Full Show Podcast: 10 May 2025

Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks dB.

Speaker 2 (00:13):
The only place for the big names, the big issues.

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The big controversies, and the big conversations.

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It's all on Weekend.

Speaker 1 (00:24):
Sport with Jason Vain on your home of Sport News
Talks ed B.

Speaker 3 (00:30):
Hello there you to good afternoon. Welcome into Weekend Sport
on News Talks EDB. For Saturday, May ten, Happy birthday
to Olympic gold medal winning Kiwi year Questry in blythe State.
Happy birthday, Dennis burg Camp, Happy birthday Chris Cougar line.
Question why can't Grace Wiki play for the Silver Ferns. Look,
we all know what the rules say, but everybody wants

(00:52):
her to fans, her teammates, her coach, even the CEO.
Everybody that is, it seems apart from the Board of
Netball New Zealand who set and enforced the rules around
eligibility and therefore if they want to can be flexible
around them, what chance they'll make an exception for one
of our most important players. Chair of NEPLE New Zealand's board,

(01:13):
Matt Winnaday is a standing by the chat with US
former silver fer and our network commentator Ardan Wilson later
this hour as well. Your views, though, are encouraged on this. Surely,
to goodness common sense should prevail here other matters around
today whatefit of rugby. Actually, Black Ferns their first test
of a massive year this afternoon as they target the
World Cup later in twenty twenty five. They play Australia

(01:36):
in Newcastle. We'll preview that for you before three o'clock.
Massive game of rugby in christ Church tonight meantime Crusaders
against the Chiefs, top of the table, Super rugby clash,
maybe a Grand Final rest rehearsal. Who knows, will unpack
that for you as well with Tony Johnson and take
your predictions. The Blues are back into the top six
for the meantime after their win in Suva last night

(01:58):
over the Fijian Drewer thirty four to five That officially
eliminates the Drawer from finals contention they cannot now make.
It also sets up a fairly tasty game between Mona
Pacifica and the Blues a week tonight at Albany. The
result of that will go a long way to deciding
which of those two makes the top six. And the
British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia in July

(02:21):
and August has been named. Going to break that down
for you with James Burridge from the BBC are the matters.
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker's on the show news yesterday
that Mount Smart Go Media Stadium will add extra seats
for their A League Football semifinal a fortnite tonight and
if the Grand Final is held in Auckland. Of Auckland

(02:43):
FC make the Grand Final over King's Birthday weekend, it
is going to be at Go Media Stadium. How big
a win is keeping their team at their home venue.
Ossie correspondent Adam Peacock in his regular slot as well
Live Sport while we're on the air today. The NBA
Semifinals continue. In the East. Game three in the best

(03:04):
of seven series between the PACs and the Cavaliers is
underway in Indianapolis. The Pacers lead that series to nil
in the first quarter. The Cavaliers thirty two twenty four
ahead as they try to get their first one on
the board in the semifinal series. In the West, Game
three between the Nuggets and OKC in Denver underway at

(03:26):
two o'clock this afternoon. That series locked at one game
all a whole host of round one matches as well
in the very famous Chatham Cup. I'm going to keep
an eye on those for you when they kick off
and try and find a giant killer for you in
the first round. We invite you to take part in
the conversation on the show if you would like to.
It's easy. Oh eight hundred and eighty ten eighty is

(03:48):
our phone number nine two nine to two on text
emails into Jason at NEWSTALKSEDB dot co dot NZ ten
and a half past midday.

Speaker 1 (03:57):
Breaking down the Hail Mary's and the every fails weekend
sport with Jason m News Talk zeb.

Speaker 3 (04:06):
So uncertainty continues over the prospect of our top netball
shooter playing for New Zealand in twenty twenty five. Tara
conin that's would be the tenth of the day.

Speaker 4 (04:20):
I think Grace Wicking, how did she keep that alive?

Speaker 3 (04:28):
So, as I'm sure you'll know, Grace Wiki made the
decision to play her domestic netball in Australia this year
instead of playing in our am Z Premiership, which gets
underway this weekend. Now, the current rules prevent anyone who
doesn't play their netball domestically from representing New Zealand, but

(04:49):
Netball New Zealand CEO Jenny Wiley said this week that
the board is continuing to review its guidelines around this.
Let's find out how that's going. Chair of Netball New
Zealand is Matt Winnada, who joins us now. Matt, thanks
so much for taking the time for a chat to
us to give us some clarity here. When is the
board likely to make a decision around grice wiki's eligibility

(05:12):
for the silver ferns this year?

Speaker 5 (05:15):
Thanks Jason. Look, the question of eligibility and the state
of that policy is a live conversation with the board
at the moment and will continue to work through that.
I haven't got a time train for you right now,
but I have to say it is definitely a live conversation.
We are continuing to have it. And really, if you

(05:35):
think about it, what we're trying to do is behind
a bunch of stakeholder stakeholder interests here. This is not
about a single player. It's about our system. You know,
we've got a very strong we've got a visible competition
in the Ams Premiership, which gives our nearly one hundred
and fifty thousand registered players something to aspire to, and
our one million silver fan great nettle to watch in

(05:58):
our sixty professional athletes and coaches and their coaches an
opportunity to learn, earn a living in the sport they love.

Speaker 6 (06:07):
We've also of course.

Speaker 5 (06:08):
Got players who are looking to get experiences, broaden your experiences,
and a Civiver Fernd's coach who wants to put a
great team on the court. So so we've got the
task of making sure that that policy is such a
purpose and balancing all of the stakeholder interests and that's
what we're working through at the moment and will continue
to do that.

Speaker 3 (06:27):
So how does a strong A and Z Premiership or
having a strong A and Z Premiership, how is that
affected by Grace Wiki playing for the Silver Ferns.

Speaker 5 (06:40):
Well, they said, this is about this is about the
broader system. So it's about it's not about making a
rule for a for an individual player. This is about
making sure that we've got a policy that works and
so that that's what we're thinking about at the moment
is what what what's the what's the right setting for
that policy that can that can address you know, those

(07:00):
different stakeholder interests that that I mentioned.

Speaker 3 (07:02):
Well, look, everyone understands there's a wider issue here absolutely
other than just one player. But if we talk about
Grace wiki here because she's the one that we're most
interested in. Everyone, her coach, the teammates, the fans, they
all want Grace to play for New Zealand, So why
wouldn't you grant that?

Speaker 5 (07:20):
So this is this is not a this is not
about an individual. This is about this is about getting
that that system setting right so that we've got all
of those all of those stakeholder interests being being addressed
and considered by the board. So and that will that
will ultimately result and decisions being made about individual players eligibility.

(07:42):
But the conversation we're having the board at the moment,
we don't at the moment have an application in front
of us, But the conversation we're having at the board
is what is the right setting to make sure that
we that we balance all of those stakeholder interests. And
obviously everybody's very interested about how that applies to one
player being Grace, and we've got we've got massive respect

(08:03):
for Grace's talent, And we understand that that's important issue
for people. But for us, we've just got to sort
out that those settings and then and then consider how
that applies to individuals. So understand everybody's interests, interest in it.
It's obviously the topic of the day. And and as
I say, we'll continue to work through that and and

(08:25):
and reach the reach the right season.

Speaker 3 (08:27):
Again, though, Matt, how would Netball's other stakeholders suffer from
you loosening the eligibility rules in this case?

Speaker 7 (08:37):
The way it the.

Speaker 5 (08:39):
Way it impacts is if we if we if we
provide exemptions to players they obviously play somewhere else. That
changes the visibility of those players and the cotribution of
those players to our domestic and that has impacts on
visibility of that for our for our young players, has

(08:59):
impacts on our commercial partners, has impacts on on the
broader system. So that's the that's that's why I sort
of ran through that list of the potential stakeholder interests
because all of those things are things that we're trying
to balance in this In this consideration.

Speaker 3 (09:14):
Grace has been on record as saying that she's going overseas,
has gone overseas took this opportunity to make herself a
better netballer. Is that not something Netball New Zealand would encourage.

Speaker 5 (09:25):
Oh, look, we we we don't disagree that Grace's looks
like she's having a great time this year and she's
playing really well. That's the great and that, as I say,
is one of those one of those considerations for for this,
for this decision is you know, what are those development
opportunities for our players, what are their expressed interests, what

(09:46):
are those other stakeholder interests that we're also balancing. But
we understand that that provides you know, a different a
different experience and you know, new opportunities. So that's all
part of the consideration as well.

Speaker 3 (09:58):
I guess, and I'm sorry if I'm missing something here, Matt,
but I guess I'm still trying to get my head
around what the downside to letting Grace play for New
Zealand would be.

Speaker 5 (10:10):
Well, as say Jason, which were thinking about this, this
is this for us is how do we think about
this at a system level so that we're not we're
not responding to individual individual player question. Is obviously that
happens when players make applications, but that we've got a
setting right from a system perspective, to to continue to
put on you know, and provide highly visible, great great

(10:32):
netball domestically produce good silver Ferns through our high performance pathways,
and also be able to respond to interested players.

Speaker 3 (10:40):
You're broadcaster for test matches as Sky Sport, would they
not want your best players out there playing for the
silver Ferns.

Speaker 5 (10:49):
Well, look, we all want we all want a great
product out there, and we all want a good team
out there. But ultimately, at the moment, you know, Grace
Graces has chosen to go over to to play for
the Swifts in the in the context of the of
the policy that exists that exists. Now that's not something
that we can we can stop or something that Sky

(11:12):
can stop at the moment in the context of the
current policy. But yet, look, we're all aligned and wanting
to put out great product and that is that means
you know, great products both at the amc P level
and at the Silver Fooons level.

Speaker 3 (11:25):
Can I just get clarity on something. There's been talk
of a trigger point of one hundred caps, and when
a player you know, plays one hundred tests for new Zealand,
these eligibility rules no longer apply to them. Is that
a black and white rule or not?

Speaker 5 (11:43):
Yeah, that's that's right. I'm not sure that you how
that narrative has become the received one, but that's correct.
There's not a that the hundred tests is not a
is not and is not the black and white rule
the players. I think what's happened is that the players
who received attemptions in the past have made massive contributions
to the game at all levels, including by playing more

(12:05):
than one hundred tests for the Silver Ferns. But as
that I can confirm that that is not the black
and white rule.

Speaker 3 (12:12):
Gotcha? Okay, good to have that cleared up. So you
mentioned before, you don't currently have an application in front
of you from any player to to test your eligibility
rules currently, so Grace Wiki hasn't made an application to
you through her representatives or through through the Silver Ferns

(12:33):
to request eligibility to play for New Zealand this year.

Speaker 5 (12:38):
I think Grace has made her her her her long
term desire to play for the Silver Ferns pretty clear,
and she made that She made that clear also at
the time when she when she announced his decision last year.
So we understand, we understand where Grace is, you know,
ultimate ultimate loyalty lies, which is to the Black Dress
at the moment. That's not that's not possible under our

(13:01):
current eligibility rules. But that's, as I say, the consideration
that the consideration that we're having with the discussion we're
having at the board at the moment, and I just.

Speaker 3 (13:10):
Want to absolutely clarify what your main concern is around
allowing her to play, and it is I'm sure you
know valid that if you didn't have to play domestic
netbaord to play in New Zealand or play for New
Zealand in a Silver Firm situation, then the fear would
be that you'd lose a whole bunch of players on
mass to overseas domestic competitions. Is that is that your

(13:32):
main concern?

Speaker 5 (13:35):
Yeah, it's just that's what I say, That's what I
mean when I talk about thinking about the whole system.
So what you what you're talking about, what we're talking
about when we balance all those stakeholder interests is the
interests of the overall system and that means, you know,
are we able to put on a highly visible, strong,
high performance product here in New Zealand, to allow our

(13:57):
fans to aspire to out our players to aspire to that,
our fans to watch our athletes to play in it,
and making sure that that's a viable product.

Speaker 3 (14:07):
Just what I thought you, Matt. Do you have any
clarity around the shape of the A and Z Premiership
next year?

Speaker 5 (14:13):
Yeah, we've concerned that we're planning for a sixteen premiership
in twenty six. We're still working on commercial broadcast arrangements
at the moment, but needless to say, when we've got
something to announce here, we will. We will definitely do that.
We understand the interest in that. But at the moment, yeah,
we continue to work on that. But we're very focused

(14:34):
on and excited about the impending launch of the twenty
twenty five aimed Premiership this weekend.

Speaker 3 (14:42):
Yeah. Look as we all are lot very much looking
forward to seeing how how the competition goes this year.
So just to wrap this, Matt, just back to Grace.
I know, as you've mentioned, you don't have an application
in front of you at the moment. I'm sure that
won't be too far away. When might there be a
decision around all of this.

Speaker 5 (14:59):
Look, I don't have a specific timetime for you, Jason.
I know that you want one, but we'll just keep
doing that. It is alive and it's an important issue
for us, and so we want to make sure we
get that right and we'll keep working on it all right.

Speaker 3 (15:12):
Matt, thanks for your time on zebe this afternoon. Really
appreciate it. Notable thanks, no, thank you, Matt, Matt Oneada,
Chair of Netball New Zealand. Time for your reaction now
eight hundred eighty ten eighty. The texts are flying in.
I can tell you if you want to get your
point across best wires on the phone. Eight hundred eighty

(15:34):
ten eighty. In the history of no brainers, this seems
to be right at the very top of the list.
I cannot think of a single good reason why Netball
New Zealand's board wouldn't let Grace Wiki play for the
Silver Ferns this year. What is the downside? I totally

(15:57):
understand the reason for the rule. It is identical to
the one New Zealand Rugby users for the All Blacks
to stop their best players heading off shore. But with
all due respect, Netball New Zealand is not New Zealand Rugby.
The silver Ferns are not the all blacks, and unlike rugby,
there are not multiple overseas markets clamoring for our best netballers. Japan, France,

(16:22):
the UK. They're all in for our best rugby players.
But Australia already have a very strong domestic netball competition
universally agreed to be better than ours. If this rule changes,
or if a precedent is set around Grace, Australian teams
are not going to swoop in for all of our

(16:42):
best players. They to a large degree, already have the
players they want the Australian ones. Grace Wiki is a
generational netball player, a hugely valuable asset to any netball
sides she plays for. But who else among our top
KBI players would really be the target of a big

(17:04):
money offer across the Tasman There may be one or
two others, but no more than that. Grace Wiki is
the exception to that rule, a high quality player who
is in demand elsewhere, and because of that she should
probably be, in fact definitely be the exception to this
rule as well. Let her play for New Zealand, because,

(17:27):
as I say, what is the downside? Twelve twenty four oh,
eight hundred and eighty ten eighty nine two nine to
two on text. There is no way in the world
I will get to all the texts, So the best
way to get your point across is on the phone.
Hello die Hi Jason.

Speaker 8 (17:46):
I've been triggered to ring you because I have never
done this before. But the netball issue is one that
I really find a farstical grace doesn't need to be
an exception.

Speaker 9 (17:58):
To the rule.

Speaker 8 (17:59):
I think the rule needs to be changed because if
any of our players are strong enough to play in
the Aussie competition than they are wanted for the Silver Ferns.
So I think it's a crazy, crazy rule. And talking
about the fans, the fans want to see a strong
dime Ferns team playing that we can get behind and

(18:21):
will that woman power net wall in this country die
in the base as we can't do it.

Speaker 3 (18:27):
In the space of thirty seconds, you have completely nailed
the issue here. You have completely nailed the issue. You
should be on the board of Nick or New Zealand
with how you would love to be You're putting the
fan at the center, which is the most important thing.
What do we absolutely fans want here?

Speaker 8 (18:45):
Yeah, we want to watch a strong team. We don't
want to watch the Ferns go out and get beaten
by the rest of the world. We want to put
out a team that's going to be competitive, and Grace
is going to be our most competitive goal shoot. So
I absolutely think that, you know, the whole, the whole
rule needs to be changed. She doesn't need to be
an exception. She needs to be the four runner of

(19:07):
a new enlightened rule base.

Speaker 3 (19:11):
Die you. I'm so pleased you've called because you have,
as I say, just spoken complete common sense for the
last ninety seconds, way better than I could have. So
thank you so much for calling and putting across a
very sensible point of view.

Speaker 10 (19:25):
Lovely nice to talk to you.

Speaker 3 (19:26):
Thanks Jen, It's nice to talk to you too. Please
don't wait so long before calling again.

Speaker 11 (19:31):
Dies.

Speaker 3 (19:32):
So right, isn't she absolutely bang on the money? What
do we want as fans, because surely we should be
in the middle of this conversation netball fans, As I say,
I get it, I get why the rule is there,
of course I do. But it's not the same as rugby. Again.

(19:54):
If we hypothesize here and Grace wiki is allowed to
play for new Zealand this year having played over in Australia.
What is the flow on effect of that going to be?
Is it really going to be mass exitus of our
best players? Grace Wiki as well, this needs to be
made clear. Yes, she's being well paid. Of course she
is over in Australia. I don't know the exact numbers,

(20:16):
but let's just say probably more than she's getting here.
That's her right as an elite athlete. But the reason
she's gone is to make herself a better nitballer. Why
would Nipblell New Zealand want to encourage that? Twelve twenty
seven back with more of your calls after this On
news Talk shadb.

Speaker 1 (20:36):
The tough Questions off the Turf Weekends for It with
Jason Kine and GJ.

Speaker 2 (20:41):
Gunnerholmes, New Zealand's.

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Most trusted home builder, News Talk to beg.

Speaker 3 (20:46):
On twelve thirty Vickey on Text Jason, no logic here.
Essentially Nipple have got their noses that I've joined and
don't want to back down. It's ridiculous. We don't have
a mass of talent Paul like rugby, so we should
be using the absolute best players for our silver ferns.
Thank you, Vicky very well said, let's get back to
the phone. Hello Kelly.

Speaker 12 (21:01):
Ah Hi, Yeah, So I wanted to talk about Nipball
of a product that Nick Museum want to put out there.

Speaker 9 (21:09):
For fans to enjoy and watch.

Speaker 12 (21:11):
And your product gets better when your players get better.
And I feel like there's two kinds of players. Is
your elite ones like Grace in them, and then there's
your budding or would be emerging players. So when the
Graces and the top players go over to Australia to play,
they leave a gap for a whole opportunity for someone

(21:32):
else come up play. So those players get better. And
so you've got two sets of players getting better. You've
got your elite players getting even better playing with the Aussies,
and you got your back filling emerging players playing at
home at AMD level. So I just can't see how
it's a bad thing. No, I allow them to play overseas,

(21:54):
allow them to come back. We would just be a
better product.

Speaker 3 (21:58):
Bang on, Kelly again, bang on, great common sense, and
you're right. Space has opened up. Ironically enough, the space
that's opened up the mystics has been can buy an
Australian So yeah, which I mean that's a side issue.
But I totally get your point about how if a
player leaves to do something else. Even when a player retires,
you know, new players come in.

Speaker 4 (22:18):
It.

Speaker 3 (22:18):
It's just the regeneration of elite sport.

Speaker 12 (22:21):
Yeah, And there's like they talk about aspirational. There's the
young kid can think, well she's gone, maybe I can
have a chance. So I'm and I'm going to go
for it, you know. So it just opens up a
bit more pathway and there's not a heap of places
that our top players will go. It's just do it's
fair and you know, learning and playing alongside the best.

(22:41):
How can it harm our games? How can it harm
the soul vents that? I just don't get it.

Speaker 3 (22:46):
These are very good questions, Kelly, very good questions. Thank
you for posing them. We see it, see you, Lada,
appreciate your time. Have a great day, Mark II.

Speaker 13 (22:58):
Good afternoon, Boddy. Very interesting topic, mate, A couple of
things here. Maybe could have asked the CEO. But you,
first of all, everybody wants her to play, that's for
damn sure. These three Austraining girls that are playing in
our league this year, does their country have the same
policy and Marv Market.

Speaker 2 (23:19):
Yeah.

Speaker 3 (23:19):
Mark, it's a great question. And Matt Winner raised the
chair just to get it right. He's the chair, not
the CEO, but he's the chair of Cable and New
Zealand Board. The question do they have the same rules? No,
is the answer. Any Australian player playing in our in
our competition is eligible to play for the diamonds.

Speaker 13 (23:37):
Okay, Now I'm thinking now, should this rule because they
are an elite athletes? Should this rule not be universal
instead of being allocated dedicated to Each country has.

Speaker 6 (23:49):
Her own rules.

Speaker 13 (23:49):
Should it not be universal and every country plays for
the same rules.

Speaker 3 (23:53):
Well, I mean you think so, but that doesn't apply
in rugby, Mark, you know different countries have different rules.
South Africa, as we know, don't have the same rules
as New Zealand when it comes to eligibility for the
spring Box compared to the All Blacks. Yes, it would
be nice to think that there was a universal rule.
I don't mind actually national bodies cutting their own cloth

(24:14):
to suit. I just hope that Netble New Zealand get
on with cutting their cloth, and.

Speaker 13 (24:19):
So do I and I think so it was just
about everybody in New Zealand, it'd be just crazy if
they said no, you can't play you know, you know,
change could be she might try and get a legend
for another country after that.

Speaker 3 (24:33):
Yeah, Look, I don't think she'll do that. Mark that's
been mentioned on text a couple of times. Could Grace
you know, could she feasibly play for another country, Australia
would be the only one. Look, I don't think Grace
Wick is going to turn down what would be three
years of not playing for anybody to play, you know,
for Australia. Look, she has said so many times how
dedicated she is to playing in the black dress. She

(24:55):
loves playing for the Silver Ferns. She has gone to
Australia to improve herself as a netballer. As I say, yes,
money's in the equation and we can't ignore that. We
don't know the numbers, but I would imagine she's getting
paid well to play over in Australia, and so she should.
She is one of the top two or three shooters

(25:15):
in the world. Neiple New Zealand not selecting Grace says
this text is like New Zealand Football not selecting Chris
Wood because he's playing overseas. It's a good analogy. New
Zealand Football clearly don't have the rule, do they. You
don't have to be playing domestically to play for the
r Watts. I mean that would severely dilute our team.

Speaker 9 (25:34):
Michael Hullo, Yeah, a good afternoon. I don't want to
throw a spanner in the works. But Grace would have
known the rules in existence before she went to us,
wouldn't she.

Speaker 3 (25:46):
Yes, she would have, Michael, And look, just you can
throw spanners in the works. That's what this is about. Discussion.
So yes, no, no, Michael, absolutely. You know when she
made the call. I remember interviewing her when she made
the call, and she said, yes, I realized this will
affect my eligibility, and I remember her saying something along
the lines of but I hope that I can change
their mind or something like that.

Speaker 9 (26:06):
Well, well, that's great for her to say that. But
she's improving not just her play, but she's improving her
bank balance, just like our cricketers. We are suffering in
cricket because of all the you know, the leagues that
are all around, and all our best players are playing
in those, and our teams, our national team is suffering.

(26:28):
They're going for the money. Nobody blames them. Grace has
gone for the money and to improve herself, and I
just say, well, she knew that. It's a choice. And
if you say she desperately wants to play away the
black dress, well I totally agree and I would love
her to play in the black dress. But in this

(26:51):
professional world, you make it. Our rugby players know if
they go overseas, unless they've got a thing that brings them,
a contract that brings them back, then I've got to
represent the all blacks. And to me, it's a very
We can't just take one personality. She may be the
best in the world, but we break that rule. We

(27:12):
should be improving with our coaching and our general interstate
interprovincial play, improving our players. I mean, at one time,
who was that center from netball and there was another
girl she played, She was our captain back first she
went to Aussie I've forgotten her name, but she was
a brilliant player and the Australians wanted her with all

(27:35):
their brilliance. They wanted her and obviously she got paid.
So I'm just saying I would love to have Grayson here,
but she chose. It's her own decision, and I'm afraid
we've got to. We can't make rules for one person, however,
however good he or she is. That's my little spiel.

Speaker 3 (27:55):
I'm sorry, Michael, there's no need for you to apologize.
Thank you for presenting the counterpoints I think apply. You're
thinking of as Laura Langman, I think, yeah, yeah, and yeah,
I'll see another one. I think. And there are only
very few Michael, thanks for your call. I appreciate it.
There are only very few who would be on the radar,
and I guess that's the thing if we if we

(28:16):
use a rugby analogy, there are dozens, if not hundreds
of rugby players that overseas clubs would be keen on.
I'm not sure that that exists a netbule, Michael, thank
you for making the counterpoint.

Speaker 2 (28:30):
Rachel, Hello, Hi, I actually decided to call after I
heard that lady.

Speaker 4 (28:39):
I think three callers prior to this who was talking
about the fans and you know all of that. And
I just think that's a really good point because you know,
with netball, and in terms of a number of things
Netball New Zealand has done, including changing the league so

(28:59):
that we don't have Australian teams anymore. It's all stuff
that the fans have not been happy about, you know.
And if you look at and the gentleman who just
got off the phone mentioned Laura Langman. I mean that's
a really good example. If you look at what happened
when Laura Langman came back from Australia and played for

(29:19):
the first she was dynamite. I mean, she was already amazing,
but her game was just nixt level, you know. And
you look at what's happened with Jamaica, with all those
players who come to Australia and New Zealand and play
in our comps and go back and play, you know,
for Jamaica and all these other countries, the game has moved,

(29:43):
you know, the game has become so much better, Teams
have become so much better, and that's because these players
are going away, you know, getting the skills from other
countries and then being allowed to play in their countries.
And so good on Grace for doing this, because it's
raised a really critical issue which I wish, you know,

(30:05):
Ned Bolle, New Zealand would not be so I guess
I don't know. It just sounds like there's a few
egos and like you said earlier, they've done something and
now they just don't want to back down. But you
know what's going to suffer.

Speaker 8 (30:21):
Is the game.

Speaker 4 (30:22):
And Norline Taru is an amazing coach. It's just that
we're not getting good comp.

Speaker 3 (30:29):
Yeah, and that's it, Rachel. I mean as soon as
we split, we split what was the a m Z
Championship and stopped getting those competitive matches against the Australian sides,
I think everybody would accept that that the overall standard
came down. I don't think there's anybody who would would
suggest who would suggest that the stand. While the standard
in the a Z Premiership is good and I'm very

(30:50):
much looking forward to the new season getting underway, I
don't think you could make you could mount an argument
that the standard is better than it was when the
Australian teams were in the comp yep agree.

Speaker 4 (31:03):
I mean we're not bad, but you know what, if
you see the way that we've been doing recently against
other countries, that's just evident our standard. You know it's there,
but it's not up there. And how can we possibly
be so precious Netball New Zealand when you can actually

(31:27):
be better if you stop being so riches and you know,
like yeah, and like I think another caller said, it's
the rules that have to change, and I think that's
absolutely right. There's no reason to make any exceptions. It's
just the rules have to be up with the times

(31:47):
and it needs to change. Like things move life, you know,
things evolved.

Speaker 14 (31:51):
It's like rugby.

Speaker 4 (31:53):
You know, it's an interesting time for rugby as well,
and that's one of the things that keep coming up.
And who knows, we may have some changes there too,
but what happens in life. Things evolve and you change
with the times.

Speaker 14 (32:06):
That's all.

Speaker 3 (32:07):
No that, Rachel, thank you, chief. We've had some common
sense on the show today, and I must say most
of it from our female callers. There have been good
points made by the male callers as well. I could
be wrong, but it seems to me there's been some
wonderful common sense on the show this afternoon. Thank you.
Rachel Ellison.

Speaker 15 (32:23):
Hello, I might change that now. I just want to
say I hope that I hope that Grace does come
back eventually. But you can't rely too much on one
player because Grace has had a couple of injuries in
the past, and then it gives the opportunity for somebody
else to step up and maybe fill in that gap there,
you know, when she is injured, and so perhaps he
does come back, but it's not the end of the world.

(32:44):
I don't think. I think there are other players that
possibly could sit in there, you know, not have good
have heard that, but maybe they will be in the future.
You don't quite know. And I just want to quickly
say that Hayden Wild good luck with all his recovery
and damn that jolly old rubbish truck. That's all I'll say.

Speaker 2 (33:01):
Anyway.

Speaker 15 (33:01):
I hope he recovers well.

Speaker 3 (33:03):
Thank you, Thank you, Alison. I hope so too. Yeah.
I saw him post on Instagram overnight. He's obviously got
a long recovery ahead from that collision with the rubbishtruck
that Elison just pointed out there. Thank you for your call, Allison.
A couple of things. Rachel said. We're interesting. What this
has done is it has made Netble New Zealand and
the board examine their rules. This is a test case

(33:24):
for them, so they've been compelled by this to test
the rules. And I think Grace has done it. You know,
this year, I think is a convenient time too. There's
no World Championship or World Cup, there's no Commonwealth Games.
If they come back to her and say we're sticking
with the rules as they are, then I could almost

(33:46):
guarantee that she'll play in New Zealand next year because
there's the Calm Games to look forward to in the
middle of next year. I think that would be a
great shame. I mean, I think I've made my point clear.
There are counterpoints to it, but I cannot see a
big enough downside to bringing her back to play for

(34:11):
New Zealand. Let's get a let's get another viewpoint. Shortly,
Ardan Wilson knows all about playing for the Silver Ferns.
She did at seventy nine times she captained the team.
She's on the show right after this.

Speaker 1 (34:23):
The biggest Thames in sports are on Weekend Sports with
Jason Pain and GJ. Gunnomes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder,
news Dogs.

Speaker 3 (34:32):
NB thirtain Away from one Talking Grace Wiki is the eligibility.
Let's bring in one of our absolute netball greats. World Champion,
Commonwealth Games, gold Medalist, Member of the New Zealand Order
of Merit for services to netball seventy nine cap, former
Silver Fern And New Zealand captain and since her retirement,
hugely respected Skysport netball commentator and analyst and part of
the new Inside Netball podcast available on iHeartRadio. Ad Dean Wilson.

(34:57):
Of course, Adean, thanks for joining us. Let's start with
your personal view. Should Netball New Zealand allow Grace Wiki
to play for the Silver Ferns this year? In your view,
I would love.

Speaker 16 (35:08):
To see her play for the saw Ferns.

Speaker 14 (35:10):
I think when you look at Grace, she's there once
in a generation player. There's no doubt the saw Ferns
can win without her, but if she's on court, they've
got a much better chance of winning. She's an Iron
Van Dyke of my era. She is someone special. But
I do think you have to be careful that you
don't change rules for just one player. And that's why

(35:30):
you're going to look at that wider eligibility chat and
I think that's WHATCK New Zealand is starting to do.
They just need to do it quickly because we need
some decisions made.

Speaker 3 (35:39):
Yeah, you're right. I think time is a little bit
of the essence here. The fear, as we all know,
is that if they say yes to Grace that they
fear it'll cause a huge exodus of players overseas. Do
you think that's a valid concern.

Speaker 16 (35:54):
I think it's a valid concern.

Speaker 14 (35:55):
But I think there's a couple of ways, and you
need to look wider than just the here and now.
I think, look, if you are looking at what the
criteria are now and they're worried about setting a president again,
she is a once in a generation player. I think
she's setting a pretty high precedent if you're looking at
the criteria for exceptional.

Speaker 16 (36:15):
Talent and the like.

Speaker 14 (36:16):
So I think they shouldn't be worried about that president.
But why not look wider? Why not look wider that
contractual model? Look what other sports are doing. Cricket for example.
You know you may choose at the start of the
season not to go on to a sui third retainer
and get paid across a whole year. Do you change
the models? You could be like cricket and only come

(36:38):
back and be on a casual contract on match fees
for two months of the year. Then you're having these
conversations right at the start. People are making informed decisions
about what competitions they may like to play in, but
knowing the consequences of making those decisions. So first and foremost,
change that contracting model. Have the conversation, look what other

(37:00):
sports are doing and what we can learn from them.

Speaker 3 (37:03):
I know you've heard a chair of the board matt
On earlier this hour. Do you have confidence that they'll
make a decision quickly on this? I hope so.

Speaker 14 (37:12):
But again, they're obviously having a lot of conversations about
a lot at the moment, Network New Zealand, what next
year're going to look at? And again, if you look
at the wider context, this is an amazing opportunity.

Speaker 8 (37:25):
In some ways, you turn, you know, a.

Speaker 14 (37:26):
Moment that's you know, pretty tough on Net New Zealand
into something wider. Change the timing of the competition. Have
the competition so you can play in New Zealand and
you can play in sun Court. Line up these competitions
so then this eligibility issue is not even an issue
to me. That's the most simplest way of solving all

(37:49):
of this. And then also allows these players to top
up their income. They're not getting paid a huge amount
of money to play in one of these competitions. Why
not be able to play a boat because their timing
lines up.

Speaker 12 (38:02):
We then might see.

Speaker 14 (38:03):
Players from Australia come here and also to play in
our competition. So you're then enhancing too. Again, look at
other sports. What are other sports doing? Cricket, rugby, there
is basketball. You can play in multiple competitions, not just one.
I think these are the wider conversations. I'll love and

(38:24):
I hope that we use the Alana having.

Speaker 3 (38:25):
I love that. I love that one. I love that
you just push the A and Z back a little
bit and line them up. I love that you talked
about Grace being a generational player and she's you know this,
generations are in Van Dyke. How much confidence did you
have playing in a team with Irena and how much
confidence will the current team have playing in a team
where Grace Wiki is in the shooting circle.

Speaker 14 (38:45):
Oh look, there are special people that you get to
play with and Grace is one of them. There is
no doubt, especially in that wing attack position, if you
have an Irene Vandyke a Grace Wiki that you can
turn off the center pass and have the option of
firing that ball in straight away.

Speaker 8 (39:03):
That is a game changer.

Speaker 14 (39:05):
And what I love about Grace and This is why
I think Grace has been exceptionally brave to go to
Australia's She's gone there because she wants to grow her game,
so she wants to be better for the Sawer Fern.
She is really proud of that Sawer Fern. And that's
where I really take my hat off to her. You know,
can't have been an easy decision, but she made it anyway,

(39:26):
and you know that's why I'd love to see her
in that black dress. But again, make it a wider conversation,
so it's not just about Grace. Make it while we're
having all these other conversations about what Netbull is going
to do in New yeal And bride at this moment
and make the change because there's no doubt I want
to see her in that black dress.

Speaker 16 (39:45):
Come tiny, Jamison and.

Speaker 3 (39:47):
Dan, you've had a great context to our discussion this afternoon,
just before you go. The Uaan's premiership seasons underway this
afternoon in Palme. Do you think my central pulse are
the favorites not just for today but for the whole thing?
I love?

Speaker 14 (40:00):
Do you know what I love? The Viral Poles. I
think they've got a brilliant team but they've got so
many injuries right at the moment, and so I actually
my pick this week was actually the Magic, but mostly
because of those injuries. But I'm very excited about seeing
Gabby Simpson. That's cool again an Australian coming to New
Zealand adding something different. So I think it will be

(40:22):
a very very good game.

Speaker 3 (40:23):
Al I'm looking forward to it. A Dean, thanks for
taking the time for a chat on hear this afternoon.

Speaker 14 (40:28):
I appreciate it.

Speaker 3 (40:29):
That's Adean Wilson on News Talk SEDB seven to one.

Speaker 1 (40:32):
When it's down to the line, you made a call
on eight hundred eighty ten eighty Weekend Sports with Jason Hine,
News Talks HEB.

Speaker 3 (40:41):
Just a wrap our discussion. Why have sports administrators, almost
without exception, lost the ability to speak to the normal
everyday fan become masters of saying a lot without actually
saying anything at all. Business buzzwords, empty words and phrases
that mean nothing and don't leave us any wiser about
the issue being talked about. You know what I'm talking about. Competencies, deliverables, learnings.
That's a terrible one and the one that shows the

(41:02):
most disconnect between administrators and fans referring to us the
fans as stakeholders. As soon as we're referred to in
that way, we become nothing more than a commodity. Sports
fandom is built on passion and emotion, So sports administrators,
here's a tip for you. Talk in those terms. Talk
with passion, talk with honesty, be real enough of the

(41:27):
corporate clap trap, and more of the qualities that attract
us all of sport in the first place.

Speaker 1 (41:34):
The only place to discuss the biggest sports issues on
and after fields, it's all on Weekend.

Speaker 2 (41:40):
Sport with Jason Vane on your home of Sports, New York.

Speaker 3 (41:47):
New Talks hed Be Welcome back into the show. This
is Weekend Sport one O seven. I'm Jason Pine and
McDonald's show producer. We're here till three. Rugby is our
focus for the first part of this our Tony Johnson
standing by a chat about tonight's Crusaders Chiefs match. Madness
is a big game. That's one where I have no
skin in the game soever. I'm not a Crusaders fan.

(42:08):
I'm not a Chiefs fan, so I can enjoy this
game for what it is or what it's hopefully going
to be and that is a terrific rugby spectacle between
the two best teams in the competition this season. Be
keen to hear how you think it's going to go,
particularly those of you who don't have skin in the
game like me, who are just going to watch these

(42:28):
two go at each other. Also happy to hear from
you if you're a Crusaders fan or a Chiefs fan,
your degree of optimism slash pessimism, whether there are any
little worry lines forming. I think the Crusaders a favorite.
I had a quick check at the tab before and
that seemed to be the case. I don't think anything

(42:49):
would have changed in the last little while. Or just
have a quick check. Crusader's paying a dollar seventy Chiefs
two oh five, So there you go. I think that
tells the tale. I'll take some calls on that this
our and in Peacock along as well. In about an
hour or so from now, the British and Irish Lineans
touring squads been named thirty eight men to play, first

(43:10):
of all a Test match at Argentina, then a full
tour of Australia including Test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Man What a Tour. This is going to be can't wait.
James Burridge out of the bbcent an hour or so
on that. Just updating your on Live Sport from the
NBA Semi Finals in the East. It's the Cavaliers against
the Pacers. The Pacers lead this series to nil. This
Game three is in Indianapolis, so it's on home court

(43:32):
for the Pacers. But they trail at halftime sixty six
forty five. So the Calves have come out firing this one,
and I guess they have to. They're too nil down.
At two o'clock this afternoon, Thunder v Nuggets in Denver.
That series in the West is tied up at one apiece.

(43:52):
I think we can move to rugby. I think that's
what we'll do. Top of the table Super rugby clash
in christ Church tonight. Crusaders v Chiefs five past seven
Live Commonsround Goldsport and iHeartRadio, second time they've met this season.
After their Round two clash in Hamilton, the siren's gone.

Speaker 1 (44:10):
McKenzie right out in front on the ten meter mark, up.

Speaker 3 (44:13):
Towards and over and it goes. It's forty nine twenty four.

Speaker 2 (44:18):
It's all over.

Speaker 3 (44:19):
See what Minty kept his excitement levels in check. There
didn't he why cut All based rugby commentator forty nine
to twenty four in round two. So the game's on
Goldsport and iHeartRadio also on sky Sport two. Delay coverage
on Sky Open at seven thirty. Skysport commentator Tony Johnson
is with us to preview this one. TJ always get
good to get the chance to chat to you. Does

(44:40):
this feel like a potential Grand Final dress rehearsal to you?

Speaker 6 (44:46):
Well, certainly, Piney.

Speaker 7 (44:48):
I think the most significant game yet in terms of
trying to sort out you know, home advantage, pole position
if you like, for the playoffs one and two really
important one two or three. I guess the other teams
that will get home advantage when it comes to this
rather strange playoff scenario that they've got ahead of them.
But whoever wins this game, obviously you know they are

(45:11):
in the driver's seat to go on and grab the
number one spot on the pole. And I think probably
for the Chiefs more important even than the Crusaders. Obviously
it's going to be huge for both of them. But
the Crusaders they are in a pretty good spot right
now and if they can win this, and I think
their odds on to take top top spot on the
on the ladder going into the playoffs.

Speaker 3 (45:32):
Has there bounce back from what was, by their standards,
a dreadful twenty twenty four come as any surprise to you.

Speaker 7 (45:40):
Well, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, Pineyer.
I mean, last year was an aberration. You know. They
no one seemed interested in any excuses that they might
made last year, but they did have a horrific list
of injuries. Rob Penny was new to the role. You know,
it can take a while for these sorts of things,
you know, to gel And this year with a more

(46:03):
healthy roster, a couple of smart acquisitions, and Rob Penny
with a job a year in the job under his belt.
I mean, they've come back and they very much do
look like, you know, something like the Great Crusaders teams.

Speaker 10 (46:15):
Of the past.

Speaker 7 (46:15):
They've still got work to do, but I don't think
anyone should be surprised at the bounce back. There's just
too much success, you know, too great a history of
being able to turn things around from adversity in that franchise,
you know, and look, you have to say that at
this point of the season. Things are looking pretty good.
But you know, it's a bit hard to look into

(46:37):
too far into the future the way Super Ragan's gone
this year.

Speaker 3 (46:40):
Just before we drilled down into a couple of key
players and key matchups. What about the Chiefs. They lost
to the Hurricanes last time out a second half on
slaught from the Hurricanes. Wasn't that long ago? They lost
to the Warratars as well. Are there any stumbles and
evidence here in the chief season?

Speaker 16 (46:58):
Oh?

Speaker 7 (46:58):
Quite definitely a couple of stumbles there. I mean the
game against the Warortrs. That was a poor performance by
the standards that set for themselves through the first half
of the competition. You know, the Wiata has actually played
it quite smart. They managed to get a couple of
shots on Damien McKenzie early on, rattled him a but
he made a couple of mistakes and it was just
one of those games where the harder he tried, the

(47:18):
worse it gotten. You know, people make a great deal
of what the Chiefs are like when Damien McKenzie's playing,
as against what they like when he's not playing. Well,
he was playing that night, but obviously, you know, wasn't
able to influence the game. The way he likes to.
So yeah, there have been a couple of wobbles there,
you know, said that wasn't a great performance, and for

(47:41):
a team that's been so good late in the game,
it was probably quite alarming the way they fell away
last week, although I defied anyone to be able to
cope with the Hurricanes. The way they got their attack
going in the second half of that game, it was
quite outstanding.

Speaker 3 (47:56):
Crusaders have lost their starting first five. We started nine
of their games this season. In Taha Kimera Revere's Rayhannah
comes into the starting side. Do you think they might
have been him to go with James O'Connor.

Speaker 7 (48:08):
I think that was what everyone was thinking. That O'Connor
has been used almost exclusively as a closer. He hasn't
had many starts at all this year, and it's a
role he's done really well, probably in a way to
the detriment of his chances of getting in the Wallaby team.
I mean, there was some talk about him being called
into the Wallabies, you know, to play the British and

(48:28):
Irish Lions because of the vast experience and you know,
quite obvious maturing of his game and just maturing of
him as a person, but obviously they have decided that
that's the role that suits the team needs best and look,
rivers round. He's been around the team for a couple
of years. I think he has a great advantage in that,

(48:50):
you know, he's got a very good leader of the
team playing immediately outside him, and David really and really,
he's a guy you know, gets judged a fair bit.
It's a very demanding, very exacting position that he plays.
But he's one of those guys he's probably best by
the people who play with him and who play against him.
And I think it's to the advantage of it, Ahana

(49:12):
that he's got a guy like that outside him. And
it's really just a matter of everyone else's It's an
adage that the all Backs used that you know, you
lose an important player, everyone else just raises their game
by a notch to help the guy who steps in,
you know, to enable him to do his job. And look,
I'm sure he will. But that's going to be a

(49:33):
key point of the game, is the performance of the
number tens. Obviously Mackenzie for the Chiefs, but you know,
they've got to get him some decent ball and if
they can get him some decent ball, some go forward
ball for him to weave a magic well, then that
they are a shot at winning the game. And as
I say, I think it's really important for the Chiefs
to win this game, probably more so because they lost

(49:58):
round last week that the Crusaders were able to sit
back and watch everything unfold from the comfort of their
own couches. They were equal on with the Chiefs going
into the weekend, and they were equal on points with
the Chiefs coming out of the weekend. But in the
meantime they've got a game in hand and they've closed
up the points four and against. So I think the Onnus,
I think the pressure probably really more or the most

(50:23):
pressure on both things. But I think the Chiefs is
a lot of pressure on this game because they've got
the buy next week and you know, potentially could lose
ground and they'd be starting to think about the Brundies now,
who are closing the gap on those top two New
Zealand teams, which is a scenario we perhaps didn't see
a few weeks ago.

Speaker 3 (50:42):
And just before we move out of the first five position,
Damie McKenzie was always going to come back into the
side but Josh Jacob has had a good number of
games in the ten jump. But what have you made
of Josh Jacob for the Chiefs this year?

Speaker 7 (50:54):
TJ Well, I think just about like every other ten
that comes into top level rugby or this level rugby
in New Zealand, you know, they're learning. You know, our
number ten's come out of college and there's you know,
very few of them are the other finished article in
terms of learning how to run a game, how to
control the game, both with the passing, the kicking, the

(51:16):
judgment of vision to see what's in front of you.
So it's a it's a tall order for a guy.
You know, he's been around a few years now, but
he's still learning about the game. And look, he's very solid.
I think the guy that they were kind of looking
at to be the number to, you know, the backup

(51:37):
to Mackenzie or the alternate to Mackenzie at Thames, Caleb Trask.
He just he's got that extra bit of experience, a
lot of silky skills. Again about it about him, But
the poor guy just can't catch a lucky break at
the moment with his injuries, and so that that's sort
of been a that's probably meant that Jacob has played
more on the front line than they might have been anticipating. Look,

(51:59):
you know the futures ahead of it. You know, he's
got a good future ahead of him, Jacob, But as
I say, at the moment, he's still learning out the
game and you know what was a pretty unforgiving level
of rugby.

Speaker 3 (52:11):
So Wallace Satiti is going to start his first game
of the season having come off the bench in the
last two. Gee, there's some strength in the chiefs. Lucy's
Parker Jacobs and Satti tonight for now off the bench.
Both you can't even get in the twenty three. How
bigger part will the loose forward battle be tonight?

Speaker 7 (52:26):
It'll be huge and both, as you say, got very
good loose trios.

Speaker 5 (52:31):
I mean you talk about.

Speaker 7 (52:32):
Satiti there and obviously he was he just had a
phenomenal year last year in which he emerged not only
as a standout player in New Zealand but probably you know,
on the world stage. But you know, the Crusaders have
got a guy in Christian Leo Willie who's arousing a
lot of discussion at the moment with his ability at

(52:53):
that number eight. We're pretty blessed at the moment, not
necessarily big guys, but really good ball players, ball carriers,
guys with good work rates. I just thought we've seen
glimpses though ready since coming back of what Satiti is
capable of. You know, he is an outstanding talent. So look,
there's a head to head watch there. I actually think

(53:17):
it's probably more going to come down to the Type five. Yeah,
you think the Crusaders, it's always been their go to,
hasn't it. It's been there, you know, when in their
own half they win a scrum penalty, get out of
their own half, that sort of thing, the line out drive,
all of those things. And you know, if there's been
a standout in that regard for the Crusaders, I think

(53:38):
Fletcher Newell has just reminded us of why he's been elevated,
propelled into all black ranks. His scrummaging in particular has
been outstanding over the last few weeks, and that I'm
sure they'll challenge the chiefs there in the Type five
and that gives their loose forwards that you know that
they're aimble be to give their loose forwards and their
back line a better platform to operate from but they

(54:01):
even up. They match up pretty well, don't they, these
two teams when you look at them on paper?

Speaker 3 (54:05):
Oh, without question, Jane, And I think that's why it
makes it such a compelling proposition. And I, like you,
I think I'm leaning towards the Crusaders for all of them,
all the reasons you've outlined. But the Chiefs they've made
the last two Grand finals, lost them both. They always
look good across a regular Super Rugby season. Can you
see them winning Super Rugby this year? They could, couldn't they?

Speaker 7 (54:26):
Oh yeah, I mean right from the word go, they've
looked a team capable and I think at this well,
at the start of the season I had them down
if I mean, obviously, like everyone else, I thought the
Blues might be a good shot of going back to
back when that's I mean, that's a chance, but it's
a tall order for them. But I always sort of
saw the Chiefs as the most likely challenger, But then

(54:47):
I wasn't accounting for the terrific turnaround that we've seen
from the Crusaders. But no, they're still very much in
the hunt. And look you look at that back line
that they've got. They've got some of those X factor
players there that can turn a game. You know, Leroy
Carter just on multiple skills that he's got a multi
all ways he can impact on the game. Two players

(55:08):
been very solid, very solid, got himself back into All
Black contention in the twelve Jersey and of course a
Moni Nadawa, who I'll probably start arguments here, but if
I was picking an All Black team today, he'd probably
be my number one right wing. So and of course
Stevenson at the back. So heaps the talent there. It's
just a matter of whether or not they can provide

(55:29):
them with those those opportunities, those half chances that they need,
you know, because you know that the Crusaders will have
been totally gearing up with especially with a week off,
They've had a long time to focus on this game.
And that's why I think that, you know, the Chiefs,
it's a tall order to try and break that down,
but look at there's one team in the competition that's

(55:51):
capable of doing that, particularly if the Crusaders aren't at
their best, because you know, we've seen that in this competition.
If you are even at ninety five percent, you're vulnerable
in this competition. So yeah, it's it's quite compelling, isn't
it's it's quite an enticing prospect.

Speaker 3 (56:06):
Certainly is certainly is a mouthwatering clash and prospect. Can't wait. TJ.
Thanks so much for your time and expertise.

Speaker 7 (56:12):
As always, Oh oh you're welcome, piny No.

Speaker 3 (56:14):
Thank you, TJ. Tony Johnson with his thoughts always articulate.
It always picks up on a couple of things that
I haven't thought of always, and that's the reason we
get them on, of course, these experts to give us
a bit of analysis that we hadn't quite thought of.
One two o eight, one hundred and eighty ten eighty.
Let's talk about a rugby Who have you got tonight?
Particularly the neutral If you're not a Chiefs or Crusaders fan,

(56:36):
who wins this game? And why? And if you are
a Chiefs fan, how optimistic are you? If you're a
Crusaders fan, how optimistic are you? I've never met a
Crusaders fan who was not optimistic about a game of rugby.
But are you at all concerned? I've actually got the
Chiefs winning it. Here, I'll put my cards on the table.

(56:57):
I've got them winning it for a couple of reasons
won the return of Damien McKenzie. I just think he
makes such a massive difference to this Chief side. The
Chiefs always look better when Damien McKenzie plays. Now again,
I know this is not deep analysis that I'm coming
up with here, This is not Tony Johnson type analysis
for you, but he wasn't there the last couple of weeks.

(57:20):
They really missed him against the Hurricanes. I thought last
week I watched the Hurricanes and I was delighted, obviously
to watch my Hurricanes beat the Chiefs, but I thought
the Chiefs just don't look the same side without Damien
McKenzie and the ten jumper Josh Jacob. Very good player,
a lot of potential, but he's not Damien McKenzie. So
that's one reason. And I guess the other part of

(57:41):
that is that for the Crusaders, they've had Taha Kimaa
and they have been nursing him along, would you say,
developing him, giving him the keys to the car. They
could easily at any stage over the first ten games
of the competition said to James O'Connor, look we want
you to start. He's only started one game and they

(58:01):
lost that one to Malwana. PACIFICA. I'm not saying it
was James O'Connor's fault, absolutely not. He's been invaluable off
the bench for them, with some clutch kicks and a
calming influence on this team. Reverez Raehanner. I just haven't
seen enough of him to really know. I thought he
was good when he came off the bench last week

(58:21):
against the Highlanders, but I mean that was a bit
of a walk in the park, wasn't it for the
Crusaders against the Highlanders. This is very, very different tonight.
So I think the Battle of the Tens will be pivotal.
And then I look at the battle of the loose
forwards and as TJ said, it's likely to be not

(58:41):
decided up from but what happens in the Type five
is going to be very important. But I look at
the Lucies, you know, and I look at the Chiefs
Lucy's and it's been a strength of theirs for a while.
And when you add Wallace Setiti back into us starting fifteen,
and we all know just how dynamic and how influential

(59:02):
he was last year in the Chiefs run to the final.
When you add him back and having watched him in
the last couple of games off the bench against the
Force and then against the Hurricanes, it didn't seem like
he'd lost a lot in terms of his barn storming ability,
particularly against the Force. He Simon Parker and Luke Jacobson

(59:22):
are a pretty compelling loose forward trio, and then Summer
Penny female waiting in reserve to come on and wreak
the havoc that he can. The Crusaders are good and
the Loose as well. Let's not kid ourselves. Cullen Grace,
Tom Christy, Christian Leo Willie three very good loose forwards.

(59:45):
But I just wonder whether the Chiefs have the edge
there as well. Oh eight hundred and eighty ten eighty.
I can pontificate for as long as I like. I'd
like to get your view, actually, and in fact, can
we run just a very scientific, sorry unscientific text, Pole,
Let's just run a very unscientific text, Pole, just text
who you think is going to win the game? Crusaders?

(01:00:07):
I mean, I trust the ZB Weekend Sport audience too
to give us a guide here, So fire them through
on nine two ninety two. Who wins tonight? Crusaders or Chiefs? Oh,
eight hundred and eighty ten eighty. If you want to
talk rugby one twenty six, we're back with your calls
after this. Start your journey today with a GJ Gardner Home.
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(01:01:11):
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Speaker 1 (01:01:18):
Don't get caught offside call eight hundred and eighty ten
eighty Weekends for Us with Jason Paine and GJ. Guvnerhomes
New Zealand's most trusted home builder News talgs NB.

Speaker 3 (01:01:28):
One thirty talking super Rugby eight hundred and eighty ten eighty.
Just a few throw on text. In fact, more than
a few are crusaders. Crusaders by twelve twenty seven All
draw chiefs crusaders easily crusaders, crusaders just crusaders, crusaders hopefully
crusaders by six Crusaders with Damien McKenzie back the Chiefs
by ten. Crusaders, of course crusaders. You talk too much,

(01:01:52):
says Stephen. Sorry, Stephen, I didn't mean to annoy you.
Editor who cares, really, says James. It's all about Pornickey,
go the street kids. Thanks in d James, keep them
keep them coming. You talk too much. I absolutely love it.

Speaker 17 (01:02:13):
Hello film Okay, Piney, there's a good thing.

Speaker 4 (01:02:17):
You do.

Speaker 17 (01:02:17):
Talk too much made otherwise wouldn't have much of a show.

Speaker 3 (01:02:20):
Well, I mean, I do. I do like it when
others yourself included contribute, Phil. I mean I think I'm
sort of painter to have a yarn occasionally.

Speaker 17 (01:02:30):
Yeah, no, no, no, dead right. Tony Johnson's good to
listen to, isn't he.

Speaker 3 (01:02:35):
Yeah, he's crazy, he's already good.

Speaker 17 (01:02:37):
He got touch good knowledge. Can I before we get
same a bit on on the rugby, can I just
dabble into the little the netball have a word with
the netbull pp as well? Even though yeah, sure, I
agree with what you said. I was listening to the
fellow that you were interviewing and and you sort of

(01:02:59):
summed up at the end of the hour. You mentioned
the word steakholders, and that's what he kept saying about
stakeholders and what's benefit and best and going forward for
the stakeholders and the competition and what else is the
product as well? And I tried to get through to you,
but I couldn't at the time because to me, that

(01:03:19):
that was the nail one that he had did to me.
He was just reluctant to say that it's all about
the profit and the money and the TV, you know,
and keeping the audience for the shareholders. The stakeholders and
the profit rather than the players, you know, because yeah,
that's what I got out of it, because all he

(01:03:39):
kept saying was sort of like going around in circles
saying that, you know, we don't want to not explaining
myself very well, but.

Speaker 3 (01:03:50):
Now I give what you're saying. I got you to
say for I just felt we moved further and further
away from netball as a sport as we were chatting.
You know, I know it's a business. I know it is.
I know they've got to make money. I know professional
sport is a business like any other. But I just
feel as though sports should, you know, be a place
where we don't talk about learnings and core competencies and stakeholders.

(01:04:15):
That's the one I think that does my head in
the most is when I know there are stakeholders, yes, sponsors,
broadcast partners, those sorts of people, But when fans us,
you and me are referred to as stakeholders, I just
kind of think it really depersonalizes us as as passionate
fans of the sport that we follow.

Speaker 17 (01:04:38):
Yeah, dead right, and like you say, just seem to
get further further away from the actual core issue that
we were that you were trying to pin them down on,
you know, and Nardine was Nardine Wilson, she actually was.
She was great to listen to because she really put
some really good points across, you know, and some alternatives

(01:04:58):
and things and never you know, mentioned about stakeholders and
money and profit and that kind of thing. So yeah, no,
I agree with him. So the old because it's a
crazy rule, I think, you know, crazy rule.

Speaker 3 (01:05:12):
But let's let's they change it. So let's what thoughts
on the rug What are your thoughts on the rugby?

Speaker 17 (01:05:19):
Well, I'm going to be a bit patriotic and since
I lived here in Canterbury and that even though I'm
from Southland, like I was saying, and Andy and should
should support the Islanders in theory, but I'm going to
go with the crusaders'll be the hell of a game.
That'll be one thing I know. That'll be a fantastic games.
Got to be some great matchups, like you say, with
the two number tens, McKenzie coming back, because he definitely

(01:05:41):
does have an impact on a game when it when
he plays, and you know the two number eights that
Satiti is and Willy or his name Leo Will.

Speaker 3 (01:05:52):
Yeah, Christian Christian Leo Willy.

Speaker 17 (01:05:53):
Yep, yeah, Christian Leo Willy. Like we know how good
too too is. I'm not very good with names, but
we know how good he is. But the fellow Willy,
Christian Willy, he's enough. And I mean, you know he's
he's up and coming, you know, so see how far
he's going to go because I think in time he'll

(01:06:14):
be an all black man. I can see him becoming
an all black myself, just.

Speaker 3 (01:06:17):
From christ Yeah, he's already been talked about in those
in those conversations. He's he's he's a little bit older.
He's not. He hasn't just arrived. He's twenty six, I
think Christian I welly, But look, I mean last year,
no one, no one had really heard of well say,
we hadn't heard of him. We weren't really well aware
of Wallace Atiti last year. And you'll remember this, fil

(01:06:40):
you know, there was a lot of clamor for Hoskins
Satutu last year after his excellent season with the Blues.
And he's again, you know, been playing I don't think
to the heights of last season. But he's still a
first choice number eight for the Blues. I think. So
look there's all sorts of competition around those loose Ford spots,
but I just think, you know, last year proved that
that Wallace a Titi is a pretty special sort of

(01:07:01):
a player.

Speaker 17 (01:07:03):
Yeah, that's that's that's dead true. And the other thing
I want to mention too, because I said any Andy
is I want to mention Tom Christie, you know, for
the Crusaders, and I just think that guy is fantastic.
I think he's a real unsung hero, you know, and
doesn't get the maybe the recognition or the credit that
he deserves because he turns up week after week, does

(01:07:27):
the hard yards, puts it in, hardly ever has a
bad game, but he gets overshadowed by the more sort
of dynamic players maybe, you know, Like I'd love to
see him making All Black because I think he's good enough,
but I fear that he'll be one of those players
that will never quite get there because there maybe other

(01:07:48):
players around them, but he should be, you know, I
think the work that he does, and that's another reason
why I'm looking forward to tonight and like a guy
like him too. I think is the sort of guy
that can chip away and give you that advantage and
maybe tip it in your before you even realize that,

(01:08:08):
you know, And at the end of the game it's like, gee,
didn't Tom Christie play?

Speaker 3 (01:08:11):
Well, yeah, you're right, he doesn't. He doesn't. You're right.
He doesn't stand out in the same way that a
lot of other loose forwards to particularly those in the
seven jersey. For you know, you look at Duplaskarifi this
year for the Hurricanes, he has stood out every game.
But Tom Christie, year after year for the Crusaders and
for Canterbury Tops the tackle count. He is just a relentless,

(01:08:36):
insatiable tackler and that is so important, you know. And
I think he and Ethan Blackadder have kind of shared
that number seven jersey this year. I think Ethan black
and they must be injured again is he? Because he
hasn't played the last couple of weeks? So has I
mean named tonight, didn't play, didn't play last week against
the Highlanders. Man, that guy's had some bad luck with injuries.

(01:08:58):
But yeah, Tom Christie, look, will he ever be an
All Black? I think it probably would have happened by now.
You wouldn't blame Tom Christy for go overseas and you know,
having a crack over there at the back end of
his career. If he thinks that the All Black store
is closed to him, He's been in and around sort
of all Blacks fifteen conversations and things like that. Look,
I'm sure down there they'll tell you that he is

(01:09:19):
absolutely invaluable inside that that team. He hasn't played quite
as much this year as previous years. He you know,
normally plays or is in the twenty three anyway every week.
Just the five starting appearances, including tonight and one off
the bench. So far for Christy they've gone with the
likes of Cullen Grace and Ethan Blacketder Christian Leo Willie

(01:09:42):
has been terrific at number eight. Phil, thanks for your
car made always good to chat to you. A couple
of texts through here. I don't like either team, says
this one, but the Crusaders for the win. I'll have
it on the little screen, the wires on the big screen.
Yet Warrior has played tonight of course as well, so
once again our attention will be divided home games. I'm
giving it to the Crusaders, says this one. The Crusaders

(01:10:04):
will win, says this one with Jordan the keep and
I'm a Blues fan. How about this, though, says this text,
one of them throws the game tonight to avoid the
prospect of finishing first on the ladder and having to
play the Blues who qualify sixth. Now we probably need
just to explain the playoffs as well. At some point

(01:10:27):
it will all become clear. But it is a little
bit it's a little bit confusing compared to previous years
when you've had the top eight and they go straight
into quarterfinal, semi finals, final, it doesn't work that way
this year. There are six who go through, and in
the first round of the playoffs, one place six, as
this text has correctly pointed out, two places five and

(01:10:47):
three plays four. Now the three winners go through to
the semis as well as the highest ranked loser. So
if you finish top, you basically get a second life.
So if you finish top and you lose in the
first round of the finals, you are going to be

(01:11:10):
the top ranked loser, aren't you, because you finish top.
So whoever finishes top gets a second life. Now when
we're going into the semi finals, they drop down a place.
I'm not even to try to explain this to you.
But if we just stick with the first week of
the of the finals. There is really no advantage to
not finishing top. In fact, you get a huge advantage
for finishing top in that you know, if you lose

(01:11:34):
in the first week of the playoffs, you still go
through to the second week. It is rather confusing, it's
a bit different. I know there were other ways they
could have done it. I would have preferred to have
seen the way they do it in the A League,
where teams one and two go straight to the semis.
Three place six, four plays five for the right to
also join them in the Semis. That's a lot easier

(01:11:56):
to explain and to understand. Super Rugby they have gone
a different way. So yeah, that's a very long winded
way of saying that, Actually there's there's no advantage to
throwing a game tonight, not that I'd imagine the Chiefs
or the Crusaders would because it does not get them,
you know, it doesn't advantage them in any way at all.
And you know what, when the Crusaders play the Chiefs,

(01:12:17):
can you imagine any of those forty six players who
are going out there tonight thinking anything other than going
to win that game. I don't think so. I don't
think so. A minute thirty to go in the third
quarter in Indianapolis, the Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Indiana Pacers
ninety one seventy two, so they're keeping them at arm's length.

(01:12:38):
Looks like Cleveland are going to get a game back
in this semi final series and make it two one.
We'll take a break when we come back. It's across
the Tasman for Us with Adam Peacock Arristradian correspondent.

Speaker 1 (01:12:50):
The Voice of Sport on your Home of Sport Weekend
Sport with Jason Vane and GJ. Gunnos, New Zealand's most
trusted oh Builder News Talks.

Speaker 3 (01:12:59):
It'd be sixteen to two. Just before we move on
from Super Rugby. The other game last night, the Reds
went to Sydney and beat the Waratars twenty eight twenty one.
A couple of things. It really reinforces the Reds as
a pretty compelling contender for the top six, if not
the top three. They're currently fourth on thirty two points.
The Brumbies have what I say, fourth on thirty two points. Yeah,

(01:13:20):
the Brumbis are third on thirty four, so only a
couple of points there. It also makes it pretty difficult
for the Waratars to make the six now, especially given
the fact that their last three games they host the Crusaders,
are away to the Force and are away to the Blues.
That's a tough runner for the war Tars. So look,
I think we can probably count them out, as we
probably can the Force, as we probably can the Highlanders,

(01:13:43):
as we definitely can the Drewer. So it feels to
me as though it's now the seven into six chiefs.
Crusaders put them in there. Brumbi's Reds almost certainly are
two of Blues Hurricanes. More onea Pacificer will make it,
and the Blues play more one at Pacificer next week.
And crucially for the other teams, the Blues have played

(01:14:04):
one more game. They've had twelve games, only two to go.
If ma Wa Pacifica were to beat the Blues next
week at Albany, they would put themselves in a really
good position to make the top six for the first
time and at the same time make it very difficult
for the Blues. Anyway, that's all ahead of us. Let's
get across the Tasman Our Australian correspondent Adam Peacock is
with us nice and fine in Sydney today mate.

Speaker 16 (01:14:26):
Yes, even though it's rained all week, but yeah that's yeah,
shades of Wellington this week here. But some come out
for my golf and that's the main thing. That's all
I care about.

Speaker 5 (01:14:37):
Find.

Speaker 16 (01:14:37):
I don't know work working week, it's what happens on
a Saturday.

Speaker 3 (01:14:41):
Are absolutely right and well before you can get on
the course, let's have a chat about some of the
sporting issues on your side of the task. And British
and Irish line Squad has been named for the upcoming
tour of Australia. It makes it feel a bit more real.
How much anticipation is there around about this once every
twelve years tour.

Speaker 6 (01:14:57):
Yeah, yeah, I do a good job.

Speaker 16 (01:14:59):
Actually wrote the Australia in promoting and it's an all
road lead to scenario. So every super Ruggy mass Love
had the war Retard and the Red play here last night.
It's oh yeah it's a big battle blah blah blah.
And if someone plays well, it's oh he might be
in contention now for the lines to dot dot dot.
So yeah, it's being an obviously with the announcement over there,

(01:15:19):
they had two thousand people rock up to their squad
announcement in London this week, the British and Irish lines,
which is incredible. So yeah, it's it's all already had
momentum because that's just sold tickets. And you know, I
love the tour factor. I'm sure it's not just fly
and fly up the three Tests and build up to it,

(01:15:41):
and that's that's when it's going to really get big
when they actually get here in australiay're playing they're playing
Argentina in a warm up over there in the Northern
Hemisha are lines before they get here.

Speaker 3 (01:15:51):
Yeah, look, I totally agree it's the touring side of it.
We just don't see it anymore. And you know there
are reasons why obviously, but yeah, no, I along for
the days of the traditional rugby to us. I also
I've seen some foota Jeohn line as well. They clearly
don't get told these players if they're in all rout
because you see footage of them sitting on their couches
watching it announced on TV and there are surprises the

(01:16:15):
rest of us when they're named in the team.

Speaker 16 (01:16:17):
Yeah, it's like an American DRAFTNI, isn't it. I don't
know where they're going oh, I'm going there's an interesting
squad composition that the lines to come up with only
two Welshmen, which kind of points towards what's happened to
them in the last few years. But fifteen Irishmen, which
that's where the balancing has gone, like they've taken Welshman

(01:16:39):
out but obviously not considered good enough, and they put
a stack of Irish in, which is fair enough given
how they've gone as well. So it's predominantly Irish, actually
fifteen Irish, thirteen English and a number of Scotsmen and
then a couple of parole Welshmen who are going to
have to make friends on the run over.

Speaker 3 (01:16:54):
They are indeed vastly outnumbered, or at least they're in
the UK where your man as Pasta Cole Glue has
guide to Tottenham into the Europa League Final. This is
the second tier European football final against Manchester. You got it. Actually,
it's been a challenging Premier League season though for Spurs
sixteenth in the table. They won't get relegated, that can't happen.
But will making the Europa League Final be enough for

(01:17:16):
ange Pasta Cooglu to keep his job.

Speaker 16 (01:17:20):
It's a question and it doesn't have an answer at
the moment. I don't think I can't finish. They say
either way, and I don't think anyone can unless you're
maybe Daniel Levy and those in power at TOT the
moster the actual football club. Daniel LEDs to being the
chairman there and the ruthless chairman. So everyone's presumption is
that because the league's been so poor, is going to
go anyway but making Europa League Final and then possibly

(01:17:44):
winning it. And they haven't won a trophy in any
form since two thousand and eight, and I've only won
three trophies in their history in Europe. It's a massive achievement.
So yeah, all I lead to Bilbai actually think the
matchup is a pretty good one for Frans Postera Cogla.
If everyone's fid the last couple of weeks, I think
they not run dead in the league. But it's been

(01:18:06):
not The priorities put it that way because they know
they can't get better at it. But it's awesome because
this is the first Australian coach to get a side
to European Final and in European football at the top
shelf of football and Worlds you know for me, So
it's a great achievement. I'm really happy for him over
here apart from Manchester and of course of.

Speaker 3 (01:18:24):
Course yeah ak forward to that final in a couple
of weeks. Now, this wasn't written down today to chat about,
but I just want to get an overall view on
the NRL. It feelsos though this is so even the
Rabbit I beat the Broncos last night, the Titans beat
the Knights, the Dolphins beat their eels on Thursday night.
Those are probably three upsets and general terms, does this
feel like a very even NRL this year?

Speaker 16 (01:18:45):
It's a joke if you're trying to tip. And more
to the point, I'm in a little punters club where
you have a little flutter each week and I've made
the idiotic decision on my last two goes to include
some NRL action. I'll kick my own backside if I
do it for a third time, because you just come unstuck.
So the unusual is the more likely at the moment

(01:19:05):
in the NRA. Well, and case in point last night
with South forteen mel down down on true playing Brisbane.
Brisbane had a rocket put up them last week after
getting beaten at home in magic round by Penrist and
then what happens South come back and wins like it shouldn't.
Doesn't make sense, but yeah, I think with Penris and
that they're spread of talent now elsewhere and they'd come

(01:19:27):
back to the pack definitely. This season Melbourne can't seem
to get it together without Harry Grant. It feels like
more than ever, if you lose one or two players,
it's really going to hurt because the competition is so
even so the healthy will win and the healthy will prevail,
I think towards the end of the season.

Speaker 3 (01:19:43):
So see la trou much. We've got a full house
last night. I've got to try a conversion or two,
a penalty and a drop goal.

Speaker 16 (01:19:48):
The drop goal was a two pointer as well. It
was from forty nine mete it out, So yeah, he got.

Speaker 10 (01:19:53):
The full boat.

Speaker 16 (01:19:53):
And that's ominous for Queensland and great for New South
Wales because Origin the Origin teams start of Origon teams
are selected next Sunday, so yeah, perfect timing.

Speaker 3 (01:20:03):
Just before you go story this week, formerst Writing got
a Stuart McGill avoiding jail after being found guilty of
taking part in the supply of cocaine yesterday he was
given a twenty two month intensive corrections order and four
hundred and ninety five hours of community service. So I
guess this kind of at least puts a lid on
what's been a pretty unfortunate chapter for him.

Speaker 10 (01:20:23):
Yeah.

Speaker 16 (01:20:24):
Well, hopefully he can sort himself out. And I mean
he's got no wiggle room to not sorw himself out
if he years off again. It's see her later and
not chucked the key away, but put the key away
for a while.

Speaker 10 (01:20:34):
So, yeahs such a sad story.

Speaker 16 (01:20:36):
It's sad date of affairs that this has happened to
Stuart McGill, who's I've met him a couple of times,
a really affable kind of guy. But what's happened in
his private life. He's obviously got some demons there and
has those demons about caught up with him. But yeah,
really sad.

Speaker 3 (01:20:52):
Actually, yeah, let's ope it's onwards and upwards for him
from here. All right, we'll enjoy your golf mate, I
know you will, regardless of what happens on the scorecard,
and we'll stop be your next out.

Speaker 16 (01:21:01):
Of they Yeah, bad day, and the golf course is
better than most places. Where a good things happening.

Speaker 10 (01:21:07):
So yeah, I'll still enjoy it.

Speaker 3 (01:21:09):
I'm sure you well, thanks mate. Adam Peacock are Australian
correspondent around this time every Saturday afternoon, it's eight to
two News Talks, the schoon.

Speaker 1 (01:21:18):
From the trag Fields and the Court on your homes
Sport weekends for it with Jason vine Used talksb.

Speaker 3 (01:21:26):
Coming up four to two, the Indiana Pacers starting to
claw their way back into this game. This is the
third game in the semi final series between Cleveland and
the Indiana Pacers. This is the Eastern Conference semifinals. Indiana
lead the series two nil, Cleveland one oh four ninety
ahead well eight and a half to go in the

(01:21:46):
fourth quarter. So yeah, Cleveland looked like they had it
all their own way, and they've just hit a three
pointer as I say that, in fact, no, that's Indiana
one four ninety three. Goodness me. So they're getting back
into it. Donovan Mitchell was was playing pretty well and
is for the Cavs twenty nine points, but he's on
a personal fouls as well, which makes it difficult. We'll

(01:22:09):
keep eyes on this for you as Indiana mounts a
bit of a comeback now. They're now just eleven points
behind with about six minutes to go in this match
after two o'clock. Rugby again is our focus, but this
time the British and Irish Lions. They've named their team
to tour Australia in July and August. Exciting looking team
with I guess a fairly predictable look to it. A

(01:22:32):
couple of players you might consider bolters. James Burridge out
of the BBC going to talk to us about that.
We'll also hear from Taylor Johnson as the Black Ferns
start their year later on this afternoon against Australia.

Speaker 1 (01:22:46):
The only place to discuss the biggest sports issues on
and after fields, it's all on Wee Jams Forward with
Jason Vaine on your home of Sport, use Yorks.

Speaker 3 (01:22:59):
Hello there, welcome into Weekend Sport. We're here for another hour.
I'm Jason Pine. Andy McDonnell is producing the show. Oh,
eight hundred and eighty ten eighty. He remains our number call.
Any time anything that catches your ear an you think
to yourself, I've got an opinion on that. That's what
we're all about. Eight hundred and eighty ten eighty if
you don't have time to call flick us a text.

(01:23:19):
Nine two ninety two James Burridge from the BBC standing
by to unpack the British and Irish Lions squad named
yesterday to tour Australia, thirty eight men, and he bolters
any surprises, who were the unlucky players and what is
generally accepted to be a good result for the British

(01:23:40):
and Irish Lions. I think a year ago you probably
say the Lions will come down here and just take
it to the Aussie They may well still do that.
James Barridge on that Nick Becker's.

Speaker 2 (01:23:50):
On the show.

Speaker 3 (01:23:51):
Auckland FC CEO he must have really good powers of negotiation.
He has convinced APL who run the A League that
if Auckland FC make the Grand Final that it can
be held at go Media Stadium rather than Park, which has,
by my reckoning anyway, at least fifteen thousand more seats.

(01:24:13):
APL who run the A League take all the ticket
revenue from the finals matches, so I'm sure that they
were all in an Eden Park saying hey, forty five thousand,
we'll take those tickets. You're going to only get twenty
seven twenty eight to Go Media, but yesterday the announcement
came that it would be Go Media Stadium if Auckland
FC met the Grand Finals. How did Nick Becker do this?

(01:24:35):
He's on the show and Taylor Johnson as well. Ahead
of the Black Ferns first game of twenty twenty five.
What a big year World Cup. At the end of it,
they take on Australia in Newcastle this afternoon. She's going
to unpack that one for us. As I say, your
cause and correspondence continue to be welcome on the show.
But as we tick past eight pass too, as we
always do it around about this time on weekend support.

(01:24:57):
It as time to get you across some of the
things that you might have missed over the last little while.
In case you missed it, as the name of the feature.
Starting in the A League, Western United have beaten Adelaide
in their elimination final last night to book the spot
in the A League semi finals.

Speaker 1 (01:25:16):
It doesn't have to be pretty anymore, it just has
to be effective.

Speaker 3 (01:25:21):
Date Russell wasn't expecting to play as big a part.

Speaker 18 (01:25:27):
The first ever home final at Iron Barkfields brings what
Western United had hoped for.

Speaker 3 (01:25:36):
A Western United going through to take on Melbourne City
home and away over the next two weekends for the
right to play in the Grand Final Super Rugby. The
Blues made short work of the Drewer last night.

Speaker 19 (01:25:46):
Barrett Allen to midfield, set Tutu out to Tylli, ty
Elli out to right wing.

Speaker 3 (01:25:53):
Our Cultborbs coltborbs Is.

Speaker 19 (01:25:56):
Gonna tron around behind the goal posts and got it down.

Speaker 3 (01:26:00):
Yeah, thirty four to five routes in suber last night,
and the Fiji and drew Up only got their try
right at the end. The Reds meantime left at late
to snatch a win from the Warr's us.

Speaker 2 (01:26:12):
An to go wide right. They had to go quick.

Speaker 18 (01:26:15):
Dad Gonna kicks it in behind Annis, it gives Chase
Anison gets.

Speaker 3 (01:26:20):
The tents and in and quinzone.

Speaker 10 (01:26:25):
Generally probably five.

Speaker 3 (01:26:27):
To go and ended up winning at twenty eight points
to twenty one to the NRL. The Gold Coast Titans
overcoming a burg deficit to shock the Knights Lake Virus.

Speaker 18 (01:26:38):
Rockmha enterteen Oer again prims it three or two and
over that Caperera Rabers prims it down.

Speaker 3 (01:26:46):
He pants it down.

Speaker 19 (01:26:49):
The combination between Caperera and prims. It gives the Gold Coast.

Speaker 3 (01:26:55):
The lead and they won at twenty four to twenty.
They were behind by twenty nil at one stage twenty
four ounced points. I love the NRL this year. A
monster of a boot from Latrell Mitchell. Meantime has se
kill the rabbitos that come from behind when over the
Broncos and they've made it.

Speaker 19 (01:27:13):
A half way Mitchell Mitchell for forty eight too quite two.

Speaker 16 (01:27:22):
Latroto Mitchell at.

Speaker 2 (01:27:32):
It again when it's down to the line.

Speaker 1 (01:27:35):
You made a call on eighty ten eighty Weekend Forth
with Jason Payne, News Talks MB.

Speaker 3 (01:27:42):
Just on the NRL The Warriors of course or in action.
Later on tonight seven point thirty at Winds Stadium in Woollongong,
they take on Saint George Ilawara, looking to win four
straight NRL matches for the first time since the back
end of twenty twenty three. We will wrap that for
you tomorrow. Twelve minutes past to Northampton's twenty year old

(01:28:02):
loose forward Henry Pollock is the bolt in the British
and Irish Lions touring squad for Australia in July and August.

Speaker 2 (01:28:12):
Chains those extra few meters.

Speaker 18 (01:28:13):
Taller hit that line tarfetly, Henry targgains.

Speaker 2 (01:28:21):
That burgeoning reputtation.

Speaker 15 (01:28:23):
Grows and grows.

Speaker 2 (01:28:24):
There's the celebration for the lester tis Well.

Speaker 18 (01:28:27):
If you're wondering what all the talk is about, just
sit back and look and there's a brilliant.

Speaker 2 (01:28:32):
Brilliant line.

Speaker 18 (01:28:33):
He packed himself to beat Prendergast on the out side.
Trending guns be disafinedhim with a tag of leopard. But
this guy has pays, he has power and he has
the confidence to bruck his ears back and go for it.

Speaker 3 (01:28:45):
Watch the response here.

Speaker 2 (01:28:47):
Twenty years of.

Speaker 3 (01:28:48):
Age, Yeah, he only turned twenty in January. Henry Pollock
and had played only one Premiership game before the start
of the season. Let's bring in the BBC's James Burridge
to talk more about this. Let's start with Henry Pollock,
shall we. James and I. You've spent a bit of
time with him today doing some media after his in
the squad was a selection a surprise. Is he a

(01:29:10):
balter in the true sense of that word.

Speaker 6 (01:29:15):
In a funny sort of way, Jason, I think we
were expecting it. Yes, he's a bolster in the traditional sense.
He's someone who only made his debut for his club
last year. This time last year he was playing in
the under twenties. He's played thirty minutes of Test rugby,
played outstanding the well for Northampton in the Championshi Cup
last week. And the thing about Henry is that he

(01:29:38):
talks a very good game, but he can walk it
as well. Like when he made his Test debut for England,
he went to Tommy Freeman and went, I'm going to
score a try my debut and I'm going to score
it on the wing. And that's exactly what he did.
And whenever you watch Henry talk about it, you watch
some of the footage which is really insightful with him
the way he communicates. He's not backwards about coming forwards.

(01:30:03):
He believes in his ability to change get as to
dictate games, and he backs it up every time that
it would be different if he talks a great game
and then got sent off or missed the tackles or
dropped a ball or gave away a penalty. And he
hasn't really done that. He's backed it up game after game.
He's got better. So at the moment he's on an

(01:30:24):
upward trajectory. And Andy Farrell couldn't not pick him. So, yes,
he is a bolter, but he's not because he's been
getting better every week.

Speaker 3 (01:30:32):
If you see what I mean, I know exactly what
you mean. Yeah, sometimes people just present an irresistible case.
What's he like is he is confident off the grass
as he clearly is on it.

Speaker 6 (01:30:44):
He is confident. He's a great lad. He's very polite. Yes,
he's a bit brash. Yes, he's a bit loud. Some
of its front, frankly. Part of it is this insatiable
character that he has. He comes from a great family
and you know, sport is in their blood. His mom

(01:31:05):
is a massive triathlete, and when he was a kid,
she would be getting up him, his sisters, his brother
angus at ridiculous times in the morning to do you know,
Paul sprints at five six am in the morning, and
they'd be doing that three or four times a week
before they did anything else, before they went to school,
before they went and did rugby training. You know, his

(01:31:27):
brother's a golfer, a very good golfer. His sister's a sprinter,
for be the sprinter and Pollock's base level of fitness
as a result of all of this is unbelievably high
because of the training he did with his his brother,
his bitter and his mum.

Speaker 7 (01:31:42):
That's why if you.

Speaker 6 (01:31:43):
Look at the way he scores, his tried, his athleticism,
his fitness is ridiculous because of his because of.

Speaker 17 (01:31:51):
What he did as a kid.

Speaker 6 (01:31:52):
There's a lesson here, I think is that if you
want your kids to be really fighting fit and have
a really good base level of fitness and be a triathlete,
because that's what Henry was.

Speaker 3 (01:32:04):
Fantastic. Well, I want to talk about some of the
others run this thirty eight man squad in the moment,
but you often look at those who haven't made it,
who are the unluckiest players.

Speaker 6 (01:32:15):
I think Darcy Graham, the Scotland wing, will probably feel
a bit hard done by mack Hanson, has been selected.
Great player mack Hanson, obviously you guys know them well
down under. But Darcy Graham, he does have The Lions
don't have bags of insatiable pace if you know what

(01:32:37):
I mean. They don't have ludicrous pace in their back three.
They I mean Tommy Freeman and Vander Murder, James Layer,
they're all quick. Darcy Graham, he's agile, quick, he's got
incredible footwork. I think are the great wingers like Jason
Robinson for the lines down the years, not comparing him
with Darcy Greham. But Darcy Greham will feel hard done

(01:32:58):
by that he hasn't been selected. I think maybe you
know George Ford potentially, you know he's to win one
hundred caps for England, but he's never gone on a
lined tour and they've gone with Finn Smith, Finn Russell
and Marcus Smith as that potential third ten straight fifteen.
So I suppose George Fall will be frustrated up there.

(01:33:19):
Jack Willis potentially, I mean he's playing in rugby in
France to lose. I think it was always going to
be difficult because there's so much competition in that back row.
But I suppose off the top of my head I
would go Darty Grahm. And the point is we're still
quite early in the process. It was still six weeks
away from that first game, or so I think it is,
so there's still a chance for this tour to change,

(01:33:41):
for the composition of the squad to change. I think
the average is five or six players get injured anyway,
So even though this tour party's been announced by Farrell.
Come that first Test against Argentina and Dublin and then
the trip down under to Australia, this squad could look
very different.

Speaker 3 (01:33:59):
Excuse me, Litt Zooman. On the fly House, you mentioned
Duffin Smith and Mircus Smith out of England and Scotland.
Fin Russell, do you like that mix of teams?

Speaker 6 (01:34:09):
I mean he was spoiled for choice in a way. Farrell.
I still think his son could play a part in
this as well.

Speaker 7 (01:34:14):
Owen.

Speaker 6 (01:34:15):
I mean he's not He hasn't played the game time yet.
For me, I think Finn Smith is the starting ten.
I think he's proven, he's got, he is in ridiculous form,
He's confident and again I talk about upwards trajectory, I
think he's on that right now. I don't think Finn
Russell had the best six nations. He hasn't been tearing

(01:34:38):
it for Bath. I think the next month will be
fascinating because Bath will be going for a Premiership title
and Finn Smillampton Sayings are going for a European Champions
Cup title. How will those two individuals fare over the
next month. Russell's obviously got stock haven't he He's an
incredible player, extremely gifted. But I think form is really

(01:35:01):
fascinating and it's also interering how he'll do whichever nine
they pick. Do they go for Mitchell, do they go
for Park? That partnership is key, and who's going to
be the twelve? The choice of twelve will be fascinating.
Will they go to a plot two? Will they go
Bundy Aki? All these partnerships, because you know, there's a
few games, it almost feels a bit like a preseason tour.

(01:35:22):
Before they played the first test, I played six or
seven tests. How they gel with each other at nine,
ten and twelve I think will be really interesting.

Speaker 3 (01:35:31):
He's just even listening to your talk about those players
and looking at this, at this list of the riches
at the hit the disposal of the coaching staff. But
I do not and you will have too. Just the
two Welsh players in the thirty eight that is a
low for a Lions tour in the modern era. That
must sting. And I guess it's a sign of the
times at the moment, but that must sting a rugby

(01:35:54):
mad nation like Wales, does it?

Speaker 10 (01:35:56):
You bet it does.

Speaker 6 (01:35:57):
Yeah, it's really baneful to see. I think even in
recent times you know that you have the Jamie Robertson
of the Squorld, Mike Fellers that you know, the George
North via the Battle the North have of Israel fellow.
I mean for recent lines fans, that was box office.
And there's two players going, and if we're honest, Thomas

(01:36:19):
Williams is probably at this stage third in the pecking order.
Might break through, but you don't know, and injuries might
play a part in this. Jack Morgan was simply outstanding
in the Six Nations for Wells with a losing team,
he played brilliantly. He deserves to be on that tour,
so as Williams. He's shown incredible injection of pace and
creativity and a girl at scrum half. But yeah, it's painful,

(01:36:42):
isn't it. I mean Falatoo didn't make the cuts. He
did actually play pretty well during the Six Nations. But
you know, it's interesting that Farrell hasn't got too many
number eight at his dispose of Kaylin Doris is injured
out of the tour altogether. But yeah, it's sad that
there's any two Welsh players going. There's no other word
for it.

Speaker 7 (01:37:01):
Really.

Speaker 3 (01:37:02):
You mentioned Kyler Doris there. I guess he would have
been a captaincy candidate as well had he been to tour.
Maro Toji is the skipper. Is that a popular choice?

Speaker 6 (01:37:11):
I think it was. It wasn't it was the only choice.
I think it was just a blatantly obvious choice. Staring
Andy Farrell in the face. I think he probably would
have gone with He probably would have gone with Toji regardless.
I think Toji's got a lot of experienced third lines
to captain for his club, captain for his country, and

(01:37:33):
he's got the respects in the backing, not just of
the England players but those others around him. And I
think he's really he's matured. I think he admitted to
himself that the Lioness announcement yesterday's less naive and he's
seen it all now, Maritoji and he's this there's a
real sense of calmness about a Toji. One thing he
does do is he will play the full eighty minutes.

(01:37:55):
There's always been this fascinating kind of reflection on players,
do they actually last eighteen minutes? England have had this
problem that one of the reasons Jamie George actually lost
England captain to you because he isn't actually play the
full eighty minute and it's often in those last ten
that you need that leadership, you need that understanding. And
now Maritose is also very good communicated with the referees

(01:38:19):
and we've seen in test matches down the years how
how fundamental that is.

Speaker 3 (01:38:25):
Well, the squad's been named. We look forward to having
the British and Irish lines down in our part of
the world, just across the Tasman. What would the general
expectations be for the British and Irish Lions in Australia?
James would a three nil series will be expected.

Speaker 6 (01:38:42):
Well, a year ago I think many people perceive wisdom was, yeah,
that will be the expectation. But obviously what Joe Schmidt's
now been able to produce in that last twelve months
has been fascinating to watch, great to see because you
want to see a really strong performing Wallaby's team, don't you.
You want to be able to what they did against

(01:39:02):
England just demonstrated that you cannot take them, you can't
be completed against them. I think complacency is a big
watch word for the Lions because yes, they'll be going
down Under. But Joe Schmid is one of the He's
got one of the best tactical brains in the game,
hasn't he. I just remember when he was back, you know,
coaching the All Blacks against Ireland in the World Cup.

(01:39:24):
Just how he unpicked them then, and I'm sure he'll
have some tricks up his sleeve, particularly against Andy Farrell's
Lions team as well. So tour victory first and foremost,
that's what you want. If it's three mil, that's absolutely fantastic.
But I don't think you can take anything for granted.
That is certainly the message that Farrell is.

Speaker 3 (01:39:44):
Saying to mouthwatering prospect when this team, as you say,
play Argentina first and then he'd down under for Australia. James,
always appreciate your time and expertise. Thanks for joining us
across New Zealanders.

Speaker 6 (01:39:54):
Always greatest, BG Chase, all the best now, all the best.

Speaker 3 (01:39:57):
To you too, mate. James Barridge there out of the
BBC with a breakdown of the thirty eight man squad
that's going to tour Australia. As you heard James mentioned there,
they've got a game against the Argentinian side first before
they come down and then you look at their schedule.
That game against Argentina is on Saturday June twenty one,

(01:40:18):
that's New Zealand time, seven in the morning. Then they
come down to Australia. They take on the Force in
Perth as their first game. Then they head across to
Brisbane to take on the Reds. Then the war Tarzan, Sydney,
the Brumbis and Camera, so they play all four Super
Rugby sides. Then that Australia New Zealand Invitational side that

(01:40:42):
we still don't really know the makeup of but looking
forward to seeing a few non all black New Zealanders
in that. And then it's into the Test matches, the
first of which on the evening of Saturday July the
nineteenth at sun Corps Stadium in Brisbane. Then they play
First Nations and PACIFICA fifteen two or three days later.

(01:41:02):
The second Test is at the MCG on night of
Saturday July twenty sixth, and the tour wraps at a
Core Stadium in Sydney on Saturday August the second look,
I mean again, no skin in this game. I don't
support Australia, I don't support the British and Irish lines,
but goodness me, I'm in front of the TV for
those games, and not just the Test matches but the

(01:41:24):
other ones as well. You look at the British and
Irish Lions touring side, especially in the backs cheap as
there are some riches for Andy Farrell to select from. Joshman,
I'm sure we'll have some plans and les Kiss will
be in and around no doubt super rugby.

Speaker 4 (01:41:44):
Well.

Speaker 3 (01:41:45):
I guess les Kiss will coach the Reds against the
British and Irish Lions, but you'd have to think he'll start,
won't he spending some time in and around the Wallabies
set up given the fact he's taking over next year
as head coach. A fascinating little battle. And then of
course Australia will come into the Rugby Championship including the
Bledisloe carp match hardened from these games. Will that make

(01:42:07):
them a more dangerous opponent in the Bledisloe Cup this year?
You would have to think the answer is probably yes.
So we'll make sure across the next two or three
months that we keep very close eyes on the British
and Irish lines tour of Australia and how it relates
to what's going to happen a bit later on in
the year against the All Blacks two twenty six. That

(01:42:29):
game's over in Indianapolis. The Calves have held on. In fact,
they've extended out one twenty six to one oh four.
The Calves have got a game on the board in
the semi final series. Indiana still lead to one game
four in the next couple of days. And there's also
some action this afternoon or a little bit later on shortly.

(01:42:50):
In fact, they might have already got underway. Okay see,
and the Nuggets were supposed to get underway tip off
right now, Andy says, thank you. I just looked up
at the screen. Do they I presume they wait? Do
they Andy that they wait? Is it one of those
where they don't start game two until the first games?
Believe it or not?

Speaker 4 (01:43:05):
Not?

Speaker 7 (01:43:05):
Usually?

Speaker 2 (01:43:06):
Pye.

Speaker 3 (01:43:06):
Okay, I thought that the NBA had the power to decide,
but apparently not. Okay, Well, it's worked out well, hasn't it.
We'll just finished one game and the second one is underway.
Okay see, and the Nuggets at Ball Arena and Denver.
The series is tied up at one apiece, so a
pretty crucial Game three has just gotten underway, Well take
a break, come back. Nick Becker, CEO of Auckland f C,

(01:43:28):
is with us on the decision, which I'm sure pleases
them greatly that if Aukland FC make the Grand Final
in the A League Men's Competition, it'll be at go
Media Stadium. How do they pull this off? Nick Becker?
After this.

Speaker 1 (01:43:42):
The big issues on and after fields Call oh eight
hundred eighty ten eighty Weekends Forward with Jason.

Speaker 2 (01:43:49):
Paine and GJ.

Speaker 1 (01:43:50):
Gunnerhomes New Zealand's first trusted home Milder.

Speaker 3 (01:43:53):
News Talk two thirty Monsters on text Pinety. What happens
if Razor loses the blood of Slow Carp and the
All Blacks to lose to South Africa at Eden Park
this year. I think it's highly likely, Sismus. I guess
like it would spell probably a rather disappointing rugby year.
I think, okay, let's break it down into two parts.

(01:44:13):
The Bledislow Cup. I think in New Zealand's favor and look,
I still back us to beat Australia every time we
play them home or away. But I think in our
favor in terms of the Bledisloe Cup this year is
that the first test is at home and remembering, of course,
Australia have to win both if they are to take
the Bledisloe Cup. Only two Test matches this year. The

(01:44:33):
first one is in Auckland on September twenty seven, a
week later in Perth. So provided New Zealand don't lose
the first tear, oh sorry, they've got to win it.
Provided New Zealand win the first Test and even Park
on the twenty seventh of September, the Bledislow Cup is
locked away. As far as the South African Test is concerned,
that will be an absolutely titanic battle on Saturday September sixth.

(01:44:56):
I feel like you need to put a ring around
that date now, because you know what happens, right, it's
so far into the future that things get you know,
you forget. Oh that's far enough way, I'll worry about
that when it gets closer. You need to make sure
that nothing is going to encumber you on that night,
that a plan is going to be made for a
family gathering or or a dinner party or something that

(01:45:18):
can take your focus away from the all Blacks against
the spring Box, because it's going to be a cracker
right Eden Park fifty plus test matches without defeat there
for the All Blacks South Africa, number one team in
the world Rugby World Cup holders come into the Garden
of Eden to try and win there. Saturday, September sixth

(01:45:42):
is the date of that test. Don't say I didn't
warn you. I will continue to remind you over the
next little while. And actually what we need to do.
We did this last year.

Speaker 2 (01:45:53):
We got.

Speaker 3 (01:45:55):
Scott Robertson on the show, didn't we when he just
named as All black Side. We went out to Upper
Hut where they were training at the brilliant New Zealand
Campus of Innovation in Sport and spend an hour with us.
Should we see if he can do that again at some.

Speaker 20 (01:46:09):
Stage, Jason, I don't want to reveal any secrets, but
let's just say the wheels are in motion as we speak,
already in motion, mate.

Speaker 3 (01:46:16):
Good, don't think too much on it. Just focus on
the show, all right. I'm not even doing a very
good job of that, but yeah, thank all.

Speaker 11 (01:46:24):
Good.

Speaker 3 (01:46:24):
Good to know, good to know that. Hopefully we'll get
another hour with Razor at some stage. Thanks Andy, that's
why you're doing the job that you're doing, an award
winning fashion I'll just keep talking Auckland FC. We'll stay
at go Media Stadium rather than move to Eden Park
for the A League Men's Final series. Discussions were ongoing
over whether Auckland f C would shift to a bigger venue,

(01:46:48):
but the governing body, the APL, which takes the gate,
has opted to put an extra seating at go Media.
So an additional two thousand, seven hundred seats are going
to be added to the north end for the home
semi final, which is a fortnight tonight, and a further
eight hundred seats will be added if the club qualify
for the Grand Final. But Eden Park is off the table.

(01:47:10):
Now all remaining Auckland f C games at home the
home semi final and if they make it, the Grand
final will be at go Media Stadium. Auckland f C
CEO Nick Becker is with us. First of all, Nick,
good to chat to. It was always how pleased are
you with this outcome?

Speaker 11 (01:47:27):
Oh, it's a great result for us Piney, It's what
we were pushing for. It's where we want to play,
it's our home ground. We've had a great first season
at go Media. The fans love it, the players love it,
and we really didn't want to give up that homeground
advantage if we'd moved to Eden Park.

Speaker 10 (01:47:42):
So yeah, for us, it's a fantastic result.

Speaker 3 (01:47:44):
How did you convince the APL to forego the extra
revenue they would have got from having the Grand Final
if you were to make it at Eden Park.

Speaker 11 (01:47:54):
I'd like to think it was solely down to my
negotiation skills, but there's a few things that at play.
We obviously, I mean, the ALEAGU were really good in
terms of working with us to kind of take on
our preference and listen to our.

Speaker 10 (01:48:08):
At where we put our case forward. It was also.

Speaker 11 (01:48:13):
Helpful that the Eden Park wasn't available on Saturday thirty first,
so Eden Park had I think they've got a Blues
game on as they could only offer this Sunday the first,
so I think broadcast, you know, sort of preference in
that type of thing play a factor as well, but
fair play to day. They came to us right at
the start and said for your semi final, you know

(01:48:34):
what is your preference in stadium.

Speaker 10 (01:48:36):
We said it was definitely GOVID and they agreed to
that from the start.

Speaker 11 (01:48:38):
So it was really only a conversation around the Grand
Final if it takes place in Auckland.

Speaker 3 (01:48:43):
They could have gone for the Sunday, couldn't they. There's
nothing to stop them. The Grand Final has been on
a Sunday in the past due to the Grand availability
whatever it is. Did it ever feel during your discussions
as though they were leaning that way that they really
wanted to get to a bigger venue.

Speaker 11 (01:48:59):
I mean, they definitely did their judaistence on boat and
I think at the end it was a bit of
a captain's call from the chair of the APL who
sort of, you know, knows how important it was to us,
but also knows how much of a fantastic football ground
Go Media is.

Speaker 10 (01:49:16):
You know, like sort of every seat in that stadium
is right on top of the pitch.

Speaker 11 (01:49:20):
It really does feel like a football ground where it's
a little bit of a different I mean, Impark's a
great stadium and you know, a fantastic plays and many
great sporting matches have taken place there.

Speaker 10 (01:49:30):
But it's got a different vibe to what Go Media is.

Speaker 3 (01:49:33):
And how much do you think what you've created at
go Media this season with average crowds of over eighteen thousand,
the scenes on television, which of course get beamed across
the task and to the powers that be they see
the occasion that's created. How much do you think that
played into this whole discussion as well, what they've already
seen and what they are going to see over the
next month or so.

Speaker 11 (01:49:53):
Oh, that was a huge part of it, and that
was very much at the core of our argument as well.
We kind of talked to them about two things. One
of the players and how they wanted to have their
home ground advantage, but more importantly, or just as importantly,
the you know that the fact that the fans have
just taken to it in our first season so quickly,
with such you know, sort.

Speaker 10 (01:50:12):
Of fantastic support.

Speaker 11 (01:50:13):
You know, we'll have by the time the final series
is finished, to be over three hundred thousand orkandf C.

Speaker 10 (01:50:19):
Fans have come through the gates.

Speaker 11 (01:50:20):
So an amazing response from all of Auckland and the
football community here, but just the wider city as well.
I've already got behind us, and it was sort of like,
you know, go media has been that the place all season.
It felt like change at last minute would kind of
create a whole different, a whole different feeling to the
game and the series and the apl daily They understood that.

Speaker 3 (01:50:42):
So you're adding an extra twenty seven hundred seats to
the north end. That's the giant slide end for your
home semi vinyl. How big are logistical exercise is that.

Speaker 10 (01:50:53):
They started building them already, so they've gone.

Speaker 11 (01:50:55):
And it does mean that the only I guess the
opportunity cost is we won't have our family fans owned.
But the game on Saturday to twenty fourth, our home
Seri final does actually kick off bit later, and I
think the sense of occasion of hosting a semi final
makes up for the fact that we lose our as
you say, our giants slide down the hill, any of
the house that's been such a success at that.

Speaker 10 (01:51:16):
End, and then I think so it goes in. I
think it's around about.

Speaker 11 (01:51:21):
Brings the capacity to about nearly twenty eight thousand, and then,
as you said earlier in your intro, if we go
through the grand final, or when we go through the
Grand Final, it'll be up to close to twenty nine thousand.

Speaker 3 (01:51:32):
Amazing. So the semi final, will you find out tonight
who you're going to be playing home and away? Are
you expecting a sellout for your semi final? Your home
semi two weeks tonight.

Speaker 11 (01:51:44):
Absolutely, Yeah, yeah, yeah, So we've gone on sale. There's
been an exclusive window for Orkan the CE members this week.
We've sold you know sort of I think north of
six thousand tickets already.

Speaker 10 (01:51:54):
So it goes on general sale early next week. I
believe it's Tuesday, and I would say that's going to
set up pretty quickly. I'd be amazed if a week
later there were still tickets left.

Speaker 11 (01:52:03):
So we're expecting a full house at the semi final
and you know, whether it's Western Sydney or Melvin, Victory
will be ready for either team.

Speaker 3 (01:52:11):
Do you have a preference?

Speaker 4 (01:52:14):
Uh?

Speaker 11 (01:52:14):
Well, we we we played I mean out of if
you just go on recent results, you know we had
already I think one of our best performance of the
season over in Melbourne.

Speaker 10 (01:52:24):
We beat them to it and that pretty much secured
us the premiership.

Speaker 11 (01:52:29):
So you know, they kind of We've definitely got a
bit of a psychological advantage there from that game. But
you know, you know the old the old cliche of
you've got to beat every team, right, and we we
we know that we've done the preparation this season. We
know that we can beat anyone in the Who's Who's
remaining in the competition. We've beating every team. Is actually
only Adelaide who went out last night, who we hadn't

(01:52:50):
notched up a victory against this season. So you know
we've beaten the Wanderers, we've beaten victory. We know we
can do it and it's just up to the boys now.

Speaker 3 (01:52:58):
Indeed it as well, you'll know that regardless of who
you play, it'll be at your at your physical home,
your spiritual home of Media Stadium. So two weeks tonight
the home part of the semi final, negotiate that and
through to the Grand Final on the Saturday night of
King's Birthday weekend. Nick, I think you underplayed it. I
think your negotiation skills would have played a big part here.

(01:53:19):
You're probably being a bit humble.

Speaker 10 (01:53:23):
Well yeah, well, Liz, I'll go with you on that.

Speaker 3 (01:53:26):
All right, That great the chat has always We'll see
you soon.

Speaker 10 (01:53:30):
Soon.

Speaker 3 (01:53:31):
Thanks Nickpicker, the CEO of Auckland FC. Yeah, that's by
far the best result. You know, moving it to Eden
Park would have been you know well, first of all,
it would have taken away any real semblance of home
advantage for Auckland FC. And second of all it's i mean,
go Media. Is such a much better stadium to watch
a game of rectangular field sport, isn't it? Ton Park?

(01:53:55):
Look I like Eden Park and I was mentioned before.
You know that all Black stests against that is gonna
be magnificent. But you're so far back. You're so far back.
It's the right decision. Good to know that it's going
to be made. We'll find out tonight who Auckland FC
will play when the Western Sydney Wanderers host Melbourne victory.
Winner of that goes into the semi final home and
away against Auckland FC. Vicky says Jason. I'd be interested

(01:54:19):
to know who you think or who would prefer Auckland
SAID to play if they make the finals. I'm thrilled
we won't meet Western United, says Vicky until we meet
in the Grand final, because they seem to have got
the measure of us. What are your thoughts are Vicky? Yep,
good point. Western United have beat in Auckland f C
twice home and away of the two tonight Western Sydney

(01:54:39):
and Melbourne victory. I think I would if I was
Auckland f C and I had my choice, I think
I would prefer to play Melbourne victory. Wasn't that long
ago middle of April that they went to Melbourne and
won two nil over there. Now the semi final is
a home and away, it's a two legged proposition. So
if they could go to Melbourne and went over there,

(01:55:01):
even a drawer over there, they'd backed themselves to come
home and complete the job at home. Western Sydney just
seem to me to have more game breakers, more dangerous players. Yes,
Auckland FC have beaten them as well over there, but
I think if I had my choice, I'd go for
the I'd go for Melbourne victory. Western Sydney just seem
a much more dangerous proposition at the moment. We can

(01:55:23):
talk more about this tomorrow. Once we know who Auckland
f C Are playing, we will We'll have a chat
about it tomorrow to see how they match up against.
By then we will know who they are playing. Eighteen
away from three when we come back. The Black Ferns
in action for the first time in twenty twenty five
Rugby World Cup to defend at the end of this year.
They will take on Australia this afternoon in Newcastle. Taylor

(01:55:46):
Johnson going to preview that for us when we come back.

Speaker 1 (01:55:48):
No One Grudge hold n Gage Weekendsports with Jason Fame
and GJ.

Speaker 2 (01:55:54):
Gunner homes New Zealand's first trusted home. Bilder News talks
to Bailey.

Speaker 3 (01:55:59):
Two forty five, the Black Ferns rode to the year's
Rugby World Cup against This afternoon, they face Australia in
the Pacific Four Series at McDonald Jones Day, Newcastle, the
first of five matches they will played before that the
World Cup in August and September in the UK. Live
commentary on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio, also free to wear
on Sky Open and on sky Sport one from four
point thirty this afternoon. Taylor Johnson from Sky sporters with

(01:56:22):
us to preview this one. All things being equaled, Taylor,
the Black Ferns should win this game fairly comfortably. So
what are you wanting to see from the team in
their first test of such a big year.

Speaker 4 (01:56:33):
Oh?

Speaker 21 (01:56:34):
Absolutely, I mean the twenty seven and zero against the
Australians for a reason. You know, they're full time professionals
and the Australians are part time, and so really they
should blow them out of the park and I think
score anything less than thirty plass will be concerning for
the Black Ferns. I think just what we need to
see as a real dominant performance, We actually need to

(01:56:55):
see them really give it to the Australians because you know,
to break the OPA key. The first round was there
was big blowout scores and we didn't really get much
of a competition going until the latter stages. And I
just think every person that wears the black jersey today
needs to stamp their mark because not only do we
want to seek a performance from them, but there's a
lot of women that missed out on that team and

(01:57:17):
there's still quite a few sevens ladies to come in too,
so it's a big game all round for everyone. But
from that I like to see the connections. I really
want to see that connection at half back as well.
As we threw a hates to Matt obviously because last
year we saw her a lot in the midfield, but
she has to make way in the midfield for the
likes of Jerusa Fitzpatrick and Stacey Waker that are coming back,

(01:57:40):
but also Amy Duplassy and silver A but are just
as good, so there's there's cleaning a look at I
think the biggest surprise for me. We're seeing Kanya colne
Valier get the start, not against it whatsoever, but interestingly,
you know the Chief's manner while she just wasn't being selected,
and so she's gone into the Black Friends camp and
shared away to trusted her with that starting jersey. So

(01:58:00):
that's a real big one for me. I'm really interested
to see how she goes.

Speaker 3 (01:58:04):
And it's at the back end. One debutante in the
fifteen Jersey teenager Braxton Sorenson McGhee man, she's been turning hairs.
How do you evaluate her readiness to make the step
up to test rugby.

Speaker 21 (01:58:18):
I remember when she made her Fire Apartment Cup debut,
she'd only just turned sixteen, and our jaws are on
the ground because we couldn't believe a young girl who
played so cool, calm and collective was only year eleven
at high school. And so to see her, you know,
a couple of years later, it's Supragyopaki starting for the
Blues and absolutely owning that jersey. I think she's going

(01:58:42):
to do really well today. She is a really calm
and collected person. When you talk to her, she's very humble,
she's really focused as well. I think she's ready for
this battle and it's a good thing that she's making
her debut against a team like Australia. The challenging thing
though is that they do have some really good backs,
like the likes of Charlotte Kasick and Georgina Frederick's there

(01:59:02):
and Desire Miller equally as well, who she would have
came up against when the Warata Woman played the Blues.
I think it's going to be a great challenge for her.
The only thing with Brackston is we don't often see
her kick as much, so I think that's probably something
that the Black Friends' coaching staff have got her to
work on this week, and we'll get her to work
on heading into that World Cup. Is just more of

(01:59:23):
a kicking game because we know how elusive she is
with ball in hand and as a running fifteen. But
I would like to see her develop that kicking game, and.

Speaker 3 (01:59:30):
She's part of a tremendously exciting back three. When you're
adding Caitlin Va Callll and Asha let the Eyinger, how
tempting will it be for those you know in midfield
and even my Joseph and Roy hate demonte just to
get the ball out wide as quickly as they can.

Speaker 21 (01:59:47):
Yeah, and I think that's usually been the game plan
right with the Black Friends, rightly or wrong, and sometimes
frustrating me too, that they will just run it and
get it wide when they're in there two and I
think we'll see a lot of that today. Every single
person in that back line is a threat. But equally,
when you look at the foard pack, that loose trio
is outstanding, kypel Olson Baker running off the back and

(02:00:09):
then Kennedy took all off with Layla Stay and then
you know, they're so good that they've had to push
Brimner up into the lock sce, you know, with all
the firepower that they do have, and to have someone
like Leanna mckelly to not even strip up for the
twenty three is big when you look at the competition
in the loose board game. So equally, like with the
with the All Blacks, the Black Friends is the loose

(02:00:31):
board trio. It's probably the toughest to pick.

Speaker 3 (02:00:35):
And with just five matches before the World Cup, Taylor,
how much tinkering can Ellen Bunting afford to do as
opposed to giving his first choice combinations as much time
together as possible.

Speaker 21 (02:00:49):
Yeah, that's the tough one, right. We've got such a
short lead up into the World Cup. You know, it's
only four test when you take out the internal one,
you know, against the Black Friends fifteen, and it's going
to be tough. And I think that's why he's made
some of those tough cause with you know, emitting you know,
Ruby Tilley and Rene Homes, because if these girls don't perform,

(02:01:10):
you know, if Braxton doesn't perform, he's got full face
that Rene Holmes has been there, done that and come
in beforehand. So I think that's part of the selection decisions.
But you can't think it too much, you know. I
think we're going to see the Black Friends sevens. Rest
of the contingent, like Georgia Miller and Stacey Wachu come
not next week but the week after, and so these
this test and next week's tests have gotten really, really big.

Speaker 7 (02:01:33):
But you can't really.

Speaker 21 (02:01:34):
Afford to tinker too much. I've been watching England and
France when I watched the final Six Nations game, and
the skill set was impeccable and they've all been playing
with each other for a long time. That's the benefit
of having that Six Nations competition. So if things aren't
working from game one, I don't think they've got time
to tinker. You know, if someone you know underperforms today,

(02:01:55):
I don't know if getting given an extra test is
going to do much because it's such a cut throat
environment heading into that World Cup.

Speaker 3 (02:02:01):
Yeah and such a big Yeah, Tayland start looking forward
to watching the Black Friends this afternoon and on towards
the world as well. Thank us so much for taking
the time to preview it for.

Speaker 21 (02:02:08):
Us, no worries looking forward to it.

Speaker 3 (02:02:10):
Can't wait me too, Thanks Taylor. Taylor Johnson There from
Skysport five o'clock this afternoon McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
It is our Black Ferns against the Wallaroos, first test
of a big, big rugby year for our top women's side.
Eight away from three News Talk.

Speaker 1 (02:02:26):
SEB analyzing every view from every angle in the Sporting
World Weekend Sport with Jason Hine.

Speaker 2 (02:02:33):
They call O eight hundred and eighty eighty News Talks
MB five to three.

Speaker 3 (02:02:37):
Goose says on texpiney we put a ring around September
the sixth last year, when it was announced book flights
in a hotel A year ago thankfully got tickets to
what will be the biggest game of forty in New
Zealand since Rugby World Cup final time twenty eleven. Thanks course, yep,
September six, Saturday, September six, I'll keep reminding you about it.
That's us on Weekend Sport Today. Huge night of sport
ahead including Chiefs, Crusaders and christ Church, The Warriors of

(02:03:00):
course in action as well the Black Ferns too, and
a little bit later on a league elimination finals. We're
going to cover it all off four tomorrow, so tomorrow
will be a big review show of everything that happens tonight.
Thanks for listening today, Huge thanks to Anna McDonald for
pulling the show together. What's our exit song today?

Speaker 20 (02:03:16):
End year, Piney? This spand comes from your nick of
the Woods. I think actually Fat Freddy's drop Yes. Zella
Music Month obviously continuing, so I've gone with my favorite
song of theirs, Blackbird, to see us out.

Speaker 3 (02:03:28):
It's a good choice. Thank you see tomorrow, folks.

Speaker 1 (02:04:16):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talks it B Weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.

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