Full Show Podcast: 20 July 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 d B.

Speaker 2 (00:13):
The only place for the.

Speaker 1 (00:15):
Big names, the big issues, the big controversies and the
big conversations. It's all on Weekend Sport with Jason Vine
on your home of Sport News Talks ed Bank.

Speaker 3 (00:30):
You're the good afternoon and welcome into the Sunday edition
of Weekend Sport for July twenty. Happy birthday to one
of our great Olympians, four time gold medal winning kayaker
Ian Ferguson celebrating today, Sir Edmund Hillary, also born on
this day in nineteen nineteen, and so to one of
our great motor racers, chriss Amont born July twenty, nineteen

(00:51):
forty three. I'm Jason Pine, Annie McDonald alongside. We're here
until three the showers come to your life. From Hamilton,
where last night the All Blacks completed a clean sweep
of France and their three test series that is full time.

Speaker 4 (01:06):
Well, I've done it the hard way.

Speaker 5 (01:07):
Tonight the All Blacks have had to come from behind,
but they keep the French scoreless in the second spel
and take a twenty nine to nineteen win. And they
whitewash the French to open season twenty twenty five.

Speaker 3 (01:25):
Assistant coach Scott Hansen standing by to chat with US
expert analyst and former All Blacks lock Steve Gordon after
won some postmatch interviews. To play for you as well,
but as always yours are the views. I'm rarely after
lines open a chat the All Blacks both Test three
and those three tests? What have we learned in the
month of July about Razors All Blacks of twenty twenty five,

(01:47):
So rugby a big focus certainly for the first half
of the show. Other matters around today. Quite a bit
of career best pole vault for key we Olivia McTaggart.
She's cleared four meters seventy three to win the London
Diamond League event. She'll be with us on the show
after two o'clock. The twenty twenty five New Zealand National
Basketball League Final this afternoon Wellington Saints, Southland Sharks two

(02:10):
thirty in Wellington. Jordan Natzi with us out of the
Wellington Saints camp. The Phoenix yesterday beat Wrexham one nil
in their pre season football friendly in Wellington in front
of twenty five thousand plus interim assistant coach Chris Greenacre
on that and a team of eighty four representing New
Zealand at the World University Games right now in Germany.

(02:30):
Chef de Mission Evelyn Williamson gonna tell us more about that.
James mcconey, of course, as well, with his regular Sunday
contribution Livesport This Afternoon, has mentioned the National Basketball League
Final tips off at two thirty. We'll keep an eye
on that for you. We would love for you to
join the show though, oh eight hundred eighty ten eighty.
We'll get you throw on the phones as always, that's
a free call nine two nine two for your text

(02:52):
messages and emails into Jason at Newstalk SEDB dot co
dot nz. Coming up ten past midday.

Speaker 1 (02:58):
Breaking down the Hail Mary's and the epic fails. Weekend
Sport with Jason him News Talk.

Speaker 3 (03:07):
The All Blacks have been in France twenty nine nineteen
in Hamilton to sweep the three Test series three nil.
Having trailed nineteen seventeen at the break, Duplessy, Kadefy and
Brody McAllister scored tries in the second half to secure
the win.

Speaker 5 (03:20):
To refeedback for Jorny Barrett lighting through he has the
port running. McCallister on tabut slides over the line. All
Blacks debitods you want to take seals.

Speaker 3 (03:31):
The one Yeah, very cool moment for Brody McAllister, All
Black number twelve hundred and twenty nine and to try
score on debut on his home patch. All Black's assistant coach,
Scott Hansen is with a Scott, thanks for taking the
time this afternoon. In general terms, first of all, how
do you evaluate last night's performance?

Speaker 6 (03:52):
This was the performance. Actually haven't watched it again where
we're hit and run this morning. Now get the chance
to watch it again. But the field from the group was,
you know, we liked a little bit of cohesion out
there at times that probably isn't allow us to find
the game that we wanted to against the French. The
French did a really good job adapting the game differitely

(04:13):
defensively around it and we'll probably feel watching that game again,
I didn't quote recognize some opportunity that in front of
us around that game that will to be better. Taking
all that away being a grumpy old coach and being
a positive coach, I'll swing that now around some fantastic
displays from some young men put under a lot of

(04:35):
pressure in a test match moment, the response from them
was so encouraging, a really good for us as a
group to take some earnings really from a performance that
will need to be better and leading into Argentina. So
overall there's a lot that we can take out of
the game.

Speaker 3 (04:53):
How big an adjustment is it for a player to
go from an impact player to a starter with only
ten or fifteen minutes notice, as dupla secret of he
had to do last night when Luke Jacobson was a
late scratching How big a challenge for a player is that?

Speaker 6 (05:08):
Yeah, I think I think preparation. We focus on preparation
and everyone being ready and that moment comes you need
to be ready and last night was an example of
that that put Christian Obs obviously onto the bench. Dupes
did a fantastic job during the warm up. Luke unfortunately
took a knock to the leg and we felt they

(05:29):
wasn't able to start, therefore not able to finish the test.
So for Usdops came in, did a great job, eighty,
went to eight and then maneuvered really quickly with the group.
So the process of preparing for through the week and
again was highlighted last night in the Need for It.

Speaker 3 (05:47):
Adie Save had talked afterwards about being punched in the
nose in the first half. He said, first time since
the Second Test against England last year, you've actually been
behind at halftime. What were the messages to the team
during the break.

Speaker 6 (06:01):
Oh, we've got a chance to take them in the break. Interestly,
you listen to what they see and what they around
the game, and we've also got the chance to show
them a clip or two around where the games app
where the opportunities are and where we need to possibly
clean up. There's always that at halftime to keep it around.
The messages from the leaders was maintained position and just

(06:24):
some correction around certain areas of the field. We didn't
quite know that again in the second half, but the
leaders did a great job at halftime around what was needed.
And again we showed a lot of composer. We found
a way when essentially been ten yel down and we
had to bike through. So really pleasing to.

Speaker 3 (06:41):
See that you were held up over the triline A
number of times went you three or four times? I
can remember that you were over the line yeah, yeah,
well interesting then, but what can be done about that?
It's you know, it's it's desperate French defense. You know
you've got there all, but there is it just different
body position? How do you work on something like that?

Speaker 7 (07:01):
Oh?

Speaker 6 (07:01):
Exactly that different body position, understanding where the space was,
understand and how we can work and as individuals or doubles.
It was an area of the game at last ten
meters for us. We just didn't get what right as
well as we should have last night. The space was
across the field and that's not always trying to run

(07:22):
over the top of people. So we'll definitely have some
good learnings there. I thought the way we trained during
the week was a week up there, no excuses at all,
but we tightened up down there and as a coach,
I thought, all, you know, I need to prepare the
better and then what they played around that area of
the game. So definitely a lot of things Jason, around
body height, where we were on the field, the ability

(07:44):
to move to the space and even use our individuals
a wee bit differently.

Speaker 3 (07:49):
Speaking of prep, France are very different down they particularly
on attack from anything your players come up against in
super rugby. How detailed. Is your prep around your opposition
in the week of.

Speaker 6 (08:00):
A test, yep, yeah, that shows a lot of respects.
We spent a lot of time obviously acknowledging their games,
what helps their game, where it starts from. We acknowledge
where we'll get positioned from their game. When we do
then well too. So if you're a bit of depth,
the players do a great job within the Orgate environment
getting ready for trends what we can expect, and then

(08:23):
you've got to have that ability also to adjust and
adjust quickly. Last night the French played at first ten
minutes that moved the ball away bit differently, had a
little bit more difference in their shape, so we had
to adapt to that and then defensively obviously from the
Wellington Test they put a lot of time and effort
into their double collisions that slowed up our ball at times.

(08:46):
But we felt also there was a lot of kick
space in the back of the field. We got there
one or two times, which was great, but again some
growth around how we can get there quicker. We keep
our forwards going forward.

Speaker 3 (08:57):
Can you talk a bit about the influence of Jordi
Barrett when he came on.

Speaker 8 (09:01):
Yeah?

Speaker 6 (09:02):
Massive, It was a massive influence and coming on we
needed some type runner. We needed what he gave us
with that breach line and the inside border Brodie. We
needed his experience, a carb influence on the group and
vice kept him coming on from the bench. So we thought,
and I thought, in particular when Jordie went on, you

(09:23):
are really encouraging tests around knowing where we were in
the moment, what was required.

Speaker 3 (09:28):
Have you ever seen a more natural triscorer than Will Jordan.

Speaker 6 (09:35):
I've had the privilege like many you know, all black
and world Roaby lovers and loving the game to watch
a lot of finishes and a lot of fantastic players.
But the ultimate privilege for me really is having a
believer in all of us as coaches of coaching someone
like Will Jordan, in particular his anticipation for where the

(09:56):
ball will be, his ability to lead out there like
a coach and govern the group around will we being
our attack. He's getting better and better, I believe, and
you can just sit back and really enjoy world around
going around his natural game. It's a real toughness about

(10:19):
his game at the moment, around his carry, his intense
and also defensively and so all Jordan's in a beautiful
spot at the moment.

Speaker 3 (10:26):
Just a couple of forward looking questions to finish Scott,
how many positions in your best fifteen are still live conversations.

Speaker 6 (10:37):
The all backs? There also be the competition we need
needs to come from within the group. So when our
players are playing well and we're putting in good performances,
that's the pressure that we need on the group for
them to respond. So competition within the group needs to
be massive. And we're very lucky at the moment around
building some quality debt And you look at Lowly who's

(11:00):
just come on last night, but you look at Flicky
where he's at his game also, so if you go
from one to fifteen at the moment, we feel we're
building some good depth. Yes we need to continue that.
Yes a lot of positions need some more tests to
continue that growth. But we're really happy with what we're
building and the players that we have.

Speaker 3 (11:19):
So what will the next month look like? As you
prepare for the Rugby Championship?

Speaker 6 (11:24):
You know our next time will be over Argent Teenage
just says as coaching staff, what we do is we
connect and we prepare for that. We present information for
the boys to look at in their time in the
coming weeks, and that girl and the medical staff will
do a great job preparing them mentally and physically to
keep it around being an all backers. When you go

(11:45):
home from this series, just be present with your loved ones,
your family, take care for them and be present. Do
really well there because you don't get that like a
lot of the boys, at times they may come back
into the environment and they may not be at their
best because of it. So that's really important managing home
and doing well there, douvelop their physical preparation. A number

(12:06):
of players will play for the provincial unions, which is great.
They need to get in and play well and be
good all back within those environments. And then we'll get
to Argentina with with a week to go and prepared
for that test over and just.

Speaker 3 (12:20):
To Finnish, I mean there are some big taste matches
coming up. I know you only look at the next
ones Argentina as you say, but South Africa looming on
the horizon. Do you feel like you're in a pretty
good spot as we sat here today, Scott, ahead of
ahead of these these big challenges ahead.

Speaker 6 (12:34):
Well, we're building, we're building for sure. I think we
can take a lot of confidence from the French series.
We can take some confidence around areas of our government
have gone well. Now we just need to bring it together.
That will always be the focus for us. But yeah,
some really good road on around the world for us
all to watch and enjoy. It also gives you the
chance to look at those environments to go, okay, where

(12:56):
are we around that to the innovation that are creating
in the game. We were we with our game and
the compete with theirs, so it's some good foot you
to come up and watch. We were definitely excited around
we were leading.

Speaker 3 (13:09):
I appreciate you taking the time for a chat. Scott,
hope you're gonna rebreak as well. We'll catch up again soon.

Speaker 6 (13:13):
Thanks so much, mate, nice to talk to you today.

Speaker 3 (13:15):
Seas Jesson, No, thank you, Scott Scott Hanson the assistant
coach of the All Blacks or one of twelve twenty.
Your chance to react now to last night, to the
last three Saturday nights and totality if you like. What
have we learned about the All Blacks of twenty twenty
five oh eight hundred and eighty ten eighty lines open
in general terms, the All Blacks still have a lot

(13:35):
to work on, and they know that they own that.
Scott Hanson just did, then Scott Robertson and Ardie Savia
did after the game last night. They know there are
areas they need to be better. Here are a few
cohesiveness on attack, receiving kickoffs, the kicking game still needs
a bit of sharpening up, the balance between when to

(13:56):
kick and when to pass and run as well, and
the inability and a couple of tests out of three
to put away their opposition until the very end of
the game. You do have to credit the free Let's
not shy away from that. You have to credit the French,
who I think surprised a few people. They certainly weren't
the second string side many people expected them to be. Yes,
they were missing a few players, but the players who

(14:18):
they did bring clearly grew when they put that jersey on.
And the physicality and the level of combativeness that they
brought to that game last night, which was a bit
absent last week, was really evident, really evident. So I
think we have to give credit to the French. But
three nil is three nil and this was only ever

(14:40):
the entree to the rugby year for the All Blacks.
The next six tests are the big ones Argentina twice,
South Africa twice and Australia twice. Although I have to say,
on the evidence of last night against the Lions, the
Wallabies still look a yard or two off the pace
and probably more than that. Even so, the Rugby Championship

(15:01):
will unquestionably be a step up for the All Blacks
and one they have to make quickly. And while so is,
two tests here in September are looming as massive challenges.
Two tests and two weeks in Argentina. That's not a
walk in the park by any stretch of imagination. It's
a very challenging five week period. The All Blacks play
Argentina twice and South Africa twice, plus the travel to

(15:22):
and from South America. That's a big assignment. And you
can't do it with twenty three players. You need almost
all of your squad. You'd expect it up to thirty
players i'd say would feature in those four test matches.
And why you'd expect certain players to feature prominently in
all four. There'll be injuries, there'll be load management to consider.

