1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:12,693 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow 2 00:00:12,773 --> 00:00:16,173 Speaker 1: this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio. 3 00:00:19,253 --> 00:00:25,213 Speaker 2: Straight down the Middle of Drum Dicky Scot try these. 4 00:00:28,693 --> 00:00:33,133 Speaker 1: Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct 5 00:00:33,333 --> 00:00:37,053 Speaker 1: with Elliot Smith and Liam Napier, powered by News Talks EDB. 6 00:00:37,413 --> 00:00:40,853 Speaker 2: Welcome into Rugby Direct pound by Excess Solutions elevating you 7 00:00:41,013 --> 00:00:44,853 Speaker 2: and your business to a higher level. Elligott Smith the 8 00:00:44,973 --> 00:00:48,853 Speaker 2: News Talk Zibi rugby commentator with me as always Leam Napier, 9 00:00:49,173 --> 00:00:52,293 Speaker 2: rugby writer for The New Zealand Herald. Liam Welcome in 10 00:00:52,453 --> 00:00:54,933 Speaker 2: the French Chest series is done. You've just spent an 11 00:00:54,973 --> 00:00:59,173 Speaker 2: hour answering the listeners questions on zidherld dot co dot NZ's. 12 00:01:00,693 --> 00:01:02,973 Speaker 2: I guess there's probably good opportunity to ask what the 13 00:01:03,013 --> 00:01:05,013 Speaker 2: pumps is feeling about this series before we get into 14 00:01:05,053 --> 00:01:05,653 Speaker 2: our thoughts on it. 15 00:01:06,653 --> 00:01:10,413 Speaker 3: Yeah, great to be back from the Mighty tron. Elliott's 16 00:01:10,613 --> 00:01:13,533 Speaker 3: interesting to note a few questions didn't make it past 17 00:01:13,613 --> 00:01:18,533 Speaker 3: the monitors the moderators, so it's always a lowell. Yes, 18 00:01:19,773 --> 00:01:23,693 Speaker 3: there's some common themes I guess around a few questions 19 00:01:23,733 --> 00:01:29,733 Speaker 3: around Carrifi and his size for test rugby questions around 20 00:01:30,013 --> 00:01:33,133 Speaker 3: the depth of our first fives, and I guess some 21 00:01:33,333 --> 00:01:37,013 Speaker 3: concerns about Damian McKenzie's performance in that Third Test in Hamilton, 22 00:01:37,933 --> 00:01:42,053 Speaker 3: Questions about when Richie Mwonga, Shannon Frazelle might be home 23 00:01:42,573 --> 00:01:45,533 Speaker 3: when leicesterfying a nooko, whether he's going to be fast tracked, 24 00:01:46,253 --> 00:01:48,493 Speaker 3: some concerns about the size and general of the All 25 00:01:48,533 --> 00:01:52,133 Speaker 3: Blacks forward pack. So yeah, I guess a couple of 26 00:01:52,173 --> 00:01:53,933 Speaker 3: common themes here to potentially pick up on. 27 00:01:54,453 --> 00:01:56,773 Speaker 2: Absolutely well, let's get into that third Test. Still Blacks 28 00:01:56,773 --> 00:01:58,813 Speaker 2: win it on the night twenty nine to nineteen, take 29 00:01:58,893 --> 00:02:02,413 Speaker 2: the series three to nil. But the scoreline certainly doesn't 30 00:02:02,413 --> 00:02:04,533 Speaker 2: reflect the nature of the game. They were down ten 31 00:02:04,653 --> 00:02:07,253 Speaker 2: nil early, they were down nineteen ten on the verge 32 00:02:07,293 --> 00:02:09,973 Speaker 2: of halftime, and then get the French school less in 33 00:02:10,053 --> 00:02:14,213 Speaker 2: the second spell. They if you look at the stats, 34 00:02:14,253 --> 00:02:17,213 Speaker 2: absolutely dominated in terms of the amount of tackles they 35 00:02:17,253 --> 00:02:19,533 Speaker 2: asked the French to make. But the All Blacks huffed 36 00:02:19,533 --> 00:02:21,293 Speaker 2: and puffed and it took a long time to break 37 00:02:21,333 --> 00:02:23,893 Speaker 2: down that French house it did. 38 00:02:24,813 --> 00:02:27,693 Speaker 3: I guess there were some late changes again, the All 39 00:02:27,693 --> 00:02:30,013 Speaker 3: Blacks going into that match had to change their wingers 40 00:02:30,093 --> 00:02:33,413 Speaker 3: with Riquowhanney pulling out with his hamstring and then Luke 41 00:02:33,533 --> 00:02:38,013 Speaker 3: Jacobson what fifteen minutes before kickoff getting injured in a 42 00:02:38,133 --> 00:02:41,533 Speaker 3: mall in an ocuous incident and pulling up blame of 43 00:02:41,573 --> 00:02:44,093 Speaker 3: his squad, so they had to reshuffle their starting loose trio, 44 00:02:44,533 --> 00:02:46,613 Speaker 3: Christian Leo Weady coming on to the bench as well. 45 00:02:46,693 --> 00:02:51,013 Speaker 3: So maybe there's some disruption there, But it was very evident, 46 00:02:51,173 --> 00:02:53,573 Speaker 3: wasn't it that the All Blacks had made ten changes. 47 00:02:53,933 --> 00:02:59,213 Speaker 3: They were clunky and it just didn't gel for the 48 00:02:59,253 --> 00:03:02,213 Speaker 3: bulk of that match though, down ten nil, they took 49 00:03:02,253 --> 00:03:04,173 Speaker 3: the lead in the for the first time in the 50 00:03:04,253 --> 00:03:07,653 Speaker 3: fifty second minute, so they really were chasing that game 51 00:03:07,693 --> 00:03:08,573 Speaker 3: from the outset. 52 00:03:08,653 --> 00:03:10,533 Speaker 2: They were, and they'll put under a lot of pressure 53 00:03:10,573 --> 00:03:13,053 Speaker 2: by the French and heading into that game, it could 54 00:03:13,053 --> 00:03:15,813 Speaker 2: have gone two ways. You know, speculated that maybe the 55 00:03:15,893 --> 00:03:18,293 Speaker 2: French had one foot on the plane already. Well, it 56 00:03:18,333 --> 00:03:19,813 Speaker 2: certainly didn't appear like that. There was a lot of 57 00:03:19,893 --> 00:03:22,173 Speaker 2: chatter out of the French camp and out of the 58 00:03:22,213 --> 00:03:24,773 Speaker 2: French journalists that we've spoken to that this was the 59 00:03:24,813 --> 00:03:27,093 Speaker 2: best possible team of the people on the ground that 60 00:03:27,133 --> 00:03:30,413 Speaker 2: they could select for this game, and look, they turned 61 00:03:30,493 --> 00:03:33,253 Speaker 2: up for most of that game and put the All 62 00:03:33,253 --> 00:03:35,613 Speaker 2: Blacks under pressure. I thought their line speed was really impressive. 63 00:03:35,613 --> 00:03:37,733 Speaker 2: They defended really really well, especially in the first half, 64 00:03:37,973 --> 00:03:39,653 Speaker 2: made the most of All Blacks areas us keep that 65 00:03:39,693 --> 00:03:43,293 Speaker 2: scoreboard ticking over, and the All Blacks just struggled to 66 00:03:43,413 --> 00:03:46,333 Speaker 2: really get a foothold into that game until nine and 67 00:03:46,413 --> 00:03:48,773 Speaker 2: half time, probably when Antone and Brown scored that try. 68 00:03:48,853 --> 00:03:51,573 Speaker 2: Then Will Jordan's tribe was a little bit opportunistic, came 69 00:03:51,613 --> 00:03:54,493 Speaker 2: against the run of play, but it took a while 70 00:03:54,573 --> 00:03:56,653 Speaker 2: for the All Blacks to get it as a foothold 71 00:03:56,733 --> 00:03:58,053 Speaker 2: in that game it did. 72 00:03:58,333 --> 00:04:01,813 Speaker 3: It was quite reminiscent of the First Test, and that 73 00:04:01,933 --> 00:04:04,093 Speaker 3: speaks to your point about France bringing back the best 74 00:04:04,133 --> 00:04:08,053 Speaker 3: available talent. You know, we love left most of the 75 00:04:08,093 --> 00:04:10,333 Speaker 3: best tell on at home, but they brought back Galfi Coup, 76 00:04:11,253 --> 00:04:15,973 Speaker 3: the number eights and the starting tight hair prop, so 77 00:04:16,093 --> 00:04:19,533 Speaker 3: the most experienced figures on tour. And defensively they really 78 00:04:19,613 --> 00:04:22,853 Speaker 3: did put pressure on the All Blacks. They troubled their 79 00:04:22,893 --> 00:04:28,293 Speaker 3: breakdown again and the All Blacks just really struggled to 80 00:04:28,373 --> 00:04:31,733 Speaker 3: get going. They didn't have that four dominance that they 81 00:04:31,933 --> 00:04:35,533 Speaker 3: enjoyed and Wellington. The kicking game was a bit off, 82 00:04:36,493 --> 00:04:38,413 Speaker 3: a lot of back line moves, the ball going to 83 00:04:38,493 --> 00:04:41,173 Speaker 3: the ground, not finding the right man, some areas they 84 00:04:41,213 --> 00:04:43,813 Speaker 3: got away with a blatant forward pass and the lead 85 00:04:43,893 --> 00:04:48,853 Speaker 3: up to Anton Leina Brown's try. So look, you've got 86 00:04:48,933 --> 00:04:52,333 Speaker 3: to give the All Black some credit for not getting 87 00:04:52,373 --> 00:04:55,333 Speaker 3: overly frustrated, for finding the character and resolved to come 88 00:04:55,413 --> 00:04:59,773 Speaker 3: back and win that match, not panicking. But this did 89 00:04:59,893 --> 00:05:02,573 Speaker 3: feel like the All Blacks be against France B and 90 00:05:02,733 --> 00:05:04,773 Speaker 3: the quality of the match reflected that. 91 00:05:05,253 --> 00:05:07,773 Speaker 2: Yeah, and I think we're seeing a drop off now 92 00:05:07,933 --> 00:05:09,973 Speaker 2: in two of the All Blacks first choice players in 93 00:05:10,093 --> 00:05:14,933 Speaker 2: some positions to their understudies and beyond. I speak of hooker, 94 00:05:15,493 --> 00:05:17,573 Speaker 2: I speak of half back, and to be honest, I 95 00:05:17,693 --> 00:05:19,893 Speaker 2: could speak of first five now between Boden Barre and 96 00:05:19,973 --> 00:05:23,133 Speaker 2: Damian McKenzie. Yes, mackenzie had a great game against Ireland 97 00:05:23,213 --> 00:05:25,533 Speaker 2: last year, but he had so many tests last year 98 00:05:25,573 --> 00:05:27,533 Speaker 2: where he failed to take grasp of the game and 99 00:05:27,813 --> 00:05:31,773 Speaker 2: again we saw that on Saturday night. So at hooker, 100 00:05:31,973 --> 00:05:34,493 Speaker 2: at half back and at ten. I think the drop 101 00:05:34,533 --> 00:05:37,053 Speaker 2: off from the All Blacks first choice players and Cody 102 00:05:37,133 --> 00:05:39,653 Speaker 2: Taylor in cam roy Garden Bowden Barrett to the next 103 00:05:39,693 --> 00:05:41,853 Speaker 2: players coming through, I think is now significant and I 104 00:05:41,893 --> 00:05:44,213 Speaker 2: think it's a worry. They're trying to build depth, and 105 00:05:44,293 --> 00:05:47,893 Speaker 2: they've got depth in terms of players, but I just 106 00:05:48,253 --> 00:05:51,413 Speaker 2: think Samasoni Takiyaha is now a bench option only. I 107 00:05:51,533 --> 00:05:53,813 Speaker 2: think starting him. There's been a couple of test matches 108 00:05:55,093 --> 00:05:57,573 Speaker 2: even before his a long injury love and back in 109 00:05:57,653 --> 00:06:00,093 Speaker 2: twenty three where it felt like maybe he had gone 110 00:06:00,133 --> 00:06:02,133 Speaker 2: backward in terms of his starting role, and now feels 111 00:06:02,133 --> 00:06:04,253 Speaker 2: like maybe bench is his best spot. When you albout 112 00:06:04,293 --> 00:06:05,813 Speaker 2: in to the starting team, I'm not sure we're getting 113 00:06:05,973 --> 00:06:09,613 Speaker 2: the best out of him. You know, missed the first 114 00:06:09,693 --> 00:06:12,253 Speaker 2: line out throw. Just didn't think he quite had the 115 00:06:12,293 --> 00:06:14,693 Speaker 2: best of games. Of course, is Rasama I thought had 116 00:06:15,053 --> 00:06:17,413 Speaker 2: a tricky night at the offers, didn't quite get the 117 00:06:17,413 --> 00:06:19,373 Speaker 2: game going on. I mentioned McKenzie as well, So what 118 00:06:19,453 --> 00:06:20,853 Speaker 2: do you make of that. I think there's a big, 119 00:06:21,493 --> 00:06:23,533 Speaker 2: big gap sort of developing in those positions, which is 120 00:06:23,533 --> 00:06:24,493 Speaker 2: a worry for the all blacks. 