1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:12,693 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow 2 00:00:12,773 --> 00:00:16,173 Speaker 1: this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio. 3 00:00:19,253 --> 00:00:20,893 Speaker 2: Straight down the middle of. 4 00:00:20,933 --> 00:00:22,013 Speaker 3: Drum Dicky Score. 5 00:00:23,813 --> 00:00:31,573 Speaker 2: Try these get inside the game from every angle. 6 00:00:32,093 --> 00:00:36,053 Speaker 1: It's Rugby Direct with Elliot Smith and Liam Napier, powered 7 00:00:36,093 --> 00:00:37,053 Speaker 1: by News Talks EDB. 8 00:00:37,333 --> 00:00:39,933 Speaker 3: Welcome into Rugby Direct, piloted by Habit Hell, tackling all 9 00:00:39,973 --> 00:00:43,933 Speaker 3: your aches and pains from sports and work. Back again 10 00:00:44,053 --> 00:00:47,733 Speaker 3: another week down in Super Rugby Elliott Smith with me 11 00:00:47,853 --> 00:00:52,213 Speaker 3: as always Liam Napier and Liam It's been an interesting 12 00:00:52,253 --> 00:00:54,573 Speaker 3: old weekend of rugby right around the globe, hasn't it. 13 00:00:54,693 --> 00:00:57,733 Speaker 3: And you know we're all set for eight teams to 14 00:00:57,813 --> 00:01:00,133 Speaker 3: go into six in the final round of Super Rugby. 15 00:01:00,613 --> 00:01:03,893 Speaker 4: Well indeed, Elliott, the pointy end of Super Rugby is here. 16 00:01:04,653 --> 00:01:07,453 Speaker 4: Playoff spots to be determined this weekend. It's all on 17 00:01:07,573 --> 00:01:11,573 Speaker 4: the line. We had the Black Ferns routing the USA 18 00:01:12,053 --> 00:01:16,813 Speaker 4: and Bordeaux claiming the European title, so plenty to get 19 00:01:16,813 --> 00:01:17,653 Speaker 4: our tea stuck into. 20 00:01:17,973 --> 00:01:19,493 Speaker 3: How many bottles of wine do you think the good 21 00:01:19,493 --> 00:01:22,493 Speaker 3: people at Bordeaux have gone through in the last twenty 22 00:01:22,533 --> 00:01:23,493 Speaker 3: four to forty eight hours. 23 00:01:23,693 --> 00:01:25,533 Speaker 4: It looked like Ben tummy Funa made a dent in 24 00:01:25,573 --> 00:01:29,213 Speaker 4: a fair fair so props to him and the fellow 25 00:01:30,093 --> 00:01:33,893 Speaker 4: Kiwi and boys from down Under that savor that success. 26 00:01:33,973 --> 00:01:36,213 Speaker 3: Well, let's get into the weekend of Super Rugby that 27 00:01:36,613 --> 00:01:41,413 Speaker 3: was and the chief speaking Mwana pacifica eighty five points 28 00:01:41,693 --> 00:01:47,173 Speaker 3: to seven. I don't think anyone saw this score line 29 00:01:47,253 --> 00:01:52,333 Speaker 3: coming after how good Mawana were the week before against 30 00:01:52,413 --> 00:01:56,413 Speaker 3: the Blues. This was a performance that saw the crashed 31 00:01:56,453 --> 00:02:00,013 Speaker 3: back down to earth in rather spectacular fashion. A loss 32 00:02:00,133 --> 00:02:02,653 Speaker 3: is one thing, A loss of this magnitude is an 33 00:02:02,853 --> 00:02:07,093 Speaker 3: entirely different thing. And used they still in the playoff mix. 34 00:02:07,173 --> 00:02:08,933 Speaker 3: But I just wonder how much com frience has been 35 00:02:09,013 --> 00:02:12,973 Speaker 3: dented as a result of that performance on Saturday night. 36 00:02:13,653 --> 00:02:16,173 Speaker 3: But the Chiefs were just just too good week off 37 00:02:16,333 --> 00:02:18,333 Speaker 3: after the bye, they came out, they were visiting and 38 00:02:18,533 --> 00:02:20,573 Speaker 3: they just dispatched Mawana with relative ease. 39 00:02:20,613 --> 00:02:23,213 Speaker 5: To be honest, Yeah, lest they were minor first. 40 00:02:23,293 --> 00:02:27,253 Speaker 4: I think this year they have look that they had 41 00:02:27,293 --> 00:02:30,253 Speaker 4: won three in a row, but within that they have 42 00:02:30,373 --> 00:02:33,173 Speaker 4: struggled at time for consistency, coming off big HighRes like 43 00:02:33,253 --> 00:02:38,693 Speaker 4: the Crusaders and christ Church and battling to get back 44 00:02:38,733 --> 00:02:41,533 Speaker 4: to that level. We've seen them within games be good 45 00:02:41,573 --> 00:02:46,173 Speaker 4: one half not the next. But look, this was an 46 00:02:46,253 --> 00:02:49,573 Speaker 4: ugly result for them, wasn't it. Humbling is the word 47 00:02:49,613 --> 00:02:52,813 Speaker 4: that springs to mind, going down and taking on the 48 00:02:53,013 --> 00:02:56,733 Speaker 4: title favorites. I think there was seventeen thousand fans in Hamilton, 49 00:02:56,853 --> 00:03:01,573 Speaker 4: so look, that's a testament to Miner's improvement because last 50 00:03:01,653 --> 00:03:05,253 Speaker 4: year you wouldn't get that sort of turnout for a 51 00:03:05,333 --> 00:03:09,413 Speaker 4: team that was struggling. Yeah, I think it does sort 52 00:03:09,413 --> 00:03:11,653 Speaker 4: of set the bar for where Moana want to get 53 00:03:11,733 --> 00:03:16,213 Speaker 4: to and how far they still have to go. Ardie 54 00:03:16,253 --> 00:03:18,653 Speaker 4: Severe was taken off about fifty minutes into that match. 55 00:03:18,773 --> 00:03:23,893 Speaker 4: The game's done by halftime, and the Chiefs really did 56 00:03:23,973 --> 00:03:25,733 Speaker 4: That was a hell of a statement, wasn't it. Right 57 00:03:25,773 --> 00:03:29,293 Speaker 4: across the park from their physicality front football, they ran 58 00:03:29,413 --> 00:03:31,293 Speaker 4: rampant lee Roy Carter. 59 00:03:31,213 --> 00:03:31,613 Speaker 5: On the edge. 60 00:03:31,813 --> 00:03:33,973 Speaker 4: They lost a money in at an hour and it 61 00:03:34,013 --> 00:03:37,333 Speaker 4: didn't matter. Damien McKenzie, I think as long as he's 62 00:03:37,333 --> 00:03:39,773 Speaker 4: at ten, the Chiefs won the title. 63 00:03:40,253 --> 00:03:43,733 Speaker 3: It's hard to see any team going to Hamilton and 64 00:03:43,973 --> 00:03:47,453 Speaker 3: winning and taking them because the Chief's going to play 65 00:03:47,453 --> 00:03:49,253 Speaker 3: at home right throughout the Playoffs' still going to have 66 00:03:49,333 --> 00:03:51,493 Speaker 3: some tricky games because you know, the Blues could be 67 00:03:51,533 --> 00:03:53,653 Speaker 3: their opponent of Week one, they may to face the 68 00:03:53,773 --> 00:03:56,973 Speaker 3: Hurricanes or the Crusaders. But on the basis of what 69 00:03:57,053 --> 00:03:59,533 Speaker 3: we saw on the weekend, very very hard to see 70 00:03:59,613 --> 00:04:03,533 Speaker 3: any team being able to stop them on that surface. 71 00:04:03,653 --> 00:04:07,733 Speaker 3: And it reminded me of you'll give me some sticky 72 00:04:07,813 --> 00:04:10,093 Speaker 3: but some of those Rusaders teams when they flicked the 73 00:04:10,133 --> 00:04:12,693 Speaker 3: switch and just buried teams, and we haven't probably seen 74 00:04:12,733 --> 00:04:15,413 Speaker 3: the Chiefs do it this season. Well they did it 75 00:04:15,493 --> 00:04:18,133 Speaker 3: on Saturday night and they just bury Mawana and it 76 00:04:18,213 --> 00:04:20,853 Speaker 3: was thirty one mil a halftime. Sometimes those games in 77 00:04:20,893 --> 00:04:22,853 Speaker 3: the second half can become scrappy. We saw them have 78 00:04:22,933 --> 00:04:25,373 Speaker 3: a big advantage at halftime in the reverse game and 79 00:04:25,413 --> 00:04:27,693 Speaker 3: Pucacola earlier in the season. They lead forty three to 80 00:04:27,733 --> 00:04:30,453 Speaker 3: seven I think it was, and nearly for a moment 81 00:04:30,533 --> 00:04:33,493 Speaker 3: looked like potentially drawing or losing that game. Well, they 82 00:04:33,533 --> 00:04:35,333 Speaker 3: put the foot on the throat and as I say, 83 00:04:35,453 --> 00:04:38,373 Speaker 3: buried Mauana Pacifica on Saturday night, and it was a 84 00:04:38,493 --> 00:04:40,853 Speaker 3: statement performance in many ways. They draw a line in 85 00:04:40,933 --> 00:04:43,413 Speaker 3: the sand and said this is how good we are. 86 00:04:43,773 --> 00:04:45,373 Speaker 3: If you want to bet us, this is how good 87 00:04:45,573 --> 00:04:46,773 Speaker 3: you're going to have to be on the night, and 88 00:04:47,693 --> 00:04:48,933 Speaker 3: Mawana couldn't stick with them. 89 00:04:49,573 --> 00:04:51,813 Speaker 4: There's so many facets to the Chiefs game. They can 90 00:04:51,893 --> 00:04:55,493 Speaker 4: play so many different ways. Their full pack, their squad 91 00:04:55,773 --> 00:05:00,013 Speaker 4: is by far and away the best, the deepest throughout 92 00:05:00,013 --> 00:05:04,213 Speaker 4: this competition. And let's not forget their experiences are previous 93 00:05:04,293 --> 00:05:08,293 Speaker 4: years fueling them, haunting them, having lost to previous final 94 00:05:09,093 --> 00:05:11,933 Speaker 4: and what that teaches you about what it takes to 95 00:05:12,053 --> 00:05:14,013 Speaker 4: win at this time of year and when it matters 96 00:05:14,093 --> 00:05:18,973 Speaker 4: most to turn up. So much of that performance of 97 00:05:19,813 --> 00:05:24,133 Speaker 4: getting it right at this level is attitude and mentality. 98 00:05:24,373 --> 00:05:27,773 Speaker 4: And the Chiefs full pack they have the ability to 99 00:05:27,853 --> 00:05:30,533 Speaker 4: go up the guts and through you and take you on. Physically, 100 00:05:30,573 --> 00:05:33,533 Speaker 4: they're set pieces strong. I think George Steyer was their 101 00:05:33,933 --> 00:05:36,293 Speaker 4: player of the Year, which speaks to where the strength 102 00:05:36,373 --> 00:05:39,613 Speaker 4: has been this season. Their forwards have great soft skills 103 00:05:39,653 --> 00:05:42,733 Speaker 4: when you look at some of Sony Takyajo to provide 104 00:05:43,533 --> 00:05:46,653 Speaker 4: look Jacobson, they've all got the ability to create space 105 00:05:46,733 --> 00:05:48,853 Speaker 4: out the back for McKenzie and that back line's has 106 00:05:48,973 --> 00:05:52,253 Speaker 4: got such struck even without Antonina Brown, they haven't really 107 00:05:52,293 --> 00:05:55,613 Speaker 4: missed a beat, So that speaks to their depth and 108 00:05:55,733 --> 00:05:57,933 Speaker 4: as you mentioned, they are going to be highly likely 109 00:05:58,013 --> 00:06:00,813 Speaker 4: in Hamilton right throughout the playoffs. For me, Elliott, and 110 00:06:00,893 --> 00:06:04,373 Speaker 4: this may surprise you, I feel like the only team 111 00:06:04,453 --> 00:06:08,813 Speaker 4: that can really stop the Chiefs is the Blues and 112 00:06:08,933 --> 00:06:11,493 Speaker 4: that's because of the they're on their day. If the 113 00:06:11,533 --> 00:06:14,173 Speaker 4: Blues get it right from with their forward pack, the 114 00:06:14,293 --> 00:06:17,253 Speaker 4: Crusaders to a certain degree as well, but you have 115 00:06:17,453 --> 00:06:20,093 Speaker 4: to stop that power from the Chiefs and you can't 116 00:06:20,133 --> 00:06:21,933 Speaker 4: give them that when they get on a roll and 117 00:06:22,053 --> 00:06:25,013 Speaker 4: we saw it in christ Church and that second half 118 00:06:25,053 --> 00:06:28,853 Speaker 4: performance when they get those power runners going and they 119 00:06:28,933 --> 00:06:31,853 Speaker 4: start rumbling forward, are incredibly difficult to stop. You give 120 00:06:31,933 --> 00:06:35,253 Speaker 4: Mackenzie that time and space and so for me, the 121 00:06:35,333 --> 00:06:37,933 Speaker 4: Blues are incredibly one dimensional. But when they get that 122 00:06:38,013 --> 00:06:40,893 Speaker 4: one dimensional aspect right, I think they can match the 123 00:06:40,973 --> 00:06:45,573 Speaker 4: Chiefs up front and the Crusaders to a degree. But yeah, 124 00:06:45,613 --> 00:06:49,333 Speaker 4: it just it is really hard to see someone stopping 125 00:06:49,373 --> 00:06:53,293 Speaker 4: the Chiefs. And yes, they won't play that well. Opposition 126 00:06:53,333 --> 00:06:56,093 Speaker 4: will be better. So we do have to contextualize that 127 00:06:56,173 --> 00:06:59,213 Speaker 4: a weave it. But you have to stop them up front. 128 00:06:59,733 --> 00:07:02,493 Speaker 3: I yes, so I guess to an extent, you're right 129 00:07:02,573 --> 00:07:05,013 Speaker 3: the Blues, but we haven't seen it this year and 130 00:07:05,213 --> 00:07:07,853 Speaker 3: so we're going back to last year and what they 131 00:07:07,933 --> 00:07:08,213 Speaker 3: did on that. 132 00:07:08,773 --> 00:07:09,173 Speaker 5: Yes and no. 133 00:07:09,453 --> 00:07:12,093 Speaker 4: If you look at the Blues performance two losses against 134 00:07:12,133 --> 00:07:15,253 Speaker 4: the Chiefs and Hamilton and the Crusades and krushit that 135 00:07:17,013 --> 00:07:19,373 Speaker 4: those are the up there with their best performances this year. 136 00:07:19,493 --> 00:07:21,333 Speaker 4: They stare losses, but there I think are only a 137 00:07:21,373 --> 00:07:24,293 Speaker 4: couple of points in it, and that's when they're four 138 00:07:24,373 --> 00:07:28,573 Speaker 4: pack actually fronted. So playoff footy, bit of rain. Yeah, 139 00:07:28,813 --> 00:07:30,773 Speaker 4: I just feel like if the Blues can front in 140 00:07:30,813 --> 00:07:33,893 Speaker 4: a one off match, they have the ability to knock 141 00:07:33,973 --> 00:07:34,653 Speaker 4: the Chiefs off. 142 00:07:35,173 --> 00:07:37,813 Speaker 3: What about the Hurricanes, We can probably discuss that game now. 143 00:07:37,853 --> 00:07:40,533 Speaker 3: Thirty one to twenty seven. Did that give you basis 144 00:07:40,613 --> 00:07:43,253 Speaker 3: for hope that they could go to Hamilton and beat 145 00:07:43,293 --> 00:07:44,693 Speaker 3: the Chiefs potentially. 146 00:07:44,853 --> 00:07:49,493 Speaker 4: Well, they did it earlier this year in Wellington. I 147 00:07:49,613 --> 00:07:52,933 Speaker 4: felt like the Chiefs were off that night. The Hurricanes 148 00:07:52,973 --> 00:07:58,693 Speaker 4: were certainly on. Hurricanes have the potential, But if I 149 00:07:58,853 --> 00:08:03,093 Speaker 4: was tipping a playoff match in Hamilton, I would definitely 150 00:08:03,173 --> 00:08:07,213 Speaker 4: go the Chiefs. I think the Hurricanes have struggled for consistency. 151 00:08:07,733 --> 00:08:14,373 Speaker 4: Are still a few big guns and physically in the 152 00:08:14,493 --> 00:08:17,493 Speaker 4: forward pack. I feel like the Chiefs when they're on 153 00:08:17,573 --> 00:08:18,373 Speaker 4: would have their number. 154 00:08:19,413 --> 00:08:21,013 Speaker 3: What did you make of that game against the Reds 155 00:08:21,173 --> 00:08:23,733 Speaker 3: on Friday night? Good win thirty one to twenty seven. 156 00:08:23,813 --> 00:08:26,533 Speaker 3: Brisbane's a tough place to go and play. The Reds 157 00:08:26,693 --> 00:08:29,893 Speaker 3: certainly through a lot at them, but the Hurricanes just 158 00:08:30,013 --> 00:08:31,653 Speaker 3: a fraction too good on the night. 159 00:08:32,173 --> 00:08:33,893 Speaker 4: Is a good win for the Canes away from home 160 00:08:35,373 --> 00:08:39,333 Speaker 4: a lot on the line because when you extrapolate out 161 00:08:39,853 --> 00:08:45,693 Speaker 4: the context of the top six and how this convoluted 162 00:08:45,733 --> 00:08:48,773 Speaker 4: finals format works, finishing in the top four is important 163 00:08:48,853 --> 00:08:51,653 Speaker 4: because it potentially does give you that second life the 164 00:08:52,133 --> 00:08:54,933 Speaker 4: what is it, the highest ranked losing team gets a 165 00:08:54,973 --> 00:08:55,773 Speaker 4: second life, right? 166 00:08:56,493 --> 00:08:56,853 Speaker 3: Correct? 167 00:08:57,213 --> 00:08:57,413 Speaker 5: Yeah? 168 00:09:00,493 --> 00:09:04,933 Speaker 3: Thing to do that they could have done with simple way, 169 00:09:04,973 --> 00:09:05,533 Speaker 3: but it's one. 170 00:09:05,493 --> 00:09:05,893 Speaker 5: That's all right. 171 00:09:06,133 --> 00:09:08,453 Speaker 4: The Canes had to come from behind, they had to 172 00:09:08,493 --> 00:09:14,173 Speaker 4: hold on, they'd score lates. So I was overly overall 173 00:09:14,333 --> 00:09:18,173 Speaker 4: relatively impressed. The Chiefs have that The Reds have been 174 00:09:18,813 --> 00:09:20,493 Speaker 4: a bit hot cold this year, but they are hard 175 00:09:20,573 --> 00:09:24,093 Speaker 4: to beat at some corp Some big performances from Billy 176 00:09:24,173 --> 00:09:26,373 Speaker 4: Proctor rarely state in this case for their All Blacks 177 00:09:26,413 --> 00:09:30,093 Speaker 4: thirteen Jersey cam roy Gard was really good as well. 178 00:09:30,973 --> 00:09:34,773 Speaker 4: Do see Carrife, So the Canes are potentially coming good 179 00:09:35,053 --> 00:09:36,853 Speaker 4: at the right time. Looked like Ruben Love broken his 180 00:09:37,053 --> 00:09:39,213 Speaker 4: arm and then he got taped up and finished the game, 181 00:09:39,293 --> 00:09:40,653 Speaker 4: so that was a bit of a sigh of relief. 182 00:09:40,773 --> 00:09:44,453 Speaker 4: But yeah, if they can sneak into to fourth and 183 00:09:44,573 --> 00:09:47,213 Speaker 4: hold on to that position, that's where they want to be. 184 00:09:47,293 --> 00:09:49,173 Speaker 5: What do you make of the Kenes. 185 00:09:49,453 --> 00:09:51,253 Speaker 3: I think they're building really nicely, because at the start 186 00:09:51,253 --> 00:09:53,653 Speaker 3: of the season it felt like they'd faded a little 187 00:09:53,653 --> 00:09:55,773 Speaker 3: bit just when I would have string performances together. I mean, 188 00:09:55,813 --> 00:09:58,453 Speaker 3: they had a bundle of injuries around the start and 189 00:09:58,573 --> 00:10:02,093 Speaker 3: had to switch their tens a number of times and 190 00:10:02,413 --> 00:10:05,133 Speaker 3: refuse to play Reuben Love at ten, and O'd come 191 00:10:05,173 --> 00:10:07,053 Speaker 3: back from an injury himself, but they were sticking with 192 00:10:07,173 --> 00:10:09,493 Speaker 3: Riley Halhepper, who's never going to when you were championship 193 00:10:10,053 --> 00:10:13,013 Speaker 3: finally have gone with Rubin Love. They've got some players back, 194 00:10:13,053 --> 00:10:16,013 Speaker 3: Brick Cameron's there in the mix as well now, and 195 00:10:16,093 --> 00:10:21,173 Speaker 3: I think they're building. There's still I think probably definitely 196 00:10:21,173 --> 00:10:23,213 Speaker 3: below the Chiefs, but I'd say in terms of the 197 00:10:23,253 --> 00:10:25,893 Speaker 3: New Zealand team, there are thereabouts With the Crusaders as 198 00:10:25,933 --> 00:10:28,933 Speaker 3: we get into the closing stages of the season and 199 00:10:30,053 --> 00:10:32,973 Speaker 3: if they can continue to build Rubin Love hopefully that 200 00:10:33,493 --> 00:10:34,973 Speaker 3: is all right and he can play out the rest 201 00:10:35,013 --> 00:10:37,213 Speaker 3: of the Super Rugby campaign. Obviously played out the game 202 00:10:37,773 --> 00:10:40,973 Speaker 3: on Friday night. They are a different team with him 203 00:10:41,013 --> 00:10:44,173 Speaker 3: at ten than they were with Riley Holheap and with 204 00:10:44,293 --> 00:10:45,973 Speaker 3: other players that have played at ten this season, so 205 00:10:46,333 --> 00:10:48,453 Speaker 3: they can keep players fit. I know Nahola is gone, 206 00:10:48,493 --> 00:10:51,013 Speaker 3: but finning on NORTHWL is looking really really good. Reilly 207 00:10:51,053 --> 00:10:54,133 Speaker 3: propped her back in the mix is looking outstanding as 208 00:10:54,133 --> 00:10:56,213 Speaker 3: you said at seem to So for me, they're building 209 00:10:56,413 --> 00:10:59,173 Speaker 3: really really nicely and are becoming harder to beat by 210 00:10:59,213 --> 00:10:59,493 Speaker 3: the week. 211 00:11:00,133 --> 00:11:02,413 Speaker 4: I think gen guys like Tyra A Lomax back is 212 00:11:02,453 --> 00:11:05,213 Speaker 4: massive as well. He's right up there with one of 213 00:11:05,453 --> 00:11:08,933 Speaker 4: the world's best tight hair props. Haven't seen a lot 214 00:11:08,973 --> 00:11:12,693 Speaker 4: of him this year or arm more so to have 215 00:11:12,853 --> 00:11:16,133 Speaker 4: that platform, I think it's really important for the Canes. 216 00:11:16,213 --> 00:11:19,373 Speaker 5: So Tyra Lomax big, big for the Canes. 217 00:11:19,693 --> 00:11:24,173 Speaker 3: He certainly is. Crusaders Highlanders fifteen twelve on Friday night, 218 00:11:24,253 --> 00:11:28,093 Speaker 3: the first game of this round. A dreadful game of 219 00:11:28,213 --> 00:11:31,653 Speaker 3: rugby in all honesty, the Highlanders were a better team. 220 00:11:32,253 --> 00:11:36,093 Speaker 3: Crusaders somehow sneak out on top. And this is the 221 00:11:36,173 --> 00:11:38,893 Speaker 3: kind of performance that makes your question whether the Crusaders 222 00:11:38,933 --> 00:11:42,493 Speaker 3: are contenders or pretenders. And on the basis all we 223 00:11:42,573 --> 00:11:45,413 Speaker 3: saw on Friday night, they are pretenders and we saw 224 00:11:45,533 --> 00:11:48,533 Speaker 3: the real team that other contenders play the following night 225 00:11:48,573 --> 00:11:52,733 Speaker 3: in terms of the Chiefs. So ultimately, very disappointing point 226 00:11:52,773 --> 00:11:54,733 Speaker 3: for performance from the Crusaders. They were tender up at 227 00:11:54,733 --> 00:11:56,293 Speaker 3: one stage felt like they were going to kick on. 228 00:11:56,653 --> 00:11:58,213 Speaker 3: Highland has got back into the contest. I mean, the 229 00:11:58,253 --> 00:12:01,813 Speaker 3: Higland has played so much rugby in that game, or 230 00:12:01,893 --> 00:12:04,693 Speaker 3: had so much ball, but the Crusaders came up with 231 00:12:04,773 --> 00:12:08,053 Speaker 3: the steel or the turnover or the defensive play in 232 00:12:08,133 --> 00:12:10,813 Speaker 3: the twenty two How many times during that game felt like, 233 00:12:11,733 --> 00:12:14,173 Speaker 3: you know, probably a dozen times the Highlanders came close 234 00:12:14,213 --> 00:12:17,133 Speaker 3: and the Crusaders repelled them and the Crusaders just sneak 235 00:12:17,173 --> 00:12:20,573 Speaker 3: home with the win. But sometimes those close games you go, yep, 236 00:12:20,653 --> 00:12:23,813 Speaker 3: that's what championship teams are built on, winning those close encounters. Well, 237 00:12:24,453 --> 00:12:26,413 Speaker 3: the Crusader's more got out of jail than anything on 238 00:12:26,493 --> 00:12:28,373 Speaker 3: the weekend. I thought it was a really poor performance. 239 00:12:28,413 --> 00:12:30,653 Speaker 3: From the Crusaders the Highlanders a couple of weeks in 240 00:12:30,693 --> 00:12:32,493 Speaker 3: a row that went. They were leading after eighty minutes 241 00:12:32,493 --> 00:12:36,373 Speaker 3: against the Hurricanes. They should have beaten the Crusaders on 242 00:12:36,573 --> 00:12:39,493 Speaker 3: the Friday night, ultimately didn't. They're going to finish close to, 243 00:12:39,573 --> 00:12:43,733 Speaker 3: if not bottom of the table. But I think you 244 00:12:43,853 --> 00:12:46,133 Speaker 3: can take a bit if you, Jamie Joseph out of 245 00:12:46,173 --> 00:12:48,613 Speaker 3: these two performances as you head into twenty twenty six. 246 00:12:49,333 --> 00:12:51,773 Speaker 4: The story of the highlanded season. They've lost seven games 247 00:12:51,893 --> 00:12:56,173 Speaker 4: by seven points or less and I thought they would 248 00:12:56,333 --> 00:12:59,893 Speaker 4: hit the wall. It's a really tough run against Kiwi opposition. 249 00:12:59,973 --> 00:13:03,333 Speaker 4: But they've played their best rugby in the past two weeks. 250 00:13:03,413 --> 00:13:08,053 Speaker 4: Really really fronted against the Hurricanes and absolutely should have 251 00:13:08,093 --> 00:13:10,773 Speaker 4: been the Crusaders team. They must five shots at goal 252 00:13:11,293 --> 00:13:14,133 Speaker 4: and you know you hate to put it on the kickers, 253 00:13:14,253 --> 00:13:17,493 Speaker 4: but there are a couple of those were really kickable 254 00:13:17,533 --> 00:13:20,893 Speaker 4: penalties and that would have, you know, pushed the game 255 00:13:21,693 --> 00:13:26,013 Speaker 4: into extra time. You've got to kick those goals in 256 00:13:26,093 --> 00:13:30,253 Speaker 4: a tight game like that. So extremely disappointing for the Holands. 257 00:13:30,333 --> 00:13:36,053 Speaker 4: Some big performances Tavatavanawa, Fabian Hollands really pushing his case 258 00:13:36,133 --> 00:13:39,213 Speaker 4: if the ol Blacks take four locks. I think he's 259 00:13:39,253 --> 00:13:40,693 Speaker 4: a must inclusion. 260 00:13:40,653 --> 00:13:41,133 Speaker 2: Young guy. 261 00:13:41,933 --> 00:13:44,573 Speaker 4: Get him in there now playing great rugby and the 262 00:13:44,653 --> 00:13:49,253 Speaker 4: Crusaders I agree with you, I think really really underwhelming. 263 00:13:49,333 --> 00:13:51,013 Speaker 4: This is the time of year they should be building, 264 00:13:51,093 --> 00:13:52,973 Speaker 4: they should be starting to hum and it is a 265 00:13:53,093 --> 00:13:57,893 Speaker 4: tale of two distinct aspects. Their defense has been brilliant 266 00:13:58,253 --> 00:14:00,653 Speaker 4: and their attack without Will Jordan has gone to the pack. 267 00:14:01,573 --> 00:14:03,973 Speaker 4: They had three line breaks in that game. I know 268 00:14:04,093 --> 00:14:06,173 Speaker 4: that they have as much ball. The Hunters made something 269 00:14:06,333 --> 00:14:09,733 Speaker 4: like six hundred and twenty meters to the Crusaders two 270 00:14:09,853 --> 00:14:14,293 Speaker 4: fifty odd, so massive disparity there. But the attack from 271 00:14:14,333 --> 00:14:18,293 Speaker 4: the Crusaders is being blunted without Will Jordan, and it 272 00:14:18,493 --> 00:14:21,773 Speaker 4: was a massive concern immediately when they lost Will Jordan, 273 00:14:22,093 --> 00:14:24,733 Speaker 4: and they have yet to rectify it, so they cannot 274 00:14:24,773 --> 00:14:27,213 Speaker 4: get him back soon enough. It also sounds like he's 275 00:14:27,413 --> 00:14:30,813 Speaker 4: ethan Blackheader close to coming back. But he's not the 276 00:14:30,893 --> 00:14:33,293 Speaker 4: type of guy that's going to change your attack either, 277 00:14:33,413 --> 00:14:39,893 Speaker 4: So big job for Brad Moore, James Marshall and Rob 278 00:14:39,933 --> 00:14:42,173 Speaker 4: Penny to reignite that attack. 279 00:14:42,253 --> 00:14:44,853 Speaker 5: And camera's not necessarily the place to do it either. 280 00:14:44,973 --> 00:14:46,573 Speaker 3: No, three wise men will come up with a plan. 281 00:14:46,653 --> 00:14:49,333 Speaker 3: I'm sure, but you're right. You look at those stats 282 00:14:49,493 --> 00:14:52,653 Speaker 3: and the position in territory second half. I mean the 283 00:14:53,053 --> 00:14:56,813 Speaker 3: Highland has had seventy territory and position in the second spell. 284 00:14:57,053 --> 00:15:00,373 Speaker 3: And yeah, we can talk about the defense, but the attack, 285 00:15:00,453 --> 00:15:02,093 Speaker 3: the Crusaders are just kicking it to touch and then 286 00:15:02,133 --> 00:15:05,933 Speaker 3: it all start over again. And Johnaymannic was playing full back, 287 00:15:06,013 --> 00:15:09,413 Speaker 3: but he's band aid solution. He's not going to strike 288 00:15:09,653 --> 00:15:12,573 Speaker 3: and when you you know, line breaks and when you 289 00:15:12,693 --> 00:15:14,813 Speaker 3: get you over the advantage line like it, Will Jordan 290 00:15:14,933 --> 00:15:17,453 Speaker 3: is able to do and make things happen from inside 291 00:15:17,533 --> 00:15:20,773 Speaker 3: his own half. So Crusaders definitely need Will Jordan back. 292 00:15:20,813 --> 00:15:24,853 Speaker 3: I've heard caught a final weekend, maybe possibly semi finals 293 00:15:24,893 --> 00:15:27,893 Speaker 3: if they get through to that second week. So they 294 00:15:27,973 --> 00:15:30,973 Speaker 3: need him back because as we saw last year when 295 00:15:31,013 --> 00:15:33,293 Speaker 3: he wasn't there, and what we've seen this year, he 296 00:15:33,453 --> 00:15:35,653 Speaker 3: is a difference maker in that Crusader's team. And we 297 00:15:35,773 --> 00:15:37,893 Speaker 3: know how world class Will Jordan is, but it's just 298 00:15:37,933 --> 00:15:40,613 Speaker 3: been spelled out by his absence over the last few weeks. 299 00:15:41,253 --> 00:15:44,013 Speaker 4: Yeah, it'd go as far to say as Will Jordan 300 00:15:44,293 --> 00:15:49,133 Speaker 4: is as influential as and inspiring to the Crusaders as 301 00:15:49,253 --> 00:15:53,173 Speaker 4: Artie Severe as Winer Pacifica, because when you look at 302 00:15:53,493 --> 00:15:56,053 Speaker 4: like you say, when he wasn't there last year, there 303 00:15:56,133 --> 00:15:59,213 Speaker 4: wasn't him alone, but it was a big factor and 304 00:15:59,613 --> 00:16:02,613 Speaker 4: their attack was their strength. Earlier this year they were 305 00:16:02,733 --> 00:16:05,893 Speaker 4: running from everywhere offloading and yes there was a different 306 00:16:05,973 --> 00:16:08,893 Speaker 4: climate in terms of you know, coming into winter and 307 00:16:08,933 --> 00:16:11,173 Speaker 4: now it's always going to be a different style of footy, 308 00:16:11,253 --> 00:16:15,773 Speaker 4: But just his ability to mentor those young tens as well. 309 00:16:15,813 --> 00:16:19,493 Speaker 4: I think the Crusaders have really missed Takimita. But Will 310 00:16:19,573 --> 00:16:23,613 Speaker 4: Jordan's influence I think can't be understated on helping guide 311 00:16:23,653 --> 00:16:26,693 Speaker 4: those guys around to come into first receiver, take a 312 00:16:26,733 --> 00:16:30,133 Speaker 4: bit of pressure off and just run the right angles, 313 00:16:30,173 --> 00:16:31,373 Speaker 4: pop up at the right moments. 314 00:16:31,533 --> 00:16:32,893 Speaker 5: He was outstanding. 315 00:16:33,253 --> 00:16:37,053 Speaker 4: So yeah, they really need him back because they look 316 00:16:37,293 --> 00:16:38,333 Speaker 4: impotent without him. 317 00:16:38,413 --> 00:16:40,293 Speaker 3: Well, and they looked a little ponderous with Mitch strumand 318 00:16:40,293 --> 00:16:41,933 Speaker 3: I know it was his one hundred and fiftieth, but 319 00:16:42,013 --> 00:16:43,933 Speaker 3: they looked a little ponderous with him at half back 320 00:16:43,973 --> 00:16:46,693 Speaker 3: and it's probably a sign of Carle Preston and not 321 00:16:46,893 --> 00:16:49,093 Speaker 3: hope them what they can add it half back other 322 00:16:49,093 --> 00:16:52,613 Speaker 3: than now right, Yeah, that they know there's a sentimental thing. 323 00:16:52,653 --> 00:16:55,293 Speaker 3: They started him obviously, but Preston with his ability to 324 00:16:55,333 --> 00:16:58,773 Speaker 3: kick off both feet and hope them with his strikeability, 325 00:16:59,973 --> 00:17:02,013 Speaker 3: they needed to have a bit more on the park. 326 00:17:02,093 --> 00:17:05,693 Speaker 4: I felt sevy rees breaks TJ Peinar is super rugby 327 00:17:05,733 --> 00:17:07,053 Speaker 4: all time try screwing record. 328 00:17:07,173 --> 00:17:10,093 Speaker 5: Very bizarre that they apparently stop the game. 329 00:17:09,973 --> 00:17:13,613 Speaker 3: Ypri midgame Hype Briel to celebrate, sure in a very 330 00:17:13,773 --> 00:17:16,933 Speaker 3: dubious try, Well, what happens if Julian Sarvia takes it 331 00:17:17,013 --> 00:17:19,173 Speaker 3: over mid game? 332 00:17:19,253 --> 00:17:24,253 Speaker 5: Hype Bril, I did not award that that was fair, right, shock, 333 00:17:24,613 --> 00:17:24,933 Speaker 5: while we. 334 00:17:24,973 --> 00:17:27,653 Speaker 3: Spent like fifteen minutes looking at it, So glad they 335 00:17:27,693 --> 00:17:30,213 Speaker 3: came up all it out, just just to water as 336 00:17:30,253 --> 00:17:32,973 Speaker 3: to try and figure it out later. Yes, that was 337 00:17:33,013 --> 00:17:33,653 Speaker 3: a little. 338 00:17:33,533 --> 00:17:35,333 Speaker 5: Enery draft than the TMO box. 339 00:17:35,773 --> 00:17:38,853 Speaker 3: If only they still made the finest drop that has 340 00:17:38,893 --> 00:17:43,933 Speaker 3: ever been made, gets the record. Before we take a break, though, 341 00:17:44,253 --> 00:17:46,053 Speaker 3: let's let's sort of break this down a little bit. 342 00:17:46,053 --> 00:17:47,853 Speaker 3: We'll get into our jupping a bit later. But the 343 00:17:47,973 --> 00:17:51,213 Speaker 3: Chiefs out on top forty six, they win against the Hondas, 344 00:17:51,493 --> 00:17:54,853 Speaker 3: they'll take home advantage right through the playoffs. Crusaders and 345 00:17:54,893 --> 00:17:57,933 Speaker 3: second on forty five Brumbies and forty three in third, 346 00:17:58,253 --> 00:18:02,093 Speaker 3: Hurricanes thirty four, Reads in fifth on thirty three, Mowana 347 00:18:02,893 --> 00:18:05,293 Speaker 3: in the top six on twenty eights with a negative 348 00:18:05,453 --> 00:18:08,213 Speaker 3: points differential of eighty seven. Now it comes down to 349 00:18:08,373 --> 00:18:11,613 Speaker 3: wins first and foremost in terms of the tiebreaker. They 350 00:18:11,653 --> 00:18:14,133 Speaker 3: have six wins at the moment, so a win against 351 00:18:14,253 --> 00:18:15,453 Speaker 3: the Hurricanes will be enough. 352 00:18:16,133 --> 00:18:17,093 Speaker 2: The Blues. 353 00:18:18,493 --> 00:18:21,133 Speaker 3: Are on twenty eight outside looking in. The Wartas are 354 00:18:21,133 --> 00:18:25,213 Speaker 3: on twenty six, and that is the possibilities that can 355 00:18:25,293 --> 00:18:27,453 Speaker 3: happen at the moment. Who makes the top six to 356 00:18:27,493 --> 00:18:28,413 Speaker 3: the Blues given. 357 00:18:28,653 --> 00:18:33,493 Speaker 4: Yes, the Blues come in to sixth and on form, 358 00:18:33,693 --> 00:18:36,213 Speaker 4: the Brumbies go to second. 359 00:18:36,293 --> 00:18:39,733 Speaker 3: So the Brumbies. But the Crusaders yeap, and the Chiefs 360 00:18:39,813 --> 00:18:40,533 Speaker 3: beat the hind. 361 00:18:40,413 --> 00:18:44,853 Speaker 5: Us correct and the Hurricanes maintain fourth. 362 00:18:45,213 --> 00:18:47,933 Speaker 3: Yeah, they can't do any better than that. They can 363 00:18:48,013 --> 00:18:48,453 Speaker 3: do worse. 364 00:18:48,653 --> 00:18:51,133 Speaker 4: Yeah, they could slip out a fourth, but they stand 365 00:18:51,253 --> 00:18:55,613 Speaker 4: fourth and the Blues come in. There's your top six. 366 00:18:55,773 --> 00:18:59,213 Speaker 3: So Chiefs play the Blues week one is what you're saying. 367 00:19:00,613 --> 00:19:05,493 Speaker 3: Brumbies would play the Reds and the Crusaders would play 368 00:19:05,493 --> 00:19:06,093 Speaker 3: the Hurricanes. 369 00:19:07,213 --> 00:19:09,533 Speaker 5: You don't want that cane come in to town, mate. 370 00:19:10,853 --> 00:19:16,813 Speaker 3: Yeah, on the basis of what so okay, this is Yeah, 371 00:19:16,893 --> 00:19:19,413 Speaker 3: this is interesting, isn't it. I guess it's probably last 372 00:19:19,493 --> 00:19:21,373 Speaker 3: chance to talk about hard We probably won't next week. 373 00:19:22,413 --> 00:19:24,693 Speaker 3: There is some promising signs there from what we've seen 374 00:19:24,773 --> 00:19:26,493 Speaker 3: over the last couple of weeks and also the start 375 00:19:26,533 --> 00:19:28,453 Speaker 3: of the season. They started quite strongly beat the Blues 376 00:19:28,493 --> 00:19:32,173 Speaker 3: at home. There are some young players in that mix 377 00:19:32,453 --> 00:19:36,893 Speaker 3: with the is one of them, Holland Obviously that'll be 378 00:19:36,933 --> 00:19:39,973 Speaker 3: best for the season of decent halfbacks half backs, and 379 00:19:39,973 --> 00:19:42,533 Speaker 3: they've got young Dylan Pledger who I think is in 380 00:19:42,573 --> 00:19:44,493 Speaker 3: the home this mix next year. The under twenty half 381 00:19:44,493 --> 00:19:49,173 Speaker 3: back looks very, very promising. They have some framework there. 382 00:19:49,573 --> 00:19:54,813 Speaker 3: What they're desperately missing is a ten and if they 383 00:19:54,853 --> 00:19:57,533 Speaker 3: can find a ten, you know, Cambilla is obviously pretty 384 00:19:57,573 --> 00:20:00,333 Speaker 3: young and promising, hasn't always had the trust of Jamie Joseph. 385 00:20:00,413 --> 00:20:02,453 Speaker 3: This year. Tane Robinson's been starting a lot of those 386 00:20:02,493 --> 00:20:04,933 Speaker 3: games at ten. But if they can find a ten 387 00:20:05,053 --> 00:20:07,453 Speaker 3: to steer them around the park, that solves a few 388 00:20:07,533 --> 00:20:08,173 Speaker 3: issues for them. 389 00:20:08,813 --> 00:20:11,493 Speaker 5: Yeah, short on locks, but it is a green pack. 390 00:20:11,533 --> 00:20:13,493 Speaker 4: I think Ethan de Groot's the oldest in that pack 391 00:20:13,573 --> 00:20:17,413 Speaker 4: and he's what like twenty eight twenty something like that, 392 00:20:17,893 --> 00:20:22,333 Speaker 4: So yeah, but look, I think they do need a 393 00:20:22,413 --> 00:20:25,213 Speaker 4: ten and the chopping and changing probably has to stop. 394 00:20:25,253 --> 00:20:27,933 Speaker 4: I think you it's hard because you give a guy 395 00:20:28,093 --> 00:20:31,133 Speaker 4: like cam Miller the keys and maybe he doesn't kick 396 00:20:31,213 --> 00:20:33,773 Speaker 4: on as you want, so you're backed into a corner 397 00:20:33,853 --> 00:20:37,613 Speaker 4: and where you go to from there. Losing Caleb Tongueytowel 398 00:20:37,853 --> 00:20:40,293 Speaker 4: tour injury at times this year has been a big blow. 399 00:20:40,453 --> 00:20:43,773 Speaker 4: He was a real spark for them, some brilliant individual 400 00:20:43,893 --> 00:20:51,213 Speaker 4: tries at times. So yeah, and I think Rosamavuki Nikkins 401 00:20:51,293 --> 00:20:54,933 Speaker 4: has been impressive largely since coming back and missed him 402 00:20:54,973 --> 00:20:57,213 Speaker 4: for a big chunk of the year. So the Highlands 403 00:20:57,293 --> 00:20:59,653 Speaker 4: when they get injuries to key players, it hurts them 404 00:20:59,693 --> 00:21:02,413 Speaker 4: more than others. If the fucker Tava hasn't been there 405 00:21:02,453 --> 00:21:03,333 Speaker 4: for most of the year. 406 00:21:04,973 --> 00:21:08,013 Speaker 3: And it's a depth game, isn't super Rugby, the bear 407 00:21:08,053 --> 00:21:10,573 Speaker 3: of the get the more likely to weather thiss title. 408 00:21:10,453 --> 00:21:14,133 Speaker 4: And it is more challenging now with an effective sixth 409 00:21:14,613 --> 00:21:18,813 Speaker 4: New Zealand franchise with Winea Pacifica, they are competing for 410 00:21:19,253 --> 00:21:22,573 Speaker 4: talent out of the NPC and recruitment drive. But I 411 00:21:22,693 --> 00:21:25,573 Speaker 4: think if we talk to Jamie Joseph and with him 412 00:21:25,613 --> 00:21:28,533 Speaker 4: coming back this year, there were hopes that he would 413 00:21:28,693 --> 00:21:32,053 Speaker 4: improve the Hondas and on the basis of where they sit, 414 00:21:32,173 --> 00:21:36,133 Speaker 4: they've gone backwards and playoffs last year. Yeah, exactly the 415 00:21:36,333 --> 00:21:39,573 Speaker 4: eighteen format. So a lot of work ahead of Jamie, 416 00:21:39,653 --> 00:21:43,773 Speaker 4: Joe and the Hondas, but there's enough in their performances, 417 00:21:44,693 --> 00:21:46,773 Speaker 4: particularly in the past two weeks, to say that they 418 00:21:46,813 --> 00:21:49,373 Speaker 4: should be a lot better than where they sit. Seven 419 00:21:50,213 --> 00:21:52,453 Speaker 4: losses by seven points or less. You've got to start 420 00:21:52,493 --> 00:21:53,373 Speaker 4: converting some of those. 421 00:21:53,773 --> 00:21:55,533 Speaker 3: Indeed, we'll take a break, come back with more on 422 00:21:55,653 --> 00:21:58,093 Speaker 3: Rugby Direct, including our look at the Black Ferns and 423 00:21:58,173 --> 00:22:00,333 Speaker 3: the Pack four series after this with their friends that 424 00:22:00,413 --> 00:22:00,893 Speaker 3: Habit Help. 425 00:22:01,653 --> 00:22:05,733 Speaker 2: This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fans. 426 00:22:09,293 --> 00:22:12,533 Speaker 3: Every try try ten sixty sec, every tackle to tack, 427 00:22:12,573 --> 00:22:17,653 Speaker 3: the tackles, get up agaya moment, Well I take him before. 428 00:22:17,413 --> 00:22:19,373 Speaker 2: Our times Rugby Directed. 429 00:22:20,813 --> 00:22:23,933 Speaker 3: You're back with Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health, second 430 00:22:23,973 --> 00:22:26,213 Speaker 3: half of our podcast, and we kicked things off with 431 00:22:26,333 --> 00:22:28,853 Speaker 3: the final four to four Rugby topics topic number one 432 00:22:28,933 --> 00:22:31,853 Speaker 3: Ligum the Black Fans Packed full series. They smashed the 433 00:22:32,013 --> 00:22:34,773 Speaker 3: United States to the tune of seventy nine fourteen. We 434 00:22:34,853 --> 00:22:37,813 Speaker 3: didn't probably learn a lot from that game other than 435 00:22:38,373 --> 00:22:42,653 Speaker 3: the Sevens and the players coming in. Georgia Miller I 436 00:22:42,693 --> 00:22:45,133 Speaker 3: thought was very good, reci Palty Lane excellent a half back, 437 00:22:45,173 --> 00:22:49,893 Speaker 3: and then they had the center combination of Teresa's definal 438 00:22:49,933 --> 00:22:52,453 Speaker 3: and Stacy Waker come in in midfield as well. And 439 00:22:52,573 --> 00:22:55,133 Speaker 3: it felt that those SEVENS players, and again you've got 440 00:22:55,253 --> 00:22:57,013 Speaker 3: temperate with the fact that the United States weren't really 441 00:22:57,093 --> 00:23:00,133 Speaker 3: the races apart from the opening fifteen minutes, those SEVENS 442 00:23:00,133 --> 00:23:03,733 Speaker 3: players made a huge immediate difference on this Black Fans team. 443 00:23:04,293 --> 00:23:07,933 Speaker 4: They did, and I wonder what that's like to manage 444 00:23:07,973 --> 00:23:11,613 Speaker 4: from relationship dynamic point of view, right, because you've got 445 00:23:12,053 --> 00:23:15,853 Speaker 4: players that have come through Alpaqui, the fifteen specialists, they're 446 00:23:15,853 --> 00:23:18,333 Speaker 4: in the squad, and then you get half a dozen 447 00:23:18,413 --> 00:23:22,093 Speaker 4: players come in from outside who are very close as 448 00:23:22,133 --> 00:23:24,893 Speaker 4: a group as well. So I'd love to be a 449 00:23:24,973 --> 00:23:26,893 Speaker 4: fly on the wall and sort of see how that's managed. 450 00:23:26,933 --> 00:23:29,613 Speaker 4: But you're right, those SEVENS players made a massive impact. 451 00:23:30,013 --> 00:23:33,853 Speaker 4: Stacy Walker in particularly particularly. You mentioned the week before 452 00:23:33,893 --> 00:23:37,653 Speaker 4: about Amy Dupless in the midfield, and we talked about 453 00:23:37,733 --> 00:23:41,293 Speaker 4: pusha Woodman potentially coming in and being closer to the action. 454 00:23:42,453 --> 00:23:45,613 Speaker 5: But Stacy Waker, she was not the heart and soul, 455 00:23:45,693 --> 00:23:47,893 Speaker 5: but her ability. 456 00:23:48,293 --> 00:23:53,053 Speaker 4: The wingers scored eleven tries, and that's when you know 457 00:23:53,173 --> 00:23:56,053 Speaker 4: your center's playing well as well. Because the distribution of 458 00:23:56,133 --> 00:24:00,213 Speaker 4: Stacy Woker is hugely underrated. Her ability to throw skip 459 00:24:00,293 --> 00:24:05,213 Speaker 4: balls to create space, to make players around her look good. 460 00:24:05,813 --> 00:24:08,293 Speaker 4: She was a big part of that World Cup victory 461 00:24:08,493 --> 00:24:10,933 Speaker 4: three years ago and she made an immediate impact there. 462 00:24:11,453 --> 00:24:15,973 Speaker 4: Georgia Miller some nice touches, nice breaks. There's an element 463 00:24:16,053 --> 00:24:17,933 Speaker 4: of surprise for me that she's an open side just 464 00:24:18,013 --> 00:24:20,093 Speaker 4: to look at her physical she's. 465 00:24:19,973 --> 00:24:22,693 Speaker 3: Quite small for an open side Flanka or for a Ford, 466 00:24:22,733 --> 00:24:24,053 Speaker 3: to be honest, But I don't know where else she 467 00:24:24,133 --> 00:24:26,053 Speaker 3: put her. She kind of plays that prop role in 468 00:24:26,213 --> 00:24:30,573 Speaker 3: vite coomas and sevens, but there's so much competition in 469 00:24:30,613 --> 00:24:33,933 Speaker 3: the back line. Maybe she's more suited there. But in 470 00:24:34,013 --> 00:24:37,053 Speaker 3: the four pack, you know they've got Kennedy Takawafu, who's 471 00:24:37,173 --> 00:24:39,093 Speaker 3: the co captain of the team at openside. Flanka had 472 00:24:39,093 --> 00:24:42,293 Speaker 3: to make way for Georgia Miller, So I'm not quite 473 00:24:42,333 --> 00:24:43,893 Speaker 3: sure you need to have her in the mix because 474 00:24:43,933 --> 00:24:46,013 Speaker 3: we saw how devastating she can be with a couple 475 00:24:46,053 --> 00:24:48,733 Speaker 3: of those breaks that she made, But it feels like 476 00:24:48,813 --> 00:24:51,173 Speaker 3: they've sort of tagged her as a seven I don't 477 00:24:51,213 --> 00:24:53,213 Speaker 3: know that it's necessarily her best position on the park. 478 00:24:53,733 --> 00:24:55,813 Speaker 4: Maybe she's a bit of a hybrid player on the 479 00:24:55,853 --> 00:24:59,533 Speaker 4: bench that can come on and play all loose four positions. 480 00:24:59,573 --> 00:25:04,413 Speaker 4: She roams, doesn't she She is very good on the edge, 481 00:25:04,533 --> 00:25:06,933 Speaker 4: using her skills, having a bit more space rather than 482 00:25:07,013 --> 00:25:10,973 Speaker 4: being confined. But I have heard her speaking about enjoying 483 00:25:11,053 --> 00:25:15,493 Speaker 4: being close to the action, enjoying targeting the ruck and 484 00:25:15,573 --> 00:25:18,413 Speaker 4: those sorts of things. So she could be a game 485 00:25:18,493 --> 00:25:21,133 Speaker 4: breaker to bring on with twenty minutes to go. There's 486 00:25:21,133 --> 00:25:23,333 Speaker 4: a bit of fatigue in the game, a bit more 487 00:25:23,373 --> 00:25:27,253 Speaker 4: space it targets and weak shoulders, and let her have 488 00:25:27,333 --> 00:25:29,453 Speaker 4: a bit of a roaming commission, and the way that 489 00:25:29,533 --> 00:25:33,613 Speaker 4: Black Ferns play with their intent to offload, I think 490 00:25:33,773 --> 00:25:34,453 Speaker 4: will suit her. 491 00:25:35,453 --> 00:25:37,253 Speaker 5: It is hard to take too much out of that game. 492 00:25:37,333 --> 00:25:39,933 Speaker 4: The USA ranked ninth in the world, and the Black 493 00:25:39,973 --> 00:25:43,413 Speaker 4: Ferns have clearly experimented throughout this tournament, particularly in that match, 494 00:25:43,573 --> 00:25:46,413 Speaker 4: made a number of changes to give those sevens players time. 495 00:25:46,933 --> 00:25:48,693 Speaker 5: If there's one concern. I do still have. 496 00:25:50,853 --> 00:25:54,053 Speaker 4: Their kicking game and the length of it, being able 497 00:25:54,133 --> 00:25:57,053 Speaker 4: to get in the right positions, because that's the strength 498 00:25:57,533 --> 00:25:59,773 Speaker 4: of England in particular. They're going to pinion the corners, 499 00:26:00,173 --> 00:26:03,053 Speaker 4: They're going to go to their mall, so you're not 500 00:26:03,173 --> 00:26:04,813 Speaker 4: always going to be able to run your way out 501 00:26:04,853 --> 00:26:07,773 Speaker 4: of trouble. So you can't take on England at their 502 00:26:07,813 --> 00:26:12,893 Speaker 4: own game or Canada and the like. But I think 503 00:26:13,413 --> 00:26:17,613 Speaker 4: that is somewhere where the Black fans will feel the pressure. 504 00:26:17,773 --> 00:26:20,893 Speaker 3: Even the set piece scrumbet well, the line out was 505 00:26:21,333 --> 00:26:23,573 Speaker 3: chambalock at times. A lot of miss ball on line 506 00:26:23,613 --> 00:26:25,413 Speaker 3: out and against better teams you're going to have to 507 00:26:25,453 --> 00:26:27,653 Speaker 3: be a lot better getting all to A player have 508 00:26:27,773 --> 00:26:31,213 Speaker 3: felt I was not straight, there was miscommunication between the 509 00:26:32,013 --> 00:26:34,173 Speaker 3: it was the call, but the hooker and the jumper. 510 00:26:34,533 --> 00:26:36,453 Speaker 3: It all just felt out of sync at line out time, 511 00:26:36,533 --> 00:26:38,693 Speaker 3: so that's something they need to fix as well. They've 512 00:26:38,693 --> 00:26:42,213 Speaker 3: got an internal trial game of sorts in early July 513 00:26:42,653 --> 00:26:45,413 Speaker 3: Black Fans with Black Fans fifteen, and then they have 514 00:26:45,453 --> 00:26:47,933 Speaker 3: a Test against Australia the following week in Wellington, so 515 00:26:48,093 --> 00:26:51,413 Speaker 3: two more games won a test match before they head 516 00:26:51,453 --> 00:26:53,653 Speaker 3: to the World Cup. So still a little bit of 517 00:26:53,693 --> 00:26:56,053 Speaker 3: time to figure out some of these combinations, but time 518 00:26:56,853 --> 00:26:57,813 Speaker 3: taking away a little. 519 00:26:57,573 --> 00:26:59,333 Speaker 4: Bit, Yes, not a lot, is it. You'd love to 520 00:26:59,333 --> 00:27:02,773 Speaker 4: play Canada again just to have that sort of level 521 00:27:02,813 --> 00:27:04,773 Speaker 4: of opposition. Again, I don't know how much you get 522 00:27:04,813 --> 00:27:08,773 Speaker 4: out of playing Australia, but I guess you run your 523 00:27:08,813 --> 00:27:14,133 Speaker 4: best team, but some difficult choices as well. To finalize 524 00:27:14,173 --> 00:27:16,013 Speaker 4: that World Cup squads, there's going to be a number 525 00:27:16,053 --> 00:27:19,573 Speaker 4: of disappointed players and that's what you want leading into 526 00:27:19,573 --> 00:27:20,053 Speaker 4: a World Cup. 527 00:27:20,213 --> 00:27:24,693 Speaker 3: Certainly. There's topic two in the Final four communication last week. 528 00:27:24,733 --> 00:27:26,773 Speaker 3: The All Black squad will be named the Monday after 529 00:27:26,893 --> 00:27:31,853 Speaker 3: the Super Rugby Final. Interestingly, it's a thirty five man 530 00:27:32,013 --> 00:27:34,093 Speaker 3: squad now I'd heard it was only going to be 531 00:27:34,253 --> 00:27:38,133 Speaker 3: thirty players also heard thirty two at one point. I guess, 532 00:27:38,173 --> 00:27:42,773 Speaker 3: in just the context of naming a wider squad, what 533 00:27:42,853 --> 00:27:45,013 Speaker 3: does this tell us about maybe what they are going 534 00:27:45,053 --> 00:27:46,893 Speaker 3: to do. We've seen bigger squads go for obviously end 535 00:27:46,893 --> 00:27:48,893 Speaker 3: of year tours and things like that, but the wisdom 536 00:27:48,933 --> 00:27:51,173 Speaker 3: has always been when you're in New Zealand, you can 537 00:27:51,333 --> 00:27:53,253 Speaker 3: just whistle a player on a domestic flight and getting 538 00:27:53,293 --> 00:27:56,613 Speaker 3: there in a couple of hours. So interestingly, they're going 539 00:27:56,653 --> 00:27:58,293 Speaker 3: through the thirty five man squad. Does that tell us 540 00:27:58,333 --> 00:27:59,933 Speaker 3: something about the way that they're going to pick and 541 00:28:00,053 --> 00:28:01,333 Speaker 3: the players that they're going to pick. 542 00:28:02,213 --> 00:28:04,213 Speaker 5: I think it's bloated. 543 00:28:04,733 --> 00:28:06,613 Speaker 4: I don't think you need thirty five players for a 544 00:28:06,893 --> 00:28:11,933 Speaker 4: three match series again France. But obviously Raises got on 545 00:28:11,973 --> 00:28:14,493 Speaker 4: Mark Robinson's ear and said, just give me a bit 546 00:28:14,533 --> 00:28:15,173 Speaker 4: more cash, mate. 547 00:28:16,333 --> 00:28:19,173 Speaker 5: What's another it? How's your math? 548 00:28:19,293 --> 00:28:24,693 Speaker 4: Three times seven five hundred is what each all Black 549 00:28:24,733 --> 00:28:26,853 Speaker 4: earns when they're in camp each week, So twenty two 550 00:28:26,853 --> 00:28:31,413 Speaker 4: and a half thousand dollars per week, so time's three yep. Yeah, yeah, 551 00:28:31,453 --> 00:28:34,893 Speaker 4: it's a bit of extra cash there. But it does 552 00:28:34,973 --> 00:28:38,893 Speaker 4: give you more fleix. It does give you more flexibility. 553 00:28:39,013 --> 00:28:41,373 Speaker 4: I think it means they'll select four locks. It gives 554 00:28:41,413 --> 00:28:46,573 Speaker 4: you an extra prop, probably an extra Lucy, maybe an 555 00:28:46,573 --> 00:28:50,173 Speaker 4: extra outside back, so you get three extra players. So 556 00:28:51,253 --> 00:28:55,413 Speaker 4: we will have a new luc Head prop with offer 557 00:28:55,453 --> 00:28:58,173 Speaker 4: toing a fussy out of that mix. So interesting to 558 00:28:58,213 --> 00:29:02,093 Speaker 4: see who fills that void. I think I hope it 559 00:29:02,173 --> 00:29:04,533 Speaker 4: paves away for someone like Fabian Holland. I'd be selecting 560 00:29:04,613 --> 00:29:08,853 Speaker 4: him over Josh Lord at this point. And the Lucy's 561 00:29:09,253 --> 00:29:11,853 Speaker 4: is where the pinchers is rarely going to come. And 562 00:29:12,533 --> 00:29:14,773 Speaker 4: I think in the thirty two man Squaddy could probably 563 00:29:14,853 --> 00:29:18,053 Speaker 4: only slept four max outside backs because you've got that 564 00:29:18,173 --> 00:29:22,293 Speaker 4: flexibility with McKenzie and Boden, Barrett, Stephen Peterfetzter if he's 565 00:29:22,333 --> 00:29:25,293 Speaker 4: in that mix, so it probably gives you. It allows 566 00:29:25,333 --> 00:29:28,453 Speaker 4: you to go deeper in some positions which you know 567 00:29:28,573 --> 00:29:30,973 Speaker 4: Razor and the Orbicks will want this year and beyond. 568 00:29:31,453 --> 00:29:34,413 Speaker 3: Yeah, that Lucy props interesting, isn't it. The drums beating 569 00:29:34,453 --> 00:29:36,653 Speaker 3: a little bit for Josh Fuzzy Tour. I've seen his 570 00:29:36,813 --> 00:29:39,493 Speaker 3: name mentioned a fair better around the place. Olie Norris 571 00:29:40,013 --> 00:29:42,413 Speaker 3: has been very good for the Chiefs, so there's some 572 00:29:42,493 --> 00:29:43,893 Speaker 3: competition for that jersey there is. 573 00:29:44,373 --> 00:29:48,213 Speaker 4: George Boar's been there, Xavier new Mere I think the 574 00:29:48,253 --> 00:29:50,293 Speaker 4: All Blacks like him. I know Jason Ryan has spent 575 00:29:50,413 --> 00:29:54,533 Speaker 4: some time in Wellington working with him this year. Those 576 00:29:54,733 --> 00:29:57,853 Speaker 4: All Blacks coaches get around all the franchises, but I 577 00:29:57,973 --> 00:30:00,533 Speaker 4: think Xavier new Mia. He was on the cusp last 578 00:30:00,613 --> 00:30:02,933 Speaker 4: year and what was it a calf or an ankle, 579 00:30:03,213 --> 00:30:06,533 Speaker 4: something very untimely injury at the back end of last year. 580 00:30:07,773 --> 00:30:13,093 Speaker 4: So It is interesting because those three players for situr 581 00:30:13,493 --> 00:30:16,093 Speaker 4: Olie Norris who heard a massive performance off the bench, 582 00:30:16,413 --> 00:30:19,573 Speaker 4: and Bay plenty against who was it against the Force 583 00:30:20,733 --> 00:30:25,533 Speaker 4: played seventy odd minutes and Numea are that all court 584 00:30:25,653 --> 00:30:28,213 Speaker 4: modern day prop that bring you so much more around 585 00:30:28,213 --> 00:30:32,533 Speaker 4: the field than say Ethan de Groot. But the Groot 586 00:30:32,653 --> 00:30:35,413 Speaker 4: scrummaging is probably at another level to those guys at 587 00:30:35,453 --> 00:30:37,773 Speaker 4: this point. So it is an interesting dynamic about where 588 00:30:37,773 --> 00:30:38,853 Speaker 4: the All Blacks want to go there. 589 00:30:38,973 --> 00:30:41,693 Speaker 3: It is indeed we'll pick out All Black squad probably 590 00:30:41,733 --> 00:30:44,093 Speaker 3: in the week, letting up to that team announcement as well. 591 00:30:44,133 --> 00:30:46,093 Speaker 3: Probably a good chance to flow into another question in 592 00:30:46,133 --> 00:30:50,013 Speaker 3: the final four who plus Savia and Satiti. Let's assume 593 00:30:50,053 --> 00:30:52,453 Speaker 3: that their locks are will their loose fords actually, but 594 00:30:52,493 --> 00:30:54,533 Speaker 3: their locks for this team are going to be the 595 00:30:54,573 --> 00:30:56,693 Speaker 3: All Blacks loose ford trio for that opening Test of 596 00:30:56,733 --> 00:30:59,533 Speaker 3: twenty twenty five. So you can move things around it, 597 00:30:59,573 --> 00:31:02,053 Speaker 3: but I guess you in theory save is your open 598 00:31:02,133 --> 00:31:06,013 Speaker 3: side Flanka and Satiti's the number eight, but Saditi could 599 00:31:06,013 --> 00:31:08,573 Speaker 3: play six, Artie could play eight. You can move things 600 00:31:08,573 --> 00:31:10,093 Speaker 3: around a little bit, but who are you adding to 601 00:31:10,173 --> 00:31:11,013 Speaker 3: that loose ford Trigo. 602 00:31:11,853 --> 00:31:14,093 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think we will see Sititi at eight and 603 00:31:14,213 --> 00:31:18,413 Speaker 4: Save at seven this year. It slowly progressed that way 604 00:31:18,413 --> 00:31:21,493 Speaker 4: towards the back end of last year, and that dynamic 605 00:31:21,613 --> 00:31:22,653 Speaker 4: does seem to work well. 606 00:31:23,853 --> 00:31:24,413 Speaker 5: I think. 607 00:31:25,973 --> 00:31:28,933 Speaker 4: The All Blacks are still take guys of invested time, 608 00:31:29,013 --> 00:31:31,933 Speaker 4: and so you're looking at a female Black Header Jacobson. 609 00:31:32,693 --> 00:31:35,533 Speaker 4: It's hard to see them going beyond that realm. And yes, 610 00:31:35,613 --> 00:31:37,893 Speaker 4: female is coming off the bench for the Chiefs, currently 611 00:31:38,013 --> 00:31:43,453 Speaker 4: behind Simon Parker, who's been great for them in recent weeks, 612 00:31:43,693 --> 00:31:46,173 Speaker 4: performing exactly what they want from him. 613 00:31:46,213 --> 00:31:48,973 Speaker 3: We'll see you contender. I don't maybe not start this, 614 00:31:49,253 --> 00:31:50,493 Speaker 3: but maybe for that squad. 615 00:31:51,333 --> 00:31:53,613 Speaker 4: I can't see it that there's so much talent the 616 00:31:53,653 --> 00:31:56,213 Speaker 4: loose Fords, Peter Larkeye and then you go the open 617 00:31:56,293 --> 00:31:59,213 Speaker 4: sides Papaal to see CARREFI. 618 00:31:59,453 --> 00:32:00,733 Speaker 5: You know, the list goes on. 619 00:32:00,853 --> 00:32:02,653 Speaker 4: So I just I can't see a guy like Parker 620 00:32:02,773 --> 00:32:07,973 Speaker 4: forcing his way in. It's very interesting. Black Header hasn't 621 00:32:07,973 --> 00:32:12,773 Speaker 4: played most of this year. Jacobson has been good for me. 622 00:32:13,013 --> 00:32:14,253 Speaker 4: It's probably still female. 623 00:32:14,853 --> 00:32:15,413 Speaker 5: I think. 624 00:32:16,973 --> 00:32:19,133 Speaker 4: The upside in him where he can get to with 625 00:32:19,293 --> 00:32:22,493 Speaker 4: his ball carrying. He is a strong line out option, 626 00:32:23,653 --> 00:32:26,573 Speaker 4: but he's been used sparingly this year, so it's whether 627 00:32:26,613 --> 00:32:29,333 Speaker 4: the All Blacks and he hasn't really taken his chance. 628 00:32:30,253 --> 00:32:32,853 Speaker 3: He hasn't gone in Stamford's authority on a Test match 629 00:32:32,973 --> 00:32:36,933 Speaker 3: like you would want. You know, Shan Frazel, you did 630 00:32:36,973 --> 00:32:40,253 Speaker 3: that game against Sartifragar in twenty three, but it feels 631 00:32:40,373 --> 00:32:44,213 Speaker 3: like Jerome Kano left eight years ago and they're still 632 00:32:44,253 --> 00:32:46,213 Speaker 3: searching for that blind. They've been through a lot since then, 633 00:32:46,293 --> 00:32:50,173 Speaker 3: Liam Squire, Scott Barrett's gone and any number of players, 634 00:32:50,173 --> 00:32:52,653 Speaker 3: but they're still searching for that number six. 635 00:32:52,893 --> 00:32:53,973 Speaker 5: Well, Frazel was that guy. 636 00:32:54,693 --> 00:32:57,093 Speaker 4: He got to that level or pretty close to it, 637 00:32:58,453 --> 00:33:00,413 Speaker 4: and then he's gone to Japan for a couple of years. 638 00:33:00,453 --> 00:33:03,613 Speaker 4: As we would have whispers that maybe he'd entertained coming back, 639 00:33:03,693 --> 00:33:06,813 Speaker 4: but we haven't heard anything more about that. But since 640 00:33:07,453 --> 00:33:13,893 Speaker 4: he's left, Orsa Titi became the guy in an unfamiliar 641 00:33:14,013 --> 00:33:17,653 Speaker 4: largely positioned but you'd think his long term home is 642 00:33:17,773 --> 00:33:20,253 Speaker 4: number eight. So that six jersey is still very much 643 00:33:20,333 --> 00:33:20,973 Speaker 4: up for grabs. 644 00:33:21,293 --> 00:33:23,773 Speaker 3: It certainly is final topic in the final four Club 645 00:33:23,853 --> 00:33:26,573 Speaker 3: World Cup got the go ahead from twenty twenty eight, 646 00:33:26,733 --> 00:33:29,853 Speaker 3: so you're popping balloons and celebrating about that when you 647 00:33:29,933 --> 00:33:30,973 Speaker 3: heard the news, I'm sure. 648 00:33:31,293 --> 00:33:33,813 Speaker 4: Well it's going to be pretty magic time to see 649 00:33:33,813 --> 00:33:35,893 Speaker 4: the Canes crown champions of the world. 650 00:33:35,933 --> 00:33:38,013 Speaker 3: Isn't it going to make the top seven and twenty 651 00:33:38,053 --> 00:33:39,733 Speaker 3: seven first? So just hold your horses. 652 00:33:39,813 --> 00:33:43,253 Speaker 4: Actually sip a bit of consternation on Twitter or x 653 00:33:43,373 --> 00:33:47,773 Speaker 4: or whatever it's called now about if if the draw 654 00:33:47,933 --> 00:33:51,093 Speaker 4: was made now, Moana would be included and they've just 655 00:33:51,173 --> 00:33:54,373 Speaker 4: been pumped by eighty points, So well, let's look at 656 00:33:54,533 --> 00:33:56,493 Speaker 4: the entirety of the season. They beat the Crusades and 657 00:33:56,573 --> 00:33:59,093 Speaker 4: krash Chitts knocked over four of the five New Zealand teams. 658 00:34:00,253 --> 00:34:02,173 Speaker 4: You know, if you want to look at it that way, 659 00:34:02,853 --> 00:34:07,013 Speaker 4: was it Glasgow got pumped by fifty points and the 660 00:34:07,453 --> 00:34:09,413 Speaker 4: Champions Cup or the final by Leinster. 661 00:34:09,613 --> 00:34:11,693 Speaker 5: So you can pick out one off results. 662 00:34:11,733 --> 00:34:14,133 Speaker 4: But look, the concept of a Club World Cup does 663 00:34:14,213 --> 00:34:16,813 Speaker 4: excite me and I think it will engage fans because 664 00:34:16,893 --> 00:34:19,573 Speaker 4: there's long been talk about the Crusaders and their pump 665 00:34:19,653 --> 00:34:22,733 Speaker 4: going up against Leinster or Laraschelle or whoever it is. 666 00:34:23,373 --> 00:34:29,013 Speaker 4: And I think that narrative will, you know, spark some 667 00:34:29,133 --> 00:34:33,053 Speaker 4: banter and interest and I think rugby needs that it 668 00:34:33,213 --> 00:34:33,573 Speaker 4: lacks it. 669 00:34:34,093 --> 00:34:36,413 Speaker 3: It is a competition that rugby needs. I agree the 670 00:34:36,453 --> 00:34:39,973 Speaker 3: club book ups never quite worked in football, They've never 671 00:34:40,053 --> 00:34:41,253 Speaker 3: quite known what to do with it. In fact, the 672 00:34:41,293 --> 00:34:44,693 Speaker 3: football ones in a month or two's time with a 673 00:34:44,973 --> 00:34:47,093 Speaker 3: thirty two team format, which is the first time they've 674 00:34:47,133 --> 00:34:51,213 Speaker 3: done that. Cricket's tried it, They've tried it around the 675 00:34:51,453 --> 00:34:54,613 Speaker 3: Rugby League Club Challenge and various things, because it's very 676 00:34:54,693 --> 00:34:56,693 Speaker 3: very hard to get the calendar's right the best players 677 00:34:56,773 --> 00:34:59,133 Speaker 3: or playing at the one time. Sounds like the calendar 678 00:34:59,213 --> 00:35:01,173 Speaker 3: is going to be just after the end of the 679 00:35:01,813 --> 00:35:05,413 Speaker 3: French A story season, so maybe June July, so you're 680 00:35:05,413 --> 00:35:07,173 Speaker 3: going to come straight out of Super if you're in 681 00:35:07,213 --> 00:35:10,133 Speaker 3: New Zealand or Australian specific team and head into that 682 00:35:10,173 --> 00:35:12,853 Speaker 3: Club World Cup. So they've probably done the best possible 683 00:35:12,933 --> 00:35:14,733 Speaker 3: sort of window they can for this one. 684 00:35:15,253 --> 00:35:16,773 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think the league one's a bit of a 685 00:35:16,893 --> 00:35:20,493 Speaker 4: joke to be honest, because it's preseason the following year 686 00:35:20,853 --> 00:35:23,613 Speaker 4: and I've heard even I think Nathan Clary talk about 687 00:35:23,613 --> 00:35:26,693 Speaker 4: it's basically like a pissed trip for those guys go 688 00:35:26,813 --> 00:35:29,213 Speaker 4: up there and have a joint a jaunts. 689 00:35:29,293 --> 00:35:31,453 Speaker 5: So maybe they do that. 690 00:35:31,693 --> 00:35:36,613 Speaker 4: It wouldn't be advisable of drug testing. Probably Stier clear 691 00:35:36,653 --> 00:35:42,493 Speaker 4: of that. But Rugby does need it. But it has 692 00:35:42,573 --> 00:35:45,973 Speaker 4: to be authentic, right, you can't. You can't pull the 693 00:35:46,053 --> 00:35:50,133 Speaker 4: wall over fans eyes and do it half fast pool 694 00:35:50,173 --> 00:35:53,853 Speaker 4: players out have non internationals not playing. But it also 695 00:35:53,893 --> 00:35:54,933 Speaker 4: doesn't need to be every year. 696 00:35:55,573 --> 00:36:01,173 Speaker 3: That's right. Actually adds some context, some you know, some 697 00:36:01,453 --> 00:36:04,053 Speaker 3: value to it by not playing every year. Whether it's 698 00:36:04,053 --> 00:36:05,613 Speaker 3: every if it's every four years, great, that is a 699 00:36:05,733 --> 00:36:08,653 Speaker 3: World Cup. You're playing once every four years. Teams have change, 700 00:36:08,653 --> 00:36:11,453 Speaker 3: cycles of change, players have gone through and you have 701 00:36:12,293 --> 00:36:14,373 Speaker 3: a legitimate claim to being the club World Cup when 702 00:36:14,413 --> 00:36:16,133 Speaker 3: it's not over you Yeah, just. 703 00:36:16,413 --> 00:36:17,013 Speaker 5: On their faux pas. 704 00:36:17,093 --> 00:36:19,853 Speaker 4: Maybe if we have another referendum, you know, Rugby direct 705 00:36:19,853 --> 00:36:22,253 Speaker 4: could have having that bring a sponsor on board. 706 00:36:22,493 --> 00:36:26,093 Speaker 3: Yeah, feel free might make for a more interesting pot 707 00:36:26,493 --> 00:36:29,493 Speaker 3: back for a very interesting pot that is for certain. Right, 708 00:36:29,613 --> 00:36:32,973 Speaker 3: let's move on and get into tipping limb. Congratulations, you 709 00:36:33,093 --> 00:36:36,333 Speaker 3: had four correct all four corrects on the weekend. 710 00:36:37,213 --> 00:36:39,653 Speaker 5: They say, you know, big players step up at the 711 00:36:40,013 --> 00:36:40,813 Speaker 5: point the end of the air. 712 00:36:40,933 --> 00:36:44,613 Speaker 3: Yeah they do, they do say that. Yeah, you hit 713 00:36:44,653 --> 00:36:47,253 Speaker 3: all four right. I had the Crusaders correctly, but read's 714 00:36:47,293 --> 00:36:49,173 Speaker 3: Mawana and the four so I only get one point. 715 00:36:49,213 --> 00:36:50,333 Speaker 3: I'm now leaving by five. 716 00:36:50,453 --> 00:36:52,933 Speaker 5: It's feeling with precious coming. 717 00:36:53,253 --> 00:36:55,453 Speaker 3: Yeah, and it's gonna be a big final weekend of 718 00:36:55,573 --> 00:37:01,333 Speaker 3: Super Rugby. Highlanders and Chiefs Friday nights under the roof. 719 00:37:03,093 --> 00:37:07,293 Speaker 5: Chiefs. Chiefs. Look, lenders have come, you know, put up 720 00:37:07,293 --> 00:37:09,853 Speaker 5: a good fight, but you can't not to the Chiefs. 721 00:37:09,893 --> 00:37:11,253 Speaker 3: So yeah, I'm going to have the Chiefs as well. 722 00:37:11,293 --> 00:37:14,413 Speaker 3: Brumbies Crusaders saying Canberra nine to thirty five Friday night, 723 00:37:14,493 --> 00:37:17,173 Speaker 3: looking forward to calling this one on gold Sport on iHeartRadio. Well, 724 00:37:17,173 --> 00:37:19,453 Speaker 3: you've knowed your flags the mast earlier in the. 725 00:37:19,453 --> 00:37:21,213 Speaker 5: Pod always been a Brumbies fan elit. 726 00:37:21,333 --> 00:37:21,653 Speaker 2: You know that. 727 00:37:22,533 --> 00:37:25,053 Speaker 3: Crusaders will win that and finished second on the letter. 728 00:37:25,093 --> 00:37:28,693 Speaker 3: I think Blues war Atars. I was slayn soon last 729 00:37:28,733 --> 00:37:30,333 Speaker 3: week that you know this is going to be interesting 730 00:37:30,413 --> 00:37:32,773 Speaker 3: because the Blues are playing at Eden Park. There was 731 00:37:32,773 --> 00:37:35,093 Speaker 3: going to be the Auckland f C final potentially at 732 00:37:35,173 --> 00:37:36,933 Speaker 3: Mounts Mounts standing. Well, they don't have to worry about 733 00:37:36,933 --> 00:37:40,053 Speaker 3: that because Auckland f C collapse in a heap, so 734 00:37:40,253 --> 00:37:42,333 Speaker 3: the Blues will get the Saturday afternoon sports crowd to 735 00:37:42,373 --> 00:37:45,213 Speaker 3: themselves and do they get the win. 736 00:37:46,173 --> 00:37:48,133 Speaker 4: They do, but there's a lot on the line, isn't 737 00:37:48,133 --> 00:37:50,253 Speaker 4: there Because the Tars have keep this season alive with 738 00:37:50,573 --> 00:37:52,773 Speaker 4: the golden point or whatever you want to call it, 739 00:37:53,053 --> 00:37:56,573 Speaker 4: super point over the Force. So yeah, they'll come with 740 00:37:56,613 --> 00:37:57,133 Speaker 4: a bit of sting. 741 00:37:57,253 --> 00:38:01,373 Speaker 3: But I think the Blues, yeah, I can't see the 742 00:38:01,413 --> 00:38:03,573 Speaker 3: Warriors they wanted Eden Parks in two thousand and nine. 743 00:38:03,613 --> 00:38:06,613 Speaker 5: I think it is a bonus point would be desirable 744 00:38:06,693 --> 00:38:08,053 Speaker 5: for the Blues, but I think. 745 00:38:08,653 --> 00:38:12,013 Speaker 3: Enough Hurricanes, more Ona pacifica seven oh five. Now mawana 746 00:38:12,093 --> 00:38:15,573 Speaker 3: Adi going back to his old team looking to clinch 747 00:38:15,613 --> 00:38:18,373 Speaker 3: our playoff spot. It's written in the stars, isn't it 748 00:38:18,493 --> 00:38:21,773 Speaker 3: that Mowana gone derail the Cane train the week before 749 00:38:21,813 --> 00:38:22,333 Speaker 3: the playoffs. 750 00:38:23,053 --> 00:38:26,653 Speaker 4: Oh look, there are chants if they perform how they 751 00:38:26,733 --> 00:38:29,573 Speaker 4: have and those four victories, but I think they might 752 00:38:29,693 --> 00:38:31,773 Speaker 4: run out a bit of steam and there's enough on 753 00:38:31,853 --> 00:38:34,413 Speaker 4: the line for the Canes to lock up that full 754 00:38:34,493 --> 00:38:36,213 Speaker 4: spot and potentially have a second chance. 755 00:38:36,293 --> 00:38:39,413 Speaker 3: It feels like that lost psychologically. I mean, it's gonna 756 00:38:39,413 --> 00:38:40,933 Speaker 3: be fascinated to see how they respond, but feels like 757 00:38:41,013 --> 00:38:43,133 Speaker 3: that eighty five points conceded, it might have done a 758 00:38:43,253 --> 00:38:46,293 Speaker 3: little bit of psychological damage to Mowana, but they are 759 00:38:46,333 --> 00:38:48,853 Speaker 3: going to know what they need once they head into 760 00:38:50,373 --> 00:38:52,533 Speaker 3: that game because the Blues war tars Well a little 761 00:38:52,533 --> 00:38:54,973 Speaker 3: bit earlier reads Fiji and drud to round out the 762 00:38:55,013 --> 00:38:57,853 Speaker 3: regular season in Brisbane nine thirty five Saturday nights. 763 00:38:59,133 --> 00:39:01,693 Speaker 4: Yes, the drew of one what the odd game in 764 00:39:01,773 --> 00:39:04,933 Speaker 4: lawel Toka this year, but it's been fairly underwhelming otherwise, 765 00:39:04,973 --> 00:39:06,373 Speaker 4: So the Reds bounce back to one that. 766 00:39:06,773 --> 00:39:08,253 Speaker 3: They do at sun Corps State. 767 00:39:08,573 --> 00:39:09,013 Speaker 2: I agree. 768 00:39:09,813 --> 00:39:12,813 Speaker 3: Regular MVP Medal voting time, Ali Saviga has a twelve 769 00:39:12,853 --> 00:39:16,453 Speaker 3: point lead twenty five points to Bowden Barrett's thirteen three 770 00:39:16,493 --> 00:39:21,293 Speaker 3: way time for third. Will Jordan Quintepi to Liham your 771 00:39:21,293 --> 00:39:22,213 Speaker 3: three two once please? 772 00:39:22,973 --> 00:39:24,573 Speaker 5: Well, I'm going Damien McKenzie. 773 00:39:24,573 --> 00:39:27,173 Speaker 4: I thought he, you know, other players probably shone Moore, 774 00:39:27,213 --> 00:39:29,853 Speaker 4: but I thought he orchestrated a lot of that for 775 00:39:29,973 --> 00:39:34,973 Speaker 4: the Chiefs. Billy Proctor superb for the Canes. Just give 776 00:39:35,013 --> 00:39:37,413 Speaker 4: him a crack razor. What more does a man have 777 00:39:37,493 --> 00:39:40,893 Speaker 4: to do? And I thought he's been really good for 778 00:39:41,173 --> 00:39:44,413 Speaker 4: the Honda's past two weeks and Vasi and pro performance. 779 00:39:45,013 --> 00:39:47,093 Speaker 3: Leroy Carter gets my three points hat track. He was 780 00:39:47,173 --> 00:39:49,573 Speaker 3: very very good. He seems to make things happen when 781 00:39:49,573 --> 00:39:50,973 Speaker 3: he gets the ball, and he reminds you a little 782 00:39:50,973 --> 00:39:54,373 Speaker 3: bit of those Australian wingers. Quite nuggety. Doesn't look that 783 00:39:54,453 --> 00:39:56,573 Speaker 3: there's a lot to him, no, but he just his 784 00:39:56,693 --> 00:40:00,413 Speaker 3: ability to get over the advantage line and score tries. 785 00:40:01,133 --> 00:40:03,133 Speaker 3: Very interesting prospect with the All BLACKSI but later this 786 00:40:03,173 --> 00:40:06,133 Speaker 3: season Billy Proctor gets my two as well, and Fabian 787 00:40:06,173 --> 00:40:08,533 Speaker 3: hond and that losing calls for the Honders gets my one. 788 00:40:09,053 --> 00:40:10,853 Speaker 3: I thought out point to the crusader's locks. He was, 789 00:40:10,973 --> 00:40:13,813 Speaker 3: he was good and the losing efforts. So they'll go 790 00:40:13,893 --> 00:40:15,853 Speaker 3: our three two ones and that'll do us for another 791 00:40:15,853 --> 00:40:17,333 Speaker 3: week with Rugby directlim. 792 00:40:17,373 --> 00:40:20,413 Speaker 5: Well straight yourselves in play our footy on the ways? 793 00:40:21,093 --> 00:40:24,413 Speaker 3: Yeah, will the cane train be rolling through? I don't 794 00:40:24,453 --> 00:40:27,013 Speaker 3: know if I could do three weeks of hurricanes plus beautiful? 795 00:40:27,053 --> 00:40:29,293 Speaker 3: Isn't it bring back keptain Hurricanes still flighting around. I 796 00:40:29,293 --> 00:40:30,693 Speaker 3: don't know if he's still got you guys are taken 797 00:40:30,733 --> 00:40:32,493 Speaker 3: in America now. Don't know if he's got his plane. 798 00:40:33,173 --> 00:40:36,053 Speaker 3: The plane might have needs a change seorage. Yeah, okay, 799 00:40:36,773 --> 00:40:39,253 Speaker 3: all right, that'll do Rugby directs Wouldbit Health tackling all 800 00:40:39,253 --> 00:40:41,653 Speaker 3: your aches and pains from sport and work out, thanks 801 00:40:41,653 --> 00:40:43,373 Speaker 3: to Larst and bars English. See you next week. 802 00:40:47,373 --> 00:40:48,813 Speaker 2: For more from News Talks the'd be. 803 00:40:49,093 --> 00:40:52,293 Speaker 1: Listen live on air or online, and keep our shows 804 00:40:52,373 --> 00:40:55,653 Speaker 1: with you wherever you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio