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 --> 00:00:16,173 Speaker 1: Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio, 3 00:00:19,333 --> 00:00:29,773 Speaker 1: Straight down the Middle, Trunk Guy, try to get inside 4 00:00:29,773 --> 00:00:34,013 Speaker 1: the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott 5 00:00:34,013 --> 00:00:37,133 Speaker 1: Smith and Liam Navier, powered by News Talks EDB. 6 00:00:37,493 --> 00:00:39,933 Speaker 2: Welcome in too, Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health Physio 7 00:00:39,973 --> 00:00:43,213 Speaker 2: Book Today and Stay in the Game Rugby Direct. Back 8 00:00:43,413 --> 00:00:46,933 Speaker 2: on another week, Round two in the Books of Super 9 00:00:47,173 --> 00:00:50,373 Speaker 2: Rugby Elliott Smith and with me our voice of the Crusaders, 10 00:00:50,533 --> 00:00:53,213 Speaker 2: Nick Buley. Greetings, Bills, thanks for jumping in again. As 11 00:00:53,693 --> 00:00:56,173 Speaker 2: Liam recuperates, he'll be back hopefully later in the week, 12 00:00:56,173 --> 00:00:57,453 Speaker 2: but good to have your company again. 13 00:00:58,173 --> 00:01:01,813 Speaker 3: Yeah, that voice tested yesterday, Elliott to tell you what 14 00:01:02,333 --> 00:01:06,333 Speaker 3: twelve tries and certainly did not have the Brumbies putting 15 00:01:06,413 --> 00:01:09,813 Speaker 3: fifty on the Crusaders and I ch on my bingo card. 16 00:01:09,893 --> 00:01:12,973 Speaker 3: But here we are, keen to unpack that game and 17 00:01:13,053 --> 00:01:14,333 Speaker 3: the other ones we saw in around two. 18 00:01:14,373 --> 00:01:16,413 Speaker 2: Well, let's start there and then work our way backwards 19 00:01:16,493 --> 00:01:19,533 Speaker 2: across the rest of the weekend. That was a stunning 20 00:01:19,533 --> 00:01:23,853 Speaker 2: result for the Brumbies, hadn't been the Crusaders in christ 21 00:01:23,893 --> 00:01:27,333 Speaker 2: Shoots since the year two thousand, first time they put 22 00:01:27,373 --> 00:01:29,973 Speaker 2: fifty on a New Zealand team in New Zealand. They 23 00:01:30,333 --> 00:01:33,813 Speaker 2: set all sorts of records yesterday with that performance and 24 00:01:34,333 --> 00:01:39,173 Speaker 2: we're worthy winners. And the Crusaders just faded big, big 25 00:01:39,213 --> 00:01:42,333 Speaker 2: time in that game. And I'm intrigued to hear what 26 00:01:42,533 --> 00:01:45,493 Speaker 2: your sense of it was on the ground commentating the game, 27 00:01:45,573 --> 00:01:48,893 Speaker 2: because that was an abomination of performance from the Crusaders. 28 00:01:49,533 --> 00:01:51,533 Speaker 3: Yeah, we'll start with the Crusaders because you know it's 29 00:01:51,533 --> 00:01:54,893 Speaker 3: a New Zealther Rugby podcast. Overall Kurdos to the Brumbies, 30 00:01:55,013 --> 00:01:58,013 Speaker 3: but just I mean, there were signs there in round one, 31 00:01:58,053 --> 00:02:03,133 Speaker 3: weren't there for the Crusaders arasturm performance conditions can't be 32 00:02:03,853 --> 00:02:06,533 Speaker 3: brought into question or debate under the roof in Dunedin 33 00:02:06,733 --> 00:02:10,093 Speaker 3: and they were rightly eaten by the Highlanders. And then 34 00:02:10,133 --> 00:02:13,813 Speaker 3: we roll on into this one first time at home 35 00:02:15,653 --> 00:02:18,533 Speaker 3: for fifteen years on from a devastating earthquake here in 36 00:02:18,573 --> 00:02:22,413 Speaker 3: christ Church anniversary and you know, no lack of motivation, 37 00:02:22,653 --> 00:02:27,933 Speaker 3: but the Crusaders again just airs drueing their line out, 38 00:02:28,293 --> 00:02:32,133 Speaker 3: borderline dysfunctional. Yes, they muscled up on defense and I 39 00:02:32,173 --> 00:02:35,613 Speaker 3: thought they were lucky that it was only nineteen fourteen. 40 00:02:35,733 --> 00:02:37,893 Speaker 3: At halftime the Brumby said the wind at their backs 41 00:02:38,693 --> 00:02:40,653 Speaker 3: and it felt like the Brummies had fired a few 42 00:02:40,653 --> 00:02:42,693 Speaker 3: shots but didn't get the pay that they should have. 43 00:02:42,733 --> 00:02:46,013 Speaker 3: In fact, I remember saying in commentary the territory the 44 00:02:46,053 --> 00:02:48,093 Speaker 3: Brumbies had no wonder my necks a little bit sort 45 00:02:48,093 --> 00:02:51,773 Speaker 3: of the left. It was eighty five percent territory and 46 00:02:52,093 --> 00:02:54,573 Speaker 3: it wasn't you know, a full gale wind. But in 47 00:02:54,613 --> 00:02:56,533 Speaker 3: that first half it was all Brumbies, and Brummy said 48 00:02:56,533 --> 00:02:58,853 Speaker 3: about sixty percent of possession as well. So I did 49 00:02:58,893 --> 00:03:01,733 Speaker 3: wonder if the Crusaders could get some quality ball, made 50 00:03:01,733 --> 00:03:04,093 Speaker 3: the right decisions with that wind at their backs, would 51 00:03:04,133 --> 00:03:10,173 Speaker 3: they put the Brumbies away? But the eras continued and continued, 52 00:03:10,213 --> 00:03:14,253 Speaker 3: so with all that becomes free position for the Brumbies. 53 00:03:14,613 --> 00:03:18,893 Speaker 3: And by the seventieth minute mark, despite the fact it was, 54 00:03:18,973 --> 00:03:21,853 Speaker 3: it was it thirty one twenty four and you thought, oh, 55 00:03:21,893 --> 00:03:25,213 Speaker 3: the Crusaders are still hanging in there. Somehow. You know 56 00:03:25,253 --> 00:03:26,933 Speaker 3: that because at the end of the day they still 57 00:03:26,973 --> 00:03:29,493 Speaker 3: have you know, a fair amount of striking, least of 58 00:03:29,573 --> 00:03:34,413 Speaker 3: fining a noookoo much better sevu reese out wide. They 59 00:03:34,453 --> 00:03:38,293 Speaker 3: got in with a sniff. But again, the era is 60 00:03:38,413 --> 00:03:42,693 Speaker 3: just compounding matters and they were their own worst enemies 61 00:03:42,693 --> 00:03:45,333 Speaker 3: for the Brumbies though to push clear from thirty one 62 00:03:45,373 --> 00:03:47,533 Speaker 3: to twenty four in front with seventy two minutes gone 63 00:03:47,533 --> 00:03:53,173 Speaker 3: to win fifty to twenty four, it really is staggering, 64 00:03:53,293 --> 00:03:55,573 Speaker 3: and you know, questions need to be asked about where 65 00:03:55,573 --> 00:03:58,573 Speaker 3: the Crusader's minds are at. Yes, they come in off 66 00:03:58,573 --> 00:04:00,613 Speaker 3: the back of a title last year, but I just 67 00:04:00,653 --> 00:04:02,653 Speaker 3: got the sense postmatch, and I know it's February, and 68 00:04:02,693 --> 00:04:05,093 Speaker 3: I know competitions are one in February, but there was 69 00:04:05,133 --> 00:04:08,053 Speaker 3: just a bit of a sort of ho hum, that's up. 70 00:04:08,093 --> 00:04:13,333 Speaker 3: That's other unfortunate, but we'll move on. But almost it 71 00:04:13,333 --> 00:04:15,933 Speaker 3: felt similar to the twenty twenty four campaign, which, as 72 00:04:15,933 --> 00:04:17,493 Speaker 3: we all know, they didn't even make the fight. Yeah. 73 00:04:17,493 --> 00:04:19,733 Speaker 2: Absolutely, I was gonna ask you how much of that 74 00:04:19,773 --> 00:04:22,373 Speaker 2: do you think is down to returning to the rickety 75 00:04:22,413 --> 00:04:25,733 Speaker 2: old Scaffold Stadium in Addington, because it kind of felt 76 00:04:25,733 --> 00:04:29,013 Speaker 2: like they'd signed off last year with the title. They 77 00:04:29,133 --> 00:04:31,013 Speaker 2: made a big deal about how it was their home 78 00:04:31,053 --> 00:04:33,493 Speaker 2: and how much it meant to people after the earthquakes 79 00:04:33,533 --> 00:04:36,413 Speaker 2: to have rugby back and played professionally in the city, 80 00:04:36,413 --> 00:04:39,453 Speaker 2: et cetera, et cetera. The new stadium comes online in 81 00:04:39,653 --> 00:04:43,733 Speaker 2: two months almost exactly how much do you think? I mean, 82 00:04:43,733 --> 00:04:45,453 Speaker 2: I know they're lost away from home last week, but 83 00:04:45,533 --> 00:04:48,293 Speaker 2: going back to the stadium where they pretty much finished 84 00:04:48,333 --> 00:04:50,573 Speaker 2: last year, has that played a role at all? 85 00:04:50,613 --> 00:04:52,693 Speaker 3: It may have. Yeah, No, you're absolutely right. Obviously the 86 00:04:52,733 --> 00:04:54,373 Speaker 3: last time they were there they were lifting the trophy 87 00:04:54,413 --> 00:04:58,173 Speaker 3: and it was contrasting scenes. Obviously, you know, fully jubilant scenes. 