(15:44):
The same fifteen can't start every game the problem is
or one of them that the gap between first choice
and second choice in a couple of key positions is
glaringly obvious. One of those is hooker Cody Taylor is
playing at a level of consistency at set peace and

(16:04):
his core roles and the way he plays around the field,
which is on another level to the other hookers inside
and outside the squad. Look, it's always great to see
an All Blacks debutante and to see him score a try,
But Brody McAllister admitted himself afterwards his line out throwing
wasn't good enough. It's to work on for him, as
it is for Summer Sawny Tokiaju and halfback cam Royguard

(16:28):
is operating at an entirely different competency from the other
number nines going around. It's him then a big, big gap.
Then Cortez and Noah Hotham, both of who are good
players but nowhere close to cam Royguard and White are out.
Will Jordan unbelievable player, an absolute weapon when it comes

(16:49):
to try scoring. Forty two tries and forty four games
that is a ridiculous ratio. I'm not sure that anyone
who's played on the wing in these three games is
now down that spot. It was a shame that injury
forced Caleb Clarke out of last night's game. So I
just wonder. I wonder whether you start Will Jordan on
the right wing and give Reuben Love another crack in
the fifteen jersey. He's raw, but talented, courageous and committed,

(17:12):
good under the high ball, kicks pretty well and you
can always move Jordan to fall back in gain if
need be. Couple of others, Jordy Barrett, a massive difference
he made when he came on. Now a world class
midfield back on both sides of the ball. And a
word on Fabian Holland, what a debut series for him.
He has made the test up to the Test, the

(17:32):
step up rather to the Test arena, with very little fuss,
and to play every minute of this series's testament to
his own ability, first of all, but also to the
faith shown in him by the coaches. Plenty to chew over.
Oh eight hundred eighty ten eighty is a number nine
two ninety two on text. Calls already starting to stack up.
So let's go, Hello, Kerry, good morning, here's the game.

(17:55):
Very good, Thank you, Kerry.

Speaker 9 (17:57):
Couple of points. My first point is, and it's only
my luck hesn't viewing points, but.

Speaker 8 (18:07):
Kind of a.

Speaker 9 (18:07):
Little bit worried about the fact that we're sticking with
a lot of players who have been there and done that.
And I watched the French quite closely. Some brilliant little
kicks the number ten, some brilliant like the one he
hooked back over his left shoulder, and I just think

(18:31):
that I'd like a lot of other teams are trying
new things, whereas the Ill Blacks aren't. I'm I'm just
really worried that nothing much has changed and we played
a B team. I mean, I don't think it was
a B team because they played very very well, or
did the All Blacks play bad? And my other point
is the standard of referee. I feel that these teams

(18:55):
are getting better and better, but I feel that they
are the referees a kind of getting lagged behind. Some
referees look behind them at ruts and walls. Other referees don't.
There was a lot of offsides and I feel that
that's ruining the game for a spectator of you and
to actually try and get people back to rugby after

(19:19):
watching rugby league, I feel they're leading it down.

Speaker 3 (19:23):
He's got to touch this though, isn't he the referee,
he's got to touch judge anything. Yeah, they should, they
shouldn't they carry. That's that's part of their job. They're
in Colm, they aren't with the referee.

Speaker 9 (19:34):
I reckon that they're scared. Yeah, I reckon. I mean
there's a lot of four passes, there's a lot of offside.
The advantage rule some some referees go way too long.
Surely the advantage rule is you're going forward and then
you a team makes a mistake. What it's like three

(19:56):
four or five rucks and they're going back. I mean
that's killing the game.

Speaker 8 (20:02):
Yeah.

Speaker 3 (20:02):
The advantage over one's are difficult to decipher sometimes, isn't
it is you say, when does the fact that you've
had the advantage and you've you know, you've made use
of it override the fact that actually used a penalty,
as you say, maybe four or five phases back? Always
objective with the referees, and then the touch he should
be they shouldn't be frightened to come in the TMO. Certainly, isn't.

(20:25):
There was one forward pass last night that got missed,
the one that will Jordan threw out to sever Reese,
which didn't lead to Anton Lennart Brown's tribe. It was
part of the attacking move. There were another ten twelve
fifteen phases and then Anton Lennart Brown crashed over and Galficku,
the captain of France, was blowing up deluxe at Angus

(20:48):
Gardner after that, just letting him know that they had
missed one. And I've had a look at it two
or three times. It looks forward out of the hands.
There's an overhead view on the TV coverage. It looks forward.
They've missed it, and you can't go back that far
clearly because it's been so many phases afterwards, But Kerry,
thanks for kicking us off.

Speaker 8 (21:08):
Mate.

Speaker 3 (21:08):
Always enjoy chatting to you.

Speaker 10 (21:10):
Hello, Grunt, Yeah, Pony, Do we have an update on
Boden Barrett's hand injury.

Speaker 3 (21:16):
We do have an update on Boden Barrett's hand injury, Grant.
I'm pleased you ask because Scott Robertson did meet. It's
a media an hour or so ago and he believes
that Bowden will be good for the Rugby Championship. So
that's four weeks from now. It seemed a little less
last night. When he was asked about it in the
press conference last night, Razer he said, oh, it could be,

(21:37):
could be a few weeks. He's broken the same hand
that he broke before or something like that. So I
worried then that it might be something that took him
past the start of the Rugby Championship. But the latest
we have from him from Raser is that he should
be okay for the Rugby Championship.

Speaker 10 (21:51):
Yeah. Now, these three tests for the France leaving the
player some of the stars home and with us doing
a mix and match in different as Christy in the
third game, it's sort of basically it's a bit a
bit like trial games almost so the real stuff starts

(22:13):
when we when we play Argentina. Still some things to
work on, like there like always is. And is it
two weeks from yesterday?

Speaker 11 (22:28):
No?

Speaker 3 (22:28):
No, four weeks no, No, they don't. They don't play
again until the seventeenth of August. So there's a there's
a decent there's a decent length of time. And also
from Scott Robertson today at the media session, he did
grant is that a number of players will play in PC.
M PC starts in two weeks from now. He said

(22:50):
a number of the players in the squad will play
in PC. Some won't, obviously the ones who probably you know,
probably played the majority that I can't see Fabian Holland,
for example, playing in PC. He's just had three big
test matches. But a lot of others in the squad
will Rant and Boden Barrett fingers crossed in a month
from now, will be fit and available. Good to chat mate.

(23:12):
Oh one hundred and eighty ten eighteen Hello.

Speaker 12 (23:14):
Carn Hey, finey here you going?

Speaker 3 (23:17):
But good can good mate? Good to hear from you.

Speaker 12 (23:19):
Yeah, you too.

Speaker 9 (23:21):
You know, I watched the game last night.

Speaker 12 (23:22):
I kind of think it's it's it's funny that the
ill Weck's convincing. Three games.

Speaker 13 (23:32):
It was.

Speaker 12 (23:34):
Sweep of France and and people are saying that we're
not playing the game, like just yeah, we did it right,
didn't we?

Speaker 3 (23:46):
Well yeah, I mean you look at it.

Speaker 2 (23:48):
Here's the thing.

Speaker 3 (23:49):
Can't three weeks ago, if we've been chatting, you and
I and I said, okay, can we're going to win
this three nil? I mean a's a base level that's
still pretty good. Yes, there's deeper things to consider, but
that's I mean all they can do is whin test match?

Speaker 8 (23:59):
Is right?

Speaker 9 (24:01):
Yeah, that's right.

Speaker 12 (24:02):
Anything like the new players they whether they did really well.
The I think it's kind of funny that a lot
of some of France's the tactics were to we're to
focus on slowing down All Black ball or focus on
and it kind of feels like if teams are coming
into a game focused on doing stuff to our game,

(24:24):
they're not focusing on.

Speaker 9 (24:25):
Their game as much.

Speaker 12 (24:26):
Does it make any sense or yeah.

Speaker 3 (24:28):
It does, it does. Yeah, I thought I thought Frans
did a great job of disrupting the All Blacks in
and around collision. You know, Ardie Savier talked last night
about there being lots of debris around the around the
breakdown collision area, which I guess means arms and legs
and sometimes legal sometimes not. But no, they they look
France knew that they that they were coming here underpowered.

(24:49):
But like I say, those guys, a lot of them
grew in that blue jersey and and you know, the
All Blacks had to work hard for two out of
those three wins. Really they played very well in Wellington,
but yeah, but they came out the other side, they
won three games. They're three and zero. And and on
we go.

Speaker 8 (25:05):
I think I.

Speaker 4 (25:07):
Think the.

Speaker 12 (25:09):
Yeah, yeah, I have to say, you said, well, Jordan
was the best finisher in the game. I mean, Christian
Callen dude, like, come on, yeah.

Speaker 3 (25:20):
No, I should have said currents. I should have said,
but no, I did ask god Henson. You're right, I
did ask him. Have you ever seen a better finisher? No,
you're right, you've called me out correctly. No, I's I mean,
Kelly what a player. But you look at the ratio
and Kelly's ratio was good too, but forty two tries
and forty four tests, I mean, it's ridiculous that his
conversion rate.

Speaker 12 (25:42):
When when it's in play in this it's close to
the line and you see Jordan get it or on
the twenty two or whatever, you just you just think
he's going to score. He's like, it's like, oh, of course,
Jordan's school. Like I was, yeah, yeah, I really like
him being in the team.

Speaker 3 (25:59):
Me too, me too, mate. Great to chat you, mate,
Thanks for taking the time to call callback any time.
Eight hundred and eighty ten eight number twenty seven away
from one a spear line only just if you want
to jump aboard, but back with more of your calls.

Speaker 1 (26:10):
After this the Voice of Sport on your Home of
Sport's Weekend Sport with Jason Yne GJ Gunner homes New
Zealand's most trusted home builder News talks.

Speaker 5 (26:21):
Heavy right foots the box kick no one at own
for the French All Blacks after it, Well, Jordan, will
they get the bouts passing?

Speaker 2 (26:28):
Well?

Speaker 5 (26:29):
Well, Jordan always gets the bounce and they All Blacks
hit back.

Speaker 3 (26:33):
Yeah, he always gets the bounds, always scores a try
forty two and forty four games. The record, as you
probably know, is forty nine. Doug Hallett has held that
record for quite some time. Will Jordan closing in fast?
He's got a few to hoover up before it gets
to Doug Hallett, But the way he's going, that could
be this year. Pinety. Physically, the fully fit French, Irish

(26:54):
Box and RGI Fords are way bigger than the All Blacks.
Huge upcoming test matches against Argentina and South Africa. Thanks John, Yeah,
they are bigger, which is why I think they're trying
to get two por Vite into that six so they
can have another big body there.

Speaker 2 (27:08):
I thought I'm a.

Speaker 3 (27:09):
Penny fee now actually had a pretty good game last
night in the six jumper. I thought he was physical,
thought he carried well, thought he gave a pretty good
account of himself.

Speaker 14 (27:17):
Hello, Mark, Hey, Yeah, lots of learnings there, lots.

Speaker 3 (27:22):
Of lots of learnings, lots of lessons to learn, Mark, Yes.

Speaker 14 (27:27):
No, they just called learnings. Now, I haven't you learned
the newla You are a top grade sports commentator, Pierre,
you're going to learn these new words?

Speaker 3 (27:36):
Well? Indeed, indeed I do. I think I'll stick with
I'll stick with lessons, I think.

Speaker 14 (27:41):
Yeah, I think I will too. Yeah, I noticed a
new question. You noticed how when Jordy came on, like
the whole game took on a different vibe. And yeah,
you know, you've got to admire his defensive ability. He's
one of the best defensive players. I think. You know
you're talking about Will Jordan, But defensively, I think Jordy

(28:01):
is one of the best defensive players I've ever seen.
You know, he is just so smart both on the
tack but and on defense. You know, the amount of
try as he says. I'm thinking back to the last
World Cup where I think he had two tooth players
where he sort of tackled the player and held him
up over the line. But yeah, it's just just just
incredible player. Yeah, Ruben Love, I thought he did well.

(28:23):
I think I think he caught the only up and
under of the whole series the All Blacks put in
the air and he caught it cleanly, which was good
to see. And I think that's that's a huge work on.
But for me watching the games last night, I think
the coaches, I think Farrell and Russi are probably the
two best coaches in the world, watching those two guys,
and I think we always I always thought we had

(28:45):
that sort of competitive advantage, but these guys really are
really sort of the innovators, and yeah, they're trying new things,
and I think South Africa at the moment just looked
almost unbeatable with the with the with the size of
their squad and the way they're playing and the options
they have. It's a bit like the NFL, you know,

(29:06):
they just I've got so many players and options to
choose when they play different teams. And I think the
air is one one place where if we really put
our mind to it, we could we could dominate. But
you know, our kicking game is probably one of the
worst I think in the international arena, and I think.

Speaker 8 (29:24):
That's really.

Speaker 3 (29:26):
No, no, no, I no. I remember the one you
talk about with Ruben Love as well, the up and under,
and I almost think he got a little bit not
lucky with it because he chased it hard and he
won it, but there was no challenger. I think they.
I think whoever was receiving kind of misjudged the flight
of it. And look, he did well. I thought he
kicked well, But yeah, not so much last night, I
don't think. But the first two tests we just kicked

(29:47):
away a lot, you know, box kicking without chasing. I
get we all get the reasons for the box kick.
I think, much as many of us don't particularly like
it, it's to gain some sort of advantage and at least
to make ball in the air contestable. But I haven't
seen enough evidence of chases really making it contestable often enough.

Speaker 14 (30:11):
Yeah, I think you've almost got a look to well.
AFL is obviously the easiest one to sort of take
notice of. But in the NRL, you've got players leaping
for the ball all the time, and you know, we've
got some fantastically athletic and tool players, you know, I
mean Caanan Clark was probably one of the aerial players.
But I mean Rico's tall, Jordie's very tall, will Jordan's tall.

(30:35):
I mean, We've got these players to me who could
really compete in the year, and for some bizarre reason,
they're just not doing it and I can't. It sort
of blows my mind how poor we are in that
area of the game. And I think against the spring
Box we've got to winner fifty to fifty ball and
I mean they've got shorter players out on the wing,

(30:57):
you know, lot most of the time they are two
wingers are sort of diminutive players where we could really
dominate in the area.

Speaker 3 (31:03):
I feel, yeah, it's a good point, mark a good
point please to work on. As they say, lots of
learnings to be taken, lots of lessons to be learned.
Good to chat. South Africa play Australia in the Rugby
Championship and two test matches in August Johannesburg and the
second one is in Cape Town. I fear for Australia.

(31:26):
I have to say I fear a bit for them.
I watched that game last night against the British and
Irish Lions. They were well second in that game. And
we talked, I think yesterday about how the best opportunity
for the Wallabies to win one of those Test matches
against the British and Irish Lions was to win the
first one oh eight hundred and eighty ten eighty is

(31:47):
our number. Back to the lines, Hello, Phil, make it
a forty?

Speaker 15 (31:51):
How are you very good?

Speaker 13 (31:52):
Phil?

Speaker 16 (31:54):
I didn't see on the sideline last night. You must
have been running up and down that sideline.

Speaker 3 (31:58):
No, No, I don't think that was the reason, philm
I don't think that was the reason. It was probably
just the cameras were making sure that they that they
focused on actual athletesn't.

Speaker 16 (32:11):
Think you were like a spear lock waiting to come on.

Speaker 3 (32:14):
Although I must say when I met Matthew Cooper yesterday
at Roaming Giant, I'm not sure if you heard the
chat I had with them. He said to me afterwards, Cheat,
He goes, you're nice and tall, you'd be a good lock.
I thought that was a nice compliment for Matthew cood.
But anyway, we're digressing, Phil, What did you take away
from last night?

Speaker 16 (32:31):
That is a nice giver and yeah, it was a
good show. You're in your study I was still thinking
great interviews. Yeah, I think like they say to quote,
you know, the knowledgeable players and coaches and people that
know there's some workings here, I think they've got a
bit to do. But I thought that reinforced some of
my beliefs. Like the usual players played fantaut. I don't

(32:54):
think anybody had a bad game, and all the guys
that got to go that came on the new fellows
and that played pretty well, and the usual guys stood
up like they did, you know, McKenzie, Jordan so Via
and Subu Reese as well. Not only is he a
good runner, but he amazes me the work he does

(33:17):
in defense and tackling and the hard yards he goes
in like a forward, you know. And that one where
he best. He knocked the bull out of the guys
at the sideline in the second half, tackled, he ran,
tackling the guy who was stopping from getting the ball,
and then he was able to flick it to the
all blacks. It was just a great example of the

(33:37):
work he puts in. But I think we're definitely going
to have to when we come into this championship competition
that's coming up, and we come up against South Africa
and I don't know the French in it, and they'll
have their a team if they are I suppose, but
we're definitely going to have to up the game a
bit because I don't think I don't think we would
have won against the South Africans last night on that performance,

(34:01):
or even the first one, or maybe the second one
was a pretty good one where they got it together better.
But I think too, like with the French, kind of
when I say that solided my view solidified my view
of beliefs is like I don't think the French come
over here too worried about how many they were going
to win or lose. I think they'll go back and

(34:22):
especially this last game because it was a bit like
the first game. With the second game, they threw a
whole lot of new players then just gave caution to
the win. So they went back to a few of
the ones they used in the first half, plus some
new first game, plus some new ones in the third game.
And I think that signified to me again and like
I say, they won't probably go back to unhappy it

(34:43):
is because I think for them it's just more about
they've just been looking to try and see where these
players are going and who they might use and building
towards that World Cup, and it's been like an exercise
for them.

Speaker 3 (34:56):
But I think it has fill. I think it has
been a depth building exercise, without question, and it's achieved that.
That was certainly the view I took from the three games.
Got to move mate, quarter to one back with more
of your calls after this.

Speaker 1 (35:10):
The big issues on and after Fields Call eighty eight
Weekends Forward with Jason.

Speaker 2 (35:16):
Paine and GJ.

Speaker 1 (35:18):
Gunner Homes New Zealand's most trusted home builder, News talks.

Speaker 5 (35:21):
Bab right, He's Lena Brown, then it Brown through one
through too, held up, trans his body over.

Speaker 3 (35:26):
Try, and soon Lenna Brown with a try just before
halftime that brought it back to nineteen seventeen.

Speaker 17 (35:33):
Can I George good a piney?

Speaker 3 (35:35):
How are you very good?

Speaker 15 (35:36):
Mate?

Speaker 8 (35:37):
Very good?

Speaker 2 (35:38):
Yeah?

Speaker 14 (35:39):
Hey you just just a.

Speaker 17 (35:40):
Sort of just sort of quick observation on the game
last night. In regards to Ruben Love, like I really am.
I am a fan of Ruben. I think is enough
there in terms of his talent and ruability to trust
a sista might be a bit out there, but I
think we should really consider him for the for the

(36:00):
right wing birth. He's got all the skills and attributes
under the high ball for what the box again bring.
And you know all backs teams in the past have
found it really effect from the back three where guys
like Cory Jane, Ben Smith even in another time Israel
Dad and earlier they met Jiff Wilson. You know, a

(36:21):
right winger who thinks some players like a fullback and
has got the kicking game to suit and can be
in there. I think in general player lots. Last night
Will Jordan was actually the one roaming through the middle
of the field and Reuben Love was hanging on the
right wing, so they were kind of interchanging. I think
he could be actually a real option to consider there

(36:42):
for the ranking championship.

Speaker 3 (36:43):
Yeah, I love it because there's no real standout contender
for the fourteen jumper with make delay having gone now
is there? You're right, I mean, yeah, he has to
be in that conversation. I like him as part of
the back three. Obviously, Will Jordan's going to be there.
It's just a matter of which jersey he's wearing. And
as you say, that may not really even matter given
his responsibilities during the game. But Yeah, it's not the

(37:06):
worst idea in the world. It's a it's an interesting
little conundrum that back three at the moment.

Speaker 17 (37:12):
Yeah, and I think sometimes where fullbacks have struggled getting
pushed out on the wingers where they don't necessarily have
that that kind of power or electric game and in
particular Fend But you know, Reuben Love's got a great
find on them, as did Corey Jane and being Smith,
and they can they can find it quite effective stepping
back and off their off their right foot and throwing

(37:32):
out that left hand. I think, you know, and we're
going to need a care going to need a highball
specialist up against the likes of South Africa. You know,
I think I think it really should be considered because
because he does have rawability and skill and you know,
you feel like, you know, as players can adjust to
the speed and tempo and physicality of test matches, though

(37:54):
they'll become more and more accustomed to it, and you know,
it's hard to expect them to be you know, super
rugby for Rubin Love from from day dot at the
test level.

Speaker 3 (38:03):
They good points, well made as always, George, good to
chat to you mate. Will do it again soon. Alogram.

Speaker 4 (38:09):
Oh, Yes, good afternoon, Goson, Good afternoon. It was a
great game last night and I've got the French really
pulled it up from the last two tests. But one thing,
a couple of things I'd like to just say from
a technical point of view, and it's frustrated me for
a long long time, is when in the scrum you

(38:34):
put the ball in now and it's all predictable. If
they don't contest, it can't go under even the under
each of the hooker's feet. It just automatically goes underneath
the guy that's seen the ball in. And I just
think it's so predictable that it should go back to
how it used to be.

Speaker 8 (38:55):
I don't.

Speaker 3 (38:55):
I don't think that's changed too much. Has a grim.
I mean that the team that doesn't have the scrum
feed can still earn themselves a tide head if they
get themselves coordinated enough to push at the right time.

Speaker 4 (39:08):
Well, I have to I've hardly ever seen the other
side win who doesn't put the ball in, and it's
really really I think it's it's almost gone to me.
It's boring to watch because you know who's going to
get the ball. And another point not the line out.

(39:30):
You don't have to throw it right down the center anymore.
Now the referees are letting it all go. I feel
although the line out, yeah, they tend to be exciting,
but they don't strictly follow that, you know, not putting
it on one side of the team.

Speaker 9 (39:49):
He's putting it in.

Speaker 4 (39:50):
Do you know what I mean?

Speaker 18 (39:51):
Yeah?

Speaker 3 (39:51):
I do, But I think brahm, I think they do.
I think they do. I've seen I've seen you crooked.
You know, throws called if the other team doesn't contest,
that's a different story. There's more leeway there. And look
there there's a lot more going on at a lineout than
at a scrum. I tell you what they made. It's

(40:11):
not as bad as rugby league. If you've seen those
rugby league scrums, they've basically put the ball under the
feet of the loose forward at the back. I think
there's still an element of contest around scrums. I appreciate
your call, though, seventh to one new Stalk SIBB.

Speaker 2 (40:25):
When it's downs on the line. You made a call on.

Speaker 1 (40:29):
Eight Weekend Sports with Jason Pine used Talk zib four.

Speaker 3 (40:34):
Minutes to one. I couldn't get everybody on the other hour,
but we will open the lines again and the All
Blacks after one o'clock. Steve Gordon going to join us.
I really enjoyed being part of the commentary team last
night with Elliott Smith of course, who calls all of
our games, but with Steve Gordon last night. First chance
I've had to work alongside Steve. His level of analysis
just excellent, really really good. Lucky enough to be down

(40:56):
on the sideline for these games and Steve will pick
stuff up, or did last night. I thought, yeah, just
bang on, just on the throws to the lineouts. I
stand right behind the hooker and a lot of these
lineup outs and nineteen times out of twenty it's going
in straight.

Speaker 1 (41:12):
It's the only place to discuss the biggest fource issues
on and after field. It's all on weekends Ford with
Jason Vane on your home of Sport US Talk.

Speaker 3 (41:25):
Welcome and welcome back. At seven past one. This is
Weekend Sport on News Talks headb. I'm Jason Pine, Andy
McDonald's show producer. We act all three after two but
a basketball but a pole vault. Olivia McTaggart a PB
in London at the Diamond League event four met us
seventy three. She's going to join us. Fore we'll talk
some other bits and pieces in the two to three

(41:48):
o'clock our as well, but rugby is our focus for
the next little while. Just before we get there, Tex
through Piney did I hear you correctly? Asks Phil that
ten Newcastle Knights are out of the game this afternoon
against the Warriors. Look, ten of them had gastro, a
gastro outbreak, which is never nice, whether in a sports

(42:10):
team or not. How many of them will be fit
to play remains to be seen, Adam O'Brian. The coaches said, Look,
it's not ideal obviously, but we'll try and get some
of them out there. So, yeah, that's the situation. But
of a gastro outbreak in the Newcastle Knights camp ahead
of their match against the Warriors tonight, all the Warriors
can do, I guess is go out there and play

(42:31):
what is in front of them. Our number is L
eight hundred and eighty ten eighty nine two nine two
for your text messages. The All Blacks chalking up at
twenty nine to nineteen winning Hamilton last night, securing a
three nil series sweep over France, having trailed nineteen seventeen
at half time. Brady McAllister on Test debut and Duplicy
Codifi on the occasion off his first Test start, scored
crucial second half tries.

Speaker 5 (42:53):
For McKenzie, stabs in a little kick into the end goal,
Willa bounds up for Sevy Race bounce a Zach for
Refee plays to the westil he's gotted it down and
Duplessy canrep has a first Test try and the All
Black at the lead of the quat fine tonight.

Speaker 3 (43:07):
Former All Blacks locke Steve Gordon provided our expert analysis
during our radio call last night and John's just now Steve,
great to work alongside you last night. What do you
think the overriding feeling will be today among the All
Blacks coaching staff.

Speaker 19 (43:22):
Although we please have got it done. It's always nice
to whitewash a team and win a series three nil.
But I think they'd be a little bit of a
little bit of frustration that they didn't get the coordination
cohesion that Perps are looking for out of the series.
But they did expose a lot of players to test rugby.

Speaker 8 (43:40):
In the international environment.

Speaker 19 (43:41):
But I think they will be quitely confident too, that
they've unearthed a few new potential superstars in their squad
going forward.

Speaker 3 (43:50):
Yeah, I want to talk about a couple of players
in the moment, But you talk about that cohesion when
that is not achieved, Is that down to you or
is it also down to the way the opposition approach
a game.

Speaker 8 (44:00):
I think it's down the opposition. I thought the French
were pretty good.

Speaker 19 (44:03):
They were really really organized in defense, and you along
on the sideline pinting, you may comment a couple of
times about just how quick they were coming up and
how aggressive and physical they were at contact at ruck
and mall, and just the ability to get an All
Blacks face and shut them down. And he had Fabian
Guilty comment, you know, right at the beginning of the

(44:24):
tour about not letting all Blacks be good at what
they do. And so they did that really really effectively
in the first sixty minutes. They fell away towards the
end event. I don't think they're subs made as much
impact as ours did, but I think, yeah, he'll be
pleased what they achieved and their ability to limit the
All Blacks and how they approached the game.

Speaker 3 (44:47):
So as the All Blacks now planning for the Rugby Championship.
They've got a couple of weeks off, well actually a
month until they play Argentina and then those two massive
tests at home against South Africa. What do you think
the one or two things that they'll be majorly focused
on will be ahead of the Rugby Championship.

Speaker 19 (45:03):
I think they've got to look at their kicking game.
I don't think they particularly well. They didn't find brass
and they kick chases and needs a little bit of
a work on. I think they will be unearthed, you know,
a real potential damaging scrummager in French and yaw. He
has been incredible over over the last two months in

(45:25):
his rugby and in particular his scrummaging and probably at
the end of obviously the talking Port and Favan Holland
sebout how sensational. He's been playing three full tests as
a twenty two year old, making his debut for the
All Blacks and debut season, which is outstanding.

Speaker 8 (45:41):
But I think.

Speaker 19 (45:44):
They'll be concerned in a few areas that they'll really
want to go away and work on. But any any
foody and anytime you know you've got new players getting
exposed to that environment.

Speaker 8 (45:53):
And time in the middle is just goal.

Speaker 19 (45:56):
And coming up a French team in that third Test
that was a how a lot more organized and cohesive
from the first two. I think that they'll would have
enjoyed seeing how his squad responded to that pressure and
what the French style brought and how they responded to it,
how they broke it down. And we can go back

(46:17):
to Artie's comments he made after the game is that
they just had to find a way how to get
it done and they did that successfully.

Speaker 3 (46:24):
Just on Fletcher newl he started the first two test matches,
came off the bench last night. What is his best use?
Is it to start or is it to come on
and really apply pressure in sort of the back end
of matches.

Speaker 19 (46:37):
I think they'll look at that and see who's he's
scrumming against and opposition scrums and how they best employ him.
You know, if they think that they're coming up against
a scrum that he can really dominate you from the
start that startup, well, wouldn't you have the game one
by halftime? You know, and the opposition that their forward
pack their mentality shattered, you know, because they can't compete

(46:59):
at scrum time, or you know, as someone like the
bomb squad the South AIFCANS employee, you may want to
bring him on to show things up when they change
out there forward pack after fifty five minutes. And the
ideal to be able to introduce someone like Fletcher who
has got to put it on people and it's showing
it in the Test in and now that he can

(47:22):
really upset and dominate at scrub time.

Speaker 3 (47:24):
And Fabian Holand you've mentioned him, you mentioned him a
pre game when we spoke yesterday and alluded to him
earlier on in our chat today. One of very few
players to play every minute of the series. What's impressed
you most about his seemingly seamless introduction into Test.

Speaker 8 (47:40):
Rugby his ability to complete.

Speaker 19 (47:43):
You know, you may mentioned early on about his tackle
count thirty seven tackles in this first two tests, none missed,
no miss tackles. Everyone was a completion. I think his
accuracy and his attention to detail for a young player
introduces is quite astounding. I think if he can he
can build on that and start introducing some more little

(48:03):
subtleties as he gains confidence, he's going to be world class.
And the most impressive thing is that he just seems
to be enjoying every moment out there. You know, he's
not overalled at all. He's just loving the environment and
stepping up big time to play for his adopted country.

Speaker 3 (48:21):
What did you make of Damien McKenzie's performance last night.

Speaker 19 (48:24):
I wasn't classic dam I think the French had a
really good job of reading him. They watched a couple
of times in particular, and they seem to like have
a dig on him. Some of that was just one
of the loosies and or inside backs in particular. We're
just tracking him. They know his ability to counterattack ball
in hand if there's a turnover ball or if there's

(48:46):
a mismatch in the defensive system. So they tracked him
really well and just made sure that they completed tackles
on him because you've seen it so many times in
both the Super Rugby and international his ability to skip
through a gap that shouldn't really be there, or just
bamboozle a defensive structure and get someone to go the
wrong way and he can go through the gap. I

(49:09):
think that was a ploy from the French to contain him,
and they did a really good job on that.

Speaker 8 (49:14):
Some of his kicks you know you can improve on.

Speaker 19 (49:17):
I don't think it was a bad performance from any means,
but it was just a quiet performance by his own standards.

Speaker 3 (49:23):
You mentioned the number of players who have been exposed
to test rugby. I think six new debutantes thirty three
players used across the three games, Steve, is there a
concern about the drop off I guess between the top
guy and the rest in a couple of key positions.
I'm talking hooker with Cody Taylor and half back with
Cam Royguard. There just seems to be a big gap

(49:43):
back to the others.

Speaker 8 (49:45):
That says a lot about Cody Taylor and Cam Royguard.
You know, they are through truly world class players.

Speaker 19 (49:51):
But I think Raises trying hard to introduce players and
get them up to speed, you know, and the only
way to do that is you've got to test and
give them opportunities and time in the middle. As just
goal for any player and all sorts of different players,
how they develop over their careers. You know, sometimes they
have a rough start and turn out to be, you know,

(50:11):
a mainstay in the team, but they need time to
do so. And if there is a drop off and
performance in how the team's run on the field, and
I think Raising and his crew will be investing a
lot of time in the next tier down trying to
get them up, you know. And what a wonderful opportunity
for all Blacks to have the likes of a Cody

(50:32):
Taylor came Roy Gad for those guys to aspire to.
They can see the level every day in training where
they need to be. So yeah, yeah, I don't think
we'd be too concerned at this stage and you know
the four year cycle, but yeah, they will be looking
for those players to come up to that level.

Speaker 3 (50:48):
I think we all expected the French to be not
at their best, a supposed second string side coming over here, Steve,
were you surprised at the at the strength of the
of the French team?

Speaker 19 (50:59):
Oh, I'm not at all point, you know, come out
of one of the best competition in the world and
the top car tours, and look, I was really disappointed
and in some of the commentary early on before that
even played a game about you know, the caliber of
the team that was coming out, and it was an
insult and disrespectful and a whole of other nonsense.

Speaker 8 (51:17):
That was being created around.

Speaker 19 (51:18):
I think we got showed last night that France is
one of the premiere competitions in the world and world
rugby at the moment, and those players coming out of
it are world class. You know, they were his breath
away from tipping us up last night. I just think
that has sean how much depth the French do carry
in their playing port at the moment. You know, Iy've

(51:40):
got world class players, not just from one to sixteen
seventeen as ahead in the past and there wasn't a
lot of depth. They've got depth from numbers you know,
one right through to sixty sixty five that.

Speaker 8 (51:51):
Are capable of playing international football.

Speaker 19 (51:53):
So I think we got a little bit of a
reality check and a jolt in our psyche just how
good the French competition is and perhaps we aren't as
far ahead as we thought we were.

Speaker 3 (52:04):
And teach Rugby and Hamilton for the first time in
three years that's an awfully long time. Hope it's not
three more years, because I think that stadium's terrific, rectangular,
the crowd are right there, a great atmosphere last night.
What's the feeling around around the White cut the region
about about the likelihood of more regular test matches here? O?

Speaker 8 (52:23):
We love it.

Speaker 19 (52:24):
You know, they're just a passionate crowd in the way
and surrounding areas, and a lot of people you know,
come up from the king Country across from the Bay,
a lot dropped down from from South Auckland, you know.
So it's got it's got a massive feeder group of
people that can easily get to the stadium and it's
a wonderful occasion. They know it has limitations on capacity

(52:45):
and revenue is a big driver, so it's hard to
get those sort of a level test matches against you know,
the top tier nations, the top eight they come here.
But yeah, we had one last night and just been
down the street today to grab a coffee and everyone
talking about it.

Speaker 8 (53:01):
There's still ends of a staff and supporters, you know, close.

Speaker 19 (53:06):
Upport of both teams around in the healthon East Village
and so it's just great for the region and I
really hope that they do try and shear them around
and not just why could I, you know, some of
the other provinces too, and if they can get tests
out to the province, it just is such a boost
to those areas for rugby and it's great for those

(53:28):
regions to enjoy the celebrations and all the peripheral activity
that goes on around a test match and just then
interaction between people and bringing people together around our great
game rugby.

Speaker 3 (53:38):
Yeah, could not agree more. Loved working alongside you last night, Steve.
Thanks so much for your time.

Speaker 8 (53:41):
Today, Chans Piney, have a good one.

Speaker 3 (53:43):
Go well, you go well to Steve. Thanks indeed, Steve Gordon,
former All Blacks Locke and expert analyst on our radio
calls not only for the All Blacks here in Hamilton,
but Chiefs and Wake Up or MPC as well, alongside
great mate Graham Minty Mead Top for some more calls.
If you would like to make a point and couldn't
get through last hour, it's one nineteen oh eight hundred

(54:05):
and eighty ten eight. We'll move away from the rugby
the next little while to focus on other things, but
ken to sort of do some mopping up of this,
Nick says Ponty, what do you mean a gap back
from cam Royguard. Noah Hotham was profoundly better last night, Nick,
you are not suggesting surely that Noah Hotham is a

(54:26):
better half back than cam Royguard right now? I think
if we surveyed one hundred All Blacks fans all one
hundred would say that Cam Royguard is the best man
to start in the nine jersey. You can't say that
about every position in the team, but you can certainly

(54:47):
say it about half back. I think Cortez Latima had
a mixed bag of a game last night. I think
Noah Hotham was good when he came on, and I
think he's got a big future. And those three, I'm sure,
along with others who come onto the scene, will battle
it out for the nine and twenty one jerseys moving ahead.
But Cam Royguard is by some distance the best half

(55:11):
back going around the All Blacks at the moment, just
as Cody Taylor is the best hooker going around the
gap back from him to Summer Sauny Tooki Yahaun Obviously,
Brady mckellister only debuted last night of Suffowama, coming back
from injury. Again the you don't know what you've got
until it's not there, and Cody Taylor just seems to

(55:33):
be getting better and better. He's about to bring up
one hundred tests. I think he's sitting on ninety eight,
so it could well bring up his one hundredth test
against Argentina. In the second game over there. If you
look at the at the best all Blacks fifteen, where
are the contestable positions? I think it's pretty much sorted
itself out, hasn't it. There are a couple which are contestable,

(55:57):
but the best all Blacks fifteen I think, and you
might have a view on this, is this I think
to mighty will if he's fit at loose head. If
he's not, then Ethan de Groote, Cody Taylor, Fletcher Nule
I think has just continued to develop and is the
best tight head prop going around. Scott Barrett have fit.

(56:19):
If not Patrick Tuipolot too, then Fabian Holland, who very
quickly has become a pretty impressive lock forward. So he's
in there to Paul Vay on the blind, Ardie Savia
open side, and Wallace Stiti we hope coming back to
pack down on the back of the scrum, Camroy guard
Bowden Barret at first five, Jordi Barrett at second five.

(56:42):
I think Billy Proctor at center, although he still has
to continue to build a body of work around that,
but I think he is probably thirteen. Caleb Clark on
the left wing, Rico A. Jouanni on the right wing.
Will Jordan a fallback? I think that's the best fifteen.
You might have a different view. Oh, eight hundred and

(57:03):
eighty ten eighty is our number nine two ninety two
for the first on this afternoon spear line to jump aboard.
We're back with some of your calls after this on
News Talks a B one twenty.

Speaker 1 (57:12):
Two one, crutch Hold Ngauge, Weekend Sport with Jason PyME
and GJ. Gunner, Homes New Zealand so Ice, Trusted home Builder,
News Talks, Air Baby.

Speaker 3 (57:22):
News Talks ab Talking All Blacks for a bit longer.
It is one twenty six of eight hundred and eighty
ten eighty, as always remains our phone number. Interesting one
here Jason, what are your thoughts on bench players hanging
around in the tri scoring area? Very noticeable in the
Australia Lions game last night, especially when the Aussies were

(57:44):
defending their try line. The British and Irish Lions reserves
were literally standing in the tri scoring area and all
ran on when they scored a trial. I'm pretty sure
they're not allowed there for starters. They they were allowed
to warm up behind the Enngali area, but they have
to be behind the dead ballline. They're not allowed to

(58:06):
to an croach into that area. But yeah, I did
notice that they were there or thereabouts. I mean they
get sent down behind the gold warm up, don't they
on occasion, whether they're going to be coming on or not.
They often just send them down there to do some
calisthenics and some little stretches and throw the ball around.

(58:26):
I didn't think that they encroached. It's interesting though, you know.
I guess they'll be yelling encouragement from behind the Australians
as they defend their line. I don't think that's the
reason the Wallabies lost last night. Another one here, I'd
like to see Ruben Love given a spell at ten,
just to see if he's the answer long term. Yeah,

(58:48):
I think maybe that was a trick missed a little
bit by Razor in this series. Although he can only
you know, play so many players in so many positions.
I've seen this morning. There's been there's been criticism of
Razer for not giving enough minutes to some of his
fringe players, and talk of too much time being given

(59:10):
and not not enough solidification of the first team. He's
only got three test matches. I think he's done well
to use thirty three players would have been thirty four
if Luke Jacobson hadn't been injured before the game last night.
I think he's done a very good job of exposing
more players to test rugby. That is now sixteen players

(59:33):
that Scott Robertson has given a debut to since he
took the job on at the start of last year.
Now I can't see any scenario under which he will
give another sixteen guys debuts between now in the next
World Cup. If you're going to blood new players, the
start of a World Cup cycle is the place to
do it. If you're going to build depth, and we've
heard a lot about this four deep in every position,

(59:55):
then that means you've got to give sixty guys a game,
don't you, or at least an opportunity.

Speaker 20 (01:00:00):
Hello Caine, Oh, a good point of here. Even though
I'm a chiefs man, like the look of no hurt him. Todd,
he's got a bit of a bag full of tricks,
you know, Little Chip think he keeps at the top.
But I sort of just mentioned one guy, mate, And
are we starting to talk about him already or we

(01:00:21):
got to wait too, Iri tires because I think he's
pretty much up there, Jordi Barrett. Is he is good
or going to be as better than because Jordy he
is classmate. I mean that fend at the end of
the game there that put through the hooker. And don't
forget remember that Irish we held up the Irish at
the World Cup. He held up cod then over the line.

(01:00:43):
He's just got a full bag man, Jordy six foot
five and him and none who for the best twelves
of war time. Well that's going to be a pretty
good discussion, really, yeah. I mean, Geordie's just class.

Speaker 3 (01:00:56):
Mate, terrific player. King, I totally agree. I mean he
seems to be better for the experience of playing at Leinster.
Heither tackle he pulled off in the corner that stopped
the French scoring a try. As you say, the fend
and the pass. He just made the All Blacks better
when he came on last night. He is he's the

(01:01:17):
any goalkick, massive boots, good on both sides of the ball,
as you say, holds players up in the end goal area.
Not a heck of a lot the bloke can't do, oh.

Speaker 20 (01:01:26):
Mate, I mean you know we've had you know, Martin
Nanu and Conrad Smith, but jeez, man, Jordi is a
world class you know, he's just awesome. I enjoy watching
him play when he comes on six foot five, mate,
you don't get that around so but disappointing in the
twenties as well, made you know, too many unforced errors,
which is a bit of a killer. But congrats to

(01:01:50):
the spring Box ma got the handed to them there.
They are too good.

Speaker 3 (01:01:54):
Indeed, I didn't get I didn't catch all of the
game this morning, but I saw the results and yeah,
I think the All Blacks were pretty well. The junior
All Blacks are pretty humble in defeat. Yes that Africa
is better, but yeah, you look at that. You think
had our great sick and fives and your land On
nan who obviously the likes of Walter Little, Warwick Taylor
going back up at bill Osbourne. Uh, there was you know,

(01:02:15):
there's been some there's been some really good players and
the and the twelve jumper. And you can add Jordi
Barrett because he is he is at the top of
his game. Mars, hello mate, good I'm not a big fan.

Speaker 18 (01:02:33):
Of Raiser, never have done that. I actually think he's
doing a very good job. And you know, I look
at the guys, he's growing and developing, actually what we
need opposed to just giving someone to go because and
he had too. And I think that Hollum's the biggest
asset were found considering gets been around for that, you know,
for a long time. And I think it's it's actually

(01:02:55):
really good. It's good from the rugby perspectives because I
think you pretty much nailed the B side there. But
I just have a lot of doubts over Billie Popper
and I think that round possibly could be better in
the center position.

Speaker 3 (01:03:09):
Yeah, it's a vac and see it's an open it's
an open conversation Morris, without doubt. I think there was
a lot of clamor for Billy Proctor to get a go,
and his opportunities last year were limited. I don't know
that he has entirely seized his opportunities in the two
tests he had this year. Certainly he was better on
Wellington than to need him. But it remains a life conversation.
And I thought Antil Lennon Brown was good last night.

Speaker 18 (01:03:31):
Yeah, Will, and you're talking about twelves and I look
at midfield combinations. If you go back in the seventies
you had Bill Osbourne and Robinson. Where's Robinson great combination
strength and skill. Then you go back you wold a
little red friend Brunt's great combination, you know, and then
you've got the marn and who comm Redsmith And we

(01:03:54):
don't have that silky skills in the midfield center. We've
got the big, solid defender who can read the game
really well and strong carries really well. But we just
need that guy with a little bit of I think,
you know, Conrad Smith, it's quite you know, he's very
very good rugby player. And I think maybe my view
is that I think Brown gives us that more but
more skill factor in all the rest of it. And

(01:04:16):
he's been around for a week, but he's still not
that old in context of rugby teams. And I think
the other thing we have an issue is our wingers
are not We're not blessed with great wingers at the
moment they you know, and I look at this, is
that said who reaches a good player but maybe wanting
under the high ball as where you know, and and

(01:04:38):
so the outside back the wingers in the fullback of
your if you move the fullback up to the wing.
You're stuck in the back, you know what I mean,
you haven't got anyone there. So we light in those
areas I think across the board when you look at
it in brutal honesty. But other than that, but I
think the thing that's at the most we've got, we've
got to pack that does the basics very very well.

(01:04:58):
You know, the Bergen they're strong and they can carry
the ball, and they've got some skills and so I think,
you know, I believe it or not. An Aukomer giving
the heads up to Scott Robinson. You know that's a
very very unusual thing.

Speaker 3 (01:05:12):
Yeah, that is, Morris, but kudos to you for doing it.
Appreciate you, call mate, Appreciate your core. Andy says, we
need to be speaking about the top twenty three, not
just the top fifteen. The box have shown the future
of rugby, which really means we need to start thinking
about and talking of the best twenty three. Can't wait
to lead and park Now, Andy, you're dead right. There's
still this thing about starting though, And I was a

(01:05:33):
bit like you. I thought that perhaps players now had
accepted the fact that being in a jersey higher than
fifteen was, you know, as prestigious as starting. But then
Clayton McMillan said in an interview I did with him
a few months ago, he said, I've never met a
player who doesn't want to start. There is still a

(01:05:55):
prestige about starting a Test match. Yes, there's huge value
in those guys coming off the bench, and rugby is
a twenty three man game now, but everybody wants to start,
and I guess that's why I named the starting fifteen right.
There's a lot of discussion too around who the most
effective players are to come off that bench. Coming off

(01:06:15):
the bench last night for his Test debuo and becoming
the latest All Black All Black number one two hundred
and twenty nine was Chiefs hooker Brody McAllister. He marked
the occasion with the All Blacks Fourth Tribe. Had the
chance shortly after the final whistle to have a chat
to Brody McAllister and find out how he enjoyed his
Test debut.

Speaker 21 (01:06:37):
It's pretty awesome moment that you dream of of a
young fella. Yeah, so it's pretty awesome to come back
here and do it here where it's been a pretty
special year to be. Yes, come away and debut for
another club, and yeah, have the whole year.

Speaker 4 (01:06:57):
It's been pretty cool.

Speaker 3 (01:06:58):
The try. I'm sure later in the night you would
have been forty five yards out. Just talk us through
the pictures I saw as Jordie took off.

Speaker 21 (01:07:07):
You know, Fatman's Shrek therefore in support there, so yeah,
pretty good to see. If they went off, I can
feel them coming, so that's why I die five meters out,
so I didn't get held up. There's a few held
up tries, so yeah, closest me into a grand.

Speaker 3 (01:07:25):
Ones And your rugby career has not been a straight line,
has it. You've had to make some decisions about where
you play, and the decisions you've made have lead you
to this point. Let's been very proud for you and
your family to experience tonight here in Hamilton.

Speaker 21 (01:07:37):
Yeah, it hasn't been straightforward of a couple of big injuries,
but I think that's sort of tested me and got
me here so built a lot of resilience and I
just got to thank my family for getting me through
those hard times. It's not pretty straightforward coming back from
some big injuries, but they've been been by my side

(01:07:59):
the whole time, and it's pretty cool.

Speaker 3 (01:08:01):
To share the special one with them. I always enjoy
seeing a new player debut for their Countrey Brodie McCallister
the latest. He obviously enjoyed himself last night, although he
was very honest afterwards and said, look, I need to
not in that interview with me, But later on when
he did wider media, he said, look, I need to
work on my line out throwing three that didn't find

(01:08:21):
the mark last night, so I'll work on for him.
Jose's went to the game last night. It was very
noticeable when Jordi came on. The French opposites body language changed.
Prior to that, our backs looked a bit small compared
to theirs, but Jordie's size in the back line put
them on notice. Great games meantime from female and to
a lot too strong and physical and Ruben Love looks
like a test player with a big future. Thank you.

Speaker 8 (01:08:42):
Joe.

Speaker 3 (01:08:43):
I spoke also last night after the game briefly with
All Blacks Captain Ardie Savia to get his take on
the game.

Speaker 22 (01:08:49):
Every test messed different. You know, Clay that same teams
three times, It's always going to be different, and you've
got to give credit to the French. It certainly turned
up tonight and put us under pressure. I'm also part
of our boys, you know, like it was one of
those games where you had to roll your sleeves up
and find a way, and you know we did that.
So very happy with Stefree and.

Speaker 3 (01:09:08):
A bit of adversity to start as well. Luke Jacobson
a very late scratching. It compelled a positional change. How
did you manage that?

Speaker 22 (01:09:15):
Yeah, no, it's it's just you just got to adapt
and adjust.

Speaker 13 (01:09:18):
You know.

Speaker 22 (01:09:19):
That's unfortunate for Luky because I know he was looking
forward to playing in front of his home crowd. But
you know, you just got to get on and get
on the job and get on with it. For me personally,
I was a bit shaky at the start, buddy, how
but you know it's just you know, you've got to
get back into it and find your mojor.

Speaker 3 (01:09:36):
And you welcome another brother to the Faro, Brody McAllister
all black one two two nine in a try score
of two exactly mate.

Speaker 22 (01:09:44):
And that's the beautiful thing about the squad. The Jersey
demands you just step up and do your job. And
Brodie certainly came on and did it. Did it really
well and even so getting a meat pie.

Speaker 8 (01:09:55):
So very proud of Brody and proud of all the
boys to night.

Speaker 3 (01:09:58):
That is Alie Savia, captain of the side, a meat pie.
That's yeah, obviously Rugby slaying for a try twenty two
Away from to thank you for all your calls, correspondence
and feedback on the Rugby last night. I will shift
away after two o'clock. We want to cover off some basketball,
some pole vault, a bit of football as well and
the World University games when we come back though, James

(01:10:19):
mcconey and his regular Sunday slot you be the.

Speaker 1 (01:10:24):
TMO have your say on eighty eighty Weekend Sport with
Jason Hin and GJ. Gubnerholmes, New Zealand's most trusted home
builder News.

Speaker 3 (01:10:33):
Talks coming up one forty two the show coming to
here from Hamilton after last night's Test match. James mcconey
as well, it's always sad to leave. I like this
place and how.

Speaker 15 (01:10:45):
Good is it? And I've had some pretty good reports
from French people as well. You know, they've found a
good hot chocolate and a cross on to dunk in it,
So there you go.

Speaker 6 (01:10:54):
Not the worst place in the world.

Speaker 3 (01:10:55):
No, It is certainly not. It's it's nowhere near the
bottom of the list as far as I'm concerned. Let's
talk some sport. Boden Barrett didn't play last night hand injury.
We hear he's going to be okay for the rugby Championship. Yeah,
where are we with Boden Barret. He seems to have
been around for a long time. Has he got enough
guess in the tank?

Speaker 15 (01:11:15):
Yeah, it's interesting the Boden Barrett thing, poney, because I mean,
last night I think McKenzie had a patchy game, let's
be honest. But at the same time, I think Boden
has showed that he's currently the number one. But last
week there was a really interesting quote where he got
quite emotional. Have listened to this?

Speaker 8 (01:11:31):
What is emotional?

Speaker 3 (01:11:34):
I guess I never really know when it's going to
be my last. So yeah, every time I get the
chance to play, especially with a brother on my side,
it gets emotional for me. So it takes a lot
of effort these days to play test rugby. Interesting interesting
from Boden. Better was at that little media scrum as well.

(01:11:56):
What is he suggesting there?

Speaker 15 (01:11:58):
Well, he's really hinting at an exit of some kind,
isn't he Really? This seems to me fairly clear, Bowden saying, look,
my days in this jersey are numbered. He's I mean,
he's he's clearly number one. But he knows full well
that Razor and ends in rugby have made overtures to
Richie Muana, so he knows that every chance at more

(01:12:19):
and will be back in the World Cup year, and
in that World Cup year, Boden will be thirty six
years old. So I feel that Boden knowing that your employer,
imagine if you knew that your employer currently in talks
with Martin Devlin, Pony, it's a little bit unsettling, isn't it.

Speaker 3 (01:12:34):
I've seen I've seen some of those emails. Yeah, but
look like all i can all I can do is
my best when I'm handed the jersey exactly right.

Speaker 10 (01:12:45):
And you've been outstanding.

Speaker 15 (01:12:46):
But the thing is undoubtedly number one, Pony. But hey
there's this other guy who So that's exactly what they're
doing right now. And I think Boden is a mature
adult saying, look, no, there's nothing. You know, you can't
take anything for granted. I know there's a shelf life
because of my age, and also is this Rugby three
sixty on the herz you just had here to do

(01:13:07):
place talk about it that they are getting some big names.
And I'm telling you a guy in mid thirties who's
who's a legend of the game, Boden Barrett. I know
they've had other names like Roger tuvasisht Kylen Pongner, but
you just wait, someone like Boden Barrett could be exactly
the sort of player thereafter.

Speaker 3 (01:13:26):
Yeah, well those other two A league players, aren't they
And if they're really serious about a high class rugby competition,
a guy like Boden Barrett that would be that'll be
a dial turner, you know for them, that would be
a real stamp of legitimacy if they can get a
player like that. What do you think of the concept?
Do you think it's got leagues Rugby three sixty.

Speaker 15 (01:13:46):
I think it's it's definitely going to happen. I think
that this competition will happen. So everybody's basing for it.
All the agents I've spoken to know they're getting offers
for players already. The stadiums I've talked to, they've got
host cities. So it's a bit like salgp of rugby
if you like, you know, from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in

(01:14:08):
London down to the New Camp in Barcelona. It's ninety
thousand there, isn't it, Piny I think yeah. And then
New York and LA have been linked as well. So
that's what they're going to do is turn into a
traveling road show. But yes, I think it's going to happen.
And look, I'm not a big fan of Saudi money,
but my one proviso with Saudi money is I'll take it.

(01:14:29):
As long as they can go back there and start
women's rugby and a gay rugby club as well in
Saudi Arabia, then I'll do it well.

Speaker 3 (01:14:37):
Speaking to Bruce Sharyck yesterday on the show, he said, look,
the you know, the Saudi stuff has been a little
bit misreported. Having said that though if you want big
money in sport at the moment, it seems that Saudi
Arabia is one place where you can accumulate those funds. Anyway,
we wait and see our younger rugby players, our under

(01:14:58):
twenties have gone down to South Africa in the Under
twenty World Cup or World Championship final this morning twenty
three fifteen, but still our best since we wanted in
twenty seventeen, so maybe the next waiver is about to arrive.

Speaker 15 (01:15:12):
Yeah, it is a pretty good wave of talent coming through.
And I actually watched the game against France the semi final,
and there's a French second five who's going to terrorize
the All Blacks in a couple of years, so watch
this space for that. But they're a bit unlucky because
the star player Oli Matthis was unavailable for the final.
That's the why Katz or Flank who sometimes plays on

(01:15:33):
the wing. Huai sort of talk about quite a lot
the next Henry Pollock. But there is a hook of
there called elo Odinryan And of course if you think
I know that's their name, well it is lee Odin
Ryan's son. It looks nothing like his lanky dad, but
he is very very quick and I think he's probably
the best or most talented player in that group at

(01:15:54):
the moment, so let's watch out for him. He's currently
a crusader and who knows where he'll end up next.
But yeah, there's obviously a really good crop that's coming through.

Speaker 3 (01:16:05):
Good to see, good to say. Now I watched the
British and Irish Lions play the Wallabies last night, and
if you hadn't watched the game and you saw the
score twenty seven nineteen, you tell him that's quite close.
I just thought the Wallabies re distant second last night.
What did you make of it?

Speaker 8 (01:16:20):
Yeah?

Speaker 15 (01:16:21):
I thought the Wallabies were really disappointing because I thought
their only chance to rumble the lines was to move
the ball and I just didn't see it happen enough.
But also something for all rugby coaches that they need
to really think about is just because he's a number
on your jersey, it doesn't matter, so Joseph sway that
you just because he's got thirteen on his back doesn't
mean that every move he has to be outside the

(01:16:43):
second five, feel free for him to pop up anywhere.
I mean, Shaan Fitzpatrick didn't care. He played half his
career on the wing. So look, just be a bit
more innovative when you've got a star like Matt, find
a different way to utilize him. So yeah, I just
thought it was a bit too predictable from the Wallabies.
They I mean, they don't have much. Yeah, there are

(01:17:07):
players that you know, Valentini's and Giberills skeletons and jid
so it was always going to be tough to beat
them in Test one. But and even having Tom Lioner
for his first I think first run on start to
play the Lions. I thought that was an absolute kamakazi mission.
That should have been Ben Donaldson. If you know you rugby,

(01:17:28):
he's Ben Donaldson's been around and kicks goals for fun,
and I think he would have been a better option
at ten.

Speaker 3 (01:17:34):
Or even James O'Connor.

Speaker 15 (01:17:35):
Even James O'Connor, why not, I know, And I mean,
look you look at the Wallaby has actually experienced some
of the same problems as the All Blacks last night.
You just know, you know how some some of the
moves weren't quite clicking. It was a bit patchy. But
the great thing about the All Blacks is suddenly Ardie
saviez running thirty five meters up the field. The Wallaby

(01:17:59):
just don't have that X factor and and I won't.
Maybe I should get into my conspiracy theory about theory
about picking so many chiefs was a massive pr move,
I reckon and then chucking them and the cauldron of
the third Test. I know what you're doing, Raiser you're
trying to, you know, because if they lost, maybe if
they lost, then the knives will be up for all

(01:18:20):
the chiefs, and then makes it easy to bring Paveli
and Ethan Black at her back then, who I love
by the way, I think they're really good players. Well,
what I want to say the Raiser to quote the
Spy of quote the spice skills, is tell me what
you want, what you really really want, because just pick
the team that you want.

Speaker 3 (01:18:38):
Well, he'll have to do that now he's use thirty
three guys in this series. He's going to have to
narrow that down for the big ones ahead. We wait
to see how many chiefs there are when the side
to play Argentina is named in a few weeks. Hey,
couple of other sporting matters, want to get your view
on Scotti Scheffler. He's got a four stroke lead at
the Open Championship. He shouldn't relinquish that. Looks like another

(01:18:59):
major coming the way of Scotti Scheffler.

