1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:11,973 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B. 2 00:00:12,373 --> 00:00:16,173 Speaker 1: Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio. 3 00:00:17,573 --> 00:00:21,893 Speaker 1: Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct 4 00:00:22,093 --> 00:00:24,733 Speaker 1: with Elliott Smith, powered by News Talks EDB. 5 00:00:25,333 --> 00:00:27,693 Speaker 2: Welcome into Rugby Direct, power by Habit Heath, tackling all 6 00:00:27,693 --> 00:00:30,173 Speaker 2: your aches and pains from sport and work. There are 7 00:00:30,213 --> 00:00:32,093 Speaker 2: plenty of aches and pains if you're a Crusaders fan. 8 00:00:32,173 --> 00:00:34,853 Speaker 2: We will get to those in a moment. But first 9 00:00:34,893 --> 00:00:39,293 Speaker 2: and foremost, Liam Napier Elliot Smith with the podcast as always, Liam, 10 00:00:39,333 --> 00:00:40,213 Speaker 2: greetings to you. 11 00:00:40,973 --> 00:00:43,733 Speaker 3: Greeting's Elliott. Great to be here, isn't it. It's a fantastic, 12 00:00:44,613 --> 00:00:49,093 Speaker 3: beaming sunny day and the Canes are back and the 13 00:00:49,133 --> 00:00:49,933 Speaker 3: Crusaders are not. 14 00:00:50,173 --> 00:00:53,173 Speaker 2: The sun has not risen. I just want to clarify 15 00:00:53,253 --> 00:00:55,293 Speaker 2: that point. We'll get to that in the moment. First, 16 00:00:55,333 --> 00:00:57,453 Speaker 2: some news that's come out an hour or two before 17 00:00:57,453 --> 00:00:59,813 Speaker 2: we've recorded this podcast, Big news when us you on 18 00:00:59,853 --> 00:01:04,413 Speaker 2: Rugby Perspective. Liam Damien McKenzie resigns through until twenty twenty nine. 19 00:01:05,173 --> 00:01:08,533 Speaker 2: The announcement landing this morning. This was a for me, 20 00:01:08,573 --> 00:01:10,613 Speaker 2: at least a wee bit of a surprise I knew 21 00:01:10,613 --> 00:01:13,693 Speaker 2: he's a contract after this season, questions about whether he's 22 00:01:13,693 --> 00:01:16,733 Speaker 2: going to stay. He's already been to Japan on playing 23 00:01:16,733 --> 00:01:20,653 Speaker 2: sabbaticals before, but he's extended and he's extended long term 24 00:01:20,653 --> 00:01:24,013 Speaker 2: another four years with New Zealand Rugby. On the verge 25 00:01:24,013 --> 00:01:26,813 Speaker 2: of turning thirty and thinking about three weeks or thereabouts, 26 00:01:27,733 --> 00:01:29,213 Speaker 2: it's a hold for New Zealand Rugby. What a he 27 00:01:29,253 --> 00:01:29,733 Speaker 2: mak of the deal? 28 00:01:30,293 --> 00:01:33,133 Speaker 3: Yeah? Great piece of business, isn't it. We spoke to 29 00:01:34,453 --> 00:01:36,613 Speaker 3: Razor a few weeks back and put it to him 30 00:01:36,653 --> 00:01:39,333 Speaker 3: about the the fact that he was off contract and 31 00:01:39,613 --> 00:01:41,493 Speaker 3: they were clearly desperate to keep him, and like you, 32 00:01:42,093 --> 00:01:44,973 Speaker 3: I am surprised at the length of the deal. I 33 00:01:45,013 --> 00:01:48,653 Speaker 3: thought a bit of uncertainty around s Richem m Wonga 34 00:01:48,733 --> 00:01:51,853 Speaker 3: coming home where he sits in the pecking order. Last year, 35 00:01:51,893 --> 00:01:55,213 Speaker 3: had the first seven Tests and was sort of dropped 36 00:01:55,213 --> 00:01:58,933 Speaker 3: to the bench. Came back through injury with the Island 37 00:01:59,573 --> 00:02:02,413 Speaker 3: victory and played very well on that. I thought, if 38 00:02:02,453 --> 00:02:05,293 Speaker 3: he does resign, maybe through to the World Cup and 39 00:02:05,333 --> 00:02:08,013 Speaker 3: then look to reassess. But the fact that his long 40 00:02:08,093 --> 00:02:10,293 Speaker 3: term as a major win for Hiseana Rugby, I wouldn't 41 00:02:10,333 --> 00:02:13,933 Speaker 3: be surprised if there is another sabbatical clause within that contract. 42 00:02:14,973 --> 00:02:17,013 Speaker 3: Maybe claigt mcwellon looks to get him up to Munster 43 00:02:17,133 --> 00:02:20,933 Speaker 3: for a weastern or back to Japan, but to lock 44 00:02:21,053 --> 00:02:24,133 Speaker 3: in someone of McKenzie's talents, not just for the All 45 00:02:24,173 --> 00:02:28,653 Speaker 3: Blacks but the Chiefs is a huge one and he 46 00:02:29,773 --> 00:02:31,693 Speaker 3: is only going to get better at this stage of 47 00:02:31,733 --> 00:02:36,133 Speaker 3: his career, starting to mature. Such a versatile, brilliant player. 48 00:02:36,653 --> 00:02:38,573 Speaker 3: So yeah, great to seem stick around. 49 00:02:38,573 --> 00:02:40,213 Speaker 2: Well, I did hear from one of our researchers here 50 00:02:40,213 --> 00:02:43,453 Speaker 2: at Rugby, director Towers before we came into Rugby Studio 51 00:02:43,493 --> 00:02:46,533 Speaker 2: twenty twenty eight sabbatical for Damien McKenzie, So that's been 52 00:02:46,533 --> 00:02:49,693 Speaker 2: included there. But what it means is that he'll be 53 00:02:49,693 --> 00:02:51,973 Speaker 2: in New Zealand rugby with the Chiefs twenty six twenty 54 00:02:51,973 --> 00:02:54,733 Speaker 2: seven and building to that World Cup. And I think 55 00:02:54,733 --> 00:02:57,373 Speaker 2: it's a sign from him that he wants that ting Jers, 56 00:02:57,453 --> 00:02:59,213 Speaker 2: he wants to be part of the All Black squad 57 00:02:59,653 --> 00:03:03,173 Speaker 2: and perhaps last year had a little bit of a wobble, 58 00:03:03,173 --> 00:03:04,933 Speaker 2: but we still wouldn't come back to them, and really 59 00:03:05,093 --> 00:03:09,453 Speaker 2: I thought have an excellent interview tour and what I 60 00:03:09,493 --> 00:03:11,853 Speaker 2: think it shows is that he's you know, he wouldn't 61 00:03:11,893 --> 00:03:15,053 Speaker 2: be staying. I don't think if Scott Robinson didn't want 62 00:03:15,093 --> 00:03:16,853 Speaker 2: him to stay. And so I think he shows he's 63 00:03:16,853 --> 00:03:18,813 Speaker 2: a big part of those plans for the All Blacks 64 00:03:18,893 --> 00:03:20,093 Speaker 2: that built towards that World Cup. 65 00:03:20,493 --> 00:03:22,173 Speaker 3: Yeah, really put a stake in the ground, has an 66 00:03:22,213 --> 00:03:27,213 Speaker 3: around where he wants to be, his intentions, his aspirations, 67 00:03:27,693 --> 00:03:34,453 Speaker 3: and look, he's always been a talents from his time 68 00:03:34,733 --> 00:03:39,973 Speaker 3: in christ Church and you know he was always earmarked 69 00:03:40,213 --> 00:03:44,213 Speaker 3: as a future All Black first five. It's just finding 70 00:03:44,253 --> 00:03:47,653 Speaker 3: that game management consistency that was the big thing for 71 00:03:47,733 --> 00:03:50,013 Speaker 3: him last year and we saw it at times and 72 00:03:50,053 --> 00:03:52,853 Speaker 3: not at others, but that Island test is the real 73 00:03:52,893 --> 00:03:55,653 Speaker 3: benchmark that you want to see out of Damon McKenzie. 74 00:03:55,893 --> 00:03:59,693 Speaker 3: And it is an interesting scenario about how that plays out, 75 00:03:59,733 --> 00:04:01,773 Speaker 3: not just this year but in the years to come. 76 00:04:02,213 --> 00:04:05,213 Speaker 3: I saw an interview Richie Wongo over the weekend with 77 00:04:05,573 --> 00:04:09,453 Speaker 3: Sky and he's come out and see he definitively wants 78 00:04:09,493 --> 00:04:13,933 Speaker 3: to play in another World Cup. So all indications are 79 00:04:13,973 --> 00:04:16,013 Speaker 3: he will come home and play for the All Blacks. 80 00:04:16,333 --> 00:04:20,613 Speaker 3: So they're going to have Boden Barrett, Damian McKenzie Richie 81 00:04:20,653 --> 00:04:24,053 Speaker 3: Wanger all competing for that jersey. As you mentioned, McKenzie 82 00:04:24,093 --> 00:04:28,693 Speaker 3: will go offshore and maybe maybe the others will as well. 83 00:04:28,733 --> 00:04:32,253 Speaker 3: But great to have that depth, isn't it because I 84 00:04:32,293 --> 00:04:36,773 Speaker 3: think increasingly that ten jersey is so influential in terms 85 00:04:36,773 --> 00:04:39,133 Speaker 3: of the balance of the team, the direction of the team. 86 00:04:40,093 --> 00:04:42,653 Speaker 3: So yeah, a great one to keep him around. 87 00:04:42,733 --> 00:04:44,533 Speaker 2: You mentioned Richi and Wanger. That was my next question 88 00:04:44,613 --> 00:04:48,053 Speaker 2: because he's the I guess, the overarching figure in this 89 00:04:48,093 --> 00:04:51,453 Speaker 2: whole thing around his contract future. That's school at Sky interview. 90 00:04:53,093 --> 00:04:54,853 Speaker 2: You know, suggestions where it he's going to come back 91 00:04:54,853 --> 00:04:57,653 Speaker 2: a year earlier that couldn't be negotiated for for various reasons, 92 00:04:58,453 --> 00:05:00,133 Speaker 2: but it would be a surprise not to see him 93 00:05:00,173 --> 00:05:01,933 Speaker 2: back in the New Zealand rugby folds. So then you've 94 00:05:01,973 --> 00:05:06,173 Speaker 2: got you know, Boden Barrett and Damian McKenzie and then 95 00:05:06,213 --> 00:05:08,613 Speaker 2: in theory Richie Wong all signed through to beyond the 96 00:05:08,693 --> 00:05:09,333 Speaker 2: next World Cup. 97 00:05:10,453 --> 00:05:12,893 Speaker 3: Yeah, how do you fit them on all in the 98 00:05:12,933 --> 00:05:15,293 Speaker 3: same all black team? I guess you know, particularly with 99 00:05:15,373 --> 00:05:18,613 Speaker 3: Will Jordan playing so well, he's a lock at fullback. 100 00:05:18,973 --> 00:05:23,693 Speaker 3: The other options there, one of them are playing ten, 101 00:05:24,093 --> 00:05:26,693 Speaker 3: another one's on the bench. And one of them's not 102 00:05:26,733 --> 00:05:27,253 Speaker 3: in the squad. 103 00:05:27,773 --> 00:05:29,973 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's going to be fascinating to see how that 104 00:05:30,013 --> 00:05:31,053 Speaker 2: works out over the coming it. 105 00:05:31,133 --> 00:05:34,213 Speaker 3: I think it is also a reflection of McKenzie's holistic life. 106 00:05:34,413 --> 00:05:38,333 Speaker 3: He's pretty happy away from the field, reasonably new partner, 107 00:05:38,693 --> 00:05:42,693 Speaker 3: pretty well settled there and that makes a big difference 108 00:05:42,773 --> 00:05:45,973 Speaker 3: in terms of happy home life. You want to hang around, 109 00:05:46,213 --> 00:05:48,533 Speaker 3: and so that's another factor. 110 00:05:48,733 --> 00:05:51,413 Speaker 2: Indeed, looking forward to seeing how that unfolds the next week. 111 00:05:51,413 --> 00:05:56,253 Speaker 2: While let's get into Super Rugby Round seven and Saturday 112 00:05:56,333 --> 00:06:01,213 Speaker 2: nights more ONEA Pacifica forty five the Crusaders twenty nine. 113 00:06:01,493 --> 00:06:03,773 Speaker 2: This was a very good performance from one of Pacifica. 114 00:06:03,853 --> 00:06:05,333 Speaker 2: I've been paying the drum that if they play for 115 00:06:05,573 --> 00:06:07,493 Speaker 2: even close to eighty minutes they're going to be dangerous. 116 00:06:07,533 --> 00:06:10,453 Speaker 2: While they strung it together on Saturday night in christ Church, 117 00:06:10,533 --> 00:06:13,173 Speaker 2: thought they were excellent. They put a lot of pressure 118 00:06:13,173 --> 00:06:17,853 Speaker 2: on the Crusaders, made them force them into errors and 119 00:06:17,893 --> 00:06:19,333 Speaker 2: then just on with their own side of the ball. 120 00:06:19,533 --> 00:06:22,573 Speaker 2: Just we're confident with ball on hamdi Vias score early 121 00:06:22,773 --> 00:06:25,653 Speaker 2: a couple of really nice fifty twenty twos. But the man, 122 00:06:25,733 --> 00:06:27,733 Speaker 2: I think, I want to think the loudest, Patrick Palagrini, 123 00:06:27,773 --> 00:06:30,813 Speaker 2: he has been an absolute game changer since Mouana gave 124 00:06:30,853 --> 00:06:33,733 Speaker 2: him the nod to come off the bench against the Highlanders, 125 00:06:33,733 --> 00:06:35,813 Speaker 2: he began to turn that game around. They ran out 126 00:06:35,813 --> 00:06:37,653 Speaker 2: of time essentially in the end or the harmond is 127 00:06:37,693 --> 00:06:40,293 Speaker 2: held on, depending on your point of view. And since 128 00:06:40,333 --> 00:06:42,653 Speaker 2: then they've turned up for every performance. Hasn't been for 129 00:06:42,653 --> 00:06:44,413 Speaker 2: the full eighty minutes, but that was pretty close to 130 00:06:44,453 --> 00:06:46,493 Speaker 2: it on Saturday Night Big Time. 131 00:06:46,613 --> 00:06:53,293 Speaker 3: And you mentioned that consistency because we've seen not incremental improvements, 132 00:06:53,333 --> 00:06:56,333 Speaker 3: quite significant improvements from Mina this year, but it hasn't 133 00:06:56,333 --> 00:07:00,573 Speaker 3: been for that full eighty and that's been the r 134 00:07:00,613 --> 00:07:04,253 Speaker 3: kllies here. Even the week previous against the Chiefs were 135 00:07:04,293 --> 00:07:06,333 Speaker 3: blowing off the park in the first half and then 136 00:07:06,373 --> 00:07:09,253 Speaker 3: came back well in the second, so there was no 137 00:07:09,453 --> 00:07:14,133 Speaker 3: real indication that they had their ability to go down 138 00:07:14,253 --> 00:07:16,453 Speaker 3: and knock over a Crusaders team who did a number 139 00:07:16,493 --> 00:07:19,693 Speaker 3: on the Blues at Eden Park. That's why this result 140 00:07:19,893 --> 00:07:24,773 Speaker 3: was a massive upset. And you mentioned those performances there, 141 00:07:24,853 --> 00:07:30,133 Speaker 3: miracle fire, Lungy, and I think what surprised me about 142 00:07:30,173 --> 00:07:34,333 Speaker 3: Winer's performance has actually had real success against the Crusader's 143 00:07:34,333 --> 00:07:36,053 Speaker 3: full pack went through the middle. It scored a lot 144 00:07:36,093 --> 00:07:39,573 Speaker 3: of their points, breaking the Crusaders open around the fringes, 145 00:07:39,813 --> 00:07:43,573 Speaker 3: and that's been a strength of the Crusaders. On reflection, 146 00:07:43,813 --> 00:07:48,213 Speaker 3: maybe the Crusaders will regret resting guys like Sevia Reese Chalfoon, 147 00:07:48,213 --> 00:07:53,573 Speaker 3: who's been a big performance, Christian Leo Weady, to Kimita 148 00:07:53,693 --> 00:07:56,213 Speaker 3: maybe not to the same degree. Cody Taylor and to 149 00:07:56,293 --> 00:07:58,493 Speaker 3: Mighty Williams came off the bench. David Heavily was a 150 00:07:58,573 --> 00:08:02,853 Speaker 3: late withdrawal, So some big names there. Maybe they took 151 00:08:02,893 --> 00:08:05,453 Speaker 3: miner lightly a little bit. Maybe there's a bit of complacency, 152 00:08:05,893 --> 00:08:09,693 Speaker 3: but wine I fully deserved that victory. It's the biggest 153 00:08:09,733 --> 00:08:13,813 Speaker 3: win in their history, only their ninth win in forty 154 00:08:13,853 --> 00:08:17,493 Speaker 3: eight attempts, their third one over New Zealand opposition, and 155 00:08:17,573 --> 00:08:20,533 Speaker 3: their first twice bet in the Canes, and their first 156 00:08:20,573 --> 00:08:22,613 Speaker 3: win against New Zealand opposition away from home. 157 00:08:22,773 --> 00:08:24,893 Speaker 2: Yeah. Look, I thought it was an excellent performance from 158 00:08:24,933 --> 00:08:26,973 Speaker 2: one to PACIFICA. If we touched on the Crusaders, those 159 00:08:27,013 --> 00:08:29,373 Speaker 2: names you mentioned, they didn't help. They missed David harvillly 160 00:08:29,453 --> 00:08:32,653 Speaker 2: big time. I think the direction that he's had this 161 00:08:32,773 --> 00:08:34,813 Speaker 2: year He's been an excellent form for the Crusaders. Is 162 00:08:34,893 --> 00:08:40,093 Speaker 2: game management helping Takimita balance things out James Aconna's international 163 00:08:40,093 --> 00:08:42,133 Speaker 2: first five. But I think they just did miss the 164 00:08:42,173 --> 00:08:45,333 Speaker 2: direction that David Harvilli gets on the weekend. Levi Muer 165 00:08:45,533 --> 00:08:47,213 Speaker 2: I think touched the ball three times in the first 166 00:08:47,213 --> 00:08:51,653 Speaker 2: forty five minutes, making zero meters. They probably went a 167 00:08:51,693 --> 00:08:54,453 Speaker 2: little bit too wide too early the Crusaders when they 168 00:08:54,453 --> 00:08:58,413 Speaker 2: had the ball on attack and that led to errors 169 00:08:58,493 --> 00:09:00,253 Speaker 2: and then they just couldn't hold onto the ball. They 170 00:09:00,413 --> 00:09:02,693 Speaker 2: were building pression side. The twenty two then would become 171 00:09:02,733 --> 00:09:06,493 Speaker 2: a little bit lazy in terms of possision, and that 172 00:09:06,613 --> 00:09:09,893 Speaker 2: allowed wanted to turn things over. Think Solomon other Muddell's 173 00:09:10,613 --> 00:09:13,213 Speaker 2: fifty twenty two that came out of nowhere tuned the game, 174 00:09:13,253 --> 00:09:15,693 Speaker 2: and every time it felt like Crusaders were just inching 175 00:09:15,693 --> 00:09:19,213 Speaker 2: forward and getting some momentum, the Crusaders would make an 176 00:09:19,253 --> 00:09:21,733 Speaker 2: europe or Moan would get a turnover and get that 177 00:09:21,773 --> 00:09:24,813 Speaker 2: momentum back. So look, I think that's a win from 178 00:09:24,853 --> 00:09:27,613 Speaker 2: Moana Pacifica that puts the rest of the competition on notice. 179 00:09:27,853 --> 00:09:30,093 Speaker 2: Obviously a bit. The Hurricanes a few weeks ago went 180 00:09:30,093 --> 00:09:32,893 Speaker 2: backwards against the Chiefs apart from that second half performance, 181 00:09:32,933 --> 00:09:34,773 Speaker 2: but this is the kind of win that makes teams 182 00:09:34,813 --> 00:09:36,333 Speaker 2: sit up and take notice. 183 00:09:36,653 --> 00:09:40,613 Speaker 3: Yeah, and the kind of performance that solidifies a lot 184 00:09:40,653 --> 00:09:44,093 Speaker 3: of internal confidence because you need a result like that 185 00:09:44,853 --> 00:09:47,453 Speaker 3: to galvanize a team. They've had Artie Severe come along 186 00:09:47,533 --> 00:09:50,413 Speaker 3: and we've heard so much about his influence on and 187 00:09:50,453 --> 00:09:53,973 Speaker 3: off the fields. A much stronger coaching team with Tanumager 188 00:09:54,013 --> 00:09:58,613 Speaker 3: and Tom Coventry and Selelium Mapasua and others, and ask 189 00:09:58,853 --> 00:10:02,573 Speaker 3: here among that group Stephen Jones as well as he 190 00:10:02,613 --> 00:10:06,893 Speaker 3: still there. Yeah, so you know, it's a very much 191 00:10:06,973 --> 00:10:10,213 Speaker 3: improved coaching team. But a performance like that away from 192 00:10:10,213 --> 00:10:12,813 Speaker 3: home to go to christ Church is a difficult place 193 00:10:12,853 --> 00:10:16,453 Speaker 3: to win. So it could be the making of Moana. 194 00:10:16,533 --> 00:10:18,933 Speaker 3: And the Blues still have to play them. 195 00:10:18,773 --> 00:10:21,493 Speaker 2: Twice they do, and once at North Harbor, which is 196 00:10:21,493 --> 00:10:24,413 Speaker 2: becoming a home ground that their supporters are flopping to. 197 00:10:25,013 --> 00:10:30,173 Speaker 2: So that's going to be fascinating. Yeah, probably slightly regretting 198 00:10:30,213 --> 00:10:33,453 Speaker 2: the Type five piece of the Herald last week suggesting 199 00:10:33,493 --> 00:10:36,773 Speaker 2: that I might have been wrong to doubt Rob Penny. 200 00:10:36,933 --> 00:10:39,453 Speaker 2: Obviously it's only one week, but those signs of the 201 00:10:39,493 --> 00:10:42,733 Speaker 2: Crusaders last year crept back in on Saturday night. 202 00:10:43,213 --> 00:10:46,973 Speaker 3: They did, And it's funny how one result can change 203 00:10:47,013 --> 00:10:49,173 Speaker 3: the complexion of a season, because the Crusaders now have 204 00:10:49,213 --> 00:10:52,093 Speaker 3: to go to Fiji where the zero and two the 205 00:10:52,133 --> 00:10:55,293 Speaker 3: toughest road trip in Super rugby, and if they drop 206 00:10:55,373 --> 00:10:59,973 Speaker 3: that potentially then you're you know, yeah, the whole complexion 207 00:11:00,013 --> 00:11:01,853 Speaker 3: of your season looks a lot different. 208 00:11:02,133 --> 00:11:04,173 Speaker 2: Hurricanes, I think a week after that back in christ 209 00:11:04,253 --> 00:11:06,773 Speaker 2: Church might be in sky stating hurt either way. So yeah, 210 00:11:06,813 --> 00:11:08,573 Speaker 2: a tough couple of weeks coming up for the Krusian is. 211 00:11:08,653 --> 00:11:12,333 Speaker 2: Let's go to Friday Night Brumby's and Highlanders Brumby thirty four, 212 00:11:12,373 --> 00:11:16,293 Speaker 2: Highlanders twenty seven. The Rumby's just did a tad too good, 213 00:11:16,493 --> 00:11:19,293 Speaker 2: too good in the key moments against the Highlanders, who 214 00:11:19,293 --> 00:11:23,813 Speaker 2: pushed them for times in that game. But I think 215 00:11:23,813 --> 00:11:27,813 Speaker 2: they missed an Ethan de Groot figure. The Highlanders on 216 00:11:27,853 --> 00:11:30,853 Speaker 2: the weekend and Canberra is tough playce to go. The 217 00:11:30,853 --> 00:11:32,373 Speaker 2: Brumby's just a little bit too good. 218 00:11:33,293 --> 00:11:36,373 Speaker 3: Unfortunately, Hinds. It's a very similar theme. Could have would 219 00:11:36,373 --> 00:11:38,253 Speaker 3: have should have beaten the Hurricanes a couple of points 220 00:11:38,293 --> 00:11:42,333 Speaker 3: in that in Dunedin same against the Reds in Donedan 221 00:11:42,413 --> 00:11:45,373 Speaker 3: and then they were right in this game that they 222 00:11:45,373 --> 00:11:50,053 Speaker 3: probably should have been further behind at halftime. The Brumbies 223 00:11:50,053 --> 00:11:53,933 Speaker 3: dominated that first half and the Highland is real Achilles 224 00:11:53,973 --> 00:11:56,853 Speaker 3: Hill at the moment as the scrum it's costing them 225 00:11:56,893 --> 00:12:01,573 Speaker 3: a lot of points field position. Tane Robinson didn't have 226 00:12:01,613 --> 00:12:04,093 Speaker 3: a great night either, a couple of restarts went out 227 00:12:04,133 --> 00:12:05,973 Speaker 3: on the fall A wee bit better in the second half, 228 00:12:06,013 --> 00:12:08,613 Speaker 3: but I think it's probably time for a change there 229 00:12:08,653 --> 00:12:10,893 Speaker 3: for the Honders. And yeah, a bit of a strange 230 00:12:10,893 --> 00:12:13,253 Speaker 3: call to to rest Ethan the group when your scrum's 231 00:12:13,333 --> 00:12:14,133 Speaker 3: under massive pressure. 232 00:12:14,213 --> 00:12:17,293 Speaker 2: Not it's not on his side, no app pedies week before, 233 00:12:17,333 --> 00:12:19,813 Speaker 2: but I just think get back and all black like 234 00:12:19,893 --> 00:12:21,373 Speaker 2: him to get you out of trouble. 235 00:12:21,933 --> 00:12:24,773 Speaker 3: Yeah, and like I said, it's not on his side 236 00:12:24,773 --> 00:12:28,253 Speaker 3: of the scrum where the issues lie, but you'd have 237 00:12:28,293 --> 00:12:30,613 Speaker 3: to think he's going to make a difference. So an 238 00:12:30,653 --> 00:12:34,653 Speaker 3: odd call there from Jamie Joseph. And yeah, the Heighlanders 239 00:12:34,653 --> 00:12:38,653 Speaker 3: now go to Perth and it's must Wan territory for them. 240 00:12:39,493 --> 00:12:41,973 Speaker 3: I like elements of the Holanders game Sean with he's 241 00:12:41,973 --> 00:12:45,573 Speaker 3: playing really well Thomas and Munger Jensen has been a 242 00:12:45,613 --> 00:12:49,893 Speaker 3: big returnee for them in their mid midfield. But if 243 00:12:49,933 --> 00:12:53,013 Speaker 3: you if you have a de stable iver's platform like 244 00:12:53,093 --> 00:12:56,533 Speaker 3: your scrum, it is really difficult to remain competitive throughout 245 00:12:56,533 --> 00:12:56,893 Speaker 3: the match. 246 00:12:57,293 --> 00:12:59,693 Speaker 2: It's good you make the back line actually is maybe 247 00:12:59,773 --> 00:13:02,693 Speaker 2: Robinson as side, but the backs, the midfield and the 248 00:13:02,733 --> 00:13:04,333 Speaker 2: outside back's actually clicking quite nicely. 249 00:13:04,693 --> 00:13:10,013 Speaker 3: Calib tonguey tail another two tries brilliant individual brilliance and Joan. 250 00:13:09,853 --> 00:13:10,853 Speaker 2: And Artiki excellent. 251 00:13:11,693 --> 00:13:17,333 Speaker 3: He looks old, he's always injured, but yeah, he's incredibly 252 00:13:17,413 --> 00:13:19,453 Speaker 3: dangerous when he touched the book, touches the ball, makes 253 00:13:19,493 --> 00:13:23,853 Speaker 3: good decisions. So yeah that the back line Robinson A 254 00:13:23,933 --> 00:13:25,373 Speaker 3: side is performing well. 255 00:13:25,453 --> 00:13:28,013 Speaker 2: Yeah. Tough trip this week Friday night, the early game 256 00:13:28,053 --> 00:13:30,973 Speaker 2: the Hurricanes fifty seven Waratas twelve. I don't think anyone 257 00:13:31,053 --> 00:13:35,853 Speaker 2: expected the margin of this, but the Hurricanes were just outstanding. 258 00:13:35,973 --> 00:13:39,893 Speaker 2: I thought the warratar is extremely disappointing given the season 259 00:13:39,973 --> 00:13:42,773 Speaker 2: that they'd had to date. The only dropped the one 260 00:13:42,893 --> 00:13:45,373 Speaker 2: game heading into that week. Dad Joseph, of course will 261 00:13:45,413 --> 00:13:47,893 Speaker 2: let you come back into the mix. Expected them to 262 00:13:47,933 --> 00:13:49,813 Speaker 2: be a lot better. They weren't helped by a couple 263 00:13:49,853 --> 00:13:54,133 Speaker 2: of Hias and players going off, but Henders just ran 264 00:13:54,253 --> 00:13:56,693 Speaker 2: right over them. It was the Hurricanes rather ran right 265 00:13:56,693 --> 00:13:58,253 Speaker 2: over a very good performance from the Canes. 266 00:13:58,653 --> 00:14:01,293 Speaker 3: It was quite a statement performance, So hard to know 267 00:14:02,453 --> 00:14:05,133 Speaker 3: how much to take out of that, but a big 268 00:14:05,733 --> 00:14:08,093 Speaker 3: morale boosting victory for the Canes. You mentioned, I think 269 00:14:08,133 --> 00:14:11,693 Speaker 3: it was the whole back three for the Waratars disintegrated. 270 00:14:12,693 --> 00:14:16,813 Speaker 3: But look they still had a Warta Wallaby's laden forward pack, 271 00:14:17,373 --> 00:14:20,333 Speaker 3: some really big units there and the Canes did a 272 00:14:20,413 --> 00:14:24,053 Speaker 3: number on them up front. Bradon Yosse switched to blindside 273 00:14:24,133 --> 00:14:28,213 Speaker 3: and a real standout performance from him, and yeah, that 274 00:14:28,693 --> 00:14:31,893 Speaker 3: platform allowed the Hurricanes to play how they want to, 275 00:14:32,773 --> 00:14:36,733 Speaker 3: you know, Ruben and love Flickball scored some brilliant tries. 276 00:14:36,973 --> 00:14:40,053 Speaker 3: It was all too easy. And the war Tars their 277 00:14:40,093 --> 00:14:43,413 Speaker 3: big issue is they've won at home and I've lost 278 00:14:43,453 --> 00:14:46,333 Speaker 3: away and that's not sustainable. 279 00:14:46,493 --> 00:14:48,733 Speaker 2: It's not good to see a lot of direction coming 280 00:14:48,773 --> 00:14:52,613 Speaker 2: from Roley har Heepper Crusaders. You're welcome everything he knows 281 00:14:52,733 --> 00:14:56,813 Speaker 2: last year and clearly putting that into the Hurricanes this year. 282 00:14:56,853 --> 00:14:58,693 Speaker 2: But yeah, just a hard one to read from an 283 00:14:58,773 --> 00:15:02,533 Speaker 2: nol'sis perspective, because the Wartars just didn't really show up. 284 00:15:03,493 --> 00:15:04,053 Speaker 1: No, and. 285 00:15:05,573 --> 00:15:08,293 Speaker 3: It was almost like possible. In the headliner stuff, everything 286 00:15:08,693 --> 00:15:12,493 Speaker 3: the Hurricanes touch turns to gold and the Wartar has 287 00:15:12,573 --> 00:15:15,333 Speaker 3: just had no answers and the Wartars now go play Maana, 288 00:15:15,693 --> 00:15:18,373 Speaker 3: which is a bit of a scary prospect for them. 289 00:15:19,053 --> 00:15:21,053 Speaker 3: And I think we learn a lot more about the 290 00:15:21,133 --> 00:15:23,013 Speaker 3: Hurricanes and the Blues this week. 291 00:15:23,453 --> 00:15:26,853 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's weir fascinating game this week end. Reds enforced 292 00:15:26,893 --> 00:15:28,773 Speaker 2: the other game over the course of the weekend reads 293 00:15:28,853 --> 00:15:31,333 Speaker 2: our top of the table and they have the Chiefs 294 00:15:31,493 --> 00:15:33,453 Speaker 2: top of the table one v two clash this week. 295 00:15:33,453 --> 00:15:37,093 Speaker 2: The Reds just building quite nicely the way they're going 296 00:15:37,133 --> 00:15:39,973 Speaker 2: about their business this season. They had the drop to 297 00:15:39,973 --> 00:15:42,613 Speaker 2: the Crusaders in christ Church, but they are pretty good 298 00:15:42,653 --> 00:15:46,053 Speaker 2: in that game for large periods. And you know, I 299 00:15:46,093 --> 00:15:47,853 Speaker 2: do like the way the Reds are just building under 300 00:15:47,893 --> 00:15:48,613 Speaker 2: Lezkis currently. 301 00:15:49,573 --> 00:15:51,813 Speaker 3: Yeah, well these widely Tip doesn't need to be the 302 00:15:51,893 --> 00:15:53,213 Speaker 3: next Wallabies. 303 00:15:52,813 --> 00:15:54,693 Speaker 2: Coach andlmalt Stuart Lancaster. 304 00:15:55,173 --> 00:15:58,853 Speaker 3: Yeah, well yeah, we'll see where that goes. I suspect 305 00:15:58,893 --> 00:16:02,893 Speaker 3: it's pretty much a dune deal there with Les. But look, 306 00:16:02,973 --> 00:16:05,253 Speaker 3: top of the table clash this week Reds and Chiefs again. 307 00:16:05,293 --> 00:16:06,893 Speaker 3: Will learn a lot more about where the Reds are 308 00:16:06,893 --> 00:16:08,933 Speaker 3: out there. I think the Reds are won something like 309 00:16:09,053 --> 00:16:12,973 Speaker 3: three of the last four regular season clashes against the Chiefs. 310 00:16:13,013 --> 00:16:15,533 Speaker 3: The Chiefs are one two quarter finals, so when it 311 00:16:15,613 --> 00:16:20,213 Speaker 3: really mattered, But it also felt like a bit of 312 00:16:20,253 --> 00:16:23,213 Speaker 3: a reality check week in for the Aussies. I know 313 00:16:23,293 --> 00:16:27,053 Speaker 3: that the Brumbies won, but they weren't overly impressive against 314 00:16:27,093 --> 00:16:30,853 Speaker 3: the Hondas. The wartar is blown off the park and 315 00:16:30,973 --> 00:16:33,973 Speaker 3: the Reds you know, struggling to beat the force. So 316 00:16:35,133 --> 00:16:39,213 Speaker 3: I feel like the weekend before there was four Aussie 317 00:16:39,213 --> 00:16:43,573 Speaker 3: teams in the top six and it's come back to 318 00:16:43,613 --> 00:16:44,133 Speaker 3: the pack of it. 319 00:16:44,613 --> 00:16:47,053 Speaker 2: As indeed, let's take a break here on rugby. Don't 320 00:16:47,053 --> 00:16:48,853 Speaker 2: come back with the Sicond half of the podcast. 321 00:16:48,493 --> 00:16:51,453 Speaker 1: After this, call yourself a real rugby fan. This is 322 00:16:51,573 --> 00:16:58,373 Speaker 1: Rugby Direct, every try, every tackle, every big moment, it's 323 00:16:58,493 --> 00:17:00,453 Speaker 1: Rugby direct By Talks. 324 00:17:01,773 --> 00:17:04,053 Speaker 2: You're back with Rugby Direct, powered by Habit Heath, tackling 325 00:17:04,093 --> 00:17:07,213 Speaker 2: all your aches and pains from sport and work. Time 326 00:17:07,293 --> 00:17:09,653 Speaker 2: for the final four for rugby topics that Liam and 327 00:17:09,693 --> 00:17:15,453 Speaker 2: I debated, I set topic one stadiums in Auckland Eden 328 00:17:15,533 --> 00:17:20,373 Speaker 2: Park last week endorsed by the Auckland Council as all 329 00:17:20,373 --> 00:17:22,573 Speaker 2: the two point one plan is the plane going forward 330 00:17:22,733 --> 00:17:25,373 Speaker 2: is in the stadium network. What does that decision mean 331 00:17:25,453 --> 00:17:28,573 Speaker 2: for rugby in New Zealand both from a super Rugby 332 00:17:28,893 --> 00:17:30,213 Speaker 2: level NPC. 333 00:17:30,493 --> 00:17:36,853 Speaker 3: Up to the All Blacks, well, it's deflating. The All 334 00:17:36,853 --> 00:17:41,133 Speaker 3: Blacks have an amazing record at eden Park, fifty tests 335 00:17:41,413 --> 00:17:47,333 Speaker 3: unbeaten going back to nineteen ninety four, that French loss 336 00:17:48,093 --> 00:17:51,893 Speaker 3: and massive clash of the spring box there later this year. 337 00:17:53,213 --> 00:17:57,493 Speaker 3: But it's a great disappointment because used on a Rugby 338 00:17:57,613 --> 00:18:02,933 Speaker 3: completely backed the new design for the waterfront stadium, No 339 00:18:03,093 --> 00:18:07,453 Speaker 3: doubts that was revenue driven with the idea of having 340 00:18:07,453 --> 00:18:11,213 Speaker 3: an All Blacks hotel down there and clipping the ticket 341 00:18:11,373 --> 00:18:15,773 Speaker 3: in other ways. But Eden Park's just not a great 342 00:18:15,853 --> 00:18:22,853 Speaker 3: venue even from a pure viewing perspective. From an overball code, 343 00:18:23,293 --> 00:18:25,693 Speaker 3: Mount Smart is better because you're closer to the action, 344 00:18:25,813 --> 00:18:29,253 Speaker 3: you're on top of the game, and Eden Park's not 345 00:18:31,613 --> 00:18:37,013 Speaker 3: fit for purpose from a modern viewing perspective. You're never 346 00:18:37,093 --> 00:18:38,733 Speaker 3: going to sell it out for a super rugby game. 347 00:18:39,013 --> 00:18:40,813 Speaker 3: How many times a year are you going to set 348 00:18:40,813 --> 00:18:41,253 Speaker 3: out twice? 349 00:18:41,333 --> 00:18:44,293 Speaker 2: Maybe twice for All Backs test and maybe a six 350 00:18:44,373 --> 00:18:47,093 Speaker 2: sixty concert or whoever's shine up there. That's about it. 351 00:18:47,613 --> 00:18:52,573 Speaker 3: And I feel like, why no, just a new precedent, 352 00:18:53,253 --> 00:18:57,053 Speaker 3: A new stadium brings punters in because they want to 353 00:18:57,213 --> 00:19:01,413 Speaker 3: experience it, they want a better atmosphere. And you know, 354 00:19:01,453 --> 00:19:04,333 Speaker 3: there's so many issues with Eden Park from an accessibility 355 00:19:04,373 --> 00:19:08,053 Speaker 3: point of view, where it is, you know, catering all 356 00:19:08,093 --> 00:19:11,573 Speaker 3: these sorts of things, and yeah, you can spit shine it, 357 00:19:11,813 --> 00:19:14,973 Speaker 3: you know, Polisher turd, but it's still going to be 358 00:19:15,493 --> 00:19:18,733 Speaker 3: much the same. So look the All Blacks. You know, 359 00:19:18,773 --> 00:19:20,773 Speaker 3: there's a lot of history there. But the fact New 360 00:19:20,853 --> 00:19:22,893 Speaker 3: Zealand rugby back this new stadium, I think tells you 361 00:19:22,973 --> 00:19:26,453 Speaker 3: everything you need to know about where rugby in this 362 00:19:26,573 --> 00:19:28,133 Speaker 3: country wanted to go in Auckland. 363 00:19:28,573 --> 00:19:31,733 Speaker 2: Yeah, and the history argument just doesn't wash with me. 364 00:19:31,933 --> 00:19:33,813 Speaker 2: In the slide, well, look, I can't understand it. But 365 00:19:35,333 --> 00:19:38,013 Speaker 2: no one's crowling for Carras Brook. No one's crowing for 366 00:19:38,253 --> 00:19:41,653 Speaker 2: the old Lancaster Park with the new Christich Stadium on 367 00:19:41,773 --> 00:19:44,853 Speaker 2: the doorstep next year Athletic Park in Wellington. Yes, you 368 00:19:44,933 --> 00:19:47,853 Speaker 2: got great memories from these grounds, great record fifty unbeaten 369 00:19:47,893 --> 00:19:51,453 Speaker 2: to Eden Park, but at some point that record's going 370 00:19:51,533 --> 00:19:54,173 Speaker 2: to be broken, and what do you have at that point? 371 00:19:54,213 --> 00:19:56,493 Speaker 2: Now that record's broken, you're back to zero. And yes, 372 00:19:56,533 --> 00:19:58,173 Speaker 2: you've still got the memories of that great run and 373 00:19:58,253 --> 00:20:00,773 Speaker 2: the World Cup victory in twenty eleven and grand now 374 00:20:00,973 --> 00:20:02,653 Speaker 2: heading in the sixth for the black Caps in twenty 375 00:20:02,693 --> 00:20:05,373 Speaker 2: fifteen and all those things. But those memories don't go 376 00:20:05,413 --> 00:20:08,333 Speaker 2: away by going to a new stadium. And I think 377 00:20:08,333 --> 00:20:10,373 Speaker 2: think in this country we're just a little bit too 378 00:20:12,813 --> 00:20:15,413 Speaker 2: roast in to glasses looking back at history, when actually 379 00:20:15,453 --> 00:20:17,013 Speaker 2: we should be a lot more forward looking than we are, 380 00:20:17,093 --> 00:20:18,373 Speaker 2: thinking where do we want to be in ten and 381 00:20:18,453 --> 00:20:20,933 Speaker 2: fifteen years time, twenty years time, not looking back to 382 00:20:20,973 --> 00:20:23,853 Speaker 2: see how great the last ten to fifteen, twenty thirty 383 00:20:23,973 --> 00:20:26,453 Speaker 2: years were, and that hamstrings a lot of progress. I 384 00:20:26,493 --> 00:20:29,573 Speaker 2: think in this country. You look at the plans for 385 00:20:29,653 --> 00:20:33,693 Speaker 2: the waterfrontary at the Waterfront Stadium, I look, the stadium 386 00:20:33,733 --> 00:20:35,733 Speaker 2: is a stadium. You could redesign that however you wanted, 387 00:20:35,813 --> 00:20:39,613 Speaker 2: But I think there would have been a much better option. 388 00:20:40,053 --> 00:20:42,773 Speaker 2: Close to trainsport links, close to the downtown. There's going 389 00:20:42,813 --> 00:20:45,533 Speaker 2: to be accommodation, restaurants put in there, everything like that. 390 00:20:45,773 --> 00:20:48,293 Speaker 2: I think the Winyard point concept was great as well, 391 00:20:48,413 --> 00:20:50,413 Speaker 2: and I'm not sure why that got booted so early. 392 00:20:51,693 --> 00:20:55,333 Speaker 2: So look, real shame, real setback for sport and events, 393 00:20:55,373 --> 00:20:58,813 Speaker 2: I think in New Zealand. Having said that, a few 394 00:20:58,813 --> 00:21:01,773 Speaker 2: whispers going around that all might not be dead and 395 00:21:01,893 --> 00:21:04,973 Speaker 2: apparently might be a bit of sort of Bargerrett will 396 00:21:05,013 --> 00:21:09,493 Speaker 2: keep pushing on and keep going from that waterfront proposals. 397 00:21:09,533 --> 00:21:11,813 Speaker 2: So watch the space. I don't think it's completely did 398 00:21:11,853 --> 00:21:12,213 Speaker 2: as yet. 399 00:21:12,613 --> 00:21:14,693 Speaker 3: It would have been a game changer. And look, put 400 00:21:14,693 --> 00:21:19,733 Speaker 3: it this way, there's not too many reasons that Auckland 401 00:21:19,773 --> 00:21:23,813 Speaker 3: does look to chrish Church with envy. But that stadium 402 00:21:24,093 --> 00:21:26,973 Speaker 3: is going to be one and you know what, what's 403 00:21:27,013 --> 00:21:28,133 Speaker 3: the capacity of that going to be? 404 00:21:28,373 --> 00:21:30,293 Speaker 2: It can be thirty thousands yeah. 405 00:21:30,413 --> 00:21:33,133 Speaker 3: Yeah, okay, so maybe not big all blacks tests, but 406 00:21:33,253 --> 00:21:37,493 Speaker 3: from an atmosphere experience, that is going to blow Eden 407 00:21:37,573 --> 00:21:40,333 Speaker 3: Park away. That stadium's going to be magic from its 408 00:21:40,413 --> 00:21:44,453 Speaker 3: location to it's designed from the roof to everything. And 409 00:21:44,573 --> 00:21:46,773 Speaker 3: that was a long time coming for christ Church as well. 410 00:21:48,093 --> 00:21:52,053 Speaker 3: And that's a real modern stadium and that there's going 411 00:21:52,093 --> 00:21:54,013 Speaker 3: to be a game changer and you're going to have 412 00:21:54,133 --> 00:21:59,893 Speaker 3: concerts and big events flock there. But Auckland's mister trick. 413 00:22:00,133 --> 00:22:04,773 Speaker 2: Yeah, get as lak yet Riverside very short orc from 414 00:22:04,813 --> 00:22:08,133 Speaker 2: there to the new one New Zealand Stadium, Taka looking 415 00:22:08,173 --> 00:22:11,573 Speaker 2: for to it next year, we'll be there. Topic two 416 00:22:11,773 --> 00:22:14,933 Speaker 2: in the final four. Is there anyone in the Super 417 00:22:14,973 --> 00:22:18,813 Speaker 2: Rugby Pacific competition you can definitely rule out from winning 418 00:22:18,893 --> 00:22:21,253 Speaker 2: the title? The Red's on top on twenty three down 419 00:22:21,293 --> 00:22:24,333 Speaker 2: to the drawer at bottom on seven, just ahead of 420 00:22:24,373 --> 00:22:26,253 Speaker 2: the Blues on points differential, So the Blues is just 421 00:22:26,253 --> 00:22:29,173 Speaker 2: a hit on points differential. Is there anyone you're willing 422 00:22:29,253 --> 00:22:32,653 Speaker 2: to rule out at this point in time, Yes, yes 423 00:22:32,693 --> 00:22:36,133 Speaker 2: there is. Who are they the force? Okay? There in 424 00:22:36,213 --> 00:22:37,653 Speaker 2: the top six the drawer? 425 00:22:38,573 --> 00:22:43,653 Speaker 3: Okay, where you got the waratas the Morat has a fifth? Yep, 426 00:22:43,693 --> 00:22:46,853 Speaker 3: they're gone. And I don't think Moana can win the 427 00:22:46,893 --> 00:22:48,453 Speaker 3: title and the Landers you don't think? 428 00:22:48,533 --> 00:22:51,293 Speaker 2: I think. Look, I don't think Mowana will win the title, 429 00:22:51,333 --> 00:22:53,413 Speaker 2: but I think they could and if they steak in 430 00:22:53,493 --> 00:22:56,213 Speaker 2: to top six, they're going to be a dangerous team. 431 00:22:57,173 --> 00:22:57,373 Speaker 3: Yeah. 432 00:22:57,533 --> 00:23:00,373 Speaker 2: I would say Mowana are more dangerous than Highlanders coming 433 00:23:00,413 --> 00:23:01,213 Speaker 2: down the stretch. 434 00:23:00,973 --> 00:23:03,373 Speaker 3: Here, Yeah, I said, said the Landers are gone, so okay, 435 00:23:03,413 --> 00:23:06,093 Speaker 3: there you go. I've gone one, two, three, four, five 436 00:23:06,213 --> 00:23:07,133 Speaker 3: teams cannot win the. 437 00:23:07,133 --> 00:23:10,413 Speaker 2: Time absolute you've taken the act there. I was gonna 438 00:23:10,413 --> 00:23:12,093 Speaker 2: say the drawer because they kind of win, can't went 439 00:23:12,093 --> 00:23:14,173 Speaker 2: away from home. They're the only team I've prepared to 440 00:23:14,213 --> 00:23:15,613 Speaker 2: rule out of the stage. So I'm being a bit 441 00:23:15,653 --> 00:23:18,373 Speaker 2: more conservative than you are. You've got gang ho and 442 00:23:18,493 --> 00:23:21,773 Speaker 2: said that five of eleven teams at six weeks and 443 00:23:21,933 --> 00:23:24,893 Speaker 2: cannot win. Ye stand by that bold statement. All right, 444 00:23:24,933 --> 00:23:27,173 Speaker 2: we'll see how that goes. Speaking of seeing how that goes? 445 00:23:27,213 --> 00:23:29,613 Speaker 2: Topic three, how's your tip for the final? And the 446 00:23:29,653 --> 00:23:31,733 Speaker 2: first podcast of the season? Looking, can you remember how 447 00:23:31,733 --> 00:23:34,333 Speaker 2: you picked up at the Blues and Wartars to make 448 00:23:34,373 --> 00:23:36,773 Speaker 2: the final? You have to refresh my moment either. I 449 00:23:36,853 --> 00:23:37,973 Speaker 2: was hoping you might come to the party. 450 00:23:38,053 --> 00:23:39,013 Speaker 3: I think it's the chieftain. 451 00:23:39,093 --> 00:23:41,053 Speaker 2: You did say the Chiefs and maybe the Blues the Chiefs. 452 00:23:41,173 --> 00:23:42,453 Speaker 3: I don't know what I say. I'm just saying the 453 00:23:42,533 --> 00:23:44,013 Speaker 3: Chiefs because they're the favorites. 454 00:23:44,053 --> 00:23:46,293 Speaker 2: Now someone can check the tape for us. We're you 455 00:23:46,333 --> 00:23:47,893 Speaker 2: also are looking pretty good if that was the tip 456 00:23:48,013 --> 00:23:50,573 Speaker 2: the Boys Wartars five v. Ten At this point in 457 00:23:50,613 --> 00:23:53,493 Speaker 2: the season, I suspect that may not be the final 458 00:23:53,533 --> 00:23:55,013 Speaker 2: when all said and done in June. 459 00:23:55,213 --> 00:23:58,213 Speaker 3: No, look, I think the point is it's still open, 460 00:23:58,293 --> 00:24:04,773 Speaker 3: isn't it. And come the playoffs it could be upset Central. Yeah, 461 00:24:04,893 --> 00:24:08,973 Speaker 3: and that's a lucky loser. Could be very valid because 462 00:24:10,093 --> 00:24:13,653 Speaker 3: as Mowana has shown at the weekends and other results 463 00:24:13,733 --> 00:24:17,653 Speaker 3: throughout the season, this competition is far more competitive than 464 00:24:17,773 --> 00:24:20,613 Speaker 3: any in recent memory, and so when it does come 465 00:24:20,693 --> 00:24:23,293 Speaker 3: down to the top six playoff, it is going to 466 00:24:23,333 --> 00:24:24,613 Speaker 3: be an engrossing watch. 467 00:24:24,893 --> 00:24:27,933 Speaker 2: Certainly is topic four in the final four. The Orpikie 468 00:24:27,933 --> 00:24:30,213 Speaker 2: Final is still a week or so away. Fine a 469 00:24:30,293 --> 00:24:32,613 Speaker 2: round coming up this weekend. The Blues on top by 470 00:24:32,733 --> 00:24:36,373 Speaker 2: one point from Mutter two. The Blues play the Hurricanes 471 00:24:36,413 --> 00:24:38,533 Speaker 2: poward this week, so should win that final should be 472 00:24:38,533 --> 00:24:40,133 Speaker 2: at eden Park or it should be in Auckland, I 473 00:24:40,173 --> 00:24:41,773 Speaker 2: should say. I don't think they're confirmed, but it's from 474 00:24:41,813 --> 00:24:44,653 Speaker 2: the Eden Park. Interestingly, though, this was noted last week 475 00:24:44,733 --> 00:24:48,573 Speaker 2: by someone here at rapid Rick Towers that the Orpicki 476 00:24:48,653 --> 00:24:50,973 Speaker 2: Final has been moved to primetime, which they did flag 477 00:24:51,013 --> 00:24:53,013 Speaker 2: I think before the start of the season. But now 478 00:24:53,053 --> 00:24:55,293 Speaker 2: it's coming into focus a little bit more. It puts 479 00:24:55,413 --> 00:25:00,893 Speaker 2: the match and focus seven oh five next weekend, same 480 00:25:00,973 --> 00:25:03,493 Speaker 2: time as the Highlanders played the Druer. What are they 481 00:25:03,613 --> 00:25:04,013 Speaker 2: doing here? 482 00:25:05,213 --> 00:25:09,573 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm not too sure about the common sense around that, 483 00:25:10,653 --> 00:25:14,253 Speaker 3: ol Packy correct me if I'm wrong. But has been 484 00:25:14,293 --> 00:25:18,733 Speaker 3: played at the two pm slot every weekend? Why change that? 485 00:25:20,253 --> 00:25:23,693 Speaker 3: Maybe the reasoning is around club rugby and wanted to 486 00:25:23,733 --> 00:25:26,133 Speaker 3: get those people along, and I can understand that. But 487 00:25:26,333 --> 00:25:31,573 Speaker 3: from an attendance viewership perspective, don't you want to maximize 488 00:25:31,653 --> 00:25:36,893 Speaker 3: the eyeballs and have some consistency and your competition. If 489 00:25:36,933 --> 00:25:40,093 Speaker 3: it's at seven pm, how many people are they going 490 00:25:40,173 --> 00:25:41,053 Speaker 3: to get to even park? 491 00:25:41,613 --> 00:25:43,213 Speaker 2: That's the question. How many people are going to watch 492 00:25:43,213 --> 00:25:45,533 Speaker 2: it versus the Highland is drawer? Like, I know they're 493 00:25:45,573 --> 00:25:47,813 Speaker 2: targeting a slightly different audience in terms of that