88 00:04:58,213 --> 00:05:00,853 Speaker 3: But yeah, it just sort of lingers as like the 89 00:05:00,933 --> 00:05:05,413 Speaker 3: longest ever farewell tour for this rackety old temporary stadium 90 00:05:05,573 --> 00:05:07,813 Speaker 3: and still got two more games to come their Highlanders 91 00:05:07,813 --> 00:05:10,253 Speaker 3: on the fourteenth, the March of the Fiji and Drawer 92 00:05:10,733 --> 00:05:13,213 Speaker 3: in Easter, and I know there's a lot of excitement 93 00:05:13,213 --> 00:05:16,053 Speaker 3: about the stadium. The Crusaders in terms of the coaching 94 00:05:16,053 --> 00:05:20,293 Speaker 3: staff have acknowledged, you know, are potential change and the 95 00:05:20,293 --> 00:05:23,893 Speaker 3: way they're attacking shape because they'll be under the roof 96 00:05:23,973 --> 00:05:26,773 Speaker 3: and with that, you know, they won't probably play as 97 00:05:26,853 --> 00:05:28,573 Speaker 3: much ten man rugby at the back end of the 98 00:05:28,613 --> 00:05:32,653 Speaker 3: season when conditions do become a factor. And look, they 99 00:05:32,813 --> 00:05:34,653 Speaker 3: need to concentrate on the here and now rather than 100 00:05:34,693 --> 00:05:37,333 Speaker 3: worry too much about the shiny new stadium and the 101 00:05:37,333 --> 00:05:40,293 Speaker 3: potential finals football in there. Because the way things are 102 00:05:40,333 --> 00:05:42,813 Speaker 3: going and the way the drawer is set up, Chiefs 103 00:05:42,813 --> 00:05:46,693 Speaker 3: next in Hamilton and the Blues following that Eden Park, 104 00:05:46,773 --> 00:05:48,933 Speaker 3: they could be staring down the barrel of oh and 105 00:05:49,093 --> 00:05:51,373 Speaker 3: four a similar start to what we saw in twenty 106 00:05:51,373 --> 00:05:53,813 Speaker 3: four and it's a long way back from there. It is. 107 00:05:53,853 --> 00:05:57,053 Speaker 2: Indeed, discipline wise, the Crusader is very poor. Yes, I 108 00:05:57,053 --> 00:06:00,093 Speaker 2: think they considered the first seven, if not eight penalties. 109 00:06:00,093 --> 00:06:01,693 Speaker 2: It's sort of evened up by the n nine and 110 00:06:01,773 --> 00:06:03,973 Speaker 2: five and a couple of you know, yellow cards obviously 111 00:06:05,133 --> 00:06:07,213 Speaker 2: that were dished out as a result, and the Brumby's 112 00:06:07,213 --> 00:06:10,093 Speaker 2: got one as well. But discipline was very, very poor. 113 00:06:10,213 --> 00:06:14,373 Speaker 2: Didn't get a first half penalty, conceded a truckload and 114 00:06:14,413 --> 00:06:18,053 Speaker 2: then the handling and little errors similar to to the 115 00:06:18,093 --> 00:06:21,373 Speaker 2: previous week against the Highlanders in Dunedan really let them 116 00:06:21,413 --> 00:06:24,413 Speaker 2: down and it was a kind of game. I don't 117 00:06:24,413 --> 00:06:26,293 Speaker 2: know if you felt the same way Bailly Bills, but 118 00:06:26,693 --> 00:06:29,213 Speaker 2: you know it fell like the Crusaders would flick a 119 00:06:29,213 --> 00:06:31,013 Speaker 2: switch at some point and you know, in the last 120 00:06:31,013 --> 00:06:33,413 Speaker 2: twenty roll over the top and win, you know, thirty 121 00:06:33,453 --> 00:06:35,293 Speaker 2: eight to thirty one or something like that. You kept 122 00:06:35,293 --> 00:06:37,013 Speaker 2: waiting for it and it never happened, and the Brumbies 123 00:06:37,053 --> 00:06:38,973 Speaker 2: just kept extending their leadout. 124 00:06:39,613 --> 00:06:43,653 Speaker 3: Yeah, per rugby pass, forty turnovers conceded now in the 125 00:06:43,693 --> 00:06:46,493 Speaker 3: first two games. Twenty five against the Highland is fifteen 126 00:06:46,533 --> 00:06:49,093 Speaker 3: against the Brumbies, And it is the same sort of stuff. Yeah, 127 00:06:49,173 --> 00:06:53,333 Speaker 3: just unforced areas drop balls mentioned the lineout before operated 128 00:06:53,373 --> 00:06:56,693 Speaker 3: at fifty four percent efficiency. This is with a Test 129 00:06:56,693 --> 00:06:58,573 Speaker 3: all Black and George Bell throwing the ball into the 130 00:06:58,613 --> 00:07:01,733 Speaker 3: lineout and then Test centurion and Cody Taylor coming off 131 00:07:01,733 --> 00:07:03,533 Speaker 3: the bench throwing the ball into the lineout, and yes, 132 00:07:03,733 --> 00:07:06,733 Speaker 3: conditions perhaps a little bit tricky, but certainly no excuses. 133 00:07:06,773 --> 00:07:10,013 Speaker 3: It was the same for both teams. So yeah, like you, 134 00:07:10,333 --> 00:07:13,293 Speaker 3: I totally agree. Early I thought the Crusaders of old 135 00:07:14,053 --> 00:07:16,613 Speaker 3: the last twenty minutes would come over the top, particularly 136 00:07:16,613 --> 00:07:21,253 Speaker 3: wind at their backs, but it didn't happen. And selectorially, 137 00:07:21,413 --> 00:07:24,733 Speaker 3: I don't really know where they turn because that's more 138 00:07:24,853 --> 00:07:27,893 Speaker 3: or less full strength for the Crusaders in terms of 139 00:07:27,893 --> 00:07:31,133 Speaker 3: the players available, you know, particularly in those key positions. 140 00:07:31,253 --> 00:07:36,093 Speaker 3: Obviously the Rivers Raehanna was withdrawn midway through last week 141 00:07:36,133 --> 00:07:37,973 Speaker 3: with a training injury. It sounds like he won't be 142 00:07:38,013 --> 00:07:41,773 Speaker 3: fit for the Chiefs this weekend, so more pressure comes 143 00:07:41,813 --> 00:07:45,933 Speaker 3: on Taha Keimena and Noah Hope them to really step up. 144 00:07:46,573 --> 00:07:48,653 Speaker 3: But at the same time too, you know the old cliche, 145 00:07:49,013 --> 00:07:51,893 Speaker 3: it does start up front, and I think it's time now. 146 00:07:52,093 --> 00:07:54,813 Speaker 3: I know Robbiani has acknowledged, you know, you have to 147 00:07:55,613 --> 00:07:59,173 Speaker 3: easier all blacks back in. You know that the Tomighty 148 00:07:59,213 --> 00:08:02,253 Speaker 3: Williams is the Cody Taylor's that they need to start, 149 00:08:02,493 --> 00:08:04,973 Speaker 3: and the Crusaders need to get back on track and fast. Yeah. 150 00:08:05,013 --> 00:08:07,693 Speaker 2: Absolutely, the wood on the Brumbies, they were magnificent. I 151 00:08:07,693 --> 00:08:11,373 Speaker 2: thought they ran some great lines that put pressure on 152 00:08:11,893 --> 00:08:15,053 Speaker 2: the Crusaders right around the park. And I didn't think 153 00:08:15,053 --> 00:08:17,693 Speaker 2: the defense was great, but they weren't asked too many 154 00:08:17,813 --> 00:08:21,373 Speaker 2: questions from the Crusaders either. And by the end of it, 155 00:08:21,413 --> 00:08:23,733 Speaker 2: you know, Andy Mulehead running rings around them. Charlie Kale 156 00:08:24,053 --> 00:08:27,813 Speaker 2: is having an exceptional start to the season as well. 157 00:08:27,893 --> 00:08:30,253 Speaker 2: But the Brumbies were sort of playing and you know, 158 00:08:30,413 --> 00:08:32,493 Speaker 2: Brumbys are very good side, but they were playing Crusader's 159 00:08:32,533 --> 00:08:33,933 Speaker 2: rugby against the Crusaders. 160 00:08:34,853 --> 00:08:37,333 Speaker 3: Yeah, very well balanced team and the but I love 161 00:08:37,413 --> 00:08:40,333 Speaker 3: the most it was that they were willing to have 162 00:08:40,373 --> 00:08:44,053 Speaker 3: a crack and you know there wasn't as much kicking 163 00:08:44,133 --> 00:08:47,533 Speaker 3: as I've seen over the previous two rounds or smart kicking, 164 00:08:47,613 --> 00:08:50,093 Speaker 3: you know, the little chip over the top by declar 165 00:08:50,173 --> 00:08:53,573 Speaker 3: Meredith identifying that space and behind obviously bounce to the 166 00:08:53,573 --> 00:08:55,733 Speaker 3: ball and came to Pritchard's there to score that. Right, 167 00:08:55,773 --> 00:08:57,693 Speaker 3: That was a big moment in the second half. And 168 00:08:58,413 --> 00:09:00,813 Speaker 3: as you say, their back row, I thought Rob Valentini 169 00:09:00,973 --> 00:09:04,173 Speaker 3: was outstanding, Charlie Kale out in the wide channels, four 170 00:09:04,213 --> 00:09:07,413 Speaker 3: tries now in two matches, Andy Mulehead let's not forget 171 00:09:07,413 --> 00:09:10,013 Speaker 3: you know Tom right out that serious knee injury at 172 00:09:10,053 --> 00:09:13,053 Speaker 3: the moment he was a standout as well, and led 173 00:09:13,173 --> 00:09:15,293 Speaker 3: really well by Ryan Lonegan, who I don't know if 174 00:09:15,333 --> 00:09:18,013 Speaker 3: you saw that head on sevyis goodness, you know for 175 00:09:18,053 --> 00:09:20,853 Speaker 3: a little fowler maybe a slightly bigger fellow. Well, that 176 00:09:21,293 --> 00:09:24,133 Speaker 3: was a moment in itself, so kudos to the Brumbies. 177 00:09:24,253 --> 00:09:27,773 Speaker 3: Very well coached by Stephen Larkham, who, as it turns out, 178 00:09:27,893 --> 00:09:29,893 Speaker 3: is wearing the ten jersey the last time the Brumbies 179 00:09:29,933 --> 00:09:32,413 Speaker 3: beat the Crusaders and christ Jitch back in the year 180 00:09:32,453 --> 00:09:34,933 Speaker 3: two thousand, so a special moment firm and a special 181 00:09:34,933 --> 00:09:37,733 Speaker 3: moment for the team too. That was James Slipper's two 182 00:09:37,813 --> 00:09:40,813 Speaker 3: hundred Super Rugby game, got himself a try as well, 183 00:09:41,573 --> 00:09:43,373 Speaker 3: and now knocking on the door for the all time 184 00:09:43,413 --> 00:09:46,773 Speaker 3: Super Rugby recorder, which is currently held by Whyatt Crocketts. 185 00:09:46,813 --> 00:09:49,293 Speaker 3: So look, if you've got some pre season tickets on 186 00:09:50,093 --> 00:09:52,293 Speaker 3: the Brumbies, I know it's febris, but you ought to 187 00:09:52,333 --> 00:09:52,933 Speaker 3: be pretty happy. 