Speaker 15 (01:19:01):
Yeah, and I mean I've got a lot of time
for Scotti Schiffer. I interviewed them at the Olympics over
in Paris, and he's just a really cool customer, can
handle anything, didn't mind the odd crowd goes wild question
about going to Applebee's, like Will Ferrell and Talladega Knights,
like he's he's unflappable, and he's very different from a

(01:19:22):
lot of I guess American stars. You know, he's not
that demonstrative. It almost looks like this being amazing at
golf for some burden that's been thrust upon him. But
I love that about him. I think he's just very
much an every man character and looks he deserves. I
mean that there's quite a cluster of really good golfers

(01:19:43):
at the moment, but he deserves to be number one
and have some daylight there because you know, he's one
of those guys who, no matter where you are in
the field, you know he can produce something incredible like
he did in Paris and right now four shots up.

Speaker 6 (01:19:58):
Yeah, it looks like it's Scotty's.

Speaker 3 (01:20:00):
I remember that interview. Actually, not everybody can do that interview.
You're so disarming when it comes to anybody. Really, he's
pretty famous Scottie Schiffer, you know, but it was obvious
he enjoyed chatting with you, Having done probably one hundred
inane interviews with the likes of people like me, but
I think he enjoyed chatting with you. Just to finish,

(01:20:21):
Welcome to Wellington, Wrexham one nil to the Phoenix.

Speaker 15 (01:20:26):
I know, how cool is that? By the way, the
goal scorer Luke flowered you. How awesome is his name? Like,
I mean, obviously this Luke Skywalker. It feels like it's
slightly related, but a bit more so, like fluffy and
nice and so good on them Teenager scoring that goal
the Wrexam thing. Look at the Phoenix needed some good

(01:20:48):
news and that felt like it was awesome for the club.
But also Rixham are getting Libby Cacacci, a guy that
you and I know very very well, and I'm hoping
that that means we both get interviews with Ryan Reynolds
on our shows very very soon.

Speaker 3 (01:21:03):
Wellah, it seems like it seems like a light thing
for Libby to do, to facilitate and you with one
of the one of the biggest stars in the world.
I look, I think we should get the wheels in
motion for it, James. I think we should make it
happen or at least attempt it.

Speaker 15 (01:21:21):
Yeah, it would be rather nice, but I mean, let's
just make sure that the Phoenix have got a couple
of players over the age of twenty this year. I
am a bit concerned how young that team might be.
It is because we know cost has gone. But it
was actually really good to see it. An incredible saved
by Olayemu, the goalkeeper who copped him with a flat

(01:21:42):
last year, and he is he does give your heart palpitations,
but there's some talent still there at the next Good on.

Speaker 3 (01:21:48):
You, James loving the city mate, sad to leave. Let's
chat again next Sunday, shall.

Speaker 15 (01:21:52):
We lovely look forward to it?

Speaker 8 (01:21:55):
Go to Tron, Go to Tron.

Speaker 3 (01:21:57):
James McConney, big part of our Sundays on News Talks.
He'd be seven to two.

Speaker 1 (01:22:02):
From the track, Fields and the Court on your Home
of Lord Weekend Sport with Jason Vine News Talks.

Speaker 3 (01:22:09):
AB four to two After two. Olivia McTaggart's on the show.
She's cleared four point seven to three meters overnight in
London to win the Diamond League event there. It's a
pb for her. We'll chat to her. Jordan Natai out
of the Wellington Saints the National Basketball League final this
afternoon against the Southland Sharks. The Phoenix been in Wrexham,
as we just discussed with James mcconey Chris Greenacre, assistant

(01:22:29):
coach on that and the World University Games are currently
on in Germany. We have an eighty four strong team
representing US. Chefter mission Evelyn and Williamson after two o'clock
as well.

Speaker 1 (01:22:44):
The only plays for the big names, the big issues,
the big controversies and the big conversations. It's all on
Weekend Sport with Jason Vime on your home of Sport
News Talks at B.

Speaker 3 (01:23:00):
Two o seven. Welcome back to the show, Welcome into
the show. Weekend Sport on News Talks here B Jason
Vine with Adam McDonnell or we're into the home stretch,
but will sprint down the sprint down the strait. A
number of guests to get to basketball shortly. Jordan Artaei
out of the Wellington Saints National Basketball League Final. Coming
up shortly. Olivia McTaggart, who beat her personal best in
the pole vault at the Diamond League event in London

(01:23:23):
overnight and won the event in a star studded field.
She's going to join us. Chris Greenacre out of the
Wellington Phoenix. He's the reserve team coach, but yesterday basically
coached the team in the second half against Wrexham because
they threw on ten youngsters in the second half and
they got the job done beating Wrexham. So Chris Greenacre
on the Show and the World University Games are on.

(01:23:45):
More than eighty university students representing New Zealand there in
a variety of different codes. Chef de Mission Evelyn Williamson
is with us on that. So quite a bit to
get through. Oh, eight hundred and eighty ten eighty remains
our phone number nine two nine to two on text
if you'd like to correspond in that fashion. But as
we took towards eight pass two, as we always do it,

(01:24:06):
this time I'm on Weekend Sport. It's time to catch
you up. We know that some people are here just
for this, just to find out what's happened in places
outside of their consciousness over the last twenty four hours.
We'll start with right by League, the Raiders blitzing Paramatta
to stay at the top of the NRL ledder. I
beat with the ball for the Raiders. He's thirty five

(01:24:27):
away from the lining. It's gonna be another wind. Want
to do a doll a forty sixteen route in Canberra. Meantime,
the Bulldog stayed in second place with a late win
over the Dragons.

Speaker 2 (01:24:44):
Cav It's past.

Speaker 3 (01:24:47):
Hi.

Speaker 13 (01:24:49):
You wouldn't believe that the kid.

Speaker 3 (01:24:53):
He comes up to the biggest play in the game
and has.

Speaker 5 (01:24:56):
Jever who he's over the he is second game who
took he's ac.

Speaker 3 (01:25:05):
And he has twein eighteen for the Bulldogs over the Dragons.
They stay ahead of the storm. On the latter they
went down eighteen sixteen at home to the Sea Eagles.
Across to rugby Union, a tighter affair than expected perhaps
on the scoreboard, but a strong starts for the British
and Irish Lions to a first Test went over the
Wallabies in Brisbane. This a bit of dreams start to

(01:25:25):
the second half to the many red thrones.

Speaker 15 (01:25:28):
There for Curry, we read this scene Thursday in the corner.

Speaker 3 (01:25:37):
Final score twenty seven nineteen for the visitor's heartbreak. Meantime
for the Baby Blacks and the Under twenty Rugby World
Cup final. He decides to go blindside. He's going to
kick pass again and they're on tour at s Killome
on mansu at South Africa, very well.

Speaker 23 (01:26:00):
Have wrapped up that twenty twenty five on.

Speaker 3 (01:26:03):
The twenty's final and died by a score line of
twenty three points to fifteen to Golf's Open Championship. Some
sublime golf from Rory McElroy shot him up the leaderboard.

Speaker 20 (01:26:15):
This must built fifty feet or soap.

Speaker 3 (01:26:19):
Oh, this is a tough one to get everything just right.
It gave this pen a huge amount of respect.

Speaker 2 (01:26:25):
The book crossed the hell should get a bit of
peace in.

Speaker 3 (01:26:28):
Your num No did you eat it?

Speaker 16 (01:26:36):
The there's a rule the rules across this course like
a wave eagle from my prize seven under.

Speaker 3 (01:26:44):
Wood and five yeah, a five under round eight under
for the championship are still six strokes back from Scottie Sheffler,
who has a four strope lead over the field at
fourteen under the card and Alexander Usik once again confirming
he is boxing's heavy weight king as the round, whereas.

Speaker 5 (01:27:03):
Dreams came through okay, stage, well they turney to what Nayman.

Speaker 2 (01:27:10):
Big right here this time when it's down to the line.

Speaker 1 (01:27:30):
You made a call on eighty Weekend Sport with Jason
Pine News Talks.

Speaker 3 (01:27:36):
B eleven minutes past two, the twenty twenty five New
Zealand National Basketball League Final comes up this afternoon. Wellington
Saints the Southland Sharks a two thirty tip off at
TSB Bank Arena in Wellington. Jordan Naai with us out
of the Wellington Saints camp, Jordan, you beat the Five
convincingly in the semifinals by ninety three points to sixty eight.

(01:27:58):
What were you and the team most pleased about that night?

Speaker 11 (01:28:02):
I think just the focus mindset that we had. I mean,
we had a good week leading up to the our
prep was good or the boys were focused, and then
I think it just kind of gave us an extra
confidence into the game.

Speaker 3 (01:28:13):
That was your eighth strike win as well. So if
you look back over the last couple of months, what
do you put your consistency down to.

Speaker 11 (01:28:21):
I think it's just our day that they work, honestly,
Like it might sound a bit cliche, but our process
leading up to each and every game has been pretty
on point, Like what is it coming in early doing issues?
If they need getting what they need to get their
bodies right. So I think that's been like the biggest thing.
But then also us just figuring out a game plan
is sticking to it and you look.

Speaker 3 (01:28:43):
At the stats and the Saints don't have anyone and
the top ten average scorers across the league across the season.
So does that speak to a genuine shared scoring responsibility
across the team?

Speaker 15 (01:28:56):
Oh for sure.

Speaker 11 (01:28:57):
I think for us, like I think I said in
other interviews as where like we have one guy that
can go off kind of every different night, like are
going to be my night?

Speaker 8 (01:29:07):
Every single night?

Speaker 11 (01:29:08):
It could be Isaiah's, it could be Nick Marshalls, Like
we've got we've got that talented of a group where
it could be anyone's night, and then for us it's
our jobs to kind of keep that flowing and get
them the ball when it is that person's night. But
it also goes to show just how talented each individual is.

Speaker 3 (01:29:23):
And down the other end of the court, how much
focus do you place on defense?

Speaker 11 (01:29:27):
I think for us it's something that we try to
hang our hat on. Like I think some of our
best wins have been have started started on a defensive end,
Like we talked about the semi final where we held
the fire who's a very talented team and they shoot
the war really well, but we were able to hold
in to sixtend point. So it's something we definitely hold
our heads on, but it's also something that can we

(01:29:50):
can kind of see if things aren't going to well,
we know we know where we need to get back to.

Speaker 3 (01:29:55):
Let's talk about the Sharks, your opposition in the final.
How wary are you of them, particularly after they went
to christ Church beat the double defending champion Rams last
weekend that was their ninth win in a row. How
you know, how weary are you of the threat that
they will provide.

Speaker 11 (01:30:11):
I wouldn't say we're too worried in the sense, but
we are like concerned that we can't come out lexadaisically
against them. They are a very talented team. We don't
want to underestimate them. But for us, it's just more
or less doubling down on what we do best and
kind of focusing more on what we do. Then it
is worrying about what the Shafts do, because I feel
like if we get caught up in that, then it

(01:30:32):
can take us down another wormhole and all these things.
So I think if we just kind of stick to
what's been working for us, I think that's even better.
But we just can't come into the game underestimating them, because,
like I said, They are a very talented team that
have some talented players that can have big nights, and
I think that's what we've got to be more concerned.

Speaker 3 (01:30:51):
You've beaten them a couple of times this season, Is
there anything that is useful from regular season games or
are knockout basketball matches just an entirely different prospect.

Speaker 11 (01:31:02):
I think it's just a totally different prospect. Like it's
just the one and done type thing, right, you don't
get a second chance that then, Whereas in the regular season,
if you play them game one, you know that you're
going to play them later down in the season and
they could improve. Like for me, I haven't played them
this season. This would be my first time and who knows,
it could be it could be the night that we

(01:31:23):
have we celebrate, or could be a night that we
kind of look back and like, well, they changed so
much during the regular season that they were able to improve.

Speaker 3 (01:31:30):
So so yeah, how much do you reckon? The rapid
league has helped the development and the depth of the
National Basketball League.

Speaker 11 (01:31:39):
For me, I think it's been one of the best
things that's happened. Like you see a couple of our
guys that have that have really grown through the rapidly
because they've been able to get game live reps, they've
been able to shoup to practice consistently and work at it,
and I think it's been one of the best things
that's happened to this league personally, and not just looking

(01:32:00):
at our guys, but also looking at other teams players
of the young talent as well.

Speaker 7 (01:32:05):
I think it can only just get better from there.

Speaker 3 (01:32:08):
You've played a lot of basketball Jordan for a lot
of different teams, but does your hometown team, the Wellington Saints,
still hold a special place for you.

Speaker 11 (01:32:17):
Oh, for sure. I think it's it's even more so
because I am from here. They are the team that
I kind of came up through developing. I've known the
Mills Familey since I kind of started basketball, so they've
been a big help for me through my career. So
I think it would always hold that special place in
my career and in my heart.

Speaker 3 (01:32:36):
And following this year off to the Fever Asia Cup
and Jeter with the Tall Blacks, preceded by the Solidarity
Cup and Four Nations Tournament and China and for the
first time in your twelve year Tall Blacks career, you'll
be captain. Was there something you were expecting.

Speaker 15 (01:32:51):
Honestly, not really.

Speaker 11 (01:32:54):
I've been saying like they probably just gave it to
the old grumpy guy on the team. But it's definitely
been an honor. It's something that I'm definitely proud to hold.
I've had some great lead is to learn from my
five years with the Tall Blacks. So I think for me,
it's just kind of not reinventing anything different and just

(01:33:15):
kind of sticking to what I what I know. And
I think it's also just giving the other guys more
more of a voice as well, Like it's not just me,
like I do have the captaincy hat, but we are
everyone has a voice in this team.

Speaker 3 (01:33:28):
So yeah, what are your ambitions for the Asia Cup?

Speaker 13 (01:33:31):
Oh?

Speaker 11 (01:33:32):
For me, it's obviously to win and to get gold,
but also on top of that, like I want to
get as high as possible seed as we can because
that's only just going to help us get to the
World Cup and that could just get another stepping stone
to hopefully the Olympics.

Speaker 3 (01:33:47):
Well, that's all ahead. The immediate point of business for
you is the National Basketball League Final. Is that your
little girl who wears the headphones down one end and
then comes on to see you afterwards.

Speaker 15 (01:33:56):
Yeah, that's my little girl.

Speaker 3 (01:33:59):
Well, I know she'll be there supporting dad on the
weekend as well. Jordan, great to chat mate. We'll look
forward to seeing how you get on against Southeast.

Speaker 8 (01:34:06):
Thank you appreciate it.

Speaker 3 (01:34:08):
No, I appreciate you chatting to us. Jordan Nattai out
of the Wellington Saints. They take on the Southland Sharks
this afternoon two thirty tip off at TSB Bank Arena
in Wellington in the New Zealand National Basketball League Final
for twenty twenty five bang On eighteen past two weekend
sport poul vaulter Olivia McTaggart has vaulted a personal beast overnight.

Speaker 24 (01:34:31):
Back to this pole ball then and the bar still
at four seventy three. Remember nobody clear out the first
attempt at all.

Speaker 3 (01:34:38):
Yes, now we have somebody over.

Speaker 24 (01:34:40):
Olivia McTaggart at the second time of asking goes clear
and is now the competition leader here. And that is
a superb clearance for Olivia McTaggart. It's a lifetime best
as well in difficult conditions.

Speaker 3 (01:34:56):
Wow, what a time to produce.

Speaker 2 (01:34:58):
Your best ever effort.

Speaker 3 (01:35:00):
Absolutely four point seven to three meters for Olivia McTaggart
two centimeters better than her previous be and good enough
to win the London Diamond League event. Olivia McTaggart is
with us. How does it congratulations? First of all? How
does it feel to clear a new personal best height
and claim victory in such a big event?

Speaker 13 (01:35:20):
Absolutely incredible. Honestly, that's probably aside from World Champs obviously,
but that would be one of the competitions that's really
up there to want to excel at and to win
it was just even more than a cherry on top.
I knew that height has been there for a long time.

Speaker 25 (01:35:34):
But to win the whole thing is wild.

Speaker 7 (01:35:37):
I'm so so happy.

Speaker 3 (01:35:39):
Did you feel like did this feel like it was
coming going into this event? I think you cleared four
seventy one about a week ago, didn't you?

Speaker 25 (01:35:47):
Yeah, so four days ago.

Speaker 13 (01:35:49):
So I've done two seventies and four days and I
definitely saw the seventy three coming. To be quite honest
with you, I've believed in that height for a long
time and I've just stay consistent. My training has been
going amazing, so everything has really been pointing towards these heights.
But to do it and to win this just yeah, extra.

Speaker 25 (01:36:08):
A little bit.

Speaker 3 (01:36:09):
Did you know on the way up that you were
going to clear it?

Speaker 8 (01:36:13):
Uh?

Speaker 13 (01:36:15):
Yeah, I think I knew that if I stuck to
my cues, and I knew as soon as I took
off that was a good takeoff. And then I just
had to really get in the tube upside down and
then going over the bar nice and clean. My four
seventy one a few days ago wasn't as clean. I
got a little bit of bar love, a little bit
of a wobble on it. But this was clear, and
I was just over the moon.

Speaker 3 (01:36:36):
What is that feeling like as you're over and I
mean it's only a second or two on the way down,
I know, But do you feel or what do you
feel at that moment?

Speaker 13 (01:36:45):
Ah?

Speaker 25 (01:36:45):
Yeah, I mean a lot of it.

Speaker 13 (01:36:47):
How I feel is what you see when I'm on
the mat, and so there's a few photos that really
encapsulate that moment.

Speaker 8 (01:36:53):
For me.

Speaker 13 (01:36:53):
I'm someone that really wears my heart on my sleeve,
and that's why I do. When I'm out there competing,
I'm my most vulnerable and kind of the most self myself.
I am, so yeah, just being out there and hitting
the mat knowing that I did that I think I
let out a bit of a bit of a scream
saying come on.

Speaker 25 (01:37:10):
So yeah, it's pretty.

Speaker 3 (01:37:12):
Great, absolutely justified. Now I'll see you missed your first
attempt at four forty five. Were you just sort of
warming up?

Speaker 13 (01:37:17):
Yeah, I was just warming up into it. My first attempt,
I did what was called a blow through, which means
you've made the pole too soft. So it literally just
meant I did a great jump and I just had
to go up to the next pole. So sometimes that happens,
and that's just a sport of pole vault. But yeah,
I was able to execute on that second attempt.

Speaker 3 (01:37:32):
And was it quite wet there as well? Did I see?

Speaker 25 (01:37:36):
It was a little bit wet.

Speaker 13 (01:37:37):
Pretty much the whole day it was raining. For a
warm up, we got pretty lucky, and then as soon
as we had our presentation it started raining again. So
for my first attempts at thirty and maybe a little
bit at forty five, it was raining, but then after
that it cleared up quite a bit and.

Speaker 3 (01:37:53):
Just back to the to the victory itself. Olivia, you
know this is a quality field. You know, Katie Moon's
in the field. Molly Cordery, the Hometown Girls in the field.
To beat vaulters like that, that must be extremely satisfying.

Speaker 13 (01:38:05):
Is it very satisfying? So I went into this competition
the lowest ranked, with the lowest PB, and I knew
it was a little I was a little bit of
an underdog going into it, but secretly I kind of
like that. So to come through and do that PB
and do it on the second attempt just goes to
show that those first and second attempts make a huge difference.
So I've always known that. But I used to be
a third attempt jumper, and now we're putting that old

(01:38:27):
Livy in the grave and coming out this season as
a new Livy.

Speaker 3 (01:38:31):
So what does that look like in terms of your preparation,
mental and physical, in terms of becoming a second clearance
jumper rather than leaving it till the very last attempt.

Speaker 13 (01:38:44):
It's taken a lot. To be quite honest with you,
I haven't. I didn't have the most amazing start to
the season. I had a thirty or forty. I had
a sixty, had a good place to jump. About two
two and a half weeks ago, I was in Paris
and after the competition I was got really emotional and
just had a bit of a cry and was like,
why why is this not coming together? I know that
it's here, I know that it's coming, but why can

(01:39:06):
I not a clicking comp And physically I've been there
one hundred percent, So it's mentally in the last probably
four competitions, I've really turned a corner and believed myself
more and just executed real commitment in my jumps.

Speaker 3 (01:39:21):
Well onwards from here. And the other cherry on top
of course, is this qualifies you for the World Champs
in Tokyo in September. So how big a box to
tick is that?

Speaker 13 (01:39:31):
Oh it's great, It's really great, to be quite honest
with you.

Speaker 25 (01:39:34):
We've already booked my flight brilliantly. We're with that confident.

Speaker 13 (01:39:38):
But also I just knew i'd be in the top
I think it was thirty six girls and currently I'm
ranked twentieth, so we had to get onto that early.
But to get the I mean that's a world standard
and the last time I did that was in Budapez
twenty twenty three. So yeah, it's just again just another
box tick fantastic.

Speaker 3 (01:39:56):
So what that's a couple of months away? So what
lies ahead for you between now and the World Champs.

Speaker 13 (01:40:01):
So I've got about three weeks off competitions now. I've
had a good extint of traveling and being on the
road and getting competitions in for the last probably six weeks,
and so now a little bit of time to just
keep training through, building that consistency, working on my jump,
getting my speed in, and then in August I'll probably

(01:40:22):
do four competitions all around the place, and then we'll
head into pre camp early September after Tokyo.

Speaker 3 (01:40:28):
Fantastic news for as aort of wake up to over
here this morning, Olivia. Diamond League champion and a new
PB for you of four point seventy three meters. I
know this more to come as well. Thanks so much
for chatting to us. All right, thank you so much, No,
thank you for joining us, Olivia, Olivia mctaggett. For me
to seventy three and more to come, you'd have to think.
And a winner at the Diamond League event in London

(01:40:49):
overnight two twenty five. Let's take a break. When we
come back, it's to football. The Wellington Phoenix with a
morale boosting win over Wrexham one nill in their pre
season football friendly in the Capital yesterday. The team's inter
assistant coach Chris Greenacre after this.

Speaker 2 (01:41:06):
Just a game Weekend Sport with Jason nine and GJ.

Speaker 1 (01:41:10):
Gunnohomes New Zealand's most trusted home builder news Dogs and.

Speaker 3 (01:41:14):
Be coming up to twenty eight. Great occasion in the
Capitol yesterday with twenty five thousand turning up to watch
the Wellington Phoenix beat Wrexham one nill in their preseason
football friendly at Sky Stadium. Phoenix right on the edge
of the box. That's time the truss. Is a good
moment for the Phoenix.

Speaker 2 (01:41:35):
Loo Flower do.

Speaker 23 (01:41:38):
What a moment for the young man. Didn't think it
was going to quite get to it. It was a
great little bit of play down the left hand side
and it's a fantastic ball. She just sat out of
the reach of the goalkeeper. I don't quite know what
he did with it, did he get a touch.

Speaker 13 (01:41:51):
On it at all?

Speaker 23 (01:41:53):
But Flower two is there to do the rest and
that will be one he will remember for a hell
of a long time.

Speaker 3 (01:42:00):
Indeed it will be not many would have known the
name yesterday, A few more do today. Luke Flower scoring
the winner for the Phoenix early in the second half.
He was one of ten outfield changes at halftime, as
the club's youngsters were given the opportunity to play the
biggest forty five minutes of most of their careers. Former

(01:42:20):
Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre is now Phoenix reserve team coach.
He was interim assistant coach for yesterday's game and actually
took charge in the second half because he knows the
club's young players so very well. He joins us now
Greenny Congratulations on the win. What was your message to
these young players as you sent them out for the
second half.

Speaker 7 (01:42:42):
Thanks, Painy.

Speaker 26 (01:42:44):
I think the week it was important that we kept
it as low key as possible. We probably did less
preparation in terms of Wrexham because it was important that
we kept the focus on the players and all the
hype and the social media around the game, and rightly so,
it was huge for them, and it was just trying

(01:43:05):
to take the pre shot as much as we could.
And yeah, we just tried to keep keep everyone nice
and relaxed and more excited I suppose about the opportunity again,
not trying to overall them because you know, the the
enormity of the challenge obviously, can you know, could hurt
could harm them, So you know it was it was
a relaxed, you know process leading into the game.

Speaker 3 (01:43:28):
So when you reflect on that second half in particular,
what what do you take greatest pride from?

Speaker 26 (01:43:34):
I think it's the way that the boys kind of
went after Wrexham. We said from the kickoff that we
were we were just going to get the ball down
and play, not playing to sort of their strengths, which
is their their height and their strength and their experience,
and and from the kickoff we just got the ball
down and played and tried to get as many players
as possible on the ball. I think it's beyond everyone's

(01:43:55):
wildest dreams that we would we would score so early.
You know, we'd recognize some of the movement patterns in
our process of how Rexham defended, and we got down
the left hand side and Ryan Lee's put a great
crossing and we had a few few numbers in the
box and had a little bit of luck, but we
we knew we could get opportunities and you just kind

(01:44:17):
of hope that you take it. And thankfully Luke flowered
Dow was sort of Johnny on the spot and we
put the ball in the net. But to see the
players celebrate the way that they did, and especially in
front of the yellow fever, that's that's an experience very
few people get to experience, and to actually do it
at that end of the stadium's pretty cool. And just

(01:44:38):
to see them all together was was was a wonderful sight,
I think, and memories they'll cherish forever and what a.

Speaker 3 (01:44:45):
Moment for them all, in particular for Luke flowered you
he gets the final touch, he gets the goal, he
gets the headlines like this tell us a bit about him.

Speaker 26 (01:44:53):
Yeah, he's an up and coming young striker. He's kind
of a throwback kind of striker. He's comfortable with his
back to play. He's exceptionally quick. It was kind of
one of those plays is that doesn't look that quick,
but actually in full flight when you you kind of
you know, race against him is pretty quick with the

(01:45:13):
ball at his feet, and you know he's.

Speaker 7 (01:45:15):
Still got a lot to learn, but he's a brave character.
Is at times a real handful and I kind of
quite like that with him.

Speaker 26 (01:45:23):
There's I say, a lot to work on, but you know,
he needs to get himself into goal scoring positions. We
talk about this sort of every week. When we play
against our opponents in the Central League. And it's great
that he took that on board to do it against
Rexham and and rightly so he's got all the plaudits today.

Speaker 7 (01:45:41):
And and I'm sure he didn't sweet sleep or wink
last night.

Speaker 3 (01:45:45):
It's probably clearing his messages. And you say, you say,
Greennie that you know you kept their feet on the
ground during the week and try not to get them
overawed by the occasion. But afterwards, did you, you know,
allow them the moment, allow them to celebrate what they've done.

Speaker 7 (01:46:02):
It was pretty incredible, actually I tell you a story.

Speaker 26 (01:46:04):
But after the the media stuff was done with the
coaches and I think Luke did an interview as well,
all the players waited in the in the dressing room
for him and then as soon as he came.

Speaker 7 (01:46:16):
In, flower us on fire. It came on and there
was water sprayed everywhere. So just to let them enjoy
the moment.

Speaker 26 (01:46:23):
But to see all his teammates and all his friends
wait for him and want to do that shows the
camaraderie in the team spirit that they've got.

Speaker 7 (01:46:31):
Themselves in their dressing room and yeah, it was great
to see.

Speaker 26 (01:46:36):
So again, really really proud of them the way they
dealt with the occasion.

Speaker 7 (01:46:42):
You know, we're under no illusions of where it was.

Speaker 26 (01:46:45):
I think the experience that Rexham had, but where they
were in pre season and obviously where three quarters of
the way through our centrally campaign kind of makes it
more of a level playing field, I suppose, but it's
it's a level that they've never played for before and
they'll be all the better for that experience.

Speaker 3 (01:47:04):
Just to finish spring, you see a lot of young
players know they can they go. Not even a young
player is going to make it. That's the nature of
elite sport. What do you look for in a young
player that tells you they might have what it takes.

Speaker 26 (01:47:18):
There's lots of things, you know, both on and off
the field. For me, you know basic you know, players
that are comfortable with the ball at their feet. Initially
for me, I think is a huge one. You know,
you can talk about tactics and all this kind of stuff,
but if you can't handle the football, that doesn't give
you the best start. And then lots of things attitude,

(01:47:42):
you know, towards their craft. It's really difficult for sometimes
young players to come into a full time environment and
what you see on a Saturday as a fan isn't everything.
There's a whole heap of stuff that go on goes
on during the week. You know how the players are
in the gym and their lifestyle, their diets. There's a

(01:48:04):
whole heap of things things that go on, but everyone's
judged about what happens on a Saturday.

Speaker 7 (01:48:09):
And being a true.

Speaker 26 (01:48:10):
Athlete in probably any sport, at any high performance sport,
it's a lot of the stuff away from the field
that's the important stuff. But that's not for everyone, and
that's hard, and it's a really difficult, difficult place to
be as an athlete, and it's not for everyone. But
the ones that overcome that give themselves the best opportunity.

(01:48:32):
So the ones that are kind of consistent over all
everything are usually the ones that give themselves the best chance.

Speaker 3 (01:48:38):
Brinny, congratulations on the significant part you've played in the
development of the club's young players, which lead to the
occasion that you've enjoyed yesterday. I really appreciate your time
this afternoon.

Speaker 7 (01:48:46):
Thank you very much.

Speaker 3 (01:48:47):
Teas Piney, thank you, Chris Chris Greeneker. Yeah, club legend
on the field and building the next generation of players offered.
He is the he's the second team coach if you
like the reserve team. They play in Central League in
and around the Wellington region and the Central North Island
and has been brought on board at the moment anyway

(01:49:08):
as an interim assistant coach until the side's new assistant
coach can get his work visa. There is a new
man coming on board to assist gian Carlo Italiano, the
head coach of the side. The new right hand man
is Kelly Guimardes. He is a Brazilian and has spent

(01:49:29):
the last decade or so coaching in some pretty decent
leagues in Brazil. He had a successful nineteen year playing
career in Spain, Japan and the UAE. So he's the
new man, Kelli Guimdes. So we'll wait to see how
he goes. But yeah, Chris greenacher doing some great things
with the Wellington Phoenix reserve side and helping out with

(01:49:50):
the first team as well, particularly with so many of
those young players. They yees today, what a moment for
the day, twenty five thousand there at Sky Stadium. You know,
it's ten times more than most of them would have
played in front of before. If not more and they
went out there and just played without fear. Good on them.
I reckon good on them. What an occasion for them.

Speaker 13 (01:50:10):
Now.

Speaker 3 (01:50:10):
The Wellington Phoenix next up have their Australia Cup Round
of thirty two tie. It's a week tonight they have
to go to Perth to take on Perth Glory and
Auckland FC. For fans of Auckland FC, you don't have
to wait too much longer to see your team in action.
They're in the Australia Cup as well. They're Round of
thirty two matches against the Gold Coast nights at the

(01:50:31):
Croatian Sports Center on the Gold Coast. That is Tuesday
July twenty nine, nine to thirty kickoff New Zealand time.
I believe these games are screened on the Australia Cup
YouTube channel, so if you want to keep up with that,
you totally can. Wellington Saints Southland Sharks, so I think
it's one of those where they mess about for a
bit before the game. They have all the pregame pageantry.

(01:50:54):
That game not underway as far as I can see.
We'll keep you up to date with it though, as
the Saints take on the Sharks for national Basketball League
Supremacy in twenty twenty five. Coming up twenty two away
from three. When we come back, we're off to Germany.
That's where the World University Games are taking place at
the moment. This is a massive event. We'll find out

(01:51:16):
more about it from New Zealand's Chef de Mission Evelyn Williamson.

Speaker 1 (01:51:20):
She's on the show after this, The Tough Questions Off
the Turf Weekend Sport with Jason Tyne and GJ. Gunerholmes,
New Zealand's most trusted home builder news Dogs.

Speaker 3 (01:51:32):
Coming up nineteen minutes away from three. A team of
eighty four student athletes are representing New Zealand currently across
multiple sports at the FISU World University Games. They're on
in Germany until next Sunday. The World University Games bring
together around eight and a half thousand student athletes and
officials from over one hundred and fifty countries to compete

(01:51:55):
for medals in eighteen different sports. New Zealand Chef de
Mission is Evelyn Williamson, who joins us now. Evelyn, thanks
for your time. How big are the University Games?

Speaker 27 (01:52:06):
They're about the size of the Olympic Games, slightly slightly
smaller maybe a thousand less athletes, but they are substantial
in terms of multi sports. Second biggest games multi sport
games on the calendar after Olympic Games.

Speaker 3 (01:52:20):
Tell us about the sports that we have athletes competing.

Speaker 25 (01:52:22):
In, I'm probably going to miss them if I'm having
to reel them off. Let's let me.

Speaker 27 (01:52:29):
We have basketball, athletics, rhythmic and out of the gymnastics, fencing, rowing,
two teams men's and women's beach volleyball, and.

Speaker 25 (01:52:48):
I feel like I've missed something. Archery, wonder they take sports.

Speaker 3 (01:52:52):
Wonderful, so a real mix. Do athletes have to be
full time tertiary students? Is that the qualification?

Speaker 25 (01:53:00):
Yeah, they have to be enrolled in a full time course.

Speaker 5 (01:53:04):
Yeah.

Speaker 25 (01:53:04):
I think there's probably.

Speaker 27 (01:53:07):
Every institution has a different sort of definition of that,
but yeah, they have to be studying, and they have
to be there between the ages of eighteen and twenty five.

Speaker 3 (01:53:15):
And are some of our athletes studying offshore?

Speaker 8 (01:53:20):
Yep?

Speaker 27 (01:53:20):
Yeah, We've got quite a few from American universities here
who certainly are in New Zealand very often and have
come straight from their American base or European base.

Speaker 25 (01:53:31):
Yep.

Speaker 3 (01:53:32):
I know that at previous games the likes of Eliza McCartney,
Zoe Hobbes, Hamish Kerr, Anthony Mass Lauren Boyle have competed.
Do some of this current team see this as a
bit of a stepping stone to Commonwealth Games to Olympic Games?

Speaker 8 (01:53:47):
Perhaps?

Speaker 27 (01:53:49):
I think that's the joy. You never really know, and
it's always a lovely surprise when they do kick on.
Obviously some of them, this will be the biggest thing
they ever do, and especially for some of our smaller
sports where making the Olympic Games and fencing and archery,
you know, are it's a pretty big mountain to climb.

Speaker 25 (01:54:10):
But the likes of athletics, some of those mainstream sports.

Speaker 27 (01:54:13):
Athletics definitely definitely a stepping stone for probably some of them.

Speaker 25 (01:54:19):
And water polo.

Speaker 27 (01:54:22):
We're building a water polo program where they're trying really hard.
I think funding is obviously the hardest thing, but we
narrowly missed out on getting a woman's water polo team
to Paris last year. They're really hopeful that we might
get across the line for LA in twenty eight, so
some of these girls will be at the right age

(01:54:42):
and stage for that. So I'm hoping these experiences really
set them up for what could be a big deal
when what water polo might debut on a New Zealand
team in LA and twenty.

Speaker 3 (01:54:56):
Eight wonderful stuff. Now, competition I see is taking place
across three cities. What sort of logistical challenges does that
create for you?

Speaker 25 (01:55:05):
I don't think there's much and enough time in this interview. Jason.

Speaker 27 (01:55:09):
It is quite it is really quite difficult. It's hard
to build a team when you are in three city. Well,
there's actually five cities across the games. We're lucky we're
only in three, but we're at eleven hotels and you know,
so you can imagine you're having to duplicate, triplicate everything

(01:55:31):
that you do and you're managing lots of things at
the same time.

Speaker 25 (01:55:35):
It's not a great model.

Speaker 27 (01:55:38):
They're making it work for where we are and they're
doing their best, but it is a difficult to feel
like you're part of a New Zealand team or any
team when you're spread out across such a wide range
of properties. The one nice thing about this is a
lot of it's a lot of the sports are based
in the center of Essen and a big convention center,

(01:56:01):
which is something that New Zealand doesn't really quite have.
So there's about eight sports there in big giant halls,
and that's where the main dining is, and so it's
quite a melting pot in there. It's pretty cool, it
gives you real games vibe, but beyond that, it's it
is quite difficult to manage.

Speaker 3 (01:56:18):
I can imagine eleven different hotels and I know where
you're supposed to be at a certain time, Evelyn, in
terms of now, what could possibly go wrong?

Speaker 25 (01:56:27):
Eighteen to twenty five year olds in eleven hotels.

Speaker 3 (01:56:30):
Yeah, it's a very good way of putting it up.
But are the athletes able to support one another? Is there?
I know they concentrating on their own sports, but can
they go and cheer along the other kiwis if they
have time.

Speaker 27 (01:56:44):
There's a small window for each of them, and it's
pretty small, and that's another thing that gets lost in
this sort of.

Speaker 25 (01:56:51):
Model though, because you're in hotels.

Speaker 27 (01:56:54):
It's a costly exercise, so they've restricted the length of stay.
You're only allowed to arrive three days before your event,
and you have to leave within forty eight hours after
your event, So there's not a lot of time for
that stuff, which is usually the lovely organic stuff that
happens within a team, and there is a little bit
but and then you know, the transport goes from their

(01:57:16):
hotel to their venue. It doesn't get you necessarily to
other venues, so you've got to rely on public transport
to get yourself to watch your teammates.

Speaker 25 (01:57:24):
So there's a few barriers to that.

Speaker 27 (01:57:26):
But we're trying to make it work and making it
easy for the athletes by giving them some wayfinding and
they get free public transport access, so that helps. So
there's some positives, but it is unfortunately not like being.

Speaker 25 (01:57:38):
In a village.

Speaker 3 (01:57:39):
What are the competition venues like?

Speaker 25 (01:57:42):
Great the venues have been. The venues are world class.
It's really impressive.

Speaker 27 (01:57:50):
Really well, the overlay that they've put on, you know,
some of the existing infrastructure has been impressive.

Speaker 25 (01:57:58):
So I think that's a lovely thing that the ATHLETs
are going to have.

Speaker 27 (01:58:01):
They have great accommodation, it's comfortable, it's nice, we're not
sleeping on cardboard beds, and they get to the venue
and it's it's an awesome venue so they can perform.

Speaker 25 (01:58:12):
So that's really what you're here for.

Speaker 27 (01:58:14):
So you know, all that other stuff is window dressing
and it's but it's also nice, but they're going to
be able to do what they need to do.

Speaker 3 (01:58:21):
And this isn't your first rodeo. Of course, you've been
involved in the delivery of many, many International Games campaigns.
Do you still get surprised occasionally by something that pops up?

Speaker 27 (01:58:32):
Surprise every day, Jason is. Every campaign is a learning experience.

Speaker 25 (01:58:40):
There's just it is fascinating. Things can still surprise you.

Speaker 27 (01:58:44):
But every city is different and every organizing committee is different,
and so you're always dealing with the same stuff, but
it's on a different canvas, you know, so you've got
different challenges. So there's you're never short of surprises. And
that's what I actually love because I love fixing with
the team around me.

Speaker 25 (01:59:03):
You know, our daily job is just.

Speaker 27 (01:59:05):
Basically troubleshooting and making sure that the coaches can do
their jobs. So we're just it's like a big jigsaw
puzzle every time and it keeps you, keeps you sharp,
and it keeps you thinking. So most calendars are actually
kind of fun when you solve them.

Speaker 3 (01:59:21):
Awesome. Well, I've seen hyps a great social media content
back here, our people back here able to follow the games.
Are are there broadcast options available or not.

Speaker 25 (01:59:30):
Yeah, there's online broadcast.

Speaker 27 (01:59:31):
It's called FEESU TV if I su dot TV and
they're streaming most sports live.

Speaker 25 (01:59:39):
So yes you can.

Speaker 27 (01:59:41):
And we're doing I think we're doing. It's not my fulltet,
but we are doing as much as we as well
in lots of different formats. Don't ask me what those are.

Speaker 25 (01:59:53):
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and then I'm lost.

Speaker 3 (01:59:57):
It's like looking at a mirror. I know exactly what
you mean. I know exactly what you mean. It's been
great to chat. Look, we will follow with interest the
next week or so of our athletes at the at
the World UNI Games. Thanks so much for taking the
time for its yet today.

Speaker 25 (02:00:11):
Thank you Jason. It's a wonderful opportunity for them. So
appreciate the airtime.

Speaker 3 (02:00:15):
No, I appreciate you joining us, Evelan, Thanks Indee shift
a mission of our New Zealand team at the FISU
World University Games in Germany. Evelyn Williamson joining us on
weekend sport. Updating you on a bit of live sport
while we have the opportunity. They're underway in the National
Basketball League Final in Wellington, just in the first quarter
at the moment Southland out to a nineteen twelve lead

(02:00:36):
over the Wellington Saints. Saints heavy favorites at home and
regular season winners, but the Southland Sharks don't appear too
interested in that. They are nineteen twelve ahead, now nineteen
twelve ahead with around four minutes left in the first quarter.
In Wellington ten to three news Talks.

Speaker 1 (02:00:52):
Heab analyzing every view from every angle in the Sporting
World Weekend Sport with Jason Pie they call O eight
undred eighty eighty News Talks.

Speaker 3 (02:01:02):
Hebe coming up six away from three. That pretty much
wraps the show for today. It's been brilliant these last
three weeks. I have to say, following the All Blacks
around and doing the shows before and after their Test matches,
had a terrific time in Dunedin. Wellington of course is
where I live, but I enjoyed following the All Blacks
there and being in Hamilton these last forty eight hours
has been outstanding as well. In particular Dunedin and Hamilton

(02:01:25):
the way they are around a Test match weekend. There
is a buzz, a palpable buzz in the city and
it's been awesome to be a part of it. Thank
you for everybody, to everybody who's been a part of
hosting us over these last three weeks during our road show.
We'll do it again once the All Blacks return to
New Zealand, which of course won't be until September. In
terms of playing those two test matches against South Africa

(02:01:48):
at Eden Park and at Sky Stadium. Tim Beverage is
on your radio after three o'clock this afternoon with the
Sunday edition of The Weekend Collective. Massive thanks to Anna
McDonnell for pulling together not only this weekend shows but
the last three. It does take a lot more effort
and heavy lifting to get shows like this two you
Andy top Man mate, thank you indeed have a good

(02:02:08):
couple of days and to take us out today. It
was a sad day on Wednesday for the New Zealand
music community the sudden death of celebrated musician, producer and
driving force behind one of the country's most beloved bands,
Fat Freddy's Drop. Chris Longa Folk better known to fans
around the world as d J Moore taking us out

(02:02:29):
Fat Freddy's Drop's biggest hit, Wandering eight See you tomorrow
night on Sports Talk five An How.

Speaker 28 (02:03:34):
Couldn't a thing.

Speaker 7 (02:03:36):
Can it.

Speaker 28 (02:03:42):
Couldn't think it can't because it's a give.

Speaker 5 (02:03:53):
A thing can't.

Speaker 1 (02:04:01):
Canting for more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen

(02:04:27):
live to news talks it be weekends from midday, or
follow the podcast on iHeartRadio

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