August 14, 2024 • 10 mins
Talking NPC, and All Blacks with our Gold Sport expert commentator Ant Strachan.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Whether it's gun boots or rugby boots.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The Country Sport Breakfast has you covered on gold Sport,
your home of live commentary. Well, now the Olympic Games
are done and dusted, I guess the nation goes back
to focusing maybe on rugby, so time to talk about
that on the show Full steam Ahead the rugby season
of course, NPC Farwer, Farmer, Cupp Heartland. It kicks off
this weekend, which is great international footy as well over
(00:24):
the weekend. Joining us on the show this morning for
more All Black half Back and Gold Sport commentator and
Straw Morning Ands Morning b Gape.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Been a little while actually, but good to be back
on Dick.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
It has a while really, As I said, sort of
the All Black are the Olympics have taken front of
stage but now and I think it's probably a good
thing the way the All Blacks performed last weekend, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Yeah, Well that's sure, as I mean, everyone's trying to
come up with solutions around what happened last weekend. But
it's always good to get the NPC back. I think,
I know, tough for a lot of provential unions and
the sustainability of the game a but I think it's
general the New Zealand public do enjoy watching NPC.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
So it's underway, first round, done and dusted. What teams
impressed you so far?
Speaker 1 (01:10):
I'd have to say they have. Penny has certainly been
very good. I mean they won last night in the
second game. They're storming here, they beat Pout His money
Go very well. Just look like a team that's really
well balanced. Mark Kelly, the most famous player Penny selector
and its supporter, one of the producers, whoever the chair
off line And yeah, I just think they'll be uninterrupted
(01:32):
through the season without too many or blacks. And they
just seem to be really well, uh you know, well
versed in terms of the positions across the field. And
I also as the price of Tadamaki, the defending champions
last Friday, they also beat out His Money Killer as well.
But they just looked really well put together group as well.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
You personally, and you played NPC back and then in
the nineties, which seems like about one hundred years ago.
Is the standard do you think still as high as
it was back in your day? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (02:00):
I think so. I mean there's no secret in the
game of rugby is different these days. It's far more physical.
Most of the athletes are probably in the shape than
we were back then. It's pretty fast as well. The
team part of the game. We used to kick a
lot more back in the day. Of course we had
rucking et future, but it was a bit more of
a slower version of today. So yeah, I think in general,
(02:21):
the size of the athletes, the physicality, the speed of
the game is certainly more now, but it doesn't detract
from effect that we had to wonderful athletes. You know,
they could play the game, you know, with great skill
back in the day as well, so it's good to
watch quite high scoring games too. I think that adds
to the flavor and entertainment for the people watching.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
And as a former halfback you would have probably wished
they had that new rule where you wouldn't let it
touch the halfback they protected.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Now, you're ironically, because we were chicky buggers there in
the day and we used to be getting up everyone.
Everyone tried to get at us, but we were protected
by our forwards a lot. So if you had a
good supportive fall back in front of you, then the
job done you well looked after. Generally, speaking of my career,
I had that happened to me.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
All right, So let's move on the All Blacks. I'm
not sure where to start the English series, and we
didn't look convincing there, and then of course last weekend
against Argentina, one of the issues, the line out's been
a big issue. So what do you put that down to?
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Well, I think overall, what I thinks we have to
remember is that globally the game is getting bigger and bigger.
You know, those top nations and build are very physical.
If you look at numbers one to eight, there's just
no one small anymore. They're big, strong upfront in the
front row, their middle rows are enormous, and six and
usually seven are also big men as well. We're actually
(03:42):
starting to lose in the size states. So you know,
when it left to those heavy collision games like last
weekend against the Argentinians, we got beaten up a little bit.
And I mean, I know, without Scott Barret and Patrick
two Polota, who are big men, physical players, it needed
us a little bit. But yeah, I just thought we
got our muscle. We sort of you know, in every
(04:03):
collision area we kind of we just couldn't win it.
Was we couldn't dent them with the size and physicality,
and it was a worry for mine.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
I guess we're missing Brody retellic Sam white Lock just
to name too. I mean I was impressed by Sam
Perry Perry last weekend as well. I mean he's he's
a new standout to me. But we missed those big guys,
don't we absolutely?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
And I mean you know that's Scott bear us immensely.
You know, we look at his career. I mean he
said so many games, he's very experienced. And Patrick two
for those who's he's aggressive, he's explosive in years. We
certainly missed those two. It was really pleased for Darry.
I thought he did a great job. He's a big man,
see and he got he got his job done that breakdown,
(04:47):
He cleared bodies, he caught the ball, obviously did his
job at sid Peace. So you know it's good that
he's been added to the mix. Yeah, I just worry
potentially in the loose forwards we're not big either. We've
got there's no question with Ardi severe and I mean
seem Kaine to come back those Papoliki, but these boys
are only around that kind of six sixty one six two.
(05:08):
I mean what we're playing against is six four to
six five plus in those positions, it does make a difference.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
What did you make of the fact that there wasn't
a scrum for sixty minutes of that game? I think
there's probably a world record. Do you think.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Staggering because we often moan in commentary about how many,
how many delays and resets and scrums And I mean
I was just I was flabber guests sitting watching our game.
It's not as the referee not allowed to give scrums
today someone, because you know, sixty minutes. It's amazing, isn't
it took? It took that long. But it also alluded
to the fact that the either team, both teams were
(05:45):
looking after the football pretty well. You know knock ons,
you really protecting the ball in contact and you know
the eras were minimal, So both teams should be should
be thankful. That really is.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Damien McKenzie the right man for the number ten in
the first five jobb or is it time for maybe
an sos Cool to bring Richie Monger back?
Speaker 1 (06:07):
Well, I know they are in discussions, aren't they to
bring them back? Our specialist tea in Richie Moong didn't
really play anywhere else, did in the black jersey or
in a black of red one either, So you know
that's obviously sitting in the wings. Yeah, I've always been
not not critical, but I've always been of concern that,
you know, we have so many gifted ten fifteen fifteen tens,
you know, the fit Boat and Barrett, You've got Damie McKenzie.
(06:31):
We seem to be developing a lot more of these
types of players in New Zealand, but where are our
specialist tents from a young age that really, you know,
hold on to that position that good game managers they
don't have to play a multitude of positions. They just
stick in one. And if you look at the best
things in the world, most of them do have specialists
(06:51):
in their role. And it's such a critical position as
we know. So you know, that is a bit of
a worry for mine because you know, Damian, he's a
pretty flamboy and rugby player hit the best of times,
you know, so you can make anything happen at any time,
but you often just need a person that can just
PLoP the team around the field. I mean, look at
the Blues, this season BK. You know Harry Plummers converted
(07:15):
twelve into ten, but he played ten twelve a lot
at school, and you know, he just did a really
simple job getting that team to where they need to
get onto the paddock and it was successful. So yeah,
that's probably my biggest concern about not really having a
specialist at this point in time at ten.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
So at eleven this morning when our break dancing coach
Raise Robinson names the squad, can you see any big
changes in the team.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Well, you're not quite sure. I want the injury status
of too for Low, too Embarratt, but obviously if they
were available that they'd certainly come back into the mix.
I would think. I just wonder whether they're going to
test the waters with a slightly bigger six, you know,
I mean this is a bit left field, but would
they put someone like two POVII at six just because
he's going to add that additional height for you, I
(08:02):
couldn't see the loose Ford's probably changing too much. Nine Ratima.
I would almost certainly think he's going to drop into
that slide, I think and get a start. You know,
Proctor have tested the waters with him. I thought he
played really well is they're going to be a len
at Brown Proctor midfield, and you'd probably have to say,
picking on form, you know, Caleb Clark would probably deserve
(08:24):
to be back in the starting lineup on the wing.
I know there's a bit of a rotational policy with
suv Reese and obviously Mark Talay is here as well.
Caleb said, hey, don't enough this year to warrant another start.
I think so probably two or three changes in the backs,
potentially maybe one upfront.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Are the Argentinians going to rue beating the Oil Blacks
and Wellington in the first Test? Are the Blacks are
going to come back and thrash them on Saturday at
Eaton Park?
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Do you think well either pass spent a great hunting
ground heads and at for for New Zealand rugby teams.
I don't think we've lost the game here. You'd be
able to cloy of this one, but for many many
years and he come back and knowing what to expect.
I mean, we did talk about how physical the Argitians
would be and I think I spoke to Pineanc this
thing's going to be in the game for a lot
(09:09):
of minutes, probably deep into the second half, and we
should pull away, but we didn't, so hopefully they've made
some nice adjustments. You know, a few different players potentially
in the starting group, and you know, playing in Auckland's
you know, the day players do have a lot of
confidence when they do play at Eden Park. So there
will be a turnaround, but I'm not sure it's going
to be a blitzer around because I think it's still
(09:31):
going to be a real struggle physically for them, you know.
So well, yeah, I'm looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Abs haven't lost their according to my producer for thirty years.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
At Yeah, yeah, staggering, isn't it. But of course if
you flip it around, the old Caketon is not a
happy hunting ground, but you it, so maybe we need
to resurrect that at some point in time.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Mate, good to chat all blacks. By ten, I'm picking
and I have a good call on Saturday, yes mate,
thank you, and Strawn joining us here on Gold's
Whether it's gun boots or rugby boots.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The Country Sport Breakfast has you covered on gold Sport,
your home of live commentary. Well, now the Olympic Games
are done and dusted, I guess the nation goes back
to focusing maybe on rugby, so time to talk about
that on the show Full steam Ahead the rugby season
of course, NPC Farwer, Farmer, Cupp Heartland. It kicks off
this weekend, which is great international footy as well over
(00:24):
the weekend. Joining us on the show this morning for
more All Black half Back and Gold Sport commentator and
Straw Morning Ands Morning b Gape.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Been a little while actually, but good to be back
on Dick.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
It has a while really, As I said, sort of
the All Black are the Olympics have taken front of
stage but now and I think it's probably a good
thing the way the All Blacks performed last weekend, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Yeah, Well that's sure, as I mean, everyone's trying to
come up with solutions around what happened last weekend. But
it's always good to get the NPC back. I think,
I know, tough for a lot of provential unions and
the sustainability of the game a but I think it's
general the New Zealand public do enjoy watching NPC.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
So it's underway, first round, done and dusted. What teams
impressed you so far?
Speaker 1 (01:10):
I'd have to say they have. Penny has certainly been
very good. I mean they won last night in the
second game. They're storming here, they beat Pout His money
Go very well. Just look like a team that's really
well balanced. Mark Kelly, the most famous player Penny selector
and its supporter, one of the producers, whoever the chair
off line And yeah, I just think they'll be uninterrupted
(01:32):
through the season without too many or blacks. And they
just seem to be really well, uh you know, well
versed in terms of the positions across the field. And
I also as the price of Tadamaki, the defending champions
last Friday, they also beat out His Money Killer as well.
But they just looked really well put together group as well.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
You personally, and you played NPC back and then in
the nineties, which seems like about one hundred years ago.
Is the standard do you think still as high as
it was back in your day? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (02:00):
I think so. I mean there's no secret in the
game of rugby is different these days. It's far more physical.
Most of the athletes are probably in the shape than
we were back then. It's pretty fast as well. The
team part of the game. We used to kick a
lot more back in the day. Of course we had
rucking et future, but it was a bit more of
a slower version of today. So yeah, I think in general,
(02:21):
the size of the athletes, the physicality, the speed of
the game is certainly more now, but it doesn't detract
from effect that we had to wonderful athletes. You know,
they could play the game, you know, with great skill
back in the day as well, so it's good to
watch quite high scoring games too. I think that adds
to the flavor and entertainment for the people watching.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
And as a former halfback you would have probably wished
they had that new rule where you wouldn't let it
touch the halfback they protected.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Now, you're ironically, because we were chicky buggers there in
the day and we used to be getting up everyone.
Everyone tried to get at us, but we were protected
by our forwards a lot. So if you had a
good supportive fall back in front of you, then the
job done you well looked after. Generally, speaking of my career,
I had that happened to me.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
All right, So let's move on the All Blacks. I'm
not sure where to start the English series, and we
didn't look convincing there, and then of course last weekend
against Argentina, one of the issues, the line out's been
a big issue. So what do you put that down to?
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Well, I think overall, what I thinks we have to
remember is that globally the game is getting bigger and bigger.
You know, those top nations and build are very physical.
If you look at numbers one to eight, there's just
no one small anymore. They're big, strong upfront in the
front row, their middle rows are enormous, and six and
usually seven are also big men as well. We're actually
(03:42):
starting to lose in the size states. So you know,
when it left to those heavy collision games like last
weekend against the Argentinians, we got beaten up a little bit.
And I mean, I know, without Scott Barret and Patrick
two Polota, who are big men, physical players, it needed
us a little bit. But yeah, I just thought we
got our muscle. We sort of you know, in every
(04:03):
collision area we kind of we just couldn't win it.
Was we couldn't dent them with the size and physicality,
and it was a worry for mine.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
I guess we're missing Brody retellic Sam white Lock just
to name too. I mean I was impressed by Sam
Perry Perry last weekend as well. I mean he's he's
a new standout to me. But we missed those big guys,
don't we absolutely?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
And I mean you know that's Scott bear us immensely.
You know, we look at his career. I mean he
said so many games, he's very experienced. And Patrick two
for those who's he's aggressive, he's explosive in years. We
certainly missed those two. It was really pleased for Darry.
I thought he did a great job. He's a big man,
see and he got he got his job done that breakdown,
(04:47):
He cleared bodies, he caught the ball, obviously did his
job at sid Peace. So you know it's good that
he's been added to the mix. Yeah, I just worry
potentially in the loose forwards we're not big either. We've
got there's no question with Ardi severe and I mean
seem Kaine to come back those Papoliki, but these boys
are only around that kind of six sixty one six two.
(05:08):
I mean what we're playing against is six four to
six five plus in those positions, it does make a difference.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
What did you make of the fact that there wasn't
a scrum for sixty minutes of that game? I think
there's probably a world record. Do you think.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Staggering because we often moan in commentary about how many,
how many delays and resets and scrums And I mean
I was just I was flabber guests sitting watching our game.
It's not as the referee not allowed to give scrums
today someone, because you know, sixty minutes. It's amazing, isn't
it took? It took that long. But it also alluded
to the fact that the either team, both teams were
(05:45):
looking after the football pretty well. You know knock ons,
you really protecting the ball in contact and you know
the eras were minimal, So both teams should be should
be thankful. That really is.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Damien McKenzie the right man for the number ten in
the first five jobb or is it time for maybe
an sos Cool to bring Richie Monger back?
Speaker 1 (06:07):
Well, I know they are in discussions, aren't they to
bring them back? Our specialist tea in Richie Moong didn't
really play anywhere else, did in the black jersey or
in a black of red one either, So you know
that's obviously sitting in the wings. Yeah, I've always been
not not critical, but I've always been of concern that,
you know, we have so many gifted ten fifteen fifteen tens,
you know, the fit Boat and Barrett, You've got Damie McKenzie.
(06:31):
We seem to be developing a lot more of these
types of players in New Zealand, but where are our
specialist tents from a young age that really, you know,
hold on to that position that good game managers they
don't have to play a multitude of positions. They just
stick in one. And if you look at the best
things in the world, most of them do have specialists
(06:51):
in their role. And it's such a critical position as
we know. So you know, that is a bit of
a worry for mine because you know, Damian, he's a
pretty flamboy and rugby player hit the best of times,
you know, so you can make anything happen at any time,
but you often just need a person that can just
PLoP the team around the field. I mean, look at
the Blues, this season BK. You know Harry Plummers converted
(07:15):
twelve into ten, but he played ten twelve a lot
at school, and you know, he just did a really
simple job getting that team to where they need to
get onto the paddock and it was successful. So yeah,
that's probably my biggest concern about not really having a
specialist at this point in time at ten.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
So at eleven this morning when our break dancing coach
Raise Robinson names the squad, can you see any big
changes in the team.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Well, you're not quite sure. I want the injury status
of too for Low, too Embarratt, but obviously if they
were available that they'd certainly come back into the mix.
I would think. I just wonder whether they're going to
test the waters with a slightly bigger six, you know,
I mean this is a bit left field, but would
they put someone like two POVII at six just because
he's going to add that additional height for you, I
(08:02):
couldn't see the loose Ford's probably changing too much. Nine Ratima.
I would almost certainly think he's going to drop into
that slide, I think and get a start. You know,
Proctor have tested the waters with him. I thought he
played really well is they're going to be a len
at Brown Proctor midfield, and you'd probably have to say,
picking on form, you know, Caleb Clark would probably deserve
(08:24):
to be back in the starting lineup on the wing.
I know there's a bit of a rotational policy with
suv Reese and obviously Mark Talay is here as well.
Caleb said, hey, don't enough this year to warrant another start.
I think so probably two or three changes in the backs,
potentially maybe one upfront.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Are the Argentinians going to rue beating the Oil Blacks
and Wellington in the first Test? Are the Blacks are
going to come back and thrash them on Saturday at
Eaton Park?
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Do you think well either pass spent a great hunting
ground heads and at for for New Zealand rugby teams.
I don't think we've lost the game here. You'd be
able to cloy of this one, but for many many
years and he come back and knowing what to expect.
I mean, we did talk about how physical the Argitians
would be and I think I spoke to Pineanc this
thing's going to be in the game for a lot
(09:09):
of minutes, probably deep into the second half, and we
should pull away, but we didn't, so hopefully they've made
some nice adjustments. You know, a few different players potentially
in the starting group, and you know, playing in Auckland's
you know, the day players do have a lot of
confidence when they do play at Eden Park. So there
will be a turnaround, but I'm not sure it's going
to be a blitzer around because I think it's still
(09:31):
going to be a real struggle physically for them, you know.
So well, yeah, I'm looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Abs haven't lost their according to my producer for thirty years.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
At Yeah, yeah, staggering, isn't it. But of course if
you flip it around, the old Caketon is not a
happy hunting ground, but you it, so maybe we need
to resurrect that at some point in time.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Mate, good to chat all blacks. By ten, I'm picking
and I have a good call on Saturday, yes mate,
thank you, and Strawn joining us here on Gold's
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