121 00:06:24,973 --> 00:06:27,573 Speaker 3: There is and I agree. I guess the one kevet 122 00:06:27,613 --> 00:06:33,133 Speaker 3: I'd make is I feel for some players in that 123 00:06:34,013 --> 00:06:37,053 Speaker 3: they get one opportunity every now and then, and it's 124 00:06:37,053 --> 00:06:39,853 Speaker 3: the nature of the beast of Test rugby. Ultimately, you 125 00:06:39,933 --> 00:06:41,533 Speaker 3: want to be playing your best team all the time, 126 00:06:41,653 --> 00:06:45,293 Speaker 3: developing cohesion and combinations. And there was an argument that, 127 00:06:46,333 --> 00:06:49,373 Speaker 3: you know, while I support fully support the All Blacks 128 00:06:49,413 --> 00:06:52,173 Speaker 3: making these changes and giving them opportunities, a lot of 129 00:06:52,173 --> 00:06:54,373 Speaker 3: people would argue they just should play their best team 130 00:06:54,413 --> 00:06:58,733 Speaker 3: all the time because then you develop confidence, momentum, rhythm. 131 00:07:00,013 --> 00:07:02,653 Speaker 3: So I think it is really difficult to come in 132 00:07:02,773 --> 00:07:06,173 Speaker 3: when there's ten starting changes and look good immediately. I 133 00:07:06,333 --> 00:07:11,013 Speaker 3: expected that to be offset somewhere because of the established 134 00:07:11,053 --> 00:07:13,533 Speaker 3: combinations with the Chiefs. You know, you look at Ratimo 135 00:07:13,653 --> 00:07:18,693 Speaker 3: McKenzie to Pia and Leonnard Brown. There were a number 136 00:07:18,733 --> 00:07:20,413 Speaker 3: of Chiefs players in that team and I thought that 137 00:07:20,613 --> 00:07:24,253 Speaker 3: might help, but it didn't really. And to your point 138 00:07:24,333 --> 00:07:28,173 Speaker 3: about the drop off, it is significant Cody Taylor. We 139 00:07:28,333 --> 00:07:32,333 Speaker 3: only really appreciate just how important he is to that 140 00:07:32,453 --> 00:07:37,053 Speaker 3: team when he's not there. And Brody McAllister. You mentioned Takeaho, 141 00:07:37,093 --> 00:07:39,133 Speaker 3: and I agree, he hasn't come back the same player 142 00:07:39,533 --> 00:07:42,333 Speaker 3: from injury. And we saw that the Chiefs were the 143 00:07:42,413 --> 00:07:46,333 Speaker 3: Chiefs favoring Brody McAllister for much of the start of 144 00:07:46,413 --> 00:07:49,573 Speaker 3: this year in a starting capacity. Brodie McAllister on Test debut. 145 00:07:50,813 --> 00:07:53,533 Speaker 3: Maybe he was a bit overawed. He missed his first 146 00:07:53,613 --> 00:07:57,533 Speaker 3: three lineouts, scores that late try. It's a nice story 147 00:07:57,613 --> 00:08:01,093 Speaker 3: for him. But the depth, the established depth that hooker 148 00:08:01,573 --> 00:08:04,773 Speaker 3: is a concern. I suffer. Ol Moore is yet to 149 00:08:04,853 --> 00:08:07,613 Speaker 3: come back from his hamstring injury and he did perform 150 00:08:07,693 --> 00:08:10,533 Speaker 3: really well for All Blacks last year, not so well 151 00:08:10,973 --> 00:08:13,013 Speaker 3: for the Hurricanes. It didn't really kick on. I think 152 00:08:13,053 --> 00:08:15,893 Speaker 3: he was quite battered after last year from what I understand, 153 00:08:16,493 --> 00:08:21,573 Speaker 3: and Cam Roygard's yeah, there's no one within QUI of 154 00:08:22,053 --> 00:08:23,773 Speaker 3: in New Zealand rugby at the moment and I think 155 00:08:24,813 --> 00:08:27,813 Speaker 3: that speaks to the level that he's playing at his boots, 156 00:08:28,253 --> 00:08:32,733 Speaker 3: his sniping and Boden Barrett actually mentioned it's postmatch in 157 00:08:32,813 --> 00:08:38,093 Speaker 3: Wellington that he and Barrett's word to come remember exactly 158 00:08:38,173 --> 00:08:40,093 Speaker 3: what he said, but he said there's shades of DuPont 159 00:08:40,173 --> 00:08:43,413 Speaker 3: and his influence on the game. And you know that's 160 00:08:43,493 --> 00:08:45,893 Speaker 3: not me or you saying it, that's Boden Barrett. And 161 00:08:46,213 --> 00:08:49,293 Speaker 3: to be fair to Royguard, he upstaged DuPont when they 162 00:08:49,373 --> 00:08:53,853 Speaker 3: played France in November last year. So courtiz Rasma, there 163 00:08:53,933 --> 00:08:56,773 Speaker 3: is some real concerns. I think developing about whether he 164 00:08:56,973 --> 00:08:59,973 Speaker 3: is the number two because he was quite erratic, he 165 00:09:00,133 --> 00:09:03,373 Speaker 3: wasn't helped by the breakdown being a mess. Noah Hotham 166 00:09:03,493 --> 00:09:07,613 Speaker 3: came on and actually had a notable impact, but now 167 00:09:07,693 --> 00:09:10,053 Speaker 3: he's got a high call Sprain, So I totally agree. 168 00:09:10,093 --> 00:09:12,693 Speaker 3: I think hooker and half back the drop offs there 169 00:09:12,733 --> 00:09:15,533 Speaker 3: are significant. If Cody Taylor or cam Roy Guard were 170 00:09:15,613 --> 00:09:18,333 Speaker 3: to go down, there'd be big concerns. 171 00:09:18,573 --> 00:09:22,013 Speaker 2: Absolutely, I think that is a worry. So yeah, you're right, 172 00:09:22,053 --> 00:09:24,333 Speaker 2: and you're right that they have to develop the depth 173 00:09:24,533 --> 00:09:27,693 Speaker 2: and give these players opportunities. But we are learning a 174 00:09:27,733 --> 00:09:30,013 Speaker 2: little bit more about these players and learning that maybe 175 00:09:30,213 --> 00:09:34,253 Speaker 2: you know, they aren't you know, within touching distance of 176 00:09:34,533 --> 00:09:37,133 Speaker 2: those starters, and that's a worry for the All Blacks 177 00:09:37,173 --> 00:09:40,133 Speaker 2: in this you know four four four depth program that 178 00:09:40,173 --> 00:09:44,253 Speaker 2: Scott Robinson's running. Just explain that for deep in each 179 00:09:44,333 --> 00:09:47,173 Speaker 2: position over the next four years, so going back a 180 00:09:47,253 --> 00:09:50,053 Speaker 2: year to win a fourth Rugby World Cup for the 181 00:09:50,253 --> 00:09:50,773 Speaker 2: All Blacks. 182 00:09:51,133 --> 00:09:53,693 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think it's important to put some context around 183 00:09:53,733 --> 00:09:57,213 Speaker 3: that because four for four people don't really just three 184 00:09:57,293 --> 00:09:59,173 Speaker 3: numbers of them, know what that is just just one 185 00:09:59,373 --> 00:10:03,333 Speaker 3: caveat to that players we touched on players who maybe 186 00:10:03,693 --> 00:10:06,213 Speaker 3: didn't make the step up some a Penny Female for 187 00:10:06,293 --> 00:10:08,533 Speaker 3: me was one guy who really did, and he been 188 00:10:08,573 --> 00:10:10,893 Speaker 3: waiting all series for that opportunity, and I think he 189 00:10:11,093 --> 00:10:13,613 Speaker 3: really took it. He was highly involved, a ball in hand, 190 00:10:14,093 --> 00:10:19,413 Speaker 3: steaming in from distance, making meters and yeah, highly involved. 191 00:10:19,893 --> 00:10:23,573 Speaker 3: I thought he was a real physically dominant performance that 192 00:10:23,693 --> 00:10:25,733 Speaker 3: the All Blacks have been waiting for from him, and 193 00:10:26,973 --> 00:10:29,453 Speaker 3: no real major discipline issues either, which has been a 194 00:10:29,493 --> 00:10:34,253 Speaker 3: real knock on his game. So I think the All 195 00:10:34,293 --> 00:10:37,173 Speaker 3: Blacks will likely go back to Tupouvai. But I really 196 00:10:37,453 --> 00:10:39,413 Speaker 3: liked what we saw from some of Penny Fino and 197 00:10:39,493 --> 00:10:41,573 Speaker 3: that six jersey, and for me, I think that jersey 198 00:10:41,693 --> 00:10:43,733 Speaker 3: is still his to grab. 199 00:10:44,333 --> 00:10:48,893 Speaker 2: Contestable. Absolutely, You're right, though I think we saw not 200 00:10:49,013 --> 00:10:50,693 Speaker 2: a lot off the bench from him in the previous 201 00:10:50,733 --> 00:10:52,413 Speaker 2: two weeks. He got a starting role and he was 202 00:10:52,453 --> 00:10:54,973 Speaker 2: one of those players that did take that opportunity. If 203 00:10:54,973 --> 00:10:57,493 Speaker 2: we look at the back line, we've touched on nine 204 00:10:57,573 --> 00:11:01,133 Speaker 2: and ten a bit, but midfield Quintepaire and Antonin Lenet 205 00:11:01,173 --> 00:11:02,733 Speaker 2: Brown thought len It Brown was probably better on the 206 00:11:02,773 --> 00:11:06,973 Speaker 2: first half than the second to Pire, I thought tried hard, 207 00:11:07,053 --> 00:11:10,573 Speaker 2: but struggled to get going and couldn't quite put his 208 00:11:10,693 --> 00:11:14,893 Speaker 2: mark on their game. So you know, I think that 209 00:11:15,013 --> 00:11:17,013 Speaker 2: third thing jersey for the All Blacks remains open or 210 00:11:17,053 --> 00:11:19,533 Speaker 2: remains a question mark as we head into the Rugby Championship. 