1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:11,973 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B. 2 00:00:12,373 --> 00:00:16,133 Speaker 1: Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio, 3 00:00:19,253 --> 00:00:20,453 Speaker 1: Straight down the. 4 00:00:20,493 --> 00:00:22,933 Speaker 2: Middle, Try. 5 00:00:23,813 --> 00:00:32,293 Speaker 3: Try get inside the game from every end Goal. It's 6 00:00:32,413 --> 00:00:36,253 Speaker 3: Rugby Direct with Elliot Smith and Liam Napier powered by 7 00:00:36,293 --> 00:00:37,053 Speaker 3: News Talks EDB. 8 00:00:37,773 --> 00:00:40,573 Speaker 2: Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio book 9 00:00:40,613 --> 00:00:44,653 Speaker 2: today and stay in the game. Rugby Direct back for 10 00:00:44,813 --> 00:00:48,053 Speaker 2: another early week edition as we wrap the round that 11 00:00:48,413 --> 00:00:51,333 Speaker 2: was run four in Super Rugby Pacific, as well as 12 00:00:51,333 --> 00:00:54,813 Speaker 2: a few other rugby issues. And great to welcome Liam 13 00:00:54,853 --> 00:00:58,413 Speaker 2: Napier back into the podcast a few days on from 14 00:00:58,453 --> 00:01:02,973 Speaker 2: the mannic midweek nature of last week. Liam, welcome in. 15 00:01:04,453 --> 00:01:05,453 Speaker 4: Great to be here, Elliott. 16 00:01:05,813 --> 00:01:08,613 Speaker 5: Look, I might only have one working arm at the moment, 17 00:01:09,373 --> 00:01:11,453 Speaker 5: but it was a great weekend of footy and certainly 18 00:01:11,493 --> 00:01:15,133 Speaker 5: couldn't have hoped for a bitter turn of results, could ye. 19 00:01:15,293 --> 00:01:16,853 Speaker 2: Well, I don't know how you managed to be on 20 00:01:16,893 --> 00:01:20,733 Speaker 2: the weekends that the Crusaders and Hurricanes both Old Crusaders 21 00:01:20,813 --> 00:01:23,853 Speaker 2: lose and the Hurricanes win a week after somehow escaping 22 00:01:24,293 --> 00:01:26,853 Speaker 2: that drew a loss, But regardless, let's rip into it 23 00:01:27,013 --> 00:01:29,453 Speaker 2: and from a New Zealand perspective. Let's work our way 24 00:01:29,453 --> 00:01:32,413 Speaker 2: back and let's get into that Blues Crusaders' performance on 25 00:01:32,453 --> 00:01:36,053 Speaker 2: Saturday night, The Blues twenty nine the Crusaders thirteen, a 26 00:01:36,213 --> 00:01:38,453 Speaker 2: very good win for the Blues and the context of 27 00:01:38,533 --> 00:01:41,973 Speaker 2: the season to date after the loss of the Brumbies 28 00:01:42,013 --> 00:01:44,253 Speaker 2: the week prior the loss to the Chiefs in round one. 29 00:01:44,933 --> 00:01:47,813 Speaker 2: Winning against the Crusaders has not come easy for the 30 00:01:47,853 --> 00:01:52,493 Speaker 2: Blues over the last fifteen twenty years, but that would 31 00:01:52,533 --> 00:01:56,373 Speaker 2: be one of the easier wins over the Crusaders, and 32 00:01:56,693 --> 00:01:59,813 Speaker 2: the Crusaders very very disappointing. What did you make of 33 00:01:59,853 --> 00:02:00,733 Speaker 2: that match? 34 00:02:02,133 --> 00:02:04,733 Speaker 4: Yeah, it's interesting. Look, the Blues were very good. 35 00:02:04,813 --> 00:02:07,373 Speaker 5: I thought they played a lot more rugby than I expected, 36 00:02:07,373 --> 00:02:09,933 Speaker 5: particularly in the first off. They broke the Crusaders open 37 00:02:10,453 --> 00:02:15,773 Speaker 5: regularly down their left hand flank, I think clictifying and 38 00:02:15,813 --> 00:02:18,853 Speaker 5: look who was exposed on defense. A couple of times 39 00:02:19,213 --> 00:02:22,253 Speaker 5: got beaten on the outside. But just that the ease 40 00:02:22,333 --> 00:02:24,813 Speaker 5: with which that they broke them open was quite surprising. 41 00:02:24,933 --> 00:02:28,573 Speaker 5: Caleb Clark running in or was it three tries and 42 00:02:28,813 --> 00:02:30,493 Speaker 5: didn't have to do a lot of work for most 43 00:02:30,493 --> 00:02:33,733 Speaker 5: of them. I thought it was really stark the way 44 00:02:33,733 --> 00:02:37,253 Speaker 5: in which the Blues got go forward and the Crusaders didn't. 45 00:02:37,573 --> 00:02:42,333 Speaker 5: And just their their ball carriers, their intense, their their 46 00:02:42,413 --> 00:02:46,533 Speaker 5: rout clean everything they did at a higher standard generally 47 00:02:47,533 --> 00:02:49,093 Speaker 5: than than the Crusaders, And. 48 00:02:50,493 --> 00:02:52,853 Speaker 4: It was quite surprising given the way in which the. 49 00:02:52,773 --> 00:02:55,773 Speaker 5: Crusaders stepped up the week previous against the Chiefs and 50 00:02:55,853 --> 00:02:59,333 Speaker 5: really responded in that manner. And you know, you've got 51 00:02:59,333 --> 00:03:02,493 Speaker 5: to pose the question at the moments, are the Crusaders 52 00:03:03,093 --> 00:03:06,333 Speaker 5: just completely off their game when they don't have Will Jordan? 53 00:03:06,453 --> 00:03:07,933 Speaker 4: Is he that influential? Well? 54 00:03:07,933 --> 00:03:10,333 Speaker 2: I think he is and I put that to Rob 55 00:03:10,373 --> 00:03:13,173 Speaker 2: Penny on Saturday Night? Is that so much of their 56 00:03:13,173 --> 00:03:16,613 Speaker 2: attack just revolves around Will Jordan? And remember in twenty 57 00:03:16,653 --> 00:03:20,653 Speaker 2: twenty four they didn't have him for the entire comp 58 00:03:20,693 --> 00:03:23,013 Speaker 2: of Memory Serves, or at least a very very long 59 00:03:23,053 --> 00:03:25,453 Speaker 2: stretch of it, and they were a shadow of the 60 00:03:25,453 --> 00:03:30,413 Speaker 2: team they'd been under Scott robertson the years prior. Not 61 00:03:30,453 --> 00:03:33,813 Speaker 2: having Will Jordan basically decimated that campaign. And it feels 62 00:03:33,813 --> 00:03:36,493 Speaker 2: like when they don't have him on the park, they 63 00:03:36,933 --> 00:03:39,573 Speaker 2: really do miss a trick. The decision to move Taha 64 00:03:39,653 --> 00:03:42,093 Speaker 2: Kimita back to fullback did not pay dividends I don't 65 00:03:42,093 --> 00:03:46,213 Speaker 2: think he's ever played there, certainly at NPC level or higher. 66 00:03:47,413 --> 00:03:49,693 Speaker 2: He went off at halftime but barely sort of had 67 00:03:49,693 --> 00:03:52,893 Speaker 2: a touch in the first spell, very very quiet. They 68 00:03:52,973 --> 00:03:54,853 Speaker 2: think they needed to move Fee Harckey to fall back 69 00:03:55,013 --> 00:03:58,413 Speaker 2: and maybe Dallas McLeod or Brandon Inaw onto the wings 70 00:03:59,413 --> 00:04:03,133 Speaker 2: or maybe firing a nooku onto the wing potentially, and 71 00:04:03,173 --> 00:04:06,333 Speaker 2: swapped those around with sev Reeson. Maybe it felt like 72 00:04:06,453 --> 00:04:09,653 Speaker 2: Rob Penny got that selection wrong. Will Jordan out for 73 00:04:09,693 --> 00:04:13,533 Speaker 2: the weekend with rest and from what I understand, a 74 00:04:13,573 --> 00:04:15,493 Speaker 2: personal engagement, So there was a bit of combo of 75 00:04:15,853 --> 00:04:20,573 Speaker 2: all backs rest there. But they did not look threatening 76 00:04:20,693 --> 00:04:24,053 Speaker 2: at all with ball in hand and were very lateral 77 00:04:24,093 --> 00:04:26,613 Speaker 2: on the attack and we're waiting for someone to spark 78 00:04:26,653 --> 00:04:28,573 Speaker 2: things up and it just didn't happen. 79 00:04:29,813 --> 00:04:35,213 Speaker 5: No, their attack was very middling, very predictable, and I 80 00:04:35,253 --> 00:04:37,613 Speaker 5: think they've got to move to Kimita back to ten. 81 00:04:39,093 --> 00:04:41,933 Speaker 5: I wouldn't pin that whole performance on Rivers Rahuna, but 82 00:04:42,293 --> 00:04:45,653 Speaker 5: I just feel like Kimita offers so much more with 83 00:04:45,733 --> 00:04:48,453 Speaker 5: ball in hands, He challenges the line. His goal kicking 84 00:04:48,573 --> 00:04:50,893 Speaker 5: isn't as good, but he's so much more of an 85 00:04:50,893 --> 00:04:54,533 Speaker 5: attacking threat, so I'll be putting him back to ten. 86 00:04:54,693 --> 00:04:56,933 Speaker 4: You desperately need, obviously Will Jordan back. 87 00:04:56,853 --> 00:05:00,813 Speaker 5: But lestifying anok who has returned to super rugby hasn't 88 00:05:00,813 --> 00:05:03,493 Speaker 5: gone to plan. I think some of his soft skills 89 00:05:03,493 --> 00:05:07,053 Speaker 5: we spoke about this earlier in the year, his pensiont 90 00:05:07,173 --> 00:05:10,493 Speaker 5: for throwing off flows that aren't necessarily always on. He's 91 00:05:10,493 --> 00:05:13,933 Speaker 5: great were ball in hands, but defensively still getting exposed 92 00:05:13,933 --> 00:05:17,253 Speaker 5: at times, So some issues there for the Crusaders to 93 00:05:17,253 --> 00:05:20,613 Speaker 5: work through. And yeah, I think my spies were out Elliott. 94 00:05:20,773 --> 00:05:21,973 Speaker 5: You're probably aware of this as well. 95 00:05:21,973 --> 00:05:22,533 Speaker 4: Will Jordan. 96 00:05:23,093 --> 00:05:25,573 Speaker 5: I think it was his brother's wedding and christ Church 97 00:05:25,653 --> 00:05:28,613 Speaker 5: Urich and Muwanga was there as well, so making the 98 00:05:28,653 --> 00:05:32,093 Speaker 5: most of his all black rest and enjoying family occasion. 99 00:05:32,173 --> 00:05:36,573 Speaker 5: But the Crusaders desperately need him back for their sudden 100 00:05:36,653 --> 00:05:39,333 Speaker 5: derby with the Highlanders. The Blues on the flip side 101 00:05:39,493 --> 00:05:41,933 Speaker 5: very important one in the context of their season, isn't it. 102 00:05:43,093 --> 00:05:45,813 Speaker 5: They've had a couple of tight losses and if that 103 00:05:45,933 --> 00:05:49,413 Speaker 5: starts to spiral, then belief comes into question. You start 104 00:05:49,773 --> 00:05:52,933 Speaker 5: pointing the finger and trying to drill deep into everything 105 00:05:52,973 --> 00:05:56,773 Speaker 5: and fix everything well in front of a pretty decent 106 00:05:56,813 --> 00:05:59,133 Speaker 5: turnout on a beautiful Saturday night in Auckland. 107 00:05:59,133 --> 00:06:00,373 Speaker 4: They really turned it on from an. 108 00:06:00,333 --> 00:06:04,893 Speaker 5: Attacking perspective and some of their big bull carriers really 109 00:06:04,893 --> 00:06:06,573 Speaker 5: did the job on the Crusaders up front. 110 00:06:06,573 --> 00:06:09,013 Speaker 2: So the dead the Crusader's dug the hole. And I 111 00:06:09,053 --> 00:06:11,253 Speaker 2: think that'll probably what hurts the most when they go 112 00:06:11,333 --> 00:06:14,173 Speaker 2: through their Monday review, is that, dear I say it. 113 00:06:14,213 --> 00:06:16,093 Speaker 2: I know wanted to trade from the Blues performance, but 114 00:06:17,093 --> 00:06:19,093 Speaker 2: the Blues didn't have to work as hard as they 115 00:06:19,093 --> 00:06:21,533 Speaker 2: would usually have to to get a win over the Crusaders. 116 00:06:21,533 --> 00:06:24,293 Speaker 2: You think over the last few years when they've managed 117 00:06:24,293 --> 00:06:27,053 Speaker 2: to beat the Crusaders, you know they've had to really 118 00:06:27,133 --> 00:06:30,773 Speaker 2: roll the sleeves up and you know it's a full 119 00:06:30,893 --> 00:06:33,933 Speaker 2: eighty minute performance. Well, really, they didn't have to play 120 00:06:34,213 --> 00:06:37,933 Speaker 2: to their full potential to beat the Crusaders, who turned 121 00:06:37,933 --> 00:06:40,813 Speaker 2: the ball over twenty four times in that game. The 122 00:06:40,853 --> 00:06:45,093 Speaker 2: basic skill execution, the basic handling from the Crusaders was 123 00:06:45,333 --> 00:06:49,853 Speaker 2: not of super rugby standard, and you know Rob Penny 124 00:06:49,853 --> 00:06:52,093 Speaker 2: looked exasperated when they cut to in the coach's box. 125 00:06:52,133 --> 00:06:55,133 Speaker 2: But these are basic skills that super rugby players should have. 126 00:06:55,253 --> 00:06:59,493 Speaker 2: So I don't know what got into them on Saturday night. 127 00:06:59,533 --> 00:07:02,173 Speaker 2: But it was a shadow of the team that you 128 00:07:02,213 --> 00:07:04,333 Speaker 2: know won the week prior against the Chiefs and to 129 00:07:04,413 --> 00:07:07,853 Speaker 2: come from behind performance before we leave this game, Liam 130 00:07:08,093 --> 00:07:11,133 Speaker 2: bow and Barrett was thrusting to start at ten, first 131 00:07:11,173 --> 00:07:13,773 Speaker 2: game since the end of your tour last year. Steven 132 00:07:13,773 --> 00:07:18,293 Speaker 2: Petafetta withdrawn with a wee niggle not expected back this 133 00:07:18,373 --> 00:07:21,293 Speaker 2: week either. Look, it was I thought a very good 134 00:07:21,573 --> 00:07:24,293 Speaker 2: and composed performance from Boden Barrett at ten for someone 135 00:07:24,293 --> 00:07:27,573 Speaker 2: that hadn't seen the lot of game time, had been 136 00:07:27,613 --> 00:07:30,133 Speaker 2: expecting to come off the bench. He steered the ship 137 00:07:30,173 --> 00:07:32,093 Speaker 2: really really well. 138 00:07:32,293 --> 00:07:37,813 Speaker 5: He did a hugely influential his crossfield kick for I 139 00:07:37,813 --> 00:07:40,773 Speaker 5: think was Cody Vais finish in the corner, brilliant finish, 140 00:07:40,893 --> 00:07:43,493 Speaker 5: but just those little touches of class you can't buy. 141 00:07:43,613 --> 00:07:48,253 Speaker 5: Unfortunate for Steven Peedefetter, who missed most of last year 142 00:07:48,813 --> 00:07:52,133 Speaker 5: with recurring half injuries. It's not a good sign that 143 00:07:52,133 --> 00:07:57,213 Speaker 5: that's come back in any capacity. Hasn't really stamped his 144 00:07:57,253 --> 00:08:00,613 Speaker 5: authority and his couple of chances at ten, so you'd 145 00:08:00,653 --> 00:08:03,173 Speaker 5: think potentially a bit of a long rowback with Boden there. 146 00:08:03,213 --> 00:08:05,893 Speaker 5: Boden will have to go through all Blacks rests at 147 00:08:05,973 --> 00:08:08,253 Speaker 5: various points this year, even though he had a late start, 148 00:08:08,493 --> 00:08:12,893 Speaker 5: so potentially some openings. But yeah, Boden's certainly showing that 149 00:08:13,133 --> 00:08:16,053 Speaker 5: he's still got those moments of brilliance in them, and 150 00:08:16,373 --> 00:08:19,253 Speaker 5: I think just as calm composure around directing their attack. 151 00:08:20,293 --> 00:08:21,933 Speaker 5: He kicked one ball out in the full and missed 152 00:08:21,933 --> 00:08:24,013 Speaker 5: a bit of a penalty, one penalty as well that 153 00:08:24,053 --> 00:08:27,093 Speaker 5: he'd normally expects to get, But all in all, very 154 00:08:27,093 --> 00:08:31,093 Speaker 5: accomplished display. And yeah, let's not sugarcoat that Crusader's performance, 155 00:08:31,093 --> 00:08:33,733 Speaker 5: particularly in the second half. You mentioned the errors there 156 00:08:34,173 --> 00:08:38,933 Speaker 5: really basic skills and just the lack of I think 157 00:08:39,093 --> 00:08:42,813 Speaker 5: attacking deception. They couldn't get any front foot penetration. It 158 00:08:42,933 --> 00:08:45,053 Speaker 5: really was a terrible second half performance. 159 00:08:45,933 --> 00:08:50,653 Speaker 4: You know that the door was left to jar, wasn't 160 00:08:50,653 --> 00:08:52,053 Speaker 4: it with the back. 161 00:08:51,933 --> 00:08:55,253 Speaker 5: End of the first half Cody Taylor's scoring, and you thought, okay, 162 00:08:56,493 --> 00:08:59,693 Speaker 5: the Crusader's go in here, there's we could see a 163 00:08:59,693 --> 00:09:01,093 Speaker 5: trademark second half comeback. 164 00:09:01,133 --> 00:09:02,573 Speaker 4: But it was anything but. 165 00:09:02,773 --> 00:09:05,173 Speaker 2: No exactly didn't score a point in the second spell. 166 00:09:05,213 --> 00:09:08,253 Speaker 2: After getting back to nineteen thirteen, the break couplican versions 167 00:09:08,413 --> 00:09:12,653 Speaker 2: as maybe nineteen seventeen they dug growing Gravy Crusaders and 168 00:09:13,013 --> 00:09:15,093 Speaker 2: now with just the one win to their name and 169 00:09:15,293 --> 00:09:17,893 Speaker 2: the Highlanders who have already beaten them this season at 170 00:09:17,933 --> 00:09:21,373 Speaker 2: home this weekend a very very interesting turning point potentially 171 00:09:22,133 --> 00:09:25,173 Speaker 2: in their season. Let's go to the Highlander's force on 172 00:09:25,333 --> 00:09:28,813 Speaker 2: Saturday afternoon, interned in plenty of points thirty nine to 173 00:09:28,893 --> 00:09:32,293 Speaker 2: thirty one, the Highlanders taken in the end. This was 174 00:09:32,653 --> 00:09:35,813 Speaker 2: super raggy madness at its best, lead changes of plenty 175 00:09:36,533 --> 00:09:40,053 Speaker 2: back and forth, but ultimately the Highlanders just a fraction 176 00:09:40,213 --> 00:09:42,733 Speaker 2: too good for the Weastern fourth, who have clearly improved 177 00:09:42,733 --> 00:09:45,533 Speaker 2: the season, but not enough to close out a victory 178 00:09:45,573 --> 00:09:45,933 Speaker 2: like that. 179 00:09:47,093 --> 00:09:48,493 Speaker 4: No important win for the Holanders. 180 00:09:48,573 --> 00:09:51,133 Speaker 5: I think Jamie Joseph I saw on post match talking 181 00:09:51,133 --> 00:09:53,973 Speaker 5: about it as being a must win and I don't 182 00:09:53,973 --> 00:09:59,573 Speaker 5: think you can discount I think it was Tavanaua who 183 00:09:59,653 --> 00:10:03,733 Speaker 5: termed it chaos during the week around everything with Jamie 184 00:10:03,813 --> 00:10:07,733 Speaker 5: Joseph and the All Blacks job, There's no doubt there 185 00:10:07,733 --> 00:10:11,653 Speaker 5: was a massive distraction on the team and the assistant 186 00:10:11,693 --> 00:10:13,373 Speaker 5: coaches at the handers would have had to take on 187 00:10:13,413 --> 00:10:17,533 Speaker 5: a lot with Jamie going away for interviews and being 188 00:10:17,533 --> 00:10:20,333 Speaker 5: wrapped up in their All Blacks process. So I think 189 00:10:20,333 --> 00:10:23,413 Speaker 5: to get a win in the context of everything that 190 00:10:23,493 --> 00:10:26,773 Speaker 5: went on there is very important for the Honders. I 191 00:10:26,813 --> 00:10:30,253 Speaker 5: think in the context of the year these are These 192 00:10:30,253 --> 00:10:35,053 Speaker 5: are two teams, two pretty pretty average teams compared to others. 193 00:10:35,053 --> 00:10:39,093 Speaker 5: The Honders have knocked over the Crusaders, but I think 194 00:10:39,173 --> 00:10:42,573 Speaker 5: that probably elevated where they are at, and they do 195 00:10:42,613 --> 00:10:44,773 Speaker 5: have some issues. I think Jack Taylor missed his first 196 00:10:44,813 --> 00:10:49,053 Speaker 5: six lineouts, which is quite staggering for a hooker, isn't it. 197 00:10:49,053 --> 00:10:51,213 Speaker 4: That's faith half back not hitting. 198 00:10:51,013 --> 00:10:54,733 Speaker 5: His first five with his first six passes, and he'd 199 00:10:54,733 --> 00:10:59,133 Speaker 5: be probably hooked after that. So important win for the Hondas, 200 00:10:59,173 --> 00:11:00,893 Speaker 5: and they had to dig deep and come back, and 201 00:11:00,933 --> 00:11:05,973 Speaker 5: there were some nice touches from Jacob Rushmavuki Nepkins and 202 00:11:06,013 --> 00:11:08,213 Speaker 5: a few others dotted around the high. 203 00:11:09,533 --> 00:11:13,453 Speaker 4: But yeah, I just feel like they don't have the. 204 00:11:13,453 --> 00:11:17,013 Speaker 5: Depth of other teams and the Force of previous week 205 00:11:17,093 --> 00:11:19,013 Speaker 5: had a good one against Mouana, but I don't see 206 00:11:19,053 --> 00:11:21,253 Speaker 5: them challenging the top teams in the competition either, So, 207 00:11:21,653 --> 00:11:23,733 Speaker 5: as you say, bit of a back and forth, but 208 00:11:23,973 --> 00:11:26,133 Speaker 5: not necessarily a game of high quality. 