March 16, 2025 • 42 mins
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into round five of Super Rugby as the Blues lose again and the Chiefs continue their position at the top of the table.
We debate Du'Plessis Kirifi's incredible form and discuss where he is in the All Blacks pecking order, as well as the Six Nations wash-up from the end of the competition.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio.
Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliot 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 to discuss the latest in Super Rugby Round
five in the books, Liam, it was a cracking old weekend.
We'll get to that in a minute, but I can
see he as always and well, we've got actually two
episodes coming out this week. If you're listening to this
(00:46):
on Monday, Tuesday, five am is when it will be released.
We were lucky enough to have all Black Sea coach
Scott Robertson and New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson
in Rugby Direct towers for any special extended chat and
that goes live well five am Tuesday. As I say so,
it might already be out of people aren't listening to
this until Tuesday.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
That's right, Eliot Bump a week for Rugby Direct.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
It was great to have both those guys in studio
and hit them with all the hot topics, so rapp
is around that and enjoy.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Yeah, we'll have a bit more discussion maybe about that
next week on the pod and any reaction to that.
But let's get into Round five of Super Rugby Pacific
and work our way backwards. Chiefs thirty two, Blues thirty
one on Saturday night and Hamilton. The Blues lose again
one in four to start their season now in their
(01:36):
title defense. The Chiefs pit them at the very end.
A compelling game in many ways. The Blues threw everything
at the Chiefs I felt, but just didn't have the
class in the end that the Chiefs did, all the
ability to dig themselves out of holes that maybe the
home side did. What did you make of the game?
Speaker 4 (01:53):
It was a great contest, wasn't an Elliott game of
the rounds to highly competitive teams and a lot to unpack. Really, look,
the Blues are unlucky in the finish. They kicked that
sideline conversion Xavier Taale, who I thought had a really soliday,
massive task for a young bloke to kick a match
winning sideline conversion and it did everything but curled in
(02:17):
hit the post and the Chiefs hold on.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
At the death and in the end.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
Their decision to kick the points rather than go for
the try and have a six point lead work for them,
but it almost didn't in terms of the match. The
Blues were always chasing that game. I thought Stephen Peterfetter
has to start at number ten for the Blues. He
came on massive impact, not all Diamonds. Had a couple
(02:45):
of moments where he mistouched and they like, but just
his ability to find space and the vision some really
classy touches, so he has to start for them. The
big issue for me for the Blues is their dominance
of their forward pack is not there. From last year,
they were blown off the ball a couple of times
(03:07):
and counterap situations that are conceding penalties at the scrum,
and that one of those counter rucks led directly to
non Xavier row Cortisratima has tried that the Chiefs breakout,
so those are really crucial moments and that dominance the
Blues head up the middle of the park and the
set piece in the collisions is not there and that's
(03:29):
where the Chiefs have made the big shift and targeting
them there as well. So I thought the Chief's got
some real pay off the bench with Simmasoni, Takyaju, Cortizratima
and others coming on having a big impression. The Blues
chased the game late, couldn't quite get there. But what
it also says is the Blues are last, their worst
(03:52):
start to a season since twenty nineteen, and the Blues
are first. So you know, that's a reflection of the
Shar's competition as well.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
It is tight and one point separates the top team
in the bottom team or one of the bottom teams.
Now in the competition, it felt, as you said, the
Blues roy is chasing the game and they didn't perhaps
have the quality of the Chiefs. It was scrappy at
times for them. A lot of their tries were scrappy,
but they kept in the contest. And you know, there
(04:20):
was a lot of comments last game that they'll be
proud of the effort. Well they won't. Well maybe proud
of the effort, but they still have lost the game.
There were some bright spots though, as you mentioned, Zaba
Tally was was very very good, I thought, and Pera Fetter,
it's easy to zero in on the last couple of
moments of the game, but Para Feedtera mistouched from that
penalty right at the end as the Chiefs were slowing
it down, they got the penalty mistouched. That was a
(04:42):
big mistake. The ball gets booted back to them, they're
on the counter and Finlay Christie decides to kick ahead,
which was probably not the option I wouldn't have thought,
especially when then bade ground upfields. You know, you could
still work your way up, try and get a penalty,
get in position for a drop golf something like that.
It was a fairly poor option I thought, from you know,
(05:03):
an experienced all Black. So there are issues there. It's
easier to zero in the last two or three minutes
of the game and go. That's why the Blues lost it.
It wasn't the reason they lost it, but it certainly
didn't help.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
No, it didn't.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
And I come back to that the forward platform, and
it's not that it's not there, but it's it's vastly
different to it was last year. How many rolling wall
cracks do they have at the chief Chief's line and
they were repelled time and time again. Ricky Ricottelli was
scoring it at will last year from the Blues rolling
mall and teams now know what's coming with the Blues
(05:33):
and training it and start taking them head on. And
it's not that the Blues don't know where to go,
but it does feel like they're sort of caught between
two worlds.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
I mean, they scored thirty one points, but have they
become a little bit predictable the Blues?
Speaker 4 (05:49):
Yeah, I don't know if they're predictable, but it's just
last year they certainly caught the competition on the hop.
We hadn't seen that direct, simplistic style of rugby very
much out of the French top fourteen. Verncotta brought that
in no nonsense, up the guts, uncompromised and everyone knew
(06:10):
it was coming this year and there is a bit
more variety to the Blues game, but everyone's prepared for
it and they're countering it much better.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
They're missing Boat and Barrett. I think that's fairly obvious
in terms of what he was adding at that point
to the season. Parafeedt would you start him at ten
this week against the Crusaders.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
Yeah, it's a no brainer for me, And you mentioned
the mistouch, but there were two. He set up Riquewhanney
for the try that I think put the Blues ahead,
and there was another kick wide which exploited space.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
A couple of long balls.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
He just from a pure attacking potential vision he brings
so much more than Harry Plumber and Harry I think,
probably by his own admission, maybe struggling for confidence compared
to last year, that platform is not quite the same.
The Blues are making changes in their midfield. Clearly lot
(07:07):
happened there and they did have some outs just before
kickoff as well, Caleb Clark.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
And offa FARSI went now at Cameron saw four was
out as well. So three relatively high profile players, certainly
two all blacks and then sofol has been in good
touch this season, so those are blows. But it felt
like last year maybe the Blues are just keep calm
and carry on. This year it feels like that they're
not quite there.
Speaker 4 (07:28):
Yeah, and it doesn't get any easier. You've got the
Crusaders I think they're buying, and the Hurricanes, so there's
going to be some real hard conversations. Vinctda is a
tough man and he will becoming full noise at the
Blues that they didn't improve. But yeah, they're not the
team they were last year, and the Chiefs look that
they're fallible as well. I don't think they'd be overly,
(07:52):
you know, stoked with that performance. They could have very
nearly blew it at home. But look, there's a lot
to like them about them as well. They have threats
all over the park. Shawn Stevenson, dmat combination to Purvie
playing really well up front, got SAMMERSONI back to starting.
You know, some wereal weaponry right across their team.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Yeah, there certainly is that. I mean, as you say,
that wasn't a performance that dominated the Blues, but it
was good enough to win even though they probably didn't
play to their full potential. Damien McKenzie back at ten
for the first time this season after missing that Drioler game.
He's popped up very very well at full back with
Josh Jacob at ten. But it's going to be interesting
(08:34):
to see where the Chiefs go to over the course
of the season and whether they decide McKenzie's they are
ten for the next for the rest of the season,
or whether they go back to Jacob at ten and
mackenzie fifteen. Nashaw and Stevenson also back as well.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah, I think they stick with that combination.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
There'll be a bit of rotation with the mandatory or blacks,
rests and potential injuries and the like. Butts, I think
d mac and Stevenson complement each other really well. I
really rate Josh Jacob, but I think they'll stick with
that combination.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Yeah. Indeed, let's go further back to had it afternoon
the Crusaders beating the Force fifty five thirty three tries
a plenty in christ Church under the sun, eighty eight
points in the end. It was free flowing defense wasn't
always the sharpest from either team, but it was entertaining
afternoon footy. And you know, the Force had been a
(09:27):
bogiey team for the Crusaders and years gone by. They
got pelted by them last year in Perth thirty seven
to fifteen, so there was a bit of a response
needed from the Crusaders. They got there in the end
and maca spring School's five tries Sevy Reese three. I'm
not sure really how much to dig into this game. Well,
what we learned from it, We probably didn't learn a
great deal, but it was good and other good win
(09:48):
banks by the Crusaders that probably this team would not
have done last year.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Yeah, that's it isn't that the momentum rolls on. I
guess for the Crusaders, I think they would be disappointed
that the Force were in the contest as long as
they were, and to concede that many points the Force rested,
you know, a bunch of their top players to among them,
what is the MVP of Super Rugby Fantasy? Yeah, and
(10:15):
what a what a return for macas springer. It's not
every day you get five tries and the fact him
and Reese got eight tries between them says a lot
about where the Crusaders are having success this year, where
they are attacking and those wide channels, so great advertisement
for Afternoon footy.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
Five points for the Crusaders.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
There are only one loss this year to the Chiefs,
so I think we'll learn a lot more come this
time next week about where they're at.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
We certainly will would be great if he could goal kick.
That is a battle that is ongoing. I think he
missed all four in the first spell James O'Connor came on.
I'm not sure o konna missed any after he came
on and took over the goal kicking.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
Who would you start those two?
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Look? To be honest, I would still start taka, but
I wouldn't. I would take David Havilli or someone to
have the goal kicking. I think Kima is improving week
to week and we're seeing the difference from last year
where he lost his confidence he had to go back
and play club rugby and Waikato. Not the finished product
as yet, but you can see him growing and controlling
the back line week to week, and I think that's
(11:20):
the big difference from last year. I like James O'Connor
coming on in the last twenty twenty five minutes. I
think that's a good one to punch for where the
Crusaders are ratt in terms of their depth at ten
at the moment, so I'd probably leave it that way,
but I'd hand over the gulking duties to someone else.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
I think you've got to retain faith in young players,
let them not lose and learn, but allow them to
opportunities to make mistakes, to grow, to not have that
selection jeopardy hanging over their head. And you're right that
bringing that experience hit and O'Connor on works for you.
But at this point the Crusaders certainly don't want a
(11:56):
title of Taha Kimrada at number ten.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
I'm sorry to.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Say, Well, we'll find out in June, won't we. Let's
go to Friday Night and the Highlanders Hurricanes. Now, I
didn't see much of the first half of any of
the first half of this because there were a few
issues with Skysport now watching it, and I was listening
to the descriptions from Paul Allison on gold Sport and iHeartRadio,
which were great. But learning or trying to pick out
(12:22):
the first forty minutes and then watching the second forty
minutes is a difficult balance. What did you make of it?
Speaker 4 (12:27):
Lem, Yeah, well, first of all it was it did
set shaker from our mates at sky Look, I don't
know what happened behind the scenes, but yeah, I missed
the first half hour. I certainly wasn't alone alone. There
was a lot of outrage online. In the age of streaming,
you've just got to be better than that, so it
was a big frustration. But look, this was I have
(12:52):
been back and watched the first half since the first
half wasn't of great quality at all, a lot of mistakes,
a lot of turnovers. But it did come to life
in the second half. Great contest and very easily could
have gone either way. A lot of passion from the
Hurricanes on the bench in those closing stages closing it out,
(13:12):
and you could see how much that one meant to
them having struggled through much of the season, and props
to the Highlanders that they're still missing a bunch of players.
And the way what I like about the Henders this
year is they've got they seem to have a lot
more threats. They create something out of nothing. Caleb Tonguey
Towel has been a massive recruit for them with his.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Speed out and out speed.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
It's not something very like widely prevalent in New Zealand rugby,
so that's a real point of difference. His chip and
chased that set up to try to take the leave
for the Holanders all very nearly won them the match.
Some big performances in this game toops care for, I
want to touch on him. I think it was Jamie
(13:59):
Macintosh on of Jason Pine. At the weekend his mouthguard
measured one hundred contact measurements in a game, which is
unheard of and that speed to his work great and
for me is becoming in the arty mold where he
really stands up when his team needs him on the line,
(14:20):
he's getting that crucial turnover that saves a try.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's matured.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
He used to be a guy that would be very
penalty prone and almost do more harm than goods. But
he seems to have matured in his decision making the
captaincy I think has brought out the best in him.
He's not the biggest guy, but he's usually physical and
right now interested in your view, he's my all black
(14:49):
starting open side.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
I tend to agree the one caveator would have is
that he can be a penalty magnet. I'm not entirely
sure that that's entirely gone from his game. It was
interesting hearing his comments on Sky after the weekend where
I think we sort of directly reference that and knowing
when the right time is to strike, knowing you've got
your body in the right position, you're over the ball,
(15:13):
you're showing the referee the right pictures, rather than going
hell for leather and trying to do it at every
ruck and conceding penalties. He seems to have matured in
that regard. I would still have a couple of worries
around that, but ultimately the kind of film that he's
in and the kind of doggedness that he brings to
a team, I think you've got to have him in
the All Blacks mix. And he's he was.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
There last year but on more on the fringe of
the squad because of injuries.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
Yeah, and he came in during COVID and twenty twenty
from memory, flew over to Australia when they were in
that bubble, didn't play and they obviously couldn't come home
because that couldn't played the NBC. But he's been around
that All Blacks environment before. I think the way that
he's playing this year, he's got to be right in
that conversation. So who would you have then in that mix?
(16:00):
Is your six seven eight at the moment?
Speaker 4 (16:02):
Then link Well, look Wallace the tea. He's the big
unknown at this point, isn't he Where he's injured. We
don't know quite when he's returning. It's meant to be
back end of Super Rugby, maybe in the playoffs, so
you would think he would need some time to get
up to speed.
Speaker 3 (16:15):
He was a World.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year last year, so let's
just say he's not fully fit and firing for July.
Then I think you look at Ardi at eight and
Duplessly at seven.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
I like that blend. They know each other well.
Speaker 4 (16:33):
But if Wallace's fits, then Wallace at eight for me
Ardie at seven and maybe Duplessly off the bench. Obviously
Sam Kayines move on. But what does this say about
Dalton Popoali he's fallen down the ranks, isn't he has?
Speaker 2 (16:48):
He fell down the ranks last year then couldn't go
on the end of year tour through injury which cost
him probably at least two Test matches, if not more.
And to be honest, I don't think he's having a
great Super Rugby season. We mentioned the Blue struggles in
the forwards before. Now I'm not saying it's rest on
his shoulders, but I just don't think he's having a
great season as part of that wider Blues forward pack.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
Yeah, and I think turnovers are so valuable in the
modern game, and it's about picking your moments and you know,
pilfering those and we're probably not seeing enough of that
from Dalton. You've got guys like Anton Signa getting crucial
turnovers for the Blues. I think Dalton got one at
the weekend and they went back for another penalty against
(17:30):
the Blues. But those sort of moments are so crucial,
and Dalton's a different player. He's bigger, probably a bit
of ball carrier that than Dop Carefy. It works hard defensively,
but yeah, he's got a got a bit of work
to do. And then you're looking at guys like Ethan
blackout of Luke Jacobson, so there's a lot of depth.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Peter Luckeye started.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Played what seventy eight minutes against France, so there's a
pathora of options there. But on form right now, Careef
is saying, Scott Robinson, you must have me in your squad.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
You mentioned the size factor with Crief. He is a
smaller open so flank. Did you have any worries about
that because that does hurt the makeup of the loose
Ford trio.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
I think you can. It's about the balance, isn't it.
I think the loose forwards and the midfield are about balance.
You need you need that size factor. That's that is important.
But if you have a big six or a big
eight and you've got ball carrying locks and props and Hookers.
You can get around there. I think I think he's
(18:36):
big enough to make an impact on the tests, on
the test scene.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Just as we wrap up that game, the Highlanders pips.
You know that couple opportunities Sam Gilbert MSUs a penalty
later on which was gettable, and the drop goal and
the drop goal which was further out and maybe not
the play at that point in time, they could have
won that game. They were right in it, and I
think the Hinders have to take a lot out of it.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Look, though, unlucky if you're highd has found you're screaming
for penalty for the glancing high shot at the end
that was missed. As a Hurricanes fan, I hadn't seen
thing there, so yeah, look, the Highlands are lucky they
had chances to win it. I did feel like the
Hurricanes were a bit of team dominated for large periods
(19:18):
and the Hondas, through Tonguey Tower or someone else, created
something out of nothing. I don't feel like they've built
as much pressure, but yeah, very evenly matched these kiwidoobies
that they can go either way. So it wouldn't be
downbeat if I was the Honders.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
What did you make of the jerseys.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
Look kind of sound like a boomer here, but.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
I thought you're a big superhero guy.
Speaker 4 (19:43):
Fast approaching for forty something from pretty much a boomer.
I don't like them, but you and I are probably
not the target.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
Market kids around here.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
Yeah, but for me, I love the classics. The throwbacks
are really really like those the Marvel elements. I get
it may appeal to kids, but yeah, I didn't like
the jerseys.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
That my personal view.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
But it was a hard watched, especially in that game
where and to be honest, the Chief where the Blues
are we in red, but when you had neither team
wearing their traditional colors just felt a little bit on
the nose. When it was the Hurricanes wearing red one
blue of Captain America which I'm not sure why we're
h and the Hinders were in green, it just felt
I mean, I love the Hinders and green, like their
(20:29):
old jerseys and green, but just didn't do it for me.
A couple of things from the weekend. Brumby's just not
necessarily going under the radar, but this is a good
win for them at home against the drawer after beating
the Blues previous week. The Reds and the Wartar is
unbeaten run We're starting to see the Australian conference become
very very even. What do you make of the Aussie
(20:51):
sides over the weekend?
Speaker 4 (20:53):
Yeah, probably most impressed by the Reds. I think the Waratars, well,
they've been unbeaten to this point in the air and
that might be their first match away from home actually
the Watars, so probably learning a bit about where they're at.
But I think the Reds have a bit of about them,
certainly at some court. I love the way they play, enterprising, attacking,
(21:14):
number of threats Harry Wilson and Tate mcdonnalm. I think
they potentially lose Fraser mcwright to an injury, so big
blow for them there. And yeah, the Brumbi's always tough
to beat in Canberra. They head to grind that out,
but a big one for them. Who's the best Aussie team?
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Well, I think the Reds have put their head above
the parapet over the course of the weekend. I still
think the Brumbies, on the basis of what they were
able to do Eden Park the previous week, the Australian
team to beat the Warritars have slipped down the rankings
over the course of the weekend and the Reds have
maybe just gone back up a little bit after that
lost the Crusader. I think they're all relatively even. Maybe
the Force tucked in in fourth at the moment after
(21:52):
a strong ish start to the season. They've just sort
of gone off and lost three in a row. Tough
look for my war Tars Blues final prediction though at
this point in the season.
Speaker 4 (22:01):
Yes, yes, well you haven't been known for your great
predictions and over the years.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
No, we'll get to that in the next segment. Also,
it appears that Lid's kiss if you look at the
reports over the Australian the course of the weekend now
in the box seat to become the Wallabies coach. Towns
like Dan mckellor didn't even get an interview from some
of the reporting I'm reading. Les Kiss firmly in the
box seat gave it the old straight back when he
was interviewed over the weekend. But I would say odds
(22:28):
on to replace Joe Schmitt later this year as Wallaby's coach.
Speaker 4 (22:31):
Yeah, I think we talked about the start of this
year that the next Wallabies coach would come from Australia
and look Les Kiss has done a great job with
the Reds. They were very competitive last year when he
came in and took over from Brad Thorne. And I
think there's probably a lure with less about his relationship
with Joe Shmitt, the ability to potentially keep Joe on
(22:55):
and some sort of director of rugby technical whatever you
want to call it. But those two would work well
together and that would be a great combination for Australian rugby.
I would be surprised if Dan McKellen didn't at least
get an interview. I think you want to be bringing
him into the bosom and you know, keeping him there.
(23:15):
He's a various stute coach, did a great job with
the Brumbies as well. Didn't go so well up North,
but he wouldn't be the first coach to do that.
So look, I think lest because we'll do a good
job with the Wallabies and pick up where Joe Schmitt
leaves off.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
We'll see if it gets confirmed in the next week
while across the Tares and will take a break here
and Rugby Direct come back with the second half of
Rugby Direct after this. Could I see our friends at
Habit Health.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
This is Rugby Direct a podcast for real rugby fans.
Every try, every tackle, every big moment.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
It's Rugby Direct.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
How would by News.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Corsiby welcome back into Rugby Direct, paler By Habit Health.
Time for the final four to four rugby topics. Liam
and I debated them, and you the listener the judge
of who comes out on top the Six Nations topic
number one, finish it over the weekend? Are the French, Liam,
the best team in the world.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
No, No, they're not. But the spring box.
Speaker 4 (24:19):
I think they'll put together a hell of a portfolio
since the last World Cup, the previous World Cup, so
you've got to take the man to off them. But France,
it's not just winning the Six Nations, it's how they
did it that they lost it ticking them, but the
manner in which they've gone about their work going away
(24:39):
and really dismantling Ireland at home. There was a fantastic
performance and doing it emphatically at the weekend. The style
of rug where they're playing, the pace, the width, the
unstructuredness with what they're doing it, the way they're doing
it offloads, it's incredibly hard to count because they don't
even know what's coming next. And It is a tired
(25:02):
cliche about the French flamboyance, but I think it is
starting to come back into their game.
Speaker 2 (25:08):
The flamboyants, but it's controlled flamboyants, I mean, apart from
the crossfield kick in the twenty two and the Island game.
But they're picking their moments and they're finding ways to
balance both things out. I mean, Louis bell Berri is
an incredible player. They did this win without DuPont. On
the weekend we saw a very good number nine and
(25:30):
makes him lookout at half back. But their depth is
quite quite something that they're building there in France, and
it didn't obviously come to pass at the home World Cup,
but they took a baby French side to the twenty
nineteen World Cup. We're now seeing the fruits of that
and they they just you know, the England game, it
(25:51):
took them aside. They look very very hard to break
down over the course of eighty minutes.
Speaker 3 (25:56):
They can do it all, can't they. They can.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
They've got power up fronts, they are strong at the
set piece, their kicking game is very proficient.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
They've got pace out wide.
Speaker 4 (26:06):
They can break you every I think Roman and Intermac
has been a massive in for them as well. He's
coming late after the best part of a year, maybe
more on the sideline. So yeah, that that depth that
you speak about, you know, and du Pond goes off
and they bring on another classy halfback. Just just on Intermac,
I'll read you something here from LAKEEP and this speaks
(26:28):
to the to the the podcast we've got with Raser
and Mark Robinson and how Raser is expecting planning for
the best French team to come down. So Roman Intermac
is basically he's not loan Gregory Uldra as well. These
guys are saying if they do play in the Top
fourteen final that they're going to seek an exemption to
(26:49):
be selected in the French team to come to New Zealand.
So this is Intermac telling LAKEEP. I don't really know
what is possible yet, whether finalists will be allowed to
go to New Zealand. Maybe an exemption will be made
depending on the tour. Because it's quite an exceptional opportunity
to play in New Zealand final.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
No final.
Speaker 4 (27:06):
If I have to go, it will be with pleasure.
A tour in New Zealand is a truly unique experience.
It's my dream to play there if I have the
chance to go, even if the club is in the final,
will obviously be with pleasure and Gregory aldrit saying something similar.
So these guys, these guys want to come, So it
might not be the Maybe some of these guys will
come out for the second or third Test. I don't
(27:27):
know how it will transpire, but clearly there is a
desire to come down here and play the All Blacks.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Well, what this is the last opportunity to have this
test series for the foreseeable future. Now, assuming the Nation's
Cup stays as it is and rolls out from twenty
twenty six, then there won't be these three tests inbound
tours anymore, so it will be lost. So this is
the last opportunity for these French players to get it
at least as current here because you know, we'll Raby
(27:55):
can change in ten years. They may flick and go
back to what it is so great that they're keen
on coming. The question I have is around those dates.
You know, the Rugby Championship starts a little bit later
this year because of the Lion Tour in Australia. Couldn't
I mean, I'm sure there's a reason why and probably
a very good reason. But couldn't you push back the
(28:18):
dates of the All Blacks France tests to align and
go deeper in the year. I get these players from
France have to have a break, But if you're clashing
with the top fourteen final, couldn't you go back by
a week or two and go, well, we want the
best players coming out to New Zealand. If that's going
to allow it to happen, we can push the series
back a little bit because you're going to have to
have a break at the other end of the series
(28:38):
while the Lion series goes on across the Tasman. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
I don't see why there couldn't be any flexibility there.
I guess there'd be some sort of stringent world Rugby
regulations around Regulation nine or player release, some sort of
caveat there.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
But yeah, but if these players are taking an exemption,
I mean, maybe New Zealand and France should have come
to the table a bit earlier and gone, well, we'll
seek an exemption to the Regulation nine. You know, maybe
it's far too complicated with player release and very things
like that.
Speaker 4 (29:09):
You want the best of the best as bottom lineers
and at least there is a desire from these players
to come out, so yeah, maybe we will see them
at the back end of that series.
Speaker 2 (29:18):
And continue on with the Six Nations. Before we leave
that topic. England belted Wales and this is Wales. We
thought they couldn't maybe plumb new depths with a fan
a new way to manage to do so sixty eight
fourteen at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. None of that
was pretty from a Welsh perspective, and I thought they'd
(29:38):
already hit rock bottom, as I said, but they've managed
to find a new.
Speaker 4 (29:41):
Rock bottom as dark times and particularly at home with
an expectant crowded and there was a lot of chat
in the build up to that game that Wales could
tip up England's you know, a bit of a banana
skin everything to play for Wales typically get up for
England's you know, just over the bridge. So yeah, interesting
(30:03):
to see where they go from a coaching perspective, but
there's some real deep set of issues and as is
anything else, it's about trying to rebuild the culture and
the confidence of those players, because I think I saw
their standing coach saying that it was a devastating defeat
for the players and it really is to cop that
scoreline at home.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Yeah, seeing some of the images postmatch, they looked absolutely
shell shocked. The other one I want to touch on
before we move on to topic two in the final
four is Ireland, who seem to have gone backwards a
little bit in the Six Nations. Now they're being coached
by an interim coach and Simon needs to be while
Andy Farrell prepares himself for the Lions. Is it as
simple as that or are there a few other issues
(30:43):
of the Island. I mean Ken Hareley, peterro o'mari Colin
and Murray all finishing their international career. Is that some
experience they're going to have to replace. Who are part
of this golden generation that Island's had. Is it a
blipp or is it maybe a few issues beginning to
emerge for the Irish.
Speaker 4 (31:01):
It's a worry because Ireland have set the bar between
will that they've had an exceptional run going back to
Joe Schmidt, but haven't quite had that breakthrough success to
really hang their head on. From a global perspective, the
one six Six Nations are one Grand Slams and they
have had this golden generation as you mentioned, but now
(31:23):
clearly they need to regenerate from a player perspective and
probably from stylistically to evolve as well. This is not
an aberration. They lost at home to France. Obviously, the
All Blacks beat them there, which was their first loss
I think at home in nineteen ninety odd tests. So look,
(31:43):
it's not panic stations, but it is a worry when
Andy Farrell is absent and he will be keeping close tires.
But they'll be doing some pretty big soul searching after
that because they have raised the bar and that challenges
public expectation and now you need to consistently reach that.
(32:05):
So yeah, some real challenges in front eye and currently.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
Yeah, I thought a little scrappy against Italians didn't rise
any great heights. Topic number two. Shan Stevens are making
some interesting comments last week back in New Zealand rugby,
albeit rather briefly before he goes back to Camboda later
on in this year around his All Blacks selection or
lack thereof, and talking about the lack of feedback that
he got from the All Blacks coaches and perhaps the
disappointment that he felt and that What did you make
(32:31):
of his comments and was he in the right.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
Yeah, I think he is. Look that's his personal opinion
and he's fully entitled to it. I think you would
hope that there is open dialogue with anyone on the
fringe of the All Blacks, and that should be made
clear about why you're not being selected, what you have
to work on. And you think for the most part
they are reasonably good at doing that. But clearly Stevenson
(32:54):
felt miffed that he wasn't communicated with openly, clearly or consistently.
I think there's a reality there around the depth of
the All Blacks of New Zealand rugby's outside backs. And
he was in the All Blacks fifteen last year, so
clearly there's been some form of breakdown of communication. And look,
(33:17):
he will be a big loss. He's approaching one hundred
games for the Chiefs. He's been very loyal there. He's
played for the multi All Blacks, he's been on the fringe.
He played was It one.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
Test, one Test and need in twenty three and he is.
Speaker 4 (33:29):
A classy footballer, but he's not a complete player either.
He defensively there's been concerns and there's been comments about
his ability and contact as well. But yeah, it's up
to the All Blacks to communicate those and clearly he
felt that didn't happen.
Speaker 2 (33:47):
Yeah, he's more than entitled to put those comments forward.
He's got a great highlight real Sean Stevenson. But it's
the full eighty minutes that you allude to there that
I think is the overall concern around him. Very good
player I probably didn't see. Yeah, probably deserved a few
more tests than he got, a bit more of a
look in that moment's probably now passed. I'm interesting to
(34:08):
see whether he makes himself available for some more come
twenty six, when he'll be e theory eligible again, assuming
he's not required before he goes back to Japan for
the All Blacks. Topic number three you talked about about
this last week and for the Herald Super Ragby expansion.
Where are we at with that and do you think
it's necessary in the next week while or should it happen?
Speaker 4 (34:32):
Well, good friend Jason Pine had Jack massy On didn't
there a week or so ago, and he hinted that
next year will be an eleven team competition, and I
think that's the rut call. There's no need to rush.
We don't need another whipping team. Super Rugby's just finding
its feats. The real tweaks are working. Getting rid of
(34:55):
the rebels should have happened a long time ago, and
that's really improved the Australian competitiveness one A pacifica founder
home and they're improving. The Druur are captivating in terms
of their style of rugby, The Blues last, the chiefs
of First. This year's competition is really engaging. I think
you've got a product that can really take off. Don't
(35:17):
mess with it yet unless you have something that's going
to genuinely improve it. Where does the twelfth team come from?
Speaker 2 (35:23):
I don't think there's any obvious place for it to
come from without jumping over time zones. You know, the
hawadis we talked a bit about returning potentially, but yeah,
that's what fifteen hours from New Zealand, if not longer,
and two three flights Japan. You know, there's been always
this talk about not necessarily that some woles returning, but
some form expansion in Japan. I think maybe over time
(35:46):
that becomes a more viable option. The time zones are
pretty good, but you know, Japan's League one is a
very very good competition on its own feet. So I
don't see an obvious port of call for there to
be expansion beyond you know, linking up with the team
and going this is the Super Rugby Australia New Zealand
(36:07):
Conference with eleven team. There's the rest of world which
has eleven teams in it, and you cross over for
a super Bowl something at the.
Speaker 4 (36:13):
End that Club World Cup, right, and so that does
satisfy that that crossover elements. And I think there would
be some real interest in the best club team in
the world, you know, Linkster or Larachelle going up against
the Hurricanes.
Speaker 2 (36:28):
But that a yeah, sure, the current form, it could
be a very long night for the Hurricanes. Yeah, Like,
I think there's definitely interesting. I think they've got to
be very careful and I think under the leadership of
these changes they will be careful. You'd hate to see
them just throw it all away from what they've got
(36:48):
the season to go welcome in Hawaii, bought Los Angeles
or whatever.
Speaker 4 (36:53):
We'll just learn from history, right, Yeah, that's right exactly.
So Look, there is complications. The draw currently is less
than ideal. Teams don't want to be having two buyers.
You don't want to be starting earlier and finishing later,
and there will be pressure from broadcasters for more content. Contents.
King content generates cash. That's why the NROL is expanding
(37:18):
so and that you know, clubs have been struggling. We've
seen that with the Rebels and across the world, so
there are genuine financial pressures. But yeah, it's a really
risky business to mess with a competition that's really just
starting to find its feet.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Indeed, it is topic number four. One word answer. Will
the Blues make the playoffs top six?
Speaker 3 (37:46):
Yes they will, There.
Speaker 2 (37:47):
Was a three word answer, But.
Speaker 3 (37:50):
What do you got?
Speaker 2 (37:53):
I think they will. I think they've got enough games
in the back end of the season to string together
enough wins to get there. But I think it's gonna
be tough. I don't certainly think they're going to have
it all at home like they did last year, and
so it's going to be a very tricky old back
half of the season, even though some of the games
perhaps are a little bit more straightforward or on. You know,
they've got a few of the Aussie teams to come.
(38:16):
You know, they've got Moanda twice who you know that
could go either way. So not actually an easier draw.
But they've got some winnable games in their back half
of the competition that they should pick up some victories.
So I think they'll sneak in, but I think they'll
get five or six at best from where they are
at this point of the season. Try to get into
the tipping both of us four or five over the
course of the weekend. I was I picked the Canes,
(38:37):
you know, unlike you, I didn't.
Speaker 3 (38:40):
Change my view once I saw the teams.
Speaker 2 (38:41):
But that's what happens when you look at it on
a Monday morning. You picked the Landers. We both pick
the Brumbies, Crusaders and Chiefs. You picked the Reds. I
picked the Tars. So both four or five of the weekend.
That means I maintained a slender but sizable one point
lead fifteen to fourteen. At this point of the season.
Speaker 3 (38:58):
There's plenty of time, mate, he'll crumble under the pressure.
Speaker 2 (39:00):
Friday nights more on a pacificer against the Chiefs. This
game was supposed to be in Tonga and Nukula. It's
now in Pooka Koe because of it's logistical issues. Wana
coming off the by the win over the Hurricanes, can
they knock over the Chiefs.
Speaker 4 (39:15):
It's so interesting to see the teams because there will
need to be a bit of rotation among the Chiefs
at some point.
Speaker 3 (39:20):
But no, I'll stick with the Chiefs.
Speaker 2 (39:23):
I'm going Maana for an upset Winten in that one.
Highlanders host the Reds in Dunedan. As you mentioned, frasmc
right unlikely make the trip to Deneedan. The Red's coming
off with one of the Warrtors. This is a really
fascinating game for me.
Speaker 4 (39:36):
It is Saturday afternoon that rarely matters under the roof.
But I'm going to stick with the Landers and hopefully
I'm not the kiss of Deaf for them again.
Speaker 2 (39:46):
I'm going to go the Reds to come across the
Tasm and get a win. Blues Crusaders match of the
round seven or five Saturday nights, Eden Park.
Speaker 4 (39:54):
Look, Stephen Peter Fett is going to go back to
ten and lead the Blues to a drought breaking win.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Draut breaking win they won last year.
Speaker 3 (40:03):
Crusaders well this season.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
Right right right, I'll have the Crusaders, thank you. Tak
It is going to run rings War a tars Brumbi
is interesting old game in Sydney come Saturday nights.
Speaker 4 (40:19):
Yes, very flip of the coin Brumbies tars for me,
it's going to really shake this.
Speaker 2 (40:25):
This could be a very interesting weekend and the final
game of a round. Interesting. This must be a Sunday
afternoon game in Perth at two way five Force hosting
the Drawer seven O five New Zealand time Sunday night.
Speaker 3 (40:39):
Yes, I'm going to go to the drawer Force.
Speaker 2 (40:44):
Home for me. There we go, all five games with
different here we go, so this is going to change
things that Big time Rugby Direct MVP Meddle. Time for
the votes. Well, the leader bought it a moment, Tomothy.
It's out on eight three way tie for second on
six with Addie Save Quintepi, Will Jordan and just behind
(41:04):
Damian McKinzie in five. Liam, your three two ones this.
Speaker 4 (41:07):
Week please, I'm going to go three Tod Carifi, very
very impressed by him. Two I'm going to give to Tupuvai.
I thought he was a standout on the Chiefs pack,
big try through the middle of the heart of the
Blues defense, reaching out. There was a big turning points
and I'm going to actually give one to Mark tala
I thought he was very good and a losing Blues
(41:30):
team everywhere over the park.
Speaker 3 (41:31):
Kr involved, very elusive, tried.
Speaker 2 (41:35):
Veritible finish that trial, wasn't it?
Speaker 4 (41:37):
That's right, and just tried very hard all night. So yeah,
impressed with his work.
Speaker 2 (41:41):
Great, I'm giving three to do Carefie as well. We
didn't compare notes beforehand, but remarkable. How did you want
to get thirty five Super Rugby Fantasy points? That is
beyond me.
Speaker 3 (41:50):
I'd love to know the breakdown of it.
Speaker 2 (41:52):
Yeah, it's tough scene macas Springer. Five tries the Crusaders
is enough for two points, and Daniel McKenzie back at
ten gets one for me, so he moves up to
six in the ranking. So Liam, that'll do us for
Rugby Direct. Just a reminder if you haven't seen on
your feed already. Five am Tuesday, Mark Robinson Scott Robertson
join Rugby Directs extended exclusive chat with both of them,
(42:14):
covering a whole range of rugby topics. I don't think
there's anything left off the table in terms of anything
we're missling them, So looking forward to hearing what people
think and you can get us on social media or
wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker 4 (42:27):
Yeah, give us some feedback, let us know what you
wants and if there's anyone out there that you'd love
a chat with as well singing, we'll try and track
them down.
Speaker 2 (42:35):
That's right. Absolutely, another edition of Rugby Directing the Cam
with Habit Health techning all your aches and pains from
sport and work big thanks to Andy McDonald. Will be
back next.
Speaker 1 (42:42):
Week for more from News Talks ed 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 EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio.
Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliot 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 to discuss the latest in Super Rugby Round
five in the books, Liam, it was a cracking old weekend.
We'll get to that in a minute, but I can
see he as always and well, we've got actually two
episodes coming out this week. If you're listening to this
(00:46):
on Monday, Tuesday, five am is when it will be released.
We were lucky enough to have all Black Sea coach
Scott Robertson and New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson
in Rugby Direct towers for any special extended chat and
that goes live well five am Tuesday. As I say so,
it might already be out of people aren't listening to
this until Tuesday.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
That's right, Eliot Bump a week for Rugby Direct.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
It was great to have both those guys in studio
and hit them with all the hot topics, so rapp
is around that and enjoy.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Yeah, we'll have a bit more discussion maybe about that
next week on the pod and any reaction to that.
But let's get into Round five of Super Rugby Pacific
and work our way backwards. Chiefs thirty two, Blues thirty
one on Saturday night and Hamilton. The Blues lose again
one in four to start their season now in their
(01:36):
title defense. The Chiefs pit them at the very end.
A compelling game in many ways. The Blues threw everything
at the Chiefs I felt, but just didn't have the
class in the end that the Chiefs did, all the
ability to dig themselves out of holes that maybe the
home side did. What did you make of the game?
Speaker 4 (01:53):
It was a great contest, wasn't an Elliott game of
the rounds to highly competitive teams and a lot to unpack. Really, look,
the Blues are unlucky in the finish. They kicked that
sideline conversion Xavier Taale, who I thought had a really soliday,
massive task for a young bloke to kick a match
winning sideline conversion and it did everything but curled in
(02:17):
hit the post and the Chiefs hold on.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
At the death and in the end.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
Their decision to kick the points rather than go for
the try and have a six point lead work for them,
but it almost didn't in terms of the match. The
Blues were always chasing that game. I thought Stephen Peterfetter
has to start at number ten for the Blues. He
came on massive impact, not all Diamonds. Had a couple
(02:45):
of moments where he mistouched and they like, but just
his ability to find space and the vision some really
classy touches, so he has to start for them. The
big issue for me for the Blues is their dominance
of their forward pack is not there. From last year,
they were blown off the ball a couple of times
(03:07):
and counterap situations that are conceding penalties at the scrum,
and that one of those counter rucks led directly to
non Xavier row Cortisratima has tried that the Chiefs breakout,
so those are really crucial moments and that dominance the
Blues head up the middle of the park and the
set piece in the collisions is not there and that's
(03:29):
where the Chiefs have made the big shift and targeting
them there as well. So I thought the Chief's got
some real pay off the bench with Simmasoni, Takyaju, Cortizratima
and others coming on having a big impression. The Blues
chased the game late, couldn't quite get there. But what
it also says is the Blues are last, their worst
(03:52):
start to a season since twenty nineteen, and the Blues
are first. So you know, that's a reflection of the
Shar's competition as well.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
It is tight and one point separates the top team
in the bottom team or one of the bottom teams.
Now in the competition, it felt, as you said, the
Blues roy is chasing the game and they didn't perhaps
have the quality of the Chiefs. It was scrappy at
times for them. A lot of their tries were scrappy,
but they kept in the contest. And you know, there
(04:20):
was a lot of comments last game that they'll be
proud of the effort. Well they won't. Well maybe proud
of the effort, but they still have lost the game.
There were some bright spots though, as you mentioned, Zaba
Tally was was very very good, I thought, and Pera Fetter,
it's easy to zero in on the last couple of
moments of the game, but Para Feedtera mistouched from that
penalty right at the end as the Chiefs were slowing
it down, they got the penalty mistouched. That was a
(04:42):
big mistake. The ball gets booted back to them, they're
on the counter and Finlay Christie decides to kick ahead,
which was probably not the option I wouldn't have thought,
especially when then bade ground upfields. You know, you could
still work your way up, try and get a penalty,
get in position for a drop golf something like that.
It was a fairly poor option I thought, from you know,
(05:03):
an experienced all Black. So there are issues there. It's
easier to zero in the last two or three minutes
of the game and go. That's why the Blues lost it.
It wasn't the reason they lost it, but it certainly
didn't help.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
No, it didn't.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
And I come back to that the forward platform, and
it's not that it's not there, but it's it's vastly
different to it was last year. How many rolling wall
cracks do they have at the chief Chief's line and
they were repelled time and time again. Ricky Ricottelli was
scoring it at will last year from the Blues rolling
mall and teams now know what's coming with the Blues
(05:33):
and training it and start taking them head on. And
it's not that the Blues don't know where to go,
but it does feel like they're sort of caught between
two worlds.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
I mean, they scored thirty one points, but have they
become a little bit predictable the Blues?
Speaker 4 (05:49):
Yeah, I don't know if they're predictable, but it's just
last year they certainly caught the competition on the hop.
We hadn't seen that direct, simplistic style of rugby very
much out of the French top fourteen. Verncotta brought that
in no nonsense, up the guts, uncompromised and everyone knew
(06:10):
it was coming this year and there is a bit
more variety to the Blues game, but everyone's prepared for
it and they're countering it much better.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
They're missing Boat and Barrett. I think that's fairly obvious
in terms of what he was adding at that point
to the season. Parafeedt would you start him at ten
this week against the Crusaders.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
Yeah, it's a no brainer for me, And you mentioned
the mistouch, but there were two. He set up Riquewhanney
for the try that I think put the Blues ahead,
and there was another kick wide which exploited space.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
A couple of long balls.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
He just from a pure attacking potential vision he brings
so much more than Harry Plumber and Harry I think,
probably by his own admission, maybe struggling for confidence compared
to last year, that platform is not quite the same.
The Blues are making changes in their midfield. Clearly lot
(07:07):
happened there and they did have some outs just before
kickoff as well, Caleb Clark.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
And offa FARSI went now at Cameron saw four was
out as well. So three relatively high profile players, certainly
two all blacks and then sofol has been in good
touch this season, so those are blows. But it felt
like last year maybe the Blues are just keep calm
and carry on. This year it feels like that they're
not quite there.
Speaker 4 (07:28):
Yeah, and it doesn't get any easier. You've got the
Crusaders I think they're buying, and the Hurricanes, so there's
going to be some real hard conversations. Vinctda is a
tough man and he will becoming full noise at the
Blues that they didn't improve. But yeah, they're not the
team they were last year, and the Chiefs look that
they're fallible as well. I don't think they'd be overly,
(07:52):
you know, stoked with that performance. They could have very
nearly blew it at home. But look, there's a lot
to like them about them as well. They have threats
all over the park. Shawn Stevenson, dmat combination to Purvie
playing really well up front, got SAMMERSONI back to starting.
You know, some wereal weaponry right across their team.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Yeah, there certainly is that. I mean, as you say,
that wasn't a performance that dominated the Blues, but it
was good enough to win even though they probably didn't
play to their full potential. Damien McKenzie back at ten
for the first time this season after missing that Drioler game.
He's popped up very very well at full back with
Josh Jacob at ten. But it's going to be interesting
(08:34):
to see where the Chiefs go to over the course
of the season and whether they decide McKenzie's they are
ten for the next for the rest of the season,
or whether they go back to Jacob at ten and
mackenzie fifteen. Nashaw and Stevenson also back as well.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah, I think they stick with that combination.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
There'll be a bit of rotation with the mandatory or blacks,
rests and potential injuries and the like. Butts, I think
d mac and Stevenson complement each other really well. I
really rate Josh Jacob, but I think they'll stick with
that combination.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Yeah. Indeed, let's go further back to had it afternoon
the Crusaders beating the Force fifty five thirty three tries
a plenty in christ Church under the sun, eighty eight
points in the end. It was free flowing defense wasn't
always the sharpest from either team, but it was entertaining
afternoon footy. And you know, the Force had been a
(09:27):
bogiey team for the Crusaders and years gone by. They
got pelted by them last year in Perth thirty seven
to fifteen, so there was a bit of a response
needed from the Crusaders. They got there in the end
and maca spring School's five tries Sevy Reese three. I'm
not sure really how much to dig into this game. Well,
what we learned from it, We probably didn't learn a
great deal, but it was good and other good win
(09:48):
banks by the Crusaders that probably this team would not
have done last year.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Yeah, that's it isn't that the momentum rolls on. I
guess for the Crusaders, I think they would be disappointed
that the Force were in the contest as long as
they were, and to concede that many points the Force rested,
you know, a bunch of their top players to among them,
what is the MVP of Super Rugby Fantasy? Yeah, and
(10:15):
what a what a return for macas springer. It's not
every day you get five tries and the fact him
and Reese got eight tries between them says a lot
about where the Crusaders are having success this year, where
they are attacking and those wide channels, so great advertisement
for Afternoon footy.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
Five points for the Crusaders.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
There are only one loss this year to the Chiefs,
so I think we'll learn a lot more come this
time next week about where they're at.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
We certainly will would be great if he could goal kick.
That is a battle that is ongoing. I think he
missed all four in the first spell James O'Connor came on.
I'm not sure o konna missed any after he came
on and took over the goal kicking.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
Who would you start those two?
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Look? To be honest, I would still start taka, but
I wouldn't. I would take David Havilli or someone to
have the goal kicking. I think Kima is improving week
to week and we're seeing the difference from last year
where he lost his confidence he had to go back
and play club rugby and Waikato. Not the finished product
as yet, but you can see him growing and controlling
the back line week to week, and I think that's
(11:20):
the big difference from last year. I like James O'Connor
coming on in the last twenty twenty five minutes. I
think that's a good one to punch for where the
Crusaders are ratt in terms of their depth at ten
at the moment, so I'd probably leave it that way,
but I'd hand over the gulking duties to someone else.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
I think you've got to retain faith in young players,
let them not lose and learn, but allow them to
opportunities to make mistakes, to grow, to not have that
selection jeopardy hanging over their head. And you're right that
bringing that experience hit and O'Connor on works for you.
But at this point the Crusaders certainly don't want a
(11:56):
title of Taha Kimrada at number ten.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
I'm sorry to.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Say, Well, we'll find out in June, won't we. Let's
go to Friday Night and the Highlanders Hurricanes. Now, I
didn't see much of the first half of any of
the first half of this because there were a few
issues with Skysport now watching it, and I was listening
to the descriptions from Paul Allison on gold Sport and iHeartRadio,
which were great. But learning or trying to pick out
(12:22):
the first forty minutes and then watching the second forty
minutes is a difficult balance. What did you make of it?
Speaker 4 (12:27):
Lem, Yeah, well, first of all it was it did
set shaker from our mates at sky Look, I don't
know what happened behind the scenes, but yeah, I missed
the first half hour. I certainly wasn't alone alone. There
was a lot of outrage online. In the age of streaming,
you've just got to be better than that, so it
was a big frustration. But look, this was I have
(12:52):
been back and watched the first half since the first
half wasn't of great quality at all, a lot of mistakes,
a lot of turnovers. But it did come to life
in the second half. Great contest and very easily could
have gone either way. A lot of passion from the
Hurricanes on the bench in those closing stages closing it out,
(13:12):
and you could see how much that one meant to
them having struggled through much of the season, and props
to the Highlanders that they're still missing a bunch of players.
And the way what I like about the Henders this
year is they've got they seem to have a lot
more threats. They create something out of nothing. Caleb Tonguey
Towel has been a massive recruit for them with his.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Speed out and out speed.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
It's not something very like widely prevalent in New Zealand rugby,
so that's a real point of difference. His chip and
chased that set up to try to take the leave
for the Holanders all very nearly won them the match.
Some big performances in this game toops care for, I
want to touch on him. I think it was Jamie
(13:59):
Macintosh on of Jason Pine. At the weekend his mouthguard
measured one hundred contact measurements in a game, which is
unheard of and that speed to his work great and
for me is becoming in the arty mold where he
really stands up when his team needs him on the line,
(14:20):
he's getting that crucial turnover that saves a try.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's matured.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
He used to be a guy that would be very
penalty prone and almost do more harm than goods. But
he seems to have matured in his decision making the
captaincy I think has brought out the best in him.
He's not the biggest guy, but he's usually physical and
right now interested in your view, he's my all black
(14:49):
starting open side.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
I tend to agree the one caveator would have is
that he can be a penalty magnet. I'm not entirely
sure that that's entirely gone from his game. It was
interesting hearing his comments on Sky after the weekend where
I think we sort of directly reference that and knowing
when the right time is to strike, knowing you've got
your body in the right position, you're over the ball,
(15:13):
you're showing the referee the right pictures, rather than going
hell for leather and trying to do it at every
ruck and conceding penalties. He seems to have matured in
that regard. I would still have a couple of worries
around that, but ultimately the kind of film that he's
in and the kind of doggedness that he brings to
a team, I think you've got to have him in
the All Blacks mix. And he's he was.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
There last year but on more on the fringe of
the squad because of injuries.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
Yeah, and he came in during COVID and twenty twenty
from memory, flew over to Australia when they were in
that bubble, didn't play and they obviously couldn't come home
because that couldn't played the NBC. But he's been around
that All Blacks environment before. I think the way that
he's playing this year, he's got to be right in
that conversation. So who would you have then in that mix?
(16:00):
Is your six seven eight at the moment?
Speaker 4 (16:02):
Then link Well, look Wallace the tea. He's the big
unknown at this point, isn't he Where he's injured. We
don't know quite when he's returning. It's meant to be
back end of Super Rugby, maybe in the playoffs, so
you would think he would need some time to get
up to speed.
Speaker 3 (16:15):
He was a World.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year last year, so let's
just say he's not fully fit and firing for July.
Then I think you look at Ardi at eight and
Duplessly at seven.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
I like that blend. They know each other well.
Speaker 4 (16:33):
But if Wallace's fits, then Wallace at eight for me
Ardie at seven and maybe Duplessly off the bench. Obviously
Sam Kayines move on. But what does this say about
Dalton Popoali he's fallen down the ranks, isn't he has?
Speaker 2 (16:48):
He fell down the ranks last year then couldn't go
on the end of year tour through injury which cost
him probably at least two Test matches, if not more.
And to be honest, I don't think he's having a
great Super Rugby season. We mentioned the Blue struggles in
the forwards before. Now I'm not saying it's rest on
his shoulders, but I just don't think he's having a
great season as part of that wider Blues forward pack.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
Yeah, and I think turnovers are so valuable in the
modern game, and it's about picking your moments and you know,
pilfering those and we're probably not seeing enough of that
from Dalton. You've got guys like Anton Signa getting crucial
turnovers for the Blues. I think Dalton got one at
the weekend and they went back for another penalty against
(17:30):
the Blues. But those sort of moments are so crucial,
and Dalton's a different player. He's bigger, probably a bit
of ball carrier that than Dop Carefy. It works hard defensively,
but yeah, he's got a got a bit of work
to do. And then you're looking at guys like Ethan
blackout of Luke Jacobson, so there's a lot of depth.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Peter Luckeye started.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Played what seventy eight minutes against France, so there's a
pathora of options there. But on form right now, Careef
is saying, Scott Robinson, you must have me in your squad.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
You mentioned the size factor with Crief. He is a
smaller open so flank. Did you have any worries about
that because that does hurt the makeup of the loose
Ford trio.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
I think you can. It's about the balance, isn't it.
I think the loose forwards and the midfield are about balance.
You need you need that size factor. That's that is important.
But if you have a big six or a big
eight and you've got ball carrying locks and props and Hookers.
You can get around there. I think I think he's
(18:36):
big enough to make an impact on the tests, on
the test scene.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Just as we wrap up that game, the Highlanders pips.
You know that couple opportunities Sam Gilbert MSUs a penalty
later on which was gettable, and the drop goal and
the drop goal which was further out and maybe not
the play at that point in time, they could have
won that game. They were right in it, and I
think the Hinders have to take a lot out of it.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Look, though, unlucky if you're highd has found you're screaming
for penalty for the glancing high shot at the end
that was missed. As a Hurricanes fan, I hadn't seen
thing there, so yeah, look, the Highlands are lucky they
had chances to win it. I did feel like the
Hurricanes were a bit of team dominated for large periods
(19:18):
and the Hondas, through Tonguey Tower or someone else, created
something out of nothing. I don't feel like they've built
as much pressure, but yeah, very evenly matched these kiwidoobies
that they can go either way. So it wouldn't be
downbeat if I was the Honders.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
What did you make of the jerseys.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
Look kind of sound like a boomer here, but.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
I thought you're a big superhero guy.
Speaker 4 (19:43):
Fast approaching for forty something from pretty much a boomer.
I don't like them, but you and I are probably
not the target.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
Market kids around here.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
Yeah, but for me, I love the classics. The throwbacks
are really really like those the Marvel elements. I get
it may appeal to kids, but yeah, I didn't like
the jerseys.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
That my personal view.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
But it was a hard watched, especially in that game
where and to be honest, the Chief where the Blues
are we in red, but when you had neither team
wearing their traditional colors just felt a little bit on
the nose. When it was the Hurricanes wearing red one
blue of Captain America which I'm not sure why we're
h and the Hinders were in green, it just felt
I mean, I love the Hinders and green, like their
(20:29):
old jerseys and green, but just didn't do it for me.
A couple of things from the weekend. Brumby's just not
necessarily going under the radar, but this is a good
win for them at home against the drawer after beating
the Blues previous week. The Reds and the Wartar is
unbeaten run We're starting to see the Australian conference become
very very even. What do you make of the Aussie
(20:51):
sides over the weekend?
Speaker 4 (20:53):
Yeah, probably most impressed by the Reds. I think the Waratars, well,
they've been unbeaten to this point in the air and
that might be their first match away from home actually
the Watars, so probably learning a bit about where they're at.
But I think the Reds have a bit of about them,
certainly at some court. I love the way they play, enterprising, attacking,
(21:14):
number of threats Harry Wilson and Tate mcdonnalm. I think
they potentially lose Fraser mcwright to an injury, so big
blow for them there. And yeah, the Brumbi's always tough
to beat in Canberra. They head to grind that out,
but a big one for them. Who's the best Aussie team?
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Well, I think the Reds have put their head above
the parapet over the course of the weekend. I still
think the Brumbies, on the basis of what they were
able to do Eden Park the previous week, the Australian
team to beat the Warritars have slipped down the rankings
over the course of the weekend and the Reds have
maybe just gone back up a little bit after that
lost the Crusader. I think they're all relatively even. Maybe
the Force tucked in in fourth at the moment after
(21:52):
a strong ish start to the season. They've just sort
of gone off and lost three in a row. Tough
look for my war Tars Blues final prediction though at
this point in the season.
Speaker 4 (22:01):
Yes, yes, well you haven't been known for your great
predictions and over the years.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
No, we'll get to that in the next segment. Also,
it appears that Lid's kiss if you look at the
reports over the Australian the course of the weekend now
in the box seat to become the Wallabies coach. Towns
like Dan mckellor didn't even get an interview from some
of the reporting I'm reading. Les Kiss firmly in the
box seat gave it the old straight back when he
was interviewed over the weekend. But I would say odds
(22:28):
on to replace Joe Schmitt later this year as Wallaby's coach.
Speaker 4 (22:31):
Yeah, I think we talked about the start of this
year that the next Wallabies coach would come from Australia
and look Les Kiss has done a great job with
the Reds. They were very competitive last year when he
came in and took over from Brad Thorne. And I
think there's probably a lure with less about his relationship
with Joe Shmitt, the ability to potentially keep Joe on
(22:55):
and some sort of director of rugby technical whatever you
want to call it. But those two would work well
together and that would be a great combination for Australian rugby.
I would be surprised if Dan McKellen didn't at least
get an interview. I think you want to be bringing
him into the bosom and you know, keeping him there.
(23:15):
He's a various stute coach, did a great job with
the Brumbies as well. Didn't go so well up North,
but he wouldn't be the first coach to do that.
So look, I think lest because we'll do a good
job with the Wallabies and pick up where Joe Schmitt
leaves off.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
We'll see if it gets confirmed in the next week
while across the Tares and will take a break here
and Rugby Direct come back with the second half of
Rugby Direct after this. Could I see our friends at
Habit Health.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
This is Rugby Direct a podcast for real rugby fans.
Every try, every tackle, every big moment.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
It's Rugby Direct.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
How would by News.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Corsiby welcome back into Rugby Direct, paler By Habit Health.
Time for the final four to four rugby topics. Liam
and I debated them, and you the listener the judge
of who comes out on top the Six Nations topic
number one, finish it over the weekend? Are the French, Liam,
the best team in the world.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
No, No, they're not. But the spring box.
Speaker 4 (24:19):
I think they'll put together a hell of a portfolio
since the last World Cup, the previous World Cup, so
you've got to take the man to off them. But France,
it's not just winning the Six Nations, it's how they
did it that they lost it ticking them, but the
manner in which they've gone about their work going away
(24:39):
and really dismantling Ireland at home. There was a fantastic
performance and doing it emphatically at the weekend. The style
of rug where they're playing, the pace, the width, the
unstructuredness with what they're doing it, the way they're doing
it offloads, it's incredibly hard to count because they don't
even know what's coming next. And It is a tired
(25:02):
cliche about the French flamboyance, but I think it is
starting to come back into their game.
Speaker 2 (25:08):
The flamboyants, but it's controlled flamboyants, I mean, apart from
the crossfield kick in the twenty two and the Island game.
But they're picking their moments and they're finding ways to
balance both things out. I mean, Louis bell Berri is
an incredible player. They did this win without DuPont. On
the weekend we saw a very good number nine and
(25:30):
makes him lookout at half back. But their depth is
quite quite something that they're building there in France, and
it didn't obviously come to pass at the home World Cup,
but they took a baby French side to the twenty
nineteen World Cup. We're now seeing the fruits of that
and they they just you know, the England game, it
(25:51):
took them aside. They look very very hard to break
down over the course of eighty minutes.
Speaker 3 (25:56):
They can do it all, can't they. They can.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
They've got power up fronts, they are strong at the
set piece, their kicking game is very proficient.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
They've got pace out wide.
Speaker 4 (26:06):
They can break you every I think Roman and Intermac
has been a massive in for them as well. He's
coming late after the best part of a year, maybe
more on the sideline. So yeah, that that depth that
you speak about, you know, and du Pond goes off
and they bring on another classy halfback. Just just on Intermac,
I'll read you something here from LAKEEP and this speaks
(26:28):
to the to the the podcast we've got with Raser
and Mark Robinson and how Raser is expecting planning for
the best French team to come down. So Roman Intermac
is basically he's not loan Gregory Uldra as well. These
guys are saying if they do play in the Top
fourteen final that they're going to seek an exemption to
(26:49):
be selected in the French team to come to New Zealand.
So this is Intermac telling LAKEEP. I don't really know
what is possible yet, whether finalists will be allowed to
go to New Zealand. Maybe an exemption will be made
depending on the tour. Because it's quite an exceptional opportunity
to play in New Zealand final.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
No final.
Speaker 4 (27:06):
If I have to go, it will be with pleasure.
A tour in New Zealand is a truly unique experience.
It's my dream to play there if I have the
chance to go, even if the club is in the final,
will obviously be with pleasure and Gregory aldrit saying something similar.
So these guys, these guys want to come, So it
might not be the Maybe some of these guys will
come out for the second or third Test. I don't
(27:27):
know how it will transpire, but clearly there is a
desire to come down here and play the All Blacks.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Well, what this is the last opportunity to have this
test series for the foreseeable future. Now, assuming the Nation's
Cup stays as it is and rolls out from twenty
twenty six, then there won't be these three tests inbound
tours anymore, so it will be lost. So this is
the last opportunity for these French players to get it
at least as current here because you know, we'll Raby
(27:55):
can change in ten years. They may flick and go
back to what it is so great that they're keen
on coming. The question I have is around those dates.
You know, the Rugby Championship starts a little bit later
this year because of the Lion Tour in Australia. Couldn't
I mean, I'm sure there's a reason why and probably
a very good reason. But couldn't you push back the
(28:18):
dates of the All Blacks France tests to align and
go deeper in the year. I get these players from
France have to have a break, But if you're clashing
with the top fourteen final, couldn't you go back by
a week or two and go, well, we want the
best players coming out to New Zealand. If that's going
to allow it to happen, we can push the series
back a little bit because you're going to have to
have a break at the other end of the series
(28:38):
while the Lion series goes on across the Tasman. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
I don't see why there couldn't be any flexibility there.
I guess there'd be some sort of stringent world Rugby
regulations around Regulation nine or player release, some sort of
caveat there.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
But yeah, but if these players are taking an exemption,
I mean, maybe New Zealand and France should have come
to the table a bit earlier and gone, well, we'll
seek an exemption to the Regulation nine. You know, maybe
it's far too complicated with player release and very things
like that.
Speaker 4 (29:09):
You want the best of the best as bottom lineers
and at least there is a desire from these players
to come out, so yeah, maybe we will see them
at the back end of that series.
Speaker 2 (29:18):
And continue on with the Six Nations. Before we leave
that topic. England belted Wales and this is Wales. We
thought they couldn't maybe plumb new depths with a fan
a new way to manage to do so sixty eight
fourteen at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. None of that
was pretty from a Welsh perspective, and I thought they'd
(29:38):
already hit rock bottom, as I said, but they've managed
to find a new.
Speaker 4 (29:41):
Rock bottom as dark times and particularly at home with
an expectant crowded and there was a lot of chat
in the build up to that game that Wales could
tip up England's you know, a bit of a banana
skin everything to play for Wales typically get up for
England's you know, just over the bridge. So yeah, interesting
(30:03):
to see where they go from a coaching perspective, but
there's some real deep set of issues and as is
anything else, it's about trying to rebuild the culture and
the confidence of those players, because I think I saw
their standing coach saying that it was a devastating defeat
for the players and it really is to cop that
scoreline at home.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Yeah, seeing some of the images postmatch, they looked absolutely
shell shocked. The other one I want to touch on
before we move on to topic two in the final
four is Ireland, who seem to have gone backwards a
little bit in the Six Nations. Now they're being coached
by an interim coach and Simon needs to be while
Andy Farrell prepares himself for the Lions. Is it as
simple as that or are there a few other issues
(30:43):
of the Island. I mean Ken Hareley, peterro o'mari Colin
and Murray all finishing their international career. Is that some
experience they're going to have to replace. Who are part
of this golden generation that Island's had. Is it a
blipp or is it maybe a few issues beginning to
emerge for the Irish.
Speaker 4 (31:01):
It's a worry because Ireland have set the bar between
will that they've had an exceptional run going back to
Joe Schmidt, but haven't quite had that breakthrough success to
really hang their head on. From a global perspective, the
one six Six Nations are one Grand Slams and they
have had this golden generation as you mentioned, but now
(31:23):
clearly they need to regenerate from a player perspective and
probably from stylistically to evolve as well. This is not
an aberration. They lost at home to France. Obviously, the
All Blacks beat them there, which was their first loss
I think at home in nineteen ninety odd tests. So look,
(31:43):
it's not panic stations, but it is a worry when
Andy Farrell is absent and he will be keeping close tires.
But they'll be doing some pretty big soul searching after
that because they have raised the bar and that challenges
public expectation and now you need to consistently reach that.
(32:05):
So yeah, some real challenges in front eye and currently.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
Yeah, I thought a little scrappy against Italians didn't rise
any great heights. Topic number two. Shan Stevens are making
some interesting comments last week back in New Zealand rugby,
albeit rather briefly before he goes back to Camboda later
on in this year around his All Blacks selection or
lack thereof, and talking about the lack of feedback that
he got from the All Blacks coaches and perhaps the
disappointment that he felt and that What did you make
(32:31):
of his comments and was he in the right.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
Yeah, I think he is. Look that's his personal opinion
and he's fully entitled to it. I think you would
hope that there is open dialogue with anyone on the
fringe of the All Blacks, and that should be made
clear about why you're not being selected, what you have
to work on. And you think for the most part
they are reasonably good at doing that. But clearly Stevenson
(32:54):
felt miffed that he wasn't communicated with openly, clearly or consistently.
I think there's a reality there around the depth of
the All Blacks of New Zealand rugby's outside backs. And
he was in the All Blacks fifteen last year, so
clearly there's been some form of breakdown of communication. And look,
(33:17):
he will be a big loss. He's approaching one hundred
games for the Chiefs. He's been very loyal there. He's
played for the multi All Blacks, he's been on the fringe.
He played was It one.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
Test, one Test and need in twenty three and he is.
Speaker 4 (33:29):
A classy footballer, but he's not a complete player either.
He defensively there's been concerns and there's been comments about
his ability and contact as well. But yeah, it's up
to the All Blacks to communicate those and clearly he
felt that didn't happen.
Speaker 2 (33:47):
Yeah, he's more than entitled to put those comments forward.
He's got a great highlight real Sean Stevenson. But it's
the full eighty minutes that you allude to there that
I think is the overall concern around him. Very good
player I probably didn't see. Yeah, probably deserved a few
more tests than he got, a bit more of a
look in that moment's probably now passed. I'm interesting to
(34:08):
see whether he makes himself available for some more come
twenty six, when he'll be e theory eligible again, assuming
he's not required before he goes back to Japan for
the All Blacks. Topic number three you talked about about
this last week and for the Herald Super Ragby expansion.
Where are we at with that and do you think
it's necessary in the next week while or should it happen?
Speaker 4 (34:32):
Well, good friend Jason Pine had Jack massy On didn't
there a week or so ago, and he hinted that
next year will be an eleven team competition, and I
think that's the rut call. There's no need to rush.
We don't need another whipping team. Super Rugby's just finding
its feats. The real tweaks are working. Getting rid of
(34:55):
the rebels should have happened a long time ago, and
that's really improved the Australian competitiveness one A pacifica founder
home and they're improving. The Druur are captivating in terms
of their style of rugby, The Blues last, the chiefs
of First. This year's competition is really engaging. I think
you've got a product that can really take off. Don't
(35:17):
mess with it yet unless you have something that's going
to genuinely improve it. Where does the twelfth team come from?
Speaker 2 (35:23):
I don't think there's any obvious place for it to
come from without jumping over time zones. You know, the
hawadis we talked a bit about returning potentially, but yeah,
that's what fifteen hours from New Zealand, if not longer,
and two three flights Japan. You know, there's been always
this talk about not necessarily that some woles returning, but
some form expansion in Japan. I think maybe over time
(35:46):
that becomes a more viable option. The time zones are
pretty good, but you know, Japan's League one is a
very very good competition on its own feet. So I
don't see an obvious port of call for there to
be expansion beyond you know, linking up with the team
and going this is the Super Rugby Australia New Zealand
(36:07):
Conference with eleven team. There's the rest of world which
has eleven teams in it, and you cross over for
a super Bowl something at the.
Speaker 4 (36:13):
End that Club World Cup, right, and so that does
satisfy that that crossover elements. And I think there would
be some real interest in the best club team in
the world, you know, Linkster or Larachelle going up against
the Hurricanes.
Speaker 2 (36:28):
But that a yeah, sure, the current form, it could
be a very long night for the Hurricanes. Yeah, Like,
I think there's definitely interesting. I think they've got to
be very careful and I think under the leadership of
these changes they will be careful. You'd hate to see
them just throw it all away from what they've got
(36:48):
the season to go welcome in Hawaii, bought Los Angeles
or whatever.
Speaker 4 (36:53):
We'll just learn from history, right, Yeah, that's right exactly.
So Look, there is complications. The draw currently is less
than ideal. Teams don't want to be having two buyers.
You don't want to be starting earlier and finishing later,
and there will be pressure from broadcasters for more content. Contents.
King content generates cash. That's why the NROL is expanding
(37:18):
so and that you know, clubs have been struggling. We've
seen that with the Rebels and across the world, so
there are genuine financial pressures. But yeah, it's a really
risky business to mess with a competition that's really just
starting to find its feet.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Indeed, it is topic number four. One word answer. Will
the Blues make the playoffs top six?
Speaker 3 (37:46):
Yes they will, There.
Speaker 2 (37:47):
Was a three word answer, But.
Speaker 3 (37:50):
What do you got?
Speaker 2 (37:53):
I think they will. I think they've got enough games
in the back end of the season to string together
enough wins to get there. But I think it's gonna
be tough. I don't certainly think they're going to have
it all at home like they did last year, and
so it's going to be a very tricky old back
half of the season, even though some of the games
perhaps are a little bit more straightforward or on. You know,
they've got a few of the Aussie teams to come.
(38:16):
You know, they've got Moanda twice who you know that
could go either way. So not actually an easier draw.
But they've got some winnable games in their back half
of the competition that they should pick up some victories.
So I think they'll sneak in, but I think they'll
get five or six at best from where they are
at this point of the season. Try to get into
the tipping both of us four or five over the
course of the weekend. I was I picked the Canes,
(38:37):
you know, unlike you, I didn't.
Speaker 3 (38:40):
Change my view once I saw the teams.
Speaker 2 (38:41):
But that's what happens when you look at it on
a Monday morning. You picked the Landers. We both pick
the Brumbies, Crusaders and Chiefs. You picked the Reds. I
picked the Tars. So both four or five of the weekend.
That means I maintained a slender but sizable one point
lead fifteen to fourteen. At this point of the season.
Speaker 3 (38:58):
There's plenty of time, mate, he'll crumble under the pressure.
Speaker 2 (39:00):
Friday nights more on a pacificer against the Chiefs. This
game was supposed to be in Tonga and Nukula. It's
now in Pooka Koe because of it's logistical issues. Wana
coming off the by the win over the Hurricanes, can
they knock over the Chiefs.
Speaker 4 (39:15):
It's so interesting to see the teams because there will
need to be a bit of rotation among the Chiefs
at some point.
Speaker 3 (39:20):
But no, I'll stick with the Chiefs.
Speaker 2 (39:23):
I'm going Maana for an upset Winten in that one.
Highlanders host the Reds in Dunedan. As you mentioned, frasmc
right unlikely make the trip to Deneedan. The Red's coming
off with one of the Warrtors. This is a really
fascinating game for me.
Speaker 4 (39:36):
It is Saturday afternoon that rarely matters under the roof.
But I'm going to stick with the Landers and hopefully
I'm not the kiss of Deaf for them again.
Speaker 2 (39:46):
I'm going to go the Reds to come across the
Tasm and get a win. Blues Crusaders match of the
round seven or five Saturday nights, Eden Park.
Speaker 4 (39:54):
Look, Stephen Peter Fett is going to go back to
ten and lead the Blues to a drought breaking win.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Draut breaking win they won last year.
Speaker 3 (40:03):
Crusaders well this season.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
Right right right, I'll have the Crusaders, thank you. Tak
It is going to run rings War a tars Brumbi
is interesting old game in Sydney come Saturday nights.
Speaker 4 (40:19):
Yes, very flip of the coin Brumbies tars for me,
it's going to really shake this.
Speaker 2 (40:25):
This could be a very interesting weekend and the final
game of a round. Interesting. This must be a Sunday
afternoon game in Perth at two way five Force hosting
the Drawer seven O five New Zealand time Sunday night.
Speaker 3 (40:39):
Yes, I'm going to go to the drawer Force.
Speaker 2 (40:44):
Home for me. There we go, all five games with
different here we go, so this is going to change
things that Big time Rugby Direct MVP Meddle. Time for
the votes. Well, the leader bought it a moment, Tomothy.
It's out on eight three way tie for second on
six with Addie Save Quintepi, Will Jordan and just behind
(41:04):
Damian McKinzie in five. Liam, your three two ones this.
Speaker 4 (41:07):
Week please, I'm going to go three Tod Carifi, very
very impressed by him. Two I'm going to give to Tupuvai.
I thought he was a standout on the Chiefs pack,
big try through the middle of the heart of the
Blues defense, reaching out. There was a big turning points
and I'm going to actually give one to Mark tala
I thought he was very good and a losing Blues
(41:30):
team everywhere over the park.
Speaker 3 (41:31):
Kr involved, very elusive, tried.
Speaker 2 (41:35):
Veritible finish that trial, wasn't it?
Speaker 4 (41:37):
That's right, and just tried very hard all night. So yeah,
impressed with his work.
Speaker 2 (41:41):
Great, I'm giving three to do Carefie as well. We
didn't compare notes beforehand, but remarkable. How did you want
to get thirty five Super Rugby Fantasy points? That is
beyond me.
Speaker 3 (41:50):
I'd love to know the breakdown of it.
Speaker 2 (41:52):
Yeah, it's tough scene macas Springer. Five tries the Crusaders
is enough for two points, and Daniel McKenzie back at
ten gets one for me, so he moves up to
six in the ranking. So Liam, that'll do us for
Rugby Direct. Just a reminder if you haven't seen on
your feed already. Five am Tuesday, Mark Robinson Scott Robertson
join Rugby Directs extended exclusive chat with both of them,
(42:14):
covering a whole range of rugby topics. I don't think
there's anything left off the table in terms of anything
we're missling them, So looking forward to hearing what people
think and you can get us on social media or
wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker 4 (42:27):
Yeah, give us some feedback, let us know what you
wants and if there's anyone out there that you'd love
a chat with as well singing, we'll try and track
them down.
Speaker 2 (42:35):
That's right. Absolutely, another edition of Rugby Directing the Cam
with Habit Health techning all your aches and pains from
sport and work big thanks to Andy McDonald. Will be
back next.
Speaker 1 (42:42):
Week for more from News Talks ed B Listen live
on air or online, and keep our shows with you
wherever you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.