211 00:11:19,733 --> 00:11:21,853 Speaker 2: Billy prop Dad two cracks it. I would have given 212 00:11:21,893 --> 00:11:24,293 Speaker 2: Billy Proper with third got it on the weekend and 213 00:11:24,573 --> 00:11:29,013 Speaker 2: given him just consistency in that jersey. They didn't, and 214 00:11:29,213 --> 00:11:31,253 Speaker 2: now you know there's a question mark. I suppose we 215 00:11:31,293 --> 00:11:34,013 Speaker 2: hit into Rugby Championship over who the All Blacks starting 216 00:11:34,093 --> 00:11:34,493 Speaker 2: center is. 217 00:11:34,973 --> 00:11:37,533 Speaker 3: I think it is Billy Proctor. It would be a 218 00:11:37,613 --> 00:11:41,293 Speaker 3: backward step for me to go back to Rico, but 219 00:11:41,933 --> 00:11:45,773 Speaker 3: I agree it is contestable, and I think about Quinti Pier. 220 00:11:46,853 --> 00:11:51,093 Speaker 3: Unfortunately for him that the Jordi Barrett almost not single 221 00:11:51,173 --> 00:11:53,333 Speaker 3: handedly won the All Black sat match, but wow, what 222 00:11:53,453 --> 00:11:55,853 Speaker 3: a performance off the bench. He had the try saving 223 00:11:55,933 --> 00:12:00,493 Speaker 3: tackle which could have really put the heat on the 224 00:12:00,613 --> 00:12:04,173 Speaker 3: last closing stages of that match, and then he busts 225 00:12:04,173 --> 00:12:07,333 Speaker 3: through the line, fends off the French replacement and sends 226 00:12:07,693 --> 00:12:10,893 Speaker 3: Brodie McCall next to the sticks. Artie Savill also had 227 00:12:10,933 --> 00:12:14,853 Speaker 3: a massive turnover on his own line after a McAllister overthrows, 228 00:12:14,933 --> 00:12:18,973 Speaker 3: so some really big plays there. But again the drop 229 00:12:19,053 --> 00:12:21,653 Speaker 3: off from Jordi Barrett and the impact that he made 230 00:12:21,733 --> 00:12:24,493 Speaker 3: coming on to compet to to Pie sort of speaks 231 00:12:24,573 --> 00:12:27,613 Speaker 3: to the difference there, doesn't it. 232 00:12:28,053 --> 00:12:32,053 Speaker 2: It does, and that's a concern again for the All Blacks, 233 00:12:32,293 --> 00:12:33,813 Speaker 2: one player that I do want to touch on before 234 00:12:33,853 --> 00:12:38,253 Speaker 2: we get into more series overall stuff. Rubin Love mix 235 00:12:38,373 --> 00:12:39,973 Speaker 2: night of the office for him. What he did well, 236 00:12:40,093 --> 00:12:42,253 Speaker 2: I thought he did very well. What he didn't do well, 237 00:12:42,453 --> 00:12:44,853 Speaker 2: he didn't do well. Kicking game was a bit mixed. 238 00:12:45,293 --> 00:12:47,933 Speaker 2: The drop goal out of nowhere was a bit odd. 239 00:12:49,493 --> 00:12:51,773 Speaker 2: But I do enjoy what he brings to test match level. 240 00:12:51,933 --> 00:12:54,653 Speaker 2: I like there's a spark there, that an X factor 241 00:12:54,773 --> 00:12:57,653 Speaker 2: that not all players have, and I get the sense 242 00:12:57,693 --> 00:13:00,013 Speaker 2: he is going to master test rugby at some point. 243 00:13:01,093 --> 00:13:02,773 Speaker 2: But that was certainly perhaps a mixed night of the 244 00:13:02,813 --> 00:13:03,613 Speaker 2: office for Ruben Love. 245 00:13:04,013 --> 00:13:06,333 Speaker 3: Yeah, I agree. I think there was one instance in 246 00:13:06,413 --> 00:13:09,533 Speaker 3: particular where he I think he got fired the ball 247 00:13:09,653 --> 00:13:12,653 Speaker 3: possibly from McKenzie in the backfield and he had players 248 00:13:12,653 --> 00:13:15,613 Speaker 3: outside him and he put in a kick that was 249 00:13:15,613 --> 00:13:18,653 Speaker 3: a wee bit aimless. So I think it's just picking 250 00:13:18,733 --> 00:13:21,173 Speaker 3: and choosing your moments a little bit more rather than 251 00:13:21,253 --> 00:13:23,493 Speaker 3: having a pre ordained idea about what you're going to do. 252 00:13:23,653 --> 00:13:28,013 Speaker 3: But he is a very self assured twenty four year olds. 253 00:13:29,213 --> 00:13:33,173 Speaker 3: Not he's not a kid's but a man, but he 254 00:13:33,333 --> 00:13:35,173 Speaker 3: is a kid. In terms of Test rugby. That was 255 00:13:35,213 --> 00:13:38,773 Speaker 3: his second Test appearance. He'd only played ten minutes I 256 00:13:38,813 --> 00:13:41,413 Speaker 3: think it was fifteen maybe off the bench against Japan 257 00:13:41,893 --> 00:13:45,053 Speaker 3: on the wing. Scores two tries, so to have his 258 00:13:45,213 --> 00:13:49,933 Speaker 3: first appearance first starts at home, I agree. I think 259 00:13:49,933 --> 00:13:53,893 Speaker 3: he is going to develop into a real Test prospect 260 00:13:53,973 --> 00:13:58,773 Speaker 3: because he does have all that range of skill game understanding. 261 00:13:58,853 --> 00:14:01,333 Speaker 3: He's a very diligent professional. We've heard him talk about 262 00:14:01,693 --> 00:14:03,973 Speaker 3: wanting to be the best player in the world. How 263 00:14:04,053 --> 00:14:06,373 Speaker 3: many twenty four year old kids come out and say that. 264 00:14:06,613 --> 00:14:09,133 Speaker 2: Yeah, exactly. And what he did in the injury Loffy 265 00:14:09,173 --> 00:14:13,173 Speaker 2: had around a breathing coach and mindfulness and all that 266 00:14:13,253 --> 00:14:15,493 Speaker 2: sort of thing that he's approached. He clearly wants to 267 00:14:15,573 --> 00:14:18,493 Speaker 2: be better and interesting to see what opportunities come his 268 00:14:18,573 --> 00:14:20,693 Speaker 2: way in the Rugby Championship. 269 00:14:20,853 --> 00:14:22,373 Speaker 3: Just quickly off the top of my head, there was 270 00:14:22,413 --> 00:14:27,053 Speaker 3: one question from the online thing before, someone querying whether 271 00:14:27,173 --> 00:14:30,253 Speaker 3: Jordie Barrett could be the All Blacks answer a center. 272 00:14:31,533 --> 00:14:33,413 Speaker 2: Okay, well what's the answer at second five? If you 273 00:14:33,493 --> 00:14:34,213 Speaker 2: move from to center. 274 00:14:35,373 --> 00:14:36,213 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's. 275 00:14:37,653 --> 00:14:39,413 Speaker 2: Solving one problem in creating another. 276 00:14:39,733 --> 00:14:41,613 Speaker 3: Yeah. I don't think he's played a lot of center, 277 00:14:41,653 --> 00:14:44,133 Speaker 3: but he has played for the All Blacks wing fallback 278 00:14:44,253 --> 00:14:46,653 Speaker 3: first five seconds, so he probably could pull it off. 279 00:14:46,693 --> 00:14:48,413 Speaker 3: I don't think that's the answer, but I just sort of. 280 00:14:49,933 --> 00:14:52,213 Speaker 2: Yeah. I mean to pier, maybe could play twelve when 281 00:14:52,213 --> 00:14:56,413 Speaker 2: you have Barrit at thirteen. I'm not sure I would 282 00:14:56,533 --> 00:14:59,293 Speaker 2: like that combination necessarily, but I do think that that 283 00:14:59,653 --> 00:15:01,973 Speaker 2: thirteen role is still still up for grabs. 284 00:15:02,533 --> 00:15:05,533 Speaker 3: Yeah. And I think in the midfield of articulate, it's 285 00:15:05,533 --> 00:15:09,053 Speaker 3: about combinations and complimentary combinations. You know, you think back 286 00:15:09,093 --> 00:15:13,093 Speaker 3: in time non Nolan Smith, just the Yin and the yang, 287 00:15:13,413 --> 00:15:17,053 Speaker 3: you know, the big destructive second five who developed a 288 00:15:17,213 --> 00:15:22,373 Speaker 3: brilliant distribution game over time and kicking game even and 289 00:15:22,533 --> 00:15:28,293 Speaker 3: Smith the real glue from a defensive perspective, from setting 290 00:15:28,373 --> 00:15:32,213 Speaker 3: up as outsides. He was never had top ends pace 291 00:15:32,413 --> 00:15:36,653 Speaker 3: or the most brilliant player. But that combination is what 292 00:15:36,773 --> 00:15:39,133 Speaker 3: the All Blacks are searching for. And I think with 293 00:15:39,333 --> 00:15:42,373 Speaker 3: Jordi and Proctor. That's probably the closest they're going to get. 294 00:15:43,053 --> 00:15:46,413 Speaker 3: Billy probably has some question marks about his size and physicality, 295 00:15:47,253 --> 00:15:52,373 Speaker 3: but he does compliment Jordi better than Rico indeed. 296 00:15:52,493 --> 00:15:54,933 Speaker 2: Right, let's move on to what we learned from the 297 00:15:55,093 --> 00:15:59,173 Speaker 2: series from an All Blacks perspective. Well, do you learn 298 00:15:59,253 --> 00:16:01,453 Speaker 2: first and foremost that don't underest them at a French 299 00:16:01,933 --> 00:16:04,573 Speaker 2: second string team? Would that be listened? 300 00:16:04,733 --> 00:16:05,773 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's fair. 301 00:16:07,773 --> 00:16:09,573 Speaker 2: Put some rest on the top fourteen name. 302 00:16:10,813 --> 00:16:14,853 Speaker 3: I think we don't see a lot of the top 303 00:16:14,933 --> 00:16:17,453 Speaker 3: fourteen and that's the same for New Zealand punters. So 304 00:16:19,493 --> 00:16:22,293 Speaker 3: how many players could you have named in those French 305 00:16:22,493 --> 00:16:25,373 Speaker 3: starting teams prior to the series? Very very few, a 306 00:16:25,453 --> 00:16:29,013 Speaker 3: handful And this is clearly depth that they've built over 307 00:16:29,293 --> 00:16:31,733 Speaker 3: a few seasons. Now, that's been a strong competition for 308 00:16:31,773 --> 00:16:34,053 Speaker 3: a number of years, but you look back and go 309 00:16:34,733 --> 00:16:36,693 Speaker 3: there's been other locations with the French have sent out 310 00:16:36,733 --> 00:16:39,693 Speaker 3: a mixed team to New Zealand in terms of experience, 311 00:16:39,733 --> 00:16:43,133 Speaker 3: and the All Blacks have belted them. Now, perhaps there's 312 00:16:43,133 --> 00:16:44,813 Speaker 3: a bit of an All Black strop off there as well, 313 00:16:45,453 --> 00:16:47,813 Speaker 3: but the depth of the French have built in this 314 00:16:47,933 --> 00:16:50,973 Speaker 3: competition now is very very good, and you know, the 315 00:16:51,053 --> 00:16:54,013 Speaker 3: gap between top positions and second string may not be 316 00:16:54,653 --> 00:16:56,173 Speaker 3: as big as it once was, so I think that's 317 00:16:56,213 --> 00:16:59,573 Speaker 3: one lesson. Yea. And they went out to Argentina last year, 318 00:16:59,853 --> 00:17:03,693 Speaker 3: same approach, went one on one and I'm not sure 319 00:17:03,733 --> 00:17:05,573 Speaker 3: if this year before, but certainly in recent times they 320 00:17:05,613 --> 00:17:08,653 Speaker 3: went out to Australia and very nearly anyone one this 321 00:17:08,933 --> 00:17:11,413 Speaker 3: probably should have won that series there with a similar 322 00:17:11,933 --> 00:17:14,853 Speaker 3: type squad. So yeah, they do have depth and talents. 323 00:17:16,733 --> 00:17:20,173 Speaker 3: But look, let me ask you this, would the All 324 00:17:20,173 --> 00:17:24,493 Speaker 3: Blacks have beaten one of the series against the first 325 00:17:24,653 --> 00:17:25,813 Speaker 3: choice French team? 326 00:17:27,293 --> 00:17:31,653 Speaker 2: Hard to know? Hard to know? I mean they pushed 327 00:17:31,693 --> 00:17:34,733 Speaker 2: them to within one point last year in Paris, similar 328 00:17:34,773 --> 00:17:38,933 Speaker 2: group of players, so probably would have been to one 329 00:17:39,213 --> 00:17:41,933 Speaker 2: one way, well the other, don't know which way you. 330 00:17:43,933 --> 00:17:45,253 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think it would have been on a real 331 00:17:45,333 --> 00:17:48,053 Speaker 3: knife edge because your Blacks are scratchy to start the 332 00:17:48,133 --> 00:17:50,253 Speaker 3: year and they certainly wouldn't have been able to make 333 00:17:50,333 --> 00:17:53,493 Speaker 3: ten changes, ten starting changes. It would have been balls 334 00:17:53,533 --> 00:17:57,653 Speaker 3: to the wall best team and down to the whyah match. 335 00:17:57,733 --> 00:18:01,533 Speaker 3: I think two one either way. All right, let's talk 336 00:18:01,533 --> 00:18:04,293 Speaker 3: about the All Blacks. One we learned from the series. 337 00:18:04,333 --> 00:18:05,973 Speaker 3: Who is your best player over the course of the 338 00:18:06,013 --> 00:18:11,613 Speaker 3: three matches, Probably Will Jordan. I think it just doesn't 339 00:18:11,653 --> 00:18:15,333 Speaker 3: matter where he plays, full back wing, he's everywhere. And 340 00:18:17,013 --> 00:18:19,533 Speaker 3: what's he scored forty two and forty four. I think 341 00:18:19,613 --> 00:18:23,013 Speaker 3: that's right something like that. Just an absolutely phenomenal strike 342 00:18:23,453 --> 00:18:26,333 Speaker 3: rate just keeps coming, doesn't he And it's not just 343 00:18:26,453 --> 00:18:30,573 Speaker 3: his finishing ability, it's the way he injection himself into 344 00:18:30,613 --> 00:18:35,173 Speaker 3: the line. I think he has influenced his voice. Yeah, 345 00:18:35,813 --> 00:18:39,893 Speaker 3: he sets the bar Ardie Severe was very good. I 346 00:18:39,933 --> 00:18:43,693 Speaker 3: don't think he was great in Hamilton. There was that 347 00:18:44,333 --> 00:18:48,013 Speaker 3: advised I think left foot ship kick off the line 348 00:18:48,053 --> 00:18:50,853 Speaker 3: out that he would like to have again and got 349 00:18:50,893 --> 00:18:54,133 Speaker 3: stripped of the ball on another occasion. But he was 350 00:18:54,613 --> 00:18:58,773 Speaker 3: outstanding in Wellington in particular, and Fabian Holland shout out 351 00:18:58,973 --> 00:19:02,093 Speaker 3: to a test Rockie to come in and play three 352 00:19:02,213 --> 00:19:04,213 Speaker 3: consecutive eighty minute performances. 353 00:19:04,373 --> 00:19:06,413 Speaker 2: Yeah, I have Will Jordan and I had Cam roy 354 00:19:06,453 --> 00:19:08,533 Speaker 2: Guard and came Royguard only played two matches, but I 355 00:19:08,573 --> 00:19:11,333 Speaker 2: thought because we touched on earlier as influence in both 356 00:19:11,373 --> 00:19:15,173 Speaker 2: of those victories was pretty key. Biggest mover in the 357 00:19:15,253 --> 00:19:17,333 Speaker 2: series from an All Blacks perspective. 358 00:19:18,693 --> 00:19:23,053 Speaker 3: Probably Fabian Holland comes in, yeah, having not played him, 359 00:19:23,053 --> 00:19:25,573 Speaker 3: and it's hard to think of a rookie Wallace to 360 00:19:25,653 --> 00:19:28,813 Speaker 3: tc similar sort of scenario. 361 00:19:28,533 --> 00:19:30,013 Speaker 2: Not longer for Walls didn't it because he only got 362 00:19:30,013 --> 00:19:32,693 Speaker 2: the option off the bench and then didn't play The 363 00:19:32,813 --> 00:19:35,013 Speaker 2: Argentina test came in for Savrigal didn't play off in 364 00:19:35,053 --> 00:19:36,093 Speaker 2: the starting sock year. 365 00:19:35,973 --> 00:19:37,973 Speaker 3: That's right. But once he was in, he was in, 366 00:19:38,133 --> 00:19:39,933 Speaker 3: he was and he became the All Blacks Player of 367 00:19:39,973 --> 00:19:43,253 Speaker 3: the Year. The only thing I'd say about Fabian is 368 00:19:43,333 --> 00:19:46,413 Speaker 3: he's this massive unit, right and exceptional the line out 369 00:19:46,613 --> 00:19:50,453 Speaker 3: and huge engine to play three eighty minute performances. I 370 00:19:50,533 --> 00:19:54,733 Speaker 3: think he can still get more from his frame physicality 371 00:19:54,893 --> 00:19:59,053 Speaker 3: to really there's occasions he sort of concedes when he's 372 00:19:59,093 --> 00:20:01,933 Speaker 3: got the ball, and I'd like to see him bust 373 00:20:02,053 --> 00:20:04,733 Speaker 3: through the line or just get a wee bit more 374 00:20:05,053 --> 00:20:08,053 Speaker 3: from his frame, particularly looking ahead to teams like the 375 00:20:08,093 --> 00:20:14,493 Speaker 3: bo But yeah, are the big movers. I guess you could. 376 00:20:14,653 --> 00:20:16,893 Speaker 3: You can make a case for Tupu Vai in terms 377 00:20:16,933 --> 00:20:22,493 Speaker 3: of his switch. Well, there were there were six rookies, 378 00:20:22,573 --> 00:20:27,453 Speaker 3: right who anyone in particular other than Holland that really 379 00:20:27,453 --> 00:20:28,413 Speaker 3: stood out of that. 380 00:20:28,493 --> 00:20:32,013 Speaker 2: Group Holland is the obvious one, given he played three 381 00:20:32,013 --> 00:20:35,613 Speaker 2: eighty minute performances since making his debut. I thought Kittyfi 382 00:20:36,453 --> 00:20:39,653 Speaker 2: grew in each performance that he had minutes off the bench, 383 00:20:39,693 --> 00:20:43,973 Speaker 2: and Dunedin Wellington then starting. Still have concerns I guess 384 00:20:44,013 --> 00:20:46,413 Speaker 2: around his size at Test match level, but you can't 385 00:20:46,693 --> 00:20:48,813 Speaker 2: doubt the size of his heart and his hunger to 386 00:20:48,933 --> 00:20:54,213 Speaker 2: be better and and be a Test player. I still 387 00:20:54,493 --> 00:20:56,893 Speaker 2: think this question marks over what role he has for 388 00:20:56,933 --> 00:20:58,933 Speaker 2: the All Blacks over the course of the rest of 389 00:20:58,973 --> 00:21:03,693 Speaker 2: the season. But other than that, you know, Tavatavanawai had 390 00:21:03,733 --> 00:21:06,733 Speaker 2: a couple of cameos off the bench. Hard to judge 391 00:21:06,813 --> 00:21:08,893 Speaker 2: him too much, but didn't make too much of an 392 00:21:08,933 --> 00:21:13,053 Speaker 2: influence on the Test game. McAllister mixed as well. So 393 00:21:13,973 --> 00:21:19,613 Speaker 2: Leo Willie again jury out similar to Karefi. So I'd 394 00:21:19,693 --> 00:21:22,373 Speaker 2: go Holland and then yeah, question marks over the rest. 395 00:21:22,893 --> 00:21:24,933 Speaker 3: Yeah, I don't know if the other ones. The other 396 00:21:24,973 --> 00:21:28,173 Speaker 3: one was Oli Norris. I thought he was good without 397 00:21:28,253 --> 00:21:32,293 Speaker 3: being great, and I actually thought George Bauer I think 398 00:21:32,333 --> 00:21:34,493 Speaker 3: he was penalized in his first scrum but did make 399 00:21:34,533 --> 00:21:36,813 Speaker 3: a notable impact when he came on off the bench 400 00:21:36,893 --> 00:21:41,133 Speaker 3: in Hamilton so Oli Norris. Perhaps another level will go 401 00:21:41,253 --> 00:21:44,813 Speaker 3: to from a scrummaging perspective, and I agree otherwise, I 402 00:21:44,893 --> 00:21:47,533 Speaker 3: don't know if we It is hard, isn't it, Because 403 00:21:47,813 --> 00:21:51,293 Speaker 3: you hear all the time about your Blacks environment being overwhelming. 404 00:21:51,453 --> 00:21:53,573 Speaker 3: They've got to come in and take in all this information. 405 00:21:54,213 --> 00:21:57,293 Speaker 3: Their flowing phone's blowing up. It's very emotional time you 406 00:21:57,373 --> 00:22:01,613 Speaker 3: realize a dream is a lot to absorb. Some players 407 00:22:01,653 --> 00:22:06,013 Speaker 3: handle that better than others. And yeah, Tavannaha, I think 408 00:22:07,013 --> 00:22:08,813 Speaker 3: it's an interesting scenari when we can't the head and 409 00:22:08,853 --> 00:22:11,413 Speaker 3: we wore in terms of the Rugby Championships squad, but 410 00:22:11,573 --> 00:22:15,333 Speaker 3: six midfielders did feel like a lot his debut and 411 00:22:16,053 --> 00:22:19,053 Speaker 3: Wellington had two cracks at the cherry. I think what 412 00:22:19,173 --> 00:22:23,173 Speaker 3: we saw overall when you look at him and Karefi 413 00:22:23,493 --> 00:22:25,253 Speaker 3: as a step up, isn't it? It is? 414 00:22:26,133 --> 00:22:27,733 Speaker 2: For Tavata, I felt like he was kind of from 415 00:22:27,773 --> 00:22:29,853 Speaker 2: a standing start on a number of occasions, and I 416 00:22:29,893 --> 00:22:32,333 Speaker 2: don't think that's where he's best utilized, just in terms 417 00:22:32,373 --> 00:22:34,773 Speaker 2: of the all Blacks attacking shape and how they're playing 418 00:22:34,853 --> 00:22:37,453 Speaker 2: this season. Is that seen from the Highlanders when he 419 00:22:37,493 --> 00:22:40,213 Speaker 2: comes from a little bit deeper on attack, then he 420 00:22:40,333 --> 00:22:42,573 Speaker 2: can have a real influence when players stand a little 421 00:22:42,573 --> 00:22:44,333 Speaker 2: deep at the all black stand quite tight at the moment. 422 00:22:44,693 --> 00:22:46,893 Speaker 2: I don't think that necessarily suits him. We didn't see 423 00:22:46,933 --> 00:22:51,053 Speaker 2: a lot of line breaks from Tavatava Nahai over the 424 00:22:51,133 --> 00:22:54,373 Speaker 2: course of the time that he had on the park. 425 00:22:54,453 --> 00:22:58,613 Speaker 2: Certainly wasn't making those defensive turnovers that he had. Kifi 426 00:22:58,813 --> 00:23:02,973 Speaker 2: similarly mentioned this around the breakdown when he spoke after 427 00:23:03,053 --> 00:23:06,853 Speaker 2: the game on Saturday night and the medium zone around 428 00:23:07,213 --> 00:23:09,693 Speaker 2: the breakdown and how different it is at Test level. 429 00:23:09,733 --> 00:23:12,533 Speaker 2: You know how many poaches did it get in Super 430 00:23:12,613 --> 00:23:15,693 Speaker 2: rugby this year. It's just so much harder. Your timing's 431 00:23:15,733 --> 00:23:17,733 Speaker 2: got to be perfect, you've got to be right on 432 00:23:17,813 --> 00:23:21,173 Speaker 2: that ball, and sort on Super rugby there was a 433 00:23:21,213 --> 00:23:24,373 Speaker 2: lot of reward for players on the ball from the opposition. 434 00:23:24,933 --> 00:23:26,933 Speaker 2: Don't get that as much in Test rugby at the moment. 435 00:23:27,413 --> 00:23:30,693 Speaker 3: No, that's right, just on that four four four scenarios 436 00:23:30,733 --> 00:23:35,213 Speaker 3: worth noting. I think sixteen rookies under Scott Robertson since 437 00:23:35,853 --> 00:23:38,693 Speaker 3: he took over last year, and you're always going to 438 00:23:38,773 --> 00:23:40,933 Speaker 3: get that to a degree post World Cup cycle when 439 00:23:41,013 --> 00:23:44,853 Speaker 3: you have a lot of veterans moving on. But I 440 00:23:44,933 --> 00:23:49,293 Speaker 3: think ten last year six this year, that's going to 441 00:23:49,453 --> 00:23:54,413 Speaker 3: decrease and it's going to carry on that theme as 442 00:23:54,493 --> 00:23:57,693 Speaker 3: you get closer to the World Cup. Sixteen is quite 443 00:23:57,733 --> 00:24:00,813 Speaker 3: a lot. I think some have taken their chances, some haven't, 444 00:24:00,893 --> 00:24:05,133 Speaker 3: But there's a clear plan there isn't there to develop 445 00:24:05,173 --> 00:24:07,853 Speaker 3: that debt, to bring through new talents to build for 446 00:24:08,053 --> 00:24:10,653 Speaker 3: deep So you can go to those players and they 447 00:24:10,733 --> 00:24:13,173 Speaker 3: have had that experience at test rugby, they're not going 448 00:24:13,253 --> 00:24:16,933 Speaker 3: to be having their first weeks coming into a major 449 00:24:17,013 --> 00:24:17,773 Speaker 3: majors test match. 450 00:24:17,973 --> 00:24:20,893 Speaker 2: Yeah. I think that's probably an area where the All 451 00:24:20,933 --> 00:24:23,293 Speaker 2: Blacks didn't quite develop in the last World Cup cycle. 452 00:24:23,333 --> 00:24:25,853 Speaker 2: They can blame COVID or whatever it might be around 453 00:24:25,893 --> 00:24:28,693 Speaker 2: that and some of the opportunities they didn't have, but 454 00:24:29,533 --> 00:24:32,653 Speaker 2: you they probably didn't quite get their bench right at 455 00:24:32,693 --> 00:24:36,733 Speaker 2: times during that last cycle and some of that depth. Hopefully, 456 00:24:37,013 --> 00:24:38,933 Speaker 2: you know, some of these moves of the next couple 457 00:24:38,973 --> 00:24:40,013 Speaker 2: of years can confix that. 458 00:24:40,293 --> 00:24:42,013 Speaker 3: Yeah, and probably missed a bit of a trick last year. 459 00:24:42,013 --> 00:24:45,853 Speaker 3: While there's ten rookies, they definitely missed opportunities such as 460 00:24:46,573 --> 00:24:48,853 Speaker 3: the Italy game to bring through players to give them 461 00:24:48,893 --> 00:24:51,013 Speaker 3: that exposure. So I'm not going to sit here and 462 00:24:51,093 --> 00:24:53,533 Speaker 3: knock what they did in Hamilton. While the performance wasn't there, 463 00:24:53,893 --> 00:24:57,573 Speaker 3: that was the right game to try and promote fringe 464 00:24:57,613 --> 00:24:59,173 Speaker 3: prospects and give them that exposure. 465 00:24:59,253 --> 00:25:01,653 Speaker 2: Yeah, and I think Robertson said pretty much that they 466 00:25:01,693 --> 00:25:03,133 Speaker 2: should have done that last year. Bit of a mere 467 00:25:03,173 --> 00:25:04,973 Speaker 2: culpa that they didn't quite get that right in the 468 00:25:05,053 --> 00:25:07,493 Speaker 2: Italy Week last year and they had some bad bodies 469 00:25:07,733 --> 00:25:10,573 Speaker 2: by the end of it. Give us a grade from 470 00:25:10,573 --> 00:25:12,773 Speaker 2: the series before we taught the Rugby Championship out of team. 471 00:25:15,973 --> 00:25:18,373 Speaker 3: I'm going to go six because I think the All 472 00:25:18,373 --> 00:25:22,613 Speaker 3: Black's only got their performance to the expected standard once 473 00:25:22,893 --> 00:25:27,813 Speaker 3: one from three and it's that context of being a 474 00:25:27,893 --> 00:25:30,453 Speaker 3: second string French team. Yes, they have talent and depth, 475 00:25:31,133 --> 00:25:34,853 Speaker 3: but I think given the nature of the opposition while 476 00:25:34,893 --> 00:25:37,133 Speaker 3: the All Blacks are starting the year, I expected more 477 00:25:37,893 --> 00:25:41,053 Speaker 3: and the performance in Wellington showed the level that they 478 00:25:41,133 --> 00:25:43,453 Speaker 3: can get to and they only got there once. 479 00:25:43,973 --> 00:25:48,013 Speaker 2: I'm going to go seven. Slightly friendly marketing the standards 480 00:25:50,493 --> 00:25:53,373 Speaker 2: Rugby Championship squad. It is going to be named the 481 00:25:53,573 --> 00:25:56,213 Speaker 2: fourth of August, which is a Monday. We've heard that 482 00:25:56,293 --> 00:25:57,933 Speaker 2: a lot of the players, or at least some of 483 00:25:57,933 --> 00:25:59,573 Speaker 2: the players are going to play a bit of NPC 484 00:25:59,773 --> 00:26:02,653 Speaker 2: that opening round which preceeds the All Black squad naming, 485 00:26:03,453 --> 00:26:05,933 Speaker 2: So a good opportunity for some players there to get 486 00:26:06,013 --> 00:26:09,533 Speaker 2: some minutes under their belt, maybe make some returns from injuries. 487 00:26:10,213 --> 00:26:12,533 Speaker 2: Thirty six Strong Square be named for the Rugby Championship. Now, 488 00:26:12,533 --> 00:26:14,373 Speaker 2: there's been a few commings and goings in terms of 489 00:26:14,453 --> 00:26:17,173 Speaker 2: injuries into that all back squad over the course of 490 00:26:17,373 --> 00:26:20,813 Speaker 2: the last three weeks, with players injured and moving in 491 00:26:21,053 --> 00:26:23,133 Speaker 2: and out. But where do you see the Rugby Championship 492 00:26:23,173 --> 00:26:26,213 Speaker 2: squad going to and what are the fixes that needed 493 00:26:26,933 --> 00:26:27,973 Speaker 2: by Scott Robinson and co. 494 00:26:29,893 --> 00:26:33,813 Speaker 3: It's very much injury to excuse me, injury dependent, isn't it? 495 00:26:35,933 --> 00:26:39,213 Speaker 3: If we run through them. Boden Barrett fractured to the 496 00:26:39,253 --> 00:26:41,733 Speaker 3: same hand that he did for the Blues and Super 497 00:26:41,773 --> 00:26:45,453 Speaker 3: Rugby that sidelined him for a month. So all expectations 498 00:26:45,493 --> 00:26:47,693 Speaker 3: are he will be on the plane to Argentina and 499 00:26:48,333 --> 00:26:50,733 Speaker 3: should be available for that first test. That's why they 500 00:26:50,853 --> 00:26:54,093 Speaker 3: pulled on from the bench. In Hamilton, people were not 501 00:26:54,253 --> 00:26:58,133 Speaker 3: so sure about Mighty Williams Wallace A teas sounds like 502 00:26:58,173 --> 00:27:01,013 Speaker 3: he's on track, but don't know when he'll be in 503 00:27:01,093 --> 00:27:04,133 Speaker 3: that Rugby Championship squad when he's available. Not too sure, 504 00:27:04,293 --> 00:27:07,653 Speaker 3: same with us are for armor. Peter Luckey is coming 505 00:27:07,693 --> 00:27:11,253 Speaker 3: back from injury. Caleb Clark sideline for up to two 506 00:27:11,333 --> 00:27:18,453 Speaker 3: months waiting one updates from Noah Hotham and Tyro Lomax. 507 00:27:18,613 --> 00:27:22,973 Speaker 3: Lomax needs an X ray on his thumb, so some 508 00:27:23,173 --> 00:27:26,013 Speaker 3: big ins and outs there. Scott Barrett's coming back will 509 00:27:26,053 --> 00:27:28,813 Speaker 3: be available for Argentina. What we do know is the 510 00:27:28,813 --> 00:27:32,413 Speaker 3: Eel Blacks will need at least another winger because Caleb 511 00:27:32,493 --> 00:27:35,053 Speaker 3: Clark won't be there and they were extremely light and 512 00:27:35,213 --> 00:27:39,213 Speaker 3: found wanting exposed with their squad selection I think, and 513 00:27:39,293 --> 00:27:41,933 Speaker 3: the nature of it by going to light in the wingers, 514 00:27:42,293 --> 00:27:46,373 Speaker 3: too light with the loose forwards and carrying too many midfielders. 515 00:27:46,453 --> 00:27:51,093 Speaker 3: So you're looking at guys like Ammonia and Nadawa potentially 516 00:27:51,133 --> 00:27:53,813 Speaker 3: coming into that squad. But the All Blacks didn't have 517 00:27:53,813 --> 00:27:55,533 Speaker 3: a lot of faith in him, did They only really 518 00:27:55,573 --> 00:27:58,133 Speaker 3: played him when they had to, and Wellington then went 519 00:27:58,133 --> 00:28:02,213 Speaker 3: away from him. So do they look outside the squad 520 00:28:02,213 --> 00:28:04,853 Speaker 3: at a Leroy Carter or a Schaffee Harckey perhaps yep, 521 00:28:06,013 --> 00:28:11,093 Speaker 3: And then I think you Luke Jacobson is another one. 522 00:28:11,253 --> 00:28:13,573 Speaker 3: You wouldn't think it's a major long term injury, but 523 00:28:13,933 --> 00:28:18,653 Speaker 3: I think you need additional loose forwards and outside backs. 524 00:28:19,693 --> 00:28:23,573 Speaker 2: Yep. Simon Parker is a question mark for me if 525 00:28:23,613 --> 00:28:27,253 Speaker 2: he's fit now. He was out through injury, wasn't considered 526 00:28:27,333 --> 00:28:29,973 Speaker 2: through injury. He's the kind of body that we talked 527 00:28:29,973 --> 00:28:31,453 Speaker 2: about a bit earlier on that the All Blacks may 528 00:28:31,493 --> 00:28:33,253 Speaker 2: be lacking size, or at least that's what some of 529 00:28:33,293 --> 00:28:35,733 Speaker 2: the fans on your herol Q and A was sugescing size. 530 00:28:36,133 --> 00:28:38,813 Speaker 2: I agree, and Simon Parker is that bigger body that 531 00:28:38,893 --> 00:28:41,133 Speaker 2: maybe the All Blacks do need in their pack or 532 00:28:41,733 --> 00:28:45,613 Speaker 2: is worthy of having a look at for the Rugby Championship. 533 00:28:45,973 --> 00:28:48,013 Speaker 2: Ethan Blackett it could be another one that comes back 534 00:28:48,093 --> 00:28:52,573 Speaker 2: in maybe, although they moved away from him a little bit. 535 00:28:52,813 --> 00:28:55,653 Speaker 2: Peter Lukeye if he's fit, so there's a few interesting 536 00:28:55,773 --> 00:28:59,613 Speaker 2: questions there. If No Hotham isn't available, who is jumping 537 00:28:59,653 --> 00:29:02,173 Speaker 2: on the plane as the third half pack we touched on. 538 00:29:02,413 --> 00:29:07,653 Speaker 2: I guess depth at first five and hooker and wing 539 00:29:07,853 --> 00:29:12,493 Speaker 2: is a real touch point. But that's another one, isn't it. 540 00:29:12,773 --> 00:29:16,573 Speaker 3: You're looking you're reaching towards guys like from La Christy 541 00:29:16,693 --> 00:29:24,413 Speaker 3: probably because unless you're going to promote Kyle Preston, who 542 00:29:24,533 --> 00:29:26,813 Speaker 3: does bring a point of difference and that he kicks 543 00:29:26,853 --> 00:29:30,213 Speaker 3: off both feet and played very well when he did 544 00:29:30,253 --> 00:29:33,893 Speaker 3: play for the Crusaders this year. But I just feel 545 00:29:33,933 --> 00:29:36,453 Speaker 3: like the All Blacks are probably reluctant to bring in 546 00:29:36,533 --> 00:29:39,413 Speaker 3: another rookie at half back, and they will probably like 547 00:29:39,533 --> 00:29:42,733 Speaker 3: the idea like they did last year, of having a 548 00:29:42,813 --> 00:29:46,093 Speaker 3: more experienced type figure. That's why they selected t. J. 549 00:29:46,213 --> 00:29:51,173 Speaker 3: Petnara from La Christy has been there. I would go Preston, 550 00:29:51,733 --> 00:29:54,733 Speaker 3: but I think they will lean towards a Christie type character. 551 00:29:55,093 --> 00:29:56,973 Speaker 2: They kind of know what they're getting from Christy, and 552 00:29:57,253 --> 00:30:00,653 Speaker 2: if you're talking about this four four four concept, then 553 00:30:01,733 --> 00:30:04,853 Speaker 2: to me, developing another player that could be there in 554 00:30:04,933 --> 00:30:09,293 Speaker 2: twenty seven is probably the more logical option for me. 555 00:30:09,893 --> 00:30:12,013 Speaker 2: I get why they would go back to Christy, but 556 00:30:12,133 --> 00:30:14,693 Speaker 2: I'll be looking similar to you at Kyle Preston or 557 00:30:15,053 --> 00:30:16,853 Speaker 2: potentially told for Funachi. 558 00:30:17,733 --> 00:30:20,773 Speaker 3: Was another one, yeah, of all the players in that 559 00:30:21,253 --> 00:30:23,533 Speaker 3: ends that game, I thought he actually had quite a 560 00:30:23,653 --> 00:30:25,853 Speaker 3: lively impact and he brings a point of difference of 561 00:30:25,973 --> 00:30:28,693 Speaker 3: his sniping is passing around the fringes. But he just 562 00:30:28,773 --> 00:30:30,853 Speaker 3: hasn't been on the radar at all under Robertson, and 563 00:30:30,893 --> 00:30:33,893 Speaker 3: he hasn't kicked on from where he was three years ago. 564 00:30:33,973 --> 00:30:37,613 Speaker 3: I mean he's eligible for Tonga later this year. That's 565 00:30:37,613 --> 00:30:39,613 Speaker 3: how long his gap between international appearance has been. It 566 00:30:39,653 --> 00:30:42,373 Speaker 3: felt luck he was really coming up in that twenty 567 00:30:42,413 --> 00:30:46,973 Speaker 3: two season and his plateau big time. And whether they 568 00:30:47,093 --> 00:30:48,773 Speaker 3: go back to the world there is an interesting question, 569 00:30:49,173 --> 00:30:51,893 Speaker 3: as you say, Bigg's port of a difference, but I'm 570 00:30:51,933 --> 00:30:53,533 Speaker 3: not sure whether that's what the All Blacks are after 571 00:30:54,213 --> 00:30:56,893 Speaker 3: Les defining and Looki's another one. He's back home. He 572 00:30:57,893 --> 00:31:01,093 Speaker 3: will play for Tasman in the NPC, and there was 573 00:31:01,093 --> 00:31:04,333 Speaker 3: a story from Paul Cully in the Post a few 574 00:31:04,413 --> 00:31:07,813 Speaker 3: weeks maybe even a month back, that suggested that he 575 00:31:07,933 --> 00:31:12,093 Speaker 3: will not actually be available or selected until the Northern Tour, 576 00:31:12,733 --> 00:31:15,133 Speaker 3: So that kind of makes sense and that he I 577 00:31:15,253 --> 00:31:18,493 Speaker 3: do like players having to come back and play in 578 00:31:18,533 --> 00:31:20,573 Speaker 3: New Zealand rather than walk straight back into the All 579 00:31:20,613 --> 00:31:23,453 Speaker 3: Black team. But you do wonder if it was a 580 00:31:23,573 --> 00:31:25,213 Speaker 3: Richie Mulong or whether he'd be made to do that. 581 00:31:25,653 --> 00:31:30,613 Speaker 2: I suspect fining a look who probably wan Look. We 582 00:31:30,773 --> 00:31:33,173 Speaker 2: talked about him and some of the question marks at center. 583 00:31:33,213 --> 00:31:35,013 Speaker 2: He's played a lot of center for Toulon in the 584 00:31:35,253 --> 00:31:38,013 Speaker 2: last couple of years. Maybe he is a long too 585 00:31:38,053 --> 00:31:39,933 Speaker 2: answer at center, but the All Black also have problems 586 00:31:39,933 --> 00:31:41,973 Speaker 2: on the wings at the moment, so I mean he 587 00:31:42,013 --> 00:31:44,373 Speaker 2: can play multiple positions. That's one of the very, very 588 00:31:44,413 --> 00:31:47,253 Speaker 2: good things about him. So it wouldn't surprise me if 589 00:31:47,293 --> 00:31:49,373 Speaker 2: he's back and soon that rather than later, especially with 590 00:31:49,413 --> 00:31:51,573 Speaker 2: the injuries to Caleb Clark, they could massage it a 591 00:31:51,573 --> 00:31:53,133 Speaker 2: little bit. Go oh, you played, you won two games 592 00:31:53,173 --> 00:31:54,133 Speaker 2: of Tasman, come back in. 593 00:31:54,533 --> 00:31:57,453 Speaker 3: Yeah. I think if they got another injury, it would 594 00:31:57,493 --> 00:32:01,013 Speaker 3: not be surprised to see him fast checked. For me, 595 00:32:01,133 --> 00:32:02,693 Speaker 3: I don't know if he is a long term answer 596 00:32:02,693 --> 00:32:04,973 Speaker 3: at center, while he did play a lot there for Toulon, 597 00:32:05,053 --> 00:32:08,853 Speaker 3: because as I mentioned before, that just that complimentary combination 598 00:32:09,013 --> 00:32:11,853 Speaker 3: that you ideally like in the midfield. And I don't 599 00:32:11,893 --> 00:32:14,653 Speaker 3: know if Leicester is the guy that will be making 600 00:32:14,693 --> 00:32:18,293 Speaker 3: those outsides look good putting them away. But what an 601 00:32:18,333 --> 00:32:20,573 Speaker 3: asset potentially to have on the bench to bring on 602 00:32:20,733 --> 00:32:27,413 Speaker 3: late like he's he's a similar prototype to a degree 603 00:32:27,453 --> 00:32:30,413 Speaker 3: to a tother tough nahwa Isn't he a big body? Destructive? 604 00:32:30,933 --> 00:32:34,013 Speaker 3: Can play as you mentioned wing and center. Yeah, I 605 00:32:34,093 --> 00:32:37,933 Speaker 3: think he's a great asset and Razor does like big bodies, 606 00:32:38,013 --> 00:32:39,693 Speaker 3: whether it's on the wing or in the midfield. 607 00:32:40,333 --> 00:32:42,933 Speaker 2: Absolutely right, that'll do us the first half of Rugby Direct. 608 00:32:42,973 --> 00:32:45,773 Speaker 2: Back with our final four after the scurtsy of our 609 00:32:45,813 --> 00:32:47,133 Speaker 2: friends that Access solutions. 610 00:32:47,933 --> 00:32:52,013 Speaker 1: This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fans. 611 00:32:55,213 --> 00:32:59,773 Speaker 2: Every drive has sixty second, every tackle tackles get up again. 612 00:33:03,013 --> 00:33:04,893 Speaker 3: Afore after. It's Rugby Direct. 613 00:33:06,693 --> 00:33:10,293 Speaker 2: You're back with Rugby Direct. Time now for the final four. 614 00:33:10,573 --> 00:33:13,653 Speaker 2: And look, we've talked about it previously on the podcast, 615 00:33:13,733 --> 00:33:16,493 Speaker 2: but it's time to talk about R three sixty again. 616 00:33:18,693 --> 00:33:20,173 Speaker 2: Is this actually going to happen? There's a lot of 617 00:33:20,213 --> 00:33:23,133 Speaker 2: chatte last week that Roger to I Vasa Shek have 618 00:33:23,293 --> 00:33:26,253 Speaker 2: signed him, or at least have approached him and thrown 619 00:33:26,333 --> 00:33:31,333 Speaker 2: something at him in terms of an offer. Obviously, the 620 00:33:31,373 --> 00:33:34,573 Speaker 2: story's been out there. What's your take on this, limb. 621 00:33:36,173 --> 00:33:38,253 Speaker 3: I think it will happen. There does seem to be 622 00:33:39,253 --> 00:33:43,853 Speaker 3: growing momentum behind it, but I don't know if it's 623 00:33:43,893 --> 00:33:48,853 Speaker 3: a major threat. I think it's telling that they're targeting 624 00:33:48,973 --> 00:33:52,573 Speaker 3: league guys as their marquee signings and Roger to Varsa 625 00:33:52,653 --> 00:33:57,373 Speaker 3: Shek is likely to be. I think it's he's kind 626 00:33:57,373 --> 00:33:59,653 Speaker 3: of to the Warriors until the end of twenty twenty six. 627 00:34:01,773 --> 00:34:04,133 Speaker 3: He Yeah, he made the All Blacks, but he wasn't 628 00:34:04,173 --> 00:34:07,293 Speaker 3: a raving success story in rugby union, and I think 629 00:34:07,373 --> 00:34:09,293 Speaker 3: that's the type of guy that they're going to be targeting, 630 00:34:09,373 --> 00:34:12,453 Speaker 3: because any player that goes to R three sixty should 631 00:34:12,453 --> 00:34:13,853 Speaker 3: it get off the ground is not going to be 632 00:34:13,853 --> 00:34:16,813 Speaker 3: able to play Test rugby at this stage, So that 633 00:34:16,973 --> 00:34:20,093 Speaker 3: rules out all the best players in the world. You 634 00:34:20,213 --> 00:34:22,173 Speaker 3: may get someone towards the end of their career go 635 00:34:22,293 --> 00:34:25,613 Speaker 3: and cash out, or somebody on the fringe of Test rugby, 636 00:34:26,453 --> 00:34:31,693 Speaker 3: maybe Hoskins Tutu type character that you can sell to 637 00:34:31,813 --> 00:34:36,373 Speaker 3: the masses. But yeah, just the concept of forming franchises 638 00:34:36,493 --> 00:34:40,053 Speaker 3: and traveling around the world, I do see it struggling 639 00:34:40,133 --> 00:34:42,653 Speaker 3: to get off the ground. So for me, it's not 640 00:34:42,733 --> 00:34:44,973 Speaker 3: a surprise that that's starting to target league guys, and 641 00:34:45,053 --> 00:34:47,533 Speaker 3: that's where a lot of the nervousness is coming from. 642 00:34:47,653 --> 00:34:52,413 Speaker 3: Rugby League. Doesn't seem like the established Test Nations and 643 00:34:52,493 --> 00:34:55,893 Speaker 3: Rugby are really looking over their shoulder at this at 644 00:34:55,933 --> 00:34:56,413 Speaker 3: the stage. 645 00:34:56,533 --> 00:34:58,333 Speaker 2: No, it doesn't, and it feels like rugby league a 646 00:34:58,373 --> 00:35:01,653 Speaker 2: panicing a little bit because they don't really have an 647 00:35:01,693 --> 00:35:04,253 Speaker 2: equivalent of this. You know, Rugby and New Zealand has 648 00:35:04,333 --> 00:35:08,173 Speaker 2: had to deal with France and Japan in recent years, 649 00:35:08,693 --> 00:35:10,813 Speaker 2: you know, putting big money in front of a lot 650 00:35:10,853 --> 00:35:13,933 Speaker 2: of players in rugby league. Now the Super League is 651 00:35:13,973 --> 00:35:17,053 Speaker 2: a two bit competition that basically isn't what it was 652 00:35:17,173 --> 00:35:19,893 Speaker 2: twenty thirty years ago where players would go over and 653 00:35:20,013 --> 00:35:22,453 Speaker 2: be given big money. There's just not enough money in 654 00:35:22,533 --> 00:35:25,093 Speaker 2: that competition now, all behind rugby league in England or 655 00:35:25,093 --> 00:35:27,053 Speaker 2: the UKs to do that. This players at the end 656 00:35:27,053 --> 00:35:29,853 Speaker 2: their career might still go but it's very much not 657 00:35:29,933 --> 00:35:31,613 Speaker 2: what it was in terms of some of those players 658 00:35:31,653 --> 00:35:34,653 Speaker 2: going over. So the Narrael hasn't had to deal with it. 659 00:35:34,733 --> 00:35:37,493 Speaker 2: They seem like they're a bit panicky over it. But look, 660 00:35:37,573 --> 00:35:39,933 Speaker 2: if you are three sixty and your marquee signing at 661 00:35:39,973 --> 00:35:42,413 Speaker 2: this point is robbed the Twi Vasishek playing union where 662 00:35:42,453 --> 00:35:44,973 Speaker 2: we saw that two or three years ago and didn't work. 663 00:35:45,173 --> 00:35:48,533 Speaker 2: So I'm not sure where the interest levels will come from, 664 00:35:48,893 --> 00:35:51,053 Speaker 2: where the money's coming from. Obviously a lot of talk 665 00:35:51,093 --> 00:35:54,453 Speaker 2: about the Saudis, but they haven't officially confirmed that they're involved. 666 00:35:56,013 --> 00:35:58,333 Speaker 2: Not sure I'd trust something that was involved like Tindall 667 00:35:58,333 --> 00:36:02,133 Speaker 2: as far as I could throw it. That's yeah, all 668 00:36:02,213 --> 00:36:03,333 Speaker 2: of it feels rather off to me. 669 00:36:04,093 --> 00:36:06,413 Speaker 3: Yeah, there's not a lot of substance there at this point. 670 00:36:06,493 --> 00:36:11,373 Speaker 3: But look, if the substance comes in terms of the 671 00:36:11,453 --> 00:36:14,893 Speaker 3: one million dollar offer that they're talking about for Roger 672 00:36:14,933 --> 00:36:17,573 Speaker 3: to of Arsisk, if those sort of offers are on 673 00:36:17,653 --> 00:36:22,333 Speaker 3: the table for more players, it could potentially hurt competitions 674 00:36:22,453 --> 00:36:28,013 Speaker 3: like Super Rugby and not maybe the top fourteen or 675 00:36:29,333 --> 00:36:32,133 Speaker 3: you know, the English Premiership. That's where it could have 676 00:36:32,253 --> 00:36:36,053 Speaker 3: an impact if those sort of offers are consistent. But 677 00:36:36,213 --> 00:36:40,173 Speaker 3: there's still major question marks about the substance behind this. 678 00:36:40,413 --> 00:36:43,293 Speaker 2: The one area where it could have an effect in 679 00:36:43,413 --> 00:36:46,773 Speaker 2: a good way, I think if there is some Saudi 680 00:36:46,853 --> 00:36:53,133 Speaker 2: influence here and they're looking to provide a product that 681 00:36:53,293 --> 00:36:55,613 Speaker 2: is entertaining in terms of R three sixty is putting 682 00:36:55,613 --> 00:36:58,813 Speaker 2: a little bit pressure on world rugby around some of 683 00:36:58,853 --> 00:37:01,413 Speaker 2: the rules in the sport and cleaning up some of that. 684 00:37:01,613 --> 00:37:03,133 Speaker 2: And if they're going to go, we're going to be 685 00:37:03,973 --> 00:37:06,173 Speaker 2: we're going to make tries seven points, We're going to 686 00:37:06,173 --> 00:37:10,133 Speaker 2: promote attacking rugby we're going to minimize the stoppages. You 687 00:37:10,213 --> 00:37:13,693 Speaker 2: can't take shots. Whatever it might be that could drive change. 688 00:37:13,733 --> 00:37:15,893 Speaker 2: Now some of it might seem gimmicky, but if they're 689 00:37:15,893 --> 00:37:18,373 Speaker 2: willing to drive, because their focus will be entertainment product. 690 00:37:18,413 --> 00:37:20,693 Speaker 2: Now they've got the sad he's got to live and 691 00:37:21,493 --> 00:37:24,133 Speaker 2: none watchers live. It's two men their dog watching it 692 00:37:24,213 --> 00:37:26,653 Speaker 2: on TV. They get crowds at the courses occasionally, but 693 00:37:26,693 --> 00:37:29,573 Speaker 2: their focus is on the entertainment product from the start 694 00:37:29,653 --> 00:37:32,413 Speaker 2: to the finish. You can't tell me that test rapy 695 00:37:32,453 --> 00:37:33,813 Speaker 2: in the way that is being played at the moment 696 00:37:33,933 --> 00:37:38,213 Speaker 2: is promoting an attacking product versus a law guided product. 697 00:37:38,293 --> 00:37:40,853 Speaker 2: So that's where maybe they might be able to cut 698 00:37:40,893 --> 00:37:42,493 Speaker 2: through some of the bullshit that's currently going on in 699 00:37:42,533 --> 00:37:43,613 Speaker 2: World and Wild Rugby. 700 00:37:43,773 --> 00:37:47,733 Speaker 3: That's right saying hey, this is you know, if the 701 00:37:47,773 --> 00:37:51,013 Speaker 3: fans start agitating for a change that they've seen somewhere else, 702 00:37:51,213 --> 00:37:54,093 Speaker 3: well it's going to be pretty hard to dismiss that. 703 00:37:54,253 --> 00:37:57,053 Speaker 3: And there's a similar sort of concept brewing around the 704 00:37:57,133 --> 00:38:01,293 Speaker 3: Sevens and franchise Sevens and what they are actually looking 705 00:38:01,333 --> 00:38:04,093 Speaker 3: at compared to what's been done globally for years in 706 00:38:04,213 --> 00:38:06,733 Speaker 3: terms of a three day event they're talking about staging 707 00:38:06,773 --> 00:38:09,933 Speaker 3: it all on one day, having straight knockouts from the 708 00:38:09,973 --> 00:38:13,373 Speaker 3: outset different sort of rules around it as well. So 709 00:38:13,973 --> 00:38:16,933 Speaker 3: from a as you say it like an agitation perspective 710 00:38:16,973 --> 00:38:21,813 Speaker 3: to drive meaningful change. From as a better product, it 711 00:38:21,893 --> 00:38:24,253 Speaker 3: could have a place, but who knows whether it actually 712 00:38:24,253 --> 00:38:24,933 Speaker 3: gets off the ground. 713 00:38:24,973 --> 00:38:27,133 Speaker 2: We shall see topic number two of the Fist Lions 714 00:38:27,213 --> 00:38:30,893 Speaker 2: test in the books, and that was comfortably won by 715 00:38:30,933 --> 00:38:33,293 Speaker 2: the Lions. Maybe not on the school board, but certainly 716 00:38:33,973 --> 00:38:36,253 Speaker 2: in terms of the way they went about their business, 717 00:38:36,293 --> 00:38:38,053 Speaker 2: maybe apart from the last twenty twenty five minutes when 718 00:38:38,053 --> 00:38:43,373 Speaker 2: it got a bit hairy. I questioned last week whether 719 00:38:43,413 --> 00:38:45,613 Speaker 2: this was the worst lines to ever. Still haven't seen 720 00:38:45,653 --> 00:38:48,973 Speaker 2: evidence against that. There's the Pacivica Island team playing the 721 00:38:49,053 --> 00:38:52,693 Speaker 2: lines tonight, but pretty much got what we expected on 722 00:38:52,773 --> 00:38:54,853 Speaker 2: Saturday night. The lines are too good. The world has 723 00:38:54,853 --> 00:38:56,253 Speaker 2: been good enough. Yours please. 724 00:38:56,573 --> 00:39:01,413 Speaker 3: In basically every aspect wasn't it physicality at the breakdown, 725 00:39:02,213 --> 00:39:07,813 Speaker 3: pace ball skills, The lines were up something like twenty 726 00:39:07,893 --> 00:39:11,573 Speaker 3: four and the game's done. The Wallabies come back and 727 00:39:11,653 --> 00:39:14,653 Speaker 3: score a couple of late tries to put some respectability 728 00:39:14,693 --> 00:39:18,093 Speaker 3: in the scoreboard, but it wasn't really a contest, and 729 00:39:18,933 --> 00:39:22,253 Speaker 3: that's the first test. I'd expect the Lions to get better. 730 00:39:23,133 --> 00:39:25,253 Speaker 3: I'd be making some changes for the Wallaby straight off 731 00:39:25,293 --> 00:39:28,573 Speaker 3: the bat. Angus Bell, Tate McDermott Andrew Callaway, I think 732 00:39:28,973 --> 00:39:32,413 Speaker 3: I'd all be bringing them in to start. But it 733 00:39:32,533 --> 00:39:35,653 Speaker 3: really was a lightweight Wallaby's team on paper. Saw that 734 00:39:36,413 --> 00:39:38,453 Speaker 3: in the lead up to that game and just didn't 735 00:39:38,493 --> 00:39:40,493 Speaker 3: give them a show of winning that test based on 736 00:39:40,573 --> 00:39:43,693 Speaker 3: who was on paper. No Rob Valentini, no will skelt him. 737 00:39:43,973 --> 00:39:48,013 Speaker 3: A real lack of size in that pack, and it's 738 00:39:48,173 --> 00:39:52,293 Speaker 3: just really hard to see where the Wallabies can better 739 00:39:52,613 --> 00:39:53,333 Speaker 3: that Lion's team. 740 00:39:53,493 --> 00:39:55,333 Speaker 2: Nick Champions de Crapp and I thought was actually pretty 741 00:39:55,373 --> 00:39:58,893 Speaker 2: handy at blindside, but it didn't miss Valentini. To be honest, 742 00:39:59,253 --> 00:40:02,293 Speaker 2: I'm putting James o connor in at ten this week. 743 00:40:02,453 --> 00:40:04,813 Speaker 2: There's a must win for Joe Schmidt. You've got to 744 00:40:04,973 --> 00:40:07,453 Speaker 2: throw all those players you mentioned in there your hope 745 00:40:07,493 --> 00:40:09,093 Speaker 2: like hell, that Rob val team, he's ready to go, 746 00:40:09,253 --> 00:40:11,373 Speaker 2: and I'm putting James O'Connor in a ten. You can't 747 00:40:11,493 --> 00:40:14,853 Speaker 2: you go and develop Ben Donaldson or Tomliner or whoever 748 00:40:14,933 --> 00:40:16,893 Speaker 2: it is. James O'Connor has been there and done that 749 00:40:16,933 --> 00:40:20,573 Speaker 2: at Tesla before. I'm going to Connor this week at ten. 750 00:40:21,533 --> 00:40:25,093 Speaker 3: I don't mind that British Norrish Lions series is not 751 00:40:25,293 --> 00:40:28,373 Speaker 3: a time to throw in a rookie ten. And yeah, 752 00:40:28,653 --> 00:40:33,373 Speaker 3: Australia don't have great options there and I've been hurt 753 00:40:33,413 --> 00:40:36,453 Speaker 3: by injuries and had to change their plans, but it 754 00:40:36,693 --> 00:40:41,373 Speaker 3: was very evident that that was you know, Tomliner's introduction 755 00:40:41,493 --> 00:40:44,613 Speaker 3: to Test rugby did some good things, but he looked 756 00:40:44,933 --> 00:40:48,373 Speaker 3: rattled at times as well, and it's such a pivotal position. 757 00:40:48,613 --> 00:40:54,053 Speaker 3: So yeah, I think everyone probably the longer this tour 758 00:40:54,173 --> 00:40:58,533 Speaker 3: went on, the more everyone's expected three nil and I 759 00:40:58,613 --> 00:41:01,573 Speaker 3: think the more interest is going to be sucked out 760 00:41:01,613 --> 00:41:04,933 Speaker 3: of it unless the Wallabies can pull a massive upset 761 00:41:04,973 --> 00:41:06,493 Speaker 3: off this week top. 762 00:41:06,333 --> 00:41:08,813 Speaker 2: Of number three Johnny Gibbs, then you Chiefs coach. This 763 00:41:08,893 --> 00:41:11,733 Speaker 2: is from a no surprise file. Everyone expected it from 764 00:41:11,733 --> 00:41:13,853 Speaker 2: the moment Claim Willan was announced that he's going to Munster. 765 00:41:15,253 --> 00:41:17,173 Speaker 2: A good appointment I think for the Chiefs. Bit of 766 00:41:17,213 --> 00:41:22,133 Speaker 2: continuity reigns to be seen whether they can get away 767 00:41:22,133 --> 00:41:24,653 Speaker 2: from that bride'smaid tag that has followed them around for 768 00:41:24,693 --> 00:41:26,653 Speaker 2: a few seasons. Now maybe Gibbs is the kind of 769 00:41:26,693 --> 00:41:28,293 Speaker 2: coach that can push and beyond. 770 00:41:28,133 --> 00:41:31,573 Speaker 3: That, Yeah, potentially. I think Jerry's probably out on Johno 771 00:41:31,653 --> 00:41:34,933 Speaker 3: as a head coach. He's been very good when he's 772 00:41:35,013 --> 00:41:39,453 Speaker 3: been Ford's coaches, but he was which is not uncommon. 773 00:41:39,773 --> 00:41:42,813 Speaker 3: Sent packing from his last gig in France. It's pretty 774 00:41:42,893 --> 00:41:48,933 Speaker 3: ruthless industry up there, with their club owners demanding certain things. 775 00:41:48,973 --> 00:41:50,773 Speaker 3: If they don't get them, they'll they'll pull the trigger. 776 00:41:51,373 --> 00:41:53,333 Speaker 3: So I think it will be a challenge for him 777 00:41:53,373 --> 00:41:57,973 Speaker 3: stepping up from assistant to head coach. And the Chiefs, 778 00:41:58,893 --> 00:42:01,333 Speaker 3: while for a lack of titles, have been very good 779 00:42:02,133 --> 00:42:06,253 Speaker 3: in their consistency. So a big challenge for him. But look, 780 00:42:06,333 --> 00:42:09,333 Speaker 3: that's squad, the rosters very stable. Will he had the 781 00:42:09,413 --> 00:42:13,733 Speaker 3: benefit of being there so continuity will help. And yeah, 782 00:42:13,813 --> 00:42:16,933 Speaker 3: interesting to see if he can get something more from them. 783 00:42:17,173 --> 00:42:19,533 Speaker 2: You've mentioned before, you know, the Crusaders not looking outside 784 00:42:19,573 --> 00:42:20,013 Speaker 2: their region. 785 00:42:21,853 --> 00:42:24,173 Speaker 3: Yeah, well the Chiefs if it doesn't go well, they 786 00:42:24,213 --> 00:42:26,053 Speaker 3: could be guilty of that as well. I don't know 787 00:42:26,253 --> 00:42:28,613 Speaker 3: did they advertise it. It doesn't really seem like they did. 788 00:42:28,693 --> 00:42:30,973 Speaker 2: I don't think they did. I might be wrong. Simon 789 00:42:31,013 --> 00:42:32,973 Speaker 2: Grafis is listening. You can correct us on that, but. 790 00:42:33,613 --> 00:42:37,613 Speaker 3: Yeah, they obviously identified very early that they had what 791 00:42:37,773 --> 00:42:41,813 Speaker 3: they felt to be strong internal candidates. I think Roger 792 00:42:41,893 --> 00:42:47,213 Speaker 3: Randall and who's the Canterbury Muddy Book. Yeah, he was 793 00:42:47,293 --> 00:42:50,013 Speaker 3: involved with the Chiefs, so I think they would have 794 00:42:50,373 --> 00:42:53,093 Speaker 3: interviewed or spoke to those and obviously gone with John O. 795 00:42:53,213 --> 00:42:57,853 Speaker 3: But yeah, I think in any job you should throw 796 00:42:57,893 --> 00:43:01,453 Speaker 3: it open and see who's out there. Wales have finally 797 00:43:01,533 --> 00:43:04,853 Speaker 3: made they're appointed their coach Steve Tandy with. 798 00:43:05,093 --> 00:43:07,373 Speaker 2: I thought he was there replaceable for a moment. Galls, 799 00:43:07,413 --> 00:43:08,973 Speaker 2: they're replaceable. Gatlin. 800 00:43:09,213 --> 00:43:10,493 Speaker 3: Have they pulled down the gate yet? 801 00:43:10,613 --> 00:43:12,773 Speaker 2: Oh well maybe you could pull it down when we 802 00:43:12,853 --> 00:43:17,173 Speaker 2: get there in November. We picture from the rugby direct fans. 803 00:43:17,013 --> 00:43:19,693 Speaker 3: But that's got to be the biggest job in world 804 00:43:19,773 --> 00:43:23,453 Speaker 3: sport almost, doesn't it? Turning around Wales that there's such 805 00:43:23,493 --> 00:43:25,053 Speaker 3: a dysfunctional. 806 00:43:25,853 --> 00:43:28,773 Speaker 2: Hey, Steve Tanny might have them humming by week four 807 00:43:28,853 --> 00:43:31,213 Speaker 2: of the Automnations Championship when the all blecks are off, 808 00:43:31,253 --> 00:43:32,653 Speaker 2: they might be world beaters. 809 00:43:32,853 --> 00:43:35,733 Speaker 3: Who knows, he's a proven defensive coach, but again, stick 810 00:43:35,773 --> 00:43:38,293 Speaker 3: it stepping up to test rugby in a head coaching 811 00:43:38,413 --> 00:43:41,573 Speaker 3: role in Wales. Yeah, good luck son all right. 812 00:43:41,653 --> 00:43:44,413 Speaker 2: Topic number four. The New Zealand under twenties lose to 813 00:43:44,533 --> 00:43:48,653 Speaker 2: South Africa in the World Championship final, first time they're 814 00:43:48,653 --> 00:43:51,013 Speaker 2: in the final. The New Zealand team since twenty seventeen 815 00:43:52,093 --> 00:43:56,373 Speaker 2: beaten by South Africa. Just you know, we're trouble by 816 00:43:56,453 --> 00:44:00,973 Speaker 2: red card in the first half and felt like they 817 00:44:01,013 --> 00:44:02,853 Speaker 2: were behind the eight ball a lot of that game. 818 00:44:04,053 --> 00:44:05,573 Speaker 2: What did you make of their campaign and what do 819 00:44:05,653 --> 00:44:06,053 Speaker 2: we take. 820 00:44:05,933 --> 00:44:10,373 Speaker 3: Out of it? I think it's a win. Anytime you 821 00:44:10,453 --> 00:44:12,373 Speaker 3: lose the final, you're going to be disappointed, aren't you 822 00:44:12,973 --> 00:44:15,973 Speaker 3: go there to claim a title. But it's been a 823 00:44:16,013 --> 00:44:21,293 Speaker 3: long time and I think it's a big improvement on 824 00:44:21,413 --> 00:44:24,373 Speaker 3: where this twenties team has been. And let's not forget 825 00:44:24,453 --> 00:44:29,493 Speaker 3: they had a changeing head coach a matter of months before, 826 00:44:30,493 --> 00:44:32,533 Speaker 3: weeks before going to this tournament, which could have been 827 00:44:32,613 --> 00:44:38,133 Speaker 3: hugely disruptive. But I think it's a good result. 828 00:44:38,733 --> 00:44:42,453 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think so. I think probably in some ways 829 00:44:42,533 --> 00:44:44,933 Speaker 2: too much waitings put on the under twenties and how 830 00:44:46,253 --> 00:44:48,653 Speaker 2: what the results are. I think it's more about pathways 831 00:44:48,693 --> 00:44:52,773 Speaker 2: and players. This is the only time that they'll play together, 832 00:44:52,893 --> 00:44:55,733 Speaker 2: you know, groups by age and so when you get 833 00:44:55,773 --> 00:44:58,533 Speaker 2: to senior level, you make the cut where you don't. 834 00:44:58,613 --> 00:45:00,493 Speaker 2: It's not a matter of how old you are, So 835 00:45:01,253 --> 00:45:03,133 Speaker 2: I think a little bit too much weightings given to that. 836 00:45:03,213 --> 00:45:05,613 Speaker 2: But what I did see was, you know, a lot 837 00:45:05,653 --> 00:45:08,053 Speaker 2: of systems that worked in terms of the way they played. 838 00:45:08,453 --> 00:45:11,733 Speaker 2: Beat the South African team in the Rugby Championship edition 839 00:45:11,933 --> 00:45:15,813 Speaker 2: of the under twenties a few months ago in South Africa. 840 00:45:15,973 --> 00:45:19,053 Speaker 2: So I think there's some positive signs. It's more about 841 00:45:19,053 --> 00:45:21,133 Speaker 2: the pathways than the players that are coming through, I think. 842 00:45:21,893 --> 00:45:23,933 Speaker 2: And there looks to be a promising group of players. 843 00:45:23,973 --> 00:45:26,973 Speaker 2: A couple of really promising young hookers Manamu let You 844 00:45:27,093 --> 00:45:28,693 Speaker 2: from the Crusader has already had a couple of games 845 00:45:28,733 --> 00:45:33,853 Speaker 2: the Crusaders eli Odin Ryan, Jill Pleger and a couple 846 00:45:33,853 --> 00:45:36,013 Speaker 2: of the locks look really good as well. So there's 847 00:45:36,053 --> 00:45:38,173 Speaker 2: some players there that are promising. A couple of outside 848 00:45:38,173 --> 00:45:38,533 Speaker 2: backs too. 849 00:45:38,973 --> 00:45:42,733 Speaker 3: Yeah, and shout out to Tane Harvey Fox and boy 850 00:45:43,213 --> 00:45:46,493 Speaker 3: who was on the bench for the final. He I'm 851 00:45:46,493 --> 00:45:48,613 Speaker 3: pretty sure he's playing for South on an NPC. He's 852 00:45:48,653 --> 00:45:52,093 Speaker 3: in the Highlanders system. So yeah, pretty amazing to see 853 00:45:52,173 --> 00:45:55,053 Speaker 3: a small town kid who captains Parmeerson North Boys high 854 00:45:55,093 --> 00:45:55,453 Speaker 3: in the mix. 855 00:45:56,373 --> 00:45:58,853 Speaker 2: They will he now replaced you as sort of you 856 00:45:58,893 --> 00:46:00,933 Speaker 2: know the Naper club rooms. We were replaced by him. 857 00:46:01,093 --> 00:46:01,813 Speaker 2: Well what's the go there? 858 00:46:02,213 --> 00:46:05,853 Speaker 3: Well down to Peking I've got you know, Doug Allen 859 00:46:06,013 --> 00:46:08,173 Speaker 3: was you know, multi sport champion and he was on 860 00:46:08,213 --> 00:46:11,053 Speaker 3: the boat for Team New Zealand. So you know, I'm 861 00:46:11,093 --> 00:46:12,413 Speaker 3: just on the bottom of the shoe mate. It can 862 00:46:12,493 --> 00:46:14,053 Speaker 3: be the Foxton's greatest hits. 863 00:46:14,493 --> 00:46:16,533 Speaker 2: All right, Well, there'll do us for Rguy rate for 864 00:46:16,653 --> 00:46:20,933 Speaker 2: another week. Thanks to Excess Solutions elevating you and your 865 00:46:20,973 --> 00:46:22,653 Speaker 2: business to a higher level, and thanks to Last and 866 00:46:22,693 --> 00:46:25,013 Speaker 2: Bars English for producing. Where We'll see you next time. 867 00:46:29,013 --> 00:46:31,573 Speaker 1: For more from News Talks ed B listen live on 868 00:46:31,733 --> 00:46:34,653 Speaker 1: air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever 869 00:46:34,733 --> 00:46:37,293 Speaker 1: you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.