July 11, 2024 • 9 mins
It's round two of the All Blacks v England this weekend at Eden Park - a ground the All Blacks haven't lost on in more than 30 years.
How will the team go, and what should we expect during the Euro's final between England and Spain on Monday morning?
Those were the questions for our Friday Sport panel with Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Newstalk ZB newsreader and football fanatic Max Towle.
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talk Sat B. Get your sporting fix Friday
Sports on Wellington Mornings.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Joining us for Friday Sport This weekend is Weekend Sport.
Hosts Jason Pine Morning, Piney Good. How is it in
New Auckland. You've just gone up there this morning, landed.
What's the buzz? Is it the same as Dunedin or
that I probably wouldn't even know there's a football game
mine up there without it?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Oh, not quite the same as Dunedin. Although to be fair,
I flew down to Dunedin and the plane was absolutely
full of all black supporters. You know what Wellington to
Auckland's like, especially in the school holidays. You know, it
wasn't like it was a blackout on the plane. But yeah,
I mean they've sold the place out tomorrow night eating part,
so get the filling. The buzz will start to all
(01:06):
over the next eighteen hours or so.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
And they sold it out a couple of weeks ago,
to be fair, and it's been a sell out for
a while. Yeah yeah, so that's I mean, it was
a sell out before the game last week, so it's
going to be the atmosphere is going to be incredible.
And newsreader and sports reader and proud pom Max told
joins us this morning. Can I call you a proud pom?
You don't like being called a Palmer?
Speaker 4 (01:29):
No, I don't think you could call me a proud pom.
I'm a key we I've lived here for twenty one years.
But yeah, look, when those major football tournaments roll around,
I feel a little more closely connected to the Motherland
than previously.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Well my mother was English, so I'm the same. You know,
you just you, You're automatically. I've never you know, I've
been to England obviously, but I've never. It's not home,
it's not, but it's part of your hear it. So
as soon as a game like that s ong you
want the partment, I win.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
And every time, every time they sort of threatened to
win a tournament, you know, you can't help but remember
those days as a kid when you you know, I
remember being seven years old sitting and watching EUROE ninety
six and crying when Gareth Southgate missed his pen in
the semi final, you know, and every tournament, all those
memories they sort of come flooding back.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Can you remember that.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely you were in ninety six
was probably my first sort of defining memory of football.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
And he was the guy that mister Penley's coach. For
those of that you don't know who he is, he's
the manager or coach will call them what they call
them manager, we call them coaches in New Zealand, Jason Pine,
let's start. We'll go we'll go to the to the Euros, obviously,
but let's start with the biggest game on the side
of the world Tomorrow or Blacks. What do you think
you're going to see? It's going to be anything different?
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Just before I answer that, Max, do you in a
rugby game between the All Blacks and England, who do
you support? The Okay, cool, you.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
Know, let's say England pull a surprise tomorrow. I'm not
going to be too upset.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Well, that sounds like putting both camps stuff to me.
But what are we going to see that's different? I
don't think a heck of a lot, to be honest, Nick,
I think just an improvement on what they straightedg your
last week. It's exactly the same side, just about only
one injury and force change with Finlay Christie starting at
half back and Cortes Roatima getting a debut or a
(03:16):
potential debut off the bench. Otherwise it's exactly the same
team and bench as last weekend. So I think that
what that tells you is they're going to do the
same sorts of things, but just hope to do them
a little bit better. Maybe, you know, when the collision
area is perhaps more so than they did in Dunedin,
find a way to unshackle themselves from England's rush defense
(03:38):
in midfield, and probably get things like the line out
a bit better as well. There are a couple of
errant throws and miscommunications at lineout times. So look, I
don't think you'll see anything drastically different. I just think
that Scott Robertson will be urging, encouraging and motivating his
team to do a lot of things a bit better.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Max Toll. Could they react to the defense the all
Blacks one talking about or could they react differently to
the defense? I don't. I think they've got a bit
of a fright with English defense. I got a bit
of a fry watching it now. You will they react
differently to that? The season?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
This game you know what was impressive about this England
side in that first Test was how well they did
the fundamentals. It didn't commit silly penalties, didn't turn the
ball over as England sides in the past have done,
and coming into the game, I was a little surprised
to see the All Blacks so heavily favored at the bookies.
I thought it'd be a close game. This is a
good England side. They're playing as well as they have
(04:33):
done in a while. Their line out is terrific. As
Piney mentioned there, England had the better line out in
the first Test and the breakdown was close. I think
it'll be another close game All Blacks, you know, get
the ball moving a little more, you know, Damian McKenzie
threatening a bit more at the line. But I think
it'll be another close one. And you know, I don't
think we'll see too much in the way of adjustments.
I thought it was a very impressive All Black's performance
(04:55):
and to get the win in that first game, first
game of a new season. The All Blacks never really
played well in the first game of a new season.
To play well and to get a win at one
point win it was no mean feat.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
No, you're right and you're absolutely right and all those counts.
But pinety, I think that we got a bit of
a freight with the speed and the aggression of the
English defense, and I want to see us combat at
a bit better tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
Yeah, well, now that how decent look at it, they'll
be able to come up with some plans. I think
they expected it, Nick, you know, and they use the
you know, they said even in the lead up, Look,
we're going to try and use the space out why
that is always created with a rush defense, and you know,
Severu Reese's try was the perfect example of that, the
kick why from Damien mackenzie and you know, the first
try of the Razor regime went almost exactly the plan.
(05:41):
But beyond that, yeah, there weren't big gaps in midfield.
So look, I'm curious curious to find out how they
how they react given the fact that they've now had
a good look at it. They've got a frame of
reference and coaching is all about adjusting, isn't it, Especially
when you're playing the same team seven days later. You
know what they'll bring. But then again, there are surprises
(06:02):
that England and New Zealand will bring to the game
as well. So Yeah, I'm like Max, I think will
be a close contest. I thought last week was a
proper test match, hoping for more of the same tomorrow night.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Yeah, I was.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Really impressed with the English halfback. I was really impressed.
I mean, I thought he was outstanding.
Speaker 4 (06:19):
Mitchell was it, but no, he was terrific. There were
a few England players who were terrific. I'm not sold
on Marcus Smith. Obviously he's sort of seen as the
bright light of this England side. But I mean, you know,
England definitely has a couple of players who I think
would get in this all Blacks team, which you might
not have said in the past. I mean mato A Tooji,
(06:39):
I think would walk into this all Black side. He's
a terrific, terrific player, one of the.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Loose forwards to the blind side loose Ford was.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Strong up front. But no, it'll be another good game.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
All right, Let's talk the Euros. Let's talk what you
both are gagging to talk about. I lost out in
the sweet Steak. God damn to Actually Ethan. Ethan and
I were fighting it out in the sweep Steak. He
got it. I'd missed out, but I'm actually pleased to
see the English troupe come on, you start, because Piney's
going to have every exact point of this game. Who's
(07:12):
going to win.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
It feels like there's a sense of destiny around this
England side. And I know I'm going to sound like
a sort of overly optimistic pom here, but it feels
like there's a sense of destiny around the side where
you know they fall behind, there's a kick up the
bum and there's always a moment here. There's always a
moment in this team because they have such strong individuals.
There's been a lot of criticism away the side has played.
They've played almost as if they're afraid to lose rather
(07:37):
than they want to win. But you know, you think
of tournament winning teams of the past, and there haven't
been that many teams that have won World Cups and
Euros playing exhilarating, thrilling brands of football. We think, but
you think back to the twenty ten Spain side, right
when they had all those incredible players, vi In Yestera
in midfield, David Via up top. That side won every
(07:57):
knockout game one nil. That was not thrilling football. The
point of international football, International tournaments is to win. That's
it doesn't matter how you do it, to win and advance.
And I feel like England are finding a better form
at the right time, and they have the players at
certain moments that can conjure moments of magic. Ollie Watkins.
The other day they've got Jude Bellingham overhead kick in
(08:19):
the ninety fifth minute. Who could ever have seen that coming?
Feels like there's something special about this side.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Heiney, you got thirty seconds. What do you think is
going to happen?
Speaker 3 (08:27):
Let's crystallize this tournament down to a game. Sometimes you
win a game in the ninety fourth minute with a
goal off your backside. If England win this tournament, that's
how they've won this tournament with a goal off their
backside in the ninetieth minute. They've been terrible right throughout
this tournament, apart from the first half against the Netherlands.
Spain a favorite ipe Spain win and win well. But
(08:48):
I wouldn't put it beyond England to win this game
off their backside.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
There you go exactly what I said. Pie will just
nail it to one point that he did. You'd shake
it your head of it.
Speaker 4 (08:58):
Their Max told Engham with a better side against the Netherlands.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
There you go, Max, Matt Luckily, Jason's and Auckland and
Max's daddy and Max is getting a bit fine. Thank
you both so much. Bidy have a great weekend and Auckland,
thank you for everything you do. You're amazing man. Enjoy
the Test match, enjoy the weekend. Catch you on Monday morning.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Don't be late here boys.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talk Sat B. Get your sporting fix Friday
Sports on Wellington Mornings.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Joining us for Friday Sport This weekend is Weekend Sport.
Hosts Jason Pine Morning, Piney Good. How is it in
New Auckland. You've just gone up there this morning, landed.
What's the buzz? Is it the same as Dunedin or
that I probably wouldn't even know there's a football game
mine up there without it?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Oh, not quite the same as Dunedin. Although to be fair,
I flew down to Dunedin and the plane was absolutely
full of all black supporters. You know what Wellington to
Auckland's like, especially in the school holidays. You know, it
wasn't like it was a blackout on the plane. But yeah,
I mean they've sold the place out tomorrow night eating part,
so get the filling. The buzz will start to all
(01:06):
over the next eighteen hours or so.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
And they sold it out a couple of weeks ago,
to be fair, and it's been a sell out for
a while. Yeah yeah, so that's I mean, it was
a sell out before the game last week, so it's
going to be the atmosphere is going to be incredible.
And newsreader and sports reader and proud pom Max told
joins us this morning. Can I call you a proud pom?
You don't like being called a Palmer?
Speaker 4 (01:29):
No, I don't think you could call me a proud pom.
I'm a key we I've lived here for twenty one years.
But yeah, look, when those major football tournaments roll around,
I feel a little more closely connected to the Motherland
than previously.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Well my mother was English, so I'm the same. You know,
you just you, You're automatically. I've never you know, I've
been to England obviously, but I've never. It's not home,
it's not, but it's part of your hear it. So
as soon as a game like that s ong you
want the partment, I win.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
And every time, every time they sort of threatened to
win a tournament, you know, you can't help but remember
those days as a kid when you you know, I
remember being seven years old sitting and watching EUROE ninety
six and crying when Gareth Southgate missed his pen in
the semi final, you know, and every tournament, all those
memories they sort of come flooding back.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Can you remember that.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely you were in ninety six
was probably my first sort of defining memory of football.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
And he was the guy that mister Penley's coach. For
those of that you don't know who he is, he's
the manager or coach will call them what they call
them manager, we call them coaches in New Zealand, Jason Pine,
let's start. We'll go we'll go to the to the Euros, obviously,
but let's start with the biggest game on the side
of the world Tomorrow or Blacks. What do you think
you're going to see? It's going to be anything different?
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Just before I answer that, Max, do you in a
rugby game between the All Blacks and England, who do
you support? The Okay, cool, you.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
Know, let's say England pull a surprise tomorrow. I'm not
going to be too upset.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Well, that sounds like putting both camps stuff to me.
But what are we going to see that's different? I
don't think a heck of a lot, to be honest, Nick,
I think just an improvement on what they straightedg your
last week. It's exactly the same side, just about only
one injury and force change with Finlay Christie starting at
half back and Cortes Roatima getting a debut or a
(03:16):
potential debut off the bench. Otherwise it's exactly the same
team and bench as last weekend. So I think that
what that tells you is they're going to do the
same sorts of things, but just hope to do them
a little bit better. Maybe, you know, when the collision
area is perhaps more so than they did in Dunedin,
find a way to unshackle themselves from England's rush defense
(03:38):
in midfield, and probably get things like the line out
a bit better as well. There are a couple of
errant throws and miscommunications at lineout times. So look, I
don't think you'll see anything drastically different. I just think
that Scott Robertson will be urging, encouraging and motivating his
team to do a lot of things a bit better.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Max Toll. Could they react to the defense the all
Blacks one talking about or could they react differently to
the defense? I don't. I think they've got a bit
of a fright with English defense. I got a bit
of a fry watching it now. You will they react
differently to that? The season?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
This game you know what was impressive about this England
side in that first Test was how well they did
the fundamentals. It didn't commit silly penalties, didn't turn the
ball over as England sides in the past have done,
and coming into the game, I was a little surprised
to see the All Blacks so heavily favored at the bookies.
I thought it'd be a close game. This is a
good England side. They're playing as well as they have
(04:33):
done in a while. Their line out is terrific. As
Piney mentioned there, England had the better line out in
the first Test and the breakdown was close. I think
it'll be another close game All Blacks, you know, get
the ball moving a little more, you know, Damian McKenzie
threatening a bit more at the line. But I think
it'll be another close one. And you know, I don't
think we'll see too much in the way of adjustments.
I thought it was a very impressive All Black's performance
(04:55):
and to get the win in that first game, first
game of a new season. The All Blacks never really
played well in the first game of a new season.
To play well and to get a win at one
point win it was no mean feat.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
No, you're right and you're absolutely right and all those counts.
But pinety, I think that we got a bit of
a freight with the speed and the aggression of the
English defense, and I want to see us combat at
a bit better tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
Yeah, well, now that how decent look at it, they'll
be able to come up with some plans. I think
they expected it, Nick, you know, and they use the
you know, they said even in the lead up, Look,
we're going to try and use the space out why
that is always created with a rush defense, and you know,
Severu Reese's try was the perfect example of that, the
kick why from Damien mackenzie and you know, the first
try of the Razor regime went almost exactly the plan.
(05:41):
But beyond that, yeah, there weren't big gaps in midfield.
So look, I'm curious curious to find out how they
how they react given the fact that they've now had
a good look at it. They've got a frame of
reference and coaching is all about adjusting, isn't it, Especially
when you're playing the same team seven days later. You
know what they'll bring. But then again, there are surprises
(06:02):
that England and New Zealand will bring to the game
as well. So Yeah, I'm like Max, I think will
be a close contest. I thought last week was a
proper test match, hoping for more of the same tomorrow night.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Yeah, I was.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Really impressed with the English halfback. I was really impressed.
I mean, I thought he was outstanding.
Speaker 4 (06:19):
Mitchell was it, but no, he was terrific. There were
a few England players who were terrific. I'm not sold
on Marcus Smith. Obviously he's sort of seen as the
bright light of this England side. But I mean, you know,
England definitely has a couple of players who I think
would get in this all Blacks team, which you might
not have said in the past. I mean mato A Tooji,
(06:39):
I think would walk into this all Black side. He's
a terrific, terrific player, one of the.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Loose forwards to the blind side loose Ford was.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Strong up front. But no, it'll be another good game.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
All right, Let's talk the Euros. Let's talk what you
both are gagging to talk about. I lost out in
the sweet Steak. God damn to Actually Ethan. Ethan and
I were fighting it out in the sweep Steak. He
got it. I'd missed out, but I'm actually pleased to
see the English troupe come on, you start, because Piney's
going to have every exact point of this game. Who's
(07:12):
going to win.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
It feels like there's a sense of destiny around this
England side. And I know I'm going to sound like
a sort of overly optimistic pom here, but it feels
like there's a sense of destiny around the side where
you know they fall behind, there's a kick up the
bum and there's always a moment here. There's always a
moment in this team because they have such strong individuals.
There's been a lot of criticism away the side has played.
They've played almost as if they're afraid to lose rather
(07:37):
than they want to win. But you know, you think
of tournament winning teams of the past, and there haven't
been that many teams that have won World Cups and
Euros playing exhilarating, thrilling brands of football. We think, but
you think back to the twenty ten Spain side, right
when they had all those incredible players, vi In Yestera
in midfield, David Via up top. That side won every
(07:57):
knockout game one nil. That was not thrilling football. The
point of international football, International tournaments is to win. That's
it doesn't matter how you do it, to win and advance.
And I feel like England are finding a better form
at the right time, and they have the players at
certain moments that can conjure moments of magic. Ollie Watkins.
The other day they've got Jude Bellingham overhead kick in
(08:19):
the ninety fifth minute. Who could ever have seen that coming?
Feels like there's something special about this side.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Heiney, you got thirty seconds. What do you think is
going to happen?
Speaker 3 (08:27):
Let's crystallize this tournament down to a game. Sometimes you
win a game in the ninety fourth minute with a
goal off your backside. If England win this tournament, that's
how they've won this tournament with a goal off their
backside in the ninetieth minute. They've been terrible right throughout
this tournament, apart from the first half against the Netherlands.
Spain a favorite ipe Spain win and win well. But
(08:48):
I wouldn't put it beyond England to win this game
off their backside.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
There you go exactly what I said. Pie will just
nail it to one point that he did. You'd shake
it your head of it.
Speaker 4 (08:58):
Their Max told Engham with a better side against the Netherlands.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
There you go, Max, Matt Luckily, Jason's and Auckland and
Max's daddy and Max is getting a bit fine. Thank
you both so much. Bidy have a great weekend and Auckland,
thank you for everything you do. You're amazing man. Enjoy
the Test match, enjoy the weekend. Catch you on Monday morning.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Don't be late here boys.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
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