July 16, 2026 • 20 mins
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland.
Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection?
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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 podcast now on iHeartRadio
Straight down the Middle, Try try get inside the game
(00:35):
from every goal. It's Rugby Direct with Elliot Smith and
Leam Napier powered by News Talks at B.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Welcome into Rugby Direct, powered by Excess Solutions, elevating you
and your business to a higher level. Two days away
from Test Matt Rugby once again the Nations Championship, not
that you'll see it on the All Black sleeve, of course.
Elliott Smith with me Liam Napier naps the Blacks name
their team to play the Irish. The drums had been
(01:04):
beating all week long for to provide the start up
Blindside flank. Da've Renny dropped a massive hint speaking to
Sky last week and then the whispers were beginning that
he was going to start up Blindside and sure enough
he is. Is that the top line for you from
this All Blacks team?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Yeah? Absolutely. It's the perennial, recurring, unsolvable theme of the
All Blacks going back however many years, however, many trials
and experiments, and it comes full circle again, doesn't it.
Ian Foster tried to provide on the blind Side. Scott
Robertson tried him there, and now Dave Reny, three weeks
(01:41):
into his tenure, picks his third Blindside flank. I'm unconvinced
elliotts He brings size, he is clearly a great line
out option, but I think he lacks pace and it
is quite the contrast to all the messaging that we've
had from Ny around speeds pace optimism, and you're sacrificing
(02:06):
a lot of mobility and speed to the breakdown by
supersizing your pack, not only with Tuper Vibe but also
Patrick Tuopelow too.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Absolutely, and we New Zealand is searching for this body,
this this archetype that we're looking for just a lot
in on blind Side and we have not really found
one since drom Can. Everyone knows the story that they
have tried so many options over the years. You we
could spend probably half an hour listing that the players
that have gone through that six Jusisian Frazal's back in
New Zealand Rugby later in there. It could be another option.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
He had maybe one year where he nailed it. There
was that test against the spring box. It mounts smart.
But it was pretty fleeting, wasn't it.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Totally absolutely, But there's been a clamoring to get him
back in New Zealand. Rugby will be later in the year,
but for now they're gone with two po I on
one hand, I think, you know, we've had Dave Any
say that the numbers on the back don't matter. But
evidently they are looking for this archetype on the blind
side that they have not been able to nail down,
and they hope that over time that tupers it's something
(03:05):
that's going to click there. But he's just so good
at lot and he's clearly in the top two locks
in the country, at least I think it is. And
so you're, you know, Robin Peter to pay Paul essentially
in your team try and band aid up the blind side.
I don't know that you gain much. I mean, Peter
Lucky started there a couple of weeks ago. I thought
(03:26):
he was okay without being you know, shooting the lights out.
I think there's a lot of work to do for
him there. But clearly with three players starting in that
role in his many weeks, they're back. Still haven't found
what they're looking for to paraphrase you.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Too, No they haven't. Look I My view of this
is it's been over complicated to a point and it's
partly due to Artie Severe's switch from open side to
number eights. Dave Rennie seems wedded to that. Maybe he
wants to use him on the wider channels, but I
(04:01):
would be starting Peter Luck I had eight. I think
he's among New Zealand's best loose forwards. He's such a
dynamic ball carrier. I thought he was really good and
that opening test. I was surprised to see him replaced.
So and Brennie is clearly a big fan of Luke Jacobson,
and I think he has been very good. But a
loose trio of Luckeye eight, Severe at seven and Jacobson
(04:25):
in his more traditional role of blindside does give you
those complimentary skill sets is not necessarily the big bodies
that you need. And I think via selection for me
and too, Polo Tu reflects the fact that the All
Blacks haven't got enough pay from their ball carriers. They
haven't been physically dominance. Italy caused them big problems at
(04:47):
the breakdown. They just went wide to wides. They didn't
break that defensive line. So I think Rennie's wanting more physicality,
more size, more power, and he clearly wants to target
island set piece. I think the Irish of vulnerable. They're
scrum and they use their line out as a massive
weapon as well.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
They do. I think Sam Darry's one of the All
It's best over the first couple of weeks, But maybe
is he just not bringing that physicality that the All
Blacks need to get over the game line.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
I think that's that's partly partly the reason for that.
But I agree, I think Sam Darry was excellent, highly involved,
and he did get some punch or bolen hand, very
good at the line out. Patrick Tuopolota's vastly more senior,
probably hasn't. I can't remember the He was very good
(05:36):
off the bench for the All Black center with the.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Role and it probably will be maybe the R I mean,
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Maybe it won't be when Fabian Holland comes back that.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
He slots into. But then if you're going to have
two per fine on the blind side, then maybe it
isn't the role that he slides into. So a few
question marks Patrick, when you consider him very good player,
I do wonder where the thirty minutes at the back
end of the game is better use of him than
first fifty in a Test match like this. And I
was looking at the stats before. It's something like he's
(06:06):
played fifty seven of about one hundred fifty four tests
the All Blacks have played since he debuted, So he's
a lot of injuries. He's he's gone from sort of
you know, being behind white lock and retallic early in
his career and getting the odd appearance and having you know,
has said a lot of injuries. So big opportunity for
him this weekend to see what he can do elsewhere
on that All Blacks team. Josh Molby on the left
(06:28):
wing a little bit of a surprise. Suspected to go
back to Cayler Clark here, but what it signals is
that they were really impressed from Josh Molby last week.
He hasn't played a great deal. It's a bit, but
not a great deal on the left wing.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
So we talked today only only rarely for wak Ut
in the NPC. So look, it's not a major shift,
but it's it's ball carrying. It's which you fend with some.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Players more comfortable switching than others as well.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Yeah, and I think I like that selection. It is
a real reward for form. And Molby looked immediately comfortable.
Didn't the off the bench last week. His pace, anticipation,
skill executions. He's also a natural fullback, so quite proficient
in the air. And I think Ireland will certainly test
the all blacks there. And I think back to Caleb
(07:17):
Clark coming off the bench in South Africa and in Australia,
and he actually did bring a lot, so I don't mind.
It is you to hold yourself a little bit carrying
a winger. It is a bit of a luxury, I
think because of the versatility that a lot of players have.
But I have liked what Caleb Clark has brought off
(07:39):
the bench. That would have been a fine line decision. Also,
Tyro Lomax comes in to start at tighthead prop. I
have a wee bit of a question mark about Fritz
Nuwell on the bench. I don't view him as an
impact player necessarily.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Neither do Well. Look, he made some impacts this year.
There's a scorching run against mo one O Pacifika from
fifty sixty meters out. He's not you know, it's a
different side of the scrump. He's not an a Meia
type impact. But I think what you signal skive at
your original point around targeting score island and the set
piece is that Neils a very very good scrummer er.
If they can bring him on, maybe they're scrump for
penalties later in the contest and working them over that way.
(08:17):
If it's a little bit tight, you can you can
go back to your set piece and scrum.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Yeah. I think you're right. You've got the complimentary elements there,
aren't you. Newle's going to be your scrum rock and
new Mers your mobile dynamic impact player off the bench,
So ticking both boxes.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
On another note, I'm a little bit surprised that they
didn't give Cody Taylor a spell last week. And this
is going back seven days, but I would have given
Cody one of these tests off. You know, he's played
a lot of rugby this year, a lot of rugby
over his career. I think out of the frontline all
Blacks getting him towards the twenty twenty seven World Cup,
(08:53):
just I think you've got to get on more up
to test level. Not that he's not, but you know,
he hasn't played a lot of Test Rugby's been in
and out, you know, almost going over a decade now
at Takiyaho, we know what he can do. But I
would have liked to see them play a Test match
together over the series. With it was this week, whether
it was last week, I think that's a miss trick
from the All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Yeah, I agree. I think last week was too conservative
of the selections and that was certainly one. I think
you could have started Takyajo and brought more off the
bench or vice versa, given those guys more exposure. So
I think that was that was certainly a missed opportunity.
What about no Boden Barrett, no Simon Parker, no Kyle Preston.
(09:32):
Those guys aren't gonna feature at all, and these Three
Nations Championship Test is at a surprise, a.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Long time without rugby for those three. Yeah, when they
get knocked out of the Super Rugby pluffs, if you're
Bote and Barritt and Kyle Preston, you got to week
two that's due middle of June. It's going to be
until about the seventh of August and theory until they
play rugby unless they go out and you know, knock
(09:57):
around in the first round of MPC potentially, but I'm
not sure that they will. So it's a long time
without rugby for these guys. They'll probably play the Stormers.
But yeah, I would have liked to see Kyle Preuston
get an opportunity at some point over these three weeks.
And Boden Barrett, I think the juries out whether he
is the right person at ten for the All Blacks,
(10:17):
but I think the jury's out on Ruben Love still
a bit as well. But I think maybe he could
have looked at him at fullback in one of these
weeks too. I think he's still got something to offer
this All Blacks team. We're slotson, I don't know. Simon
Parker Wills goes back to the conversation around Blindside that
he was another option last year. He was number eight and.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
It was the predominant option at six. Super Bowl was injured.
But for the back half of the year, throughout those
November tests, he started all of the major tests.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
And he didn't quite take his opportunity. So he's another
one that is going to be without rugby, so maybe
get some time for the tunny far But I mean
they've only got preseason then they go to South Africa,
so three players that won't be used I think as
a real question mark, and they're going to come into
South Africa with not a lot of rugby under the belt.
Speaking of Dave, Rennie said that every one in that
(11:08):
touring squad, which will be forty four strong, we'll get
some game time over the first week and Sixtyo benches
a possibility as well, so we'll see what happens there.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
Yeah, no great surprise. I think he did definitively rule
out Richie Wog from that tour unless there's an injury.
So I'd heard he'd been pushing quite hard behind the
scenes but obviously got no rigor room from the New
Ziana Rugby board on that. Muwanga will make his comeback
with Canterbury, as will Shennon Frazel for Tasman. They'll tick
the provincial eligibility box and then they will need an
(11:43):
injury in the loose forwards for f Razel and fall
back or first five for mu Wonga to be called up,
and I would be shocked if that doesn't happen.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
But for fit and AfOR who was leaving the country,
can be selected for the All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Yeah good. I mean it's Rubik's Cube of stipulations, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
It is.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Indeed, since we chatted on Monday with Jordy Barrett, it's
not trained on Tuesday. Dave really insisting today that he
is good to go with the league niggle that he
was carrying. I was there Tuesday training. We went in
for about fifteen minutes and he was fully in a
track suit and you know it was on the park,
but wasn't taking part in the skill session and the
(12:25):
warm downs and everything like that. So hopefully it's good
to go. Sound like you trained fully today and was
out in the park and ready to go. Because I'm
hearing the Irish big fans of Jordi Barrett Lynn.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah, massive fans obviously. Jordi went up there a year
ago now for six months and was exceptional. He's got
a great rugby brain, high IQ. He helped contribute in
a big way to that lens. The group was well
liked on and off the fields and set a high
(12:55):
bar that Rico Yuanni didn't reach. Evidently he was. Rico
has been called into the All Blacks, so you'd expect
him to be involved in that South African tour. But
it is a big week for Jordy Barrett here. I've
got no doubt the All Blacks would have tapped him
up this week for a bit of Intel's. It's not Leinster,
(13:16):
but they still provide the backbone to that national team.
He'll know some of those combinations and individuals intimately some
of their tendencies. Dave Reny will have a clear idea
about what Arlan will bring. But why would you not
utilize the inside knowledge.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Absolutely mate, the most of it. Rico you Andy might
be able to offer some as well, given he's coming
to camp as you know, maybe you'll steal the pot
a little bit. And Shavey wasn't up for media that
had been quite good just to defn Rico even though
he's not playing. The Irish team, of course named and
looked as predicted. Andy Farrell has restored what we would
term his first choice squad. Obviously Kaitlin Doris. I'm not
on this tour through injury, massive loss, massive loss a
(13:54):
great player, but by and large this is close to
barring a couple of selections here or there. The team
that beat the Wallabies in Week one before they rotated
for Japan and week two of the Nation's Championship and
the probably with the one change that made is tyger
Burn at blindside flanker rather than at locke. He came
off the bench in the first week captain of the
(14:15):
team from lock last week. When we talk about an
archetype that can swing between locke and blindside, he's probably
Peter Steph is one who can play lock if needed.
But in terms of you know, not if needed, but
someone that can play lock and blindside, he'd be the
guy tyger Burn. You know, quality players that he comes
(14:36):
in on blindside flank and you're fonder Flaire and Conan.
You got Gibson Park who is obviously sort of nons
in New Zealander's prendigas at ten. A couple of changes
on the wings from that first choice team. Sorry that's
the first team they played a couple of weeks back.
But this is a strong Irish team. But I just
(14:57):
wonder with the it's as strong as it was a
year ago, two years you know, going back, just lost,
you know, a couple of players, a bit of momentum,
still very very strong. I'm not sure they strike the
fear into the heart of the All Blacks and New
Zealanders as maybe they did twelve months ago, twenty four
months ago.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Yeah, not just New Zealanders. It's interesting talking to Irish
pundits and fans. There seems to be quite a bit
of pessimism about Ireland's prospects this week about this team,
and man, what a contrast three years makes because Ireland
and the lead up to that twenty twenty three World
Cup quarter final, they've been on a seventeen match winning
(15:36):
run and the fans that certainly attended that game and
around Paris that day, it was like that victory was
a foregone conclusion. So there's been massive changes to that team.
And I certainly think this Irish team is not the
team they were, and I yet to convince I think,
(15:56):
you know, it was really that match against the Wallabies
could have gone either way. And then I don't think
you can read too much into that Japanese game. The
notable selections for meet Jimmy O'Brien on the left wing.
I think he will use to try and target the
air and this is the biggest test of Sam printer
Gas's career. I think the All Blacks will target him,
(16:18):
try and pressure his kicking game, but also make work
him over defensively. And I think there will also be
true of Ruben Love down that channel. So it'll be
interesting to see how those two tens stand up. But
I don't think we'll see any great surprises in the
way Island play. I think Jameson Gibson Park will will
hoist to the heavens and they'll look to use their
their driving more, their line outs. Their short passing game
(16:41):
is essential to the way they play, and they'll bring
a lot of line speed on defense, which you'll Blacks
struggle with against Italy. So yeah, what do you make
of that pessimism in particular around anecdotally anyway that the
Irish fans and horrific.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Is being burned too much by the your Blacks in
twenty three, that they've gone, we're not the team we
were in twenty three. Therefore, you know we couldn't win
in twenty three. We can't do it in twenty four.
They can't do it in twenty five, can't do it
in twenty They're still a very very good rugby team,
don't get me wrong, but it doesn't feel like that
they have that same ability that they did have a
(17:19):
couple of years back.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
No, the one thing I'll say, just listening to Andy
Farrell this week, I really like him as a coach,
as a leader. You know, most coaches have come out
here and asked about Eden Park and the record and
all that thing. It's just, oh, it's a stadium, it's
got grass. It's a bit of a non factor. Pharaoh's luck.
Seize the day, don't have any regrets, you know, let's
(17:42):
take it head on. I think he'd be very inspiring
coach to have, so I do like his mentality.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Yeah, absolutely, Look, he's a very good coach and it's
proven that on the world stage and was honest that.
You know, if this is the opportunity we've got, we've
got to embrace it and make the most of it.
And they go on with a chance on the weekend.
What do you predict might unfold on Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (18:06):
I think it could be squeaky, could be tense. I
expect the All Blacks to win, but I don't think
there's a case to be made that Island strike the
All Blacks and opportune time. They're growing pains under any
are still evident, they're still learning their game. Developing combinations,
testing depth. I'm yet to be convinced, and that's probably
(18:27):
understandable given that the short time that they've had together.
But I would expect significant improvements from the All Blacks.
They expect them to win, but I don't think it
will be comfortable at all.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Yeah, I don't know. I mean, I'm not saying comfortable.
I think the All Blacks will win by about ten.
But let's not forget the All Blacks have not lost
to Ireland since twenty twenty two. So they won of
the World Cup in twenty three, they won in Dublin
twenty four. They one in Chicago last year under a
coach that was booted because they went on the right trajectory.
Yet they beat the Irish twice under Scott Robinson's Tutelish
(19:01):
didn't lose them during that period of time. So I
think it's a little bit on here that I think
the Irish moments passed and you know there's growing pains
under Rennie. But I just I still think the All
Blacks will be good enough to win on Saturday Night.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
Yeah, I think so. I just I have an element
of nerves because of where the All Blacks are at
in the early stages of Rennie's tenure. I think there's
a lot of progression needed and there hasn't been a
lot of time to do it.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Yeah, quite right, Well, we'll see how it gets on
Saturday night. Look forward to calling it on News Talk
ZB and iHeartRadio from ten past seven. You can follow
Lillam's analysis and pieces leading up to the match on inziherld,
dot co dot nzi there. Thanks to Mark Ali for
producing and we will see you back here in the
early part of next week as we look on what
(19:52):
happens on Saturday night and maybe cast it into the
South African tour as well. Look forward to seeing you.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
For more from News Talk SEDB. Listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio
Straight down the Middle, Try try get inside the game
(00:35):
from every goal. It's Rugby Direct with Elliot Smith and
Leam Napier powered by News Talks at B.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Welcome into Rugby Direct, powered by Excess Solutions, elevating you
and your business to a higher level. Two days away
from Test Matt Rugby once again the Nations Championship, not
that you'll see it on the All Black sleeve, of course.
Elliott Smith with me Liam Napier naps the Blacks name
their team to play the Irish. The drums had been
(01:04):
beating all week long for to provide the start up
Blindside flank. Da've Renny dropped a massive hint speaking to
Sky last week and then the whispers were beginning that
he was going to start up Blindside and sure enough
he is. Is that the top line for you from
this All Blacks team?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Yeah? Absolutely. It's the perennial, recurring, unsolvable theme of the
All Blacks going back however many years, however, many trials
and experiments, and it comes full circle again, doesn't it.
Ian Foster tried to provide on the blind Side. Scott
Robertson tried him there, and now Dave Reny, three weeks
(01:41):
into his tenure, picks his third Blindside flank. I'm unconvinced
elliotts He brings size, he is clearly a great line
out option, but I think he lacks pace and it
is quite the contrast to all the messaging that we've
had from Ny around speeds pace optimism, and you're sacrificing
(02:06):
a lot of mobility and speed to the breakdown by
supersizing your pack, not only with Tuper Vibe but also
Patrick Tuopelow too.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Absolutely, and we New Zealand is searching for this body,
this this archetype that we're looking for just a lot
in on blind Side and we have not really found
one since drom Can. Everyone knows the story that they
have tried so many options over the years. You we
could spend probably half an hour listing that the players
that have gone through that six Jusisian Frazal's back in
New Zealand Rugby later in there. It could be another option.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
He had maybe one year where he nailed it. There
was that test against the spring box. It mounts smart.
But it was pretty fleeting, wasn't it.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Totally absolutely, But there's been a clamoring to get him
back in New Zealand. Rugby will be later in the year,
but for now they're gone with two po I on
one hand, I think, you know, we've had Dave Any
say that the numbers on the back don't matter. But
evidently they are looking for this archetype on the blind
side that they have not been able to nail down,
and they hope that over time that tupers it's something
(03:05):
that's going to click there. But he's just so good
at lot and he's clearly in the top two locks
in the country, at least I think it is. And
so you're, you know, Robin Peter to pay Paul essentially
in your team try and band aid up the blind side.
I don't know that you gain much. I mean, Peter
Lucky started there a couple of weeks ago. I thought
(03:26):
he was okay without being you know, shooting the lights out.
I think there's a lot of work to do for
him there. But clearly with three players starting in that
role in his many weeks, they're back. Still haven't found
what they're looking for to paraphrase you.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Too, No they haven't. Look I My view of this
is it's been over complicated to a point and it's
partly due to Artie Severe's switch from open side to
number eights. Dave Rennie seems wedded to that. Maybe he
wants to use him on the wider channels, but I
(04:01):
would be starting Peter Luck I had eight. I think
he's among New Zealand's best loose forwards. He's such a
dynamic ball carrier. I thought he was really good and
that opening test. I was surprised to see him replaced.
So and Brennie is clearly a big fan of Luke Jacobson,
and I think he has been very good. But a
loose trio of Luckeye eight, Severe at seven and Jacobson
(04:25):
in his more traditional role of blindside does give you
those complimentary skill sets is not necessarily the big bodies
that you need. And I think via selection for me
and too, Polo Tu reflects the fact that the All
Blacks haven't got enough pay from their ball carriers. They
haven't been physically dominance. Italy caused them big problems at
(04:47):
the breakdown. They just went wide to wides. They didn't
break that defensive line. So I think Rennie's wanting more physicality,
more size, more power, and he clearly wants to target
island set piece. I think the Irish of vulnerable. They're
scrum and they use their line out as a massive
weapon as well.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
They do. I think Sam Darry's one of the All
It's best over the first couple of weeks, But maybe
is he just not bringing that physicality that the All
Blacks need to get over the game line.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
I think that's that's partly partly the reason for that.
But I agree, I think Sam Darry was excellent, highly involved,
and he did get some punch or bolen hand, very
good at the line out. Patrick Tuopolota's vastly more senior,
probably hasn't. I can't remember the He was very good
(05:36):
off the bench for the All Black center with the.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Role and it probably will be maybe the R I mean,
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Maybe it won't be when Fabian Holland comes back that.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
He slots into. But then if you're going to have
two per fine on the blind side, then maybe it
isn't the role that he slides into. So a few
question marks Patrick, when you consider him very good player,
I do wonder where the thirty minutes at the back
end of the game is better use of him than
first fifty in a Test match like this. And I
was looking at the stats before. It's something like he's
(06:06):
played fifty seven of about one hundred fifty four tests
the All Blacks have played since he debuted, So he's
a lot of injuries. He's he's gone from sort of
you know, being behind white lock and retallic early in
his career and getting the odd appearance and having you know,
has said a lot of injuries. So big opportunity for
him this weekend to see what he can do elsewhere
on that All Blacks team. Josh Molby on the left
(06:28):
wing a little bit of a surprise. Suspected to go
back to Cayler Clark here, but what it signals is
that they were really impressed from Josh Molby last week.
He hasn't played a great deal. It's a bit, but
not a great deal on the left wing.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
So we talked today only only rarely for wak Ut
in the NPC. So look, it's not a major shift,
but it's it's ball carrying. It's which you fend with some.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Players more comfortable switching than others as well.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Yeah, and I think I like that selection. It is
a real reward for form. And Molby looked immediately comfortable.
Didn't the off the bench last week. His pace, anticipation,
skill executions. He's also a natural fullback, so quite proficient
in the air. And I think Ireland will certainly test
the all blacks there. And I think back to Caleb
(07:17):
Clark coming off the bench in South Africa and in Australia,
and he actually did bring a lot, so I don't mind.
It is you to hold yourself a little bit carrying
a winger. It is a bit of a luxury, I
think because of the versatility that a lot of players have.
But I have liked what Caleb Clark has brought off
(07:39):
the bench. That would have been a fine line decision. Also,
Tyro Lomax comes in to start at tighthead prop. I
have a wee bit of a question mark about Fritz
Nuwell on the bench. I don't view him as an
impact player necessarily.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Neither do Well. Look, he made some impacts this year.
There's a scorching run against mo one O Pacifika from
fifty sixty meters out. He's not you know, it's a
different side of the scrump. He's not an a Meia
type impact. But I think what you signal skive at
your original point around targeting score island and the set
piece is that Neils a very very good scrummer er.
If they can bring him on, maybe they're scrump for
penalties later in the contest and working them over that way.
(08:17):
If it's a little bit tight, you can you can
go back to your set piece and scrum.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Yeah. I think you're right. You've got the complimentary elements there,
aren't you. Newle's going to be your scrum rock and
new Mers your mobile dynamic impact player off the bench,
So ticking both boxes.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
On another note, I'm a little bit surprised that they
didn't give Cody Taylor a spell last week. And this
is going back seven days, but I would have given
Cody one of these tests off. You know, he's played
a lot of rugby this year, a lot of rugby
over his career. I think out of the frontline all
Blacks getting him towards the twenty twenty seven World Cup,
(08:53):
just I think you've got to get on more up
to test level. Not that he's not, but you know,
he hasn't played a lot of Test Rugby's been in
and out, you know, almost going over a decade now
at Takiyaho, we know what he can do. But I
would have liked to see them play a Test match
together over the series. With it was this week, whether
it was last week, I think that's a miss trick
from the All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Yeah, I agree. I think last week was too conservative
of the selections and that was certainly one. I think
you could have started Takyajo and brought more off the
bench or vice versa, given those guys more exposure. So
I think that was that was certainly a missed opportunity.
What about no Boden Barrett, no Simon Parker, no Kyle Preston.
(09:32):
Those guys aren't gonna feature at all, and these Three
Nations Championship Test is at a surprise, a.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Long time without rugby for those three. Yeah, when they
get knocked out of the Super Rugby pluffs, if you're
Bote and Barritt and Kyle Preston, you got to week
two that's due middle of June. It's going to be
until about the seventh of August and theory until they
play rugby unless they go out and you know, knock
(09:57):
around in the first round of MPC potentially, but I'm
not sure that they will. So it's a long time
without rugby for these guys. They'll probably play the Stormers.
But yeah, I would have liked to see Kyle Preuston
get an opportunity at some point over these three weeks.
And Boden Barrett, I think the juries out whether he
is the right person at ten for the All Blacks,
(10:17):
but I think the jury's out on Ruben Love still
a bit as well. But I think maybe he could
have looked at him at fullback in one of these
weeks too. I think he's still got something to offer
this All Blacks team. We're slotson, I don't know. Simon
Parker Wills goes back to the conversation around Blindside that
he was another option last year. He was number eight and.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
It was the predominant option at six. Super Bowl was injured.
But for the back half of the year, throughout those
November tests, he started all of the major tests.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
And he didn't quite take his opportunity. So he's another
one that is going to be without rugby, so maybe
get some time for the tunny far But I mean
they've only got preseason then they go to South Africa,
so three players that won't be used I think as
a real question mark, and they're going to come into
South Africa with not a lot of rugby under the belt.
Speaking of Dave, Rennie said that every one in that
(11:08):
touring squad, which will be forty four strong, we'll get
some game time over the first week and Sixtyo benches
a possibility as well, so we'll see what happens there.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
Yeah, no great surprise. I think he did definitively rule
out Richie Wog from that tour unless there's an injury.
So I'd heard he'd been pushing quite hard behind the
scenes but obviously got no rigor room from the New
Ziana Rugby board on that. Muwanga will make his comeback
with Canterbury, as will Shennon Frazel for Tasman. They'll tick
the provincial eligibility box and then they will need an
(11:43):
injury in the loose forwards for f Razel and fall
back or first five for mu Wonga to be called up,
and I would be shocked if that doesn't happen.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
But for fit and AfOR who was leaving the country,
can be selected for the All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Yeah good. I mean it's Rubik's Cube of stipulations, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
It is.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Indeed, since we chatted on Monday with Jordy Barrett, it's
not trained on Tuesday. Dave really insisting today that he
is good to go with the league niggle that he
was carrying. I was there Tuesday training. We went in
for about fifteen minutes and he was fully in a
track suit and you know it was on the park,
but wasn't taking part in the skill session and the
(12:25):
warm downs and everything like that. So hopefully it's good
to go. Sound like you trained fully today and was
out in the park and ready to go. Because I'm
hearing the Irish big fans of Jordi Barrett Lynn.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah, massive fans obviously. Jordi went up there a year
ago now for six months and was exceptional. He's got
a great rugby brain, high IQ. He helped contribute in
a big way to that lens. The group was well
liked on and off the fields and set a high
(12:55):
bar that Rico Yuanni didn't reach. Evidently he was. Rico
has been called into the All Blacks, so you'd expect
him to be involved in that South African tour. But
it is a big week for Jordy Barrett here. I've
got no doubt the All Blacks would have tapped him
up this week for a bit of Intel's. It's not Leinster,
(13:16):
but they still provide the backbone to that national team.
He'll know some of those combinations and individuals intimately some
of their tendencies. Dave Reny will have a clear idea
about what Arlan will bring. But why would you not
utilize the inside knowledge.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Absolutely mate, the most of it. Rico you Andy might
be able to offer some as well, given he's coming
to camp as you know, maybe you'll steal the pot
a little bit. And Shavey wasn't up for media that
had been quite good just to defn Rico even though
he's not playing. The Irish team, of course named and
looked as predicted. Andy Farrell has restored what we would
term his first choice squad. Obviously Kaitlin Doris. I'm not
on this tour through injury, massive loss, massive loss a
(13:54):
great player, but by and large this is close to
barring a couple of selections here or there. The team
that beat the Wallabies in Week one before they rotated
for Japan and week two of the Nation's Championship and
the probably with the one change that made is tyger
Burn at blindside flanker rather than at locke. He came
off the bench in the first week captain of the
(14:15):
team from lock last week. When we talk about an
archetype that can swing between locke and blindside, he's probably
Peter Steph is one who can play lock if needed.
But in terms of you know, not if needed, but
someone that can play lock and blindside, he'd be the
guy tyger Burn. You know, quality players that he comes
(14:36):
in on blindside flank and you're fonder Flaire and Conan.
You got Gibson Park who is obviously sort of nons
in New Zealander's prendigas at ten. A couple of changes
on the wings from that first choice team. Sorry that's
the first team they played a couple of weeks back.
But this is a strong Irish team. But I just
(14:57):
wonder with the it's as strong as it was a
year ago, two years you know, going back, just lost,
you know, a couple of players, a bit of momentum,
still very very strong. I'm not sure they strike the
fear into the heart of the All Blacks and New
Zealanders as maybe they did twelve months ago, twenty four
months ago.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Yeah, not just New Zealanders. It's interesting talking to Irish
pundits and fans. There seems to be quite a bit
of pessimism about Ireland's prospects this week about this team,
and man, what a contrast three years makes because Ireland
and the lead up to that twenty twenty three World
Cup quarter final, they've been on a seventeen match winning
(15:36):
run and the fans that certainly attended that game and
around Paris that day, it was like that victory was
a foregone conclusion. So there's been massive changes to that team.
And I certainly think this Irish team is not the
team they were, and I yet to convince I think,
(15:56):
you know, it was really that match against the Wallabies
could have gone either way. And then I don't think
you can read too much into that Japanese game. The
notable selections for meet Jimmy O'Brien on the left wing.
I think he will use to try and target the
air and this is the biggest test of Sam printer
Gas's career. I think the All Blacks will target him,
(16:18):
try and pressure his kicking game, but also make work
him over defensively. And I think there will also be
true of Ruben Love down that channel. So it'll be
interesting to see how those two tens stand up. But
I don't think we'll see any great surprises in the
way Island play. I think Jameson Gibson Park will will
hoist to the heavens and they'll look to use their
their driving more, their line outs. Their short passing game
(16:41):
is essential to the way they play, and they'll bring
a lot of line speed on defense, which you'll Blacks
struggle with against Italy. So yeah, what do you make
of that pessimism in particular around anecdotally anyway that the
Irish fans and horrific.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Is being burned too much by the your Blacks in
twenty three, that they've gone, we're not the team we
were in twenty three. Therefore, you know we couldn't win
in twenty three. We can't do it in twenty four.
They can't do it in twenty five, can't do it
in twenty They're still a very very good rugby team,
don't get me wrong, but it doesn't feel like that
they have that same ability that they did have a
(17:19):
couple of years back.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
No, the one thing I'll say, just listening to Andy
Farrell this week, I really like him as a coach,
as a leader. You know, most coaches have come out
here and asked about Eden Park and the record and
all that thing. It's just, oh, it's a stadium, it's
got grass. It's a bit of a non factor. Pharaoh's luck.
Seize the day, don't have any regrets, you know, let's
(17:42):
take it head on. I think he'd be very inspiring
coach to have, so I do like his mentality.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Yeah, absolutely, Look, he's a very good coach and it's
proven that on the world stage and was honest that.
You know, if this is the opportunity we've got, we've
got to embrace it and make the most of it.
And they go on with a chance on the weekend.
What do you predict might unfold on Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (18:06):
I think it could be squeaky, could be tense. I
expect the All Blacks to win, but I don't think
there's a case to be made that Island strike the
All Blacks and opportune time. They're growing pains under any
are still evident, they're still learning their game. Developing combinations,
testing depth. I'm yet to be convinced, and that's probably
(18:27):
understandable given that the short time that they've had together.
But I would expect significant improvements from the All Blacks.
They expect them to win, but I don't think it
will be comfortable at all.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Yeah, I don't know. I mean, I'm not saying comfortable.
I think the All Blacks will win by about ten.
But let's not forget the All Blacks have not lost
to Ireland since twenty twenty two. So they won of
the World Cup in twenty three, they won in Dublin
twenty four. They one in Chicago last year under a
coach that was booted because they went on the right trajectory.
Yet they beat the Irish twice under Scott Robinson's Tutelish
(19:01):
didn't lose them during that period of time. So I
think it's a little bit on here that I think
the Irish moments passed and you know there's growing pains
under Rennie. But I just I still think the All
Blacks will be good enough to win on Saturday Night.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
Yeah, I think so. I just I have an element
of nerves because of where the All Blacks are at
in the early stages of Rennie's tenure. I think there's
a lot of progression needed and there hasn't been a
lot of time to do it.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Yeah, quite right, Well, we'll see how it gets on
Saturday night. Look forward to calling it on News Talk
ZB and iHeartRadio from ten past seven. You can follow
Lillam's analysis and pieces leading up to the match on inziherld,
dot co dot nzi there. Thanks to Mark Ali for
producing and we will see you back here in the
early part of next week as we look on what
(19:52):
happens on Saturday night and maybe cast it into the
South African tour as well. Look forward to seeing you.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
For more from News Talk SEDB. Listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
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