188 00:09:52,973 --> 00:09:54,613 Speaker 2: Well, that's the thing. I think that Blues Brumbies game 189 00:09:54,693 --> 00:09:57,853 Speaker 2: is pivotal this weekend already in the in the context 190 00:09:57,973 --> 00:10:00,693 Speaker 2: of the season. Let's talk about the Blues who beat 191 00:10:00,733 --> 00:10:03,293 Speaker 2: the Force forty two to thirty two in juneedle up 192 00:10:03,293 --> 00:10:07,253 Speaker 2: in Western Australia, just outside of Perth, or outside of 193 00:10:07,693 --> 00:10:10,053 Speaker 2: the main center of Perth. Anyway, that was certainly a 194 00:10:10,093 --> 00:10:13,573 Speaker 2: game that happened. I need not really what to say 195 00:10:13,573 --> 00:10:15,413 Speaker 2: about the I mean it was it felt like that 196 00:10:15,413 --> 00:10:19,933 Speaker 2: the Blues are always relatively in control, but they didn't 197 00:10:20,013 --> 00:10:22,533 Speaker 2: rise to any great heights and Vin Kotda won't be 198 00:10:22,533 --> 00:10:26,333 Speaker 2: happy they shipped thirty two points away to the Western Force. 199 00:10:26,613 --> 00:10:29,173 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think it was the suburban nature of where 200 00:10:29,213 --> 00:10:32,093 Speaker 3: it was. How that I must glancing up and wondering 201 00:10:32,133 --> 00:10:34,413 Speaker 3: if this was a replay of a preseason game from 202 00:10:34,573 --> 00:10:37,733 Speaker 3: a couple of weeks earlier. But yeah, as you say, 203 00:10:37,973 --> 00:10:41,693 Speaker 3: it never felt like the Blues were any great danger. 204 00:10:42,053 --> 00:10:44,293 Speaker 3: I know the score line suggests it was close, but 205 00:10:44,973 --> 00:10:47,933 Speaker 3: the Blues did it enough. It is a tough road 206 00:10:47,973 --> 00:10:50,373 Speaker 3: trip to go all the way over to Western Australian 207 00:10:50,373 --> 00:10:53,253 Speaker 3: as you say, now now off to Canberra. Brumbies haven't 208 00:10:53,253 --> 00:10:56,333 Speaker 3: even been home. Speaking of Brumby's went to Perth and 209 00:10:56,373 --> 00:10:59,373 Speaker 3: then christ Church, plenty of travel for them and now 210 00:10:59,413 --> 00:11:02,573 Speaker 3: getting back to the Australian capital. But that game, as 211 00:11:02,613 --> 00:11:05,253 Speaker 3: you say, shapes up as a real doozy, a litmus 212 00:11:05,293 --> 00:11:09,173 Speaker 3: test for both teams. In round three, it does. The 213 00:11:09,173 --> 00:11:11,573 Speaker 3: Blues have been disappointed. They let the bonus points slip 214 00:11:11,613 --> 00:11:15,333 Speaker 3: as well with Ben Donaldson's late try. Very im press 215 00:11:15,373 --> 00:11:18,213 Speaker 3: once again by Torrian Barnes coming off the bench for 216 00:11:18,933 --> 00:11:21,373 Speaker 3: the Blues this week after starting in round one. He 217 00:11:21,413 --> 00:11:23,613 Speaker 3: looks like a you know, a player of immense promise. 218 00:11:23,653 --> 00:11:25,773 Speaker 3: His name was mentioned a couple of years ago. 219 00:11:25,893 --> 00:11:28,173 Speaker 2: Is up and come a couldn't get into the Crusaders 220 00:11:28,213 --> 00:11:30,813 Speaker 2: system now making every poster when it the Blues so 221 00:11:30,893 --> 00:11:33,173 Speaker 2: interesting to see whether they start him this week against 222 00:11:33,213 --> 00:11:34,493 Speaker 2: the Brumbies, and. 223 00:11:34,373 --> 00:11:38,493 Speaker 3: What a what a story that Tory and Barnes. You know, 224 00:11:38,853 --> 00:11:43,093 Speaker 3: he came through the reimagination of the Super Rugby Draft 225 00:11:43,093 --> 00:11:45,373 Speaker 3: that was held in the off season. My understanding, you know, 226 00:11:45,493 --> 00:11:48,893 Speaker 3: wider training group deal the way it works and the 227 00:11:48,933 --> 00:11:51,453 Speaker 3: fact that he is a Canterbury representative of the Crusaders 228 00:11:51,493 --> 00:11:54,573 Speaker 3: had first opportunity to offer him something they were willing 229 00:11:54,613 --> 00:11:57,213 Speaker 3: to wait and went elsewhere. And obviously you know they've 230 00:11:57,613 --> 00:12:00,413 Speaker 3: got Oli Mathis as an example as a loose forward 231 00:12:00,413 --> 00:12:03,413 Speaker 3: in their wider training group. But the Blues swooped in. 232 00:12:03,493 --> 00:12:05,173 Speaker 3: I don't know exactly how it worked on the zoom 233 00:12:05,213 --> 00:12:06,973 Speaker 3: call with the first pick or the second pick, but 234 00:12:07,253 --> 00:12:10,013 Speaker 3: what a perk it's been and Torian Barnes so far 235 00:12:10,093 --> 00:12:12,413 Speaker 3: making every post of winner and as you say, it 236 00:12:12,453 --> 00:12:14,933 Speaker 3: could very much now be in the conversation to be 237 00:12:14,973 --> 00:12:16,933 Speaker 3: a regular starter or certainly in the twenty three. 238 00:12:17,053 --> 00:12:19,253 Speaker 2: That would be good content that needs to be broadcast 239 00:12:19,333 --> 00:12:22,053 Speaker 2: somewhere next year. The Super Rugby Draft. 240 00:12:22,173 --> 00:12:24,853 Speaker 3: Chiefs Jack Jack Beasley listens, hasn't. 241 00:12:24,613 --> 00:12:26,573 Speaker 2: He he does on occasion yeah, we should put forward 242 00:12:26,573 --> 00:12:29,093 Speaker 2: that to him for for next season. Chiefs twenty six, 243 00:12:29,173 --> 00:12:32,933 Speaker 2: Highland is twenty three in Dunedin, Chiefs go two from two. 244 00:12:33,693 --> 00:12:37,253 Speaker 2: Far from convincing again the Chiefs, you know that you 245 00:12:37,253 --> 00:12:41,413 Speaker 2: don't win the competition in round two. They've got enough 246 00:12:41,453 --> 00:12:45,093 Speaker 2: to get the job done. A moment of magic, a 247 00:12:45,133 --> 00:12:47,733 Speaker 2: moment of controversy from quin to Pie with the goal 248 00:12:47,733 --> 00:12:51,373 Speaker 2: line dropout that ended in Leroy Carter going coast to coast. 249 00:12:51,853 --> 00:12:54,373 Speaker 2: I don't think the Chiefs will be entirely happy with 250 00:12:54,413 --> 00:12:56,413 Speaker 2: the way they played, but sometimes you just got to 251 00:12:56,493 --> 00:12:59,573 Speaker 2: roll your sleeves up and tack the four points as 252 00:12:59,613 --> 00:12:59,973 Speaker 2: they come. 253 00:13:01,173 --> 00:13:05,653 Speaker 3: Just on the so called controversy, are you you know, 254 00:13:05,653 --> 00:13:07,333 Speaker 3: I don't know where exactly where you stand, Elliott, but 255 00:13:07,373 --> 00:13:09,613 Speaker 3: are you sad ast fly that you know there's been 256 00:13:09,613 --> 00:13:12,613 Speaker 3: all this discussion pre season around the influence of the 257 00:13:12,653 --> 00:13:14,973 Speaker 3: over influence of the TMO given it wasn't clear and 258 00:13:14,973 --> 00:13:17,613 Speaker 3: obviously just happy that we moved on or at the 259 00:13:17,653 --> 00:13:19,773 Speaker 3: fact that we're debating it suggests that perhaps it did 260 00:13:20,373 --> 00:13:22,653 Speaker 3: regard or was worthy of examination. 261 00:13:22,733 --> 00:13:24,333 Speaker 2: You know what, I'm actually find that it was played 262 00:13:24,373 --> 00:13:28,093 Speaker 2: on with I don't think it was. It was worth 263 00:13:28,133 --> 00:13:30,373 Speaker 2: pulling back. I mean, I'm not a big fan of 264 00:13:30,413 --> 00:13:33,293 Speaker 2: the TMO at the best of times. That seems like 265 00:13:33,293 --> 00:13:35,053 Speaker 2: something they maybe should have caught. But you know what, 266 00:13:35,933 --> 00:13:38,653 Speaker 2: I'm not against it. I think the TMO, the least 267 00:13:38,653 --> 00:13:40,733 Speaker 2: influence it has on the game, the better we would 268 00:13:40,773 --> 00:13:42,733 Speaker 2: have been going down right to the frames. I mean, 269 00:13:42,733 --> 00:13:44,533 Speaker 2: it didn't look on the IT test that it was, 270 00:13:44,933 --> 00:13:48,933 Speaker 2: you know, a proper dropkick. But you know, sometimes you've 271 00:13:48,973 --> 00:13:51,613 Speaker 2: just got to live with the decisions as they come 272 00:13:51,653 --> 00:13:54,893 Speaker 2: from the on field referee. So you know, we saw 273 00:13:54,973 --> 00:13:57,293 Speaker 2: the superb we come out last week and say two 274 00:13:57,333 --> 00:14:00,533 Speaker 2: po vised try shouldn't have been able to stand for 275 00:14:00,853 --> 00:14:03,893 Speaker 2: diving over a couple of Blues defenders close to the line. 276 00:14:03,933 --> 00:14:06,373 Speaker 2: Maybe they'll do something similar this week. But with the 277 00:14:06,373 --> 00:14:09,213 Speaker 2: TMO influence in the game, you know, they can't spot everything, 278 00:14:09,253 --> 00:14:13,013 Speaker 2: and I'm not sure you know why exactly we have it, 279 00:14:13,013 --> 00:14:15,093 Speaker 2: So the least influence the better in my mind, what 280 00:14:15,133 --> 00:14:15,893 Speaker 2: about you. 281 00:14:15,773 --> 00:14:18,293 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm totally comfortable with it. Although it is funny 282 00:14:18,373 --> 00:14:20,013 Speaker 3: yet two weeks in a row we could be getting 283 00:14:20,253 --> 00:14:22,933 Speaker 3: an edict and boxes very soon to say that that cheat, 284 00:14:23,013 --> 00:14:26,053 Speaker 3: that trashionist died. Although I would say I love the innovation. 285 00:14:26,133 --> 00:14:27,853 Speaker 3: And again I'm sort of HARKing back to the point 286 00:14:27,853 --> 00:14:31,893 Speaker 3: I made earlier around having a crack. You know, that 287 00:14:32,013 --> 00:14:33,853 Speaker 3: was just heads up foot He wasn't it from Quintupay. 288 00:14:33,933 --> 00:14:36,813 Speaker 3: He saw the Highlanders weren't there, went for the little 289 00:14:36,853 --> 00:14:40,333 Speaker 3: grubber kick goal on dropout and then set sail and 290 00:14:40,813 --> 00:14:42,853 Speaker 3: then got Leroy Carter on his way. That was really 291 00:14:42,893 --> 00:14:45,373 Speaker 3: the only moment that really excited me outside of the 292 00:14:46,053 --> 00:14:50,293 Speaker 3: Caleb tongueytail try, which again looking up at what's coming 293 00:14:50,333 --> 00:14:52,893 Speaker 3: at him in terms of the pictures presented defensively and 294 00:14:53,013 --> 00:14:55,093 Speaker 3: running the ball back with pace and purposes and he 295 00:14:55,533 --> 00:14:58,373 Speaker 3: a player. But yeah, again I did struggle with that 296 00:14:58,373 --> 00:15:00,133 Speaker 3: one as a contest. I feel like that one will 297 00:15:00,173 --> 00:15:02,293 Speaker 3: be filed down and the ones where you're not going 298 00:15:02,373 --> 00:15:04,613 Speaker 3: to watch it again. It was only good because it 299 00:15:04,693 --> 00:15:10,253 Speaker 3: was close. This just I know the data suggests to 300 00:15:10,493 --> 00:15:14,933 Speaker 3: the super rugby teams that you should box kick when 301 00:15:14,933 --> 00:15:17,813 Speaker 3: you have positioned just outside your own twenty two because 302 00:15:17,853 --> 00:15:21,573 Speaker 3: you don't want to exert any energy, you know, running 303 00:15:21,573 --> 00:15:24,773 Speaker 3: it up or picking and going and let's get a 304 00:15:24,773 --> 00:15:26,733 Speaker 3: contestable kick up in the air. It's a fifty to 305 00:15:26,733 --> 00:15:30,213 Speaker 3: fifty and if we get it back, that's great. But 306 00:15:30,333 --> 00:15:35,013 Speaker 3: what that doesn't account for is the spectacle. And it's 307 00:15:35,093 --> 00:15:37,973 Speaker 3: just my numbing watching the amount of the amount of kicks. 308 00:15:38,293 --> 00:15:41,213 Speaker 3: I think it was again under the roof, seventy kicks 309 00:15:41,773 --> 00:15:43,613 Speaker 3: and that contest between the Chiefs and Highland is far 310 00:15:43,653 --> 00:15:46,453 Speaker 3: too many for my liking. Was eighty two the Highlanders 311 00:15:46,573 --> 00:15:49,733 Speaker 3: Crusaders the week before. It's just a lottery. It doesn't 312 00:15:49,773 --> 00:15:52,173 Speaker 3: make for a great spectacle. I expect a lot more 313 00:15:52,213 --> 00:15:55,293 Speaker 3: in February, particularly when we're you know, the competition is 314 00:15:55,333 --> 00:15:58,693 Speaker 3: banging on about being an entertaining product. There's just nothing 315 00:15:58,813 --> 00:16:02,373 Speaker 3: entertaining about watching half backs kick and wingers, you know, 316 00:16:02,453 --> 00:16:03,973 Speaker 3: contest in the air and knock the ball on. 317 00:16:04,093 --> 00:16:06,893 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's doing my head. In all honesty, I can't 318 00:16:06,893 --> 00:16:11,013 Speaker 2: stand it. In rugby. I think the tactics seem to 319 00:16:11,013 --> 00:16:13,213 Speaker 2: have just completely gone out the window and they seem 320 00:16:13,293 --> 00:16:17,533 Speaker 2: comfortable now going fifty to fifty lotteries because chances are 321 00:16:17,613 --> 00:16:19,613 Speaker 2: it's going to be a knock on from you know, 322 00:16:19,853 --> 00:16:21,773 Speaker 2: the receiving team, or there's going to be some sort 323 00:16:21,813 --> 00:16:24,213 Speaker 2: of a bounce that might go your way. That's not 324 00:16:24,293 --> 00:16:27,013 Speaker 2: rugby to me. It's pure lottery and I don't think 325 00:16:27,053 --> 00:16:30,693 Speaker 2: it's an entertaining spectacle. I think something has to change 326 00:16:31,053 --> 00:16:31,853 Speaker 2: in that regard. 327 00:16:32,093 --> 00:16:33,813 Speaker 3: So do they go back to the blocker rule? 328 00:16:33,893 --> 00:16:34,613 Speaker 2: I think they should. 329 00:16:34,893 --> 00:16:37,773 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think I honestly should. I think thinking out 330 00:16:37,813 --> 00:16:39,773 Speaker 3: loud now, But is that the way to get back, 331 00:16:40,173 --> 00:16:41,613 Speaker 3: get back to where we were two years ago? 332 00:16:41,733 --> 00:16:44,813 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think quite possibly. And I think the tactics 333 00:16:44,813 --> 00:16:46,973 Speaker 2: have just completely gone out of kicking. It's just the 334 00:16:47,533 --> 00:16:50,013 Speaker 2: upper and unders that come from half back in tenure. 335 00:16:50,333 --> 00:16:52,013 Speaker 2: We don't see a lot of and I know that 336 00:16:52,053 --> 00:16:53,653 Speaker 2: you know, defending in the backfield is a little bit 337 00:16:53,653 --> 00:16:55,613 Speaker 2: different because the risk of the fifty to twenty two now, 338 00:16:55,693 --> 00:16:58,733 Speaker 2: but you don't see a lot of kicking for lineouts 339 00:16:58,893 --> 00:17:02,813 Speaker 2: or kicking for position on the field anymore. It's very 340 00:17:02,853 --> 00:17:05,453 Speaker 2: much just up and under and I think that a 341 00:17:05,533 --> 00:17:07,613 Speaker 2: lot of the tactics leave a lot to be wanting. 342 00:17:07,653 --> 00:17:10,693 Speaker 2: So look, I'm back to blocker rule. I think there's 343 00:17:10,693 --> 00:17:12,853 Speaker 2: a number of things that Will Rugby could implement there. 344 00:17:13,213 --> 00:17:15,973 Speaker 2: And you're right for super Rugby promoting this fast attacking 345 00:17:16,013 --> 00:17:19,333 Speaker 2: style of rugby that was a kick battle and perfect 346 00:17:19,333 --> 00:17:22,373 Speaker 2: conditions under the roof in Dunedin, and I just don't 347 00:17:22,413 --> 00:17:24,693 Speaker 2: know that that is going to win too many spectators. 348 00:17:24,693 --> 00:17:28,013 Speaker 2: You know, it's very similar to AFL and AWAYFL is 349 00:17:28,053 --> 00:17:29,373 Speaker 2: a great sport. I watch a lot of it during 350 00:17:29,413 --> 00:17:31,773 Speaker 2: the season, but I watch AFL for a reason. I 351 00:17:31,773 --> 00:17:34,013 Speaker 2: watch rugby for a reason. Don't try and merge the two. 352 00:17:34,973 --> 00:17:38,173 Speaker 3: Yeah, and look, ultimately, for John Gibbs, first year coach, 353 00:17:39,373 --> 00:17:42,173 Speaker 3: his currency is wins, so he won't care about what 354 00:17:42,213 --> 00:17:46,093 Speaker 3: we're saying. But yeah, I'd love to see a little 355 00:17:46,133 --> 00:17:50,173 Speaker 3: bit more endeavor. You know, speaking of watching the Brumbis 356 00:17:50,333 --> 00:17:52,693 Speaker 3: yesterday and the way in which they went around their 357 00:17:52,693 --> 00:17:55,213 Speaker 3: attacking plated you know, more of that please if you're 358 00:17:55,213 --> 00:17:56,133 Speaker 3: listening coaches out. 359 00:17:56,053 --> 00:17:59,293 Speaker 2: There, absolutely Wartars thirty six thirteen over the draw, a 360 00:17:59,373 --> 00:18:01,773 Speaker 2: very good win for the war Tars under a little 361 00:18:01,773 --> 00:18:04,333 Speaker 2: bit of pressure. Was it was quite close early in 362 00:18:04,333 --> 00:18:06,693 Speaker 2: the second spell, but they kicked away and the war 363 00:18:06,813 --> 00:18:09,373 Speaker 2: tar Is looking pretty handy at this point of the season. 364 00:18:09,613 --> 00:18:12,013 Speaker 2: And then on Friday night it was the Hurricanes against 365 00:18:12,053 --> 00:18:16,133 Speaker 2: Mowana Pacifica to start the round. Muana started very nicely. Indeed, 366 00:18:16,133 --> 00:18:18,453 Speaker 2: Domin added the first ten minutes or maybe just under 367 00:18:18,933 --> 00:18:21,653 Speaker 2: scored the opening try. But from then onwards it was 368 00:18:21,813 --> 00:18:25,533 Speaker 2: pretty much one way traffic and the Hurricanes winning fifty 369 00:18:25,573 --> 00:18:28,013 Speaker 2: two points to ten just a little too good, little 370 00:18:28,013 --> 00:18:31,613 Speaker 2: too polished against Moana Pacificer who had played in Fiji 371 00:18:31,613 --> 00:18:35,213 Speaker 2: the week before, made you know, entirety of changes to 372 00:18:35,293 --> 00:18:37,213 Speaker 2: their team. I think it was twenty two in the 373 00:18:37,333 --> 00:18:41,693 Speaker 2: end changes they made to their side for this game, 374 00:18:41,893 --> 00:18:44,413 Speaker 2: and they looked at basically in the end the Hurricanes. 375 00:18:44,453 --> 00:18:46,253 Speaker 2: Pretty good start to the season from them after the 376 00:18:46,253 --> 00:18:47,613 Speaker 2: first round by what did you make of it? 377 00:18:47,893 --> 00:18:50,173 Speaker 3: Yeah, it was a good start from the Canes. Didn't 378 00:18:50,213 --> 00:18:53,693 Speaker 3: surprise me though, and I'm really pleased that Tanner Hermang 379 00:18:53,693 --> 00:18:55,373 Speaker 3: and the Wainer coach came out and had a bit 380 00:18:55,413 --> 00:18:58,453 Speaker 3: of a crack at the schedule because a six day 381 00:18:58,493 --> 00:19:02,173 Speaker 3: turnaround from going from Auckland to Latoka, back to Auckland 382 00:19:02,213 --> 00:19:04,253 Speaker 3: down to Wellington to play a Hurricanes team that had 383 00:19:04,293 --> 00:19:08,013 Speaker 3: the first round by that shouldn't happen. And you know 384 00:19:08,453 --> 00:19:12,093 Speaker 3: mine are up against it already that they deserve to 385 00:19:12,093 --> 00:19:15,293 Speaker 3: have a little bit more of a fear go when 386 00:19:15,293 --> 00:19:17,853 Speaker 3: it comes to the schedule anyway, But that's by the 387 00:19:17,933 --> 00:19:20,453 Speaker 3: side I thought the Canes in terms of their attack, 388 00:19:20,533 --> 00:19:24,173 Speaker 3: we know how exciting their their rock star backlineers. You know, 389 00:19:24,253 --> 00:19:27,533 Speaker 3: Jordi Barrett looked right at home and obviously had to 390 00:19:27,573 --> 00:19:30,253 Speaker 3: take on a bit more of the playmaking responsibility after 391 00:19:30,293 --> 00:19:32,933 Speaker 3: that serious knee injury to Brett Cameron. Goodness may feel 392 00:19:32,973 --> 00:19:37,013 Speaker 3: for that guy, but when you see fair Young and 393 00:19:37,093 --> 00:19:41,293 Speaker 3: Norfold or Josh Morby, Callum Harken looks good with ball 394 00:19:41,333 --> 00:19:45,333 Speaker 3: in hand. Yeah, the Canes, they're a team that will 395 00:19:45,613 --> 00:19:49,893 Speaker 3: be there or thereabouts again. Greater tests await for them, 396 00:19:49,933 --> 00:19:52,413 Speaker 3: So I don't want to cast a massive judgment over 397 00:19:52,453 --> 00:19:54,413 Speaker 3: them based on one game against a team that perhaps 398 00:19:54,533 --> 00:19:57,853 Speaker 3: might not be in the finals picture, but it's a start. 399 00:19:57,893 --> 00:20:00,293 Speaker 3: I suppose the question now is Elliott, where do they 400 00:20:00,373 --> 00:20:03,173 Speaker 3: turn at first five when they still well a month 401 00:20:03,333 --> 00:20:06,133 Speaker 3: away from Reuben Love and all likelihood based on what 402 00:20:06,173 --> 00:20:09,733 Speaker 3: we're hearing, could be without Brett Cambon from the remainder 403 00:20:09,733 --> 00:20:10,093 Speaker 3: of the season. 404 00:20:10,133 --> 00:20:11,613 Speaker 2: I think they're gonna have to go to Callum Harkin. 405 00:20:11,973 --> 00:20:15,173 Speaker 2: They've got Lucas Kashmore who's been playing in their B team. 406 00:20:15,213 --> 00:20:16,613 Speaker 2: I don't know the exact name of the town. I 407 00:20:16,613 --> 00:20:19,253 Speaker 2: think it's the Hunters. Maybe last couple of weeks you'd 408 00:20:19,293 --> 00:20:22,813 Speaker 2: imagine he comes onto the bench. Harry Godfrey gone for 409 00:20:22,893 --> 00:20:25,653 Speaker 2: the season as well, as they've had a lot of 410 00:20:26,013 --> 00:20:29,213 Speaker 2: bad luck at ten. They play the Drewer away this week, 411 00:20:29,253 --> 00:20:31,933 Speaker 2: so they're doing the reverse of Mowana and going to 412 00:20:31,933 --> 00:20:34,173 Speaker 2: play the Drewer this week. It'd be interesting to see 413 00:20:34,213 --> 00:20:37,613 Speaker 2: Clark Laidlaw's approach to that game. Do they send over 414 00:20:37,773 --> 00:20:40,493 Speaker 2: a full strength team they have the war Retars in 415 00:20:40,533 --> 00:20:42,613 Speaker 2: Sydney the following week. I'm not sure where they jump 416 00:20:42,693 --> 00:20:50,533 Speaker 2: straight from playing in Suva or Latoka from Memory over 417 00:20:50,613 --> 00:20:52,453 Speaker 2: to Sydney. I'm not sure how that will work. But 418 00:20:52,693 --> 00:20:56,453 Speaker 2: where they send a lesser strength team over to that 419 00:20:56,573 --> 00:20:59,413 Speaker 2: game against the Drewer, who don't look much chopped the season, 420 00:20:59,493 --> 00:21:01,973 Speaker 2: then go back to full strength for the war Retars 421 00:21:02,013 --> 00:21:04,693 Speaker 2: game in round four will be interesting. But I think 422 00:21:04,693 --> 00:21:06,173 Speaker 2: they've got to go with Harkin and give him some 423 00:21:06,213 --> 00:21:06,933 Speaker 2: time in the saddle. 424 00:21:07,693 --> 00:21:10,053 Speaker 3: Yeah, totally agree. Whoever they go with, they need to 425 00:21:10,133 --> 00:21:14,173 Speaker 3: back in for the next month or so until until 426 00:21:14,173 --> 00:21:17,733 Speaker 3: whenever Ruben Love returns. But it will be interesting. I 427 00:21:17,773 --> 00:21:19,333 Speaker 3: feel like that's one for you and Lambs to keep 428 00:21:19,333 --> 00:21:22,213 Speaker 3: an eye on the team the week after they go 429 00:21:22,333 --> 00:21:25,613 Speaker 3: to Laotoka. You know, it's a one start like it's 430 00:21:25,653 --> 00:21:27,693 Speaker 3: such a tough place to go, you know, being here 431 00:21:27,733 --> 00:21:31,173 Speaker 3: in christ Church. The Crusaders put so much resource into 432 00:21:31,653 --> 00:21:34,813 Speaker 3: finally winning against the drawer and fig last year they 433 00:21:34,813 --> 00:21:38,973 Speaker 3: had specialist help from Hockey New Zealand and all sorts 434 00:21:39,013 --> 00:21:41,893 Speaker 3: of things going on with ice vests and what have you, 435 00:21:41,933 --> 00:21:44,293 Speaker 3: and then the recovery side of things. So it is 436 00:21:44,373 --> 00:21:47,333 Speaker 3: tricky and that is tough. Having that the Warratars who, 437 00:21:47,653 --> 00:21:49,693 Speaker 3: as you say, have started with a real hissiner or 438 00:21:49,693 --> 00:21:51,013 Speaker 3: all the following week. 439 00:21:51,133 --> 00:21:53,253 Speaker 2: Quick breaking back into the final four after this on 440 00:21:53,493 --> 00:21:57,213 Speaker 2: Rugby Directs. You're back with Rugby Direct time now for 441 00:21:57,213 --> 00:21:59,653 Speaker 2: the Final four. MVP voting on the way as well. 442 00:21:59,733 --> 00:22:04,133 Speaker 2: Bull's six Nations. Busy week in Ireland, stun England, Scotland, 443 00:22:04,173 --> 00:22:07,013 Speaker 2: scrappars Wells and France is too good for Italy? What 444 00:22:07,093 --> 00:22:09,573 Speaker 2: stood out from those games for you? 445 00:22:10,853 --> 00:22:13,533 Speaker 3: Swing Low is warthwork about to go? 446 00:22:13,773 --> 00:22:13,973 Speaker 1: Wow? 447 00:22:14,493 --> 00:22:18,333 Speaker 3: Goodness me, what's happened? You know they were airborne? What 448 00:22:18,453 --> 00:22:22,333 Speaker 3: about a ago two weeks ago exactly? Yeah, Sir Steve 449 00:22:22,413 --> 00:22:27,373 Speaker 3: Borthwick and the almighty thud you know Cup, which to 450 00:22:27,373 --> 00:22:29,653 Speaker 3: be fair, you know that was Scotland won seven of 451 00:22:29,653 --> 00:22:31,693 Speaker 3: the last eight, so you go Okay, that was a 452 00:22:31,693 --> 00:22:33,653 Speaker 3: little bit unusual, but that was always a game Scotland 453 00:22:33,693 --> 00:22:36,093 Speaker 3: we're going to get up for. And then that scoreline 454 00:22:36,093 --> 00:22:39,893 Speaker 3: against Ireland, and now I see, based on some reporting 455 00:22:39,893 --> 00:22:43,373 Speaker 3: over in the UK, the pressure is right on Steve Borthway, 456 00:22:43,413 --> 00:22:45,653 Speaker 3: who would want to be a coach. But yeah, it 457 00:22:45,773 --> 00:22:48,933 Speaker 3: was just quite an abject performance from England. And this 458 00:22:49,013 --> 00:22:51,093 Speaker 3: is against an Irish team that I feel like I've 459 00:22:51,133 --> 00:22:53,053 Speaker 3: been saying for the last twelve or eighteen months is 460 00:22:53,093 --> 00:22:56,253 Speaker 3: on a serious decline in terms of their age profile. 461 00:22:56,293 --> 00:23:00,133 Speaker 3: They needed some form of regeneration and they got a 462 00:23:00,173 --> 00:23:02,613 Speaker 3: performance there after it the weekend, much to the delight 463 00:23:02,653 --> 00:23:07,213 Speaker 3: of Andy Farrell. But from an England perspective surely, particularly 464 00:23:07,213 --> 00:23:09,853 Speaker 3: the way France are traveling as well, it leaves any 465 00:23:09,893 --> 00:23:13,053 Speaker 3: ambitions of lifting a Six Nations trophy and tatters. 466 00:23:13,413 --> 00:23:15,653 Speaker 2: I have to say that they're probably gone at that point. 467 00:23:15,653 --> 00:23:19,493 Speaker 2: Ireland I thought were excellent. They bullied England right around 468 00:23:19,573 --> 00:23:24,093 Speaker 2: the park. I thought Jamison Gibson Park was outstanding. He 469 00:23:24,173 --> 00:23:25,933 Speaker 2: was denied to try in the first bill that probably 470 00:23:25,933 --> 00:23:28,493 Speaker 2: should have stood, so it could have been even further. 471 00:23:28,573 --> 00:23:32,413 Speaker 2: But they out kicked England, they outran England, They just 472 00:23:32,493 --> 00:23:34,933 Speaker 2: buried them into the grounds with a very very good 473 00:23:35,013 --> 00:23:38,653 Speaker 2: performance and England would run ragged by the end of it. 474 00:23:39,013 --> 00:23:41,053 Speaker 2: I just thought that was an Island team that rolled 475 00:23:41,093 --> 00:23:43,533 Speaker 2: back the clock when all the questions were against them, 476 00:23:43,573 --> 00:23:46,693 Speaker 2: when people were asking, as you said, whether this Island 477 00:23:46,733 --> 00:23:49,053 Speaker 2: team was on the decline. Well, they stood up and 478 00:23:49,533 --> 00:23:52,013 Speaker 2: they get up for the games against England. But that 479 00:23:52,213 --> 00:23:54,053 Speaker 2: was a performance that I did not see coming. I 480 00:23:54,053 --> 00:23:56,613 Speaker 2: thought England would win that probably by seven to ten points, 481 00:23:57,813 --> 00:23:59,933 Speaker 2: but England were shell shocked by the end of it. 482 00:23:59,973 --> 00:24:02,493 Speaker 2: Then when the hooks Luke, Cow and Dickie after half 483 00:24:02,493 --> 00:24:05,893 Speaker 2: an hour, Maratoji looks a shadow of himself. He looks 484 00:24:06,853 --> 00:24:09,653 Speaker 2: he doesn't look and I heard our colleagues from the 485 00:24:09,693 --> 00:24:13,453 Speaker 2: Times podcast the Ruck Will Kelliher and co up there 486 00:24:14,453 --> 00:24:16,733 Speaker 2: talking about it. He looks short of a gallop. I 487 00:24:16,733 --> 00:24:19,693 Speaker 2: know he's been through some personal strife with his mother 488 00:24:19,733 --> 00:24:22,333 Speaker 2: passing away, but he does not look international rugby ready. 489 00:24:22,373 --> 00:24:26,653 Speaker 2: So they are an interesting position now after back to 490 00:24:26,693 --> 00:24:29,893 Speaker 2: back losses. It's a fellow week this week in terms 491 00:24:29,973 --> 00:24:33,173 Speaker 2: of the six Nations. Then they come back, they head 492 00:24:33,213 --> 00:24:36,213 Speaker 2: to Rome and then they finish off this season with 493 00:24:36,453 --> 00:24:40,133 Speaker 2: the big game against the French in the final round, 494 00:24:40,293 --> 00:24:42,973 Speaker 2: so look get back them to win that next game, 495 00:24:43,013 --> 00:24:45,493 Speaker 2: but hard to see them getting past France, who just 496 00:24:45,533 --> 00:24:49,333 Speaker 2: look like the champions and waiting of this competition. Moving 497 00:24:49,413 --> 00:24:53,253 Speaker 2: on our topic to the global calendar, our colleague at 498 00:24:53,253 --> 00:24:56,853 Speaker 2: staff Paul Kelly, friend of the podcast, reporting this over 499 00:24:56,853 --> 00:25:00,413 Speaker 2: the weekend that All Black's assistant coach Jason Bryan is 500 00:25:00,453 --> 00:25:05,893 Speaker 2: heading up North for discussions around the shape of the 501 00:25:05,933 --> 00:25:09,173 Speaker 2: future calendar. Greg Barclay going up as well. Now, this 502 00:25:09,253 --> 00:25:10,973 Speaker 2: has been something that South Africa has been pushing for 503 00:25:11,013 --> 00:25:14,573 Speaker 2: a few years now. I was having the international calendar 504 00:25:14,613 --> 00:25:18,013 Speaker 2: move so you'd have the Six Nations mirroring the Rugby 505 00:25:18,093 --> 00:25:21,173 Speaker 2: Championship and being played February March. You'd have the Rugby 506 00:25:21,253 --> 00:25:24,013 Speaker 2: Championship in that window. Super Raby would sort of wrap 507 00:25:24,053 --> 00:25:27,133 Speaker 2: around it bere an April start or maybe even a 508 00:25:27,133 --> 00:25:32,213 Speaker 2: September start with you know international breaks along the way, Bules. 509 00:25:32,213 --> 00:25:34,093 Speaker 2: What do you make of it? I mean that sounds 510 00:25:34,133 --> 00:25:38,133 Speaker 2: like the New Zealand rugby position is an outlie compared 511 00:25:38,173 --> 00:25:39,013 Speaker 2: to the rest of the world. 512 00:25:39,373 --> 00:25:40,973 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's what I was going to say. You know, 513 00:25:41,493 --> 00:25:45,173 Speaker 3: it doesn't need a it just needs a majority votes 514 00:25:45,333 --> 00:25:48,853 Speaker 3: for World Rugby, so South Africa are pushing this through. 515 00:25:48,973 --> 00:25:51,493 Speaker 3: Obviously it doesn't really change that much for your northern 516 00:25:51,533 --> 00:25:55,693 Speaker 3: hemisphere countries. And interestingly, in Paul's report it mentioned that 517 00:25:56,373 --> 00:25:59,533 Speaker 3: he's aware that Rugby Australia are fans of the idea 518 00:25:59,573 --> 00:26:01,133 Speaker 3: as well, and I was sort of racking my head 519 00:26:01,133 --> 00:26:03,813 Speaker 3: as to why that would be, and I suppose it 520 00:26:03,853 --> 00:26:06,333 Speaker 3: would be because the Rugby Championship in February and March, 521 00:26:06,333 --> 00:26:10,693 Speaker 3: when it's just slightly congested on the sporting calendar in Australia, 522 00:26:10,693 --> 00:26:13,653 Speaker 3: perhaps not as much international cricket home international cricket then, 523 00:26:14,333 --> 00:26:17,893 Speaker 3: and the AFL and NRAL really only just starting to 524 00:26:17,893 --> 00:26:20,893 Speaker 3: get underway, if not in the back end of March. 525 00:26:21,013 --> 00:26:23,453 Speaker 3: So it sort of leaves in New Zealand rugby in 526 00:26:23,493 --> 00:26:26,453 Speaker 3: a really awkward position because I don't think they'd want 527 00:26:26,653 --> 00:26:28,893 Speaker 3: to change, but they might not have a choice. So 528 00:26:28,933 --> 00:26:31,013 Speaker 3: then it just comes down to if this does get 529 00:26:31,133 --> 00:26:35,053 Speaker 3: passed through where the land in super Rugby, would you 530 00:26:35,093 --> 00:26:38,093 Speaker 3: want to have it two months later to what it 531 00:26:38,173 --> 00:26:41,573 Speaker 3: currently starts in April or do you look at having 532 00:26:41,653 --> 00:26:44,453 Speaker 3: it I guess what would be the front end of 533 00:26:44,493 --> 00:26:48,573 Speaker 3: like an American or English school year in September leading 534 00:26:48,613 --> 00:26:52,053 Speaker 3: into the Rugby Championship in February March. But then what 535 00:26:52,093 --> 00:26:55,293 Speaker 3: does that mean for the NPC. So a lot of 536 00:26:55,333 --> 00:26:58,453 Speaker 3: moving parts here, and it feels like New Zealand Rugby 537 00:26:58,573 --> 00:27:02,093 Speaker 3: are just perhaps going to get delta hand that they 538 00:27:02,133 --> 00:27:02,933 Speaker 3: can't do much about. 539 00:27:03,053 --> 00:27:05,253 Speaker 2: Yeah exactly. I'm not sure when a vote potentially would 540 00:27:05,253 --> 00:27:07,013 Speaker 2: take place on that, but I know talks are pretty 541 00:27:07,053 --> 00:27:10,533 Speaker 2: crucial this coming week around it. It'd be interesting to 542 00:27:10,533 --> 00:27:12,613 Speaker 2: see when this would start because you know, you zeeal 543 00:27:12,613 --> 00:27:15,333 Speaker 2: Ond Rugby sold broadcast deals on the basis of their 544 00:27:15,333 --> 00:27:18,053 Speaker 2: current calendar through to twenty thirty, so whether it would 545 00:27:18,093 --> 00:27:20,373 Speaker 2: start twenty thirty one, you know, a lot of water 546 00:27:20,453 --> 00:27:23,453 Speaker 2: to go under the bridge in that regard super rugby teams. 547 00:27:23,493 --> 00:27:25,173 Speaker 2: I know, maybe not all of them, but I've been 548 00:27:25,253 --> 00:27:27,813 Speaker 2: some have been crying out saying they don't have enough 549 00:27:27,813 --> 00:27:30,933 Speaker 2: time with fans, they don't have enough games to sell fans. 550 00:27:30,933 --> 00:27:35,133 Speaker 2: This wouldn't necessarily solve that problem, but they'd be in 551 00:27:35,173 --> 00:27:37,293 Speaker 2: the conversation for a bit more. So they started in 552 00:27:37,293 --> 00:27:42,173 Speaker 2: September and the season finished somewhere around May June. You know, 553 00:27:42,213 --> 00:27:45,813 Speaker 2: that is longer to be part of the conversation with fans. 554 00:27:45,853 --> 00:27:47,653 Speaker 2: You know, I think there's a bit of frustration out 555 00:27:47,653 --> 00:27:50,093 Speaker 2: there that you know, they get into it and just 556 00:27:50,133 --> 00:27:51,813 Speaker 2: on the back end of summer and you know, mid 557 00:27:51,813 --> 00:27:53,893 Speaker 2: February they start and then you know, some teams are 558 00:27:53,893 --> 00:27:56,773 Speaker 2: done and dusted by early June, if not in the 559 00:27:56,893 --> 00:27:58,773 Speaker 2: you know, if you make the finals, it's mid June. 560 00:27:58,813 --> 00:28:01,813 Speaker 2: So I know superraggod teams would value that connection a 561 00:28:01,853 --> 00:28:03,453 Speaker 2: little bit more. But I'm not sure it's best for 562 00:28:03,453 --> 00:28:06,013 Speaker 2: the game playing over summer in New Zealand. I just 563 00:28:06,333 --> 00:28:08,333 Speaker 2: don't know that it's going to win too many fans, 564 00:28:08,373 --> 00:28:11,213 Speaker 2: and so watch the space on that one topic. Three 565 00:28:11,253 --> 00:28:14,093 Speaker 2: in the Final four could Stephen Larkhim coach the All 566 00:28:14,133 --> 00:28:18,493 Speaker 2: Blacks as an assistant. This has been floated by Jamie 567 00:28:18,493 --> 00:28:22,253 Speaker 2: Panderam from Sydney's Daily Telegraph, saying that it had been 568 00:28:22,333 --> 00:28:24,413 Speaker 2: mentioned or it had been a part of the conversation, 569 00:28:24,573 --> 00:28:28,093 Speaker 2: potentially that there could be a place for Stephen Larkham 570 00:28:28,493 --> 00:28:31,893 Speaker 2: in an All Blacks coaching staff as an assistant. To 571 00:28:31,973 --> 00:28:35,293 Speaker 2: quote Pander's piece, Remembers across the Dets have rammed up 572 00:28:35,293 --> 00:28:39,013 Speaker 2: in recent days that Brumby's coach Larkhim is under consideration 573 00:28:39,093 --> 00:28:41,413 Speaker 2: by New Zealand Rugby as an assistant coach to either 574 00:28:41,493 --> 00:28:45,573 Speaker 2: Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie. What do you make of that? 575 00:28:45,613 --> 00:28:47,493 Speaker 2: Would he be a person you'd want to have in the. 576 00:28:47,453 --> 00:28:51,213 Speaker 3: Mix, certainly, But it does surprise me that he'd be 577 00:28:51,253 --> 00:28:55,893 Speaker 3: a consideration for either team, you know, either coaching candidate, 578 00:28:56,053 --> 00:28:59,413 Speaker 3: whether it's Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie. But you know, 579 00:28:59,693 --> 00:29:03,533 Speaker 3: as was evidence yesterday, it's clearly a very well coached team, 580 00:29:03,613 --> 00:29:06,453 Speaker 3: the Brumbies. And Steven Larkham has been around the game 581 00:29:06,493 --> 00:29:09,453 Speaker 3: for many years now. He's got that international experience, he's 582 00:29:09,493 --> 00:29:12,973 Speaker 3: been the Wallabies attack coach, He's had experience up in 583 00:29:12,973 --> 00:29:16,453 Speaker 3: the North with Munster. I don't know though, whether is 584 00:29:16,493 --> 00:29:19,173 Speaker 3: this a job he'd want to take on, you know, 585 00:29:19,493 --> 00:29:23,693 Speaker 3: and particularly I guess that my concern around head coaches 586 00:29:23,733 --> 00:29:27,053 Speaker 3: going back to being assistant coaches has probably heightened over 587 00:29:27,093 --> 00:29:29,453 Speaker 3: the last twelve to twenty four months when you look 588 00:29:29,493 --> 00:29:35,333 Speaker 3: at Leon McDonald, Jason Holland in the previous All Blacks regime. 589 00:29:35,973 --> 00:29:38,573 Speaker 3: But certainly when you look at as I say, how 590 00:29:38,653 --> 00:29:41,493 Speaker 3: well the Brumbies are traveling and have traveled under Larkham 591 00:29:41,573 --> 00:29:44,213 Speaker 3: and his coaching pedigree, and is all around sort of 592 00:29:44,213 --> 00:29:48,253 Speaker 3: philosophy on the game and so it's beyond that, just 593 00:29:48,333 --> 00:29:52,893 Speaker 3: the willingness to go beyond our shores. You know, obviously 594 00:29:52,893 --> 00:29:56,053 Speaker 3: we're very very much and on a ki we coaching 595 00:29:56,293 --> 00:29:58,053 Speaker 3: have been the head coach of the All Blacks, but 596 00:29:58,093 --> 00:30:00,573 Speaker 3: I think it's high time that we get some international 597 00:30:00,613 --> 00:30:04,373 Speaker 3: experience and the assistance and just add something a little 598 00:30:04,413 --> 00:30:06,133 Speaker 3: bit different in terms of the IP we don't know 599 00:30:06,173 --> 00:30:08,653 Speaker 3: at all, as evidenced by the fact we won the 600 00:30:08,653 --> 00:30:12,253 Speaker 3: World Cup and don't have it twenty fifteen exactly, I would. 601 00:30:12,533 --> 00:30:14,453 Speaker 2: I think it's a great idea if they can figure 602 00:30:14,453 --> 00:30:15,613 Speaker 2: out a way to get him involved. 603 00:30:15,653 --> 00:30:15,773 Speaker 1: Now. 604 00:30:16,253 --> 00:30:19,173 Speaker 2: I don't know how this conversation potentially has come about, 605 00:30:19,213 --> 00:30:22,333 Speaker 2: if if pandas piece is on the money, whether Stephen 606 00:30:22,413 --> 00:30:25,613 Speaker 2: Larkham has expressed interest, whether it's a New Zealand rugby idea, 607 00:30:25,773 --> 00:30:28,533 Speaker 2: going to the coaches going could you work with a 608 00:30:28,653 --> 00:30:32,533 Speaker 2: Stephen Larkham will build some build him into your coaching 609 00:30:32,613 --> 00:30:35,453 Speaker 2: lineup potentially. Don't know the nature of those conversations, but 610 00:30:35,893 --> 00:30:38,733 Speaker 2: I think he's a very very astute rugby coach. He's 611 00:30:38,733 --> 00:30:41,453 Speaker 2: probably seen now with lez Kiss being appointed to the 612 00:30:41,533 --> 00:30:44,493 Speaker 2: Wallabies role that has pathed to getting that should he want, 613 00:30:44,533 --> 00:30:47,453 Speaker 2: it is going to you would think, given say les 614 00:30:47,533 --> 00:30:49,093 Speaker 2: Kes will be real point. I'm trying to think when 615 00:30:49,093 --> 00:30:50,773 Speaker 2: his contract ends. But he's only getting a short run 616 00:30:50,813 --> 00:30:53,093 Speaker 2: to the World Cup, and I think he's contracted beyond 617 00:30:53,173 --> 00:30:55,373 Speaker 2: that as well, so it's going to be a while toll. 618 00:30:55,413 --> 00:30:59,133 Speaker 2: That job is in theory available, why not go overseas? 619 00:30:59,413 --> 00:31:02,733 Speaker 2: Larkin was an assistant coach for Michael Checker at the 620 00:31:02,773 --> 00:31:06,133 Speaker 2: twenty fifteen World Cup. You know, they were very impressive 621 00:31:06,493 --> 00:31:10,653 Speaker 2: on attack, then punched above their weight a little bit 622 00:31:10,733 --> 00:31:12,693 Speaker 2: in terms of what they are able to do on 623 00:31:12,773 --> 00:31:15,173 Speaker 2: attack with the kind of players they had in their 624 00:31:15,253 --> 00:31:17,293 Speaker 2: roster at that point, got them to a World Cup finals. 625 00:31:17,373 --> 00:31:20,053 Speaker 2: So if he's available, if he can work with either 626 00:31:20,053 --> 00:31:22,373 Speaker 2: one of those head coaches, I'm all for getting him 627 00:31:22,893 --> 00:31:25,093 Speaker 2: into the mix, which flows nicely into our final topic 628 00:31:25,173 --> 00:31:27,613 Speaker 2: in the final four? Is this the year? On the 629 00:31:27,653 --> 00:31:30,613 Speaker 2: twenty third of February, an Australian team finally wins Super 630 00:31:30,653 --> 00:31:31,253 Speaker 2: Rugby Bills. 631 00:31:32,293 --> 00:31:34,373 Speaker 3: Since we're all about hot takes here on Rugby director, 632 00:31:34,413 --> 00:31:39,053 Speaker 3: I'm gonna say yes again. I'm a little bit facetious, 633 00:31:39,093 --> 00:31:41,933 Speaker 3: but based on the evidence of the first two rounds. 634 00:31:41,973 --> 00:31:43,973 Speaker 3: The Brumbies and the Warritars have played the best rugby 635 00:31:44,293 --> 00:31:48,613 Speaker 3: and it's not really that close. Again, bigger fish to fry, 636 00:31:48,933 --> 00:31:52,013 Speaker 3: particularly on the Waratars side, that you can't sneeze at 637 00:31:52,013 --> 00:31:54,573 Speaker 3: what the Brumbi's achieved here in christ Church with fifty 638 00:31:54,613 --> 00:31:58,813 Speaker 3: points on the Crusaders. And as we've alluded to over 639 00:31:58,853 --> 00:32:01,813 Speaker 3: the course of this episode, super ragkmed titles aren't one 640 00:32:01,853 --> 00:32:05,133 Speaker 3: in February, but it is just great to see, particularly 641 00:32:05,293 --> 00:32:08,813 Speaker 3: this competition. I know Lamb and yourself go on about it, Elliott, 642 00:32:09,133 --> 00:32:13,493 Speaker 3: it needs jeopardy. The fact that the Crusaders, you know, yes, 643 00:32:13,613 --> 00:32:16,293 Speaker 3: dynasties are important, but the fact that they are thereabouts. 644 00:32:16,333 --> 00:32:18,773 Speaker 3: It just feels like the Crusaders and the Chiefs are 645 00:32:18,813 --> 00:32:20,733 Speaker 3: going to be the final or certainly in the semi 646 00:32:20,813 --> 00:32:23,173 Speaker 3: final mix each and every year when it comes to predictions. 647 00:32:24,133 --> 00:32:28,253 Speaker 3: Isn't necessarily great for interest to casual sporting interest across 648 00:32:28,573 --> 00:32:30,693 Speaker 3: both sides of the Tasman. So I think this is 649 00:32:30,733 --> 00:32:33,013 Speaker 3: great for the Brumbies and I tell you who else. 650 00:32:34,053 --> 00:32:36,893 Speaker 3: A funny wee story came yesterday as I was waiting 651 00:32:37,013 --> 00:32:39,773 Speaker 3: for Rob Penny and Stephen Larkham to do media after 652 00:32:39,813 --> 00:32:43,253 Speaker 3: the Brumbies Crusaders. One fellaw who won't will be pretty 653 00:32:43,253 --> 00:32:46,013 Speaker 3: happy if one of the Australian teams wins or at 654 00:32:46,053 --> 00:32:48,613 Speaker 3: least host the final was one of the guys who 655 00:32:48,693 --> 00:32:51,853 Speaker 3: was working in the catering department at Venues Order Tah. 656 00:32:52,013 --> 00:32:53,933 Speaker 3: He was saying to one of his colleagues, do I 657 00:32:54,013 --> 00:32:56,293 Speaker 3: really hope the Crusaders don't host the final this year 658 00:32:56,373 --> 00:32:58,533 Speaker 3: because we're going to have then have to change all 659 00:32:58,613 --> 00:33:01,773 Speaker 3: the beer out because the Warriors are here the next 660 00:33:01,893 --> 00:33:04,293 Speaker 3: day and we all know what they drink. So for 661 00:33:04,413 --> 00:33:07,013 Speaker 3: the sake of the catering team at one New Zealand 662 00:33:07,053 --> 00:33:10,613 Speaker 3: Stadium to kah that they'll be hoping are Brumbies or 663 00:33:10,653 --> 00:33:13,733 Speaker 3: Waratars or they like get up and at least host 664 00:33:13,813 --> 00:33:14,613 Speaker 3: the final in June. 665 00:33:14,653 --> 00:33:16,293 Speaker 2: Well, I think that's a very good point. Maybe not 666 00:33:16,373 --> 00:33:19,373 Speaker 2: the beer in terms of but there's that Jeopardy, isn't 667 00:33:19,373 --> 00:33:23,173 Speaker 2: it And it's that hosting the finals. I don't know 668 00:33:23,173 --> 00:33:26,013 Speaker 2: what they're drinking Camebra Canberra. Is it a Canbra bitter 669 00:33:26,133 --> 00:33:29,693 Speaker 2: or something like that. I don't know, but the you know, 670 00:33:29,773 --> 00:33:32,213 Speaker 2: had finals games hosted at home. But if they can 671 00:33:32,693 --> 00:33:34,773 Speaker 2: merge their way into a top spot, move their way 672 00:33:34,853 --> 00:33:36,733 Speaker 2: rather into a top spot. That the Brumbies can finish 673 00:33:36,813 --> 00:33:39,573 Speaker 2: top of the table and have home advantage through the clubs, 674 00:33:39,613 --> 00:33:41,493 Speaker 2: then it makes it very very difficult. It's a tough 675 00:33:41,573 --> 00:33:44,013 Speaker 2: place to go and win, as the Crusaders have done 676 00:33:44,053 --> 00:33:46,533 Speaker 2: with the home advantage you know, flipped last season when 677 00:33:46,853 --> 00:33:49,253 Speaker 2: the Chiefs lost in the opening round to the Blues 678 00:33:49,293 --> 00:33:52,253 Speaker 2: and then the Crusaders were quasi top for the last 679 00:33:52,293 --> 00:33:54,453 Speaker 2: two games of the season. If they can be top 680 00:33:54,573 --> 00:33:57,293 Speaker 2: of the ladder win that opening quarter final, then it's 681 00:33:57,333 --> 00:33:58,893 Speaker 2: a very very tricky place to go. I think the 682 00:33:58,973 --> 00:34:01,693 Speaker 2: same applies for the Waratars, maybe less so than Canberra, 683 00:34:01,813 --> 00:34:04,013 Speaker 2: but if you can finish in that top two, it's 684 00:34:04,053 --> 00:34:07,053 Speaker 2: just so important in your hopes of winning the title. 685 00:34:07,173 --> 00:34:10,373 Speaker 2: So if the Brumbies can continue there's winning run and 686 00:34:10,533 --> 00:34:12,813 Speaker 2: you pick up those victories, then you know that home 687 00:34:12,853 --> 00:34:16,133 Speaker 2: advantage could see them win that drought breaking title. 688 00:34:17,053 --> 00:34:18,853 Speaker 3: Yeah, and it's been far too long. What was it, 689 00:34:19,773 --> 00:34:23,933 Speaker 3: twenty fourteen Waratahs, twenty eleven Reds just off the top 690 00:34:23,933 --> 00:34:26,133 Speaker 3: of my head. So in terms of being a trans 691 00:34:26,173 --> 00:34:28,133 Speaker 3: Tasmin competition, even when I was doing the preview for 692 00:34:28,133 --> 00:34:29,973 Speaker 3: the Brumbies Crusaders and you know there was all this 693 00:34:30,093 --> 00:34:32,813 Speaker 3: excitement around it's one of the sort of great rivalries. 694 00:34:32,853 --> 00:34:35,253 Speaker 3: And then you looked at I think Crusaders won twelve 695 00:34:35,293 --> 00:34:38,413 Speaker 3: of the last thirteen, as I say, and lost to 696 00:34:38,613 --> 00:34:42,013 Speaker 3: the Brumbies and christ it's for twenty six years. You 697 00:34:42,093 --> 00:34:44,773 Speaker 3: can't really sell a rivalry when it's that lopsided. But 698 00:34:44,893 --> 00:34:47,813 Speaker 3: now you know there's a there's a little bit of 699 00:34:47,893 --> 00:34:49,533 Speaker 3: hope there that we can go into each round. And 700 00:34:49,573 --> 00:34:52,013 Speaker 3: I know we're going to get into tipping in the 701 00:34:52,133 --> 00:34:55,813 Speaker 3: later in the week, but our tipping suggests it's a 702 00:34:55,853 --> 00:34:58,053 Speaker 3: good competition in the sense that you can't predict who's 703 00:34:58,053 --> 00:34:59,293 Speaker 3: going to win on each in any given day. 704 00:34:59,453 --> 00:35:03,173 Speaker 2: Absolutely time Now for some MVP voting around two will 705 00:35:03,173 --> 00:35:05,573 Speaker 2: bring you the collated results next week as we get 706 00:35:05,613 --> 00:35:08,733 Speaker 2: into round three from the first couple of rounds. But look, 707 00:35:08,853 --> 00:35:12,493 Speaker 2: i'll kick things off bills. My three goes to Fang 708 00:35:12,573 --> 00:35:14,533 Speaker 2: and all four. I thought he was exceptional. It was 709 00:35:14,573 --> 00:35:17,493 Speaker 2: a lion board decision with Josh Molby for me as 710 00:35:17,533 --> 00:35:19,333 Speaker 2: to whether he got the three points or the two. 711 00:35:19,773 --> 00:35:21,973 Speaker 2: Morlby gets my two points. I thought though, those players, 712 00:35:21,973 --> 00:35:24,173 Speaker 2: if they can stay fit just on either side of 713 00:35:24,173 --> 00:35:25,693 Speaker 2: the wing, and I know it was a poor performance 714 00:35:25,733 --> 00:35:28,213 Speaker 2: from Mowana, but they're so devastating I think we'll be 715 00:35:28,293 --> 00:35:31,533 Speaker 2: going to France. Potentially has only made him a better player. 716 00:35:31,613 --> 00:35:34,813 Speaker 2: So for here for three, Josh Morlby for two, and 717 00:35:34,973 --> 00:35:36,773 Speaker 2: my one goes the way of Quinta Pie. 718 00:35:36,933 --> 00:35:37,093 Speaker 3: Yeah. 719 00:35:37,173 --> 00:35:39,973 Speaker 2: Maybe it wasn't entirely legal, but that's heads up footy 720 00:35:40,013 --> 00:35:41,813 Speaker 2: and that's smart and I thought he had an exceptional 721 00:35:41,853 --> 00:35:42,773 Speaker 2: game otherwise as well. 722 00:35:43,533 --> 00:35:45,573 Speaker 3: Look, I should have clarified before coming on. Am I 723 00:35:45,613 --> 00:35:47,653 Speaker 3: allowed to perk Australian players? Oh? 724 00:35:48,333 --> 00:35:49,973 Speaker 2: So this is the thing I should clarify it should 725 00:35:50,013 --> 00:35:51,893 Speaker 2: I should mention this? It is only for the six 726 00:35:51,933 --> 00:35:56,053 Speaker 2: teams based in New Zealand. So yeah, unfortunately, Charlie Kale, 727 00:35:56,133 --> 00:36:00,733 Speaker 2: Andy Buerheads, Ben Donaldson not eligible for the Rugby Direct Medal. 728 00:36:01,173 --> 00:36:03,253 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's tough scene. I was James Slipper in there 729 00:36:03,293 --> 00:36:07,253 Speaker 3: as well. Sorry, So that's that's rather unfortunate for the 730 00:36:07,293 --> 00:36:10,013 Speaker 3: Brumbis and for or the benefit of this segment of 731 00:36:10,053 --> 00:36:13,653 Speaker 3: the podcast. But look on the basis that I suppose, Yeah, 732 00:36:13,653 --> 00:36:16,613 Speaker 3: the Hurricanes were the only team that really impressed me 733 00:36:16,733 --> 00:36:19,853 Speaker 3: from an attacking standpoint across the course of the season. 734 00:36:20,413 --> 00:36:24,493 Speaker 3: Across the course of the round. Sorry, yeah, I'll go similarly. 735 00:36:24,693 --> 00:36:26,813 Speaker 3: Maybe I'll flip it around. I thought Josh Moreby, as 736 00:36:26,853 --> 00:36:29,933 Speaker 3: you say, for him to come back into the competition 737 00:36:30,253 --> 00:36:32,333 Speaker 3: and really slot in there. And there's a fair bit 738 00:36:32,373 --> 00:36:35,013 Speaker 3: of competition there and that hurricanes back line as to 739 00:36:35,013 --> 00:36:37,813 Speaker 3: where he slots and very good finisher, so he can 740 00:36:37,893 --> 00:36:40,133 Speaker 3: have the three and fair he can have the two 741 00:36:41,013 --> 00:36:45,173 Speaker 3: and hmm, Chiefs Chiefs season, I mean takeya. At the 742 00:36:45,253 --> 00:36:46,653 Speaker 3: end of the day he scored a couple of pretty 743 00:36:46,653 --> 00:36:49,733 Speaker 3: critical tries that the Chiefs got the chocolates as a 744 00:36:49,773 --> 00:36:52,573 Speaker 3: result from. So Summersony Tokyo can have my one. And 745 00:36:52,653 --> 00:36:55,053 Speaker 3: if I ever do this again, I now know the rules. 746 00:36:55,413 --> 00:36:58,653 Speaker 2: You've picked up a hospital pass brilliantly, Bules and run 747 00:36:58,733 --> 00:37:00,693 Speaker 2: with it. So thank you very much for that, and 748 00:37:00,773 --> 00:37:03,013 Speaker 2: thank you for your time on Raby Direct. Keep the 749 00:37:03,053 --> 00:37:05,053 Speaker 2: phone on. I'm sure we'll touch base again over the 750 00:37:05,133 --> 00:37:07,773 Speaker 2: course of the season anytime, Elliot pleasure and you can 751 00:37:07,773 --> 00:37:09,533 Speaker 2: get in touch with the podcast of course at Rugby 752 00:37:09,573 --> 00:37:12,653 Speaker 2: Director at nzdme dot co dot nz will open up 753 00:37:12,653 --> 00:37:17,053 Speaker 2: the mailbag on Thursday. Fool your feedback as well. But 754 00:37:17,133 --> 00:37:19,773 Speaker 2: thanks to Mark Kelly for producing. Thanks to Mick Bewley, 755 00:37:19,853 --> 00:37:22,173 Speaker 2: and our thanks to Habit help Busier, book today and 756 00:37:22,333 --> 00:37:23,173 Speaker 2: stay in the game 757 00:37:28,293 --> 00:37:31,213 Speaker 1: For more from News Talks b listen live on air 758 00:37:31,413 --> 00:37:34,093 Speaker 1: or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you 759 00:37:34,213 --> 00:37:36,573 Speaker 1: go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio