclosed commercial agreement reach with Clemont,
I think, and the whole ultimately stayed, became a World
Cup winner, went on to play twenty seven Tests. So
(22:02):
the finn Younger norful case is not without precedence.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
No, it's not. It's going to be fascinating to see
how this unfolds of the closing weeks of the season.
Topic number three. Reports over the weeken in that South
Africa are considering exiting the European champions Cup, which is
where all the European teams come together and play off
for the trophy. Could the USC be a next Liam
And do you think this affects Super rugby at all?
Speaker 3 (22:28):
I don't see it affecting Super Rugby. It was interesting
when these comments first emerged from the South African Rugby
CEO is basically saying, look, we need to take stock.
The global season is not happening. We've been talking about
it for you know, probably since you and I were kids,
and we're no closer to reaching an agreement. New Zealand
(22:50):
and Australia do not want to move the Rugby Championship
or that window to align with the six Nations. I
think quite rightly, given the impact that would have on
domestic rugby in our part of the world. And so
South Africa are ultimately looking and saying something's got to give.
We can't keep our sek our players to go round
and around all year. It's not feasible, and they are
(23:13):
looking at the Champions Cup as something that they can
get some payback, and look, I think they will stay
in the USC. I think the Champions Cup they've never
really valued that. It's they don't have an affinity with it.
The South African teams often recet players in that competition anyway,
I don't think they've progressed past the quarterfinals of it
(23:35):
in the time.
Speaker 4 (23:36):
That they've been in there.
Speaker 3 (23:37):
So look, there's a whole host of views in the
North and it sounds like they won't be particularly missed.
But they do bring a huge financial element to the URC,
so I can't see them leaving that competition.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
Yeah, I was unlikely as well, but a mencing seth
that there's any phone calls being made around that and
any possibilities of not realigning and getting back into Super Rugby,
But just what might mean around the calendar through that,
as Steve Lancaster the global calendar in the move of
the Rugby Championship. Look, there's been a lot of change
in New Zealand rugby sims, but I suspect the feeling
(24:15):
remains the same around having the Rugby Championship to start
the year. The other thing about Soervriga pulling out of
the European Cup as well. Is that a lot of
their players, not all of them, a bit a significant
amount are playing in Japan. So this only helps, you
know a little bit, because some of their top players
are still going to be playing, you know, year round,
because of their commitments in other competitions around the globe.
(24:38):
And final question in the final four, what is the
finishing order of the Super Rugby top six with two
rounds to go? We know the Hurricanes and Chiefs are
the top two, although maybe we don't know necessarily the
order if the Hurricanes could drop the games to the
Highlanders and the Crusaders limb. So what's the order you've
got of your top six?
Speaker 3 (24:56):
Well, I'll let you be shocked to here. They'll have
the Hurricanes at number one, Chiefs will be two. I
think the Blues probably hold on to third. I think
the Crusaders, what are they is it six or eight
points to make out there?
Speaker 4 (25:10):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Six points to make up and they've got the Chiefs
this week in high Hurricanes next week both at home.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
Yeah, So I think they probably won one of those
and finished fourth, and then it's a real blolly scram.
I'm gonna say the Reds and Brumbies probably sneak in,
but any one of those four Australian teams could sneak
in and exit and Week one other playoffs.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Yeah, I've got the same, although I'm interested to see
how the Wartars Brumbies game goes this weekend. It's sort
of sneaked under the radar a little bit. Good win
for the war Retars over the weekend and now if
they can win this week, it puts them right in
the playoff reckoning. So I've got the same order as
you for the top three Hurricanes, Chiefs, Blues. I have
the Crusaders winning one but not two of the next
(25:54):
two games. I have the Waratars coming in and into
the playoffs, but I have the Reds at five, and
I might even have the Brumbies missing out. In all honesty,
the Brumbies have got more Wana Pacifica next week, so
they'll probably still get five from that, so maybe they
do take six. The Reds have Mawana this week and
the draw next so they might get ten. Okay, I'll
(26:16):
go the I'll go the Reds in five, the Brumbies
and Sex and the Wartares actually will miss out. I'm
going to change my mind. I thought the Wats might
be able to sneak in, but I think I think
the top six as it stands will remain the same,
maybe just with a couple of slight tweaks in the order.
But good to have a bit of jeopardy as we
head into the final couple of week snapes.
