March 11, 2025 • 43 mins
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap another compelling round of Super Rugby - and ask if it's time to panic at the Blues after another defeat in their title defence. We celebrate Moana Pasifika's stunning win over the Hurricanes, and are the Crusaders here to rescue New Zealand rugby again?
Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley checks in for an update on the opening month - we also dig into the Dupont drama in the Six Nations, the Fijian Drua treatment while in New Zealand - and while their men's team may be in trouble, the Blues women are making a compelling case in Super Rugby Aupiki.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on Iheartradiot
Inside the Game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliott Smith powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health, tackling all
your aches and pains from sports and work back for
another week. After Super Rugby Round four, Elliott Smith, Liam
Napier and Liam the Crusaders forced to rescue New Zealand
rugby again. How many times did the Crusaders have to
(00:45):
do it for their country? Just another time? Just add
it to the list.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
I'm happy for you, Elliott, but please not get carried away, mate,
all right, count came the fun, calm the fun.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Well, how's being a last on the ladder suiting at
the Hurricanes.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Look, it's been tough starts of the year for the
cane train fans. But we'll loyal, Elliott, We'll stick with
it and we will hug back the cane trains.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Like New Zealand's approach to the rail doesn't exist.
Speaker 4 (01:14):
Jesus boyt today, isn't he?
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (01:15):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
One winning over the Queens and Reds in best.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Team in Australia. Mate, let's start there. Actually, Crusaders reads
Sunday afternoon and great to see Someday afternoon forty first
and foremost three thirty five kickoff right towards the last
month of daylight saving sun shining down on christ Jurge
and the Crusaders. They were lethal on attack, weren't so
(01:40):
great on defense. I didn't think that's still an issue
for them this season. But they showed that they can
really score tries, which was an issue for them against
the Chiefs. And obviously defense remains an issue, as I said,
but a good one for the Crusaders. What did you
make of it?
Speaker 5 (01:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:56):
It was and Sunday afternoon forty brilliant to see, isn't it.
I think the more we can have that time slot
in the New Zealand backyard the better. It doesn't work
for everyone, doesn't work in Hamilton, but really great day
in christ Church and the Crusaders ran rampants. Will Jordan
is playing out of his skin this year and his
(02:18):
individual trial was brilliant. His injections into the line. He's
untouchable at the moment. Severy Reese on the edge is
creating Havoc. I think James Marshall and has given the
Crusaders a real license to play what they see. They
to me, are not playing overly structured. He's given that
(02:42):
back line in particular a lot of freedom to play,
and that's that they seem to be relishing that sort
of style, which is interesting given their former attack coaches
in recent times. I thought Ethan Blackheader was really good,
some punishing defense individually which created a number of turnovers
for the Crusaders to strike, and they just really made
(03:03):
the most of conditions. The Reds were a bit off
a number of errors, but I thought that was the
pressure that the Crusaders put them under. So the best
performance of the season for the Crusaders.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Just on Will Jordan. You're right, he's been scoring and
he's been playing magnificently the season. What I've been really
liking is a support play and looking for his options
either side, which hasn't always necessarily been a strength, but
in terms of that fullback role and being a distributed
but I think we're seeing more of that this season
than maybe we haven't in years past.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Yeah, and I also think it's just consistency of game time.
It's easy to forget last year he missed the whole
of super rugby right, and maybe a confidence to know
that he is going to be staying in his preferred
position when it comes to the All Blacks later in
the year, the confidence of knowing that Razor will back
him and that regards and the more he plays, the
better he gets. So time on the park and you're right,
(03:55):
he is bringing more strings to his bow, getting in
the first receiver, exerting his influence. It was telling a
couple of games ago when hearing James O'Connor talk about
will Joe and overruling him and telling him to move out,
get out of the space. I see this and those
two working well together. Will Jordan really pulling rank using
(04:17):
his voice and experience, like you say in that first
receiver capacity, so really taking ownership and that's what the
crusaderesn't need it with a young ten and Kimita you know,
showing him the way, helping him out, not putting too
much on his shoulders. So really stamping his mark on
the Crusaders this year.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Yeah, I wouldn't say Kimitda's goalkicking was too flash on
the weekend, but I'm beginning to grow and press week
to week on how he's growing. Yes, put under a
lot of pressure in that last outing against the Chiefs,
but I do like the way that they've just stuck
with him the season. There was a bit of thought
that maybe James I Quitte might start against his old
team the Reds, but they've gone with Kimita and unlike
last year where he was flashed back to Club Rugby
(04:56):
and Hamilton sticking with him to this point of the season.
I know we're only into Round five coming up this weekend,
but they've given a bit more confidence than maybe he
had last season.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Yeah, backing a young guy, giving him time, that's really
helping him. And I think probably James O'Connor's influence behind
the scenes will be helping as well. And I also
make a note of Kyle Preston's selection at halfback. I
thought last year Rob Penny got a lot of selections wrong,
didn't back know a hope them where this year he
has promoted Kyle Preston.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Above a centurion the franchise in Mitchell.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Drummonde exactly and he's backing form and Preston for me,
has really taken that on board. It was impressive again,
So credit to Rob Penny and that coaching team for
adjusting their selection tactics because I didn't think they got
those things right last year, where they are getting some
things right this season.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
The Readers, so I thought were a threats when they
entered the twenty two. They just made too many years
on Sunday afternoon to really push the Crusaders. Was fast scoring,
especially in the first spell, and there were a couple
of moments maybe it looked a bit shaky for the
Crusaders and the second spell, but the Readers has kind
of left themselves a little bit too much work to do.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
They did and been a bit hot cold this year,
and those conditions should have suited them. That's a style
of rugby they like to play, use the ball, attack,
They've got the athletes, but yeah, they were a bit off.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Taate McDermott. McDermott trying to spark things.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Fraser mcwright's got a couple of turnovers, but I'm not
sure about Dungunu in the midfields. They yeah, they're just
we bit off this year. The Reds just on the
Crusaders a bit hot cold this year. There was an
impressive performance but if you look at the benchmark, you
(06:42):
know that they lost to the Chiefs and had some
struggles at other times very early doors.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
But how do you assess them.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Well better than last year. I think they look like
a team playing with a bit more confidence than last year.
You mentioned the ability to attack and see what's in
front of them. Last year are attacking structure felt far
too rigid. They changed tens pretty much every week. They
tweaked little things and you said got selections wrong. I
think they looked better on the weekend with McLeod in
(07:12):
the midfield and well we're coming off the bench late on.
He scored that last try for them, so I think
the selections have been better. So whether that's Rob Penny
deciding to basically you go with the form as you say,
and being a little less rigid than maybe we've seen
in the past, I think ultimately good that Chiefs lost,
you know, heavy loss to the Chiefs and the front
(07:33):
runners for this competition stands out. But Week one went
against the Hurricanes at home against the Reds, who were
touted as one of the big Australian teams promising signs.
Don't know where they're going to end up. At the
end of the year, still with a lot of kew
with Darbies to come. But you look at next weekend,
you know weekend after this Blues Crusader's even Park. That's
going to be a benchmark, big test for both of
(07:56):
these two teams and where they sit in this campaign.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
Yeah, big time.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
And I guess the Crusaders are in much better shape
from a squad perspective. And look, the Blues can't have
too many excuses the stack with all Black.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
They've got a deep squad, but.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
They are heavily injury riddled currently and that was something
that affected the Crusaders greatly last year.
Speaker 4 (08:18):
The scripts flip.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Now they're starting to get guys back like Cody Taylor,
a big in for them at this time of year
where the Blues lose Bowden Barrett injury clouds over Ricky Telly,
they having a reshuffle. I think the Blues will get
back Stephen Peterfetta this week so but they have been
missing hoskinstitute to Dalton Papae. Sam Dowry's gone for the year.
So some big outs for the Blues. Where the Crusaders
(08:41):
are in a much healthy estate and forms showing that too.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Indeed, let's move back to Saturday night. Majea Pacific A
forty Hurricanes thirty one. This was a cracking game Mowana
just played. I think it was their best performance since
they ended Super Rugby. I know they a bit the
Hurricanes in twenty twenty two their first year. This was
the most well rounded performance that I've seen from them.
At halftime, Addie Savia doesn't come back on with hamstring tightness.
(09:08):
You think get used to leading fourteen twelve, but it
could have easily that could have been the losing of
the game, Ardie Savia going off. But in a way
it galvanized them and they almost did it for Ardie Savia.
Not that I've heard them say that necessarily, but it
felt like they did. And we saw a lot of
players stand up in that second spell especially, and let's
not forget it was forty points to nineteen, you know,
(09:30):
with what twelve minutes to go roughly thereabouts, they'd blown
the Hurricanes out of the water, probably ran out a
bit of puff in that last ten minutes and considered
a couple of tries and it got a wee bit nervy.
But for me, that was Moe of his best performance
and a lot of stand out players in that side
that deserve accolades. What did you make of that?
Speaker 3 (09:48):
I think, first and foremost is great to see them
wouldn't just get over the line because what was at
one point lost to the force. They got blown away
by the Reds and probably could have, would have should
have beaten the Highlanders. So the improvements was evident from
one another share but it didn't mean anything until you
get that win. And there was a lot of emotion
(10:11):
around this game, with already coming up against his former club,
and just with the atmosphere my one are building at
in Albany. I think they add about six thousand fans,
but by all accounts it's incredibly loud, and they're doing
a lot of things well that match. They allowed fans
to have bryes all.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Of the South Africans on the north shore.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Yeah, that's all barbecues outside the ground, So really enhancing
the fan experience, and we've seen that in other codes.
With AUKFC doing a lot of things around their match,
they experience so wine of doing things out of the box,
doing a lot of things well off the field, and
finally they got over the line. So really happy for them.
In that regards the match itself. You mentioned Artie going
(10:55):
off and that was such a big tick for them
because he had carried them on his shoulders against the
Highlanders and he was their big off field signing. But
to do it without him, that will be a massive
confidence boost for them. Patrick Pellegrino, massive performance for him.
(11:18):
You know, Jackson Garden Bashett was brought in the off season,
but this guy really stepped up and in a different
style of rugby I think than you're used to from
a ten in super rugby. His controlling influences, kicking game.
I think it's brought over from Coventry and clearly that
experience in the Northern Hemisphere.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
Has served him well.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
Miracle Fire Lungy three tries and he's been a big
mover signed out of Samoa Club Rugby effectively in the
last couple of years. So another big tick for that
pathway and a real sign of that progression. So some
really positive signs from one. You did mention there that
(12:02):
in their first year they did beat the Hurricanes, so
and I did look at their draw coming up.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
I think they play the.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Chiefs in Bookakoe after the buy.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
And the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
So it is a tough draw and they do need
to back it up and that was the message from
tana Umanga and Artie. Severe but really positive science.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Yeah, absolutely, And they were supposed to play in Tonga
next against the Chiefs after the buy, which would have
been a different complexion to that game entirely off the
back of that game. They're playing now in Pooka Koe,
which you know is still going to be a great
home game for them, but you almost want back at
the North Shore and just keep building that fan base
over the next wee wile, given how strong it's been.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Well, yeah, let's touch on that tongue again. Very disappointing,
isn't it because Muana as a fundamental purpose of their
team to have that connection back to the island nations
is very important, but the reality of it is extremely
difficult from a financial point of view, from an infrastructure clearly,
(13:04):
there's big issues in some of those island nations. We've
seen i think the Tonglan rugby boards cleaned out in
recent times and you know there's long standing corruption issues.
So really disappointing that Mona can't take that fixture back
and galvanize those connections.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
It is a shame, and I think it was by
and large down to the floodlights that they couldn't get
in time. I think a couple of other issues that
seemed to be the main one, and that's frustrating because
they did play there last year. It's a great occasion
against the Highlanders, and then not to have that game
in a couple of weeks. They've looked dead to twenty
twenty six. But the more connections they can build with
the Islands and their home, their spiritual home, the better
(13:44):
I think for them. All those players you mentioned were
excellent again. Palegrini come one and point out Kiren Tianmoi
Flou played for Tongler in twenty twenty three. Born and
raised in Marlbrook. Is he an All Blacks prospect in
twenty twenty six months he completes his three years stand down?
Is he interested in playing for the All Blacks in
(14:05):
three years time or does he want to continue playing
for Tongy. He didn't play for them last year, didn't
have much of an international program last year Tonger. Do
the All Blacks look at him from twenty twenty six,
still very young, only twenty one years of age and
he's been excellent for MO one of this year.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:21):
Look, I think for most of those Island players, their
heart is in the island, but their financial future is
with the All Blacks, right, And if you think about
everything that the All Blacks wrap around you and the
prestige that comes with it's the doors that are open
in terms of overseas opportunities and just setting yourself up
(14:44):
from a career point of view, that's probably your aspiration,
isn't it. It's the same for Tava Tavanawa by all accounts,
he's turned down Fiji to pursue the quest to play
for the All Blacks. We saw it with Peter gustso
Koula played one or two tests and then's ineligible for Fiji.
So it's quite delicate and it does spark a lot
(15:05):
of debate about what is the best pathway and even
some suggestions that you know, the All Blacks pick guys
like Peter Gust to deny for you the opportunity, which
I don't believe him. But if there was some way
to bridge the financial gap, then maybe these guys would
play for the island.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
And it's also not what Mowana was created for You
know current time boy Flowers played for Tonga. He's got
the shop window there of playing in Super Rugby. Now.
I haven't spoken to the bloke, don't know if he
wants to play for the All Blacks. He may continue
playing for Tonga, but wouldn't surprise me if the All
Blacks come knocking or are knocking and going just stand
down for eighteen more months and you know the All
Blacks could come knocking in twenty twenty six. Another player
(15:44):
as well, So Misi Tupo Tailwa. Just want to give
him a note because I think he's been the pick
of the season from Muana. Wasn't in their training squad.
I know he played for Southland in the NBC. They
couldn't believe down there that he missed out on a
Super Rugby contract with the Highland his first and foremost.
But anyone wyna pick him up as a training member.
He's now played all four of their games this season
off the back of the scrum, combining really well with
(16:06):
Ardisavia and Miracle filing. He's playing excellent. What's going on
with the Hurricanes.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
Though, Look, I think they've got some big outs, but
there's enough talent in that team that they should be
performing better. It has been a very disappointing year. They're
very fractured. Some of those guys coming back will make
a big difference.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
But I think they had twelve players injured heading into
that game, which is a lot. Yeah, I mean every
team needs in Daland's got a lot of injuries at
the month.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
They do, and it's hard you take that into consideration,
but you still look at some of the talent that
is on the park for them, guys like Peter Luckeye
break through player last year to see, you know, I
think obviously Cam Roygard was on the bench. But yeah,
I expect more from the Hurricanes to this point, and
(17:00):
it's not going to get any easier. So dropping games
against teams like Mowana, who when you start the year
you expect to beat, is really good, and at this
point you'd say they're certainly not a top six finals thing.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
And just doing some silly shit as well, like Isaiahacer,
Larry Lear weird and taking out the legs of Danny Toy.
I'm surprised more didn't come with that, to be entirely
honest with you, Fiji and drew it twenty eight Chiefs
twenty four special after and again in Laotoka. How many
of these have we been having bucketed down for the
first spell, some came out in the second spell and
(17:32):
Fiji get their noses in front and win it. Odds
we game of rugby this one. But look the drawer.
They're very very hard to beat in Lautoka, and the
Chiefs found that out the hard.
Speaker 3 (17:43):
Way they did, and conditions played a big factor, and
it was actually the Doer's ball control that was vastly
superior to the Chiefs and won them the game. It's
a couple of brilliant individual moments, a couple of lot
of brain explosions from the Chiefs. They were forced to
chase the game and push passes and that hurt them.
(18:04):
But man, what an occasion, what an atmosphere it is
in Lawotoka. I'd love to be at one of those
fixtures and really soak it up. You would have needed
your poncho and.
Speaker 4 (18:17):
All the umbrellas are out in the first half.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
I'm not sure how much of the game the crowd
actually saw all the all the brollies up, but look,
the Duror were the same as Mawana went. They'd been there,
they'd been in the fight, lost matches late to the
waratas and the like, but they are a completely different
beast at home.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
They are one step for you, which sort of sums
up to the game for me. Against the Brumbies, the
Chiefs have six hundred and twelve running meters against the
drawer two hundred and eighty seven, and that's down to conditions,
but also just the Druid, you know, just suffocated them
to an extent. Cortez Razama barely made a meter four,
couldn't snipe around the ruck. You just basically shoveled it
(18:53):
off all day long while he was out in the park.
The Chiefs weren't allowed to play the game that they
love to play, and we know that's the key to
shutting them down. But the Drawer went out and did it.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Yeah, you look at that Brumbies game.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
I think it was a Saturday afternoon fixture, bathed in sunshine.
And you go to Laotoka though, and the Chiefs are
stuck in the mud, aren't They couldn't get that go forward,
Josh Jacob. Quite a tough day as packs not getting
ascendency and the drawers rushing up, knocking you over really
(19:26):
tough to the office and that go forward makes all
the difference.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
It does. Indeed, also a story last week around the
drawer and some of the way that being treated by
what's the word, I guess probably for me. It strikes
into external providers, some around the transportation and their hotels.
Just not a great look for Super Rugby. I think
by and large it seems to be down to the
external providers, the accommodation, buses, etc. That are there, but
(19:53):
just leaves us how it tastes when you're not treating,
you know, visitors to your country the way they should
be treated.
Speaker 5 (19:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:59):
I don't think there was any ill will, no or
intent necessary, but it's not good enough.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
By all accounts.
Speaker 3 (20:07):
Teams that travel to Fiji treated like kings, hugely popular
with locals and everything's laid on you start resorts, the
transportation and everything like that, and that needs to be reciprocated.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
I think.
Speaker 3 (20:18):
Yeah. That Fiji arrived about midnight and Wellington for those
who don't know the story, their bus was three hours late.
They ended up traveling in the back of a truck
to Napier. On the day of the game. The Hurricanes
had a late checkout from their hotel and Fiji did not,
so they're sleeping in the hotel lobby and just really
(20:39):
compromise preparation for the game, and they go on to
lose the match late by a couple of points or
was at one point one last try at the end.
So those sort of things can make a difference and
it needs to be equal opportunities for everyone and it
needs to be rectified to make sure that doesn't happen again.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Absolutely. Speaking of not happening again, the Brumbies peak the
Blues twenty one twenty at Eden Park. Very odd game.
I mean it is as simple as Boden Bowrett goes
off at halftime and that was the winning and losing
of the game for the Blues.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
Potentially, yeah, it shouldn't be one player should not have
that much influence, but he was the real spark, lifeblood
of the Blues in that first half, scored a brilliant
individual try, coming into ten for the first time this
year for the Blues. Did make a real impact. And
then he goes off and the Blues don't score a
(21:38):
second half point stagger.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
It was just like the more the longer they second
half went on, the more it's sort of bigger belief
that the Blues were playing this bad and just went
able to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
That was, you know, in their hands. They scored before halftime,
made it twenty points to ten at the break from memory,
and then just sort of froze in the second spell.
Poor decision making, playing at the wrong areas of the field,
(22:03):
and they're almost just begging the Brumbies to take it
by the end of it.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Yeah, that's it wasn't wasn't as if the Brumbies grabbed
it by the scruff or really dominated.
Speaker 4 (22:14):
It was the Blues killing themselves.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
And for me, the big stark realities were how badly
their set piece disorientated. And that's vern Cod's blueprint, isn't it.
You know, the set piece, the for domination. That's what
won the Blues the title last year. And here the
Blues were their lineout's buckling late. They considered the scrum
penalty at the death, which cost them the result. So
(22:42):
some massive work ons there. And at this point for
the Blues, it's not complacency because you're losing and you're
getting both barrels from Verlin Cotta behind closed doors. There
is no hint of complacency at this point, So how
do they turn this around?
Speaker 2 (22:59):
Well, we'll dig into it more in the final four,
but I think they got it right by putting Bone
and Barret at ten on the weekend. Now he's going
to be out for we don't know who. Haven't had
a confirmation, but we're probably guess around six to eight
weeks usually for an injury like that, So they had
it right there. For me, I think they need to
put pera Feder at ten if he's coming back this week,
as you hinted at and earlier on the podcast, I
(23:20):
think he's got to start at ten. He is an
all Blacks ten. He's all Blacks playmaker. He's been in
that all Black squad so to his Harry Plumber, but
not as much. I think you need to give him
the keys to this team, and that is the way
I can see there being a little bit more direction
around it. We talked about last week, and I correspondent Dave,
(23:42):
who listened to the podcast messas just on Twitter and
said some stats to sort of back up. We talked
about the Blues midfield last week, and some of the
stats aren't available until sort of Wednesday Thursday. But in
terms of defenders beaten, I think combined it was about
eight for Rico Yowani and aj Lambon midfield, and Damie
McKenzie's beaten about eighteen on his own. So they're just
(24:02):
not breaking the line as easily as they were last year.
So I think there's issues with that back line, but
it's ultimately down to the Fords and they're just not
getting the ascendancy that they were used to last year.
There's been some changes, you know, Kerry Juannie Love my
Haen is gone, but they just don't seem like the
team they were last year.
Speaker 3 (24:22):
No, they don't, and you can point to the injuries,
but I would I'll put the heat on the coaching staff,
to be honest. You've got Vern Cotter, You've got Paul Tito,
Greg Feek, this is a very well renowned coaching team.
Jason O'Halloran as an attack coach, and how do you
go from a championship winning team to really struggling week
(24:44):
to week. You know that you've got to put some
heat on that on that coaching team, I think at
this point to turn things around. You look at other
teams in this competition they don't have the same depth,
they don't have the same number of all blacks.
Speaker 4 (24:59):
So yeah, pressures starting the build it is.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Indeed, we'll have some more thoughts on that after a
quick break here on Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health.
Speaker 1 (25:07):
This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fans.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
Try try ten sixty sec every tackle to get up again.
I take him afore time.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
It's Rugby Direct, ladies.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
You're back with the final four on Rugby Direct. Full
rugby topics that we race on through and debates. Topic
number one, Let's go to the Six Nations limb. Should
Tiger Burn have been charged or carded for the folding
of Antoine DuPont's leg in that French Island game.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
I'm going to go no.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
I don't think there was intent or an intense not
The only category is we've seen players red carded for
accidental head clashes and the like. But I think it
was an accidents, a mishap, and look, you can go
on Twitter and there'll be all sorts of outrage. Irelands
(26:09):
had probably taken South Africa's places as France's most hated team,
but look, that wasn't the winning and losing of that game.
France still went on to win it, But in terms
of that incident, I don't believe it was worth a card.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
No.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
I think Ingus Gardner and co riffed it relatively well.
Rugby incident, I mean, Faby and Guilty cited that incident
and the World Rugby Discipline officers said, there's nothing to
see here. I don't know that Antoine DuPont was in
the best position, not that it was his faults, but
I don't think he's in the best position in that
ruck and Tiger Burn comes sort of falling over it
(26:46):
a rugby It was a rugby incident, and just sometimes
that happens in.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
Rugby, it does, and very unfortunate, and when it happens
to the world's regarded best player in the world, it's
very high profile.
Speaker 4 (27:01):
Yeah, just just on that game.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
Magnificent win for France, real statement performance, need for speed,
and I think it does confirm that Ireland needs some
regeneration as well. Who wins the six nations going into
the final round France, England's have a real shot at
it and Islands.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
France will beat Scotland at home. I think it'll come
down obviously the last game, but I.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
Think they to guarantee that they need a bonus point.
Well because England play Wales.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
Yeah yeah, I mean I wasn't that impressed with England
against Italy. I think France when they'll beat Scotland at home, Yeah, yeah,
I think so.
Speaker 3 (27:43):
And that's a real reflection of where things set up
north with it, and maybe we need to pig things
back about France's B team coming here.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Well no, well, yes to no. I mean that was
their eighteen that beat Ireland. How many of those players
are going to be down here. Yeah, no, fair point,
and we didn't see the B team on the weekend.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
That was by far and away their strongest team they
put out this year as well. They got a fair
few players back. Look, yeah, I was just been stoking
the flames here, but you know I.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
Have read an interesting column on the Hero about that yesterday.
Yes two, we didn't touch on us before, but Liam
one win, three losses. Is it time to panic about
the Blues? Not just yet, but I think it is.
You go sorry, it can really get away from you.
Speaker 3 (28:37):
I think the Blues, if they can get into the finals,
will still be difficult prospect, but losing becomes a habit
and there does look to be something really missed this year,
and going down to play the Chiefs and Hamilton this weekend,
it is very hard to see the Blues winning that
it is.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
And then you look at their drawer and they've got
the Crusaders next weekend which they could win, but again
it's in New Zealand Derby. Those are tough games. They
have the buye after that, then they have the Hurricanes
at home, they have Mwana at home, they have the
Crusaders away. They've got if you include mo Wada Pacifica
as a New Zealand derby and the way they're playing,
that's five straight New Zealand Derby's or games against New
(29:19):
Zealand opposition based opposition to come. That's a tough draw.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Bloody tough. And look, the Chiefs will be.
Speaker 3 (29:27):
Hurting after their loss in Fiji coming back home. They've
beaten the Blues once this year already at Eden Park.
That local derby means a lot to them and that
is an incredibly tough run. The Blues need some bodies back.
That buyer can't come soon enough. But yeah, they really
need to stop the rock.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
Well.
Speaker 2 (29:46):
On the other side of things, their men might be
playing poorly, but the women playing great. Can anyone stop
their Blues? Women winning or picky? If I asked this
question this time last week after the belt in the Hurricanes,
I would have said no. But having looked at it
on the weekend, they just sneak past the Chiefs. So
they had belted by sixty points in pre season with
the lap Porsche of women Wickliffe try on the weekend
(30:07):
at even par Master two just building quite nicely. So
for me it's a two horse race in Blues and
Matter two Chiefs and behind Hurricanes. Don't look overly flash
at all.
Speaker 3 (30:19):
No, and look, if you had put the house on
it right now, you'd say the Blues. But finals footyn
can do funny things to teams. And you mentioned the
Matter two that they are building nicely, And yeah, the
Chiefs pushed the Blues to the brink, so I don't
think it's a foregone conclusion just yet.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
Yeah. No, it's an interesting old competition this weekend, and sorry,
this season and this weekends' interesting as well. And topic
number four Russi Erasmus stoked some more flames, as he
likes to do last week by suggesting the rugby championship
should be aligned with the six Nations windows so played
in February March. This isn't entirely new because if you
(30:57):
acall friend of the podcast, Hamish mcclennan suggested this film.
He spoke to him last year year before, formerly the
Australian Rugby year. He was in that position at the
time and I believe there was a retraction that had
to be issued by SANSA as a result of that.
Do you like the idea? Would it work?
Speaker 5 (31:16):
No?
Speaker 3 (31:17):
I don't like it. I like summer being summer and
rugby is a winter sport. And this isn't just a
New Zealand pushback. I think Australia doesn't want it in
that window either, And to be frank, the Springboks don't
need any help they I can totally see it from
Russy's perspective. Their players play all year round with their
(31:40):
club teams based up north. It is a relentless schedule.
But we don't need to be bending over backwards just
to look after the spring Box.
Speaker 4 (31:50):
So I understand where he's coming from.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
By all means, throw the idea out there, but it
has been discussed, as you mentioned in recent times. I
think the Rugby Championships and its current cycle is locked
until twenty.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
Well remember the taking a break from it twenty six
with the Rugby his greatest rivalry tour. So but the
next it's up in the year a little bit.
Speaker 3 (32:13):
But yes, the next broadcast will lock it in for
the next six years in the current window.
Speaker 4 (32:18):
So look, I can't see it moving.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
No, no, indeed, let's get into some tipping, and great
news for fans of mine out there. I've sneaked ahead
of you after a big two from five weekend.
Speaker 4 (32:30):
Great weekend on the punch.
Speaker 2 (32:32):
Liam one from five. You picked the Blues Cheese, the Canes,
tick Reds and red you did, and I got the
Drewer and the Crusaders correct. So wasn't a great weekend
for either of us. But I lead eleven to ten.
This after twenty games.
Speaker 4 (32:52):
Just quickly. That's great for the compo, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (32:54):
Absolutely the fact that fifty percent of these games roughly
have been results that we didn't expect, didn't tip.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
It was a real giant killing weekend.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
Yeah, and you look at the latter as well, it's
so congested and you know the Crusader went from bott
to fourth on the weekend. That's how tight it is
at the moment. And you know the Hurricanes bottom. If
they beat the Highlanders this weekend, they'll leap right up
as well. And yeah, we keep talking about it, but
the Super Raby comp before we get into tipping, is
just absolutely out the gate this season.
Speaker 3 (33:23):
It is stylistically and just just genuine upsets. You're tuning
and you do not know who's going to win. That's
that's what we've been crying out for in the past
few years.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
Yeah, it is Highland is Hurricanes Friday nights. Gold's what
iHeart radio under the roof in Dneede and seven o five.
This is fascinating, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (33:42):
This is a real you know what, I'm going to
tip the Landers in that one. A. I think the
Hurricanes are struggling. They got Ruben and Love back at
the weekends, but yeah, I think they're in a bit
of a hole and I think the Highland is coming
off the by they could get a few players back,
So yeah, Jamie Joseph, have them prime to go under
(34:03):
the roof.
Speaker 2 (34:03):
Cheap as I'm picking the Hurricanes and you're not unbelievable.
Brumb's versus the drawer in Canberra. Can the drawer continue
there winning ways after beating the Chiefs in Lautoka by
going to Canberra. It'll be a cold night in Canberra.
I don't know the forecast, but at the word.
Speaker 3 (34:19):
Cold slight contrast to Lauatoka, isn't it. No, the drawer
unfortunately a bit of a different beast away from home
and the Brumbies.
Speaker 2 (34:27):
No. I think Brumbies will return home after that one
over the Blues at Eton Park and grab that one
as well. Crusaders Force four to thirty five Saturday afternoon.
Disappointed by the Force on the weekends against the Waratahs.
I tipped them and they didn't really show up.
Speaker 3 (34:38):
Yeah, I thought there might be a chance of an
upset there. Note the Stators get that done comfortably.
Speaker 2 (34:43):
Crusade on. Great to have you on board, Chiefs and Blues.
This is a fascinating game in so many ways on
Saturday night in Hamilton. Make or break for the Blues
in terms of their season, Probably not, but just it's
a big focal point. I suppose. Man, it's not the
right to them, but just this is going to suggest
(35:04):
which way this season's probably going to go. They lose
they're still in the playoff mix, but to see them
winning the comp from that point.
Speaker 3 (35:10):
Yeah, look, I think the Chiefs were that, but I
will side with you on Stephen Peter Fetter likely to
return this week. I would be making him ten. I
really like the way he challenges the line creates for others,
and you know they've got more options at fallback. Cole
Forbes not a great night under the high ball, but
he could come again. It's not the way I think
(35:32):
they'll go, but they could be forced into that position
in the coming week.
Speaker 4 (35:36):
So Chiefs to win for.
Speaker 2 (35:37):
Me and stay against State mat against mate sort of.
Reds Wartarz at sun Corpse Stadium rounds us out on
Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (35:45):
Yeah, it's another real flip of the coin, isn't it.
I'm going to go the Reds without any form of confidence.
Good win for the Wartars over the Force. But I've
been a bit patchy this year.
Speaker 2 (35:55):
I'm going to Wartorze to remain unbeaten, the competition's only
unbeaten team. Well, you would stoke in their flames, Yeah, exactly,
and they're doing it without Suweli, which is very impressive.
The Rugby Directs Medal two onested coverted medal, leading the
points at the stage to Morthy Taanawa with eight, Ardie
(36:17):
sav six and Quintepie six and in fourth is Damien McKenzie.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
I'm going to go Will Jordan for three smashing it
out of the park, Miracle Fire Lungey for two three tries,
big performance from him, and I'm going to give one
to Ethan Blackhead on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
Yeah, he was excellent, I thought on the weekend. I'm
giving my three to Patrick Palagrini from Morana Pacifica potentially
the bye of the season, with aud your respect to
Jackson Guarded Baship. He looks a cut above Garden Baship.
The way he's played on the weekend and the last
and even when he came off the bench against the
Highland has tuned that game around the thirty one to
ten down. He looks like an excellent prospect that has
(36:59):
somehow seemingly gone under the radar. I'm giving two to
Miracle Fire Lungey as well. I thought he was very
very good in that game, and I'm going to give
one to sev Reese as well. Tossed up between him
and Will Jordan, but you know we've got your three,
so I'm better give sevu something Rugby Howard Buddies talks
(37:21):
itv MVP voting done on Rugby Direct before we go.
Jack Measley, chief executive of Super Rugby, has been good
enough to check in with us a month into the competition,
and this competition is absolutely humming. Along Jack Measley, thanks
to your time on Rugby Direct. You must be delighted
about how the first month of Super Ruggy Pacific twenty
(37:41):
twenty five is gone.
Speaker 5 (37:42):
Absolutely delighted early and great to talk to you. Yeah,
and fantastic to be in New Zealand and get to
some of the games and witness witness some of the upsets.
So I was lucky enough to be out of Eden
Park and also also up and now we need to
watch more Pacific get the better of the Canes and yeah, great.
Speaker 2 (38:00):
To see everyone's trying to put their finger on it.
But it surely can't be as simple as just that.
The rebels going, You're down to eleven teams, the competition,
the talent spreads a bit wider. It can't be that simple, surely.
Speaker 5 (38:12):
No, I don't think so. I mean, I think there's
a whole host of factors that have gone into it.
You know, Rugby Australia have been working incredibly hard over
the pastor of eighteen months and I think it's made
some really great nerves. You got the rebels happening there.
Obviously wider specific have done a hell a lot of
the work on their organization and you know, are really
(38:36):
seeing some great results. You add that to some new
rules and the match officials adding a bit of pace
in the game early in the season, with a bit
of heat. You know, I think all of those things
are coming together to create to create sort of the
outcomes that we're seeing.
Speaker 2 (38:54):
I guess you look at the scoring as well, very
very high scoring, which is reminiscent of perhaps the early
days in Super rugby. Is that early season, you know,
cobwebs being blown out or is it some of those
tweaks that have been made to some of the rules
and over the last couple of years sort of now telling.
Speaker 5 (39:13):
Yeah, well, I think it's still a record year so
far after after four rounds of sixty three average points
per game, so record in Super rugby history. I think
it's a lot to do with the coming into the game,
you know, through the new rules, probably due to a
bit of early season conditioning, match officials again doing a
(39:37):
good job at moving the game forward. And then yeah,
I think with that fatigue, you know, we're seeing defenses
get stretched and and and some great trials out at
the Crusaders burst the Reds game down in christ Church
on Sunday, both teams were just absolutely out on their
feet towards the end of the game and really noticeable.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
I don't I guess we talked at the launch in
Sydney and obviously all the work that you and Sue
Rugby had done, you know, it's up to the players
and the teams by that point to pick the ball
up and run with it, excuse the pun and they
have in the opening rounds and the tightness of the
competition has been incredible. This must be good for TV numbers,
(40:21):
crowd numbers, et cetera as you look to build over
the next couple of months heading into the playoffs.
Speaker 5 (40:28):
Yeah. I think you're right, Eliot. I mean you can
see the players and the coaches. I think they're as
excited as we all are about what we're seeing. And
I think that's probably adding to what we're seeing on
the park. It's being played with great intent and you know,
just a bit of fever around. Yeah, and it is,
it is, it's really helping with the results. It was
(40:50):
great to see Sky publish some really great results for
Super Ruggly specific after the first three rounds twelve percent
up on the first three rounds on last year, which
we know, which we know grew year on year. And
you know in stadium too, you know, we know we've
got we've got some opportunities to continue to work on that,
but we're seeing good growth there as well. So really
(41:11):
pleasing that people are switching on and switching on, you know,
for longer. Right, So those close games mean that people
stay in the game. And then you know, with fantasy
and with unexpected results, people want to watch more than
just their team, and that's that seems to be playing out.
Speaker 2 (41:27):
I know you've been around the country and New Zealand
speaking to the CEOs and visiting the teams. What have
they told you about the way the competition's going this year?
The feedback you've been getting.
Speaker 5 (41:38):
Really good. I think the cees managed to wear two hats.
They want they want the best for the competition and
clearly they want the best of their for their clubs.
Sometimes that doesn't that doesn't always align, but I think
they're really pleased with how it's going. You know, I
was sitting next to Andrew Ware at the Blues game
on Friday night and a full time he did say
(41:59):
to me, he goes, Jack, don't tell me that was
good for the competition. I think deep down he would
have loved to see the Blues wom but he knows
that the Brumbies making breaking that twelve of you hudo
is absolutely a great result for the competition. Yeah. So see,
he's been really supportive and I think really happy with
(42:20):
how it's coming. After four round.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
Jack Measley with us on Rugby Directs, so grateful for
him checking in and updating us on how the competition
is tracking, how the Super Rugby teams are feeling about it.
The Blues perhaps not so happy as we heard about
Andrew or then Liam. That about does us for another
week of Rugby Direct. It's been another busy old week
and super ruggy, isn't.
Speaker 3 (42:39):
It has hold tight and it's the tipping improves.
Speaker 2 (42:43):
Yeah, yeah for you. Maybe I'm out in front, I'm
one point ahead and you know, if you try and
catch me, if you can you're right there, train. That's right,
it's a bit in the cane train. Let's wrap things
up on Rugby Directs. Thanks to Andy Duff for producing
this one. We're back next week. Could see our friends
with habit health tackling, or your aches and pains from
sporting work.
Speaker 1 (43:07):
For more from News Talks at b Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on Iheartradiot
Inside the Game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliott Smith powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health, tackling all
your aches and pains from sports and work back for
another week. After Super Rugby Round four, Elliott Smith, Liam
Napier and Liam the Crusaders forced to rescue New Zealand
rugby again. How many times did the Crusaders have to
(00:45):
do it for their country? Just another time? Just add
it to the list.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
I'm happy for you, Elliott, but please not get carried away, mate,
all right, count came the fun, calm the fun.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Well, how's being a last on the ladder suiting at
the Hurricanes.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Look, it's been tough starts of the year for the
cane train fans. But we'll loyal, Elliott, We'll stick with
it and we will hug back the cane trains.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Like New Zealand's approach to the rail doesn't exist.
Speaker 4 (01:14):
Jesus boyt today, isn't he?
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (01:15):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
One winning over the Queens and Reds in best.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Team in Australia. Mate, let's start there. Actually, Crusaders reads
Sunday afternoon and great to see Someday afternoon forty first
and foremost three thirty five kickoff right towards the last
month of daylight saving sun shining down on christ Jurge
and the Crusaders. They were lethal on attack, weren't so
(01:40):
great on defense. I didn't think that's still an issue
for them this season. But they showed that they can
really score tries, which was an issue for them against
the Chiefs. And obviously defense remains an issue, as I said,
but a good one for the Crusaders. What did you
make of it?
Speaker 5 (01:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:56):
It was and Sunday afternoon forty brilliant to see, isn't it.
I think the more we can have that time slot
in the New Zealand backyard the better. It doesn't work
for everyone, doesn't work in Hamilton, but really great day
in christ Church and the Crusaders ran rampants. Will Jordan
is playing out of his skin this year and his
(02:18):
individual trial was brilliant. His injections into the line. He's
untouchable at the moment. Severy Reese on the edge is
creating Havoc. I think James Marshall and has given the
Crusaders a real license to play what they see. They
to me, are not playing overly structured. He's given that
(02:42):
back line in particular a lot of freedom to play,
and that's that they seem to be relishing that sort
of style, which is interesting given their former attack coaches
in recent times. I thought Ethan Blackheader was really good,
some punishing defense individually which created a number of turnovers
for the Crusaders to strike, and they just really made
(03:03):
the most of conditions. The Reds were a bit off
a number of errors, but I thought that was the
pressure that the Crusaders put them under. So the best
performance of the season for the Crusaders.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Just on Will Jordan. You're right, he's been scoring and
he's been playing magnificently the season. What I've been really
liking is a support play and looking for his options
either side, which hasn't always necessarily been a strength, but
in terms of that fullback role and being a distributed
but I think we're seeing more of that this season
than maybe we haven't in years past.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Yeah, and I also think it's just consistency of game time.
It's easy to forget last year he missed the whole
of super rugby right, and maybe a confidence to know
that he is going to be staying in his preferred
position when it comes to the All Blacks later in
the year, the confidence of knowing that Razor will back
him and that regards and the more he plays, the
better he gets. So time on the park and you're right,
(03:55):
he is bringing more strings to his bow, getting in
the first receiver, exerting his influence. It was telling a
couple of games ago when hearing James O'Connor talk about
will Joe and overruling him and telling him to move out,
get out of the space. I see this and those
two working well together. Will Jordan really pulling rank using
(04:17):
his voice and experience, like you say in that first
receiver capacity, so really taking ownership and that's what the
crusaderesn't need it with a young ten and Kimita you know,
showing him the way, helping him out, not putting too
much on his shoulders. So really stamping his mark on
the Crusaders this year.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Yeah, I wouldn't say Kimitda's goalkicking was too flash on
the weekend, but I'm beginning to grow and press week
to week on how he's growing. Yes, put under a
lot of pressure in that last outing against the Chiefs,
but I do like the way that they've just stuck
with him the season. There was a bit of thought
that maybe James I Quitte might start against his old
team the Reds, but they've gone with Kimita and unlike
last year where he was flashed back to Club Rugby
(04:56):
and Hamilton sticking with him to this point of the season.
I know we're only into Round five coming up this weekend,
but they've given a bit more confidence than maybe he
had last season.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Yeah, backing a young guy, giving him time, that's really
helping him. And I think probably James O'Connor's influence behind
the scenes will be helping as well. And I also
make a note of Kyle Preston's selection at halfback. I
thought last year Rob Penny got a lot of selections wrong,
didn't back know a hope them where this year he
has promoted Kyle Preston.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Above a centurion the franchise in Mitchell.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Drummonde exactly and he's backing form and Preston for me,
has really taken that on board. It was impressive again,
So credit to Rob Penny and that coaching team for
adjusting their selection tactics because I didn't think they got
those things right last year, where they are getting some
things right this season.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
The Readers, so I thought were a threats when they
entered the twenty two. They just made too many years
on Sunday afternoon to really push the Crusaders. Was fast scoring,
especially in the first spell, and there were a couple
of moments maybe it looked a bit shaky for the
Crusaders and the second spell, but the Readers has kind
of left themselves a little bit too much work to do.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
They did and been a bit hot cold this year,
and those conditions should have suited them. That's a style
of rugby they like to play, use the ball, attack,
They've got the athletes, but yeah, they were a bit off.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Taate McDermott. McDermott trying to spark things.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Fraser mcwright's got a couple of turnovers, but I'm not
sure about Dungunu in the midfields. They yeah, they're just
we bit off this year. The Reds just on the
Crusaders a bit hot cold this year. There was an
impressive performance but if you look at the benchmark, you
(06:42):
know that they lost to the Chiefs and had some
struggles at other times very early doors.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
But how do you assess them.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Well better than last year. I think they look like
a team playing with a bit more confidence than last year.
You mentioned the ability to attack and see what's in
front of them. Last year are attacking structure felt far
too rigid. They changed tens pretty much every week. They
tweaked little things and you said got selections wrong. I
think they looked better on the weekend with McLeod in
(07:12):
the midfield and well we're coming off the bench late on.
He scored that last try for them, so I think
the selections have been better. So whether that's Rob Penny
deciding to basically you go with the form as you say,
and being a little less rigid than maybe we've seen
in the past, I think ultimately good that Chiefs lost,
you know, heavy loss to the Chiefs and the front
(07:33):
runners for this competition stands out. But Week one went
against the Hurricanes at home against the Reds, who were
touted as one of the big Australian teams promising signs.
Don't know where they're going to end up. At the
end of the year, still with a lot of kew
with Darbies to come. But you look at next weekend,
you know weekend after this Blues Crusader's even Park. That's
going to be a benchmark, big test for both of
(07:56):
these two teams and where they sit in this campaign.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
Yeah, big time.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
And I guess the Crusaders are in much better shape
from a squad perspective. And look, the Blues can't have
too many excuses the stack with all Black.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
They've got a deep squad, but.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
They are heavily injury riddled currently and that was something
that affected the Crusaders greatly last year.
Speaker 4 (08:18):
The scripts flip.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Now they're starting to get guys back like Cody Taylor,
a big in for them at this time of year
where the Blues lose Bowden Barrett injury clouds over Ricky Telly,
they having a reshuffle. I think the Blues will get
back Stephen Peterfetta this week so but they have been
missing hoskinstitute to Dalton Papae. Sam Dowry's gone for the year.
So some big outs for the Blues. Where the Crusaders
(08:41):
are in a much healthy estate and forms showing that too.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Indeed, let's move back to Saturday night. Majea Pacific A
forty Hurricanes thirty one. This was a cracking game Mowana
just played. I think it was their best performance since
they ended Super Rugby. I know they a bit the
Hurricanes in twenty twenty two their first year. This was
the most well rounded performance that I've seen from them.
At halftime, Addie Savia doesn't come back on with hamstring tightness.
(09:08):
You think get used to leading fourteen twelve, but it
could have easily that could have been the losing of
the game, Ardie Savia going off. But in a way
it galvanized them and they almost did it for Ardie Savia.
Not that I've heard them say that necessarily, but it
felt like they did. And we saw a lot of
players stand up in that second spell especially, and let's
not forget it was forty points to nineteen, you know,
(09:30):
with what twelve minutes to go roughly thereabouts, they'd blown
the Hurricanes out of the water, probably ran out a
bit of puff in that last ten minutes and considered
a couple of tries and it got a wee bit nervy.
But for me, that was Moe of his best performance
and a lot of stand out players in that side
that deserve accolades. What did you make of that?
Speaker 3 (09:48):
I think, first and foremost is great to see them
wouldn't just get over the line because what was at
one point lost to the force. They got blown away
by the Reds and probably could have, would have should
have beaten the Highlanders. So the improvements was evident from
one another share but it didn't mean anything until you
get that win. And there was a lot of emotion
(10:11):
around this game, with already coming up against his former club,
and just with the atmosphere my one are building at
in Albany. I think they add about six thousand fans,
but by all accounts it's incredibly loud, and they're doing
a lot of things well that match. They allowed fans
to have bryes all.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Of the South Africans on the north shore.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Yeah, that's all barbecues outside the ground, So really enhancing
the fan experience, and we've seen that in other codes.
With AUKFC doing a lot of things around their match,
they experience so wine of doing things out of the box,
doing a lot of things well off the field, and
finally they got over the line. So really happy for them.
In that regards the match itself. You mentioned Artie going
(10:55):
off and that was such a big tick for them
because he had carried them on his shoulders against the
Highlanders and he was their big off field signing. But
to do it without him, that will be a massive
confidence boost for them. Patrick Pellegrino, massive performance for him.
(11:18):
You know, Jackson Garden Bashett was brought in the off season,
but this guy really stepped up and in a different
style of rugby I think than you're used to from
a ten in super rugby. His controlling influences, kicking game.
I think it's brought over from Coventry and clearly that
experience in the Northern Hemisphere.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
Has served him well.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
Miracle Fire Lungy three tries and he's been a big
mover signed out of Samoa Club Rugby effectively in the
last couple of years. So another big tick for that
pathway and a real sign of that progression. So some
really positive signs from one. You did mention there that
(12:02):
in their first year they did beat the Hurricanes, so
and I did look at their draw coming up.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
I think they play the.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Chiefs in Bookakoe after the buy.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
And the Crusaders.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
So it is a tough draw and they do need
to back it up and that was the message from
tana Umanga and Artie. Severe but really positive science.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Yeah, absolutely, And they were supposed to play in Tonga
next against the Chiefs after the buy, which would have
been a different complexion to that game entirely off the
back of that game. They're playing now in Pooka Koe,
which you know is still going to be a great
home game for them, but you almost want back at
the North Shore and just keep building that fan base
over the next wee wile, given how strong it's been.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Well, yeah, let's touch on that tongue again. Very disappointing,
isn't it because Muana as a fundamental purpose of their
team to have that connection back to the island nations
is very important, but the reality of it is extremely
difficult from a financial point of view, from an infrastructure clearly,
(13:04):
there's big issues in some of those island nations. We've
seen i think the Tonglan rugby boards cleaned out in
recent times and you know there's long standing corruption issues.
So really disappointing that Mona can't take that fixture back
and galvanize those connections.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
It is a shame, and I think it was by
and large down to the floodlights that they couldn't get
in time. I think a couple of other issues that
seemed to be the main one, and that's frustrating because
they did play there last year. It's a great occasion
against the Highlanders, and then not to have that game
in a couple of weeks. They've looked dead to twenty
twenty six. But the more connections they can build with
the Islands and their home, their spiritual home, the better
(13:44):
I think for them. All those players you mentioned were
excellent again. Palegrini come one and point out Kiren Tianmoi
Flou played for Tongler in twenty twenty three. Born and
raised in Marlbrook. Is he an All Blacks prospect in
twenty twenty six months he completes his three years stand down?
Is he interested in playing for the All Blacks in
(14:05):
three years time or does he want to continue playing
for Tongy. He didn't play for them last year, didn't
have much of an international program last year Tonger. Do
the All Blacks look at him from twenty twenty six,
still very young, only twenty one years of age and
he's been excellent for MO one of this year.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:21):
Look, I think for most of those Island players, their
heart is in the island, but their financial future is
with the All Blacks, right, And if you think about
everything that the All Blacks wrap around you and the
prestige that comes with it's the doors that are open
in terms of overseas opportunities and just setting yourself up
(14:44):
from a career point of view, that's probably your aspiration,
isn't it. It's the same for Tava Tavanawa by all accounts,
he's turned down Fiji to pursue the quest to play
for the All Blacks. We saw it with Peter gustso
Koula played one or two tests and then's ineligible for Fiji.
So it's quite delicate and it does spark a lot
(15:05):
of debate about what is the best pathway and even
some suggestions that you know, the All Blacks pick guys
like Peter Gust to deny for you the opportunity, which
I don't believe him. But if there was some way
to bridge the financial gap, then maybe these guys would
play for the island.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
And it's also not what Mowana was created for You
know current time boy Flowers played for Tonga. He's got
the shop window there of playing in Super Rugby. Now.
I haven't spoken to the bloke, don't know if he
wants to play for the All Blacks. He may continue
playing for Tonga, but wouldn't surprise me if the All
Blacks come knocking or are knocking and going just stand
down for eighteen more months and you know the All
Blacks could come knocking in twenty twenty six. Another player
(15:44):
as well, So Misi Tupo Tailwa. Just want to give
him a note because I think he's been the pick
of the season from Muana. Wasn't in their training squad.
I know he played for Southland in the NBC. They
couldn't believe down there that he missed out on a
Super Rugby contract with the Highland his first and foremost.
But anyone wyna pick him up as a training member.
He's now played all four of their games this season
off the back of the scrum, combining really well with
(16:06):
Ardisavia and Miracle filing. He's playing excellent. What's going on
with the Hurricanes.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
Though, Look, I think they've got some big outs, but
there's enough talent in that team that they should be
performing better. It has been a very disappointing year. They're
very fractured. Some of those guys coming back will make
a big difference.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
But I think they had twelve players injured heading into
that game, which is a lot. Yeah, I mean every
team needs in Daland's got a lot of injuries at
the month.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
They do, and it's hard you take that into consideration,
but you still look at some of the talent that
is on the park for them, guys like Peter Luckeye
break through player last year to see, you know, I
think obviously Cam Roygard was on the bench. But yeah,
I expect more from the Hurricanes to this point, and
(17:00):
it's not going to get any easier. So dropping games
against teams like Mowana, who when you start the year
you expect to beat, is really good, and at this
point you'd say they're certainly not a top six finals thing.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
And just doing some silly shit as well, like Isaiahacer,
Larry Lear weird and taking out the legs of Danny Toy.
I'm surprised more didn't come with that, to be entirely
honest with you, Fiji and drew it twenty eight Chiefs
twenty four special after and again in Laotoka. How many
of these have we been having bucketed down for the
first spell, some came out in the second spell and
(17:32):
Fiji get their noses in front and win it. Odds
we game of rugby this one. But look the drawer.
They're very very hard to beat in Lautoka, and the
Chiefs found that out the hard.
Speaker 3 (17:43):
Way they did, and conditions played a big factor, and
it was actually the Doer's ball control that was vastly
superior to the Chiefs and won them the game. It's
a couple of brilliant individual moments, a couple of lot
of brain explosions from the Chiefs. They were forced to
chase the game and push passes and that hurt them.
(18:04):
But man, what an occasion, what an atmosphere it is
in Lawotoka. I'd love to be at one of those
fixtures and really soak it up. You would have needed
your poncho and.
Speaker 4 (18:17):
All the umbrellas are out in the first half.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
I'm not sure how much of the game the crowd
actually saw all the all the brollies up, but look,
the Duror were the same as Mawana went. They'd been there,
they'd been in the fight, lost matches late to the
waratas and the like, but they are a completely different
beast at home.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
They are one step for you, which sort of sums
up to the game for me. Against the Brumbies, the
Chiefs have six hundred and twelve running meters against the
drawer two hundred and eighty seven, and that's down to conditions,
but also just the Druid, you know, just suffocated them
to an extent. Cortez Razama barely made a meter four,
couldn't snipe around the ruck. You just basically shoveled it
(18:53):
off all day long while he was out in the park.
The Chiefs weren't allowed to play the game that they
love to play, and we know that's the key to
shutting them down. But the Drawer went out and did it.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Yeah, you look at that Brumbies game.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
I think it was a Saturday afternoon fixture, bathed in sunshine.
And you go to Laotoka though, and the Chiefs are
stuck in the mud, aren't They couldn't get that go forward,
Josh Jacob. Quite a tough day as packs not getting
ascendency and the drawers rushing up, knocking you over really
(19:26):
tough to the office and that go forward makes all
the difference.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
It does. Indeed, also a story last week around the
drawer and some of the way that being treated by
what's the word, I guess probably for me. It strikes
into external providers, some around the transportation and their hotels.
Just not a great look for Super Rugby. I think
by and large it seems to be down to the
external providers, the accommodation, buses, etc. That are there, but
(19:53):
just leaves us how it tastes when you're not treating,
you know, visitors to your country the way they should
be treated.
Speaker 5 (19:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:59):
I don't think there was any ill will, no or
intent necessary, but it's not good enough.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
By all accounts.
Speaker 3 (20:07):
Teams that travel to Fiji treated like kings, hugely popular
with locals and everything's laid on you start resorts, the
transportation and everything like that, and that needs to be reciprocated.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
I think.
Speaker 3 (20:18):
Yeah. That Fiji arrived about midnight and Wellington for those
who don't know the story, their bus was three hours late.
They ended up traveling in the back of a truck
to Napier. On the day of the game. The Hurricanes
had a late checkout from their hotel and Fiji did not,
so they're sleeping in the hotel lobby and just really
(20:39):
compromise preparation for the game, and they go on to
lose the match late by a couple of points or
was at one point one last try at the end.
So those sort of things can make a difference and
it needs to be equal opportunities for everyone and it
needs to be rectified to make sure that doesn't happen again.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Absolutely. Speaking of not happening again, the Brumbies peak the
Blues twenty one twenty at Eden Park. Very odd game.
I mean it is as simple as Boden Bowrett goes
off at halftime and that was the winning and losing
of the game for the Blues.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
Potentially, yeah, it shouldn't be one player should not have
that much influence, but he was the real spark, lifeblood
of the Blues in that first half, scored a brilliant
individual try, coming into ten for the first time this
year for the Blues. Did make a real impact. And
then he goes off and the Blues don't score a
(21:38):
second half point stagger.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
It was just like the more the longer they second
half went on, the more it's sort of bigger belief
that the Blues were playing this bad and just went
able to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
That was, you know, in their hands. They scored before halftime,
made it twenty points to ten at the break from memory,
and then just sort of froze in the second spell.
Poor decision making, playing at the wrong areas of the field,
(22:03):
and they're almost just begging the Brumbies to take it
by the end of it.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Yeah, that's it wasn't wasn't as if the Brumbies grabbed
it by the scruff or really dominated.
Speaker 4 (22:14):
It was the Blues killing themselves.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
And for me, the big stark realities were how badly
their set piece disorientated. And that's vern Cod's blueprint, isn't it.
You know, the set piece, the for domination. That's what
won the Blues the title last year. And here the
Blues were their lineout's buckling late. They considered the scrum
penalty at the death, which cost them the result. So
(22:42):
some massive work ons there. And at this point for
the Blues, it's not complacency because you're losing and you're
getting both barrels from Verlin Cotta behind closed doors. There
is no hint of complacency at this point, So how
do they turn this around?
Speaker 2 (22:59):
Well, we'll dig into it more in the final four,
but I think they got it right by putting Bone
and Barret at ten on the weekend. Now he's going
to be out for we don't know who. Haven't had
a confirmation, but we're probably guess around six to eight
weeks usually for an injury like that, So they had
it right there. For me, I think they need to
put pera Feder at ten if he's coming back this week,
as you hinted at and earlier on the podcast, I
(23:20):
think he's got to start at ten. He is an
all Blacks ten. He's all Blacks playmaker. He's been in
that all Black squad so to his Harry Plumber, but
not as much. I think you need to give him
the keys to this team, and that is the way
I can see there being a little bit more direction
around it. We talked about last week, and I correspondent Dave,
(23:42):
who listened to the podcast messas just on Twitter and
said some stats to sort of back up. We talked
about the Blues midfield last week, and some of the
stats aren't available until sort of Wednesday Thursday. But in
terms of defenders beaten, I think combined it was about
eight for Rico Yowani and aj Lambon midfield, and Damie
McKenzie's beaten about eighteen on his own. So they're just
(24:02):
not breaking the line as easily as they were last year.
So I think there's issues with that back line, but
it's ultimately down to the Fords and they're just not
getting the ascendancy that they were used to last year.
There's been some changes, you know, Kerry Juannie Love my
Haen is gone, but they just don't seem like the
team they were last year.
Speaker 3 (24:22):
No, they don't, and you can point to the injuries,
but I would I'll put the heat on the coaching staff,
to be honest. You've got Vern Cotter, You've got Paul Tito,
Greg Feek, this is a very well renowned coaching team.
Jason O'Halloran as an attack coach, and how do you
go from a championship winning team to really struggling week
(24:44):
to week. You know that you've got to put some
heat on that on that coaching team, I think at
this point to turn things around. You look at other
teams in this competition they don't have the same depth,
they don't have the same number of all blacks.
Speaker 4 (24:59):
So yeah, pressures starting the build it is.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Indeed, we'll have some more thoughts on that after a
quick break here on Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health.
Speaker 1 (25:07):
This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fans.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
Try try ten sixty sec every tackle to get up again.
I take him afore time.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
It's Rugby Direct, ladies.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
You're back with the final four on Rugby Direct. Full
rugby topics that we race on through and debates. Topic
number one, Let's go to the Six Nations limb. Should
Tiger Burn have been charged or carded for the folding
of Antoine DuPont's leg in that French Island game.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
I'm going to go no.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
I don't think there was intent or an intense not
The only category is we've seen players red carded for
accidental head clashes and the like. But I think it
was an accidents, a mishap, and look, you can go
on Twitter and there'll be all sorts of outrage. Irelands
(26:09):
had probably taken South Africa's places as France's most hated team,
but look, that wasn't the winning and losing of that game.
France still went on to win it, But in terms
of that incident, I don't believe it was worth a card.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
No.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
I think Ingus Gardner and co riffed it relatively well.
Rugby incident, I mean, Faby and Guilty cited that incident
and the World Rugby Discipline officers said, there's nothing to
see here. I don't know that Antoine DuPont was in
the best position, not that it was his faults, but
I don't think he's in the best position in that
ruck and Tiger Burn comes sort of falling over it
(26:46):
a rugby It was a rugby incident, and just sometimes
that happens in.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
Rugby, it does, and very unfortunate, and when it happens
to the world's regarded best player in the world, it's
very high profile.
Speaker 4 (27:01):
Yeah, just just on that game.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
Magnificent win for France, real statement performance, need for speed,
and I think it does confirm that Ireland needs some
regeneration as well. Who wins the six nations going into
the final round France, England's have a real shot at
it and Islands.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
France will beat Scotland at home. I think it'll come
down obviously the last game, but I.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
Think they to guarantee that they need a bonus point.
Well because England play Wales.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
Yeah yeah, I mean I wasn't that impressed with England
against Italy. I think France when they'll beat Scotland at home, Yeah, yeah,
I think so.
Speaker 3 (27:43):
And that's a real reflection of where things set up
north with it, and maybe we need to pig things
back about France's B team coming here.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Well no, well, yes to no. I mean that was
their eighteen that beat Ireland. How many of those players
are going to be down here. Yeah, no, fair point,
and we didn't see the B team on the weekend.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
That was by far and away their strongest team they
put out this year as well. They got a fair
few players back. Look, yeah, I was just been stoking
the flames here, but you know I.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
Have read an interesting column on the Hero about that yesterday.
Yes two, we didn't touch on us before, but Liam
one win, three losses. Is it time to panic about
the Blues? Not just yet, but I think it is.
You go sorry, it can really get away from you.
Speaker 3 (28:37):
I think the Blues, if they can get into the finals,
will still be difficult prospect, but losing becomes a habit
and there does look to be something really missed this year,
and going down to play the Chiefs and Hamilton this weekend,
it is very hard to see the Blues winning that
it is.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
And then you look at their drawer and they've got
the Crusaders next weekend which they could win, but again
it's in New Zealand Derby. Those are tough games. They
have the buye after that, then they have the Hurricanes
at home, they have Mwana at home, they have the
Crusaders away. They've got if you include mo Wada Pacifica
as a New Zealand derby and the way they're playing,
that's five straight New Zealand Derby's or games against New
(29:19):
Zealand opposition based opposition to come. That's a tough draw.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Bloody tough. And look, the Chiefs will be.
Speaker 3 (29:27):
Hurting after their loss in Fiji coming back home. They've
beaten the Blues once this year already at Eden Park.
That local derby means a lot to them and that
is an incredibly tough run. The Blues need some bodies back.
That buyer can't come soon enough. But yeah, they really
need to stop the rock.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
Well.
Speaker 2 (29:46):
On the other side of things, their men might be
playing poorly, but the women playing great. Can anyone stop
their Blues? Women winning or picky? If I asked this
question this time last week after the belt in the Hurricanes,
I would have said no. But having looked at it
on the weekend, they just sneak past the Chiefs. So
they had belted by sixty points in pre season with
the lap Porsche of women Wickliffe try on the weekend
(30:07):
at even par Master two just building quite nicely. So
for me it's a two horse race in Blues and
Matter two Chiefs and behind Hurricanes. Don't look overly flash
at all.
Speaker 3 (30:19):
No, and look, if you had put the house on
it right now, you'd say the Blues. But finals footyn
can do funny things to teams. And you mentioned the
Matter two that they are building nicely, And yeah, the
Chiefs pushed the Blues to the brink, so I don't
think it's a foregone conclusion just yet.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
Yeah. No, it's an interesting old competition this weekend, and sorry,
this season and this weekends' interesting as well. And topic
number four Russi Erasmus stoked some more flames, as he
likes to do last week by suggesting the rugby championship
should be aligned with the six Nations windows so played
in February March. This isn't entirely new because if you
(30:57):
acall friend of the podcast, Hamish mcclennan suggested this film.
He spoke to him last year year before, formerly the
Australian Rugby year. He was in that position at the
time and I believe there was a retraction that had
to be issued by SANSA as a result of that.
Do you like the idea? Would it work?
Speaker 5 (31:16):
No?
Speaker 3 (31:17):
I don't like it. I like summer being summer and
rugby is a winter sport. And this isn't just a
New Zealand pushback. I think Australia doesn't want it in
that window either, And to be frank, the Springboks don't
need any help they I can totally see it from
Russy's perspective. Their players play all year round with their
(31:40):
club teams based up north. It is a relentless schedule.
But we don't need to be bending over backwards just
to look after the spring Box.
Speaker 4 (31:50):
So I understand where he's coming from.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
By all means, throw the idea out there, but it
has been discussed, as you mentioned in recent times. I
think the Rugby Championships and its current cycle is locked
until twenty.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
Well remember the taking a break from it twenty six
with the Rugby his greatest rivalry tour. So but the
next it's up in the year a little bit.
Speaker 3 (32:13):
But yes, the next broadcast will lock it in for
the next six years in the current window.
Speaker 4 (32:18):
So look, I can't see it moving.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
No, no, indeed, let's get into some tipping, and great
news for fans of mine out there. I've sneaked ahead
of you after a big two from five weekend.
Speaker 4 (32:30):
Great weekend on the punch.
Speaker 2 (32:32):
Liam one from five. You picked the Blues Cheese, the Canes,
tick Reds and red you did, and I got the
Drewer and the Crusaders correct. So wasn't a great weekend
for either of us. But I lead eleven to ten.
This after twenty games.
Speaker 4 (32:52):
Just quickly. That's great for the compo, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (32:54):
Absolutely the fact that fifty percent of these games roughly
have been results that we didn't expect, didn't tip.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
It was a real giant killing weekend.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
Yeah, and you look at the latter as well, it's
so congested and you know the Crusader went from bott
to fourth on the weekend. That's how tight it is
at the moment. And you know the Hurricanes bottom. If
they beat the Highlanders this weekend, they'll leap right up
as well. And yeah, we keep talking about it, but
the Super Raby comp before we get into tipping, is
just absolutely out the gate this season.
Speaker 3 (33:23):
It is stylistically and just just genuine upsets. You're tuning
and you do not know who's going to win. That's
that's what we've been crying out for in the past
few years.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
Yeah, it is Highland is Hurricanes Friday nights. Gold's what
iHeart radio under the roof in Dneede and seven o five.
This is fascinating, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (33:42):
This is a real you know what, I'm going to
tip the Landers in that one. A. I think the
Hurricanes are struggling. They got Ruben and Love back at
the weekends, but yeah, I think they're in a bit
of a hole and I think the Highland is coming
off the by they could get a few players back,
So yeah, Jamie Joseph, have them prime to go under
(34:03):
the roof.
Speaker 2 (34:03):
Cheap as I'm picking the Hurricanes and you're not unbelievable.
Brumb's versus the drawer in Canberra. Can the drawer continue
there winning ways after beating the Chiefs in Lautoka by
going to Canberra. It'll be a cold night in Canberra.
I don't know the forecast, but at the word.
Speaker 3 (34:19):
Cold slight contrast to Lauatoka, isn't it. No, the drawer
unfortunately a bit of a different beast away from home
and the Brumbies.
Speaker 2 (34:27):
No. I think Brumbies will return home after that one
over the Blues at Eton Park and grab that one
as well. Crusaders Force four to thirty five Saturday afternoon.
Disappointed by the Force on the weekends against the Waratahs.
I tipped them and they didn't really show up.
Speaker 3 (34:38):
Yeah, I thought there might be a chance of an
upset there. Note the Stators get that done comfortably.
Speaker 2 (34:43):
Crusade on. Great to have you on board, Chiefs and Blues.
This is a fascinating game in so many ways on
Saturday night in Hamilton. Make or break for the Blues
in terms of their season, Probably not, but just it's
a big focal point. I suppose. Man, it's not the
right to them, but just this is going to suggest
(35:04):
which way this season's probably going to go. They lose
they're still in the playoff mix, but to see them
winning the comp from that point.
Speaker 3 (35:10):
Yeah, look, I think the Chiefs were that, but I
will side with you on Stephen Peter Fetter likely to
return this week. I would be making him ten. I
really like the way he challenges the line creates for others,
and you know they've got more options at fallback. Cole
Forbes not a great night under the high ball, but
he could come again. It's not the way I think
(35:32):
they'll go, but they could be forced into that position
in the coming week.
Speaker 4 (35:36):
So Chiefs to win for.
Speaker 2 (35:37):
Me and stay against State mat against mate sort of.
Reds Wartarz at sun Corpse Stadium rounds us out on
Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (35:45):
Yeah, it's another real flip of the coin, isn't it.
I'm going to go the Reds without any form of confidence.
Good win for the Wartars over the Force. But I've
been a bit patchy this year.
Speaker 2 (35:55):
I'm going to Wartorze to remain unbeaten, the competition's only
unbeaten team. Well, you would stoke in their flames, Yeah, exactly,
and they're doing it without Suweli, which is very impressive.
The Rugby Directs Medal two onested coverted medal, leading the
points at the stage to Morthy Taanawa with eight, Ardie
(36:17):
sav six and Quintepie six and in fourth is Damien McKenzie.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
I'm going to go Will Jordan for three smashing it
out of the park, Miracle Fire Lungey for two three tries,
big performance from him, and I'm going to give one
to Ethan Blackhead on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
Yeah, he was excellent, I thought on the weekend. I'm
giving my three to Patrick Palagrini from Morana Pacifica potentially
the bye of the season, with aud your respect to
Jackson Guarded Baship. He looks a cut above Garden Baship.
The way he's played on the weekend and the last
and even when he came off the bench against the
Highland has tuned that game around the thirty one to
ten down. He looks like an excellent prospect that has
(36:59):
somehow seemingly gone under the radar. I'm giving two to
Miracle Fire Lungey as well. I thought he was very
very good in that game, and I'm going to give
one to sev Reese as well. Tossed up between him
and Will Jordan, but you know we've got your three,
so I'm better give sevu something Rugby Howard Buddies talks
(37:21):
itv MVP voting done on Rugby Direct before we go.
Jack Measley, chief executive of Super Rugby, has been good
enough to check in with us a month into the competition,
and this competition is absolutely humming. Along Jack Measley, thanks
to your time on Rugby Direct. You must be delighted
about how the first month of Super Ruggy Pacific twenty
(37:41):
twenty five is gone.
Speaker 5 (37:42):
Absolutely delighted early and great to talk to you. Yeah,
and fantastic to be in New Zealand and get to
some of the games and witness witness some of the upsets.
So I was lucky enough to be out of Eden
Park and also also up and now we need to
watch more Pacific get the better of the Canes and yeah, great.
Speaker 2 (38:00):
To see everyone's trying to put their finger on it.
But it surely can't be as simple as just that.
The rebels going, You're down to eleven teams, the competition,
the talent spreads a bit wider. It can't be that simple, surely.
Speaker 5 (38:12):
No, I don't think so. I mean, I think there's
a whole host of factors that have gone into it.
You know, Rugby Australia have been working incredibly hard over
the pastor of eighteen months and I think it's made
some really great nerves. You got the rebels happening there.
Obviously wider specific have done a hell a lot of
the work on their organization and you know, are really
(38:36):
seeing some great results. You add that to some new
rules and the match officials adding a bit of pace
in the game early in the season, with a bit
of heat. You know, I think all of those things
are coming together to create to create sort of the
outcomes that we're seeing.
Speaker 2 (38:54):
I guess you look at the scoring as well, very
very high scoring, which is reminiscent of perhaps the early
days in Super rugby. Is that early season, you know,
cobwebs being blown out or is it some of those
tweaks that have been made to some of the rules
and over the last couple of years sort of now telling.
Speaker 5 (39:13):
Yeah, well, I think it's still a record year so
far after after four rounds of sixty three average points
per game, so record in Super rugby history. I think
it's a lot to do with the coming into the game,
you know, through the new rules, probably due to a
bit of early season conditioning, match officials again doing a
(39:37):
good job at moving the game forward. And then yeah,
I think with that fatigue, you know, we're seeing defenses
get stretched and and and some great trials out at
the Crusaders burst the Reds game down in christ Church
on Sunday, both teams were just absolutely out on their
feet towards the end of the game and really noticeable.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
I don't I guess we talked at the launch in
Sydney and obviously all the work that you and Sue
Rugby had done, you know, it's up to the players
and the teams by that point to pick the ball
up and run with it, excuse the pun and they
have in the opening rounds and the tightness of the
competition has been incredible. This must be good for TV numbers,
(40:21):
crowd numbers, et cetera as you look to build over
the next couple of months heading into the playoffs.
Speaker 5 (40:28):
Yeah. I think you're right, Eliot. I mean you can
see the players and the coaches. I think they're as
excited as we all are about what we're seeing. And
I think that's probably adding to what we're seeing on
the park. It's being played with great intent and you know,
just a bit of fever around. Yeah, and it is,
it is, it's really helping with the results. It was
(40:50):
great to see Sky publish some really great results for
Super Ruggly specific after the first three rounds twelve percent
up on the first three rounds on last year, which
we know, which we know grew year on year. And
you know in stadium too, you know, we know we've
got we've got some opportunities to continue to work on that,
but we're seeing good growth there as well. So really
(41:11):
pleasing that people are switching on and switching on, you know,
for longer. Right, So those close games mean that people
stay in the game. And then you know, with fantasy
and with unexpected results, people want to watch more than
just their team, and that's that seems to be playing out.
Speaker 2 (41:27):
I know you've been around the country and New Zealand
speaking to the CEOs and visiting the teams. What have
they told you about the way the competition's going this year?
The feedback you've been getting.
Speaker 5 (41:38):
Really good. I think the cees managed to wear two hats.
They want they want the best for the competition and
clearly they want the best of their for their clubs.
Sometimes that doesn't that doesn't always align, but I think
they're really pleased with how it's going. You know, I
was sitting next to Andrew Ware at the Blues game
on Friday night and a full time he did say
(41:59):
to me, he goes, Jack, don't tell me that was
good for the competition. I think deep down he would
have loved to see the Blues wom but he knows
that the Brumbies making breaking that twelve of you hudo
is absolutely a great result for the competition. Yeah. So see,
he's been really supportive and I think really happy with
(42:20):
how it's coming. After four round.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
Jack Measley with us on Rugby Directs, so grateful for
him checking in and updating us on how the competition
is tracking, how the Super Rugby teams are feeling about it.
The Blues perhaps not so happy as we heard about
Andrew or then Liam. That about does us for another
week of Rugby Direct. It's been another busy old week
and super ruggy, isn't.
Speaker 3 (42:39):
It has hold tight and it's the tipping improves.
Speaker 2 (42:43):
Yeah, yeah for you. Maybe I'm out in front, I'm
one point ahead and you know, if you try and
catch me, if you can you're right there, train. That's right,
it's a bit in the cane train. Let's wrap things
up on Rugby Directs. Thanks to Andy Duff for producing
this one. We're back next week. Could see our friends
with habit health tackling, or your aches and pains from
sporting work.
Speaker 1 (43:07):
For more from News Talks at b Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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