209 00:11:26,413 --> 00:11:28,253 Speaker 2: No No. I mean a lot of points. I thought 210 00:11:28,253 --> 00:11:32,053 Speaker 2: Tunguey Tower was impressive again for the Highlanders and continues 211 00:11:32,133 --> 00:11:34,653 Speaker 2: to put his name up in lights. And you'd have 212 00:11:34,693 --> 00:11:36,533 Speaker 2: to think whether you know Dave Reddy was watching that 213 00:11:36,573 --> 00:11:39,013 Speaker 2: on a Saturday afternoon in Kobe, he would have been 214 00:11:39,093 --> 00:11:43,173 Speaker 2: very impressive with what he saw from Caleb Tunguytower's ability 215 00:11:43,213 --> 00:11:46,213 Speaker 2: to take on the line I thought was excellent again 216 00:11:46,293 --> 00:11:49,213 Speaker 2: and just the out and outpace that he in power 217 00:11:49,253 --> 00:11:53,053 Speaker 2: that he has makes them irresistible. Forces fell off a 218 00:11:53,053 --> 00:11:56,453 Speaker 2: lot of tackles in that game. You know, they got 219 00:11:56,493 --> 00:11:58,573 Speaker 2: themselves into a position where they could have won, but 220 00:11:58,573 --> 00:12:00,333 Speaker 2: I think their tackle percentage I was looking at the 221 00:12:00,333 --> 00:12:02,693 Speaker 2: stats last night preparing for the pot. It was roughly 222 00:12:02,733 --> 00:12:07,053 Speaker 2: around in the vicinity of sort of seventy percent, which 223 00:12:07,093 --> 00:12:09,253 Speaker 2: is not going to get the job done at Super 224 00:12:09,333 --> 00:12:11,933 Speaker 2: rugby level, but a confidence boosting win for the Highlanders 225 00:12:11,933 --> 00:12:15,413 Speaker 2: as they head north to play the Crusaders this week, 226 00:12:15,453 --> 00:12:17,973 Speaker 2: and as we touched on before, they've already beaten them. 227 00:12:18,453 --> 00:12:21,813 Speaker 2: Jamie Joseph, you know, with no distractions this week that 228 00:12:21,893 --> 00:12:24,693 Speaker 2: looms is an important game for both teams in the 229 00:12:25,013 --> 00:12:27,653 Speaker 2: context of the competition, doesn't it? The Highlanders If they 230 00:12:27,693 --> 00:12:30,933 Speaker 2: win that they're back to three and two. The Crusaders 231 00:12:30,973 --> 00:12:33,893 Speaker 2: win that they're you know, two and three. So this 232 00:12:33,933 --> 00:12:36,613 Speaker 2: week Looms is pretty vital for both sides. We'll get 233 00:12:36,613 --> 00:12:38,813 Speaker 2: into that on Thursday, but you know, a pretty pivotal 234 00:12:38,893 --> 00:12:39,573 Speaker 2: match coming up. 235 00:12:40,693 --> 00:12:42,853 Speaker 5: Indeed, Yeah, in the Southern Derby, you can never right 236 00:12:42,933 --> 00:12:44,813 Speaker 5: off the Hlanders and it's where they like to be 237 00:12:45,213 --> 00:12:45,813 Speaker 5: written off. 238 00:12:45,933 --> 00:12:48,013 Speaker 4: No one will expect them to win going to christ Church. 239 00:12:48,053 --> 00:12:52,853 Speaker 5: Will Jordan will be back, but I would expect the 240 00:12:52,893 --> 00:12:54,733 Speaker 5: Crusaders to get up there all right. 241 00:12:55,093 --> 00:13:00,133 Speaker 2: Friday Night, Hurricanes fifty nine Waratas nineteen Liam. You can 242 00:13:00,533 --> 00:13:02,973 Speaker 2: wax lyrical if you like about this. This was a 243 00:13:03,013 --> 00:13:07,133 Speaker 2: performance I didn't see coming I thought the Wartars. In fact, 244 00:13:07,173 --> 00:13:09,493 Speaker 2: we did exchange some tips because we didn't have time 245 00:13:09,533 --> 00:13:11,893 Speaker 2: to do it on the podcast last week, and I 246 00:13:11,973 --> 00:13:15,173 Speaker 2: tipped the Wartars from memory. But they were blow off 247 00:13:15,253 --> 00:13:18,733 Speaker 2: the park by a very very good Hurricanes performance. Off 248 00:13:18,773 --> 00:13:21,413 Speaker 2: the back of that lost last week against the Fiji 249 00:13:21,533 --> 00:13:24,333 Speaker 2: and Drawer, which was an insipid performance from the Hurricanes, 250 00:13:24,773 --> 00:13:28,133 Speaker 2: this showed what they can do against the Wartars team 251 00:13:28,213 --> 00:13:30,573 Speaker 2: that you know, had been riding some highs after a 252 00:13:30,613 --> 00:13:33,253 Speaker 2: couple of good wins to too. 253 00:13:33,293 --> 00:13:36,493 Speaker 4: Elliott, you're on there on the cane train yet. 254 00:13:36,453 --> 00:13:38,213 Speaker 2: No, I don't have a ticket as yet. 255 00:13:39,453 --> 00:13:42,093 Speaker 5: Well you better get them quick, mate, because it's gonna 256 00:13:42,093 --> 00:13:45,133 Speaker 5: sell It's gonna fast sell out because look, the next 257 00:13:45,173 --> 00:13:48,013 Speaker 5: few weeks the Hurricanes have a pretty good run. They've 258 00:13:48,013 --> 00:13:51,093 Speaker 5: got the Western Force this week and I expect them 259 00:13:51,093 --> 00:13:53,333 Speaker 5: to build a bit of a momentum. Now, look, this 260 00:13:53,533 --> 00:13:57,493 Speaker 5: performance was a real stake in the ground and a 261 00:13:57,533 --> 00:14:01,853 Speaker 5: real statement because it's not easy coming from Fiji to 262 00:14:01,853 --> 00:14:08,453 Speaker 5: play anything. Generally speaking, teams are zep with energy, canke 263 00:14:08,493 --> 00:14:10,933 Speaker 5: bit of legs and fall away, particularly in the last 264 00:14:11,013 --> 00:14:14,333 Speaker 5: quarter of matches. Well, there was a stark difference here 265 00:14:14,813 --> 00:14:18,333 Speaker 5: in both teams conditioning. It was really clear that the 266 00:14:18,413 --> 00:14:22,053 Speaker 5: Hurricanes were intent on running the war Tars around. 267 00:14:22,093 --> 00:14:22,893 Speaker 4: The war Tows are. 268 00:14:22,813 --> 00:14:26,733 Speaker 5: A very big, physical team and it was very even 269 00:14:26,733 --> 00:14:29,653 Speaker 5: in the first probably half an hour, but the Hurricanes 270 00:14:29,653 --> 00:14:33,973 Speaker 5: did have a lot of success getting around the war Tows. 271 00:14:34,013 --> 00:14:38,493 Speaker 5: Rush defense broke them open on the edges and some 272 00:14:38,573 --> 00:14:41,813 Speaker 5: great performances, and then they completely ran away with. 273 00:14:41,733 --> 00:14:42,493 Speaker 4: It in the second half. 274 00:14:42,573 --> 00:14:46,133 Speaker 5: Some of the support play, the offloading, the skills on 275 00:14:46,173 --> 00:14:50,093 Speaker 5: display from backs and forwards, was just sublime, So I 276 00:14:50,093 --> 00:14:52,933 Speaker 5: think a really important performance in the context of the 277 00:14:53,013 --> 00:14:55,493 Speaker 5: Hurricane season. You've got to remember they're still without Reuben Love, 278 00:14:55,573 --> 00:14:57,093 Speaker 5: They've lost Breck Cameron. 279 00:14:57,293 --> 00:15:00,093 Speaker 4: Callum Harkin. I thought stepped up had a couple of 280 00:15:00,133 --> 00:15:04,573 Speaker 4: nice touches in this game. So look the Hurricanes. 281 00:15:04,613 --> 00:15:06,613 Speaker 5: I've got all the ingredients, Elliott to give it a 282 00:15:06,653 --> 00:15:08,973 Speaker 5: real shape this year, and I think this pfe months 283 00:15:09,573 --> 00:15:12,093 Speaker 5: will make you run stit up and take notice of that. 284 00:15:12,373 --> 00:15:15,773 Speaker 2: They have all the ingredients. I do worry about their depth, 285 00:15:16,093 --> 00:15:21,733 Speaker 2: and for me, the drop off from Royguard to Anadi 286 00:15:22,813 --> 00:15:28,173 Speaker 2: at half back and beyond, I think is a masive one. 287 00:15:28,493 --> 00:15:30,453 Speaker 2: And we saw a Nati get last twenty minutes and 288 00:15:30,493 --> 00:15:32,133 Speaker 2: the game was gone by that point in time. But 289 00:15:32,173 --> 00:15:35,213 Speaker 2: if Royguard gets injured, then I think the Hurricanes are 290 00:15:35,213 --> 00:15:36,653 Speaker 2: at a bit of strife, as we saw a couple 291 00:15:36,733 --> 00:15:39,493 Speaker 2: of seasons ago, so I would worry on that front. 292 00:15:39,773 --> 00:15:42,493 Speaker 2: I was impressed by vill Juan a couple of years ago. 293 00:15:42,533 --> 00:15:44,173 Speaker 2: He seems to have fallen off the face of the earth. 294 00:15:44,173 --> 00:15:46,573 Speaker 2: I'm not sure what's gone on there. But if they 295 00:15:46,573 --> 00:15:49,853 Speaker 2: can keep Royguard relatively injury free, and who knows if 296 00:15:49,853 --> 00:15:51,893 Speaker 2: he'll played the Western Force this week. He may not 297 00:15:51,973 --> 00:15:54,173 Speaker 2: need to. Then they are going to be a real 298 00:15:54,213 --> 00:15:57,533 Speaker 2: contender for the title. You think about that draw. So 299 00:15:57,573 --> 00:16:00,853 Speaker 2: far haven't had to play a New Zealand team as it, 300 00:16:01,053 --> 00:16:04,933 Speaker 2: so there are bigger challenges potentially to come for them, 301 00:16:05,053 --> 00:16:07,053 Speaker 2: you know, Hurricanes a sorry the Highlanders next week is 302 00:16:07,053 --> 00:16:08,813 Speaker 2: their first New Zealand aubbit, but have to leave the 303 00:16:08,853 --> 00:16:12,773 Speaker 2: country again in the regular season. So it's all set 304 00:16:12,853 --> 00:16:17,293 Speaker 2: up for the Hurricanes. And really I'm king for your thoughts, Lamb, 305 00:16:17,333 --> 00:16:19,173 Speaker 2: but anything less than the title at this point seems 306 00:16:19,173 --> 00:16:20,213 Speaker 2: like a failure. 307 00:16:22,453 --> 00:16:24,613 Speaker 5: Staring the pot, staring the pot here and yet look, 308 00:16:24,893 --> 00:16:26,733 Speaker 5: look shoot for the stars, Elliott. 309 00:16:27,573 --> 00:16:29,573 Speaker 4: But I think the titles wide open and we're seeing 310 00:16:29,573 --> 00:16:30,973 Speaker 4: that this year. 311 00:16:31,173 --> 00:16:34,013 Speaker 5: You know, the Chiefs started the season favorites, but they 312 00:16:34,053 --> 00:16:36,853 Speaker 5: were knocked over at home by the Crusaders. The Crusader's 313 00:16:36,933 --> 00:16:40,653 Speaker 5: been real, Jack and Hyde. The Blues beat the Crusaders 314 00:16:40,693 --> 00:16:44,133 Speaker 5: but haven't totally convinced. The Hurricanes have been off and on. 315 00:16:44,293 --> 00:16:48,493 Speaker 5: So even the Brumbies, Australia's best team, we're knocked over 316 00:16:48,533 --> 00:16:50,373 Speaker 5: at home by the Red So I think that's what 317 00:16:50,413 --> 00:16:53,293 Speaker 5: you want to see from the competition in general, but 318 00:16:53,493 --> 00:16:56,933 Speaker 5: this this title does feel wide open, and I do 319 00:16:57,013 --> 00:16:59,893 Speaker 5: believe the Hurricanes have got everything they need. Billy Procter 320 00:17:00,013 --> 00:17:04,613 Speaker 5: and Jordi Barrett in that midfields are combining really nicely. 321 00:17:04,693 --> 00:17:08,333 Speaker 5: Jordi Barrett's little chip kick was it was one one 322 00:17:08,333 --> 00:17:12,493 Speaker 5: brilliant try. I think you've still got the Holo to 323 00:17:12,533 --> 00:17:15,293 Speaker 5: come back on the edge and Reuben Love going to 324 00:17:15,333 --> 00:17:20,173 Speaker 5: add another attacking dimension see Carifi. That was his first 325 00:17:20,213 --> 00:17:22,933 Speaker 5: game back. So I do think they have some depth. 326 00:17:23,013 --> 00:17:26,813 Speaker 5: Warner durns your big tabs on him. He's just starting 327 00:17:26,813 --> 00:17:28,533 Speaker 5: to find his feet. They've got real depth in the 328 00:17:28,573 --> 00:17:32,853 Speaker 5: front row. Was No one wants to tackle him down 329 00:17:32,893 --> 00:17:35,413 Speaker 5: the edge. If he can sort his wine out throwing out, 330 00:17:35,813 --> 00:17:37,773 Speaker 5: then yeah, I think the Hurricanes are a real threat. 331 00:17:37,813 --> 00:17:39,773 Speaker 5: We do need to see them against New Zealand opposition 332 00:17:39,853 --> 00:17:43,453 Speaker 5: because that's generally the benchmark, but I don't think they'll 333 00:17:43,453 --> 00:17:47,373 Speaker 5: carry any fear into those games, so they can build 334 00:17:47,373 --> 00:17:49,333 Speaker 5: a bit of momentum and as you say, keep Roygard 335 00:17:49,413 --> 00:17:51,933 Speaker 5: fit could be title Town coming home. 336 00:17:51,933 --> 00:17:52,173 Speaker 4: Mate. 337 00:17:52,653 --> 00:17:54,573 Speaker 2: Let's just mark this down. It's the ninth of March 338 00:17:54,613 --> 00:17:58,213 Speaker 2: and you're referring to title town with the Hurricanes. One 339 00:17:58,213 --> 00:18:00,293 Speaker 2: thing that did impress me with that performance was just 340 00:18:00,333 --> 00:18:05,493 Speaker 2: their ability to find meters with with you know, with 341 00:18:05,573 --> 00:18:07,973 Speaker 2: ball in hands, you know, even when the attack of 342 00:18:08,013 --> 00:18:12,173 Speaker 2: the post contact meters. You know, we're really impressive from 343 00:18:12,293 --> 00:18:15,533 Speaker 2: the Hurricanes and that's the kind of super rugby that 344 00:18:15,573 --> 00:18:18,853 Speaker 2: they've always wanted to play, and the war Tars to 345 00:18:18,893 --> 00:18:21,133 Speaker 2: an extent let them. But I thought just their ability 346 00:18:21,133 --> 00:18:24,413 Speaker 2: on the carry was very, very impressive, just to get 347 00:18:24,453 --> 00:18:26,173 Speaker 2: themselves in the right position of the park, set up 348 00:18:26,173 --> 00:18:30,253 Speaker 2: those tries and you know, lead drives and everything like that, 349 00:18:30,373 --> 00:18:34,373 Speaker 2: just combining to put the Wartars on the back foot 350 00:18:34,413 --> 00:18:36,613 Speaker 2: constantly on defense. So I thought it was a really 351 00:18:36,613 --> 00:18:39,373 Speaker 2: smart game plan from from the Hurricanes on Friday Night. 352 00:18:40,493 --> 00:18:42,693 Speaker 5: Yeah, they've got big bull carriers, don't They are more 353 00:18:43,413 --> 00:18:47,253 Speaker 5: Peter Luckeye a number of their props. I think Lowaki 354 00:18:47,853 --> 00:18:51,013 Speaker 5: has been a revelation coming in this year. On the 355 00:18:51,853 --> 00:18:56,053 Speaker 5: tight head side. Xavier new Mea is very mobile prop 356 00:18:56,093 --> 00:18:59,413 Speaker 5: as well. So yeah, they've got a lot of threats. 357 00:18:59,693 --> 00:19:02,053 Speaker 5: What about what about the Waratars Is that their bubble 358 00:19:02,093 --> 00:19:04,813 Speaker 5: burst there was the first time that they've really faced 359 00:19:05,213 --> 00:19:07,493 Speaker 5: full strength opposition. I think they're going to be without 360 00:19:08,613 --> 00:19:10,413 Speaker 5: who we haven't actually seen the best of this year 361 00:19:10,453 --> 00:19:13,933 Speaker 5: probably for the next month by the sounds, is it 362 00:19:14,013 --> 00:19:19,653 Speaker 5: another year of hype coming to nothing for Sydney team Quite. 363 00:19:19,853 --> 00:19:23,053 Speaker 2: Quite well, be Yeah, they were I thought good in 364 00:19:23,093 --> 00:19:26,293 Speaker 2: the opening two rounds against the Reds, kicked away later 365 00:19:26,413 --> 00:19:28,173 Speaker 2: in that one. I thought they were pretty impressive. They 366 00:19:28,173 --> 00:19:31,493 Speaker 2: put the drawer away, then they had to buy and 367 00:19:32,333 --> 00:19:34,933 Speaker 2: they folded against the Hurricanes on the weekend. And now 368 00:19:34,933 --> 00:19:37,933 Speaker 2: they've got a pretty pretty tricky couple of weeks. They've 369 00:19:37,933 --> 00:19:39,573 Speaker 2: got the Reds who are riding high after that win 370 00:19:39,973 --> 00:19:42,453 Speaker 2: over the Brumbies, then the Blues come to town. Then 371 00:19:42,453 --> 00:19:45,253 Speaker 2: they've got to go to Canberra and face the Brumbies, 372 00:19:45,293 --> 00:19:47,293 Speaker 2: then they go and play the Chiefs. I think off 373 00:19:47,293 --> 00:19:48,693 Speaker 2: the top of my head, and I think they might 374 00:19:48,733 --> 00:19:52,213 Speaker 2: have another buye off off off the top of my head. 375 00:19:52,253 --> 00:19:55,373 Speaker 2: So that's a tricky few weeks, and you know, the 376 00:19:55,413 --> 00:19:58,493 Speaker 2: bubble has been probably boost on them, and if they 377 00:19:58,493 --> 00:20:01,173 Speaker 2: don't get back on the horse quickly this week against 378 00:20:01,173 --> 00:20:03,933 Speaker 2: the Reds, then it could unravel really really quickly. With 379 00:20:03,973 --> 00:20:07,053 Speaker 2: no Suwa Lee, who as you said, hadn't been overly impressive, 380 00:20:07,093 --> 00:20:10,893 Speaker 2: but it's such a big name and presence in that team. 381 00:20:11,413 --> 00:20:15,253 Speaker 2: Had a lot of mistakes in that back line. Without 382 00:20:15,333 --> 00:20:18,413 Speaker 2: them on the weekends, you know that they could unravel 383 00:20:18,453 --> 00:20:18,973 Speaker 2: pretty quickly. 384 00:20:19,013 --> 00:20:22,773 Speaker 5: I reckon, Yeah, it does feel like another familiar tale 385 00:20:22,773 --> 00:20:27,293 Speaker 5: for the Waratas some good offseason recruits, but I think 386 00:20:27,333 --> 00:20:31,493 Speaker 5: that's gonna be really hurt their confidence. And we're also 387 00:20:31,613 --> 00:20:34,293 Speaker 5: yet to see them travel across the ditch to New 388 00:20:34,333 --> 00:20:37,133 Speaker 5: Zealand's and historically that doesn't go well for them either. 389 00:20:37,173 --> 00:20:41,893 Speaker 5: So unfortunately, I think it could be a familiar script 390 00:20:42,093 --> 00:20:44,733 Speaker 5: for the Waratars and it might be left to the 391 00:20:44,773 --> 00:20:48,173 Speaker 5: Brumbies and Reads to contest the pointing end of this 392 00:20:48,253 --> 00:20:48,893 Speaker 5: season again. 393 00:20:49,133 --> 00:20:51,173 Speaker 2: All right, let's go to the first game of the round, 394 00:20:51,173 --> 00:20:54,733 Speaker 2: which was the Chiefs fifty seven more onea PACIFICA twenty four. 395 00:20:55,813 --> 00:20:58,493 Speaker 2: Look a jobb done for the Chiefs. In many ways, 396 00:20:58,533 --> 00:21:02,653 Speaker 2: they were clearly the better team. Wasn't always going to 397 00:21:02,693 --> 00:21:05,213 Speaker 2: plan for them in that game, but they were just 398 00:21:05,253 --> 00:21:07,253 Speaker 2: good enough. I thought on the night, you know, they 399 00:21:07,933 --> 00:21:09,973 Speaker 2: got to a tricky position. I think about twenty minutes 400 00:21:10,013 --> 00:21:13,893 Speaker 2: in when Turportelas scored the first of his tries. It 401 00:21:13,973 --> 00:21:16,613 Speaker 2: was nineteen fourteen at that point, and he thought, Okay, 402 00:21:16,613 --> 00:21:20,453 Speaker 2: maybe Mowana are coming back. Into this, but you just 403 00:21:20,493 --> 00:21:22,973 Speaker 2: had a sense that the Chiefs are ultimately going to 404 00:21:22,973 --> 00:21:25,013 Speaker 2: be a little too good and by halftime I think 405 00:21:25,013 --> 00:21:27,373 Speaker 2: it was what thirty one fourteen kicked away in the 406 00:21:27,413 --> 00:21:31,533 Speaker 2: second spell and you know, Mwana never saw them really again, 407 00:21:31,613 --> 00:21:33,653 Speaker 2: never got close to them again. A job done for 408 00:21:33,693 --> 00:21:37,133 Speaker 2: the Chiefs after a tricky Saturday night the week before 409 00:21:37,173 --> 00:21:39,933 Speaker 2: against the Crusaders. They'll be pretty pleased with that bounce back. 410 00:21:40,933 --> 00:21:44,333 Speaker 5: They will confidence boosting one at home. I'm not too 411 00:21:44,333 --> 00:21:47,973 Speaker 5: sure they'll take a huge amount out of that. I'm 412 00:21:48,013 --> 00:21:50,293 Speaker 5: keen to focus on a bit on Moana here because 413 00:21:50,333 --> 00:21:53,573 Speaker 5: the last three weeks their combined score I think there 414 00:21:53,613 --> 00:21:57,973 Speaker 5: are one hundred and forty four points conceded to fifty 415 00:21:58,013 --> 00:22:03,773 Speaker 5: three scored. So it's quite stark given the positive note 416 00:22:03,773 --> 00:22:06,453 Speaker 5: that they started the year on in Fiji, and for me, 417 00:22:07,293 --> 00:22:14,093 Speaker 5: their plights is summed up by current Tymouflow went in 418 00:22:14,133 --> 00:22:16,133 Speaker 5: the off season to the Chiefs and played for the 419 00:22:16,213 --> 00:22:18,613 Speaker 5: development team at the weekend, and I think that's. 420 00:22:18,453 --> 00:22:20,493 Speaker 4: A real slap in the face. 421 00:22:20,533 --> 00:22:23,613 Speaker 5: It's a sign that's you know, we desperately need some 422 00:22:23,693 --> 00:22:26,693 Speaker 5: form of Super rugby draft to even out the spread 423 00:22:26,693 --> 00:22:29,653 Speaker 5: of talents in New Zealand, whether it be to Muana 424 00:22:29,773 --> 00:22:33,133 Speaker 5: or the Highlanders. You've also got guys like Riley Higgins 425 00:22:33,133 --> 00:22:36,213 Speaker 5: not playing for the Hurricanes, a real talent at second five, 426 00:22:36,333 --> 00:22:39,213 Speaker 5: so these guys need to be playing rugby. Timewoy Flow 427 00:22:39,413 --> 00:22:42,213 Speaker 5: has been outed as a potential future All Black prospect 428 00:22:42,693 --> 00:22:45,933 Speaker 5: and can't get a looking at the Chiefs. So it 429 00:22:45,973 --> 00:22:49,893 Speaker 5: could be a tough year for Mowana. They're trying hards. 430 00:22:49,973 --> 00:22:50,173 Speaker 4: You know. 431 00:22:50,173 --> 00:22:53,853 Speaker 5: You've got guys like Augustine Pulu coming back very late 432 00:22:53,893 --> 00:22:59,373 Speaker 5: stage of his career mentioned Tunneloa. There sixteen tackles, fifteen runs, 433 00:22:59,573 --> 00:23:02,653 Speaker 5: seventy meters. I thought he was great and I've seen 434 00:23:02,653 --> 00:23:06,133 Speaker 5: a few questions around his potential eligibility in the future 435 00:23:06,533 --> 00:23:11,813 Speaker 5: as the potential All Blacks prospect Wana. Collectively, Yeah, they're 436 00:23:11,813 --> 00:23:13,773 Speaker 5: in a pretty pretty tough sport, aren't they they are. 437 00:23:13,893 --> 00:23:17,813 Speaker 2: Look I think on tilaw I've really rated him. I 438 00:23:17,853 --> 00:23:21,293 Speaker 2: thought it was excellent. Last year he was swept under 439 00:23:21,333 --> 00:23:25,173 Speaker 2: the Mowana picked him up in the for the wider 440 00:23:25,213 --> 00:23:27,573 Speaker 2: training group at the start of twenty twenty five. He 441 00:23:27,773 --> 00:23:31,613 Speaker 2: was educated in Highlanders territory. They didn't pick him up 442 00:23:31,653 --> 00:23:34,973 Speaker 2: and then Mawana scooped him up on a wider training 443 00:23:34,973 --> 00:23:36,773 Speaker 2: group contract last year. I think he's on a two 444 00:23:36,853 --> 00:23:38,573 Speaker 2: year deal with them now. Now the All Blacks can't 445 00:23:38,573 --> 00:23:42,293 Speaker 2: pick out of Majana players, so it'd have to be 446 00:23:42,813 --> 00:23:45,013 Speaker 2: until he gets out of you know, out of that 447 00:23:45,093 --> 00:23:49,173 Speaker 2: Majana contract is my understanding. But very very good player. 448 00:23:49,173 --> 00:23:50,973 Speaker 2: But if you look at that Mouana side, you're right 449 00:23:51,333 --> 00:23:53,693 Speaker 2: Taimoid for lad goes and I just don't think they've 450 00:23:53,693 --> 00:23:56,573 Speaker 2: got enough in their back line to be a real 451 00:23:56,653 --> 00:24:00,413 Speaker 2: threat that their forwards are do you know, you know, 452 00:24:00,613 --> 00:24:04,453 Speaker 2: Yeomen's work up front and low supported by fire Lungey 453 00:24:04,493 --> 00:24:07,813 Speaker 2: and good, you know, solid hard working second row of 454 00:24:07,853 --> 00:24:11,453 Speaker 2: Savage and Craig, good front row that occasionally get a 455 00:24:11,493 --> 00:24:13,453 Speaker 2: few penalties. But their back line I just don't think 456 00:24:13,573 --> 00:24:17,453 Speaker 2: is up to super rugby level. You know, Garden Baship 457 00:24:17,453 --> 00:24:22,293 Speaker 2: has had his time at the Hurricanes, Pallegrini came on 458 00:24:22,493 --> 00:24:25,733 Speaker 2: early doors and then went off again. But they're just 459 00:24:25,733 --> 00:24:28,253 Speaker 2: not getting enough out of the back line. La Marpe 460 00:24:28,293 --> 00:24:32,733 Speaker 2: looks past it from what I've seen Almuloor, it looks 461 00:24:32,773 --> 00:24:35,373 Speaker 2: like yesterday's man and they just don't generate enough in 462 00:24:35,413 --> 00:24:38,693 Speaker 2: their back line to be a threat to opposition. Teams, 463 00:24:38,733 --> 00:24:40,133 Speaker 2: and I think it's going to be a very very 464 00:24:40,133 --> 00:24:42,413 Speaker 2: long season. And on time Way Flout, you know, it's 465 00:24:42,413 --> 00:24:43,973 Speaker 2: a bit of the levi Ar Moores and look, there's 466 00:24:43,973 --> 00:24:45,973 Speaker 2: plenty of time for Time wayfil how to turn it around. 467 00:24:46,013 --> 00:24:48,973 Speaker 2: But More went from being a big fish in a 468 00:24:48,973 --> 00:24:51,733 Speaker 2: small pond at more on a Pacifica. Then he went 469 00:24:51,733 --> 00:24:54,613 Speaker 2: to the Crusaders and didn't really leave an impact. Tava 470 00:24:54,653 --> 00:24:56,813 Speaker 2: Tava Nahwai. I did the opposite, you know, I went 471 00:24:56,813 --> 00:24:58,453 Speaker 2: to Mourner and then there's had a huge impact with 472 00:24:58,453 --> 00:25:00,333 Speaker 2: the Highlanders, became an All Black out of it. But 473 00:25:01,493 --> 00:25:03,653 Speaker 2: you know he's got some work to do, I guess 474 00:25:03,693 --> 00:25:06,933 Speaker 2: in terms of finding his way into the chief starting 475 00:25:06,973 --> 00:25:09,413 Speaker 2: side over the cu weeks if he wants to push 476 00:25:09,413 --> 00:25:12,333 Speaker 2: for that All Blacks jersey when he's eligible later in 477 00:25:12,373 --> 00:25:14,293 Speaker 2: the year. But as for Mowana, look, as you said, 478 00:25:14,293 --> 00:25:18,133 Speaker 2: Blues away at Eton Park this weekend and the Crusaders 479 00:25:18,133 --> 00:25:22,493 Speaker 2: at North Harbor Stadium the following weekend. There's no, there's 480 00:25:22,493 --> 00:25:24,653 Speaker 2: not only up inside, is there from one to PACIFICA. 481 00:25:25,493 --> 00:25:29,533 Speaker 4: No, it's a bloody tough run that yeah, big time And. 482 00:25:31,573 --> 00:25:36,813 Speaker 5: Tamoi filout going to a team where you've got two established, 483 00:25:37,293 --> 00:25:40,013 Speaker 5: well largely established All Black Wings and leg Rokada and 484 00:25:40,213 --> 00:25:43,133 Speaker 5: money in an hour and a pretty classy operator and 485 00:25:43,213 --> 00:25:46,213 Speaker 5: attending nine as to touto out the back as well 486 00:25:46,573 --> 00:25:50,653 Speaker 5: along with Coobs Fabling who's really impressed at the weekend 487 00:25:50,693 --> 00:25:55,133 Speaker 5: and has been you know, knocking on the door certainly 488 00:25:55,133 --> 00:25:58,293 Speaker 5: at Super rugby level in recent years, quite an underrated player, 489 00:25:58,453 --> 00:26:02,053 Speaker 5: particularly for his size. It's very different, isn't it than 490 00:26:02,093 --> 00:26:04,493 Speaker 5: going to the holandas where you sort of can back 491 00:26:04,573 --> 00:26:09,533 Speaker 5: yourself to get game time to build games consistency. 492 00:26:09,613 --> 00:26:11,613 Speaker 4: So what's better? 493 00:26:11,893 --> 00:26:13,413 Speaker 5: Is it better to stay in the team where you're 494 00:26:13,413 --> 00:26:16,853 Speaker 5: going to be playing, even if they're not at the 495 00:26:16,893 --> 00:26:19,933 Speaker 5: elite standard of you know, the top teams in the competition, 496 00:26:20,173 --> 00:26:23,693 Speaker 5: or go to a team like the Chiefs and try 497 00:26:23,693 --> 00:26:28,173 Speaker 5: and further your national aspirations. It's a real roll of 498 00:26:28,213 --> 00:26:30,613 Speaker 5: the dice in some cases. But if you're not in 499 00:26:30,613 --> 00:26:32,373 Speaker 5: the shot window then you're not going to be viewed. 500 00:26:32,413 --> 00:26:36,293 Speaker 5: So it's a pretty vexed decision for some of these guys. 501 00:26:36,373 --> 00:26:38,373 Speaker 2: Yeah totally, And if they want to be All Blacks eligible, 502 00:26:38,413 --> 00:26:41,693 Speaker 2: they've got to leave Molwana before we leave the Super 503 00:26:41,773 --> 00:26:44,573 Speaker 2: Rugby weekend. The Chiefs head into the buy on the 504 00:26:44,573 --> 00:26:47,533 Speaker 2: back of that win over Malwana four weeks into the 505 00:26:47,573 --> 00:26:49,613 Speaker 2: comp with a bit of a breather. How do you 506 00:26:49,613 --> 00:26:53,093 Speaker 2: think they feel with a three win one loss record 507 00:26:53,093 --> 00:26:53,773 Speaker 2: at this point. 508 00:26:54,813 --> 00:26:56,973 Speaker 5: I think they'll still be stung by their home loss 509 00:26:56,973 --> 00:26:59,133 Speaker 5: to the Crusaders, just the manner of it, the fact 510 00:26:59,133 --> 00:27:03,453 Speaker 5: that they were up quite significantly and then got rolled 511 00:27:04,133 --> 00:27:07,253 Speaker 5: considered a lot of unanswered points, so that loss will 512 00:27:07,293 --> 00:27:11,853 Speaker 5: sting them. It'll fester, I think over the buy and 513 00:27:11,893 --> 00:27:15,053 Speaker 5: they'll be very realistic over where Moana are at in 514 00:27:15,093 --> 00:27:18,973 Speaker 5: the context of that performance. But look, their squad still 515 00:27:19,013 --> 00:27:21,613 Speaker 5: boasts probably the best depth throughout the competition. 516 00:27:22,973 --> 00:27:25,613 Speaker 4: The guys like Leroy Carter are building some real form. 517 00:27:25,613 --> 00:27:28,133 Speaker 5: They've just got Damien McKenzie back, so he'll have a 518 00:27:28,173 --> 00:27:31,733 Speaker 5: real impact over the back end of this campaign. I 519 00:27:31,733 --> 00:27:34,733 Speaker 5: thought he was good without being amazing, and he'll get 520 00:27:34,773 --> 00:27:37,613 Speaker 5: better and better in the coming weeks, particularly as he 521 00:27:37,653 --> 00:27:41,253 Speaker 5: said it was into that ten Jersey. So look, I 522 00:27:41,253 --> 00:27:43,453 Speaker 5: think they've still got to be probably favorites for the 523 00:27:43,493 --> 00:27:45,213 Speaker 5: title at this point, but they've still got a lot 524 00:27:45,213 --> 00:27:46,493 Speaker 5: of improvement in them as well. 525 00:27:46,613 --> 00:27:49,133 Speaker 2: Indeed Brumby's as well. We did touch on this briefly, 526 00:27:49,173 --> 00:27:51,853 Speaker 2: but they blew it against the Reds. Bit of controversy 527 00:27:51,893 --> 00:27:54,373 Speaker 2: at the end, but a couple of late tries Reds 528 00:27:54,413 --> 00:27:57,293 Speaker 2: get home in a game that was delayed by ninety minutes. 529 00:27:57,533 --> 00:28:01,293 Speaker 2: And now everyone's had at least one defeat so far 530 00:28:01,773 --> 00:28:04,013 Speaker 2: in Super Rugby and that'll be a tough one for 531 00:28:04,013 --> 00:28:07,333 Speaker 2: the Brumbies to take this loss to the Reds. 532 00:28:08,453 --> 00:28:11,293 Speaker 5: It will look they probably got away with one of 533 00:28:11,293 --> 00:28:13,773 Speaker 5: the week previously against the Blues and then cut one 534 00:28:13,813 --> 00:28:14,733 Speaker 5: on the chin this week. 535 00:28:14,813 --> 00:28:18,933 Speaker 4: And as you say, the Dangunu. 536 00:28:17,893 --> 00:28:20,893 Speaker 5: Non call on the knock on should have been called 537 00:28:21,053 --> 00:28:24,213 Speaker 5: I think in my view, so the reads perhaps fortunate, 538 00:28:24,253 --> 00:28:25,973 Speaker 5: but you take your luck and you run with it. 539 00:28:26,893 --> 00:28:29,213 Speaker 5: I think it's been great to see Carter Gordon come back. 540 00:28:29,653 --> 00:28:33,213 Speaker 5: He would be I think my starting ten for the Wallabies. 541 00:28:33,253 --> 00:28:35,653 Speaker 5: Not too sure where less Kiss will go when he 542 00:28:35,733 --> 00:28:37,613 Speaker 5: takes the rains later in the year for the Wallabies, 543 00:28:37,653 --> 00:28:40,333 Speaker 5: but I just think he's such a big presence. He's 544 00:28:40,333 --> 00:28:43,133 Speaker 5: got a great running game. I think his goal kicking 545 00:28:43,333 --> 00:28:47,213 Speaker 5: will improve over time. He'll build confidence as he builds 546 00:28:47,213 --> 00:28:49,853 Speaker 5: some consistency back in the fifteen man game after his 547 00:28:49,933 --> 00:28:53,013 Speaker 5: time in the league. So I think that's a real 548 00:28:53,093 --> 00:28:54,933 Speaker 5: win for Australian rugby getting him back. 549 00:28:55,133 --> 00:28:57,893 Speaker 2: Indeed, yet very impressed by what he's offered so far. 550 00:28:57,973 --> 00:28:59,853 Speaker 2: Let's take a quick break here on rugby. Come back 551 00:28:59,853 --> 00:29:02,813 Speaker 2: with the Final four MVP voting as well. After this 552 00:29:04,693 --> 00:29:07,013 Speaker 2: you're back with Rugby direct time. Now for the Final four. 553 00:29:07,093 --> 00:29:09,253 Speaker 2: Let's ten our attention to the Six Nations. First and 554 00:29:09,453 --> 00:29:13,773 Speaker 2: foremost bit of chaos over the weekend. Very impressive performance 555 00:29:14,253 --> 00:29:18,373 Speaker 2: from Scotland to beat France forty seven fourteen. It was 556 00:29:18,413 --> 00:29:22,493 Speaker 2: at one point final score fifty forty. You know, was 557 00:29:22,533 --> 00:29:24,813 Speaker 2: what three or four weeks ago that Gregor Townsend was 558 00:29:25,093 --> 00:29:27,813 Speaker 2: walking the plank potentially and may not even see out 559 00:29:27,813 --> 00:29:30,933 Speaker 2: the Six Nations in charge of Scotland. Well, now they've 560 00:29:30,933 --> 00:29:33,333 Speaker 2: got a chance potentially to win it. On the final 561 00:29:33,453 --> 00:29:37,533 Speaker 2: day we had Italy's greatest day in their rugby history 562 00:29:37,573 --> 00:29:41,813 Speaker 2: potentially beating England. And now these questions over Steve Borthwick. 563 00:29:42,493 --> 00:29:46,373 Speaker 2: This has been a mad Bonker's Six Nations? What did 564 00:29:46,373 --> 00:29:48,333 Speaker 2: you make of all the action over the weekend? Limb. 565 00:29:49,173 --> 00:29:51,413 Speaker 5: It's brilliant, isn't it, Elliott? I think this is what 566 00:29:52,333 --> 00:29:55,413 Speaker 5: every rugby fan wants to see. Maybe not the English, 567 00:29:55,573 --> 00:29:59,333 Speaker 5: but incidentally upsets Galore and yeah, it's been a wild 568 00:29:59,373 --> 00:30:03,813 Speaker 5: old tournament. I think Scotland's great one, great performance, great turnarounds, 569 00:30:03,853 --> 00:30:08,853 Speaker 5: but in the context of the tournament, they could rue 570 00:30:08,973 --> 00:30:11,333 Speaker 5: letting France come back at the Deaf there and Jagger 571 00:30:11,373 --> 00:30:16,053 Speaker 5: bonus point because that puts some well ahead on points differential. 572 00:30:17,133 --> 00:30:19,813 Speaker 5: So they only need, I think, to beat England's at 573 00:30:19,853 --> 00:30:23,053 Speaker 5: home in Paris this weekend, which is no given necessarily, 574 00:30:23,733 --> 00:30:26,133 Speaker 5: while Scotland have to go to Dublin and they don't 575 00:30:26,173 --> 00:30:29,133 Speaker 5: have a great recent record against the Irish. The Irish 576 00:30:29,333 --> 00:30:32,453 Speaker 5: in great form themselves, but look, it sets up the 577 00:30:32,453 --> 00:30:35,733 Speaker 5: tournament and a magic result for Italy. I didn't think 578 00:30:35,733 --> 00:30:38,333 Speaker 5: it was their best performance of the tournament either, but 579 00:30:39,453 --> 00:30:42,493 Speaker 5: hugely significant result be in England for the first time. 580 00:30:42,933 --> 00:30:44,973 Speaker 5: The All Blacks are the only team in the top 581 00:30:45,013 --> 00:30:47,733 Speaker 5: ten that they are yet to defeat Elliott's, so I 582 00:30:47,773 --> 00:30:51,773 Speaker 5: think that's a real marker for Gonzalo Cosada and what 583 00:30:51,853 --> 00:30:55,613 Speaker 5: he's done with that team. Menon Cello is a real 584 00:30:55,693 --> 00:31:00,133 Speaker 5: talent in the midfields, had a couple of brilliant breaks 585 00:31:00,173 --> 00:31:05,013 Speaker 5: to set up that famous win over England's a real 586 00:31:05,293 --> 00:31:10,813 Speaker 5: middling lost performance from England's They were up lates, they 587 00:31:10,853 --> 00:31:14,933 Speaker 5: had advantages, they kept away so much possession. They seem 588 00:31:14,973 --> 00:31:18,853 Speaker 5: to have lost all ability to attack. Maro Tojo given 589 00:31:18,893 --> 00:31:23,213 Speaker 5: away a late headless yellow card, very unnecessary. So I 590 00:31:23,213 --> 00:31:27,413 Speaker 5: think there are deep, real questions around Steve Borthwick's rain. 591 00:31:28,093 --> 00:31:31,173 Speaker 5: I don't expect there to be a rash change, but 592 00:31:31,373 --> 00:31:34,973 Speaker 5: he's certainly under massive pressure and in back home. 593 00:31:35,093 --> 00:31:37,693 Speaker 2: He is big time and it's unraveled. You know, they 594 00:31:37,693 --> 00:31:40,253 Speaker 2: were will beaters. They were, you know, closing in on 595 00:31:40,293 --> 00:31:42,733 Speaker 2: the World Cup two or three weeks back, and now 596 00:31:43,693 --> 00:31:45,693 Speaker 2: they look a shadow of themselves. And I think it's 597 00:31:45,733 --> 00:31:47,733 Speaker 2: going to invite some questions about some of the players 598 00:31:48,133 --> 00:31:50,493 Speaker 2: in that team all of a sudden, and this can 599 00:31:50,533 --> 00:31:52,893 Speaker 2: happen very very quickly in rugby, is that this team 600 00:31:52,933 --> 00:31:56,813 Speaker 2: now looks old. They look a shadow of themselves. You know, 601 00:31:56,853 --> 00:32:00,253 Speaker 2: the players like Jamie George have given great service for England, 602 00:32:00,293 --> 00:32:02,813 Speaker 2: but and he's had to play some big minutes. They 603 00:32:02,853 --> 00:32:06,013 Speaker 2: have a lot of depth at hooker. Marotogi doesn't look 604 00:32:06,053 --> 00:32:08,253 Speaker 2: himself and obviously he's had, you know, the loss of 605 00:32:08,853 --> 00:32:11,453 Speaker 2: his mum not so long ago, and that's understandable, but 606 00:32:11,493 --> 00:32:14,733 Speaker 2: he doesn't look like the maru Atoji that we know 607 00:32:15,253 --> 00:32:18,133 Speaker 2: they have blundered big time. Marcus Smith, I don't know 608 00:32:18,173 --> 00:32:22,013 Speaker 2: what's going on there. They now seem really rattled and 609 00:32:22,053 --> 00:32:23,773 Speaker 2: it's gonna be interesting to see what happens. I was 610 00:32:23,773 --> 00:32:27,693 Speaker 2: listening to our colleagues from The Times the Rock podcast 611 00:32:27,893 --> 00:32:31,973 Speaker 2: Will collor Her and co. Last night, and you know 612 00:32:32,053 --> 00:32:34,453 Speaker 2: they think that maybe there's a change coming potentially, but 613 00:32:34,733 --> 00:32:37,133 Speaker 2: they'll see out the campaign and maybe get July as well. 614 00:32:37,173 --> 00:32:41,333 Speaker 2: But a lot hinges now on this we ken cam Borthwick, 615 00:32:41,933 --> 00:32:44,173 Speaker 2: rally the troops and get them up for this trip 616 00:32:44,213 --> 00:32:47,333 Speaker 2: to Paris. If they do that then maybe you say 617 00:32:47,413 --> 00:32:49,333 Speaker 2: it wasn't the best campaign, but they finish on the 618 00:32:49,413 --> 00:32:51,293 Speaker 2: high If not, if France is able to do a 619 00:32:51,373 --> 00:32:56,253 Speaker 2: number on them, then it's basically inquisition time at Twickenham, isn't. 620 00:32:56,093 --> 00:32:57,973 Speaker 4: It It is? 621 00:32:58,013 --> 00:33:00,333 Speaker 5: And look, when things start to unravel, it can be 622 00:33:00,413 --> 00:33:03,773 Speaker 5: really hard to get it back together. So and Paris 623 00:33:04,173 --> 00:33:06,453 Speaker 5: is one of the harder places to go and world rugby. 624 00:33:06,613 --> 00:33:10,053 Speaker 5: France aren't a great traveling team. They don't do so 625 00:33:10,093 --> 00:33:12,413 Speaker 5: well away from home, whether it be in Edinburgh or 626 00:33:13,413 --> 00:33:16,653 Speaker 5: South Africa, or they don't bring their best talent. 627 00:33:16,493 --> 00:33:18,493 Speaker 4: Out to New Zealand and they won't again in July 628 00:33:18,653 --> 00:33:19,413 Speaker 4: because of their. 629 00:33:19,213 --> 00:33:22,533 Speaker 5: Top fourteen, so they basically never went out here but 630 00:33:22,693 --> 00:33:26,653 Speaker 5: back in Paris at the Start de France where everyone 631 00:33:26,653 --> 00:33:28,413 Speaker 5: gets whipped into a bit of a frenzy. It is 632 00:33:28,453 --> 00:33:33,013 Speaker 5: a really hard place to go and win. And yeah, look, 633 00:33:33,013 --> 00:33:36,053 Speaker 5: Steve Worthwick, not only that match, but then in July. 634 00:33:36,053 --> 00:33:37,453 Speaker 4: They have to go out to South Africa. 635 00:33:37,613 --> 00:33:42,693 Speaker 5: So yeah, I think there'll be a fair bit of 636 00:33:42,693 --> 00:33:46,293 Speaker 5: panic behind the scenes and those among the England ranks well. 637 00:33:46,333 --> 00:33:49,373 Speaker 2: Indeed, topic number two. It's been a few days. Obviously, 638 00:33:49,373 --> 00:33:52,213 Speaker 2: we recorded a couple of podcasts on the Wednesday when 639 00:33:52,213 --> 00:33:54,733 Speaker 2: it was announced at Dave Rennie is the new coach 640 00:33:54,853 --> 00:33:57,693 Speaker 2: of the All Blacks There's obviously been reaction, but by 641 00:33:57,773 --> 00:34:02,253 Speaker 2: and large has seemed pretty universally approved. Obviously there was 642 00:34:02,253 --> 00:34:05,693 Speaker 2: some Jamie Joseph supporters out there, but it doesn't feel like, 643 00:34:06,493 --> 00:34:08,693 Speaker 2: you know, there's a split in the All Black space 644 00:34:08,733 --> 00:34:10,453 Speaker 2: as there has been in the past when they've appointed 645 00:34:10,693 --> 00:34:13,653 Speaker 2: a coach, tension moves to the assistance. Now you gave 646 00:34:13,733 --> 00:34:16,053 Speaker 2: us some intel when we spoke last week. There's a 647 00:34:16,093 --> 00:34:18,693 Speaker 2: few more names that have been thrown about on various 648 00:34:19,013 --> 00:34:22,493 Speaker 2: podcasts and articles and other things kind of among his 649 00:34:22,573 --> 00:34:27,893 Speaker 2: name has been mentioned, Tom Coventry, etc. But the tea leaves, etc. 650 00:34:28,413 --> 00:34:31,253 Speaker 2: Seem to be pointing that Jason Ryan might be the 651 00:34:31,253 --> 00:34:35,133 Speaker 2: only current assistant that retains a role in this new setup. Limb, 652 00:34:35,213 --> 00:34:35,933 Speaker 2: Is that what you're hearing? 653 00:34:37,053 --> 00:34:37,933 Speaker 4: Yep, That's what I'm hearing. 654 00:34:37,973 --> 00:34:40,653 Speaker 5: And probably an appeared back capacity with more of a 655 00:34:40,693 --> 00:34:44,333 Speaker 5: focus on the scrum, which is his area of strength, 656 00:34:44,493 --> 00:34:47,653 Speaker 5: and I think that's probably a good move. We saw 657 00:34:47,653 --> 00:34:49,933 Speaker 5: Britan Evan's broaden last year and I thought he had 658 00:34:50,013 --> 00:34:51,733 Speaker 5: quite a big impact on the line out. But if 659 00:34:51,733 --> 00:34:55,373 Speaker 5: you bring in a Neil Barnes who's a line out 660 00:34:55,813 --> 00:35:00,133 Speaker 5: and breakdown sort of specialist, then you can allow Ryan 661 00:35:00,373 --> 00:35:02,573 Speaker 5: to focus more on the scrum. And if you think 662 00:35:02,613 --> 00:35:08,133 Speaker 5: back to Ian Foster's regime when he had Jason Ryan 663 00:35:08,213 --> 00:35:10,853 Speaker 5: in there, Greg Feak was the specialist scrum coach. So 664 00:35:12,133 --> 00:35:15,413 Speaker 5: in most international teams that Ford's role is broken up 665 00:35:15,613 --> 00:35:18,373 Speaker 5: and too scrum, line out, breakdown. And I think that 666 00:35:18,413 --> 00:35:20,653 Speaker 5: there has been a point in Scott Robertson's tenure where 667 00:35:20,733 --> 00:35:22,613 Speaker 5: Jason Ryan had too much on his plates. 668 00:35:23,133 --> 00:35:25,853 Speaker 4: So and then in terms of the other assistants. 669 00:35:26,533 --> 00:35:30,133 Speaker 5: I think Scott Hansen was under massive pressure given the 670 00:35:30,133 --> 00:35:33,173 Speaker 5: way that the All Black stuttering attack was going. Someone 671 00:35:33,173 --> 00:35:36,093 Speaker 5: to say Allison will be a good coach in time 672 00:35:36,293 --> 00:35:40,013 Speaker 5: and has done good things, but I think had struggled 673 00:35:40,093 --> 00:35:45,813 Speaker 5: to necessarily grasp that defensive brief and then Brent Evans 674 00:35:45,933 --> 00:35:49,093 Speaker 5: is probably just a victim of being surplus to requirements 675 00:35:49,133 --> 00:35:52,413 Speaker 5: when you bring in an experience figure like Neil Barnes, 676 00:35:52,453 --> 00:35:55,413 Speaker 5: so big changes of foots and I guess the big 677 00:35:55,493 --> 00:36:01,093 Speaker 5: question is around Mike Blair, the former Scottish international halfback 678 00:36:01,773 --> 00:36:05,293 Speaker 5: and weather New Zealand Rugby are ready and open to 679 00:36:05,853 --> 00:36:07,733 Speaker 5: bringing in a foreign assistant coach. 680 00:36:07,813 --> 00:36:09,653 Speaker 2: Well, I think they've got to be ready. While you 681 00:36:09,653 --> 00:36:12,973 Speaker 2: were converalcing with your wrist injury, Stephen Larkin was linked 682 00:36:13,013 --> 00:36:16,053 Speaker 2: with a role in the All Black set up. Obviously 683 00:36:16,133 --> 00:36:18,293 Speaker 2: didn't come to anything and he's resigned with the Brumbies 684 00:36:18,293 --> 00:36:20,453 Speaker 2: as of last week. But I think he would have 685 00:36:20,493 --> 00:36:22,813 Speaker 2: been a great addition to the lineup. I've been banging 686 00:36:22,813 --> 00:36:24,973 Speaker 2: the drum for a while. A different voice in there, 687 00:36:24,973 --> 00:36:26,933 Speaker 2: whether it's running the attack or the defense of whatever, 688 00:36:27,413 --> 00:36:30,773 Speaker 2: just a different voice I think is valuable in that 689 00:36:30,853 --> 00:36:33,573 Speaker 2: All Black setup. From what I understand might Belee are 690 00:36:33,613 --> 00:36:36,293 Speaker 2: highly regarded obviously by Dave Rennie, but also the players 691 00:36:36,293 --> 00:36:41,013 Speaker 2: that he's worked with in the various teams and capacities 692 00:36:41,093 --> 00:36:43,973 Speaker 2: he's had, so you know, he's probably not a name 693 00:36:44,013 --> 00:36:46,293 Speaker 2: that New Zealanders will be overly familiar with, but I 694 00:36:46,333 --> 00:36:50,093 Speaker 2: think you trust Dave Rennie to put that person in place. 695 00:36:50,133 --> 00:36:53,533 Speaker 2: So I guess the question though, is should Dave Rennie 696 00:36:53,533 --> 00:36:56,013 Speaker 2: get cart Blanche or what kind of process will New 697 00:36:56,093 --> 00:36:59,053 Speaker 2: Zealand Rugby go through here because we've seen around the 698 00:36:59,093 --> 00:37:02,733 Speaker 2: assistance before. It can be a source of issues in 699 00:37:02,773 --> 00:37:05,653 Speaker 2: a team environment and there needs to be some sort 700 00:37:05,693 --> 00:37:08,653 Speaker 2: of balance between Reny getting his men but also in 701 00:37:08,693 --> 00:37:11,733 Speaker 2: New Zealand Rugby knowing they're putting the right plea people 702 00:37:11,773 --> 00:37:13,213 Speaker 2: in place and employing the right people. 703 00:37:14,333 --> 00:37:15,933 Speaker 4: That's right, And money's also a factor. 704 00:37:16,693 --> 00:37:19,293 Speaker 5: My understanding is Scott Hanson and Jason Ryan are both 705 00:37:19,293 --> 00:37:23,493 Speaker 5: on four year contracts, so if Scott Hanson is to 706 00:37:23,533 --> 00:37:25,853 Speaker 5: be moved on, then that that will be another significant 707 00:37:25,893 --> 00:37:28,413 Speaker 5: payout on top of what they've already paid out for 708 00:37:28,413 --> 00:37:31,733 Speaker 5: Scott Robertson, So that would be a factor. But look, 709 00:37:31,773 --> 00:37:34,973 Speaker 5: I think the if you put your faith in trust 710 00:37:35,133 --> 00:37:38,053 Speaker 5: in a head coach, you have to give him all 711 00:37:38,093 --> 00:37:41,653 Speaker 5: her the rights to surround themselves with people that they 712 00:37:41,693 --> 00:37:45,893 Speaker 5: know and trust and let them build that environment largely 713 00:37:45,933 --> 00:37:48,733 Speaker 5: as they see fits. Other than Jason Ryan, I don't 714 00:37:48,733 --> 00:37:52,213 Speaker 5: think there's really a need to put massive stake in 715 00:37:52,253 --> 00:37:56,333 Speaker 5: the ground or push the wagon from New Zealand Rugby's 716 00:37:56,333 --> 00:37:59,093 Speaker 5: perspective to say you must take on these assistants because 717 00:37:59,893 --> 00:38:03,213 Speaker 5: that could destabilize or compromise what when he's trying to 718 00:38:03,453 --> 00:38:06,533 Speaker 5: trying to achieve from the outset. So I don't see 719 00:38:06,333 --> 00:38:10,373 Speaker 5: that playing outs. Yeah, and just on Mike Blair, I 720 00:38:10,413 --> 00:38:12,413 Speaker 5: think from what I've heard spoken to a few people 721 00:38:12,413 --> 00:38:15,253 Speaker 5: who have worked alongside him and know him well, he's quite. 722 00:38:15,053 --> 00:38:17,813 Speaker 4: A structured, stats based coach. 723 00:38:18,733 --> 00:38:21,853 Speaker 5: And I also think that Dave Rennie is an attack 724 00:38:21,933 --> 00:38:24,373 Speaker 5: coach by trade, so I expect him to have quite 725 00:38:24,413 --> 00:38:28,213 Speaker 5: a large degree of influence over the All Blacks attack 726 00:38:28,333 --> 00:38:30,413 Speaker 5: and look, I think that was a factor in him 727 00:38:30,413 --> 00:38:32,733 Speaker 5: getting the job in the first place. I saw Jamie 728 00:38:32,813 --> 00:38:36,013 Speaker 5: Joseph actually refer to that when he did his press 729 00:38:36,053 --> 00:38:38,653 Speaker 5: conference at the Highlands after missing out on the job, 730 00:38:39,173 --> 00:38:41,813 Speaker 5: and that's a clear area of improvement for the All 731 00:38:41,853 --> 00:38:44,853 Speaker 5: Blacks and I think Dave will take a lot of 732 00:38:44,853 --> 00:38:46,053 Speaker 5: ownership over that area. 733 00:38:46,373 --> 00:38:48,893 Speaker 2: Topic Number three in the final four a return for 734 00:38:48,973 --> 00:38:52,533 Speaker 2: Brody Retellit to New Zealand rugby. This was sort of 735 00:38:52,533 --> 00:38:55,013 Speaker 2: a sidebar to the announcement the other day, and we 736 00:38:55,013 --> 00:38:58,733 Speaker 2: did touch on it last week around selecting overseas players. 737 00:38:58,813 --> 00:39:00,973 Speaker 2: But Brodie Wuck was then on News Talk ZB with 738 00:39:01,053 --> 00:39:03,773 Speaker 2: Darcy Watergrave and said his mum had been in touch. 739 00:39:03,813 --> 00:39:05,293 Speaker 2: This was sort of the first head heard of it. 740 00:39:05,373 --> 00:39:09,013 Speaker 2: But from my understanding, he's off contract with COPE. Would 741 00:39:09,013 --> 00:39:10,573 Speaker 2: you like to see him back in New Zealand rugby 742 00:39:10,573 --> 00:39:11,733 Speaker 2: and fight for an All Blacks jersey? 743 00:39:12,613 --> 00:39:19,893 Speaker 5: Absolutely? Yeah, I would. I think that Japanese competition provides 744 00:39:19,893 --> 00:39:22,853 Speaker 5: longevity for these sort of players. That probably puts an 745 00:39:22,853 --> 00:39:27,333 Speaker 5: extra year or two on players' careers. Look, I saw 746 00:39:27,333 --> 00:39:30,053 Speaker 5: some footage of brodi Attic. He's a top tri scorer 747 00:39:30,053 --> 00:39:33,493 Speaker 5: in that competition, but there was one effort where he's 748 00:39:33,693 --> 00:39:37,733 Speaker 5: ranging back making a tri saving tackle, So the efforts 749 00:39:37,893 --> 00:39:41,093 Speaker 5: is there. Dave Rennie reckons that he's the fittest and 750 00:39:41,133 --> 00:39:43,973 Speaker 5: the strongest he's ever been, and he would know he's 751 00:39:43,973 --> 00:39:47,853 Speaker 5: coaching up there for the past three years, but I 752 00:39:47,893 --> 00:39:50,293 Speaker 5: think that's his only avenue to the All Blacks is 753 00:39:50,333 --> 00:39:52,813 Speaker 5: coming home. I don't see New Zealand rugby bending the 754 00:39:52,853 --> 00:39:56,373 Speaker 5: rules as much as Dave's potentially going to push that wagon. 755 00:39:57,293 --> 00:40:01,373 Speaker 5: Maybe there has been a change of regime since Scott 756 00:40:01,453 --> 00:40:07,013 Speaker 5: Robinson's era and with Mark Robertson at the helm there that. 757 00:40:06,573 --> 00:40:10,173 Speaker 4: That was never going to change. But it's just such 758 00:40:10,373 --> 00:40:11,093 Speaker 4: a vexed issue. 759 00:40:11,133 --> 00:40:13,893 Speaker 5: I don't see it happening overnight, certainly not before the 760 00:40:13,933 --> 00:40:17,973 Speaker 5: next World Cup. So if Renie does want to see 761 00:40:18,133 --> 00:40:21,493 Speaker 5: Rottelic back in the Black jersey, I think potentially he 762 00:40:21,533 --> 00:40:23,253 Speaker 5: comes home for one year at the Chiefs. 763 00:40:23,533 --> 00:40:27,373 Speaker 2: Yeah. Topic number four is it time for the All 764 00:40:27,373 --> 00:40:31,653 Speaker 2: Black Sevens to ditch the All Blacks name in front 765 00:40:31,693 --> 00:40:34,573 Speaker 2: of them? As we spect they're playing off in a 766 00:40:34,613 --> 00:40:39,013 Speaker 2: playoff for seventh and eighth at the Vancouver Sevens. I mean, 767 00:40:39,093 --> 00:40:41,773 Speaker 2: our third on the late the ladder and did win 768 00:40:41,813 --> 00:40:44,813 Speaker 2: in Dubai at the start of it. But I just 769 00:40:45,253 --> 00:40:48,373 Speaker 2: it's just not that comfortably with me for a few 770 00:40:48,453 --> 00:40:51,933 Speaker 2: years now that they're called the All Black Sevens, and 771 00:40:52,213 --> 00:40:55,413 Speaker 2: because I suppose their record hasn't been that great in 772 00:40:55,493 --> 00:41:00,573 Speaker 2: terms of Olympic medals and various other things. I just 773 00:41:00,573 --> 00:41:02,773 Speaker 2: wonder whether it's time to remove the All Black Sevens 774 00:41:02,773 --> 00:41:04,093 Speaker 2: now whether you'd have to do it for the Black 775 00:41:04,093 --> 00:41:06,573 Speaker 2: Ferns as well, who do live up to that Black 776 00:41:06,613 --> 00:41:08,933 Speaker 2: fans monika a little bit higher than well, a lot 777 00:41:09,013 --> 00:41:12,293 Speaker 2: higher than their male counterparts. I don't know, but to me, 778 00:41:12,453 --> 00:41:14,653 Speaker 2: you know they've talked to a lot about the trajectory 779 00:41:14,653 --> 00:41:17,493 Speaker 2: around the All Blacks and putting pride back in the 780 00:41:17,533 --> 00:41:20,493 Speaker 2: All Blacks jersey, et cetera, et cetera. Well, you've got 781 00:41:20,493 --> 00:41:22,493 Speaker 2: the sort of side show with the All Black Sevens 782 00:41:22,573 --> 00:41:25,693 Speaker 2: jersey and team at the moment that I don't think 783 00:41:26,533 --> 00:41:32,453 Speaker 2: has the same you know, standards potentially and same manner 784 00:41:32,493 --> 00:41:35,093 Speaker 2: that the All Blacks do get their leveraging off the name, 785 00:41:35,213 --> 00:41:36,933 Speaker 2: and you know they're lost to Spain the other day. 786 00:41:38,253 --> 00:41:40,053 Speaker 2: I do wonder whether it's time just to revert back 787 00:41:40,053 --> 00:41:42,053 Speaker 2: to New Zealand for the Sevens teams. 788 00:41:43,533 --> 00:41:45,293 Speaker 4: Look, I've never been a fan of this, Elliott. 789 00:41:45,773 --> 00:41:48,653 Speaker 5: It's a branding exercise and as you say, it's probably 790 00:41:48,733 --> 00:41:51,493 Speaker 5: hurting the brand currently. I've got the All Black Sevens, 791 00:41:51,533 --> 00:41:54,373 Speaker 5: we've got the Moldy All Blacks, we've got the All 792 00:41:54,413 --> 00:41:58,533 Speaker 5: Blacks fifteen, and it's about parading the brand around the 793 00:41:58,573 --> 00:42:05,173 Speaker 5: world's you know, marketing the All Blacks. But when results 794 00:42:05,213 --> 00:42:08,733 Speaker 5: don't go well, you're actually diminishing that brand. There's only 795 00:42:08,773 --> 00:42:11,053 Speaker 5: one All Blacks, there will will only ever be one 796 00:42:11,133 --> 00:42:14,173 Speaker 5: All Blacks. So in my view, it should be the 797 00:42:14,653 --> 00:42:18,693 Speaker 5: New Zealand sevens, should be the New Zealand Maori, and 798 00:42:18,693 --> 00:42:21,573 Speaker 5: it should be the New Zealand fifteen because the All 799 00:42:21,573 --> 00:42:27,293 Speaker 5: Blacks hold a certain prestige, a legacy history, and that's 800 00:42:27,293 --> 00:42:28,533 Speaker 5: not to be taken for granted. 801 00:42:28,933 --> 00:42:31,533 Speaker 2: I think we're of the same same agreements there on 802 00:42:31,573 --> 00:42:36,653 Speaker 2: that front. Napes MVP voting time after round three, Christian 803 00:42:36,733 --> 00:42:38,773 Speaker 2: Leo Willy had the lead on six points to POVI 804 00:42:38,973 --> 00:42:42,573 Speaker 2: and Josh Moreby both had five Your three two ones 805 00:42:42,613 --> 00:42:43,733 Speaker 2: this week, please Naps. 806 00:42:44,693 --> 00:42:47,813 Speaker 4: I'm going to be a bit biased Elliot mineral backs. 807 00:42:48,173 --> 00:42:49,453 Speaker 2: I think they're all Hurricanes. 808 00:42:49,853 --> 00:42:52,333 Speaker 5: Well they could be, yeah, but I'm not quite as 809 00:42:52,373 --> 00:42:55,493 Speaker 5: one eyed as some Crusader supporters. You know, I'd like 810 00:42:55,533 --> 00:43:00,173 Speaker 5: to see the breadth of the competition. Sure, sure, I'm 811 00:43:00,173 --> 00:43:03,893 Speaker 5: going to go Billy Proctor. I thought he was very 812 00:43:03,893 --> 00:43:06,293 Speaker 5: impressive and what he did for the Hurricanes, not just 813 00:43:06,333 --> 00:43:10,293 Speaker 5: as tries but as his distribution and it was just 814 00:43:10,373 --> 00:43:11,933 Speaker 5: great to see him running with a bit of freedom 815 00:43:11,933 --> 00:43:17,293 Speaker 5: after the struggles of last year. And to to Leroy Carter, 816 00:43:17,653 --> 00:43:20,693 Speaker 5: just his his work great, the way he gets involved, 817 00:43:20,733 --> 00:43:23,813 Speaker 5: the way he goes looking for work, whether it be 818 00:43:23,853 --> 00:43:26,693 Speaker 5: at the base or in close with the carries, and 819 00:43:26,733 --> 00:43:29,253 Speaker 5: then his acceptive strength. 820 00:43:28,893 --> 00:43:30,093 Speaker 4: For ball in hand as well. 821 00:43:30,613 --> 00:43:33,453 Speaker 5: And I'm going to go one to Cody Vai late 822 00:43:33,573 --> 00:43:37,333 Speaker 5: change for the Blues with Boden coming into ten and 823 00:43:37,973 --> 00:43:41,293 Speaker 5: thoughts his finish in the corner was brilliance. So a 824 00:43:41,373 --> 00:43:44,813 Speaker 5: bit of an unsung hero there had the Blues with 825 00:43:45,133 --> 00:43:48,333 Speaker 5: Mark Tala moving on. I thought he really stated his 826 00:43:48,413 --> 00:43:49,613 Speaker 5: case at the weekend. 827 00:43:49,973 --> 00:43:52,333 Speaker 2: Very very good. Right my three to two ones, Devin 828 00:43:52,373 --> 00:43:56,093 Speaker 2: Flanders gets my three. I need to get a Ford 829 00:43:56,133 --> 00:43:58,213 Speaker 2: in there somewhere, And I thought he was excellent in 830 00:43:58,213 --> 00:44:00,453 Speaker 2: that performance for the Hurricanes. He's been a name that's 831 00:44:00,493 --> 00:44:04,413 Speaker 2: been mentioned around the All Blacks, but never with great 832 00:44:04,533 --> 00:44:06,493 Speaker 2: vigor or you know, he's got to be in the 833 00:44:06,493 --> 00:44:10,053 Speaker 2: All Blacks. But he's been a solid player for Hawks 834 00:44:10,053 --> 00:44:12,533 Speaker 2: Bay and the Hurricanes now for a number of seasons, 835 00:44:12,573 --> 00:44:16,693 Speaker 2: played All Blacks fifteen level as well. And to me. 836 00:44:16,773 --> 00:44:20,133 Speaker 2: I thought there was an excellent performance from him on 837 00:44:20,173 --> 00:44:22,453 Speaker 2: the weekend after he played I thought probably the best 838 00:44:22,493 --> 00:44:26,253 Speaker 2: of the Hurricanes the week prior in Fiji as well. 839 00:44:26,333 --> 00:44:28,813 Speaker 2: So look, if Dave Rennie was watching on a Friday 840 00:44:28,853 --> 00:44:31,653 Speaker 2: night and kobait, he would have been very impressed. I 841 00:44:31,693 --> 00:44:34,413 Speaker 2: think what he saw from Devin Flanders, Caleb toungy Ta 842 00:44:34,733 --> 00:44:38,733 Speaker 2: gets my two, and Boden Barrett after coming in late 843 00:44:38,973 --> 00:44:41,173 Speaker 2: and steering the ship at ten and a very good performance, 844 00:44:41,213 --> 00:44:44,373 Speaker 2: gets my one. This week we'll add those into the 845 00:44:44,413 --> 00:44:47,493 Speaker 2: mix as well. Just before we wrap up on Rugby Direct, 846 00:44:47,533 --> 00:44:49,093 Speaker 2: we will check the mail bag. Already got a few 847 00:44:49,653 --> 00:44:52,493 Speaker 2: leaders and emails into the Rugby Direct mail bag over 848 00:44:52,613 --> 00:44:55,053 Speaker 2: last week, also that I want to get to on 849 00:44:55,133 --> 00:44:58,053 Speaker 2: Thursday Thursdays our dedicated spot for the mail bag. You 850 00:44:58,053 --> 00:45:00,693 Speaker 2: can get in touch with us Rugby Direct at news 851 00:45:00,733 --> 00:45:04,053 Speaker 2: Talk zb dot co dot in zed, Rugby Direct at 852 00:45:04,053 --> 00:45:06,013 Speaker 2: newstalk zeb dot co do in Z. We'll read a 853 00:45:06,013 --> 00:45:09,053 Speaker 2: few of those out on our Thursday edition on the podcast, 854 00:45:09,093 --> 00:45:10,933 Speaker 2: But until the end, Liam, thank you very much for 855 00:45:10,973 --> 00:45:13,813 Speaker 2: your time and rest up. We'll look forward to catching 856 00:45:13,893 --> 00:45:14,493 Speaker 2: up later in the week. 857 00:45:15,093 --> 00:45:19,373 Speaker 4: Yeah, I'll keep the one your eyes appreciate. 858 00:45:18,933 --> 00:45:22,333 Speaker 2: That that is Liam Napier, Mark Kelly, executive producer and 859 00:45:22,453 --> 00:45:25,413 Speaker 2: Rugby directed by Habita Physio. Book Today and stay in 860 00:45:25,493 --> 00:45:25,973 Speaker 2: the game. 861 00:45:30,173 --> 00:45:32,813 Speaker 1: For more from news Talks at b Listen live on 862 00:45:32,933 --> 00:45:35,893 Speaker 1: air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever 863 00:45:35,933 --> 00:45:38,453 Speaker 1: you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio