August 3, 2025 • 45 mins
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier digest and dissect the All Blacks' Rugby Championship squad with three new faces in an extended squad to travel to Argentina and beyond - we dig into the surprise selections, the recalls and everything in between.
We also wrap up the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia and whether the Wallabies have taken a step forward, while we take a keen eye at the NPC.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
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Speaker 2 (00:20):
Drum Dicky Score.
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Try these.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliott Smith and Leam Napier, powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Welcome Ino Rugby Direct powered by Fourklift Solutions, lifting you
and your business to a higher level. After a week
of rest and rotation, we're back on Rugby Direct Elliott
Smith with me as always Liam Napier, Rugby writer for
The New Zealand Herald. Liam, we had to put the
feed up last week, but we're back and some would
say better than ever.
Speaker 5 (00:58):
It's all right.
Speaker 6 (00:58):
It's to refresh and revive and bring the positivity.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
Here spunge the negativity which was suggested to us by
a perhaps a former listener potentially off the podcast when
I mentioned it on Twitter that we would not be
on this week. Well, we come in and record the podcast.
In the wake of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad
being named, there are forty two names on the team
(01:25):
sheet named by Scott Robertson and co. Today, six of
the players injury cover this squad to cover the entire
Rugby Championship, hence why there are so many players covering
for other players in the squad. We got an update
last week around the injuries Liam and then today we
see Simon Parker named in the squad proper. We see
(01:46):
in the injury cover list uncapped players Tavita Maffalo, Carl
Preston and Leroy Carter. We see Finlay Christie's name back
as injury cover, and we also see Wallace to Tt
and Peter Luckeye back in there as well, among other things.
So where do you want to start? What stands out
to you most from this squad? Oh, it's a big squad,
isn't it? Forty two players?
Speaker 6 (02:07):
And I think that well, they clearly will be a
lot of comings and goings throughout this tournament, particularly in
the I think the All Blacks are taking thirty seven
players to Argentina, mafe Leo will go and to Maty
Williams will go, and then they'll be chopping and changing,
won't theren Scott Robertson will be an expert juggler by
(02:28):
the end of this tournament. I guess the new faces
always stand out don't they So, Simon Parker, we knew
the All Blacks were keeping a very close eye on him.
One hundred and nineteen cag's close to two meters to
I think one point nine to five meters. Twenty five
year olds really stoot out for the Chiefs this year.
(02:49):
Scott Robinson talked about how accurate he was as well
as been a big player, a big frame. So he's
notable because he's in the squad, he's there for the
entirety of the tournament and then others. I guess I'm
excited to see Kyle Preston in that mix. I think
he's a guy that appeals, he's quick, he's got great support,
(03:11):
plays called four tries in his first Super Rugby appearance
for the Crusaders, and Lee Roy Carter as well. Scott
Robinson today labeled him the fastest man in New Zealand,
which might need some fact chicking potential potentially, but he's
a real point of difference, versatile, fast and those outside
backs spots do seem wide open, and I guess a
(03:33):
couple of omissions. Christian Leo Wede, who came in from
being injury cover initially for Wallace a TS and Dalton Puppole.
Speaker 5 (03:41):
He drops out.
Speaker 6 (03:42):
After coming off the bench, which was probably to be expected.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
What about you, Yeah, the one that stands out to
me is Simon Parker. Oh, I'm same as you. He
was the name that we heard being whispered about as
a contender for the Rugby Championship squad. An untimely injury
in the back end of the Chiefs campaign and he
didn't play through their run in the latter part of
the season to the final. But is there a much
the prototype that they've been looking for in this ongoing
(04:05):
search that has been going on for eighty y to
try and replace Jerome Cano With her players come in
and out, you can see whether they're going with two
Part VI in terms of the body type that rafter
but certainly Simon Parker's similar size, weight, height, etc. But
more of a natural loose ford than probably we've seen
from Tupa VII who can do the role and perform
(04:27):
well during the Rugby Championship. But Simon Parker is certainly
more natural as a flankers, so I think that stands
out to him and the fact that he is included
in the squad proper is more of a voter confidence
to his ability that he probably would have been there
in July had it not been for that injury he
got during Super Rugby. Interestingly, he has got to play
(04:47):
a bit more rugby before he gets on the plane
for the Tunny Far this weekend in the NPC, before
they get on there. But I really do like that
selection is a player that's been around for a few years,
has had a few injuries and not being able to
get a regular spot in the chief side through those injuries.
But when he's been on the park this year, it
feels like a player that has grown into his frame,
(05:09):
now know the way, knows the way he can use
his frame, and that's what the All Blacks are wanting
from him.
Speaker 5 (05:15):
That's right, and he will get a chance.
Speaker 6 (05:17):
I think the All Blacks will go back to Tupo VII,
whether it's straight away for the Pumas or the Spring Rocks.
I think they like that. They will persevere with that.
But that six jersey does still feel open. You've got
some a Penny female there who played well and Hamilton,
but it was a one off performance. Needs to back
that up. Simon Parker. Another option, Wallace Titi comes back
(05:37):
in the mix. We expect him to go to number
eight with Ardie Stain at seven, so that leaves the
six jersey open. And as you say, it's been a
perennial question who is the All Blacks blind so going
to be and Simon Parker is certainly one of the
next Cabs off the rank.
Speaker 4 (05:54):
Let's hear what Scott Robinson said about Simon Parker at
the team naming today.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Yeah, it's good timing, you know, like Fisher just want
to mention Simon's history, you know, like he came through
through the sort of the age groups twenty stuff and
she had a lot of promise and then was injured
and he had back two or three back to back
injuries and just couldn't quite get his rhythm. And then
in the last year or two's got on the field,
(06:19):
been incredibly professional, you know, his body type and has
changed just being in the chiefs and consistency of playing
footy week to week. He's a big man, he's tough.
Buddy's accurate too. I think that's the key thing for him.
So we just really pleased he's he's coming at the
right time.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Yeah, Scott Robinson there on Simon Parkers. So the loose
Ford mix with Parker's inclusion there as you mentioned, no
Dalton Papa LETI there was a little bit of thought
that maybe eating blackhead and might get a looking for
this Rugby Championship, but not to be and almost under
the radar in terms of the selection. Peter Luckeye comes
back and got injured towards the end of Super Rugby,
(06:59):
right back in the mix, and then all of a
sudden the All Blacks have what seven loose forwards that
they have named for this Rugby Championship.
Speaker 6 (07:06):
Yeah, after only having five four July, it is a
bigger squad, but that was clearly a group they were
looking to add to.
Speaker 5 (07:14):
All similar sort of players.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
Aren't they quite dynamic, very good with ball in hands, mobile,
So I think it's a good mix there. The spotlight
for me, though, Earliot shines brightest on the halfback Runks
and because the All Blacks aren't going to be able
(07:36):
to replace Ken Rugab, there's no light for light replacement.
Rygad for me is firmly in the conversation for the
world's best halfback alongside DuPont and Grant Williams out of
South Africa.
Speaker 5 (07:47):
Jamison Gibson Park.
Speaker 6 (07:49):
He's only played twelve tests, but his influence has been
such on this group. His booming left boot has sniping
his size. There's nobody around in the New Zealand team
that can emulate what he brings. And then you lose
Noah Hotham as well, who was pushing to be the
number two. So you bring in finally Christy and Kyle
(08:12):
Preston three with cortiez Rasima, three similar sized halfbacks.
Speaker 5 (08:18):
Are you worried about that mix?
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (08:20):
I am, Actually I think there's a real drop off
to the next group of half backs that come through.
I thought hoping was good off the bench and that
opportunity got in Hamilton and would have put some real
pressure on for this trip to Argentina and beyond to
either be the bench player now we're doing cam Roy
guards out, you know, maybe even be the starting half
back for the All Black. So now things get shaken
(08:41):
up a little bit and I think while there's a
obviously new faces there in the returning faces and the
shape of Preston and obviously Christie returning, for me, the
series looms is quite big for courtiz Ratima in a
way because he is going to get you would think
starting opportunity at least in the four first Test in Cordoba,
and now he's got Christie back in the mix and Preston.
(09:02):
They're nipping at his heels and I think Ratama hasn't
quite convinced so far this year and maybe even the
back end of love.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Next year with the All Blacks.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
So I think it's won a big opportunity for cause Isratima,
but also a bit of pressure now because he doesn't
stand alone alongside the Group's more my thinking that these
players could now put some pressure on him when it
comes to a full strength All Blacks halfback max.
Speaker 6 (09:25):
I think back to last year when Ratima came in
and he generally looked better when he was starting, but
he sort of lost a bit of ground from there,
and then when he did get the start in Hamilton
first time in a long time, struggled, had one nice
kick which set up a try. But my worry for
(09:47):
that mix of half backs as they're all quite small
and the All Blacks are still trying to get their
breakdown right and the Pumas will come hard there, the
spring box will come hard there and if the ball
is messy, if the All Blacks don't get that front
foot platform. Then we've seen Ratima and others struggle with
that and that does worry me a little bit because
(10:09):
it just affects the whole flow of everything.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
Well. Finlay Christie very much a defensive halfback. That's why
he was selected for a long time in the All
Blacks under Ian Foster as the bench half back, not
so much for his impact with the ball in hand,
but what he was able to do on defense. And
it seems like this could be an opportunity for Christy
to really come back into the max. I mean, he
was obviously dropped in the first after the first squad
that Scot Robertson named last year. This time a year
(10:32):
ago for the Rugby Championship, he wasn't in the squad
to be seen. Now he's back in the mix. I
think it's a big opportunity for him. There was a
report last week that he's been lined up by Newcastle
now owned by Red Bull or about to be owned
by Red Bull, to go up and play there. You know,
he is eligible for Scotland as well. If he plays
on this tour, that resets the eligibility clock and he
(10:53):
could well be back in the All Blacks Max for
twenty twenty seven, So big opportunity for someone like Finlay Christie.
I would have liked to see maybe someone with a
little bit more running game, dynamic running game, maybe at
topa Funaki in the mix actually for that fucker. Tava's
a player that's been there before. I know he has
his fans out there. I don't know that he's ever
(11:16):
hit those heights again of twenty twenty one and twenty
twenty two that he reached, But some with that little
bit of innate running game I would have liked to
see in the mix.
Speaker 6 (11:23):
Yeah, quite like Xavier Rowe and what he brings. He's
got a really subtle passing game and he challenges around
the fringes as well. But he's another in that sort
of smaller bracket and that's where nobody comes close to
replicating what Royga brings. So it is going to be
a real challenge for the All Blacks to get these
half packs up to speed, to get them accurate, and
(11:45):
a lot of their onus is going to fall on
that full pack to provide that platform, that clean ball,
because when you look at their kicking game in particular,
Ratsma and Christy that's not a noted strength of strength
of theirs. Preston is and for me, when I look
at that group, Preston is the one if he does
get a chance that that could be a big mover
(12:05):
if he gets the opportunity. But it's a very different
prospect coming off the bench and super Ragby to coming
on and trying to close out a test that might
be in the balance in Argentina and a white hot atmosphere.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
Yeah, chance to make your name, but also a lot
of pressure comes in in that regard not hop out
for seven to eight weeks Ken Roygard. Haven't got an
exact timeline, but stress fractures can be about six to
eight weeks as well. So hard to see either of
those players being involved until probably the bledders Low Cup
at the earliest really, which is you know, again, chances
(12:38):
for these players, but it leaves a big drop.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Off in terms of the halfbacks.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
It does.
Speaker 6 (12:42):
And look, this is a tough start to the Rabbit
Championship field, but let's going to Argentina for two tests.
Is not the prospect that used to be. The Pumas
have improved drastically. Then you've got to come all the
way home and face the spring box and back to
back tests. It's pretty daunting when you've got some of
these injury setbacks.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Indeed, it as let's hear from Scott Robinson on the
All Blacks half back mix.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Look, we've been sort of checking him the last year
or so. Obviously when an NBC off the back of him,
he came on finisher. He was incredible in the in
the final for the for the Crusaders, and that's what
we just need in the next potentially in the next
few games. Something that's performed recently, especially with the great
kicking game he's got and he's hard work and his
speeder passes has bang on. Yeah, experience, he's had a
(13:28):
few tests, been around, you know, being some World cups
who can slot straight back and that's where he wants
to be in the All Blacks and his every time
we've we've had conversation with him, he said, what else
can I do better and how can I improve to
be back there? And you know he's done everything we
need and we can see, well, it's great to have
him back in the team.
Speaker 4 (13:47):
That's All Blacks coach Scott Robertson talking first about Kyle Preeston.
I'm sure you probably gathered that, and then secondly about
Finlay Christie. The other couple of new names. Leroy Carter
in the extended squads or the injury traveling squad, the
injury cover squad. He's been a player that's been It
was mentioned during Super Rugby first fifteen season for Super
(14:08):
in a Super Rugby campaign. Very impressive, lightning, quick and
versatile as well. He played center yesterday for Bay of Plenty.
In the NPC, he played on the wing for the Chiefs.
He has also played a fair bit of rugby at
halfback as well, so he's a dynamic player that can
really slot in multiple positions in the back line. I
(14:29):
quite like the look of Leroy Carter and I'm looking
forward to seeing him potentially given opportunity.
Speaker 5 (14:34):
Yeah, I hope he gets a chance.
Speaker 6 (14:35):
I thought I would have had him in the July squads,
particularly given the question marks around the outside back departments.
Mark t Lea's departure for Japan. I think he leaves
after the NPC, and I think it's probably been underestimated
or blown over a wee bit. The All Blacks are
struggling to replace what he brings. Leroy Carter sort of
(14:56):
Eliza's size, doesn't he? He tough and resilient, very good, defensively,
strong over the ball at the breakdown, rapids, great finisher
and made that tre position from seven's to his rookie
Super Rugby campaign made it look like a breeze this year.
So great to see him and that mix. And Nanawa
(15:17):
is also elevated. So you dick, you suspect Carter's probably
down the rung a wee bit at this point, behind
Severa Reese and Rikawanny and Ammoni Naawa and Caleb Clark's
out for at least the next month.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
So does he get a chance, Well, I.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Think he does.
Speaker 4 (15:35):
He'll get a chance, I'm sure at some point in
this competition, just with the injuries and things like that.
And I think wing is an area where you can
quite climb quickly up the ranks. You look at Mark
Deliga himself back in twenty twenty two, it was almost
an eyebrown raising thing when he got called into the
All Blacks because he looked pretty good at Super Rugby
level but certainly wasn't in the All Blacks conversation got
(15:55):
called in for the Northern Tour in end of twenty
twenty two, started against Scotland from memory or came off
the bench, but had a real impact in that game,
very impressive the week Africans England and then he was
away in terms of his All Blacks career. So it's
an area where you can climb up the ranks and
we've seen wings come in really hot the hot hand.
They take the opportunity and they can get there. So
(16:17):
interested to see I assume he will get an opportunity
at some point and you know that versatility probably helps
him in terms of an All Blacks bench makeup. But
here's Scott Robinson talking about Leroy Carter and what position
he sees him best in loose.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Forward, I think, oh boonfo. He was a head of
a phone call. Actually it was. It was a nice
start to here. It was very very emotional. Didn't say much,
he was just taking a few moments, you know, and
I said, look, if you chants to go and ring
your family straight after this and enjoy the moment. Look,
(16:52):
he's went the junior of the seventh path, like a
lot of players do this, you know, in their career
and then come back and transitions to fifteen's and through
the season. You just saw how many linebacks he makes.
How good is yet the break down the covering tackles
if it's off the ball, he's tough, probably the fastest
(17:12):
in New Zealand, you know, on on record time. So
he's got a lot of pauses. From here, you'd be
welcome into the deal Blacks and keep working on that craft.
You're gonna bring a lot of energy. Question but I
went first and you're yeah, currently, I think that's a
good question from you too, because we saw him paid
(17:33):
thirteen for the bay. You know, we don't have any
control around that. We thought that's ideal for us because
you know he can cover nine. He's paid a lot
of nine, cover wing and at center, and you can
see most teams have players like that, specially if you
split your bench.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Carter being talked about by Scott Robertson, there multiple positions
that he can cover a few other things to cover
off from the squad Liam to Vima Felo coming in
as injury cover for thou Lomax. That's an interesting one
because I would have thought would have been the nixt
cab off the rank. Muffalo has played a lot for
(18:13):
the Hurricanes in recent years, they have plenty of now
got the you know, a couple of tight heads, so
they're gonna have to go looking around Club Rugby to
try and find some tight heads for the NPC this weekend.
Speaker 6 (18:24):
Yeah, I think what's edge muffoleo and as he can
play both sides of the scrum and as a noted scrummager,
so at test level, that's first and foremost, isn't it. Yeah,
a few of the points there I suffer more quite
a curious absence for me.
Speaker 5 (18:40):
He's listed as unavailable.
Speaker 6 (18:42):
He hasn't played a lot of rugby this year, but
I've seen some footage today of striding out with Jordi
Barrett's at training and it sounds like he'll return for
Wellington in the coming weeks. So I'm quite surprised your
Blacks haven't brought him straight back in it at least
named him because now he can't feature in this Raby Championship.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Well they can. I'm sure they can manipulate it somehow.
It'd be hard to drop a player out.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
But yeah, I thought he might have been in the mix,
but he hasn't played to the back end of Super Rugby,
so perhaps just getting some game time under the belt,
which is probably why they've also gone with Josh Lord's over.
Say Sam Dowry, who only has played what twenty minutes
twenty five minutes for Canterbury over the weekend since all
of the year.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
What about Arkoy?
Speaker 6 (19:26):
And I thought Arkoy was pretty much with the Blacks
for the bulk of that July series. Training with him,
we thought he might get a look in that third
Test when injuries struck late. But Josh Lord comes over
the top of him. I guess he's been there, done that.
But is another one that's Bailey really played. So if
(19:47):
you're an Arkoy, you'd feel pretty hard done by, wouldn't
you would?
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Maybe? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (19:52):
I mean Josh Lord things interesting because he has barely
played rugby really. He seems like he plays with two games,
then gets injured again, went off for an hia on
the weekend. He did pass that, but didn't come back
on the park. Yeah, that's an intriguing one for me.
I guess they've got enough for loose Fords that can
sleep another lock there. But again, I'm just not sure
that he's once a project player. Josh Lord, He's been
(20:13):
around twenty twenty one yet to really convince at Test
level and would seem to do well down the pecking
water now, at least in the rankings that I've got
in my mind, but clearly not in the rankings that
Scott Robinson.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
And co work on.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
Yeah, I think he had that one Test star in
Argentina a couple of years back, came out from injury
and played really well. But yeah, hasn't done a lot else.
A couple of other points to not offer doing a
fussy listed as unavailable. He's had neck surgery and Scott
Robinson saying today that he won't be back until the
next Super Rugby season, so clearly given him some time
(20:49):
to get that nick right.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Yeah, absolutely, and there were whispers that it was you know,
obviously knicks injuries at anytime, it's serious, but it could
be potentially a one that holded his career. So look,
if he's targeting next year, great to see him back
out of the park.
Speaker 2 (21:03):
Interested.
Speaker 4 (21:04):
So he's doing a bit of acting in his downtime
as well. He's in the new Jason Mamora Apple TV
show alongside Eric Rush and we Range is also in there,
and look he's not just in there for a half second,
he's in there for a couple of minutes and that
show I just sawt of it online today, so star
studded cast absolutely is the other thing though I just
want to raise as well is it was interesting And
(21:25):
I don't know whether this to reading anything into this
or not. Scott Barrett was speaking to the country here
on Ens and Me a couple of weeks ago around
selections and he sort of mentioned that maybe a six'
two option could be a possibility for The All. Blacks
do you see them doing this at, all whether it's Against,
Argentina South, Africa australia at all in The Rapey.
Speaker 6 (21:44):
Championship, YEAH i think it is something they will and
probably should. Try just it's something that we've. Seen it's
a lot more common, now isn't. It The british And
Irish lions went that way in The Third, test and
we've seen it From South africa And england and.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
Others AND.
Speaker 6 (22:02):
I don't know if it's more important now but that
The ford platform and the way substitutes are used to
roll off the. Bench even The french In july would
throw on four or five forwards at, once and it
does and it can really can change the complexion of
a match that've seen the Spring box with their bomb,
squad and with the versatility of some of The All
(22:23):
blacks loose, forwards you know potentially some of them could
slide out and cover the backs if. Necessary SO i
think it's something we will see from The All blacks
and probably should at at some. Point but it does
come with a degree of risk if you lose a pivotal,
back it.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
Does, indeed we can assume though the rest of the
injured players in the squad will be fit for. Selection
there was an update obviously issued last week with players
like A boat And Barrett Scott barrett all expected to
be fit for that First test in Card.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Over and it's going to be a tough, tour this
one In, argentina isn't. It it?
Speaker 6 (22:54):
IS i think To Mighty williams probably for the Second.
Test sounds like he'll be. Fits just one other. Thing
riccowani is officially listed as an outside, back so transition
does that draw a line through him.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
To don't think for Good i'm willing to leave the
door open. THERE i look at the midfielders that they've
got Then At brown can obviously play, Center Quinta pie
can play center as, well hasn't done a lot of it.
Recently Billy procter has been first choice during the season
And Tava nahai as. Well COULD i think play a.
Center so probably not in the foreseeable, future BUT i
(23:32):
wouldn't rule out perhaps a change of thinking. Again, again
AS i mentioned just, BEFORE i think the wings can
change pretty quickly In test. RUGBY i think he's still
got a lot to offer At test. Rugby whether it
is on the wing or it seem TO i don't,
know BUT i wouldn't be willing to draw a line
through it just.
Speaker 6 (23:48):
Yet it does feel like his career is in an
interesting stage as, well though he's going To lenster next
year for a. Sabbatical fallen out of favor at, center
probably hasn't nailed his opportunities on the wing as, yet
hadn't played on the wing for three four years prior
to this, year so in a wee bit of a
state of flux rego interesting to see how he performs
(24:11):
and where that evolves to over the next six to twelve.
Speaker 4 (24:14):
Months, indeed fascinating squad named By Scott robertson for This Rugby.
Championship the first test is on the seventeenth Of, August
New zealand time nine to ten kick Offf you can
hear it ON us.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Talk Zbig Gold sport And.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
iHeartRadio The british And Irish lions series wrapped up over
the weekend In, Australia australia getting back a consolation win
to won the final test score and that was a
fascinating game of rugby in so many. WAYS i don't
know where to, Start, liam But Australia selwidge a little
bit of respect out of that series and take the
(24:49):
game to the. Lines, yeah what did you make OF
i guess the last couple of, tests given we weren't
here last, WEEK.
Speaker 6 (24:56):
I think the last two performances from The wallaby show
they were. Underdone excuse me for that First test which
they were hugely underwhelming and they lacked, size the impact
and influence from guys Like Will, Skelton Rob. Valentini in
that second, Test Tom hooper was mad at the. Match
(25:17):
in the third they And Nick white not a huge
fan of his, necessarily but The wallabies really got under
The lion's skin and they were hugely competitive on the.
WHOLE i think the aggregate score there's one point separates
them across that. SERIES i think That lions team was massively.
(25:40):
OVERHYPED i think The wallabies got better and The lions
probably got. Worse but, yeah that Third test was, bizarre
Wasn't it was streaming down with, rain there was a
forty minute break for the lightning. Strikes The LIONS i
don't want to say they checked, out but they certainly
didn't seem to be anywhere near the same level they
(26:03):
were in previous weeks as.
Speaker 4 (26:04):
Well got the impression that they'd been on the hose
for a few days and was so clebrating and. Realized
and remember they had A test match to play on The.
Saturday didn't feel like a performance that they would have
put in if the series was won all and so
to give The wallabies heaps the, Credit i'll probably stop
a little bit short of, that just because The. Lions
(26:24):
it was a dead Rubber test match as much as
The test match can. Be BUT i still thought The,
wallabies you, know played some rugby and as you, SAY
i think they got better over the course of the,
series and clearly The lions got. Worse they landed In
australia beat all The super rugby sides in front of
them beat The Australian New, zealand SO i beat THE pacifica.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Side but The tests were a lot harder.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
Going and you know it's easy to look back now
and again prefacing that with my comments THAT i don't
think The lions would have played like they did On
saturday night if the series isn't won. All but that
big decision right at the ends of the second match
changed the course of the.
Speaker 6 (26:58):
Series it, did, Absolutely and if you're A wallabyes, fan
you'd be you'd have claims to sit back and say they.
Speaker 5 (27:05):
Were robbed of the.
Speaker 6 (27:06):
Series, yeah, absolutely AND i don't believe that because it
wasn't just one. Decision The wallabies are. Up it was
it twenty three to. Five they played extremely well for
probably thirty thirty five minutes and then let the lines back.
In so, yeah that that decision is a real flip
of the. Coin but The wallabies blew that Second. Test but,
yeah the PERFORMANCES i think speak To Joe schmidt the
(27:29):
job he's. Done there's some SELECTIONS i didn't necessarily agree
with the cross that, series but a lot of them
came good and what a salvage Job joe has done
with that team and it's going to be an incredibly
tough job For Liz kiss to come in after The Rugby.
Championship some big performances from The. Wallabies they're back three
played really. Well Tom wright as a superb for.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
Football, Yeah Lenny.
Speaker 6 (27:51):
AKTAU i think he had the most line breaks across the.
Series he was strong in the. Midfield joseph Sue LEE
i think still has some vulnerabilities on, defense but he's
a talented.
Speaker 5 (28:03):
Footballer And.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Nick.
Speaker 6 (28:06):
Frost you know there's a lot made of will skelt,
him but he was huge in that Second, test some
big line out. Wins quite an underrated PRESENCE i think
in That wallaby's.
Speaker 4 (28:14):
Pack absolutely every WEEK i come on and SAY i
won't bag THE tmo Because i'm trying not So i'm
really trying not to do that on the podcast BECAUSE
i don't want to be a one trick. Pony but
what Was Murray shanka doing on the weekend didn't intervene
in the line of clean? Out Dan sheen's now in
(28:35):
facing the music At World Rugby's Disciplinary committee as a
result of, it then comes in for When Nick white
was jogging alongside A lions, player what On earth Was
Murray shanka doing on the weekend.
Speaker 6 (28:46):
As bizarre to miss that clean out and like you, say,
yes it's just baffling sort of stuff and that's what
leaves yeah people. Frustrated, yeah you want the game to.
Flow you only want intervention when it's totally, necessary and
it's just a terrible look when THE tmo comes in
(29:07):
and the referee to mu is.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
It so.
Speaker 4 (29:11):
The good news for The wallabies is The eden part
tiest against The All blacks to open The Blues Low.
Cup Murray jeancus and Andre A, piarti The italian from
the Second test to control that match is in the,
Middle so a couple of their.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
Favorites and for That test.
Speaker 6 (29:25):
Match how do you how do you think there were
lines reflect on that series when it's all said and.
Done you know there was talk abouts them joining The
pantheon Of Great lions teams of the.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
Path how can you join a pantheon of The Great
lions teams when you lost your first game To argentina
before you even. Left they were never in the pantheon
Of lions. Teams it was just absolute wank to seduce
that they were in there in the first. Place even
if they had won three mil over The. Wallabies you
lost your first game to a Good argentina, Site.
Speaker 5 (29:55):
Yeah that's, fair AND i think they.
Speaker 6 (29:57):
WERE i wasn't overly, impressed to be, honest and there
were a number of pundits around that, Tour Dan bigger
and others who were questions the performances and. Whatnot so,
yeah it wasn't overly impressed by the. LINES i think
probably Some irish bis and some of the selections and
a bit of a nod to some of those players
(30:17):
not being the forces they used to. Be but, yeah
even even looking at guys Like Finn, russell he was.
Superb and then his performance in that Third test sort
of encapsulates where The lion's nose dive.
Speaker 2 (30:30):
To, yeah they.
Speaker 4 (30:31):
Did And Bundy, ARKEY i think his days At test
level are probably almost, done if not. Done feels like
he's a fading. Force so he's had a great career
right from His chiefs And counties days to where he
is now In World cup trips and everything like. That
one of the best players in the world on his,
day BUT i think those days are sorely, numbered AND
i think the nucleus of That irish side as. WELL i,
(30:53):
mean we didn't See Josh funderflare at. ALL i don't
know what was going on, there but a quality player
that missed out on a lot of game time during that.
Series just felt Like Andy ferrold didn't quite get at selections.
Right whether he was trying to avoid selections of questions
of An irish bias and then still went with that
in any, WAY i don't. KNOW i just felt like
sometimes he didn't quite get selections right throughout the root that.
Speaker 6 (31:16):
Campaign, yeah, well how does the best of The lions
finish with a midfield pairing Of Owen farrell And bundi a.
Key i'm not too sure how that. Evolves And Jack,
MORGAN i think he was one of the lines best
and we didn't see enough of him. Either.
Speaker 4 (31:31):
Question did The lions still have relevance in rugby? Today
it just feels like a bit of a throwback to
thirty forty years. Ago, hey, LOOK i love the lines
when they COMMENT i watched every game of the, series
everything like, That but it just feels like it's kind
of a concept from the days where you didn't have
these teams come, down they didn't, tour there wasn't as
many eyes on the world game as there is now
(31:53):
and The All backs weren't playing these teams every year
every two. Years it feels Like british And Irish Lions
All star concept just to make a bit of revenue
every four. Years i'm not sure it's got the relevance
that it once did and whether it's still relevant and
test rapey.
Speaker 6 (32:09):
Today, well the nail on the head there is the.
Revenue they are an absolute cash. Cow they print money
every four years and they will effectively prop Up australian
rugby this. Tour you, know you look at a ninety
thousand sell out at THE. Mcg The Sydney test was sold. Out,
yeah it wasn't great across The Super, games but what
(32:30):
do they have twenty thirty forty thousand traveling, fans the
tradition of it. All it is a unique, beast but
it does disrupt the whole test. Calendar SO i still enjoy.
It BUT i think you raise a valid.
Speaker 4 (32:43):
Question interesting see twenty twenty nine coming to these shores
In New zealand and how that shakes down four years.
Away we will take a break here On Ragy direct
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Speaker 2 (32:56):
Level back with.
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Fans every, try.
Speaker 4 (33:06):
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Not It's you're back With Rugby, direct powered by Fourk Lives.
Solutions time now for the final Four full rugby topics
to sink our teeth into THE npc is. Underway and
look last year there was a jusey exchange When wellington Beat.
(33:28):
Canterbury we went on last, week BUT i should have
arranged something similar because it's a shame of reds and
blacks are. Old the men from the. Capitol great. Performance
that stood out to. Me, liam do stand out for?
Speaker 5 (33:40):
You once that stood?
Speaker 2 (33:41):
Out it's yeah hearing Past Reuben.
Speaker 5 (33:45):
Love that was whether it was, noted wasn't?
Speaker 6 (33:47):
It he still got, wheels doesn't he maybe had some
some Good welsh soup or what turnips rabbit?
Speaker 2 (33:55):
PIE i think there was another of the local.
Speaker 6 (33:57):
Delicacies, yeah there was a turning point in that. Match
notable win For. Canterbury, look it was a brilliance advertisement
for provincial rugby And New. Zealand WHAT i like about
the N pc is it's it's really pure in the
sense that it's not homo. Homogenized it's it's it really
(34:18):
is the essence Of New zealand rugby wanting to play.
Ball defense is optional to a, degree it's, not you,
know so structured players are playing on instinct and man
there are some great finishes Lemasop, wanga what a story
scoring the winning try and the dying moments At Eden,
park one of the two getting their first.
Speaker 5 (34:39):
Or winning their Over North.
Speaker 6 (34:41):
Harbor great win for, Them Tad Nakid, toney The Raanfrew,
Shield otago getting up At staggeday and one of the
biggest rugby events on The southern. Calendar so it really
does have a special place In New zealand. Rugby the
how you continue to fund it and where it sits
in the in the, ECOSYSTEM i think is a question
(35:04):
that's going to be answered in the near. Future but
the style of rugby are really do love AND i
think there is a lot of passion out there for,
it even if that doesn't translate into bums on.
Speaker 4 (35:14):
Seats, yeah, look embrace it for what it is and
not what you wish it would. BE i think is
probably the. Message because what we saw over the weekend
was highly highly entertaining from pretty much all seven of,
games by and. Large ye there were a couple of,
blowouts but even still they were. ENTERTAINING i just the,
thing as you, said it's great when it's played at smaller.
(35:35):
VENUES i mean The bay Plenty tasman game total and
Domain son stroaming through the MISTER whipopi truck's doing a roaring.
Trade that's what THE nbc should, be Not thursday night
footy At Eden park in front of three or four thousand.
People why are you hiring Out Eden park to do?
That you could be played it anywhere else Around. Auckland
(35:58):
and those the games that leave a sour taste in
your mouth when you've got a cold winter's evening there's
no one There saturday some, afternoon beautiful.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Stuff love it more of.
Speaker 6 (36:06):
That, yeah it's a terrible, lot big barn, stadiums nobody,
There nobody wants to see. That, yeah it just sucks
the life out of, it doesn't. It great, spectacle great.
Finish but, yeah all those games And wellington's done it
well that they've EFFECTIVELY i don't. Know i'm pretty sure
they're permanently plays part of a park And auckland's played
In pakerager previously and mentioned about domains a great lock
(36:30):
and what a statement from, them Belting tasman who have
a stacked. Roster steamers lost the final and extra time
last year and, yeah you could say they're made an
early case of.
Speaker 5 (36:42):
Favoritism, yeah but they've.
Speaker 4 (36:43):
Just lost a couple of players and a couple. More you,
Know na was not going to be, There. Toss he's
not going to be there, Now Myffilo Leroy. Carter so
these things can change on a die pretty. Quickly in
THE npc topic, Too Richie wong's return hits a speed
bump over when and where he can return for The All.
Blacks this are from our Colleague Griga paul last week
In The New Zealand Herald's aredu justing. Negotiations it's somewhat
(37:06):
of an impass around when he'll be eligible to play
for The All blacks again if he's to come, back
and it sounds like parties are willing to have him
back at some point in twenty twenty. Six what's your
read on this and does it need to become a
clearest system as to win players can come?
Speaker 6 (37:24):
Back it probably. Does, yeah the exemption case by case
basis is at league is lack of, consistency isn't? It
and it leaves it will leave some players miffed about
why preferential treatment was given to them and not. Others
if we deal with look look at lesterfying a nookie
(37:45):
as an. Example he's come, back he had to play
after two years In, france had to play in His
zellen provincial rugby to be eligible for The All.
Speaker 5 (37:52):
Blacks but.
Speaker 6 (37:55):
From What Scott robertson said, today it sounds like if
there was further, injuries there's seven protocols and he could
select him if he really wanted. To SO i don't
envision major issues Around Richard. WONGER i think there's a
non public agreements around reaching seventy test caps before you
(38:15):
can come back and join Your black straight away from
a sabbatical which would have been away for three. Years
it does seem nonsensical For muwanga to come back next
year play provincial rugby and not be able to go
on a two month tour Of South africa like that
would be such a, waste Wouldn't it.
Speaker 4 (38:34):
Would be a huge Waste AND i kind of think
that heed to the POINT i, THINK i like What
australia has done In australia have different issues To New
zealand in terms of player attention and recruitment and getting players.
Back but if your next assignment is with A New
zealand team at club, level so be at The, crusaders
be At, canterbury THEN i think you are. Eligible if
(38:54):
you've still god commitments In, japan then obviously you're not.
ELIGIBLE i think that'll be the clearest way to do.
It so If Richie wong completes His japan commitments and
then he's contracted To, canterbury The crusaders And New Zealand
rugby from mid twenty twenty, six and in theory is
next competition is THE nbc With, canterbury then he should
be eligible from that point as soon as he starts his.
Speaker 6 (39:12):
Contract, yeah maybe it's a different conversation if he comes
back and he's only signing for one, Year but if
he comes back and signs for, three that's a lengthy
level of commitments that should be rewarded and ultimately you
want the best players available for The All. Blacks so,
yeah it does seem a bit backwards to make a
(39:34):
guy play a whole provincial season while The All blacks
are In South.
Speaker 5 (39:38):
Africa why would you not have?
Speaker 4 (39:39):
Him that doesn't make any sense to, me Although i'm
Sure linwood and Christ church were quite like having rich
And way to try out for them in the middle
of next, year given they finish runners up in this
year's Christ Church Club. Final topic, three on the back
of what we saw during The lion, series do you
fear The wallabies and The Rugby championship from An All blacks.
Speaker 5 (39:55):
Perspective more so than you used? To but probably.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Not.
Speaker 6 (40:01):
No, look The wallabies have the ability to, challenge but
they have limitation as. Well and there's a couple of
very important points to note. Here Will skelton not available
for The Rugby championship because he plays his Domestic raby
in fronts AND i think that will be the case
For Taniela tupo as. Well he's signed for rushing And
(40:24):
tupo's extremely inconsistent but made a massive, impact particularly at scrum.
Time he did a number On Andrew porter in That Third.
Test so there's two massive physical forces that won't be
available for The wallabies forward. Pack they still lack depth
in a big. Way tomliner didn't convince it ten and
then you're looking at guys Like Ben. Donaldson so, yeah
(40:47):
they have. Threats they are vastly improved and they could
top all the All blacks on their, day BUT i
don't see them winning back to back tests to claim
The Bleders.
Speaker 2 (40:55):
Low, YEAH i think it's a bridge too far for.
Speaker 4 (40:57):
Them look that building, there and as you, Mentioned lescus
is going to come over and take over at some.
Point the depth is the issue With australian rugby as
it has been for a number of. Years when you
scratch the surface and get a couple of injuries or
players are unavailable Like Bill, skelton then they're not the
force that maybe they were during the line. Series SO
i think there's some promising signs. THERE i Think saulite
(41:19):
looks really comfortable in the test environment now he is
a player that is a game changer for. Them but
if they don't Have, skeleton they don't have a couple
of other key. Players Angus bell seems to be able to.
FAVOR i, MEAN i know he made the twenty, threes
but it seems to be able to favor for whatever
reason With Joe schmidt at the. Moment so if they
get the selection, right there are, chants but it's going
(41:39):
to be fascinating to see how they go To South
africa and whether that works out for them over, there
because it could be a case of two steps, four
one step back or you, know even further steps back
if you get my.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
Drift, yeah it's that depth because the attrition rate by
the time The All blacks And wallabies will meet will
be through the. Roof you think After Deill black's play
The pumas and Spring box and The wallabies do likewise
that there'll be you, know absentees and that's going to
have The wallabies harder than it will Deal.
Speaker 4 (42:08):
Blacks it will topic four in the final four current
time boy FOR lac confirming he signed with The chiefs
on a two year. Deal we touched on this in the.
Win it was reported In may In The New. Zealand
he all now confirmed as of this week that will
be there twenty six twenty. Seven wants to be In
All black played For tonga in twenty three is well
(42:28):
eighteen months just over into a. Standown pretty good pickup
for The chiefs on the basis of what we've seen
From wanna pacifica he spoke To Collie Jason pine today
and said that he thinks That wanna can continue to,
bold but you just hope it's not the case of
picking off players that now want to play for The
All blacks rather than playing for Their pacific.
Speaker 6 (42:47):
Nations, yeah it a continues the, trend doesn't it of
Levamor tavanawa Now Tom way for Low cherry picking the
best standouts From wuana and.
Speaker 5 (43:01):
Them going.
Speaker 6 (43:02):
Elsewhere it is an individual. Decision this is Not New
Zealand rugby coming in and saying we'll have You tom world.
Flower HAS i heard him speak at a stand up
today and he's talking about learning From All, blacks wanting
to be in that environment and even contesting a starting
spot is going to be much. Harder that's going to
(43:23):
improve from week to. Week and that's why he's gone
to The.
Speaker 2 (43:26):
Chiefs, YEAH i think it's fair.
Speaker 4 (43:27):
POINT i mean they've got Ad exavi going back the
other way and the dangerous you go from being that
big fashion a small pond to an extent because of
the depth At Mowana. Pacifica you, know someone Like Levian
moore stood out big time At, mauana looked out standing
and then went to The crusaders and barely made a
ripple over the two seasons that he's there and now
(43:48):
going To. Japan so it sometimes doesn't always work. Out
but if you're a player wanting to learn off the,
beast then you kind of need to be in that
pool as. Well so wishing The beast to, LUCK i
think he's got a lot to Offer New zealand rugby
over the next few.
Speaker 6 (43:59):
Years and you look at the it comes back to
the point we're both making earlier about the wing. Spots
he is a guy that will be very much in
the frame on the next two. Years you talked about
how that complexion can change really, quickly that wingers can
rise through the ranks, rapidly AND i think he's a
guy along With Jacob Rushim. Mavooki nipkins has looked really
(44:22):
good in his. Comeback who's the other a tonguey towel
before his. Injury there's a bringer maybe Hockey yeah, yeah
settled down againy. Buyas but these are the guys that
have out and outpace AND i think that has something
that The All blacks are lacking on the. Edge so
there's a Poll lawinger is there that could any any
(44:45):
one of them could come through in the next few.
Speaker 5 (44:47):
Years so, YEAH i Wish.
Speaker 6 (44:50):
Current all the best and hope he gets a crack
because The chiefs have lost a, few haven't, They Sean,
stevenson and so, yeah there's a few openings there for.
Speaker 4 (44:57):
Him, absolutely will that about do? Us For rugby director this,
WEEK i think we've been. POSITIVE i think it's been
a positive.
Speaker 6 (45:03):
Discussion it's just one final thing to mention that very
very positive. News Actually foxton for the First i'm In
Hotophone Company Club, rugby history of any club In Hotophon
company one the seniors and reserves this, year so the
club and the town is absolutely. Humming AND i saw
footage of them taking the trophy through The New, world
down the main streets and carrying on for a few.
(45:25):
Days so great scenes.
Speaker 2 (45:27):
There there's a mainstream In. Fox it's got it all,
okay very.
Speaker 4 (45:31):
Good, well we will be back again with another episode
next week ON. Rugb it's erect powered By Forklift, solutions
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Speaker 2 (45:41):
English we will catch you next time.
Speaker 1 (45:47):
For more From News talks AT. B listen live on
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight Down the Middle of.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Drum Dicky Score.
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Try these.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliott Smith and Leam Napier, powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Welcome Ino Rugby Direct powered by Fourklift Solutions, lifting you
and your business to a higher level. After a week
of rest and rotation, we're back on Rugby Direct Elliott
Smith with me as always Liam Napier, Rugby writer for
The New Zealand Herald. Liam, we had to put the
feed up last week, but we're back and some would
say better than ever.
Speaker 5 (00:58):
It's all right.
Speaker 6 (00:58):
It's to refresh and revive and bring the positivity.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
Here spunge the negativity which was suggested to us by
a perhaps a former listener potentially off the podcast when
I mentioned it on Twitter that we would not be
on this week. Well, we come in and record the podcast.
In the wake of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad
being named, there are forty two names on the team
(01:25):
sheet named by Scott Robertson and co. Today, six of
the players injury cover this squad to cover the entire
Rugby Championship, hence why there are so many players covering
for other players in the squad. We got an update
last week around the injuries Liam and then today we
see Simon Parker named in the squad proper. We see
(01:46):
in the injury cover list uncapped players Tavita Maffalo, Carl
Preston and Leroy Carter. We see Finlay Christie's name back
as injury cover, and we also see Wallace to Tt
and Peter Luckeye back in there as well, among other things.
So where do you want to start? What stands out
to you most from this squad? Oh, it's a big squad,
isn't it? Forty two players?
Speaker 6 (02:07):
And I think that well, they clearly will be a
lot of comings and goings throughout this tournament, particularly in
the I think the All Blacks are taking thirty seven
players to Argentina, mafe Leo will go and to Maty
Williams will go, and then they'll be chopping and changing,
won't theren Scott Robertson will be an expert juggler by
(02:28):
the end of this tournament. I guess the new faces
always stand out don't they So, Simon Parker, we knew
the All Blacks were keeping a very close eye on him.
One hundred and nineteen cag's close to two meters to
I think one point nine to five meters. Twenty five
year olds really stoot out for the Chiefs this year.
(02:49):
Scott Robinson talked about how accurate he was as well
as been a big player, a big frame. So he's
notable because he's in the squad, he's there for the
entirety of the tournament and then others. I guess I'm
excited to see Kyle Preston in that mix. I think
he's a guy that appeals, he's quick, he's got great support,
(03:11):
plays called four tries in his first Super Rugby appearance
for the Crusaders, and Lee Roy Carter as well. Scott
Robinson today labeled him the fastest man in New Zealand,
which might need some fact chicking potential potentially, but he's
a real point of difference, versatile, fast and those outside
backs spots do seem wide open, and I guess a
(03:33):
couple of omissions. Christian Leo Wede, who came in from
being injury cover initially for Wallace a TS and Dalton Puppole.
Speaker 5 (03:41):
He drops out.
Speaker 6 (03:42):
After coming off the bench, which was probably to be expected.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
What about you, Yeah, the one that stands out to
me is Simon Parker. Oh, I'm same as you. He
was the name that we heard being whispered about as
a contender for the Rugby Championship squad. An untimely injury
in the back end of the Chiefs campaign and he
didn't play through their run in the latter part of
the season to the final. But is there a much
the prototype that they've been looking for in this ongoing
(04:05):
search that has been going on for eighty y to
try and replace Jerome Cano With her players come in
and out, you can see whether they're going with two
Part VI in terms of the body type that rafter
but certainly Simon Parker's similar size, weight, height, etc. But
more of a natural loose ford than probably we've seen
from Tupa VII who can do the role and perform
(04:27):
well during the Rugby Championship. But Simon Parker is certainly
more natural as a flankers, so I think that stands
out to him and the fact that he is included
in the squad proper is more of a voter confidence
to his ability that he probably would have been there
in July had it not been for that injury he
got during Super Rugby. Interestingly, he has got to play
(04:47):
a bit more rugby before he gets on the plane
for the Tunny Far this weekend in the NPC, before
they get on there. But I really do like that
selection is a player that's been around for a few years,
has had a few injuries and not being able to
get a regular spot in the chief side through those injuries.
But when he's been on the park this year, it
feels like a player that has grown into his frame,
(05:09):
now know the way, knows the way he can use
his frame, and that's what the All Blacks are wanting
from him.
Speaker 5 (05:15):
That's right, and he will get a chance.
Speaker 6 (05:17):
I think the All Blacks will go back to Tupo VII,
whether it's straight away for the Pumas or the Spring Rocks.
I think they like that. They will persevere with that.
But that six jersey does still feel open. You've got
some a Penny female there who played well and Hamilton,
but it was a one off performance. Needs to back
that up. Simon Parker. Another option, Wallace Titi comes back
(05:37):
in the mix. We expect him to go to number
eight with Ardie Stain at seven, so that leaves the
six jersey open. And as you say, it's been a
perennial question who is the All Blacks blind so going
to be and Simon Parker is certainly one of the
next Cabs off the rank.
Speaker 4 (05:54):
Let's hear what Scott Robinson said about Simon Parker at
the team naming today.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Yeah, it's good timing, you know, like Fisher just want
to mention Simon's history, you know, like he came through
through the sort of the age groups twenty stuff and
she had a lot of promise and then was injured
and he had back two or three back to back
injuries and just couldn't quite get his rhythm. And then
in the last year or two's got on the field,
(06:19):
been incredibly professional, you know, his body type and has
changed just being in the chiefs and consistency of playing
footy week to week. He's a big man, he's tough.
Buddy's accurate too. I think that's the key thing for him.
So we just really pleased he's he's coming at the
right time.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Yeah, Scott Robinson there on Simon Parkers. So the loose
Ford mix with Parker's inclusion there as you mentioned, no
Dalton Papa LETI there was a little bit of thought
that maybe eating blackhead and might get a looking for
this Rugby Championship, but not to be and almost under
the radar in terms of the selection. Peter Luckeye comes
back and got injured towards the end of Super Rugby,
(06:59):
right back in the mix, and then all of a
sudden the All Blacks have what seven loose forwards that
they have named for this Rugby Championship.
Speaker 6 (07:06):
Yeah, after only having five four July, it is a
bigger squad, but that was clearly a group they were
looking to add to.
Speaker 5 (07:14):
All similar sort of players.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
Aren't they quite dynamic, very good with ball in hands, mobile,
So I think it's a good mix there. The spotlight
for me, though, Earliot shines brightest on the halfback Runks
and because the All Blacks aren't going to be able
(07:36):
to replace Ken Rugab, there's no light for light replacement.
Rygad for me is firmly in the conversation for the
world's best halfback alongside DuPont and Grant Williams out of
South Africa.
Speaker 5 (07:47):
Jamison Gibson Park.
Speaker 6 (07:49):
He's only played twelve tests, but his influence has been
such on this group. His booming left boot has sniping
his size. There's nobody around in the New Zealand team
that can emulate what he brings. And then you lose
Noah Hotham as well, who was pushing to be the
number two. So you bring in finally Christy and Kyle
(08:12):
Preston three with cortiez Rasima, three similar sized halfbacks.
Speaker 5 (08:18):
Are you worried about that mix?
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (08:20):
I am, Actually I think there's a real drop off
to the next group of half backs that come through.
I thought hoping was good off the bench and that
opportunity got in Hamilton and would have put some real
pressure on for this trip to Argentina and beyond to
either be the bench player now we're doing cam Roy
guards out, you know, maybe even be the starting half
back for the All Black. So now things get shaken
(08:41):
up a little bit and I think while there's a
obviously new faces there in the returning faces and the
shape of Preston and obviously Christie returning, for me, the
series looms is quite big for courtiz Ratima in a
way because he is going to get you would think
starting opportunity at least in the four first Test in Cordoba,
and now he's got Christie back in the mix and Preston.
(09:02):
They're nipping at his heels and I think Ratama hasn't
quite convinced so far this year and maybe even the
back end of love.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Next year with the All Blacks.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
So I think it's won a big opportunity for cause Isratima,
but also a bit of pressure now because he doesn't
stand alone alongside the Group's more my thinking that these
players could now put some pressure on him when it
comes to a full strength All Blacks halfback max.
Speaker 6 (09:25):
I think back to last year when Ratima came in
and he generally looked better when he was starting, but
he sort of lost a bit of ground from there,
and then when he did get the start in Hamilton
first time in a long time, struggled, had one nice
kick which set up a try. But my worry for
(09:47):
that mix of half backs as they're all quite small
and the All Blacks are still trying to get their
breakdown right and the Pumas will come hard there, the
spring box will come hard there and if the ball
is messy, if the All Blacks don't get that front
foot platform. Then we've seen Ratima and others struggle with
that and that does worry me a little bit because
(10:09):
it just affects the whole flow of everything.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
Well. Finlay Christie very much a defensive halfback. That's why
he was selected for a long time in the All
Blacks under Ian Foster as the bench half back, not
so much for his impact with the ball in hand,
but what he was able to do on defense. And
it seems like this could be an opportunity for Christy
to really come back into the max. I mean, he
was obviously dropped in the first after the first squad
that Scot Robertson named last year. This time a year
(10:32):
ago for the Rugby Championship, he wasn't in the squad
to be seen. Now he's back in the mix. I
think it's a big opportunity for him. There was a
report last week that he's been lined up by Newcastle
now owned by Red Bull or about to be owned
by Red Bull, to go up and play there. You know,
he is eligible for Scotland as well. If he plays
on this tour, that resets the eligibility clock and he
(10:53):
could well be back in the All Blacks Max for
twenty twenty seven, So big opportunity for someone like Finlay Christie.
I would have liked to see maybe someone with a
little bit more running game, dynamic running game, maybe at
topa Funaki in the mix actually for that fucker. Tava's
a player that's been there before. I know he has
his fans out there. I don't know that he's ever
(11:16):
hit those heights again of twenty twenty one and twenty
twenty two that he reached, But some with that little
bit of innate running game I would have liked to
see in the mix.
Speaker 6 (11:23):
Yeah, quite like Xavier Rowe and what he brings. He's
got a really subtle passing game and he challenges around
the fringes as well. But he's another in that sort
of smaller bracket and that's where nobody comes close to
replicating what Royga brings. So it is going to be
a real challenge for the All Blacks to get these
half packs up to speed, to get them accurate, and
(11:45):
a lot of their onus is going to fall on
that full pack to provide that platform, that clean ball,
because when you look at their kicking game in particular,
Ratsma and Christy that's not a noted strength of strength
of theirs. Preston is and for me, when I look
at that group, Preston is the one if he does
get a chance that that could be a big mover
(12:05):
if he gets the opportunity. But it's a very different
prospect coming off the bench and super Ragby to coming
on and trying to close out a test that might
be in the balance in Argentina and a white hot atmosphere.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
Yeah, chance to make your name, but also a lot
of pressure comes in in that regard not hop out
for seven to eight weeks Ken Roygard. Haven't got an
exact timeline, but stress fractures can be about six to
eight weeks as well. So hard to see either of
those players being involved until probably the bledders Low Cup
at the earliest really, which is you know, again, chances
(12:38):
for these players, but it leaves a big drop.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Off in terms of the halfbacks.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
It does.
Speaker 6 (12:42):
And look, this is a tough start to the Rabbit
Championship field, but let's going to Argentina for two tests.
Is not the prospect that used to be. The Pumas
have improved drastically. Then you've got to come all the
way home and face the spring box and back to
back tests. It's pretty daunting when you've got some of
these injury setbacks.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Indeed, it as let's hear from Scott Robinson on the
All Blacks half back mix.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Look, we've been sort of checking him the last year
or so. Obviously when an NBC off the back of him,
he came on finisher. He was incredible in the in
the final for the for the Crusaders, and that's what
we just need in the next potentially in the next
few games. Something that's performed recently, especially with the great
kicking game he's got and he's hard work and his
speeder passes has bang on. Yeah, experience, he's had a
(13:28):
few tests, been around, you know, being some World cups
who can slot straight back and that's where he wants
to be in the All Blacks and his every time
we've we've had conversation with him, he said, what else
can I do better and how can I improve to
be back there? And you know he's done everything we
need and we can see, well, it's great to have
him back in the team.
Speaker 4 (13:47):
That's All Blacks coach Scott Robertson talking first about Kyle Preeston.
I'm sure you probably gathered that, and then secondly about
Finlay Christie. The other couple of new names. Leroy Carter
in the extended squads or the injury traveling squad, the
injury cover squad. He's been a player that's been It
was mentioned during Super Rugby first fifteen season for Super
(14:08):
in a Super Rugby campaign. Very impressive, lightning, quick and
versatile as well. He played center yesterday for Bay of Plenty.
In the NPC, he played on the wing for the Chiefs.
He has also played a fair bit of rugby at
halfback as well, so he's a dynamic player that can
really slot in multiple positions in the back line. I
(14:29):
quite like the look of Leroy Carter and I'm looking
forward to seeing him potentially given opportunity.
Speaker 5 (14:34):
Yeah, I hope he gets a chance.
Speaker 6 (14:35):
I thought I would have had him in the July squads,
particularly given the question marks around the outside back departments.
Mark t Lea's departure for Japan. I think he leaves
after the NPC, and I think it's probably been underestimated
or blown over a wee bit. The All Blacks are
struggling to replace what he brings. Leroy Carter sort of
(14:56):
Eliza's size, doesn't he? He tough and resilient, very good, defensively,
strong over the ball at the breakdown, rapids, great finisher
and made that tre position from seven's to his rookie
Super Rugby campaign made it look like a breeze this year.
So great to see him and that mix. And Nanawa
(15:17):
is also elevated. So you dick, you suspect Carter's probably
down the rung a wee bit at this point, behind
Severa Reese and Rikawanny and Ammoni Naawa and Caleb Clark's
out for at least the next month.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
So does he get a chance, Well, I.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Think he does.
Speaker 4 (15:35):
He'll get a chance, I'm sure at some point in
this competition, just with the injuries and things like that.
And I think wing is an area where you can
quite climb quickly up the ranks. You look at Mark
Deliga himself back in twenty twenty two, it was almost
an eyebrown raising thing when he got called into the
All Blacks because he looked pretty good at Super Rugby
level but certainly wasn't in the All Blacks conversation got
(15:55):
called in for the Northern Tour in end of twenty
twenty two, started against Scotland from memory or came off
the bench, but had a real impact in that game,
very impressive the week Africans England and then he was
away in terms of his All Blacks career. So it's
an area where you can climb up the ranks and
we've seen wings come in really hot the hot hand.
They take the opportunity and they can get there. So
(16:17):
interested to see I assume he will get an opportunity
at some point and you know that versatility probably helps
him in terms of an All Blacks bench makeup. But
here's Scott Robinson talking about Leroy Carter and what position
he sees him best in loose.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Forward, I think, oh boonfo. He was a head of
a phone call. Actually it was. It was a nice
start to here. It was very very emotional. Didn't say much,
he was just taking a few moments, you know, and
I said, look, if you chants to go and ring
your family straight after this and enjoy the moment. Look,
(16:52):
he's went the junior of the seventh path, like a
lot of players do this, you know, in their career
and then come back and transitions to fifteen's and through
the season. You just saw how many linebacks he makes.
How good is yet the break down the covering tackles
if it's off the ball, he's tough, probably the fastest
(17:12):
in New Zealand, you know, on on record time. So
he's got a lot of pauses. From here, you'd be
welcome into the deal Blacks and keep working on that craft.
You're gonna bring a lot of energy. Question but I
went first and you're yeah, currently, I think that's a
good question from you too, because we saw him paid
(17:33):
thirteen for the bay. You know, we don't have any
control around that. We thought that's ideal for us because
you know he can cover nine. He's paid a lot
of nine, cover wing and at center, and you can
see most teams have players like that, specially if you
split your bench.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Carter being talked about by Scott Robertson, there multiple positions
that he can cover a few other things to cover
off from the squad Liam to Vima Felo coming in
as injury cover for thou Lomax. That's an interesting one
because I would have thought would have been the nixt
cab off the rank. Muffalo has played a lot for
(18:13):
the Hurricanes in recent years, they have plenty of now
got the you know, a couple of tight heads, so
they're gonna have to go looking around Club Rugby to
try and find some tight heads for the NPC this weekend.
Speaker 6 (18:24):
Yeah, I think what's edge muffoleo and as he can
play both sides of the scrum and as a noted scrummager,
so at test level, that's first and foremost, isn't it. Yeah,
a few of the points there I suffer more quite
a curious absence for me.
Speaker 5 (18:40):
He's listed as unavailable.
Speaker 6 (18:42):
He hasn't played a lot of rugby this year, but
I've seen some footage today of striding out with Jordi
Barrett's at training and it sounds like he'll return for
Wellington in the coming weeks. So I'm quite surprised your
Blacks haven't brought him straight back in it at least
named him because now he can't feature in this Raby Championship.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Well they can. I'm sure they can manipulate it somehow.
It'd be hard to drop a player out.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
But yeah, I thought he might have been in the mix,
but he hasn't played to the back end of Super Rugby,
so perhaps just getting some game time under the belt,
which is probably why they've also gone with Josh Lord's over.
Say Sam Dowry, who only has played what twenty minutes
twenty five minutes for Canterbury over the weekend since all
of the year.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
What about Arkoy?
Speaker 6 (19:26):
And I thought Arkoy was pretty much with the Blacks
for the bulk of that July series. Training with him,
we thought he might get a look in that third
Test when injuries struck late. But Josh Lord comes over
the top of him. I guess he's been there, done that.
But is another one that's Bailey really played. So if
(19:47):
you're an Arkoy, you'd feel pretty hard done by, wouldn't
you would?
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Maybe? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (19:52):
I mean Josh Lord things interesting because he has barely
played rugby really. He seems like he plays with two games,
then gets injured again, went off for an hia on
the weekend. He did pass that, but didn't come back
on the park. Yeah, that's an intriguing one for me.
I guess they've got enough for loose Fords that can
sleep another lock there. But again, I'm just not sure
that he's once a project player. Josh Lord, He's been
(20:13):
around twenty twenty one yet to really convince at Test
level and would seem to do well down the pecking
water now, at least in the rankings that I've got
in my mind, but clearly not in the rankings that
Scott Robinson.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
And co work on.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
Yeah, I think he had that one Test star in
Argentina a couple of years back, came out from injury
and played really well. But yeah, hasn't done a lot else.
A couple of other points to not offer doing a
fussy listed as unavailable. He's had neck surgery and Scott
Robinson saying today that he won't be back until the
next Super Rugby season, so clearly given him some time
(20:49):
to get that nick right.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Yeah, absolutely, and there were whispers that it was you know,
obviously knicks injuries at anytime, it's serious, but it could
be potentially a one that holded his career. So look,
if he's targeting next year, great to see him back
out of the park.
Speaker 2 (21:03):
Interested.
Speaker 4 (21:04):
So he's doing a bit of acting in his downtime
as well. He's in the new Jason Mamora Apple TV
show alongside Eric Rush and we Range is also in there,
and look he's not just in there for a half second,
he's in there for a couple of minutes and that
show I just sawt of it online today, so star
studded cast absolutely is the other thing though I just
want to raise as well is it was interesting And
(21:25):
I don't know whether this to reading anything into this
or not. Scott Barrett was speaking to the country here
on Ens and Me a couple of weeks ago around
selections and he sort of mentioned that maybe a six'
two option could be a possibility for The All. Blacks
do you see them doing this at, all whether it's Against,
Argentina South, Africa australia at all in The Rapey.
Speaker 6 (21:44):
Championship, YEAH i think it is something they will and
probably should. Try just it's something that we've. Seen it's
a lot more common, now isn't. It The british And
Irish lions went that way in The Third, test and
we've seen it From South africa And england and.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
Others AND.
Speaker 6 (22:02):
I don't know if it's more important now but that
The ford platform and the way substitutes are used to
roll off the. Bench even The french In july would
throw on four or five forwards at, once and it
does and it can really can change the complexion of
a match that've seen the Spring box with their bomb,
squad and with the versatility of some of The All
(22:23):
blacks loose, forwards you know potentially some of them could
slide out and cover the backs if. Necessary SO i
think it's something we will see from The All blacks
and probably should at at some. Point but it does
come with a degree of risk if you lose a pivotal,
back it.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
Does, indeed we can assume though the rest of the
injured players in the squad will be fit for. Selection
there was an update obviously issued last week with players
like A boat And Barrett Scott barrett all expected to
be fit for that First test in Card.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Over and it's going to be a tough, tour this
one In, argentina isn't. It it?
Speaker 6 (22:54):
IS i think To Mighty williams probably for the Second.
Test sounds like he'll be. Fits just one other. Thing
riccowani is officially listed as an outside, back so transition
does that draw a line through him.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
To don't think for Good i'm willing to leave the
door open. THERE i look at the midfielders that they've
got Then At brown can obviously play, Center Quinta pie
can play center as, well hasn't done a lot of it.
Recently Billy procter has been first choice during the season
And Tava nahai as. Well COULD i think play a.
Center so probably not in the foreseeable, future BUT i
(23:32):
wouldn't rule out perhaps a change of thinking. Again, again
AS i mentioned just, BEFORE i think the wings can
change pretty quickly In test. RUGBY i think he's still
got a lot to offer At test. Rugby whether it
is on the wing or it seem TO i don't,
know BUT i wouldn't be willing to draw a line
through it just.
Speaker 6 (23:48):
Yet it does feel like his career is in an
interesting stage as, well though he's going To lenster next
year for a. Sabbatical fallen out of favor at, center
probably hasn't nailed his opportunities on the wing as, yet
hadn't played on the wing for three four years prior
to this, year so in a wee bit of a
state of flux rego interesting to see how he performs
(24:11):
and where that evolves to over the next six to twelve.
Speaker 4 (24:14):
Months, indeed fascinating squad named By Scott robertson for This Rugby.
Championship the first test is on the seventeenth Of, August
New zealand time nine to ten kick Offf you can
hear it ON us.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Talk Zbig Gold sport And.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
iHeartRadio The british And Irish lions series wrapped up over
the weekend In, Australia australia getting back a consolation win
to won the final test score and that was a
fascinating game of rugby in so many. WAYS i don't
know where to, Start, liam But Australia selwidge a little
bit of respect out of that series and take the
(24:49):
game to the. Lines, yeah what did you make OF
i guess the last couple of, tests given we weren't
here last, WEEK.
Speaker 6 (24:56):
I think the last two performances from The wallaby show
they were. Underdone excuse me for that First test which
they were hugely underwhelming and they lacked, size the impact
and influence from guys Like Will, Skelton Rob. Valentini in
that second, Test Tom hooper was mad at the. Match
(25:17):
in the third they And Nick white not a huge
fan of his, necessarily but The wallabies really got under
The lion's skin and they were hugely competitive on the.
WHOLE i think the aggregate score there's one point separates
them across that. SERIES i think That lions team was massively.
(25:40):
OVERHYPED i think The wallabies got better and The lions
probably got. Worse but, yeah that Third test was, bizarre
Wasn't it was streaming down with, rain there was a
forty minute break for the lightning. Strikes The LIONS i
don't want to say they checked, out but they certainly
didn't seem to be anywhere near the same level they
(26:03):
were in previous weeks as.
Speaker 4 (26:04):
Well got the impression that they'd been on the hose
for a few days and was so clebrating and. Realized
and remember they had A test match to play on The.
Saturday didn't feel like a performance that they would have
put in if the series was won all and so
to give The wallabies heaps the, Credit i'll probably stop
a little bit short of, that just because The. Lions
(26:24):
it was a dead Rubber test match as much as
The test match can. Be BUT i still thought The,
wallabies you, know played some rugby and as you, SAY
i think they got better over the course of the,
series and clearly The lions got. Worse they landed In
australia beat all The super rugby sides in front of
them beat The Australian New, zealand SO i beat THE pacifica.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Side but The tests were a lot harder.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
Going and you know it's easy to look back now
and again prefacing that with my comments THAT i don't
think The lions would have played like they did On
saturday night if the series isn't won. All but that
big decision right at the ends of the second match
changed the course of the.
Speaker 6 (26:58):
Series it, did, Absolutely and if you're A wallabyes, fan
you'd be you'd have claims to sit back and say they.
Speaker 5 (27:05):
Were robbed of the.
Speaker 6 (27:06):
Series, yeah, absolutely AND i don't believe that because it
wasn't just one. Decision The wallabies are. Up it was
it twenty three to. Five they played extremely well for
probably thirty thirty five minutes and then let the lines back.
In so, yeah that that decision is a real flip
of the. Coin but The wallabies blew that Second. Test but,
yeah the PERFORMANCES i think speak To Joe schmidt the
(27:29):
job he's. Done there's some SELECTIONS i didn't necessarily agree
with the cross that, series but a lot of them
came good and what a salvage Job joe has done
with that team and it's going to be an incredibly
tough job For Liz kiss to come in after The Rugby.
Championship some big performances from The. Wallabies they're back three
played really. Well Tom wright as a superb for.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
Football, Yeah Lenny.
Speaker 6 (27:51):
AKTAU i think he had the most line breaks across the.
Series he was strong in the. Midfield joseph Sue LEE
i think still has some vulnerabilities on, defense but he's
a talented.
Speaker 5 (28:03):
Footballer And.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Nick.
Speaker 6 (28:06):
Frost you know there's a lot made of will skelt,
him but he was huge in that Second, test some
big line out. Wins quite an underrated PRESENCE i think
in That wallaby's.
Speaker 4 (28:14):
Pack absolutely every WEEK i come on and SAY i
won't bag THE tmo Because i'm trying not So i'm
really trying not to do that on the podcast BECAUSE
i don't want to be a one trick. Pony but
what Was Murray shanka doing on the weekend didn't intervene
in the line of clean? Out Dan sheen's now in
(28:35):
facing the music At World Rugby's Disciplinary committee as a
result of, it then comes in for When Nick white
was jogging alongside A lions, player what On earth Was
Murray shanka doing on the weekend.
Speaker 6 (28:46):
As bizarre to miss that clean out and like you, say,
yes it's just baffling sort of stuff and that's what
leaves yeah people. Frustrated, yeah you want the game to.
Flow you only want intervention when it's totally, necessary and
it's just a terrible look when THE tmo comes in
(29:07):
and the referee to mu is.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
It so.
Speaker 4 (29:11):
The good news for The wallabies is The eden part
tiest against The All blacks to open The Blues Low.
Cup Murray jeancus and Andre A, piarti The italian from
the Second test to control that match is in the,
Middle so a couple of their.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
Favorites and for That test.
Speaker 6 (29:25):
Match how do you how do you think there were
lines reflect on that series when it's all said and.
Done you know there was talk abouts them joining The
pantheon Of Great lions teams of the.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
Path how can you join a pantheon of The Great
lions teams when you lost your first game To argentina
before you even. Left they were never in the pantheon
Of lions. Teams it was just absolute wank to seduce
that they were in there in the first. Place even
if they had won three mil over The. Wallabies you
lost your first game to a Good argentina, Site.
Speaker 5 (29:55):
Yeah that's, fair AND i think they.
Speaker 6 (29:57):
WERE i wasn't overly, impressed to be, honest and there
were a number of pundits around that, Tour Dan bigger
and others who were questions the performances and. Whatnot so,
yeah it wasn't overly impressed by the. LINES i think
probably Some irish bis and some of the selections and
a bit of a nod to some of those players
(30:17):
not being the forces they used to. Be but, yeah
even even looking at guys Like Finn, russell he was.
Superb and then his performance in that Third test sort
of encapsulates where The lion's nose dive.
Speaker 2 (30:30):
To, yeah they.
Speaker 4 (30:31):
Did And Bundy, ARKEY i think his days At test
level are probably almost, done if not. Done feels like
he's a fading. Force so he's had a great career
right from His chiefs And counties days to where he
is now In World cup trips and everything like. That
one of the best players in the world on his,
day BUT i think those days are sorely, numbered AND
i think the nucleus of That irish side as. WELL i,
(30:53):
mean we didn't See Josh funderflare at. ALL i don't
know what was going on, there but a quality player
that missed out on a lot of game time during that.
Series just felt Like Andy ferrold didn't quite get at selections.
Right whether he was trying to avoid selections of questions
of An irish bias and then still went with that
in any, WAY i don't. KNOW i just felt like
sometimes he didn't quite get selections right throughout the root that.
Speaker 6 (31:16):
Campaign, yeah, well how does the best of The lions
finish with a midfield pairing Of Owen farrell And bundi a.
Key i'm not too sure how that. Evolves And Jack,
MORGAN i think he was one of the lines best
and we didn't see enough of him. Either.
Speaker 4 (31:31):
Question did The lions still have relevance in rugby? Today
it just feels like a bit of a throwback to
thirty forty years. Ago, hey, LOOK i love the lines
when they COMMENT i watched every game of the, series
everything like, That but it just feels like it's kind
of a concept from the days where you didn't have
these teams come, down they didn't, tour there wasn't as
many eyes on the world game as there is now
(31:53):
and The All backs weren't playing these teams every year
every two. Years it feels Like british And Irish Lions
All star concept just to make a bit of revenue
every four. Years i'm not sure it's got the relevance
that it once did and whether it's still relevant and
test rapey.
Speaker 6 (32:09):
Today, well the nail on the head there is the.
Revenue they are an absolute cash. Cow they print money
every four years and they will effectively prop Up australian
rugby this. Tour you, know you look at a ninety
thousand sell out at THE. Mcg The Sydney test was sold. Out,
yeah it wasn't great across The Super, games but what
(32:30):
do they have twenty thirty forty thousand traveling, fans the
tradition of it. All it is a unique, beast but
it does disrupt the whole test. Calendar SO i still enjoy.
It BUT i think you raise a valid.
Speaker 4 (32:43):
Question interesting see twenty twenty nine coming to these shores
In New zealand and how that shakes down four years.
Away we will take a break here On Ragy direct
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Solutions time now for the final Four full rugby topics
to sink our teeth into THE npc is. Underway and
look last year there was a jusey exchange When wellington Beat.
(33:28):
Canterbury we went on last, week BUT i should have
arranged something similar because it's a shame of reds and
blacks are. Old the men from the. Capitol great. Performance
that stood out to. Me, liam do stand out for?
Speaker 5 (33:40):
You once that stood?
Speaker 2 (33:41):
Out it's yeah hearing Past Reuben.
Speaker 5 (33:45):
Love that was whether it was, noted wasn't?
Speaker 6 (33:47):
It he still got, wheels doesn't he maybe had some
some Good welsh soup or what turnips rabbit?
Speaker 2 (33:55):
PIE i think there was another of the local.
Speaker 6 (33:57):
Delicacies, yeah there was a turning point in that. Match
notable win For. Canterbury, look it was a brilliance advertisement
for provincial rugby And New. Zealand WHAT i like about
the N pc is it's it's really pure in the
sense that it's not homo. Homogenized it's it's it really
(34:18):
is the essence Of New zealand rugby wanting to play.
Ball defense is optional to a, degree it's, not you,
know so structured players are playing on instinct and man
there are some great finishes Lemasop, wanga what a story
scoring the winning try and the dying moments At Eden,
park one of the two getting their first.
Speaker 5 (34:39):
Or winning their Over North.
Speaker 6 (34:41):
Harbor great win for, Them Tad Nakid, toney The Raanfrew,
Shield otago getting up At staggeday and one of the
biggest rugby events on The southern. Calendar so it really
does have a special place In New zealand. Rugby the
how you continue to fund it and where it sits
in the in the, ECOSYSTEM i think is a question
(35:04):
that's going to be answered in the near. Future but
the style of rugby are really do love AND i
think there is a lot of passion out there for,
it even if that doesn't translate into bums on.
Speaker 4 (35:14):
Seats, yeah, look embrace it for what it is and
not what you wish it would. BE i think is
probably the. Message because what we saw over the weekend
was highly highly entertaining from pretty much all seven of,
games by and. Large ye there were a couple of,
blowouts but even still they were. ENTERTAINING i just the,
thing as you, said it's great when it's played at smaller.
(35:35):
VENUES i mean The bay Plenty tasman game total and
Domain son stroaming through the MISTER whipopi truck's doing a roaring.
Trade that's what THE nbc should, be Not thursday night
footy At Eden park in front of three or four thousand.
People why are you hiring Out Eden park to do?
That you could be played it anywhere else Around. Auckland
(35:58):
and those the games that leave a sour taste in
your mouth when you've got a cold winter's evening there's
no one There saturday some, afternoon beautiful.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Stuff love it more of.
Speaker 6 (36:06):
That, yeah it's a terrible, lot big barn, stadiums nobody,
There nobody wants to see. That, yeah it just sucks
the life out of, it doesn't. It great, spectacle great.
Finish but, yeah all those games And wellington's done it
well that they've EFFECTIVELY i don't. Know i'm pretty sure
they're permanently plays part of a park And auckland's played
In pakerager previously and mentioned about domains a great lock
(36:30):
and what a statement from, them Belting tasman who have
a stacked. Roster steamers lost the final and extra time
last year and, yeah you could say they're made an
early case of.
Speaker 5 (36:42):
Favoritism, yeah but they've.
Speaker 4 (36:43):
Just lost a couple of players and a couple. More you,
Know na was not going to be, There. Toss he's
not going to be there, Now Myffilo Leroy. Carter so
these things can change on a die pretty. Quickly in
THE npc topic, Too Richie wong's return hits a speed
bump over when and where he can return for The All.
Blacks this are from our Colleague Griga paul last week
In The New Zealand Herald's aredu justing. Negotiations it's somewhat
(37:06):
of an impass around when he'll be eligible to play
for The All blacks again if he's to come, back
and it sounds like parties are willing to have him
back at some point in twenty twenty. Six what's your
read on this and does it need to become a
clearest system as to win players can come?
Speaker 6 (37:24):
Back it probably. Does, yeah the exemption case by case
basis is at league is lack of, consistency isn't? It
and it leaves it will leave some players miffed about
why preferential treatment was given to them and not. Others
if we deal with look look at lesterfying a nookie
(37:45):
as an. Example he's come, back he had to play
after two years In, france had to play in His
zellen provincial rugby to be eligible for The All.
Speaker 5 (37:52):
Blacks but.
Speaker 6 (37:55):
From What Scott robertson said, today it sounds like if
there was further, injuries there's seven protocols and he could
select him if he really wanted. To SO i don't
envision major issues Around Richard. WONGER i think there's a
non public agreements around reaching seventy test caps before you
(38:15):
can come back and join Your black straight away from
a sabbatical which would have been away for three. Years
it does seem nonsensical For muwanga to come back next
year play provincial rugby and not be able to go
on a two month tour Of South africa like that
would be such a, waste Wouldn't it.
Speaker 4 (38:34):
Would be a huge Waste AND i kind of think
that heed to the POINT i, THINK i like What
australia has done In australia have different issues To New
zealand in terms of player attention and recruitment and getting players.
Back but if your next assignment is with A New
zealand team at club, level so be at The, crusaders
be At, canterbury THEN i think you are. Eligible if
(38:54):
you've still god commitments In, japan then obviously you're not.
ELIGIBLE i think that'll be the clearest way to do.
It so If Richie wong completes His japan commitments and
then he's contracted To, canterbury The crusaders And New Zealand
rugby from mid twenty twenty, six and in theory is
next competition is THE nbc With, canterbury then he should
be eligible from that point as soon as he starts his.
Speaker 6 (39:12):
Contract, yeah maybe it's a different conversation if he comes
back and he's only signing for one, Year but if
he comes back and signs for, three that's a lengthy
level of commitments that should be rewarded and ultimately you
want the best players available for The All. Blacks so,
yeah it does seem a bit backwards to make a
(39:34):
guy play a whole provincial season while The All blacks
are In South.
Speaker 5 (39:38):
Africa why would you not have?
Speaker 4 (39:39):
Him that doesn't make any sense to, me Although i'm
Sure linwood and Christ church were quite like having rich
And way to try out for them in the middle
of next, year given they finish runners up in this
year's Christ Church Club. Final topic, three on the back
of what we saw during The lion, series do you
fear The wallabies and The Rugby championship from An All blacks.
Speaker 5 (39:55):
Perspective more so than you used? To but probably.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Not.
Speaker 6 (40:01):
No, look The wallabies have the ability to, challenge but
they have limitation as. Well and there's a couple of
very important points to note. Here Will skelton not available
for The Rugby championship because he plays his Domestic raby
in fronts AND i think that will be the case
For Taniela tupo as. Well he's signed for rushing And
(40:24):
tupo's extremely inconsistent but made a massive, impact particularly at scrum.
Time he did a number On Andrew porter in That Third.
Test so there's two massive physical forces that won't be
available for The wallabies forward. Pack they still lack depth
in a big. Way tomliner didn't convince it ten and
then you're looking at guys Like Ben. Donaldson so, yeah
(40:47):
they have. Threats they are vastly improved and they could
top all the All blacks on their, day BUT i
don't see them winning back to back tests to claim
The Bleders.
Speaker 2 (40:55):
Low, YEAH i think it's a bridge too far for.
Speaker 4 (40:57):
Them look that building, there and as you, Mentioned lescus
is going to come over and take over at some.
Point the depth is the issue With australian rugby as
it has been for a number of. Years when you
scratch the surface and get a couple of injuries or
players are unavailable Like Bill, skelton then they're not the
force that maybe they were during the line. Series SO
i think there's some promising signs. THERE i Think saulite
(41:19):
looks really comfortable in the test environment now he is
a player that is a game changer for. Them but
if they don't Have, skeleton they don't have a couple
of other key. Players Angus bell seems to be able to.
FAVOR i, MEAN i know he made the twenty, threes
but it seems to be able to favor for whatever
reason With Joe schmidt at the. Moment so if they
get the selection, right there are, chants but it's going
(41:39):
to be fascinating to see how they go To South
africa and whether that works out for them over, there
because it could be a case of two steps, four
one step back or you, know even further steps back
if you get my.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
Drift, yeah it's that depth because the attrition rate by
the time The All blacks And wallabies will meet will
be through the. Roof you think After Deill black's play
The pumas and Spring box and The wallabies do likewise
that there'll be you, know absentees and that's going to
have The wallabies harder than it will Deal.
Speaker 4 (42:08):
Blacks it will topic four in the final four current
time boy FOR lac confirming he signed with The chiefs
on a two year. Deal we touched on this in the.
Win it was reported In may In The New. Zealand
he all now confirmed as of this week that will
be there twenty six twenty. Seven wants to be In
All black played For tonga in twenty three is well
(42:28):
eighteen months just over into a. Standown pretty good pickup
for The chiefs on the basis of what we've seen
From wanna pacifica he spoke To Collie Jason pine today
and said that he thinks That wanna can continue to,
bold but you just hope it's not the case of
picking off players that now want to play for The
All blacks rather than playing for Their pacific.
Speaker 6 (42:47):
Nations, yeah it a continues the, trend doesn't it of
Levamor tavanawa Now Tom way for Low cherry picking the
best standouts From wuana and.
Speaker 5 (43:01):
Them going.
Speaker 6 (43:02):
Elsewhere it is an individual. Decision this is Not New
Zealand rugby coming in and saying we'll have You tom world.
Flower HAS i heard him speak at a stand up
today and he's talking about learning From All, blacks wanting
to be in that environment and even contesting a starting
spot is going to be much. Harder that's going to
(43:23):
improve from week to. Week and that's why he's gone
to The.
Speaker 2 (43:26):
Chiefs, YEAH i think it's fair.
Speaker 4 (43:27):
POINT i mean they've got Ad exavi going back the
other way and the dangerous you go from being that
big fashion a small pond to an extent because of
the depth At Mowana. Pacifica you, know someone Like Levian
moore stood out big time At, mauana looked out standing
and then went to The crusaders and barely made a
ripple over the two seasons that he's there and now
(43:48):
going To. Japan so it sometimes doesn't always work. Out
but if you're a player wanting to learn off the,
beast then you kind of need to be in that
pool as. Well so wishing The beast to, LUCK i
think he's got a lot to Offer New zealand rugby
over the next few.
Speaker 6 (43:59):
Years and you look at the it comes back to
the point we're both making earlier about the wing. Spots
he is a guy that will be very much in
the frame on the next two. Years you talked about
how that complexion can change really, quickly that wingers can
rise through the ranks, rapidly AND i think he's a
guy along With Jacob Rushim. Mavooki nipkins has looked really
(44:22):
good in his. Comeback who's the other a tonguey towel
before his. Injury there's a bringer maybe Hockey yeah, yeah
settled down againy. Buyas but these are the guys that
have out and outpace AND i think that has something
that The All blacks are lacking on the. Edge so
there's a Poll lawinger is there that could any any
(44:45):
one of them could come through in the next few.
Speaker 5 (44:47):
Years so, YEAH i Wish.
Speaker 6 (44:50):
Current all the best and hope he gets a crack
because The chiefs have lost a, few haven't, They Sean,
stevenson and so, yeah there's a few openings there for.
Speaker 4 (44:57):
Him, absolutely will that about do? Us For rugby director this,
WEEK i think we've been. POSITIVE i think it's been
a positive.
Speaker 6 (45:03):
Discussion it's just one final thing to mention that very
very positive. News Actually foxton for the First i'm In
Hotophone Company Club, rugby history of any club In Hotophon
company one the seniors and reserves this, year so the
club and the town is absolutely. Humming AND i saw
footage of them taking the trophy through The New, world
down the main streets and carrying on for a few.
(45:25):
Days so great scenes.
Speaker 2 (45:27):
There there's a mainstream In. Fox it's got it all,
okay very.
Speaker 4 (45:31):
Good, well we will be back again with another episode
next week ON. Rugb it's erect powered By Forklift, solutions
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Speaker 2 (45:41):
English we will catch you next time.
Speaker 1 (45:47):
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