June 28, 2026 • 28 mins
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, the boys are in Christchurch counting down to the first All Blacks test under Dave Rennie.
Who will make his first 23? Plus the ANZAC Day Bledisloe is locked in, is this a good thing for rugby or not?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio
straight down the middle of Drup Scot try get inside
(00:29):
the game from every end goal. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliot Smith and Liam Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Inns in Safety, Blackwood Shop,
King g and you could score five thousand dollars. It
is Test Week. Finally we have a built up to
talk about the All Blacks and France. Elligott Smith with me,
Liam Napiers always NPEs. Welcome to Test Week and look
(00:57):
you're not here as yet, you will be soon, but
welcome to the Garden City.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Yeah, I expect you to be rolling out the red
carp for Elliott's I guess great to have Test Rugby
beck in you in your home city.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
It certainly is. Yeah, it's been a long time coming.
Last rob Since to twenty twenty two Foster was coach.
The anyone thought Scott Robinson was going to be the
head coach for this one not to be. Dave Rennie
is of course setting your Blacks have settled into the
media week. I guess Nate's a lot of questions. We
did the podcast obviously last week around the squad, but
a lot of questions as to the makeup of the
(01:32):
twenty three. What do you think the big questions are
when Dave Rennie, Neil Barnes and Sir Graham Henry get
around the selection table and try and figure this into
a twenty three.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
There's a few talking points. There's always aren't there, Elliotts,
I think it sounds like Will Jordan and to Boo
vi foot and available. Certainly that was the indication that
Dave Rennie gave yesterday on when the All Blacks arrived
in christ Ships. So taken as reads, you would expect
Will Jordan to start at fallback to Boovi in the
(02:06):
second row. I think the big question marks are probably
inside flanker first and first five. My take around the
first five Ruben love. If not now then win. You've
got Richie Muwanga hanging in the backgrounds. He's going to
come back. He's likely to be given the keys. So
Ruben loves the hot hands. He deserves a crack now.
(02:30):
He's been sitting on ice for the best part of
his well, his whole test career really he couldn't have
done any more for the Hurricanes, so he deserves a
crack at at first five for me. What about you?
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Yeah, I think that the main ones are the similar
ones you talk about. You can sort of zero in
a few areas of the team. But I guess we're
going into this with some assumed knowledge of how Dave
Rinnie White wants to play, and we go, well, that's
the first choice front row, that's the first choice locks.
But that may not be the case under Dave Rinnie
(03:04):
and so I guess if we zoom it on with you,
I think Reuben Love has to start Test match this week.
I think Cam broyguard at nine and then Jordi Barrett
in twelve, and that gives Reuben Love not necessarily a
safety blanket, but gives them the combinations from test level
that he can utilize again sorry at super level, that
he can utilize at test level. So I think that's
(03:25):
something that they'll potentially look at. Blind side flanker, I
guess is a really interesting one around which way they
go there. Sounds like Satiti is good to go. Savia
obviously will captain the side from open side flank, so
there's a couple of questions there. Where are you leaning
when it comes to that blind side flank is selection?
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Well, personally, earlier I would start Wallace to TT at six,
and I'd actually put Peter Luckye at eight on form.
I just I don't know how you could lead Peter
Lukeye out of the starting team. I suspect they will
go the other way, and I think they will have
some worries about the height of that Looseiford trio when
(04:06):
it comes to the line out, and that's they might
might want a real abrasive presence and that could potentially
see Simon Parker start at six, and then that allows
you to put Lackeye on the bench and he covers
all three loose for positions. So I think that's the
way they'll go. But personally I'd be starting Lackeye, Yes.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
So would I. We had Jace Ryan speak at the
media conference before and talk about how Wallace the TT
is an eight in his eyes. But they've also gone
to that subscription that they had last year around the
fact that they believe that it's really only the scrum
that these loose four positions do matter. I'm not sure
(04:45):
necessarily subscribe to that but that's a view that seems
to be more commonly held now in this all Black setup,
I conside him going with Parker. Look, I don't think
he hit the shot the lights out last year in
terms of the All Blacks. But whether you know Neil
Barnes and Jason Ryaning and tandem can get the best
out of him. I guess that's a live conversation, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
It is? Yeah, I think personally, I think a Luckeye
is a t t severe combination screams the style of
rugby that Dave Rennie would like to play, dynamic, offloading, pace, power.
You've pretty much got it all. Maybe not the defensive
steel that Parker. Perhaps springs and height at the line
(05:31):
out is the other one, but if you want to
be you know, Dave Rennie talks about optimistic and being
attacking minded, and yes, he want to bring a lot
of physicality to the breakdown and on defense as well,
because he wants to drastically improve the All Blacks counter
attack and turn over opportunities. But I thought Lucky was
(05:53):
the best forward in Super rugby this year. Lucas Casey
was outstanding towards the back end of the year, but Lucky.
Just look at his performance in the final, so I
think it will be really harsh call to leave him out.
And look, he's the incumbent as well. I thought he
did a really good job at the back end of
last year for the All Blacks and a team that
only put together its best and very fleeting moments, So
(06:17):
I don't think you could leave him out there. The
other talking points, Elliott's the midfield center, and I think
we'll see finale and off or debut on the right
wing as well with Caleb Clark.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, I think in midfield to Pire, I think is
the obvious choice. Jordy Barrett starting at twelve to Pire
at thirteen. We saw him last year play a bit
of thirteen outside Jordy Barrett, that combo began to feel
like it was developing, and then there were a couple
of injuries in the back end of last year. We
didn't really get to see them out on the field
(06:51):
maybe as often as we might have otherwise. So that's
where i'd go. Billy Procer, I thought had very very
good Super Rugby season. We haven't quite seen the best
of him at Test level as yet. I think with
the wings you mentioned the Caleb Clark very good exponent
of the high ball. I think the jury's out on
the him what he can do under the high ball,
(07:11):
not something he was overly tested with this year, but
I agree he's the full winger of the competition. And
then you go back to fall back and it sounds
like Will Jordan's going to be fit. So do you
keep him at fifteen? Do you introduce him back on
the bench given he hasn't had a lot of rugby recently,
what do you look to do there?
