August 9, 2026 • 31 mins
The All Blacks are up and running in South Africa, but was their win over the Stormers convincing enough?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Durban to break down the tour opener, unpack the sweeping changes for the Sharks match, and discuss the growing injury toll after Billy Proctor became the second All Black to head home.
Plus, is it finally time to pick up the phone and call Richie Mo'unga? The boys tackle all the big talking points.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Straight down the Middle Truck Sky.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Try to get inside the game from every angle. It's
Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, powered by
News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome to Rugby Direct powered by Folklib Solutions, lifting you
and your business to a high level. Elliott Smith with
me Leam Napier from New Zealand Herald, the debates the
opening week of Rugby's greatest rivalry Tour. We've moved from
Cape Town to Durban as we record this, looking out
over the beach and the ocean, which is magnificent to view. Unfortunately,
(01:02):
the cloud's wrong. It's been a couple of warm days
since we arrived in Durban, but it's going to be
rainy only for the the tour match against the Sharks
as well. But we'll get onto all that in a moment. Liam,
first and foremost good to have the tour underway, isn't
it and have some some rugby to talk about it is.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
It's been highly anticipated as an Elliott's traveled a long
way and I feel like it's been on the radar
for a long time, so to get to Cape Town
and for some of the tour party to get to
the game.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Special. Yeah, let's let's talk about that. You were a
game day withdrawal from actually attending the opening game.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah, it was but a guesstro It's a hell of
a casualty incapacitated. I won't go into too many details,
but yes, on the morning of the match, it was
some worse for wear and it saw a lot of
the bathroom for twenty four hours and slowly coming right.
So wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Yeah, the Shades of nineteen ninety five really, isn't it?
In the All Blacks it is.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Yeah, I might have to try track down old Susie
issues that. But I did appreciate you coming and dropping
me a piece of white bread and power it at
my door.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
There was my request. It wasn't like Anna.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
Yeah, I was in the right state. So what a trooper,
what a mate there in my time of need.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
No pleasure? And look, let's hope that you pass the
fitness teast ahead of the Sharks game on Tuesday night
our time. You did watch it from your sick bed
on Super Sport I assume what did you make of
the All Blacks performance?
Speaker 3 (02:44):
It was the dustiest match report in history. And look,
it was a fairly dusty old game, I think from
the All Blacks in some ways expected given that that
was a team that had been largely thrown together second
string new combinations. But it was a real smack in
the face I think for the All Blacks an upper
cup on the chin. However you want to describe it,
(03:07):
so many any things you can talk about coming to
South Africa, you know what you're going to expect, but
then to confront it. We talked to Sam Dowry today
and he basically said that and Dave Rennie as well,
that you can talk about these things but until you
experience them. And almost half this All Black squad haven't
experienced South African opposition or played the spring box in
South Africa, and it is such a unique proposition from
(03:29):
a physicality perspective, from a game perspective, and then you
throw in Carl Dixon in the mix and it's a
hell of a cocktail. So look, the scrum was a
bit of a shambles, wasn't it. They didn't defend the
rolling more well, they barely caught one if any high ball.
Some of their catch pass skills are really ropie. I
thought the bench made a big impact late in the
(03:50):
game and they finished well to score four tries and
put the Stormers away. But look, it was a fairly
low bar starting point.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
It was. It was quite disappointing. I thought from the
All Blacks. Yes, these players, a lot of them won't
be in the test run on fifteen anyway, they might
be on the bench options. But yeah, it probably exposed
a few areas where the All Blacks are seriously deficient in,
especially when you get away from the top team. And look,
(04:21):
there are going to be injuries on this tour. We've
already had a couple and then you're going to have
to dig into your reserves. And I think it was
some worrying trends there of players that were exposed quite
deeply in certain facets of the game. The scrum was
a real issue. Passily Atossi can see the three scrum
penalties of the Stormer's tight head. Vernon of Tongo basically
(04:42):
had a field day with him and passily O Tossi
I think did win one back, but couldn't show the
right pictures to Carle Dixon that he wanted to. So
that's a concern because that is going to now put
a you know, his card might be marked in terms
of this tour. I know he's playing against the Sharks
and coming off the bench there, but in terms of
those big games on the tour, I don't know whether
(05:04):
the All Blacks can risk bringing him back out without
some serious work on whatever deficiencies we saw. So I
think there's a question.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Well, you're one injury away from Pasilio TOSSI been on
the bench for the spring Box Test match. We've got
Tyro Lomax and Fiction Newell who are serious noted scrummages,
and the same goes for Ethan Degree on the loose
head side. Look, he may well make adjustments and get
up to speed, but that was a baptism of fire
(05:35):
and he didn't handle it well. So he I think
it is notable as well that he's been thrown out
there again on the bench a matter of four days later.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Yeah, exactly. And I'm not saying that it was all
his fault because this is open to interpretation, and I'm
sure internally in the All Blacks maybe they've seen some
different things in their review that maybe they suggest that,
you know, it wasn't the case that Tossi was infringing
as much as Carl Dixon thought, But regardless, it becomes
a theme and you start painting the pictures. It's something
that referees now look out for and subconsciously, whatever it is,
(06:07):
whether it's Carl Dix, Matthew Carley, Angus Gardner, Nika Amisha
Kelly with Parsalali or Tossing out there, they'll be going
in the head. This is the guy that incorrectly and
illegally scrummaged three times against a franchise team, and so
that will just be in the back of the head,
I think. So. I'm sure they can rectify those fixes
and make them sort it out, but I just wanted
(06:28):
to worry long term, you know, on this tour, whether
his card might might be marked for those big games
elsewhere we're talking about the scrum. The Rolling War defense
was really poor. The attacks sort of been missing for
periods of the game. They struggled to get incisions with
bald hand.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
And discipline didn't help them. They started really well and
then it was six penalties and I think they conceded,
and then the yellow cards came, they down to thirteen
men living without the ball. The Stormers they are allowed
to dictate terms through through their set piece, through the
tempo of the game, so their backs didn't get to
impose their style, did they, And they're on the back
foot basically scrambling until I think they scored in the
(07:13):
fifth minute and then scored their second try just before halftime,
and even then by no means dominant until late in
the second half, so they had to really dig deep
in fight.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
They did have to fight, and they look better when
the bench came on. They started really strong with the
first five six minutes. It was all the All Blacks,
and it wasn't until they went down the other end
of the park and started conceding penalties at will that
it sort of began to fall apart. Boden Barratt's performance.
What did you make of that?
Speaker 3 (07:44):
Yeah, not great. Look, Boden hadn't played for almost two months,
and I'm not making excuses for him, but it was
playing helps from a rhythm and a confidence perspective. But
it did feel like a continuation of what we saw
from him at the Blues this year, which was quite hesitant.
(08:06):
I don't know whether he's lost a bit of confidence
in his body. He just doesn't seem to challenge the line.
There's a lot of shuffling. Even early in the match
when the All Blacks made breaks, he put a little
kick and they were entering the Stormers twenty two. Little
eras creeping into his game. There was the second half
restart that went short. He grabbed an opposition player in
(08:27):
the air, gave away a penalty. There there was the
telling one where the high ball he went up and
just looked at it and didn't contest it. So look,
I think worrying signs. I think that was his big chance.
He waited all July, didn't get an opportunity. This was
such a long time coming, And to be honest, I
(08:50):
was I thought Yakim that the twenty year old on
debut for the Stormers outplayed him.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Yeah, I think he did too, and it was notable.
And yes, the tide was turning at the point of
the game where Josh Jacob came on, But it was
noticeable having Jacob on the impact he had, just in
terms of straightening the attack a little bit and being
decisive and knowing what he was wanting to do. Maybe
(09:16):
gouldkicking aside, but I thought it was just noticeable and
it's hard to real too much into it, as I said,
because it was with the Stormers tiring and the all
Backs were getting on top at that point of the game.
But it did just feel like I'm trying to think
exactly when he came on, it was I think after
the All Backs had gone maybe twenty one to fourteen up,
but it felt like the attack was just straightened out
(09:38):
a little bit once Drakan came on the part.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Yeah, I think so. And look, Dave Rien has been
open about the fact that Boden Barrett started this first
game against the Stormers, Ruben Love's going to start against
the Sharks, and Josh Jacob is probably going to get
a crack against the Bulls. But that wasn't the performance
I think Boden would have wanted. And if Bill Blacks,
(10:02):
I feel like protecting him a wee bit at the
moment with their public missiting around it. And he's obviously
an experienced member of the squad and I'm sure he's
doing a lot of mentoring behind the scenes, But from
a pure performance perspective, I think that that was not
the standard we've come to expect from Bowden, and you know,
(10:23):
we probably haven't seen the level that we expect from him,
certainly this year.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Well Man, he'll know that, like he's a quality player,
and he'll know that he isn't that that wasn't the
best he can deliver. The question is whether agains another
opportunity to show that, and I'm not sure that he will,
because speaking he will probably come off the bench, maybe
against the Bulls, perhaps spitballing here here.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Perhaps play against the Lions. The only other point I
would make is there weren't too many players in that
game from a little black perspective that actually enhearance their claims.
From a test perspective, I would say Peter Luckeye was outstanding.
Anton Lena Brown was busy. He got mad of the
match even though he got the yellow card. Fabian Holland
got two taling line out steels, one when the All
Blacks were under massive heat and the other directly led
(11:09):
to a try. I think it was for Josh Morby.
But outside of that, Riquewan.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
He was I thought Antonine signal was good again.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
But on the whole there's not too many players that
you would say you put some real and pressure on
the incumbent.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Yeah, I wonder whether I mean it's been well telegraphed
at the All Blacks have pretty much had the first
Test team locked in played and I'm not saying this
they weren't playing with that in mind. But I don't
know it Just you know, when you when you say
that the first Test team is locked in, hard to
put your hand up when you are on the outside
looking in already. I don't know.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Yeah, potentially, And look, there's a number of factors. They
were under massive pressure in that game. They didn't have
it all their own way, and they didn't adjust to
Carl Dixon either. I think that was a massive part
of the lack of flow and how the All Blacks
wanted to play and look good. That's a reality they're
(12:05):
going to have to call. Dixon is going to be
in charge of Baltimore, so there's no getting away from it.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
That's right. I don't think Carl Dixon is a t
standard referee, but he has been awarded these matches, so
you have to find a way to get up to
speed with Carl Dixon. He operates some bizarre lines at
the moment, held.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
What do you make it that penalty trow for Josh Molby.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Like again, Carl Dixon referees the game to the letter
of the law, but it's like an aligen has come
down read the World Rugby rule balok and gone, okay,
I've put this into my brain. Now I don't know
how to do it. He's this is a blog that
played professional rugby, yet he seems to have no feel
for the game.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
Yeah, he's overly officious, massively right.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Yeah, and look he is I'm sure impressing world rugby
bosses because he does catch everything that they're after. But
I you know, he played close to two hundred games.
I think it was for Harlequins maybe, but you wouldn't
know it. Like he referees the game like it is
his first time seeing it and he's following the exact
(13:03):
letter of the world law. But again, I can moan
about it on this podcast, and I will, But if
you're the all blacks he's got, then they're not going
to change the referee appointments. So you've got to deal
with the way that he's going to referee, the way
that Matthew Carly's going to referee, the way that Nika
Amashakelly is going to referee in the way the Angers
Gardener referees. And I think, going back to my point
from last week, it would be easy if Carl Dixon
(13:26):
was referee for every match of the series, or whoever
might be.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
No one wants to see.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
No, but you would at least get used to knowing
which way the game is going to be. It's just
it goes in wild different areas depending on who's got
the whistle. And I don't think it's healthy for the
sport and world rugby is asleep at the wheel because
they've got no desire to change it. Don't seem interested
in the fact that this is supposed to be an
entertainment product. They've absolutely washed their hands of anything to
(13:52):
do with the entertainment product. Test level and then the
TMO intervening every five minutes and the game as well.
It was just this, This rugby's greatest rivalry is built
on the tradition, but it's also built on entertainment and
the two best supposed team at playing rugby, and yet
the refereeing was a distraction from that. And this is
(14:14):
the point that rugby has got to now, is that
everyone tries to sell this as a form of entertainment,
but World Rugby and the referees don't seem to listen.
I don't know. I think it's gonna be a long
tour if this is the kind of refereeing standard that
we're used to.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Yeah, we don't want to be talking about this the
whole time.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
No, but I don't, I don't, Reginuely don't.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
But you're rights. It's a frustration that we don't want
these referees to be focal figures, but it is incumbent
on the All Blacks to adjust.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Indeed, like let's move on from that. Some news out
of the All Blacks camp today that Billy Procter is
heading home from the tour. Suspected to be the case
after we saw him on Friday nights our time his
shoulder arm was it a slang, didn't look good and
(15:07):
Dave Rennick confirming it's a fractured shoulder blade. So he's
going to be out for ten to twelve weeks, which
you look at this point in time, that's anywhere between
two to three months, which could even be the end
of your tour.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
Pretty much the end of your season. Yeah, two to
three months.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
I think, so you rehab it back. He's back here, I.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Think he will struggle with back. So devastating blow for
Billy first and foremost, isn't it. This is the once
in a lifetime tour. And look, he's not going to
be the last we've had George Bell. They're going to
be on the same flight home and we've had one game.
This is going to be a hugely arduous tour that's
going to claim many casualties. Yeah, it's a blow for
(15:46):
the all Becks because I think while Billy hasn't reached
great heights, he still has test experience. And it depletes
your depth in their midfield, doesn't it.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
It does? And you know there, we're going to be
two games down by the time they get a replacement over,
so you've still got six games to go. The question
is do they go for a lightfu light midfield placement
or do they go for Richie Moong? And you asked
the question today whether Mona's in the conversation, and Dave
Rennie chuckled and said, we'll go through the process, which
(16:19):
to me suggests that he is very much in the
picture for coming over and replacing Billy. Prop to would
that be the right thing for the All Blacks to
do well?
Speaker 3 (16:30):
First of all, midfield is not an area of great
depth and he's Yellow Rugby, I don't think at the moment.
But they do have enough cover within that All Black
squad to get through this tour, right Jordi, Barrett, Quinte,
Pier Antonina Brown, Riquewanny Tava Tavanawa. Those aren't by any
count established options, but there is enough cover there. So look,
(16:55):
Dave Renie's made. And then from a midfield perspective, you've
had a j Lamb Branden in or David Heavily's still playing,
but he's going offshore as well. So there's number of former.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Or Blacks in all cloud yep.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Guys on the fringe leaving. So depth isn't great there
and so for me, there's no obvious next in line replacement.
Maybe it's David Hevilli, maybe you bring him over even
though he's leaving. But look, Dave Renie's made no secret
of the fact that he wanted Muwanga here from the outset.
He brought him into the pre Super Rugby Final camp.
(17:32):
He publicly stated that he wanted to get Muanglan and
use him in the opening tour game against the Stormers.
So look, I think in my mind there's no question
that really asked the question of New Zealand rugby. Richie
has now played two games for Canterbury. Unfortunately one of
those was wrestling the raanfully shield away.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Hopefully have you brought it up before I did?
Speaker 3 (17:55):
That's great from mighty Otago. I'm not sure how much.
I haven't seen the game. I don't know how much
of a role we played in that. But look, regardless,
he's surely he's like ticked that box now right And
the only question I would have is is it a
bit fascical that the All Blacks have selected four playmakers
(18:16):
and they're all still fits and you replace a midfielder
with ten.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Well, they're replaced Morne Nadawa with Ethan black Hair at
twenty three World Cup Spring Walks replaced Malcolm Marx with
Hondra Pollard the twenty three World Cup.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
It's a coach is progative, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Absolutely? If they yeah, I mean, if they want to
bring him in, are you? I think in the absence
of equality midfielder and I can't think of the next
player in line, you know, they had Cooper Cooper Roberts
and Camp you know, as a training partner in Christy.
I mean, he's barely played super rugular so you couldn't
(18:54):
bring him into the mix. So I can't think of
a quality player to bring in. And so yeah, OK,
I'll be comfortable enough with them bringing Richie Wallinger. And
you think, as you said, he Dave Ready talked about
he was planning to use me against the storm as
if he was able to be selected, and you work
your way backwards and go well, that kind of moved
Josh Jacob probably into the selection and touring party because
(19:18):
they couldn't take Richie Wong and working your way backwards
from the first Test side was the kind of players
they needed. So look the doors opened out for him
to get there. Theilbacks are on a limited runway to
the Rugbill Cup under this management. It's the case it
needs must be.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
I think it in Ore, Yeah, I think there's the
point is you're paying Richard m Wang a hell of
a lot of rugby right money right now to be
playing provincial rugby and as you say, the runway to
the World Cup, this guy's going to be at the
World Cup. He needs to be involved. Really, you're shooting
yourself in the foot here. I understand the stipulations that
Mwanga didn't sign for two years and so that stipulates
(19:57):
that he should be playing a full NPC campaign, but
just the optics around it and all the gray areas
around sabbaticals, I mean, just just sign it off, you know,
and if you have to bring over another midfielder at
a later date, so beer, it's cut before the horse
a little bit, but I don't see that changing the
complexion of the first Test team. Maybe Muanga comes into
(20:19):
the picture later in the tour, but Rennie's point all along,
I think, has been to get him involved and to
get him up to speed from a game plan perspective,
and yeah, just utilize him. Well, he's wasted playing for
Vinci Rugby.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
Yeah, look there's a big Shield defense coming up next weekend,
so we can flight they bring him over you want,
by a plenty. I'm sure our producer Mark would want
that as well. Yeah. Look, I think these eligibility laws
need to be simplified. It doesn't make sense to the
common fan that he is playing for Cannaby in the NBC.
(20:56):
There's the big tourk on over here that they've piped
up to the nth degree and Richard mccaugh is not
Richard Walk. Well, get Richie McCord back. Richie Walk is
not playing and you know the bigger one. So we'll
wait and see on that front.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Yeah, and if it doesn't transpire, it's not it's gonna
be an ongoing conversation that anytime a bat goes down,
it's gonna be like, well, Dave, get a swing at
that time.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Probably better just to get ripped the band aid off
and get him at the camp team named to play
the Shucks by Dave Rennie as well. I don't know
if he caught a shadow test side, given there are
niggles with Torol Lomax, Zavi Amia, Will Jordan, Cody Taylor's
still injured, Ardie sa Viga not here but close to
(21:43):
a shadow test side. I suppose any surprises in the mix.
Speaker 3 (21:46):
For you there, I don't think so that is absolutely
a shadow test team without those guys who Dave Rennie
said today will luckily all be fit for the next
tour game against the Bulls. Will Jordan's nigglie back, which
was potentially worrying, but he didn't seem too concerned about it.
No major surprises. I think Luke jacob and captaining the
(22:09):
team certainly signals his rise and the ranks under any
As you pointed out today at the presser, Jacobson is
a guy that's been in and out of this All
Black team prior to this regime. He's come and he's
nailed his chance as starting open side, and now he's
taken on the captaincy for this game. I think some
(22:29):
players have a lot to gain from this match. I'm
very intrigued to see Kyle Preston get a start. I
haven't seen a lot of them. Wasn't sighted in July.
Came off the bench against the Stormers. I am of
the view that he should be backing up cam Roy guards.
I think it will be good to see Finga and off.
(22:50):
We haven't cited him since five or ten minutes off
the bench in that first Test. Had a shoulder injury,
he was sick. So intrigued to see how he handles
that high ball, in particular Wallas tit pulled out late
against the Stormers. Now gets a chance. He's he needs
a big performance and maybe even a Caleb Clark. I
don't think that back three is totally locked in yet.
(23:13):
I didn't think Josh Morby had had his best display
against the Stormers, but he's a guy that is certainly
proficient under the high wall.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
He is indeed yet looked the number of players still missing,
but you can see the the first choice nature of
this team shining through in the players that have been selected. Look,
Luke Jacobson played that his stocks have risen incredibly this
year with the appointment really of Dave Rennie's coach. I
(23:42):
mean that's been one of the main reasons that he's
playing as much rugby now in All Blacks Captain, big
opportunity I suppose for him. Look, he has gone you
would think start that first Test, but I think it's
another chance for Luke Jacobson just to get some more
game time in the All Blacks Jersey. I agree about
Kyle Preston really looking forward to seeing what he can
do with me. He had a rough souper rugby season,
(24:03):
was on the pine every game he played for the Crusaders,
and I think was maybe injury in the one game
where they chose to rotate Hoth him out of their
twenty three and they called on Louis Chapman. So he
just didn't have much luck this year and hasn't played
a lot of rugby, so big chance for him to
come on this week. The locks are interesting once again,
you know that's real tight squeeze ahead of that first
(24:26):
match as well, and you look at the bench and
SIMSI tu law a really fascinated to see how he
goes with the first taste of quasi international rugby and
saying what kind of impacts he can make because I
think he's a dead set, really exciting player.
Speaker 3 (24:41):
Yeah, he's a good point. He's one guy that could
be a massive mover very quickly if I hope he
gets some genuine game time half an hour off the
bench because he could be a real weapon. You think
about we talked about off here about a guy like
lestifying a Nuoku and the ability to inject some genuine
(25:02):
size and physicality off the bench against the box. In particular,
there is you know, oh substitute for size at times,
and Samisi has that. So I'm very intrigued to see
him unleashed on the stage.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
Yeah. Absolutely. The other point tonight as well, can Roy
guard named on the bench? I suspect this would probably
be the last time we see him before the opening test.
Can't see them playing him against the Bulls. In fact,
there's been a bit of shadow that Dave Rennie is
going to use a six to two bench against well
he's running out of time now to use them one
of the other two two games, so probably against the
(25:37):
balls then. So maybe you look at a Ratama starting
in a carter off the bench.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Yeah, I think you're you're protecting your most influential set
and just don't risk it.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
Don't risk it, don't risk the biscuit. Yeah, so we'll
see how that unfolds. But otherwise, yeah, close to a
shadow test side. So what are the expectations? Given we
had the Stormers game in mind and the changes that
have been made since by Dave Rennie, you'd expect a
much better and more cohesive performance given a lot of
these players have played together, even you know, Oppressed in
(26:11):
Love combination has played together for Wellington the NPC level.
Speaker 3 (26:14):
Yeah. Absolutely, Look, this team is probably only going to
have two trainings together, but they have by and large
played a lot together. Look at the midfield, Jordy Barrett, Quinte,
Pier Ruben Love. Yeah, you've got your two of your
best props there, so that should shore up the scrum.
I think, vastly improved performance. It is going to be
(26:35):
intriguing to see how the All Blacks deal with the rain.
It's meant to chuck it down. Yeah, so that will
potentially impact their handling. You'd imagine the Sharks will kick
a lot to them, but this is always This is
a gonna be a second string Sharks side, Like the
Stormers were playing out of season, and I think it
(26:56):
is reflective of where they're at that they've got Marnano
on the bench. You know how old's not enough for
forty four look amazing servants All Black legends still clearly
got a bit of guess in the tank. But I'm
on the fence about this. I think there's a case
(27:17):
to be made that he's preventing a pretty special opportunity
for a young or old South African player who may
never get the chance to play against the All Blacks
who are at this level.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Again, Yeah, Scott publicity stunt written all over it to
try and get a few people more through the gates
tomorrow night here in Durbin. I'm not specifically against it,
but I just Yeah, it is a little crass, a
little techy. You know. It's one thing. You think that's
two thousand and eight when they played months to the
(27:49):
All Blacks and Wroughte, the Pooky and dug Aulett and
I think maybe one other whose name is skaps me
now is did Ahaka against it. It feels like they're
trying to engineer that. But those players played for that club.
You know, they were squad members and look, I know
Man already has signed for them, but it's more in
a coaching role and just there's a there's a sense
of just a publicity stunt there and a little bit tacky.
(28:14):
Having said that, people will be interested in it, and
you know it's remarkable that he's still going at forty four.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Yeah, look, people will, I guess the back end of
the game. You think about none who coming up against
Tavi Tabanaway. There's some big body contact coming there. But yeah,
I just think if I was in the shoes of
a young South African, I think about what young Jakim
twenty year old, and you know he's going to remember
that experience for the rest of his life, coming up
(28:40):
against his idol Boden Barretts. So to rob a player
of that opportunity seems a wee bit wrong, But yeah,
we live in a financial world, don't we.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
We do. Indeed, the spring Box playing Argentina their final
game before the start of this four test series over
I po sidi is I'm convincing from the Springbox seventeen
ten fair to say the game didn't rise to any
great heights. Watched this at a sports club here in
Durban last night with a parochial as you'd expect a
(29:15):
spring Box crowd. I don't think overly happy with the
way they played, but wins a winner's a win, and
I suspect they've left a bit in the tank and
a bit in the russy playbook as they prepare for
the All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Now, Yes, indeed, I think there's a bit of shadow
boxing going on prior to these tests, aren't there. Look
the Box got ebbin Est a bit back and Sasha
the Golden Boy at ten. But look, this match was
left a lot to be desired. It was a kick
fest eighty kicks. The spring Box defended well, the attack
(29:50):
was pretty poor. I thought a second string Pumas team
put them under a lot of heat, but not much
to take out of that game that will carry forwards.
The big talking point being Seecalis's injury hamstring recurrence that
could potentially rule them out of this greatest rivalry tour.
How much of a blow would that be.
Speaker 2 (30:08):
I think it'd be a huge way. He'd still be
around the squad, and what a leader and what an
inspiration he is to that spring Box team, and I
think not having him out of the park I think
would be a loss for him. But the kind of
depth that Russy Erasthmus's cultivators, he'll be confident that it's
(30:28):
next man up and whoever he puts into that role.
I was impressed by Hunnikhm was outstanding. Yeah, but then
you got you know, Jasper Visa and a number eight.
I'm not sure technically whether Hunnikham could move to open side.
I'm not really sure about, you know, his versatility there.
But he was impressed him. So they'll find someone in
the spring Box.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
There's no shortage of depth, but from a charismatic point
of view, inspiration pretty hard to replace.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
There certainly is a couple more things before we wrap
up the r his shield heading home.
Speaker 3 (31:02):
I thought we mentioned that already.
Speaker 2 (31:03):
No, I think we should got to a little more death,
not that I've actually seen the full game, but just
specially when the good guys win, isn't it and the
redfully shield heading to its rightful place.
Speaker 3 (31:13):
Yeah, I thought it was over. The sickness starting to
come back, starting to come back.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Anything you want to say, congratulations.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
Or no, no, done done, all done on that front,
I think.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Okay, we will should be done, all done on the
podcast as well. That'll do us. We'll be back in
a few days time, once we've got the Sharks game
in the books and we head to Johannesburg to prepare
for the Bulls in Pretoria. Legam, continue on your path
to good health. Appreciate your time.
Speaker 3 (31:39):
Yes, thanks for your services, and good luck to the
bad plenty.
Speaker 2 (31:43):
Don't give me that Marke Kelly for producing. We appreciate
him as always, and we are powered by Forklift Solutions,
lifting you and your business to a higher.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
For more from News Talks d B, listen live on
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
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Speaker 2 (00:19):
Straight down the Middle Truck Sky.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Try to get inside the game from every angle. It's
Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, powered by
News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome to Rugby Direct powered by Folklib Solutions, lifting you
and your business to a high level. Elliott Smith with
me Leam Napier from New Zealand Herald, the debates the
opening week of Rugby's greatest rivalry Tour. We've moved from
Cape Town to Durban as we record this, looking out
over the beach and the ocean, which is magnificent to view. Unfortunately,
(01:02):
the cloud's wrong. It's been a couple of warm days
since we arrived in Durban, but it's going to be
rainy only for the the tour match against the Sharks
as well. But we'll get onto all that in a moment. Liam,
first and foremost good to have the tour underway, isn't
it and have some some rugby to talk about it is.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
It's been highly anticipated as an Elliott's traveled a long
way and I feel like it's been on the radar
for a long time, so to get to Cape Town
and for some of the tour party to get to
the game.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Special. Yeah, let's let's talk about that. You were a
game day withdrawal from actually attending the opening game.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah, it was but a guesstro It's a hell of
a casualty incapacitated. I won't go into too many details,
but yes, on the morning of the match, it was
some worse for wear and it saw a lot of
the bathroom for twenty four hours and slowly coming right.
So wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Yeah, the Shades of nineteen ninety five really, isn't it?
In the All Blacks it is.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Yeah, I might have to try track down old Susie
issues that. But I did appreciate you coming and dropping
me a piece of white bread and power it at
my door.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
There was my request. It wasn't like Anna.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
Yeah, I was in the right state. So what a trooper,
what a mate there in my time of need.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
No pleasure? And look, let's hope that you pass the
fitness teast ahead of the Sharks game on Tuesday night
our time. You did watch it from your sick bed
on Super Sport I assume what did you make of
the All Blacks performance?
Speaker 3 (02:44):
It was the dustiest match report in history. And look,
it was a fairly dusty old game, I think from
the All Blacks in some ways expected given that that
was a team that had been largely thrown together second
string new combinations. But it was a real smack in
the face I think for the All Blacks an upper
cup on the chin. However you want to describe it,
(03:07):
so many any things you can talk about coming to
South Africa, you know what you're going to expect, but
then to confront it. We talked to Sam Dowry today
and he basically said that and Dave Rennie as well,
that you can talk about these things but until you
experience them. And almost half this All Black squad haven't
experienced South African opposition or played the spring box in
South Africa, and it is such a unique proposition from
(03:29):
a physicality perspective, from a game perspective, and then you
throw in Carl Dixon in the mix and it's a
hell of a cocktail. So look, the scrum was a
bit of a shambles, wasn't it. They didn't defend the
rolling more well, they barely caught one if any high ball.
Some of their catch pass skills are really ropie. I
thought the bench made a big impact late in the
(03:50):
game and they finished well to score four tries and
put the Stormers away. But look, it was a fairly
low bar starting point.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
It was. It was quite disappointing. I thought from the
All Blacks. Yes, these players, a lot of them won't
be in the test run on fifteen anyway, they might
be on the bench options. But yeah, it probably exposed
a few areas where the All Blacks are seriously deficient in,
especially when you get away from the top team. And look,
(04:21):
there are going to be injuries on this tour. We've
already had a couple and then you're going to have
to dig into your reserves. And I think it was
some worrying trends there of players that were exposed quite
deeply in certain facets of the game. The scrum was
a real issue. Passily Atossi can see the three scrum
penalties of the Stormer's tight head. Vernon of Tongo basically
(04:42):
had a field day with him and passily O Tossi
I think did win one back, but couldn't show the
right pictures to Carle Dixon that he wanted to. So
that's a concern because that is going to now put
a you know, his card might be marked in terms
of this tour. I know he's playing against the Sharks
and coming off the bench there, but in terms of
those big games on the tour, I don't know whether
(05:04):
the All Blacks can risk bringing him back out without
some serious work on whatever deficiencies we saw. So I
think there's a question.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Well, you're one injury away from Pasilio TOSSI been on
the bench for the spring Box Test match. We've got
Tyro Lomax and Fiction Newell who are serious noted scrummages,
and the same goes for Ethan Degree on the loose
head side. Look, he may well make adjustments and get
up to speed, but that was a baptism of fire
(05:35):
and he didn't handle it well. So he I think
it is notable as well that he's been thrown out
there again on the bench a matter of four days later.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Yeah, exactly. And I'm not saying that it was all
his fault because this is open to interpretation, and I'm
sure internally in the All Blacks maybe they've seen some
different things in their review that maybe they suggest that,
you know, it wasn't the case that Tossi was infringing
as much as Carl Dixon thought, But regardless, it becomes
a theme and you start painting the pictures. It's something
that referees now look out for and subconsciously, whatever it is,
(06:07):
whether it's Carl Dix, Matthew Carley, Angus Gardner, Nika Amisha
Kelly with Parsalali or Tossing out there, they'll be going
in the head. This is the guy that incorrectly and
illegally scrummaged three times against a franchise team, and so
that will just be in the back of the head,
I think. So. I'm sure they can rectify those fixes
and make them sort it out, but I just wanted
(06:28):
to worry long term, you know, on this tour, whether
his card might might be marked for those big games
elsewhere we're talking about the scrum. The Rolling War defense
was really poor. The attacks sort of been missing for
periods of the game. They struggled to get incisions with
bald hand.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
And discipline didn't help them. They started really well and
then it was six penalties and I think they conceded,
and then the yellow cards came, they down to thirteen
men living without the ball. The Stormers they are allowed
to dictate terms through through their set piece, through the
tempo of the game, so their backs didn't get to
impose their style, did they, And they're on the back
foot basically scrambling until I think they scored in the
(07:13):
fifth minute and then scored their second try just before halftime,
and even then by no means dominant until late in
the second half, so they had to really dig deep
in fight.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
They did have to fight, and they look better when
the bench came on. They started really strong with the
first five six minutes. It was all the All Blacks,
and it wasn't until they went down the other end
of the park and started conceding penalties at will that
it sort of began to fall apart. Boden Barratt's performance.
What did you make of that?
Speaker 3 (07:44):
Yeah, not great. Look, Boden hadn't played for almost two months,
and I'm not making excuses for him, but it was
playing helps from a rhythm and a confidence perspective. But
it did feel like a continuation of what we saw
from him at the Blues this year, which was quite hesitant.
(08:06):
I don't know whether he's lost a bit of confidence
in his body. He just doesn't seem to challenge the line.
There's a lot of shuffling. Even early in the match
when the All Blacks made breaks, he put a little
kick and they were entering the Stormers twenty two. Little
eras creeping into his game. There was the second half
restart that went short. He grabbed an opposition player in
(08:27):
the air, gave away a penalty. There there was the
telling one where the high ball he went up and
just looked at it and didn't contest it. So look,
I think worrying signs. I think that was his big chance.
He waited all July, didn't get an opportunity. This was
such a long time coming, And to be honest, I
(08:50):
was I thought Yakim that the twenty year old on
debut for the Stormers outplayed him.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Yeah, I think he did too, and it was notable.
And yes, the tide was turning at the point of
the game where Josh Jacob came on, But it was
noticeable having Jacob on the impact he had, just in
terms of straightening the attack a little bit and being
decisive and knowing what he was wanting to do. Maybe
(09:16):
gouldkicking aside, but I thought it was just noticeable and
it's hard to real too much into it, as I said,
because it was with the Stormers tiring and the all
Backs were getting on top at that point of the game.
But it did just feel like I'm trying to think
exactly when he came on, it was I think after
the All Backs had gone maybe twenty one to fourteen up,
but it felt like the attack was just straightened out
(09:38):
a little bit once Drakan came on the part.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Yeah, I think so. And look, Dave Rien has been
open about the fact that Boden Barrett started this first
game against the Stormers, Ruben Love's going to start against
the Sharks, and Josh Jacob is probably going to get
a crack against the Bulls. But that wasn't the performance
I think Boden would have wanted. And if Bill Blacks,
(10:02):
I feel like protecting him a wee bit at the
moment with their public missiting around it. And he's obviously
an experienced member of the squad and I'm sure he's
doing a lot of mentoring behind the scenes, But from
a pure performance perspective, I think that that was not
the standard we've come to expect from Bowden, and you know,
(10:23):
we probably haven't seen the level that we expect from him,
certainly this year.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Well Man, he'll know that, like he's a quality player,
and he'll know that he isn't that that wasn't the
best he can deliver. The question is whether agains another
opportunity to show that, and I'm not sure that he will,
because speaking he will probably come off the bench, maybe
against the Bulls, perhaps spitballing here here.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Perhaps play against the Lions. The only other point I
would make is there weren't too many players in that
game from a little black perspective that actually enhearance their claims.
From a test perspective, I would say Peter Luckeye was outstanding.
Anton Lena Brown was busy. He got mad of the
match even though he got the yellow card. Fabian Holland
got two taling line out steels, one when the All
Blacks were under massive heat and the other directly led
(11:09):
to a try. I think it was for Josh Morby.
But outside of that, Riquewan.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
He was I thought Antonine signal was good again.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
But on the whole there's not too many players that
you would say you put some real and pressure on
the incumbent.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Yeah, I wonder whether I mean it's been well telegraphed
at the All Blacks have pretty much had the first
Test team locked in played and I'm not saying this
they weren't playing with that in mind. But I don't
know it Just you know, when you when you say
that the first Test team is locked in, hard to
put your hand up when you are on the outside
looking in already. I don't know.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Yeah, potentially, And look, there's a number of factors. They
were under massive pressure in that game. They didn't have
it all their own way, and they didn't adjust to
Carl Dixon either. I think that was a massive part
of the lack of flow and how the All Blacks
wanted to play and look good. That's a reality they're
(12:05):
going to have to call. Dixon is going to be
in charge of Baltimore, so there's no getting away from it.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
That's right. I don't think Carl Dixon is a t
standard referee, but he has been awarded these matches, so
you have to find a way to get up to
speed with Carl Dixon. He operates some bizarre lines at
the moment, held.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
What do you make it that penalty trow for Josh Molby.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Like again, Carl Dixon referees the game to the letter
of the law, but it's like an aligen has come
down read the World Rugby rule balok and gone, okay,
I've put this into my brain. Now I don't know
how to do it. He's this is a blog that
played professional rugby, yet he seems to have no feel
for the game.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
Yeah, he's overly officious, massively right.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Yeah, and look he is I'm sure impressing world rugby
bosses because he does catch everything that they're after. But
I you know, he played close to two hundred games.
I think it was for Harlequins maybe, but you wouldn't
know it. Like he referees the game like it is
his first time seeing it and he's following the exact
(13:03):
letter of the world law. But again, I can moan
about it on this podcast, and I will, But if
you're the all blacks he's got, then they're not going
to change the referee appointments. So you've got to deal
with the way that he's going to referee, the way
that Matthew Carly's going to referee, the way that Nika
Amashakelly is going to referee in the way the Angers
Gardener referees. And I think, going back to my point
from last week, it would be easy if Carl Dixon
(13:26):
was referee for every match of the series, or whoever
might be.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
No one wants to see.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
No, but you would at least get used to knowing
which way the game is going to be. It's just
it goes in wild different areas depending on who's got
the whistle. And I don't think it's healthy for the
sport and world rugby is asleep at the wheel because
they've got no desire to change it. Don't seem interested
in the fact that this is supposed to be an
entertainment product. They've absolutely washed their hands of anything to
(13:52):
do with the entertainment product. Test level and then the
TMO intervening every five minutes and the game as well.
It was just this, This rugby's greatest rivalry is built
on the tradition, but it's also built on entertainment and
the two best supposed team at playing rugby, and yet
the refereeing was a distraction from that. And this is
(14:14):
the point that rugby has got to now, is that
everyone tries to sell this as a form of entertainment,
but World Rugby and the referees don't seem to listen.
I don't know. I think it's gonna be a long
tour if this is the kind of refereeing standard that
we're used to.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Yeah, we don't want to be talking about this the
whole time.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
No, but I don't, I don't, Reginuely don't.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
But you're rights. It's a frustration that we don't want
these referees to be focal figures, but it is incumbent
on the All Blacks to adjust.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Indeed, like let's move on from that. Some news out
of the All Blacks camp today that Billy Procter is
heading home from the tour. Suspected to be the case
after we saw him on Friday nights our time his
shoulder arm was it a slang, didn't look good and
(15:07):
Dave Rennick confirming it's a fractured shoulder blade. So he's
going to be out for ten to twelve weeks, which
you look at this point in time, that's anywhere between
two to three months, which could even be the end
of your tour.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
Pretty much the end of your season. Yeah, two to
three months.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
I think, so you rehab it back. He's back here, I.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Think he will struggle with back. So devastating blow for
Billy first and foremost, isn't it. This is the once
in a lifetime tour. And look, he's not going to
be the last we've had George Bell. They're going to
be on the same flight home and we've had one game.
This is going to be a hugely arduous tour that's
going to claim many casualties. Yeah, it's a blow for
(15:46):
the all Becks because I think while Billy hasn't reached
great heights, he still has test experience. And it depletes
your depth in their midfield, doesn't it.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
It does? And you know there, we're going to be
two games down by the time they get a replacement over,
so you've still got six games to go. The question
is do they go for a lightfu light midfield placement
or do they go for Richie Moong? And you asked
the question today whether Mona's in the conversation, and Dave
Rennie chuckled and said, we'll go through the process, which
(16:19):
to me suggests that he is very much in the
picture for coming over and replacing Billy. Prop to would
that be the right thing for the All Blacks to
do well?
Speaker 3 (16:30):
First of all, midfield is not an area of great
depth and he's Yellow Rugby, I don't think at the moment.
But they do have enough cover within that All Black
squad to get through this tour, right Jordi, Barrett, Quinte,
Pier Antonina Brown, Riquewanny Tava Tavanawa. Those aren't by any
count established options, but there is enough cover there. So look,
(16:55):
Dave Renie's made. And then from a midfield perspective, you've
had a j Lamb Branden in or David Heavily's still playing,
but he's going offshore as well. So there's number of former.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Or Blacks in all cloud yep.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Guys on the fringe leaving. So depth isn't great there
and so for me, there's no obvious next in line replacement.
Maybe it's David Hevilli, maybe you bring him over even
though he's leaving. But look, Dave Renie's made no secret
of the fact that he wanted Muwanga here from the outset.
He brought him into the pre Super Rugby Final camp.
(17:32):
He publicly stated that he wanted to get Muanglan and
use him in the opening tour game against the Stormers.
So look, I think in my mind there's no question
that really asked the question of New Zealand rugby. Richie
has now played two games for Canterbury. Unfortunately one of
those was wrestling the raanfully shield away.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Hopefully have you brought it up before I did?
Speaker 3 (17:55):
That's great from mighty Otago. I'm not sure how much.
I haven't seen the game. I don't know how much
of a role we played in that. But look, regardless,
he's surely he's like ticked that box now right And
the only question I would have is is it a
bit fascical that the All Blacks have selected four playmakers
(18:16):
and they're all still fits and you replace a midfielder
with ten.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Well, they're replaced Morne Nadawa with Ethan black Hair at
twenty three World Cup Spring Walks replaced Malcolm Marx with
Hondra Pollard the twenty three World Cup.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
It's a coach is progative, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Absolutely? If they yeah, I mean, if they want to
bring him in, are you? I think in the absence
of equality midfielder and I can't think of the next
player in line, you know, they had Cooper Cooper Roberts
and Camp you know, as a training partner in Christy.
I mean, he's barely played super rugular so you couldn't
(18:54):
bring him into the mix. So I can't think of
a quality player to bring in. And so yeah, OK,
I'll be comfortable enough with them bringing Richie Wallinger. And
you think, as you said, he Dave Ready talked about
he was planning to use me against the storm as
if he was able to be selected, and you work
your way backwards and go well, that kind of moved
Josh Jacob probably into the selection and touring party because
(19:18):
they couldn't take Richie Wong and working your way backwards
from the first Test side was the kind of players
they needed. So look the doors opened out for him
to get there. Theilbacks are on a limited runway to
the Rugbill Cup under this management. It's the case it
needs must be.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
I think it in Ore, Yeah, I think there's the
point is you're paying Richard m Wang a hell of
a lot of rugby right money right now to be
playing provincial rugby and as you say, the runway to
the World Cup, this guy's going to be at the
World Cup. He needs to be involved. Really, you're shooting
yourself in the foot here. I understand the stipulations that
Mwanga didn't sign for two years and so that stipulates
(19:57):
that he should be playing a full NPC campaign, but
just the optics around it and all the gray areas
around sabbaticals, I mean, just just sign it off, you know,
and if you have to bring over another midfielder at
a later date, so beer, it's cut before the horse
a little bit, but I don't see that changing the
complexion of the first Test team. Maybe Muanga comes into
(20:19):
the picture later in the tour, but Rennie's point all along,
I think, has been to get him involved and to
get him up to speed from a game plan perspective,
and yeah, just utilize him. Well, he's wasted playing for
Vinci Rugby.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
Yeah, look there's a big Shield defense coming up next weekend,
so we can flight they bring him over you want,
by a plenty. I'm sure our producer Mark would want
that as well. Yeah. Look, I think these eligibility laws
need to be simplified. It doesn't make sense to the
common fan that he is playing for Cannaby in the NBC.
(20:56):
There's the big tourk on over here that they've piped
up to the nth degree and Richard mccaugh is not
Richard Walk. Well, get Richie McCord back. Richie Walk is
not playing and you know the bigger one. So we'll
wait and see on that front.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Yeah, and if it doesn't transpire, it's not it's gonna
be an ongoing conversation that anytime a bat goes down,
it's gonna be like, well, Dave, get a swing at
that time.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Probably better just to get ripped the band aid off
and get him at the camp team named to play
the Shucks by Dave Rennie as well. I don't know
if he caught a shadow test side, given there are
niggles with Torol Lomax, Zavi Amia, Will Jordan, Cody Taylor's
still injured, Ardie sa Viga not here but close to
(21:43):
a shadow test side. I suppose any surprises in the mix.
Speaker 3 (21:46):
For you there, I don't think so that is absolutely
a shadow test team without those guys who Dave Rennie
said today will luckily all be fit for the next
tour game against the Bulls. Will Jordan's nigglie back, which
was potentially worrying, but he didn't seem too concerned about it.
No major surprises. I think Luke jacob and captaining the
(22:09):
team certainly signals his rise and the ranks under any
As you pointed out today at the presser, Jacobson is
a guy that's been in and out of this All
Black team prior to this regime. He's come and he's
nailed his chance as starting open side, and now he's
taken on the captaincy for this game. I think some
(22:29):
players have a lot to gain from this match. I'm
very intrigued to see Kyle Preston get a start. I
haven't seen a lot of them. Wasn't sighted in July.
Came off the bench against the Stormers. I am of
the view that he should be backing up cam Roy guards.
I think it will be good to see Finga and off.
(22:50):
We haven't cited him since five or ten minutes off
the bench in that first Test. Had a shoulder injury,
he was sick. So intrigued to see how he handles
that high ball, in particular Wallas tit pulled out late
against the Stormers. Now gets a chance. He's he needs
a big performance and maybe even a Caleb Clark. I
don't think that back three is totally locked in yet.
(23:13):
I didn't think Josh Morby had had his best display
against the Stormers, but he's a guy that is certainly
proficient under the high wall.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
He is indeed yet looked the number of players still missing,
but you can see the the first choice nature of
this team shining through in the players that have been selected. Look,
Luke Jacobson played that his stocks have risen incredibly this
year with the appointment really of Dave Rennie's coach. I
(23:42):
mean that's been one of the main reasons that he's
playing as much rugby now in All Blacks Captain, big
opportunity I suppose for him. Look, he has gone you
would think start that first Test, but I think it's
another chance for Luke Jacobson just to get some more
game time in the All Blacks Jersey. I agree about
Kyle Preston really looking forward to seeing what he can
do with me. He had a rough souper rugby season,
(24:03):
was on the pine every game he played for the Crusaders,
and I think was maybe injury in the one game
where they chose to rotate Hoth him out of their
twenty three and they called on Louis Chapman. So he
just didn't have much luck this year and hasn't played
a lot of rugby, so big chance for him to
come on this week. The locks are interesting once again,
you know that's real tight squeeze ahead of that first
(24:26):
match as well, and you look at the bench and
SIMSI tu law a really fascinated to see how he
goes with the first taste of quasi international rugby and
saying what kind of impacts he can make because I
think he's a dead set, really exciting player.
Speaker 3 (24:41):
Yeah, he's a good point. He's one guy that could
be a massive mover very quickly if I hope he
gets some genuine game time half an hour off the
bench because he could be a real weapon. You think
about we talked about off here about a guy like
lestifying a Nuoku and the ability to inject some genuine
(25:02):
size and physicality off the bench against the box. In particular,
there is you know, oh substitute for size at times,
and Samisi has that. So I'm very intrigued to see
him unleashed on the stage.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
Yeah. Absolutely. The other point tonight as well, can Roy
guard named on the bench? I suspect this would probably
be the last time we see him before the opening test.
Can't see them playing him against the Bulls. In fact,
there's been a bit of shadow that Dave Rennie is
going to use a six to two bench against well
he's running out of time now to use them one
of the other two two games, so probably against the
(25:37):
balls then. So maybe you look at a Ratama starting
in a carter off the bench.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Yeah, I think you're you're protecting your most influential set
and just don't risk it.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
Don't risk it, don't risk the biscuit. Yeah, so we'll
see how that unfolds. But otherwise, yeah, close to a
shadow test side. So what are the expectations? Given we
had the Stormers game in mind and the changes that
have been made since by Dave Rennie, you'd expect a
much better and more cohesive performance given a lot of
these players have played together, even you know, Oppressed in
(26:11):
Love combination has played together for Wellington the NPC level.
Speaker 3 (26:14):
Yeah. Absolutely, Look, this team is probably only going to
have two trainings together, but they have by and large
played a lot together. Look at the midfield, Jordy Barrett, Quinte,
Pier Ruben Love. Yeah, you've got your two of your
best props there, so that should shore up the scrum.
I think, vastly improved performance. It is going to be
(26:35):
intriguing to see how the All Blacks deal with the rain.
It's meant to chuck it down. Yeah, so that will
potentially impact their handling. You'd imagine the Sharks will kick
a lot to them, but this is always This is
a gonna be a second string Sharks side, Like the
Stormers were playing out of season, and I think it
(26:56):
is reflective of where they're at that they've got Marnano
on the bench. You know how old's not enough for
forty four look amazing servants All Black legends still clearly
got a bit of guess in the tank. But I'm
on the fence about this. I think there's a case
(27:17):
to be made that he's preventing a pretty special opportunity
for a young or old South African player who may
never get the chance to play against the All Blacks
who are at this level.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Again, Yeah, Scott publicity stunt written all over it to
try and get a few people more through the gates
tomorrow night here in Durbin. I'm not specifically against it,
but I just Yeah, it is a little crass, a
little techy. You know. It's one thing. You think that's
two thousand and eight when they played months to the
(27:49):
All Blacks and Wroughte, the Pooky and dug Aulett and
I think maybe one other whose name is skaps me
now is did Ahaka against it. It feels like they're
trying to engineer that. But those players played for that club.
You know, they were squad members and look, I know
Man already has signed for them, but it's more in
a coaching role and just there's a there's a sense
of just a publicity stunt there and a little bit tacky.
(28:14):
Having said that, people will be interested in it, and
you know it's remarkable that he's still going at forty four.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Yeah, look, people will, I guess the back end of
the game. You think about none who coming up against
Tavi Tabanaway. There's some big body contact coming there. But yeah,
I just think if I was in the shoes of
a young South African, I think about what young Jakim
twenty year old, and you know he's going to remember
that experience for the rest of his life, coming up
(28:40):
against his idol Boden Barretts. So to rob a player
of that opportunity seems a wee bit wrong, But yeah,
we live in a financial world, don't we.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
We do. Indeed, the spring Box playing Argentina their final
game before the start of this four test series over
I po sidi is I'm convincing from the Springbox seventeen
ten fair to say the game didn't rise to any
great heights. Watched this at a sports club here in
Durban last night with a parochial as you'd expect a
(29:15):
spring Box crowd. I don't think overly happy with the
way they played, but wins a winner's a win, and
I suspect they've left a bit in the tank and
a bit in the russy playbook as they prepare for
the All Blacks.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Now, Yes, indeed, I think there's a bit of shadow
boxing going on prior to these tests, aren't there. Look
the Box got ebbin Est a bit back and Sasha
the Golden Boy at ten. But look, this match was
left a lot to be desired. It was a kick
fest eighty kicks. The spring Box defended well, the attack
(29:50):
was pretty poor. I thought a second string Pumas team
put them under a lot of heat, but not much
to take out of that game that will carry forwards.
The big talking point being Seecalis's injury hamstring recurrence that
could potentially rule them out of this greatest rivalry tour.
How much of a blow would that be.
Speaker 2 (30:08):
I think it'd be a huge way. He'd still be
around the squad, and what a leader and what an
inspiration he is to that spring Box team, and I
think not having him out of the park I think
would be a loss for him. But the kind of
depth that Russy Erasthmus's cultivators, he'll be confident that it's
(30:28):
next man up and whoever he puts into that role.
I was impressed by Hunnikhm was outstanding. Yeah, but then
you got you know, Jasper Visa and a number eight.
I'm not sure technically whether Hunnikham could move to open side.
I'm not really sure about, you know, his versatility there.
But he was impressed him. So they'll find someone in
the spring Box.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
There's no shortage of depth, but from a charismatic point
of view, inspiration pretty hard to replace.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
There certainly is a couple more things before we wrap
up the r his shield heading home.
Speaker 3 (31:02):
I thought we mentioned that already.
Speaker 2 (31:03):
No, I think we should got to a little more death,
not that I've actually seen the full game, but just
specially when the good guys win, isn't it and the
redfully shield heading to its rightful place.
Speaker 3 (31:13):
Yeah, I thought it was over. The sickness starting to
come back, starting to come back.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Anything you want to say, congratulations.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
Or no, no, done done, all done on that front,
I think.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Okay, we will should be done, all done on the
podcast as well. That'll do us. We'll be back in
a few days time, once we've got the Sharks game
in the books and we head to Johannesburg to prepare
for the Bulls in Pretoria. Legam, continue on your path
to good health. Appreciate your time.
Speaker 3 (31:39):
Yes, thanks for your services, and good luck to the
bad plenty.
Speaker 2 (31:43):
Don't give me that Marke Kelly for producing. We appreciate
him as always, and we are powered by Forklift Solutions,
lifting you and your business to a higher.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
For more from News Talks d B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
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