Speaker 4 (26:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Absolutely, But look, as it stands, I have the Canes
and Chiefs, maybe the Crusaders. I can't see anyone else
really challenging first year's title.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
No, that's the thing, isn't it. You've got a bit
of jippety in the playoffs, but the playoff mix. But
where the Hurricanes played, Look, you can potentially see a
Chiefs team on the day beating beating the Hurricanes, even
in the Capital. Maybe the Crusaders could get a roll on.
I can't I'm with you. I can't see the Blues
now doing it after having forty points put on them
(27:09):
twice this season. It'd be a massive flip of the
script to see them do so. The Crusaders, if things
go their way in a playoff game, could beat the
Canes in the Capitol. Maybe the Chiefs. But as it stands, Liam,
it is the Hurricanes title to lose.
Speaker 3 (27:23):
It is, indeed, but look, I've got everything to prove
from a finals perspective bombed out. I think it's the
past four years professing to having learned those lessons, and
there's a number of players and coaches that have lived
through that. But finals, for he's a different beast. So
we'll see how they go come playoff time.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Indeed, let's get into the MVP voting for Finny Young
and Alfo has sixteen points, he's out on top, can
Royguard has ten and Leicester fining Anooka after a big
couple of weeks, is on nine. In third, Liam, your
three two ones?
Speaker 3 (27:57):
Please, I'm going to go Lucas Casey for three, Malokai
Rampling for two and Peter Lucky for one.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
My stuff are more unlucky to miss out.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Wow, Okay, the second week in array you even give
them the Hurricanes two?
Speaker 4 (28:15):
Yeah. Well, I'm a fair man out let you know this.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
I do know that, I do know that I'm going
I'm going Warner Dunes for three. I thought he was
exceptional once again, that charge down, But he's just giving
the Hurricanes something they haven't had. And look, Dave Rennie
We've talked a bit about Brodi will tat the last
couple of weeks, but you know, maybe there's a wee
tap on the shoulder then goes three years. Standdown, mate,
you can play for the All Blacks from what twenty
(28:39):
twenty eight or thereabouts. I'll be having that conversation because
Scott Barrett don't know if he's going after the next
world cart Patrick Dowey, but lod too, not sure about him.
Locking socks pretty good at the moment, but what will
they be like in twenty twenty seven to twenty eight.
So just putting that out there for Dave Rennie maybe
worth a conversation to young Dunes. My three two ones.
(28:59):
Warner Duns has said the three Lucas Casey gets two
from me, and I was topsing up a suffer on
more or Idiotata and Nari for one, and I'm going
with a Nari because he gets slotted in and not
playing overplaying his hand with the Hurricanes losing cambroy Guard.
Last time they lost cambroy Guard to a season ending injury,
it derailed their season, even if they did make the
(29:21):
playoffs and semi finals that year, but they were never
quite the same team without him. Well, Anardi slotted in
and like he's a bit of a journeyman. Eddie Gatada
and Nari but he's not overplaying his role have been
really impressed by him. So Legham, he gets my one point.
Speaker 3 (29:36):
Yeah, Sir Elott, I think Ken Morig are the most
influential player in Super Rugby the Great Fears when they
when he went down. But an Ardi showing his experience
and composure certainly with that excuse and that set move
and stepping up for the games.
Speaker 4 (29:52):
So I think it's a sign of a quality team.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
The Chiefs are really good at that under Dave Rennie
not missing and beat the Crusaders as well. Just bringing
guys in performing their role which allows the team just
to keep trucking.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
One hundred percent right. That'll do us for Rugby Direct
for our early week edition. We'll be back on Thursday
with another edition of the pod. Until then, Limb you
stay safe and have yourself a good week.
Speaker 4 (30:15):
Your teammate See you Thursday.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Bet'll do us Rightly Direct powered by Habit Health is
your book today and stay in the game. Thanks to
our producer as well, Marke Kelly. We all see you thusday.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
For more from News Talks, ed 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 at B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio
straight down the middle of tru try to get inside
(00:37):
the game from every end goal. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, powered by News Talks at B.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Welcome into Rugby Directs back again for another week, and
of course we are powered by our good friends at
Habit Health. Book today and stay in the game. Elliott
Smith with me Liam Napier, Sports Corresponded rugby writer for
The New Zealand Herald napes back again and Dar I
say that the cane train keeps rolling on.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
To toot Elliott's You're on board, Bill, and it was
great to have your presence. And I must say, I
think we're almost at full capacity now, so anyone else
wanting to jump on the bandwagon better get on board.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Really good with that badwagon comes to a crash in
the fast semi finals.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
Seats are fast falling up. Mate.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Okay, well, let's start with that game, as we always do,
work our way backwards over the key games of the weekend.
From a New Zealand perspective, Hurricanes forty seven Blues twenty four. Look,
the Hurricanes were exceptional forty points to seven, driven by
some really strong performances out of their pack. I thought
their forwards carried really well, especially in the first forty
(01:47):
to fifty minutes. Also their props Numidia and Tossy Muwer
carried really strongly. Dun's had a cracking game. Luck I
was everywhere, and then just laid the platform for the
Hurricanes to do what they do really well, which has
worked their outsides and give them plenty of ball and
they look to be honestly, they look three and the
(02:08):
Blues looked one dimensional. On the basis of that performance.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
It's a great way of putting it, Elliott, the contrast
between the two teams couldn't have been starker.
Speaker 4 (02:18):
I think it was a.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Real illustration of where these two teams sit in the
pecking order, where their trajectories are going. And a look
earlier in the year, the Hurricanes humbled the Blues in
Wellingtons and I think it was round nine, similar scoreline,
but the Blues were down on troops at that point.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
They had no.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Patrick two, Polo two and a couple of others. I
think Hoskinstituto might have been missing from their pack, so
they had a few excuses away from home as well.
This was the Blues final regular season game. They had
post to twenty thousand people. Dalden Papoli was the only
major out. They did have to reshuffle their back line
(02:58):
and they did lose quite a few in the full
plaque to Hias throughout the game, but as you say,
just really one dimensional on the back foot.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Their forward path.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Was humbled really, and like you say, it was a
really dynamic performance from the Hurricanes pack and guys like
Armor and new Mayor in particular, and Tossi with Tyrol
Lomax still to come back, really stepping up. And that's
been the Hurricanes Achilles, hasn't it in previous years. I've
(03:32):
always had the flashy backs and that they still have
that this year. But the transformation has come up fronts
and in their defense and in their work at the breakdown.
They've got the most turnovers in the competition this year
and they really are doing it all. So the Blues
were never really in that contest. They competed at times,
but twenty one zero down at halftime, the game's gone.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
And despite a late flourish.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I think there's some real question marks to be asked
about where the Blues are at, and it does feel
like they are really stale currently.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
It does, and that's two losses in a row now
and kind of big losses at the hands of fellow
New Zealand teams. Obviously that the Hurricanes put them more
to the sword than the Crusaders did previously under the
roof in christ Church. But I think over the two
weeks you struggled to mount in the argument that the
Blues have a convincing case to win this title. If
(04:26):
we drilled down into that, what do you think is
going wrong? I thought Boden Barrett didn't have a great
night out and he's had a few poor nights out
this season for the Blues. Their packs struggled to get going. Especially,
I thought they're type five. You know, Signa was into everything.
I thought Rampling had probably his best game and those
two were impressive, But they're type five. Just went matching
(04:49):
up to what the Hurricanes were delivering on the other
side of.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
The ball, absolutely, and things that have worked well for
the Blues, like their line out, have has disintegrated in
the past two weeks. They had issues against the Crusaders
there and they were they again came to the four
against the Hurricanes. Some of that you can contribute to
Warner Durns probably the most prominent lineout forward in terms
of contesting and stealing opposition ball this year. But they're
(05:16):
just not getting enough pay from their pack and if
you can meet them physically match them up front, it
doesn't seem like they've got any other levels leavers to pool.
Caleb Clark barely sees any ball. Boden Barrett feels like
he's a wee bit gun shy, in a bit of
a ruts even you know, things that have worked well
for him in recent years. His kicking game is deserting him.
(05:40):
He had that charge down try and then maybe lost
a bit of confidence. And even his passing is quite erratic.
There's a number of instances this year where he's just
completely missed his intended receivers. So that's a real concern.
So yeah, there's big question marks to ask about the Blues.
I think they seem bereaft of confidence and ideas and
(06:03):
just don't know where they're going to turn. Because it's
all good and well when they can get on the
front foot. They can go through the front door, but
if that's not working, they just look a bit headless.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
They do and their thirdest stands, but have the buy
this week and then the Chiefs away in the final round,
the Crusaders six points behind them, the Brumbies probably can't
get there. They're nine points behind them. They may yet
hold on to third, but it's going to be fascinating
to see who they get in that third and fourth matchup,
because they could potentially, just the luck of the drawer,
(06:37):
have a Brumbies maybe even have a Reds in that
third fourth game, which would give them potentially any easier
pass through to the semi finals than say the Chiefs
or maybe the Hurricanes if they have to potentially meet
the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
I think the Crusaders are the team that you don't
want to meet come the playoff time because they'll probably
have Will Jordan, Scott Barrett and another of others coming back.
And if the Blues are matching up with the Crusaders,
I think on you'd certainly tip that only only going
one way, So it's gonna be interesting to see how
(07:13):
all that shakes down, and just I guess going back
to the point about the contrast between the Hurricanes and
the Blues. It really did come down to the variety
in their game, didn't it. The Hurricanes scored from rolling wolves,
they scored out wides, they scored a brilliant special set
move where they'd set up the mall and came sweeping
(07:35):
around the blind side and Anade gave the inside ball
to Kidning a holo. So just the variety to their
play where the Blues the seem a bit stale, a
bit dodgy, a bit predictable in one dimensional. So this
really did illustrate where the two teams are at, and
just that the variety in their game was really stark.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
It was fitting on and off as well. Equals Joe
Roff and Ben Lamb's record of sixteen tries in a season.
You wouldn't put it past some you know, bettering that
against the Highlanders this week or Crusaders potentially. Maybe they
look to rest him for one of those two games
ahead of the playoffs, but he should have that record outright,
you would think by the time all is said and
(08:15):
done the season. I guess on that point as well. Liam,
if you are the Hurricanes, you are now five points
clear of the Chiefs, so you haven't completely locked down
top spot as yet. So do you roll out your
quote unquote best team again this week and then give
them a lot of the starters a week off for
that final game in christ Church against the Crusaders. You know,
in the final week of the regular season. What would
(08:37):
you do if you're Clark Ladlaw to freshen up this
team if they need freshening up before the playoffs.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
It's a great position to be in, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Clack Well Laidlaw said postmatch that fan and off four
pulled up a bit lame, whether it was cramp or
Jesus had a big workload this year, so he did
intimate that he may be rested this week. And when
you've got a guy like Josh Moreby waiting in the
wings who scored four tries against Mowana and had the
week off, maybe they looked to rotate a wee bit there.
(09:07):
But I think I would be going all out for
the Landers, looking to get a bonus point and potentially
lock up that top spot. One victory maybe all the
Hurricanes need. The Chiefs have to go and play the Crusaders,
probably without Damien McKenzie. So that's a tough ask, but yeah,
the Hurricanes might only need to go full guns blazing
(09:30):
one week, look to get a bonus points, and then
potentially in the final round before the playoffs, you could
rotate and look to go into those playoffs really fresh.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Yeah, it's pretty good problem for Clark Laidlaw to have.
Let's go backwards again to Friday Night, the Chiefs forty
two over the Highlanders twelve. Look that the Highlanders scored first,
but by and large this was usual transmission from the Chiefs.
So we've talked a couple of times on the podcast
that maybe we haven't seen the best of them, but
(10:00):
in a way, they didn't really have to get out
of second gear to beat this Highlanders team. There was
an impressive performance from Lucas Casey obviously on the other
side of the ball, but I never felt like the
Chiefs were too in danger of losing that one, and
obviously they won by thirty in the end.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
Yeah they did.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
And look, I thought it was a workmanlike performance from
the Chiefs. I don't think it was their best performance
of the year, but like you say, they never felt
like they were in danger of losing it. I was
extremely impressed with Lucas Casey and a losing team. I
thought he was the best player on the park. Some
of his stats around carrying meeters, maids, turnovers, he was everywhere,
(10:40):
switching from open side to number eight. I thought it
was a real standout performance. And those sort of guys
that have to be the future of the Highlanders, don't
they They have to hold on some they have to
harness them and evolve them. Because a young guy who
came on the scene in the NPC and lit it
up is showing that he can match it at super
(11:02):
rugby level when potentially putting his case forward for high
honors later in his career against some established all Blacks
and Luke and Luke, Jacobson, Wallace, a TC, some of Pennies, now,
I thought Lucas Casey outshone them all.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
I thought he did so. I thought it was a
really good performance from Lucas Casey and certainly gave Dave Renni,
who would be in the stands, something to ponder perhaps
for that South African tour that maybe he might be
applied to look to for those midweek games with a
view to seeing how he goes in the all blacks environment.
The thing that stood out to me, and as I
mentioned a number of times here, the stats don't tell
(11:39):
the full story because they can be skewed by the
way that matches go. But you look at the territory
Highlanders fifty eight forty two, position fifty nine to forty
one in favor of the Highlanders, carries one hundred and
sixty nine to one hundred and nineteen, four hundred and
fifty eight post comptat meters to three hundred and two.
The Chiefs conceded ten penalties to five. They missed thirty
three tackles the Chiefs to thirteen. On the basis of
(12:02):
what the stats show, there's no way the Highlanders should
have lost that by thirty points.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
No, absolutely not.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
I guess yes, that's don't tell the full picture, and
that they couldn't convert when they had a number of opportunities,
and the Chiefs are fairly ruthless when they get guys
like Sammasoni, Takyaho or natur Arkoi close to the line,
are pretty difficult to stop. And ultimately it just comes
down to converting those chances, those entries into the twenty two.
(12:30):
And I think that's what we saw from the Hurricanes
as well, particularly in that first half. They didn't actually
have that many opportunities, but they had three opportunities, Bang
Bang Bang took them. And the Blues are on the rack,
and that's probably the difference with where the Hollanders right
at the moments and why they struggle to match the
New Zealand teams. Obviously their roster isn't as strong and
(12:55):
a massive loss for them, and Caleb Tongueytowl really feel
for him.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
You'd have to.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Think bolted on and that all black squads. So they
haven't had a lot of luck this year with Fabian
Holland missing, Dylan Pledge as well and now Caleb Tonguetow
and their roster as a whole. They can't afford to
lose those real upper echelon players, can they.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
No, they can't. I have thought of the last few
weeks that they haven't perhaps been or looked as well
drilled as Highland as teams have in the past, especially
the way they started the season with that went over
the Crusaders and actually looked like a well drilled outfit
that maybe wouldn't win, you know, maybe maybe about five
hundred for the season or maybe you know, might be
(13:36):
able to sneak a few upsets, but they seem to
have gone backwards. And whether that's the toll of the
season and a lot of these players playing big minutes,
I'm not sure. Ta ta Nahwa doesn't seem to be
having the influence that he's had, you know, in previous
Compared to previous seasons, or even compared to earlier in
the season. It feels like they're looking a bit tired
and they can see the finish line and cite the
(13:57):
Thailanders team with just one more game to go for
them before a final round.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
By yeah, I think that's fair, and it's probably been
a lack of evolution and progression. The Highlanders finished what
Wooden Spooners last year, and you could argue they haven't
really improved from that obvious roster challenges, But you just
want to see incremental improvements, don't you, And I don't
think we're seeing that from them.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
They had what a big win at the start of the.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Year and haven't really fired a lot of shots since
they beat the Waratars two weeks ago in Dunedin, But
struggling to ever think of to think of other real
notable performances from them this year, so a few questions
potentially be asked once the season wraps up. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
Absolutely, they do have Josh Jacon of course coming in
next year into their lineup. A couple of other games
of course. On the weekend Force nineteen over the Reds
fourteen and the drawer going down to the Waratarz and
Fig fifty thirty five. The war retars still in the
mix for the playoff spots. The Force and Theory as
(15:04):
well could potentially get there on thirty two, although it's
a long w back for them, but you know, we're
going to have some really tight spots. We'll get into
this in the final four shortly. But those Australian teams
are eating each other the season, aren't they.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
They are, indeed, and well there's probably a question to
be asked about just how good the Australian teams are.
And I think we've probably seen them even out since
the demise of the Melbourne Rebels. The talent pools probably
spread there. Not sure whether they've actually lifted or improved,
(15:40):
but they do seem to be fairly even among the
teams that do remain. So I can't see any of
them being overly competitive come playoff time, and it's pretty
hard to predict which one is actually going to emerge
as the best team as well.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
It is indeed, I thought the Brumbies were, you know,
a chance to finish top two earlier in the season
and they've gone slid down to fifth. Yeah, it feels
like they've gone backwards a bit over the course of
the season. Is well, quick break back with more after
this on Rugby Derecks. Back now with the final four
four rugby topics that Liam and I debate. First one
(16:18):
for you, Liam, who's the next cab off the rank
when it comes to All Blacks wingers if we assume
and I think we both do, that Caleb tunguy Toe
was going to be named in that squad later on
this month, sorry, next month.
Speaker 4 (16:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Devastating for Caleb Tunkytail, isn't it. He's been on the
cusp of that All Blacks team, went on the Allbecks
fifteen tour. Probably should have been in the All Blacks
last year. To be honest, Serie Reese was a bit
of a passenger. I certainly felt that Tongueytail should have
been in that mix. So for him now to be
ruled out for the best part of nine months to
a year, massive blow for him personally. Hopefully he can
(16:52):
get back to the player that he was this year
next cab off the rank you're probably looking at guys
La Morning, naraur Lee Roy Carter, who we haven't seen
a lot of this year. Both must big chunks of
the season with the Chiefs. But do you back come
playoff time, so they'll be chomping at the bit to
get out there and impress new coach Dave Rennie. But look,
(17:13):
I don't think you can rule out the possibility of
rehen selecting Finnian Enough for Historically All Blacks coaches have
moved on from players who have signed contracts you think of.
The latest example was probably Mark t Lea. Scott Robinson
did not select him once he had signed in Japan,
(17:33):
and the All Blacks I think, struggled to fill that void.
There's all sorts of arguments, aren't there about developing players
or picking someone who's inform. It's a big year for
the All Blacks, so I think Rennie will be seriously
considering selecting Finnian Enough for what do you reckon?
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Yeah, I think he'll have to mull it over. I'll
be looking at maybe Knina Holo potentially, although he's had
obviously that injury, but I was impressed by what I
saw from him over the weekends. It feels like he's
been around for a long time. He's twenty seven, been
through what this is his third Super Rugby franchise Kannina Hollo.
But he's playing some great rugby you know last year
(18:09):
as well before that injury, and if he can keep
that form up in the playoffs, and I think he's
a contender. I wouldn't rull that. Shafie Hackey as well.
His ability under the high ball I think is really
really vital and test match football. It's gonna be interesting
as well to see what the All Blacks do around
that back three. I would probably look towards maybe moving
(18:32):
Will Jordan back to the wing, especially with that tongue
in tot injury now and Damian McKenzie potentially at fullback.
But it's kind of interesting to see which what preference
Dave Rennie has for the makeup of his back three
and what kind of players he wants.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Yeah, I think that's a good shout with Will Jordan.
He's played some exceptional rugby for the All Blacks on
the wing. Ian Foster used him there predominantly and Scar
Robson went back to him at fullback. I didn't think
he had a particularly good year for the All Blacks
last year. The All Blacks attack wasn't great, but Jordan
did have some struggles under the high ball. He wasn't
(19:07):
alone in that aspect of the game, so then we
need to see some big improvements there.
Speaker 4 (19:12):
But he can give him a.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
Roman commission from the wing. Bill Blacks do have a
number of different options in the backfield. As you say McKenzie,
I thought when he played at fullback, probably played his
best rugby in recent years, I think at fullback for
the All Blacks rather than first five.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
So yeah, I think that's a real live option as well.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
That moves us on to topic number two. On a
similar note, what chances and you wrote about this last
week that he Finn Young and Awfha remains in New
Zealand and doesn't take up that contract with Newcastle Redbulls.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
Not too sure I was going to play out Elliott,
but it's very much a live conversation and Dave Rennie
we caught up with him didn't we last week while
he was in New Zealand and he was at the
Chiefs Highlanders, he visited the Hurricanes. He would have had
a chat to finger Ung and North four and said,
may I want you a more Blacks team? And that
significantly changes the complexion of his earning potential on New Zealand.
(20:11):
Still well shot, probably about one hundred and fifty K
for what he can earn a Newcastle. But look, I've
heard he's having second thoughts, potentially leaning towards a change
of hearts. I don't know how that plays out, but
I think it's a very live proposition that he could
yet stay in New Zealand.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
We talked with Stig Lancast obviously on the podcast and
those quotes are included in your article too. New Zealand
Rug we obviously can't induce him to get out of
this contract. They probably shouldn't pay him out of this contract.
So he is going to have to figure out if
he wants to get out of the Steel. He's going
to have to figure out a way out himself. Isn't
he all look at it through the fine print in
(20:51):
this contract to see whether there's any regal room to
get out of this.
Speaker 3 (20:56):
Yeah, Ultimately it is a ball in his court scenario,
and look, there's a lots of wigh up, isn't there.
He's the guy that's emerged from oni hunger, humble upbringings,
has a desire to help his parents retire, and so
has jumped at the money, probably prematurely. I think at
the start of the year. Things have changed drastically since then,
(21:19):
haven't they. So I haven't spoken to him directly. I've
spoken to people around him, and I think he's got
a lot to think about it in the coming weeks. Interestingly, though,
Elliott's while New Zealand Rugby are saying they won't stable
a new offer and they won't engage in buying him
out of his contracts. Twenty fifteen, while sucking the Holo,
(21:41):
I had signed for Cumont. I think it was quite
a long term deal. He went gang busses that year
and there was an undisclosed commercial agreement reach with Clemont,
I think, and the whole ultimately stayed, became a World
Cup winner, went on to play twenty seven Tests. So
(22:02):
the finn Younger norful case is not without precedence.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
No, it's not. It's going to be fascinating to see
how this unfolds of the closing weeks of the season.
Topic number three. Reports over the weeken in that South
Africa are considering exiting the European champions Cup, which is
where all the European teams come together and play off
for the trophy. Could the USC be a next Liam
And do you think this affects Super rugby at all?
Speaker 3 (22:28):
I don't see it affecting Super Rugby. It was interesting
when these comments first emerged from the South African Rugby
CEO is basically saying, look, we need to take stock.
The global season is not happening. We've been talking about
it for you know, probably since you and I were kids,
and we're no closer to reaching an agreement. New Zealand
(22:50):
and Australia do not want to move the Rugby Championship
or that window to align with the six Nations. I
think quite rightly, given the impact that would have on
domestic rugby in our part of the world. And so
South Africa are ultimately looking and saying something's got to give.
We can't keep our sek our players to go round
and around all year. It's not feasible, and they are
(23:13):
looking at the Champions Cup as something that they can
get some payback, and look, I think they will stay
in the USC. I think the Champions Cup they've never
really valued that. It's they don't have an affinity with it.
The South African teams often recet players in that competition anyway,
I don't think they've progressed past the quarterfinals of it
(23:35):
in the time.
Speaker 4 (23:36):
That they've been in there.
Speaker 3 (23:37):
So look, there's a whole host of views in the
North and it sounds like they won't be particularly missed.
But they do bring a huge financial element to the URC,
so I can't see them leaving that competition.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
Yeah, I was unlikely as well, but a mencing seth
that there's any phone calls being made around that and
any possibilities of not realigning and getting back into Super Rugby,
But just what might mean around the calendar through that,
as Steve Lancaster the global calendar in the move of
the Rugby Championship. Look, there's been a lot of change
in New Zealand rugby sims, but I suspect the feeling
(24:15):
remains the same around having the Rugby Championship to start
the year. The other thing about Soervriga pulling out of
the European Cup as well. Is that a lot of
their players, not all of them, a bit a significant
amount are playing in Japan. So this only helps, you
know a little bit, because some of their top players
are still going to be playing, you know, year round,
because of their commitments in other competitions around the globe.
(24:38):
And final question in the final four, what is the
finishing order of the Super Rugby top six with two
rounds to go? We know the Hurricanes and Chiefs are
the top two, although maybe we don't know necessarily the
order if the Hurricanes could drop the games to the
Highlanders and the Crusaders limb. So what's the order you've
got of your top six?
Speaker 3 (24:56):
Well, I'll let you be shocked to here. They'll have
the Hurricanes at number one, Chiefs will be two. I
think the Blues probably hold on to third. I think
the Crusaders, what are they is it six or eight
points to make out there?
Speaker 4 (25:10):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Six points to make up and they've got the Chiefs
this week in high Hurricanes next week both at home.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
Yeah, So I think they probably won one of those
and finished fourth, and then it's a real blolly scram.
I'm gonna say the Reds and Brumbies probably sneak in,
but any one of those four Australian teams could sneak
in and exit and Week one other playoffs.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Yeah, I've got the same, although I'm interested to see
how the Wartars Brumbies game goes this weekend. It's sort
of sneaked under the radar a little bit. Good win
for the war Retars over the weekend and now if
they can win this week, it puts them right in
the playoff reckoning. So I've got the same order as
you for the top three Hurricanes, Chiefs, Blues. I have
the Crusaders winning one but not two of the next
(25:54):
two games. I have the Waratars coming in and into
the playoffs, but I have the Reds at five, and
I might even have the Brumbies missing out. In all honesty,
the Brumbies have got more Wana Pacifica next week, so
they'll probably still get five from that, so maybe they
do take six. The Reds have Mawana this week and
the draw next so they might get ten. Okay, I'll
(26:16):
go the I'll go the Reds in five, the Brumbies
and Sex and the Wartares actually will miss out. I'm
going to change my mind. I thought the Wats might
be able to sneak in, but I think I think
the top six as it stands will remain the same,
maybe just with a couple of slight tweaks in the order.
