It was a joyous and emotional win for the Auckland Blues on Saturday night.
The Blues are Super Rugby champions for the first time since 2003 after routing the Chiefs 41-10 at Eden Park.
Back with us again is former All Black Coach and Auckland Blues Board member, John Hart.
Hart told Kerre Woodham “I was so happy for the team, the club, the city and our fans.”
He said “We’d had a semifinal the week before and the crowd was quiet as a mouse – and on Saturday we had a total sell-out – what an atmosphere.”
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the carry Wood and Mornings podcast from
News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
He'd b it was a joyous and emotional win for
the Auckland Blues on Saturday night. The Blues are Super
Rugby champions for the first time since two thousand and
three after an emphatic performance against the Chiefs forty one
ten at Eden Park. Back with us again as former
All Black coach and Auckland Blues board member John Hart,
(00:31):
very good morning to you. Is that Grinn come off
your face yet?
Speaker 3 (00:35):
I was a happy occasion carry as you saw. I
think it was. I think you know, when it's twenty
one years between drinks, you know, it's a long while.
So I was so happy for the team, the club
and the city and our fans, you know, I think
it was sus It was obviously very special to be there.
The team performance was fantastic, you know, caught we'd had
(01:00):
a semi final a few weeks before with you know,
the crowd was as quiet as a mouse. Really, we
had no one there hardly and then we had a
total sellout on Saturday night and what an atmosphere it was.
It was good spirit fans.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, it was a really good spirit wasn't it like
the cow bells were going. But it was friendly. It
was a good spirit between the teams. It was you know,
it was good rugby played.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Well, yeah, it was. It was quite a unique You're right.
I mean, I think the relationship between you know, the
Chiefs and the Blues was at the forefront because on
the field you had a game where they both respected
each other and played at each other with all their hearts.
And I think it was a great game of rugby
as well. And then the crowd certainly got into it
(01:46):
and enjoyed it. So, you know, I think the wind's
really special for the region, special for the city. I mean,
I've had a number of people say to me, you know,
cities had a really hard time since COVID and we
haven't had a lot to smile about, you know, And
I think, you know, that was what happened on Saturday
night us mile on the city. I mean, I had
(02:07):
friends saying they were out to all hours in the
morning and Ponsonby or wherever, and people you know, decked
out and blue. And I think that's that's one of
the by products which hopefully we can build on and
try to make not this just a once and make
it something that the city can really get behind and
be very proud of.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
How much of the success can be put down to
the New Zealand Rugby selling their steak to the Better
Blues company and just getting the structure of the club organized.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Look, I think that was a significant move.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Yeah, because it was pretty turbulent beforehand, wasn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yeah? It was. And to be fair in New Zealand
Rugby they saw that and came in and that's when
I was they brought me in is they want to
the directors to try and turn that around, and we
worked hard with the unions to that. And then once
the New Zealand Rugby saw that the thing was stable,
then they said they were going to sell their steak
and we brought together a group of people who are
(03:04):
all great great Auckland is really really good people and
they're into the right reason. They just want to help
help the Blues be successful. So how important it's being
very important because it's given stability, It's given us the
ability to build on relationships, to invest in the game,
and I think, you know, having that sort of shareholder
(03:25):
who is passionate about Auckland and the game is really important.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And North Harbor and the Far North of course.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Well and yeah, the region, the region is you know,
I mean Auckland, North Harbor and Northland. They're all part
of the Blues and you know it's in our box.
On the weekend we had all the you know, the
representatives from North Harbor and Auckland and Northland and you
know it was a pretty it was a pretty proud moment.
And as I say, twenty one years between drinks, it's
(03:52):
a long while.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Where does it where does it sit in your you know,
in your record of achievements within rugby, where would you
put this one?
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Well, personally, I don't I've ever felt happier on that
I was and the whistle on Saturday night because I
know how hard a battle it's been to sort of
you know, to see as a group of people getting
in behind the Blues and turning it around. You know,
we've got a really good board, we got an excellent
(04:23):
chiman and Don McKinnon. You know, I saw a whole
lot of people coming behind and I reckon that made me.
You know, I've had some great times with Upland and
the Renfhilly Shield error and coaching the all Blacks and
South Africa success. But you know, and it's hard to
measure one against the other because they're all different, but
(04:44):
in its time and just because of how important it is,
I think for the Blues and for the region, I
don't think I've ever been happier than I was on
Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Not that you would have known that when we saw
you on the telly, but that was before the final whistle.
You saved the.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
Three minutes to go. I mean, I've received many copies
of that photo from mates. You could smile, You've only
got three minutes to go.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
No, not until the final whistle. That was very, very sensible.
But I do think it's also you know, shown in
the most emphatic and tangible way that rugby is. You know,
it's had its troubles, but it still holds a place
in the heart of people because you know, it's sold out.
Eden Park sold out within a matter of hours, and
(05:31):
even as even as somebody who's directly involved in the game,
did you think that would happen in a matter of hours.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
Well, you're right. The game's gone through a lot of
turmoil in the last twelve months, and the problem we've
had is no one's talking about the game itself. They're
talking about the politics. And the game has been fantastic
all year in terms of the product of Super rugby
and the ability to showcase that and get a crowd.
(05:59):
I mean, never in my wildest dreams that I think
we would sell that crowd out based on what has
happened all year, and I think what happened within what
five hours, the whole ground sol showed that people do
love the game, and thankfully the game delivered to them
the fans that came along because you know, I thought
(06:21):
the officiating was really good and that's that. You know,
if you look back at a World Cup final that
was destroyed by officiating, here was this. This was our
next big occasion in New Zealand leading into an All
Black season. It was so important to have a great game,
and boy did those boys and both teams deliver. They
gave it an absolute great So I think, yeah, very surprised,
(06:45):
but thrilled that our fans came out like they did.
And you know, we've now got a build on that.
Not take it for granted, but the game is a
great game and I hope now the All Blacks go
on and have a great season and we'll see that
team name tonight obviously.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yes, how many of you are really how many of
your lads do you think we'll feature?
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Well, it's always hard to know because you don't know,
But you know, I think we've got probably keen players
that have put their hands up in my view and said,
you know, I'm ready to play for you all blacks. Now,
So will the Chiefs have those sort of players? And
so were the Crusaders, and so are the others. But
you know, in the end, I think they'll go for
(07:26):
form forms important, they'll go for experience, but they'll take
some new young blood in and I think that's going
to be exciting.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
What about I suppose those who are saying it's all
very Northern hemisphere rugby, it's all very bloody crash bang,
bloody brute force.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Well, it was skillful, it was clever, it was committed,
It gave everything you want in rugby, and we scored
tries both close and wide. Yeah, and so anyone that
says that, you know, what they saw was a team
who absolutely dominated on the field because they had commitment,
physicality and desire to get on the front foot, and
(08:06):
that created opportunities close and wide, and you know, I
just think.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
I thought it was a great game. I thought it
showed all the facets of rugby. You know, there was
running rugby, there was intuitive magic rugby, like the being
able to pass the ball when you're falling not once
but twice like amazing, Like there was a great.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Caleb Clark scored. How special was that two guys over
the sideline in mid air, both getting the ball back
to each other and we scored. I mean, those skills
were fantastic. Look, I think Blues DNA has been changed
by Burncotter. He has done a fantastic job that that
performance was something that we would not have been able
(08:49):
to do in recent years. He has transformed this team.
The team believe in them. The team go out and
they know what they have to do and they play
four and with them and he deserves a credit. He's
done a fantastic job within one season. And I think,
you know, the the game plan was created to say,
(09:09):
we've got to be different than we are because we
have a look back for twenty one years we haven't
been very good and here was our chance to make
a statement. And I love what he's done and I
know that he can expand on that going forward, So
I think.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
So you're not going to be one when one.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
No. I look, I'm so proud of where we are
and I know what we've got within the club. You know,
we lose Sekira Yoannie, who's a big loss because I
thought he was he along with Patrick Tuopoloto, who I
thought was just sensational, they were my players of the night.
And I honestly believe that our squad is virtually going
(09:51):
to be unchanged next year. We've got Boden Barrett coming
back as well, and we've got a lot of young
players Peyton Spencer, Jay Clark, who are the young ones
coming into our squad. So, you know, I think it's
an exciting time and now the challenge to us is
to build a dynasty, not be one game winners. We've
got to now try and build something for the long term.
(10:12):
And that's where I think the city comes in and
how important it is to get the city behind that,
in the city enjoying it.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
As just final question for you, John, perhaps if you
bottled the holy water that was sprinkled on Patrick to
a Pinoto's leg that got him back on the field
after being told he wouldn't be available for seven weeks.
What on earth that must have been the holy water
from Lords that got him through that.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
Kerry. The night he got injured, I sent him a
text saying how gutted I was for him. And when
I heard his report and he was going to be
out for five to seven weeks, and I said, all
I'm doing is praying for a miracle. And I cannot believe.
I look back on that text that I sent Patrick,
and a miracle occurred. And I don't know who did that,
(10:59):
But what a man to come back from an injury
like that and inspire his team by what he did.
And I'm just in awe of him. I mean, and
he is so special to this city, so special to
this team, you know, a strong Polynesian leader who is
loved by the team and loved by the fans. And
(11:19):
for him to get through that game like he did,
I yeah, it was a miracle.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Lovely to talk, always lovely to talk. John Hart, former
All Black coach News Talk Said Be thirteen to twelve.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
For more from Kerry Wooden Mornings, Listen live to News
Talk Said B from nine am weekdays, or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the carry Wood and Mornings podcast from
News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
He'd b it was a joyous and emotional win for
the Auckland Blues on Saturday night. The Blues are Super
Rugby champions for the first time since two thousand and
three after an emphatic performance against the Chiefs forty one
ten at Eden Park. Back with us again as former
All Black coach and Auckland Blues board member John Hart,
(00:31):
very good morning to you. Is that Grinn come off
your face yet?
Speaker 3 (00:35):
I was a happy occasion carry as you saw. I
think it was. I think you know, when it's twenty
one years between drinks, you know, it's a long while.
So I was so happy for the team, the club
and the city and our fans, you know, I think
it was sus It was obviously very special to be there.
The team performance was fantastic, you know, caught we'd had
(01:00):
a semi final a few weeks before with you know,
the crowd was as quiet as a mouse. Really, we
had no one there hardly and then we had a
total sellout on Saturday night and what an atmosphere it was.
It was good spirit fans.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, it was a really good spirit wasn't it like
the cow bells were going. But it was friendly. It
was a good spirit between the teams. It was you know,
it was good rugby played.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Well, yeah, it was. It was quite a unique You're right.
I mean, I think the relationship between you know, the
Chiefs and the Blues was at the forefront because on
the field you had a game where they both respected
each other and played at each other with all their hearts.
And I think it was a great game of rugby
as well. And then the crowd certainly got into it
(01:46):
and enjoyed it. So, you know, I think the wind's
really special for the region, special for the city. I mean,
I've had a number of people say to me, you know,
cities had a really hard time since COVID and we
haven't had a lot to smile about, you know, And
I think, you know, that was what happened on Saturday
night us mile on the city. I mean, I had
(02:07):
friends saying they were out to all hours in the
morning and Ponsonby or wherever, and people you know, decked
out and blue. And I think that's that's one of
the by products which hopefully we can build on and
try to make not this just a once and make
it something that the city can really get behind and
be very proud of.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
How much of the success can be put down to
the New Zealand Rugby selling their steak to the Better
Blues company and just getting the structure of the club organized.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Look, I think that was a significant move.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Yeah, because it was pretty turbulent beforehand, wasn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yeah? It was. And to be fair in New Zealand
Rugby they saw that and came in and that's when
I was they brought me in is they want to
the directors to try and turn that around, and we
worked hard with the unions to that. And then once
the New Zealand Rugby saw that the thing was stable,
then they said they were going to sell their steak
and we brought together a group of people who are
(03:04):
all great great Auckland is really really good people and
they're into the right reason. They just want to help
help the Blues be successful. So how important it's being
very important because it's given stability, It's given us the
ability to build on relationships, to invest in the game,
and I think, you know, having that sort of shareholder
(03:25):
who is passionate about Auckland and the game is really important.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And North Harbor and the Far North of course.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Well and yeah, the region, the region is you know,
I mean Auckland, North Harbor and Northland. They're all part
of the Blues and you know it's in our box.
On the weekend we had all the you know, the
representatives from North Harbor and Auckland and Northland and you
know it was a pretty it was a pretty proud moment.
And as I say, twenty one years between drinks, it's
(03:52):
a long while.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Where does it where does it sit in your you know,
in your record of achievements within rugby, where would you
put this one?
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Well, personally, I don't I've ever felt happier on that
I was and the whistle on Saturday night because I
know how hard a battle it's been to sort of
you know, to see as a group of people getting
in behind the Blues and turning it around. You know,
we've got a really good board, we got an excellent
(04:23):
chiman and Don McKinnon. You know, I saw a whole
lot of people coming behind and I reckon that made me.
You know, I've had some great times with Upland and
the Renfhilly Shield error and coaching the all Blacks and
South Africa success. But you know, and it's hard to
measure one against the other because they're all different, but
(04:44):
in its time and just because of how important it is,
I think for the Blues and for the region, I
don't think I've ever been happier than I was on
Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Not that you would have known that when we saw
you on the telly, but that was before the final whistle.
You saved the.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
Three minutes to go. I mean, I've received many copies
of that photo from mates. You could smile, You've only
got three minutes to go.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
No, not until the final whistle. That was very, very sensible.
But I do think it's also you know, shown in
the most emphatic and tangible way that rugby is. You know,
it's had its troubles, but it still holds a place
in the heart of people because you know, it's sold out.
Eden Park sold out within a matter of hours, and
(05:31):
even as even as somebody who's directly involved in the game,
did you think that would happen in a matter of hours.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
Well, you're right. The game's gone through a lot of
turmoil in the last twelve months, and the problem we've
had is no one's talking about the game itself. They're
talking about the politics. And the game has been fantastic
all year in terms of the product of Super rugby
and the ability to showcase that and get a crowd.
(05:59):
I mean, never in my wildest dreams that I think
we would sell that crowd out based on what has
happened all year, and I think what happened within what
five hours, the whole ground sol showed that people do
love the game, and thankfully the game delivered to them
the fans that came along because you know, I thought
(06:21):
the officiating was really good and that's that. You know,
if you look back at a World Cup final that
was destroyed by officiating, here was this. This was our
next big occasion in New Zealand leading into an All
Black season. It was so important to have a great game,
and boy did those boys and both teams deliver. They
gave it an absolute great So I think, yeah, very surprised,
(06:45):
but thrilled that our fans came out like they did.
And you know, we've now got a build on that.
Not take it for granted, but the game is a
great game and I hope now the All Blacks go
on and have a great season and we'll see that
team name tonight obviously.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yes, how many of you are really how many of
your lads do you think we'll feature?
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Well, it's always hard to know because you don't know,
But you know, I think we've got probably keen players
that have put their hands up in my view and said,
you know, I'm ready to play for you all blacks. Now,
So will the Chiefs have those sort of players? And
so were the Crusaders, and so are the others. But
you know, in the end, I think they'll go for
(07:26):
form forms important, they'll go for experience, but they'll take
some new young blood in and I think that's going
to be exciting.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
What about I suppose those who are saying it's all
very Northern hemisphere rugby, it's all very bloody crash bang,
bloody brute force.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Well, it was skillful, it was clever, it was committed,
It gave everything you want in rugby, and we scored
tries both close and wide. Yeah, and so anyone that
says that, you know, what they saw was a team
who absolutely dominated on the field because they had commitment,
physicality and desire to get on the front foot, and
(08:06):
that created opportunities close and wide, and you know, I
just think.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
I thought it was a great game. I thought it
showed all the facets of rugby. You know, there was
running rugby, there was intuitive magic rugby, like the being
able to pass the ball when you're falling not once
but twice like amazing, Like there was a great.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Caleb Clark scored. How special was that two guys over
the sideline in mid air, both getting the ball back
to each other and we scored. I mean, those skills
were fantastic. Look, I think Blues DNA has been changed
by Burncotter. He has done a fantastic job that that
performance was something that we would not have been able
(08:49):
to do in recent years. He has transformed this team.
The team believe in them. The team go out and
they know what they have to do and they play
four and with them and he deserves a credit. He's
done a fantastic job within one season. And I think,
you know, the the game plan was created to say,
(09:09):
we've got to be different than we are because we
have a look back for twenty one years we haven't
been very good and here was our chance to make
a statement. And I love what he's done and I
know that he can expand on that going forward, So
I think.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
So you're not going to be one when one.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
No. I look, I'm so proud of where we are
and I know what we've got within the club. You know,
we lose Sekira Yoannie, who's a big loss because I
thought he was he along with Patrick Tuopoloto, who I
thought was just sensational, they were my players of the night.
And I honestly believe that our squad is virtually going
(09:51):
to be unchanged next year. We've got Boden Barrett coming
back as well, and we've got a lot of young
players Peyton Spencer, Jay Clark, who are the young ones
coming into our squad. So, you know, I think it's
an exciting time and now the challenge to us is
to build a dynasty, not be one game winners. We've
got to now try and build something for the long term.
(10:12):
And that's where I think the city comes in and
how important it is to get the city behind that,
in the city enjoying it.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
As just final question for you, John, perhaps if you
bottled the holy water that was sprinkled on Patrick to
a Pinoto's leg that got him back on the field
after being told he wouldn't be available for seven weeks.
What on earth that must have been the holy water
from Lords that got him through that.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
Kerry. The night he got injured, I sent him a
text saying how gutted I was for him. And when
I heard his report and he was going to be
out for five to seven weeks, and I said, all
I'm doing is praying for a miracle. And I cannot believe.
I look back on that text that I sent Patrick,
and a miracle occurred. And I don't know who did that,
(10:59):
But what a man to come back from an injury
like that and inspire his team by what he did.
And I'm just in awe of him. I mean, and
he is so special to this city, so special to
this team, you know, a strong Polynesian leader who is
loved by the team and loved by the fans. And
(11:19):
for him to get through that game like he did,
I yeah, it was a miracle.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Lovely to talk, always lovely to talk. John Hart, former
All Black coach News Talk Said Be thirteen to twelve.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
For more from Kerry Wooden Mornings, Listen live to News
Talk Said B from nine am weekdays, or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio.
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