Speaker 3 (07:27):
If Will Jordan's fitting available at stardom, I don't think
there's much points keeping him on ice, but it is
interesting to see where Dave Renny season fits, whether it
is a fullback or wing. I think it will be
full back. I think he's picked finger and off for
and now's the time to find out whether he can
translate that superrugby form into the Test arena, which, like
(07:49):
you mentioned, is a different beast when it comes to
kicking and strategy. So I'm sure Frants, if he does
start on TESTABU will look to test him there. But this,
as you know, is going to be played in a
pristine stadium. Under it you can have a dry ball.
It's going to be hard and fast, and so I
think it'll suit the way that the All Blacks want
(08:10):
to play. And look, France have some ballers as well.
There's been a lot of talk about, you know, the
team that they're going to send out, but I think
this is a vastly stronger French team than what we
saw last year, but predominantly because Bordeaux got knocked out
of the top fourteen, the back to back European finalists,
and I think there's eleven players in their squad, so
this will be a real test for the All Blacks.
(08:32):
First up, a couple of other questions for you who
starts on the bench just stuff for armor or Somersony Takyaho.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Well, that assumes that Cody Taylor starts at hooker, doesn't it.
And again, going back to what I said before, this
is assumed knowledge that we still believe Cody Taylor is
the first choice hooker under a new coaching regime. He
has been you know, going back to you know, last
five six, seven plus years, he's been their number one hooker.
(09:00):
But Oma had a very very good Super Rugby season.
Is that an option to start or do you believe
that Cody Taylor remains the number one.
Speaker 3 (09:08):
I think Taylor's the top dog for now. Rennie was
fairly open about the fact that he was considered alongside
Artie Savera's captain, So I think that tells you a
lot about how Rennie views him, both from an experience
and leadership point of view. So I think you need that,
particularly in the first game of the year where the
All Black scratch you. I agree with you. I think
(09:29):
Alm Oiel was blockbusting, wasn't he? For the Hurricanes this year?
SOMERSONI Takyaho was devastating off the back of the Chief
small great ball carrier. So I think that's one type
call and the other one. Let's just we're on the
same page. We're saying Reuben Love starts, who knows if
he does, But that leaves a choice between Damion McKenzie
(09:51):
and Bowden Barrett. So which way do you go there?
Speaker 2 (09:53):
On the bench, I probably leaned towards Damien McKinsey. We
saw what he could do against Scotland last year and
how he turned the game on a dime. I think
that's where he's at his best, is being able to
go across the park and find space fine time. I'm
against tiring defenses and I would probably lean towards having
(10:13):
him here. Biden Barrett has impacted off the bench in
his own way in the last few seasons. When Bringingst
England in twenty four he turned the course of the
game at Eden Park in the way of the All
Blacks on that night. But I just think that Damian
McKenzie offers a little bit more off the bench, and
he didn't have his best night in that Super Ruggie Final.
I think we can all agree, but I think you
(10:34):
give him the backup option off the bench and the
ability to look at him there what say you?
Speaker 3 (10:41):
I'm probably going Boden Barrett, but from a different lens.
I think we need to find out where Boden Barrett's at,
and I don't think the Blues is a fair reflection
of his form, and I'd say the same about anyone
in that team. Given the tail spinning form of the
Blues five straight losses in the Caleb Clark heavily underutilized,
(11:03):
wasn't he? But he'll probably start on the left wing,
and I think we do need to find out where
Boden Barrett's at. From a rugby perspective, So I'd quite
like to see him get involved straight off the bat
and assess, you know, his ability to challenge the line,
to get involved, to be instinctive and have an impact.
(11:23):
So I would probably go Damien. Sorry both Boden over Damien.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
I tend to se where you're coming from and the
we do need to see where Boden fits. And maybe
if you give Love the keys this week, you look
to give Boden some game time next week again steadily
and maybe change things up. I don't know, but I
agree that that Love has to start. And then that
bench is up for debate. And I can'tmember who was
reading modem and gregor potentially and maybe at colleague Paul
(11:48):
cully over at stuff around the bench, and traditionally in
the last few years, they'll Black to be left behind
on the bench. They've covered for all possible hypotheticals around
the injury rather than rather around injuries, rather than looking
for something that actually advances the All Blacks game plan
and keeps them ticking over in that last twenty twenty
five thirty minutes whatever it might be of a test match.
(12:09):
Do you expect an immediate change in philosophy? Dear. I
don't think they'll go a six or two bench this week,
although it could be proven wrong come Thursday.
Speaker 3 (12:17):
No, look, I don't expect anything revolutionary. I think someone
like Angelina Brown, who has played under Dave Renni in Japan.
He's made a career out of covering second and center
basically from the bench, and so I think that probably
gives him the inside running over a Billy Proctor who
doesn't necessarily strike you as a massive impact player. You've
(12:41):
got to have your front row covered, you loose forwards.
So look, I don't see anything revolutionary. The All Blacks
have those type of players that can come on a
Boden bear at Damian McKenzie. I think Kyle Preston is
a bit of an ace up to sleeve. I think
what we saw from him at the Crusaders this year
(13:01):
has ability to lift the pace and tempo to kick
off both feet. I expect him to get the nod.
I would like to see him to get to get
the nod a head of Cortes Ratma. The only other
question for me Elliott is around tight head prop. Has
Tyrell Lomax played enough rugby this year or do they
go Fletch Newell.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
You're talking the starting side or the bench.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Yeah, either way around.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Look, I would probably go Lomax off the bench again,
just the way that he closed out that Hurricane season
long time on the sidelines. His last test was the
Bleeder is low I think in Auckland's last year of
memory Serves definitently didn't gone the end of view tour.
I'd probably start Mule and give Lomax off the bench,
just because of the weight of game time that he's
(13:47):
had recently. I think Lomax, in terms of the actual rankings,
if you were going to rank your tight head props
in terms of the all blacks mix, is still probably
head of Fletcher and Nule. But for this weekend, I'd
probably start Newill put Lomax on the bench.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Yeah, I think there's no doubt that Tyrell is still
number one. I think he he's cancidents, a very world
class scrummager. But he's played what three four games off
the bench for the Hurricanes and their title charge, so
perhaps lacking a bit of game time it is easier
to manage I think workload off the bench. So interesting
(14:25):
to see which way they go there.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Just if we run this out there starting locks. Do
you stand you suggested it'll be Vian Lord and too
lots coming off the bench has done very very well
in terms of we talk about their bench and pack.
He's probably been you know, the kind of impact that
the All Blacks have wanted off the bench in the
last few years when he's been fit and had his opportunities.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
Yeah. Absolutely, I don't have any question marks about that.
I think Josh Lords has been a massive mover in
the past twelve eighteen months. He really stepped up for
the All Blacks in Scott Barrett's absence last year and
was superb at times in his repeat efforts for the Chiefs,
making tackles, getting turnovers, charging down kicks. So I think
(15:09):
that'll really appeal to Dave, Rennie and co.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Absolutely. And so if we look at this close the
loop on it to our twenty threes, how many debutantes
do you have in your twenty three? Is it just
FINIANNGG and Oval?
Speaker 3 (15:20):
I think so, Yeah. How many other potential rookies are there?
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Well, you can look at a Numa, a Moreby and
the signa potentially Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
I don't think so.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
I mean.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Maybe maybe new mire Goes close, but I think for
a first test of the year, the Dave Rennie has
only been on board with by the time kickoff for
ten days. It's such a short runway. I think you
largely go with the tried and true. Historically, the All
Blacks are incredibly rusty first up. France have had a
(15:57):
head out against largely second string English sides, but they've
got combinations. I think they'll come over here as rank
underdogs and they'll like that. We saw in Scott Robinson's tenure.
You know how close those first tests were against England
and France, very very scratchy. So I don't expect to
(16:19):
see anything too out of the box in this first test.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Selection wise, Okay, let's take a quick break here on rugby, Dirick,
come back to the Final Four after this, you're back
with a rugby direct time Now for the Final Four.
Confirmation over the weekends that the ANZAC Day Test match
is locked in in sunny Brisbane twenty twenty seven, twenty
twenty nine, twenty thirty one. We have talked about this
(16:43):
previously when it was mooted on the podcast. Now we
have it set in stone. Liam, what's your reaction.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Okay, I've come around a wee bit to the concept, Eliot.
I think it will be well supported. I think Australia
needs it. I think there'll be a lot of excitement
around it, but it's it's not without a cost. It
will reap great revenue for both New Zealand and Australia,
but there's many spin offs something there. You're undermining Super
(17:11):
Rugby that their argument is that it will actually build interest,
but you are pulling the All Blacks and Wallabies from
at least one fixture, possibly more depending on fatigue and injuries.
You are having to move Superround, which was a great
success on that weekends earlier this year in christ Church.
(17:35):
So look, it'll be well supported, it'll be a great hit,
but it is also a bit strange that it's every
couple of years as well when New.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Zealand Rugby don't think it would work in New Zealand
is my understanding, and you get to be convinced of
that concept. So I suppose you building Australia for a
couple of cycles there, maybe look to bring it to
New Zealand in twenty thirty two. Seems a long way
off now, obviously, but maybe that's something you look at
I think the jury's out. I think it'd be well supported.
(18:06):
You put the All Blacks and Wallabies into a Test
match and by and large ninety nine percent of the
time it's going to sell out and it is going
to be you know, open the coffers and get the
revenue pumping and that sort of thing. I am less
inclined to agree with the argument that it adds more
to Super Rugby in the opening rounds because players will
(18:26):
need to be informed. I think tried and True is
probably going to win out here rather than blooding a
debutante in April Test window players to be removed from
Super Rugby, they won't play that weekend prior. I think
that is weakening and already a compass, you know, which
is already on shaky ground. You know, people talk about
(18:47):
the NRL doing it. The NRL is pretty poor to
watching those weeks. When though you take the best thirty
four forty out of players out of the comp I
don't think it's a winning argument. You know, you take
your clearies, your Yo's to this goes Welsh's out of
the NRL. It's a much much weaker product. You do
that to Super Rugby and take the best thirty odd
(19:09):
New Zealand players, best Dirty Ord Wallabies players. Yeah, you're
going to get players opportunity, but it is actually good
for the competition. I don't think so so for me.
I think the jury is still out very much an
Australian lead thing. I'm not sure why we're helping out
Australia so much they are. You know, haven't done much
in super rugby for a number of years now. I
haven't won the bledders Low for twenty years. New Zealand
(19:30):
seems to bend over backwards to help them out. I
just don't get it.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
The other point, Earliert, is with those three games being
confirmed for Brisbane sun Corp prior to the Chrush Chute
Stadium build as the best rugby over bought or stadium
in the world. So I don't have a problem with
it being there. But if the Wallabies can't win the
bledders Low in those years, they're never going to what
(19:54):
it are they.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Well, that's the other thing is that in Bledderslow Cup years,
You're right they'll get two home games. So how on
earth is that fear that goes against it the balance
of the series. You know it should be alternating. If
you're gon name with three much series, it should be
New Zealand's has the two games one year in Australia,
So with New Zealand's reluctance, I guess to have a
game in their home market on Anzac Day. I think
(20:18):
it does weaken the credibility of the Blitterslow. So if
Australia wins it, there's going to have to be an
asterix next to it, because they've had two games and
there's no return for New Zealand And getting two in
their own backyard. Surely, surely it has to be an
Asterix against it. So you'd have to view it as
a as a hollow Blitterslow upland wouldn't.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
You, Well, what's it been Nowlliot's.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
Twenty odd years. I guess you're going to find a
way to get them the Blurters like up.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Eventually, some sort of leg up correct some interest. Yeah, look, yeah,
the jury's out. But it will be a cash cow
and money talks in the modern professional age, doesn't.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
It It does. Indeed, the Maldi All Blacks beating Japan
with they come from behind win this topic two in
the final four, many would have given up the Ghosts
at thirty one fourteen down and thought game over, Japan
are going to win this, but the Mauldi All Black
sparked a bit of a second half revival and from
him to win at thirty eight thirty one. One great
(21:11):
to see the Mouldy All Blakes out there and playing
some rugby. But two, you know, they can be pretty
proud of maybe their only game of the year and
the performance they turned in, especially after halftime.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
It's pretty difficult, I think, to bring a team together
like that in such a short space at time, and
that was probably a reflection of their start, very scratchy,
a couple of yellow cards, completely on the back foot,
but they showed a lot of spirit, didn't They somebody
Allison's debut as head coach, and they scored some brilliant
tries to come back and finish that game. So they
can be pretty proud of that comeback.
Speaker 2 (21:44):
It's weird they're not only playing, only playing one game.
I know that the Nation's Championship obviously starts this weekend
and this has been the issue for the Maldi All Blakes.
Everyone wants to see them out in the park. It's
a question of who and they actually play, given the
way that Tess rugby is these days and how the
windows are so tight. But yeah, quite disappointing that it
is their only game of the season at this point.
(22:06):
I'm not sure if they get anything else in the
pipeline believe so, but good start for Tombody Ellison. In
the end, topic number three, farewell to Mwana Pacifica. We
knew this was coming legand confirmation came aroutes on Wednesday
that it was done or done for Mwana Pacifica and
the rescue bids weren't going to come to pass. I
(22:28):
guess we've talked about this a number of times on
the podcast, but where does it leave Super Rugby for
next year? I guess the idea of Mowana as a whole.
Can it be revived?
Speaker 3 (22:38):
Look, I think there'll be hope, but history probably shows
that when teams like this go under, no matter what
the circumstances, it's incredibly hard to get them back. And
it was that short rue way. I think the salvage
bid from Winston Peters and the Tonguan and Sarmon governments
collectively that just didn't have enough time to build the
(23:01):
necessary capital to convince News Yellen Rugby that they could
be a viable financial entity because that's essentially what's required,
not just on the field but off the field. So
it's a sad maybe final nail for Wana and looks
a lot of their players are already moving on. And
(23:24):
what it means for Super Agua next year. We talked
a wee bit about the likely formats on the previous pot.
I expect that to probably proceed now and there will
be plenty of question marks over a ten team competition,
probably sticking with a top six finals format. And the
other big question is around Artis Severe's future and the
(23:45):
likelihood that he probably ends up at the Blues.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Yeah. Look, it's a one season thing for Adi. I
suspect he won't be in New Zealand rugby beyond twenty
twenty seven. Was from twenty eight twenty eight onwards. One
season the Blues probably feels about right. The Hurricanes have
openly said they won't be able to get in there.
We're going to talk back caller last week's so you're
thinking that, you know, maybe you could apply the you know,
the magic spring that he applied to more one up
(24:09):
PACIFICA last year and get the Highlanders into the top
six or around the top six, but I don't see
that happening. You'd love to see him in the Crusaders jersey.
You know, Crusader's lost a few midfielders, so Leicester fining
and look, he's probably have to move back into the midfield.
So maybe there is an opening there an open side,
but no, all roads point to the Blues, don't they
for Ardisa via the natural fettle though they just had
(24:32):
their open side flanker and Anton Segner probably going forward
and long term being named in the All Blacks, but
he obviously can play both six and eight as required.
Super rugby format ten teams doesn't work long term. I
don't think they're gonna have to figure out a way
around that, but we'll see how it unfolds over the
next week while that format jus be known soon and time. Finally,
(24:56):
our topic four, the nation's championship as the whole obviously
starts this weekend the All Blacks in France, but the
Wilby's in Ireland, South Africa, England some blockbuster fixtures to
open things up. But as a holy and do you
think this concept is going to work?
Speaker 3 (25:12):
Well, we talked earlier about the INXEC test Elliott and
why that's going ahead, and it's because money talks, and
that's ultimately what the Nation's Championship will come down to.
I quite like the format in that I think when
you play three tests against the team. We saw this
against France when they sent out a weekend side last year,
it can become a bit stale by the third test.
(25:34):
Interest ways, the All Blacks are putting out their second stringers,
so the real meaning around it gets questioned. So I
like the fact that you do play three different teams
in July, but the format as a whole look, there's
big question marks about Guitar's long term sponsorship. The whole
point of this Nation's Championship concept is the builds, meaning
(25:58):
and revenue that can be sold collectively to broadcasters to
prop up and give national unions a big windfall so
they can find a big sponsor to come on boards.
I think there's big question marks around it, and in
terms of the interests, it sounds like the spring Box
(26:18):
in England's at Alice Park won't sell out, so I
think that's a bit of an indication of their ticket
prices over there be people waiting for the All Blacks arrival,
but also the fact that the Nation's Championship is definitely
yet to capture the imagination.
Speaker 2 (26:35):
Yeah, I think so too. And Johannesburg is getting three
tests this year obviously Alis Park this weekend and then
two in the Greatest Rivalry Series. So there's probably too
much of a good thing when it comes to having
the spring Box on turf and everything, at least from
a South Africa and New Zealand perspective, has been pointing
towards the Greatest Rivalry Series rather than the Nation's Championship series,
(26:58):
and perhaps it's a little bit natural. I've got reservations about it.
You know, you've got Japan playing home games in Newcastle
next week, You've got Fiji playing home games in Liverpool.
That is probably against what this was envisioned a few
years ago. Obviously, travel is a huge barrier, especially coming
from the North, because you know, countries are so far
(27:19):
apart here in the Southern Hemisphere in terms of rugby nations.
When the All Blacks go north, you know that they're
jumping on a train or they're jumping on a quick
flight over to a different country. So that does change
things a little bit, but I've got reservations as to
whether this is going to work long term, so we'll
white and see, but you know, it does give a
little bit more meaning to some of these fixtures in
(27:41):
the July window. That'll do us for Rugby Direct to
open things up. We'll be back later in the week
once we have an All Blacks team to look at
and maybe a French team as well. In fire things
through to the Rugby Direct mail bag as well Rugby
Direct at NEWSTALKZB dot co dot in Z. I think
we've got a couple in there. We'll try and get
to on Tuesday. But that has been Rugby Director thanks
(28:03):
to Mark Kelly and we are powered by in Zisaky
Black Week shop King Gep and you can for five thousand.
Speaker 1 (28:09):
Dollars for more from News Talk st 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 ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio
straight down the middle of Drup Scot try get inside
(00:29):
the game from every end goal. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliot Smith and Liam Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Inns in Safety, Blackwood Shop,
King g and you could score five thousand dollars. It
is Test Week. Finally we have a built up to
talk about the All Blacks and France. Elligott Smith with me,
Liam Napiers always NPEs. Welcome to Test Week and look
(00:57):
you're not here as yet, you will be soon, but
welcome to the Garden City.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Yeah, I expect you to be rolling out the red
carp for Elliott's I guess great to have Test Rugby
beck in you in your home city.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
It certainly is. Yeah, it's been a long time coming.
Last rob Since to twenty twenty two Foster was coach.
The anyone thought Scott Robinson was going to be the
head coach for this one not to be. Dave Rennie
is of course setting your Blacks have settled into the
media week. I guess Nate's a lot of questions. We
did the podcast obviously last week around the squad, but
a lot of questions as to the makeup of the
(01:32):
twenty three. What do you think the big questions are
when Dave Rennie, Neil Barnes and Sir Graham Henry get
around the selection table and try and figure this into
a twenty three.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
There's a few talking points. There's always aren't there, Elliotts,
I think it sounds like Will Jordan and to Boo
vi foot and available. Certainly that was the indication that
Dave Rennie gave yesterday on when the All Blacks arrived
in christ Ships. So taken as reads, you would expect
Will Jordan to start at fallback to Boovi in the
(02:06):
second row. I think the big question marks are probably
inside flanker first and first five. My take around the
first five Ruben love. If not now then win. You've
got Richie Muwanga hanging in the backgrounds. He's going to
come back. He's likely to be given the keys. So
Ruben loves the hot hands. He deserves a crack now.
(02:30):
He's been sitting on ice for the best part of
his well, his whole test career really he couldn't have
done any more for the Hurricanes, so he deserves a
crack at at first five for me. What about you?
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Yeah, I think that the main ones are the similar
ones you talk about. You can sort of zero in
a few areas of the team. But I guess we're
going into this with some assumed knowledge of how Dave
Rinnie White wants to play, and we go, well, that's
the first choice front row, that's the first choice locks.
But that may not be the case under Dave Rinnie
(03:04):
and so I guess if we zoom it on with you,
I think Reuben Love has to start Test match this week.
I think Cam broyguard at nine and then Jordi Barrett
in twelve, and that gives Reuben Love not necessarily a
safety blanket, but gives them the combinations from test level
that he can utilize again sorry at super level, that
he can utilize at test level. So I think that's
(03:25):
something that they'll potentially look at. Blind side flanker, I
guess is a really interesting one around which way they
go there. Sounds like Satiti is good to go. Savia
obviously will captain the side from open side flank, so
there's a couple of questions there. Where are you leaning
when it comes to that blind side flank is selection?
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Well, personally, earlier I would start Wallace to TT at six,
and I'd actually put Peter Luckye at eight on form.
I just I don't know how you could lead Peter
Lukeye out of the starting team. I suspect they will
go the other way, and I think they will have
some worries about the height of that Looseiford trio when
(04:06):
it comes to the line out, and that's they might
might want a real abrasive presence and that could potentially
see Simon Parker start at six, and then that allows
you to put Lackeye on the bench and he covers
all three loose for positions. So I think that's the
way they'll go. But personally I'd be starting Lackeye, Yes.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
So would I. We had Jace Ryan speak at the
media conference before and talk about how Wallace the TT
is an eight in his eyes. But they've also gone
to that subscription that they had last year around the
fact that they believe that it's really only the scrum
that these loose four positions do matter. I'm not sure
(04:45):
necessarily subscribe to that but that's a view that seems
to be more commonly held now in this all Black setup,
I conside him going with Parker. Look, I don't think
he hit the shot the lights out last year in
terms of the All Blacks. But whether you know Neil
Barnes and Jason Ryaning and tandem can get the best
out of him. I guess that's a live conversation, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
It is? Yeah, I think personally, I think a Luckeye
is a t t severe combination screams the style of
rugby that Dave Rennie would like to play, dynamic, offloading, pace, power.
You've pretty much got it all. Maybe not the defensive
steel that Parker. Perhaps springs and height at the line
(05:31):
out is the other one, but if you want to
be you know, Dave Rennie talks about optimistic and being
attacking minded, and yes, he want to bring a lot
of physicality to the breakdown and on defense as well,
because he wants to drastically improve the All Blacks counter
attack and turn over opportunities. But I thought Lucky was
(05:53):
the best forward in Super rugby this year. Lucas Casey
was outstanding towards the back end of the year, but Lucky.
Just look at his performance in the final, so I
think it will be really harsh call to leave him out.
And look, he's the incumbent as well. I thought he
did a really good job at the back end of
last year for the All Blacks and a team that
only put together its best and very fleeting moments, So
(06:17):
I don't think you could leave him out there. The
other talking points, Elliott's the midfield center, and I think
we'll see finale and off or debut on the right
wing as well with Caleb Clark.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, I think in midfield to Pire, I think is
the obvious choice. Jordy Barrett starting at twelve to Pire
at thirteen. We saw him last year play a bit
of thirteen outside Jordy Barrett, that combo began to feel
like it was developing, and then there were a couple
of injuries in the back end of last year. We
didn't really get to see them out on the field
(06:51):
maybe as often as we might have otherwise. So that's
where i'd go. Billy Procer, I thought had very very
good Super Rugby season. We haven't quite seen the best
of him at Test level as yet. I think with
the wings you mentioned the Caleb Clark very good exponent
of the high ball. I think the jury's out on
the him what he can do under the high ball,
(07:11):
not something he was overly tested with this year, but
I agree he's the full winger of the competition. And
then you go back to fall back and it sounds
like Will Jordan's going to be fit. So do you
keep him at fifteen? Do you introduce him back on
the bench given he hasn't had a lot of rugby recently,
what do you look to do there?
Speaker 3 (07:27):
If Will Jordan's fitting available at stardom, I don't think
there's much points keeping him on ice, but it is
interesting to see where Dave Renny season fits, whether it
is a fullback or wing. I think it will be
full back. I think he's picked finger and off for
and now's the time to find out whether he can
translate that superrugby form into the Test arena, which, like
(07:49):
you mentioned, is a different beast when it comes to
kicking and strategy. So I'm sure Frants, if he does
start on TESTABU will look to test him there. But this,
as you know, is going to be played in a
pristine stadium. Under it you can have a dry ball.
It's going to be hard and fast, and so I
think it'll suit the way that the All Blacks want
(08:10):
to play. And look, France have some ballers as well.
There's been a lot of talk about, you know, the
team that they're going to send out, but I think
this is a vastly stronger French team than what we
saw last year, but predominantly because Bordeaux got knocked out
of the top fourteen, the back to back European finalists,
and I think there's eleven players in their squad, so
this will be a real test for the All Blacks.
(08:32):
First up, a couple of other questions for you who
starts on the bench just stuff for armor or Somersony Takyaho.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Well, that assumes that Cody Taylor starts at hooker, doesn't it.
And again, going back to what I said before, this
is assumed knowledge that we still believe Cody Taylor is
the first choice hooker under a new coaching regime. He
has been you know, going back to you know, last
five six, seven plus years, he's been their number one hooker.
(09:00):
But Oma had a very very good Super Rugby season.
Is that an option to start or do you believe
that Cody Taylor remains the number one.
Speaker 3 (09:08):
I think Taylor's the top dog for now. Rennie was
fairly open about the fact that he was considered alongside
Artie Savera's captain, So I think that tells you a
lot about how Rennie views him, both from an experience
and leadership point of view. So I think you need that,
particularly in the first game of the year where the
All Black scratch you. I agree with you. I think
(09:29):
Alm Oiel was blockbusting, wasn't he? For the Hurricanes this year?
SOMERSONI Takyaho was devastating off the back of the Chief
small great ball carrier. So I think that's one type
call and the other one. Let's just we're on the
same page. We're saying Reuben Love starts, who knows if
he does, But that leaves a choice between Damion McKenzie
(09:51):
and Bowden Barrett. So which way do you go there?
Speaker 2 (09:53):
On the bench, I probably leaned towards Damien McKinsey. We
saw what he could do against Scotland last year and
how he turned the game on a dime. I think
that's where he's at his best, is being able to
go across the park and find space fine time. I'm
against tiring defenses and I would probably lean towards having
(10:13):
him here. Biden Barrett has impacted off the bench in
his own way in the last few seasons. When Bringingst
England in twenty four he turned the course of the
game at Eden Park in the way of the All
Blacks on that night. But I just think that Damian
McKenzie offers a little bit more off the bench, and
he didn't have his best night in that Super Ruggie Final.
I think we can all agree, but I think you
(10:34):
give him the backup option off the bench and the
ability to look at him there what say you?
Speaker 3 (10:41):
I'm probably going Boden Barrett, but from a different lens.
I think we need to find out where Boden Barrett's at,
and I don't think the Blues is a fair reflection
of his form, and I'd say the same about anyone
in that team. Given the tail spinning form of the
Blues five straight losses in the Caleb Clark heavily underutilized,
(11:03):
wasn't he? But he'll probably start on the left wing,
and I think we do need to find out where
Boden Barrett's at. From a rugby perspective, So I'd quite
like to see him get involved straight off the bat
and assess, you know, his ability to challenge the line,
to get involved, to be instinctive and have an impact.
(11:23):
So I would probably go Damien. Sorry both Boden over Damien.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
I tend to se where you're coming from and the
we do need to see where Boden fits. And maybe
if you give Love the keys this week, you look
to give Boden some game time next week again steadily
and maybe change things up. I don't know, but I
agree that that Love has to start. And then that
bench is up for debate. And I can'tmember who was
reading modem and gregor potentially and maybe at colleague Paul
(11:48):
cully over at stuff around the bench, and traditionally in
the last few years, they'll Black to be left behind
on the bench. They've covered for all possible hypotheticals around
the injury rather than rather around injuries, rather than looking
for something that actually advances the All Blacks game plan
and keeps them ticking over in that last twenty twenty
five thirty minutes whatever it might be of a test match.
(12:09):
Do you expect an immediate change in philosophy? Dear. I
don't think they'll go a six or two bench this week,
although it could be proven wrong come Thursday.
Speaker 3 (12:17):
No, look, I don't expect anything revolutionary. I think someone
like Angelina Brown, who has played under Dave Renni in Japan.
He's made a career out of covering second and center
basically from the bench, and so I think that probably
gives him the inside running over a Billy Proctor who
doesn't necessarily strike you as a massive impact player. You've
(12:41):
got to have your front row covered, you loose forwards.
So look, I don't see anything revolutionary. The All Blacks
have those type of players that can come on a
Boden bear at Damian McKenzie. I think Kyle Preston is
a bit of an ace up to sleeve. I think
what we saw from him at the Crusaders this year
(13:01):
has ability to lift the pace and tempo to kick
off both feet. I expect him to get the nod.
I would like to see him to get to get
the nod a head of Cortes Ratma. The only other
question for me Elliott is around tight head prop. Has
Tyrell Lomax played enough rugby this year or do they
go Fletch Newell.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
You're talking the starting side or the bench.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Yeah, either way around.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Look, I would probably go Lomax off the bench again,
just the way that he closed out that Hurricane season
long time on the sidelines. His last test was the
Bleeder is low I think in Auckland's last year of
memory Serves definitently didn't gone the end of view tour.
I'd probably start Mule and give Lomax off the bench,
just because of the weight of game time that he's
(13:47):
had recently. I think Lomax, in terms of the actual rankings,
if you were going to rank your tight head props
in terms of the all blacks mix, is still probably
head of Fletcher and Nule. But for this weekend, I'd
probably start Newill put Lomax on the bench.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Yeah, I think there's no doubt that Tyrell is still
number one. I think he he's cancidents, a very world
class scrummager. But he's played what three four games off
the bench for the Hurricanes and their title charge, so
perhaps lacking a bit of game time it is easier
to manage I think workload off the bench. So interesting
(14:25):
to see which way they go there.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Just if we run this out there starting locks. Do
you stand you suggested it'll be Vian Lord and too
lots coming off the bench has done very very well
in terms of we talk about their bench and pack.
He's probably been you know, the kind of impact that
the All Blacks have wanted off the bench in the
last few years when he's been fit and had his opportunities.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
Yeah. Absolutely, I don't have any question marks about that.
I think Josh Lords has been a massive mover in
the past twelve eighteen months. He really stepped up for
the All Blacks in Scott Barrett's absence last year and
was superb at times in his repeat efforts for the Chiefs,
making tackles, getting turnovers, charging down kicks. So I think
(15:09):
that'll really appeal to Dave, Rennie and co.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Absolutely. And so if we look at this close the
loop on it to our twenty threes, how many debutantes
do you have in your twenty three? Is it just
FINIANNGG and Oval?
Speaker 3 (15:20):
I think so, Yeah. How many other potential rookies are there?
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Well, you can look at a Numa, a Moreby and
the signa potentially Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
I don't think so.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
I mean.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Maybe maybe new mire Goes close, but I think for
a first test of the year, the Dave Rennie has
only been on board with by the time kickoff for
ten days. It's such a short runway. I think you
largely go with the tried and true. Historically, the All
Blacks are incredibly rusty first up. France have had a
(15:57):
head out against largely second string English sides, but they've
got combinations. I think they'll come over here as rank
underdogs and they'll like that. We saw in Scott Robinson's tenure.
You know how close those first tests were against England
and France, very very scratchy. So I don't expect to
(16:19):
see anything too out of the box in this first test.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Selection wise, Okay, let's take a quick break here on rugby, Dirick,
come back to the Final Four after this, you're back
with a rugby direct time Now for the Final Four.
Confirmation over the weekends that the ANZAC Day Test match
is locked in in sunny Brisbane twenty twenty seven, twenty
twenty nine, twenty thirty one. We have talked about this
(16:43):
previously when it was mooted on the podcast. Now we
have it set in stone. Liam, what's your reaction.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Okay, I've come around a wee bit to the concept, Eliot.
I think it will be well supported. I think Australia
needs it. I think there'll be a lot of excitement
around it, but it's it's not without a cost. It
will reap great revenue for both New Zealand and Australia,
but there's many spin offs something there. You're undermining Super
(17:11):
Rugby that their argument is that it will actually build interest,
but you are pulling the All Blacks and Wallabies from
at least one fixture, possibly more depending on fatigue and injuries.
You are having to move Superround, which was a great
success on that weekends earlier this year in christ Church.
(17:35):
So look, it'll be well supported, it'll be a great hit,
but it is also a bit strange that it's every
couple of years as well when New.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Zealand Rugby don't think it would work in New Zealand
is my understanding, and you get to be convinced of
that concept. So I suppose you building Australia for a
couple of cycles there, maybe look to bring it to
New Zealand in twenty thirty two. Seems a long way
off now, obviously, but maybe that's something you look at
I think the jury's out. I think it'd be well supported.
(18:06):
You put the All Blacks and Wallabies into a Test
match and by and large ninety nine percent of the
time it's going to sell out and it is going
to be you know, open the coffers and get the
revenue pumping and that sort of thing. I am less
inclined to agree with the argument that it adds more
to Super Rugby in the opening rounds because players will
(18:26):
need to be informed. I think tried and True is
probably going to win out here rather than blooding a
debutante in April Test window players to be removed from
Super Rugby, they won't play that weekend prior. I think
that is weakening and already a compass, you know, which
is already on shaky ground. You know, people talk about
(18:47):
the NRL doing it. The NRL is pretty poor to
watching those weeks. When though you take the best thirty
four forty out of players out of the comp I
don't think it's a winning argument. You know, you take
your clearies, your Yo's to this goes Welsh's out of
the NRL. It's a much much weaker product. You do
that to Super Rugby and take the best thirty odd
(19:09):
New Zealand players, best Dirty Ord Wallabies players. Yeah, you're
going to get players opportunity, but it is actually good
for the competition. I don't think so so for me.
I think the jury is still out very much an
Australian lead thing. I'm not sure why we're helping out
Australia so much they are. You know, haven't done much
in super rugby for a number of years now. I
haven't won the bledders Low for twenty years. New Zealand
(19:30):
seems to bend over backwards to help them out. I
just don't get it.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
The other point, Earliert, is with those three games being
confirmed for Brisbane sun Corp prior to the Chrush Chute
Stadium build as the best rugby over bought or stadium
in the world. So I don't have a problem with
it being there. But if the Wallabies can't win the
bledders Low in those years, they're never going to what
(19:54):
it are they.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Well, that's the other thing is that in Bledderslow Cup years,
You're right they'll get two home games. So how on
earth is that fear that goes against it the balance
of the series. You know it should be alternating. If
you're gon name with three much series, it should be
New Zealand's has the two games one year in Australia,
So with New Zealand's reluctance, I guess to have a
game in their home market on Anzac Day. I think
(20:18):
it does weaken the credibility of the Blitterslow. So if
Australia wins it, there's going to have to be an
asterix next to it, because they've had two games and
there's no return for New Zealand And getting two in
their own backyard. Surely, surely it has to be an
Asterix against it. So you'd have to view it as
a as a hollow Blitterslow upland wouldn't.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
You, Well, what's it been Nowlliot's.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
Twenty odd years. I guess you're going to find a
way to get them the Blurters like up.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Eventually, some sort of leg up correct some interest. Yeah, look, yeah,
the jury's out. But it will be a cash cow
and money talks in the modern professional age, doesn't.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
It It does. Indeed, the Maldi All Blacks beating Japan
with they come from behind win this topic two in
the final four, many would have given up the Ghosts
at thirty one fourteen down and thought game over, Japan
are going to win this, but the Mauldi All Black
sparked a bit of a second half revival and from
him to win at thirty eight thirty one. One great
(21:11):
to see the Mouldy All Blakes out there and playing
some rugby. But two, you know, they can be pretty
proud of maybe their only game of the year and
the performance they turned in, especially after halftime.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
It's pretty difficult, I think, to bring a team together
like that in such a short space at time, and
that was probably a reflection of their start, very scratchy,
a couple of yellow cards, completely on the back foot,
but they showed a lot of spirit, didn't They somebody
Allison's debut as head coach, and they scored some brilliant
tries to come back and finish that game. So they
can be pretty proud of that comeback.
Speaker 2 (21:44):
It's weird they're not only playing, only playing one game.
I know that the Nation's Championship obviously starts this weekend
and this has been the issue for the Maldi All Blakes.
Everyone wants to see them out in the park. It's
a question of who and they actually play, given the
way that Tess rugby is these days and how the
windows are so tight. But yeah, quite disappointing that it
is their only game of the season at this point.
(22:06):
I'm not sure if they get anything else in the
pipeline believe so, but good start for Tombody Ellison. In
the end, topic number three, farewell to Mwana Pacifica. We
knew this was coming legand confirmation came aroutes on Wednesday
that it was done or done for Mwana Pacifica and
the rescue bids weren't going to come to pass. I
(22:28):
guess we've talked about this a number of times on
the podcast, but where does it leave Super Rugby for
next year? I guess the idea of Mowana as a whole.
Can it be revived?
Speaker 3 (22:38):
Look, I think there'll be hope, but history probably shows
that when teams like this go under, no matter what
the circumstances, it's incredibly hard to get them back. And
it was that short rue way. I think the salvage
bid from Winston Peters and the Tonguan and Sarmon governments
collectively that just didn't have enough time to build the
(23:01):
necessary capital to convince News Yellen Rugby that they could
be a viable financial entity because that's essentially what's required,
not just on the field but off the field. So
it's a sad maybe final nail for Wana and looks
a lot of their players are already moving on. And
(23:24):
what it means for Super Agua next year. We talked
a wee bit about the likely formats on the previous pot.
I expect that to probably proceed now and there will
be plenty of question marks over a ten team competition,
probably sticking with a top six finals format. And the
other big question is around Artis Severe's future and the
(23:45):
likelihood that he probably ends up at the Blues.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Yeah. Look, it's a one season thing for Adi. I
suspect he won't be in New Zealand rugby beyond twenty
twenty seven. Was from twenty eight twenty eight onwards. One
season the Blues probably feels about right. The Hurricanes have
openly said they won't be able to get in there.
We're going to talk back caller last week's so you're
thinking that, you know, maybe you could apply the you know,
the magic spring that he applied to more one up
(24:09):
PACIFICA last year and get the Highlanders into the top
six or around the top six, but I don't see
that happening. You'd love to see him in the Crusaders jersey.
You know, Crusader's lost a few midfielders, so Leicester fining
and look, he's probably have to move back into the midfield.
So maybe there is an opening there an open side,
but no, all roads point to the Blues, don't they
for Ardisa via the natural fettle though they just had
(24:32):
their open side flanker and Anton Segner probably going forward
and long term being named in the All Blacks, but
he obviously can play both six and eight as required.
Super rugby format ten teams doesn't work long term. I
don't think they're gonna have to figure out a way
around that, but we'll see how it unfolds over the
next week while that format jus be known soon and time. Finally,
(24:56):
our topic four, the nation's championship as the whole obviously
starts this weekend the All Blacks in France, but the
Wilby's in Ireland, South Africa, England some blockbuster fixtures to
open things up. But as a holy and do you
think this concept is going to work?
Speaker 3 (25:12):
Well, we talked earlier about the INXEC test Elliott and
why that's going ahead, and it's because money talks, and
that's ultimately what the Nation's Championship will come down to.
I quite like the format in that I think when
you play three tests against the team. We saw this
against France when they sent out a weekend side last year,
it can become a bit stale by the third test.
(25:34):
Interest ways, the All Blacks are putting out their second stringers,
so the real meaning around it gets questioned. So I
like the fact that you do play three different teams
in July, but the format as a whole look, there's
big question marks about Guitar's long term sponsorship. The whole
point of this Nation's Championship concept is the builds, meaning
(25:58):
and revenue that can be sold collectively to broadcasters to
prop up and give national unions a big windfall so
they can find a big sponsor to come on boards.
I think there's big question marks around it, and in
terms of the interests, it sounds like the spring Box
(26:18):
in England's at Alice Park won't sell out, so I
think that's a bit of an indication of their ticket
prices over there be people waiting for the All Blacks arrival,
but also the fact that the Nation's Championship is definitely
yet to capture the imagination.
Speaker 2 (26:35):
Yeah, I think so too. And Johannesburg is getting three
tests this year obviously Alis Park this weekend and then
two in the Greatest Rivalry Series. So there's probably too
much of a good thing when it comes to having
the spring Box on turf and everything, at least from
a South Africa and New Zealand perspective, has been pointing
towards the Greatest Rivalry Series rather than the Nation's Championship series,
(26:58):
and perhaps it's a little bit natural. I've got reservations about it.
You know, you've got Japan playing home games in Newcastle
next week, You've got Fiji playing home games in Liverpool.
That is probably against what this was envisioned a few
years ago. Obviously, travel is a huge barrier, especially coming
from the North, because you know, countries are so far
(27:19):
apart here in the Southern Hemisphere in terms of rugby nations.
When the All Blacks go north, you know that they're
jumping on a train or they're jumping on a quick
flight over to a different country. So that does change
things a little bit, but I've got reservations as to
whether this is going to work long term, so we'll
white and see, but you know, it does give a
little bit more meaning to some of these fixtures in
(27:41):
the July window. That'll do us for Rugby Direct to
open things up. We'll be back later in the week
once we have an All Blacks team to look at
and maybe a French team as well. In fire things
through to the Rugby Direct mail bag as well Rugby
Direct at NEWSTALKZB dot co dot in Z. I think
we've got a couple in there. We'll try and get
to on Tuesday. But that has been Rugby Director thanks
(28:03):
to Mark Kelly and we are powered by in Zisaky
Black Week shop King Gep and you can for five thousand.
Speaker 1 (28:09):
Dollars for more from News Talk st B. Listen live
on air or online and keep our shows with you
wherever you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!