But good to have a bit of jeopardy as we
head into the final couple of week snapes.
Speaker 4 (26:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Absolutely, But look, as it stands, I have the Canes
and Chiefs, maybe the Crusaders. I can't see anyone else
really challenging first year's title.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
No, that's the thing, isn't it. You've got a bit
of jippety in the playoffs, but the playoff mix. But
where the Hurricanes played, Look, you can potentially see a
Chiefs team on the day beating beating the Hurricanes, even
in the Capital. Maybe the Crusaders could get a roll on.
I can't I'm with you. I can't see the Blues
now doing it after having forty points put on them
(27:09):
twice this season. It'd be a massive flip of the
script to see them do so. The Crusaders, if things
go their way in a playoff game, could beat the
Canes in the Capitol. Maybe the Chiefs. But as it stands, Liam,
it is the Hurricanes title to lose.
Speaker 3 (27:23):
It is, indeed, but look, I've got everything to prove
from a finals perspective bombed out. I think it's the
past four years professing to having learned those lessons, and
there's a number of players and coaches that have lived
through that. But finals, for he's a different beast. So
we'll see how they go come playoff time.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Indeed, let's get into the MVP voting for Finny Young
and Alfo has sixteen points, he's out on top, can
Royguard has ten and Leicester fining Anooka after a big
couple of weeks, is on nine. In third, Liam, your
three two ones?
Speaker 3 (27:57):
Please, I'm going to go Lucas Casey for three, Malokai
Rampling for two and Peter Lucky for one.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
My stuff are more unlucky to miss out.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Wow, Okay, the second week in array you even give
them the Hurricanes two?
Speaker 4 (28:15):
Yeah. Well, I'm a fair man out let you know this.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
I do know that, I do know that I'm going
I'm going Warner Dunes for three. I thought he was
exceptional once again, that charge down, But he's just giving
the Hurricanes something they haven't had. And look, Dave Rennie
We've talked a bit about Brodi will tat the last
couple of weeks, but you know, maybe there's a wee
tap on the shoulder then goes three years. Standdown, mate,
you can play for the All Blacks from what twenty
(28:39):
twenty eight or thereabouts. I'll be having that conversation because
Scott Barrett don't know if he's going after the next
world cart Patrick Dowey, but lod too, not sure about him.
Locking socks pretty good at the moment, but what will
they be like in twenty twenty seven to twenty eight.
So just putting that out there for Dave Rennie maybe
worth a conversation to young Dunes. My three two ones.
(28:59):
Warner Duns has said the three Lucas Casey gets two
from me, and I was topsing up a suffer on
more or Idiotata and Nari for one, and I'm going
with a Nari because he gets slotted in and not
playing overplaying his hand with the Hurricanes losing cambroy Guard.
Last time they lost cambroy Guard to a season ending injury,
it derailed their season, even if they did make the
(29:21):
playoffs and semi finals that year, but they were never
quite the same team without him. Well, Anardi slotted in
and like he's a bit of a journeyman. Eddie Gatada
and Nari but he's not overplaying his role have been
really impressed by him. So Legham, he gets my one point.
Speaker 3 (29:36):
Yeah, Sir Elott, I think Ken Morig are the most
influential player in Super Rugby the Great Fears when they
when he went down. But an Ardi showing his experience
and composure certainly with that excuse and that set move
and stepping up for the games.
Speaker 4 (29:52):
So I think it's a sign of a quality team.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
The Chiefs are really good at that under Dave Rennie
not missing and beat the Crusaders as well. Just bringing
guys in performing their role which allows the team just
to keep trucking.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
One hundred percent right. That'll do us for Rugby Direct
for our early week edition. We'll be back on Thursday
with another edition of the pod. Until then, Limb you
stay safe and have yourself a good week.
Speaker 4 (30:15):
Your teammate See you Thursday.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Bet'll do us Rightly Direct powered by Habit Health is
your book today and stay in the game. Thanks to
our producer as well, Marke Kelly. We all see you thusday.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
For more from News Talks, ed 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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