or 494 00:25:47,813 --> 00:25:50,893 Speaker 2: picky and that's great, but you also want the casual 495 00:25:50,973 --> 00:25:53,213 Speaker 2: rugby fan that's more likely to probably go with the 496 00:25:53,293 --> 00:25:56,893 Speaker 2: Highlanders drawer. If you can't play on the Saturday cause 497 00:25:56,893 --> 00:25:59,093 Speaker 2: a club rugby, why not play on the Sunday afternoon 498 00:25:59,133 --> 00:26:02,133 Speaker 2: two five. I know there's contracting commitments of various things, 499 00:26:02,173 --> 00:26:04,693 Speaker 2: but surely once off Sunday afternoon. I know that the 500 00:26:04,813 --> 00:26:07,613 Speaker 2: women's crossover final with Australia on the Thursday night. It 501 00:26:07,653 --> 00:26:11,213 Speaker 2: would be a short time around. But I'm all for 502 00:26:12,053 --> 00:26:14,773 Speaker 2: the promotion of women's rugby and we should be building 503 00:26:14,813 --> 00:26:18,213 Speaker 2: that up. But this seems like a misfire from my 504 00:26:18,333 --> 00:26:21,493 Speaker 2: point of view, and I'm not sure whether it's going 505 00:26:21,573 --> 00:26:24,053 Speaker 2: to pay dividends. And look, the contrary thing is if 506 00:26:24,053 --> 00:26:25,613 Speaker 2: they do play at Eden Park and there's not many 507 00:26:25,613 --> 00:26:28,013 Speaker 2: people there, then that's going to be a bad look. 508 00:26:28,533 --> 00:26:31,773 Speaker 3: It's a pretty soulless place Eden Park with not many people. 509 00:26:31,893 --> 00:26:33,733 Speaker 3: You get twenty thousand there and it's still a half 510 00:26:33,973 --> 00:26:36,733 Speaker 3: bes stadium. So yeah, I would have had it at 511 00:26:36,733 --> 00:26:38,493 Speaker 3: two pm. The only thing I can think of is 512 00:26:38,493 --> 00:26:41,293 Speaker 3: around club rugby and wanting to get people along, But 513 00:26:41,733 --> 00:26:45,413 Speaker 3: I don't know if that's a significant enough factor to 514 00:26:45,573 --> 00:26:49,213 Speaker 3: change that time slot. And yeah, the Hearlanded Dura is 515 00:26:49,293 --> 00:26:54,053 Speaker 3: not a headline fixtion necessarily, but like you say, you 516 00:26:54,133 --> 00:26:58,253 Speaker 3: want to maximize your casual fan maybe those who haven't 517 00:26:58,293 --> 00:27:00,093 Speaker 3: tuned into the whole year and want to get along 518 00:27:00,333 --> 00:27:03,253 Speaker 3: and sample the final. So I think that two pm 519 00:27:03,293 --> 00:27:04,093 Speaker 3: slot would have been better. 520 00:27:04,253 --> 00:27:06,933 Speaker 2: Yeah, absolutely right, let's get into tipping. Good weekend for you, 521 00:27:07,053 --> 00:27:08,853 Speaker 2: Liam three or four for you. The only one you 522 00:27:08,933 --> 00:27:10,213 Speaker 2: missed was the Crusaders. 523 00:27:10,973 --> 00:27:12,453 Speaker 3: Yes, should have stuck in my heart. 524 00:27:13,933 --> 00:27:16,453 Speaker 2: So you got three or four. I missed the Crusaders 525 00:27:16,493 --> 00:27:18,093 Speaker 2: and the Force. I picked them to bit the Reds, 526 00:27:18,133 --> 00:27:20,693 Speaker 2: which they did not. So I lead overall, but you've 527 00:27:20,733 --> 00:27:23,693 Speaker 2: closed the gap. Twenty one eighteen. Let's get into this 528 00:27:23,813 --> 00:27:26,053 Speaker 2: week top of the table as we've touched on Chiefs 529 00:27:26,093 --> 00:27:27,213 Speaker 2: Reads Friday night, seven. 530 00:27:27,053 --> 00:27:32,573 Speaker 3: O five Chiefs. Yeah, I think it should be close 531 00:27:32,613 --> 00:27:33,173 Speaker 3: and competitive. 532 00:27:33,333 --> 00:27:34,733 Speaker 2: I think it should be, but I still beat to 533 00:27:34,733 --> 00:27:36,093 Speaker 2: the Chiefs at home. I think they'll be good enough 534 00:27:36,133 --> 00:27:38,893 Speaker 2: to win that game. The quad hitter on Saturday two 535 00:27:39,173 --> 00:27:41,693 Speaker 2: five more onea Pacific against the war Tis. 536 00:27:41,773 --> 00:27:48,653 Speaker 3: Yees Sunday, sorry, Saturday afternoon hopefully Balmie, North Harbor, north 537 00:27:48,733 --> 00:27:52,093 Speaker 3: Shore as it always is. You'd expect a good turnout 538 00:27:52,093 --> 00:27:53,973 Speaker 3: as well, wouldn't you after that performance and crush yet. 539 00:27:54,053 --> 00:27:55,413 Speaker 3: So I'm gonna tap mowana there. 540 00:27:55,493 --> 00:27:57,093 Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm gonna tap one as well. I think they'll 541 00:27:57,093 --> 00:28:01,493 Speaker 2: beat the Warrators the Drawer Crusaders four thirty five in Fiji. 542 00:28:02,293 --> 00:28:05,653 Speaker 2: How did the Crusaders end up playing in Fiji about 543 00:28:05,693 --> 00:28:09,133 Speaker 2: three years in a row and keep losing? What's going 544 00:28:09,173 --> 00:28:10,093 Speaker 2: on with a draw here. 545 00:28:10,813 --> 00:28:15,413 Speaker 3: It seems fair to me give you tip. I'm going 546 00:28:15,493 --> 00:28:16,053 Speaker 3: to go the Duror. 547 00:28:17,213 --> 00:28:19,613 Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm going to go the Crusaders to win that one. 548 00:28:19,773 --> 00:28:21,853 Speaker 2: Look forward to you on report on the ground, reports 549 00:28:21,893 --> 00:28:22,373 Speaker 2: from over there. 550 00:28:22,493 --> 00:28:24,093 Speaker 3: So I'll be in my Duror strip. 551 00:28:24,573 --> 00:28:28,213 Speaker 2: Give you Crusaders much if you like. Blues Hurricanes seven 552 00:28:28,253 --> 00:28:32,653 Speaker 2: o five. Real crunch game for the Blues, but also 553 00:28:32,693 --> 00:28:34,453 Speaker 2: the Hurricanes in a way to back up what they 554 00:28:34,533 --> 00:28:36,613 Speaker 2: did against the war Retars. They're on the edge of 555 00:28:36,693 --> 00:28:38,773 Speaker 2: the Sex at the moment. The Blues are in tenth 556 00:28:39,213 --> 00:28:41,093 Speaker 2: big game for both of these two teams. The Blues 557 00:28:41,093 --> 00:28:43,613 Speaker 2: is supposed to get a few players back in this week. 558 00:28:43,853 --> 00:28:45,933 Speaker 2: Is that enough to get them past the Hurricanes. Yeah? 559 00:28:45,933 --> 00:28:47,613 Speaker 3: It meant to be some real big names coming back 560 00:28:47,613 --> 00:28:51,693 Speaker 3: for the Blues, Boden Barretts and the Cavalry up front 561 00:28:51,773 --> 00:28:55,853 Speaker 3: as well. But look, I will tip the Canes, but 562 00:28:56,053 --> 00:28:57,733 Speaker 3: it is a very, very fifty to fifty. 563 00:28:57,933 --> 00:28:59,933 Speaker 2: I'm going to the Blues to get home in that one. 564 00:28:59,973 --> 00:29:02,093 Speaker 2: And then the Force in Perth against the Highlander is 565 00:29:02,133 --> 00:29:05,013 Speaker 2: nine thirty five. Final game with a Saturday quad hitter. 566 00:29:05,973 --> 00:29:08,293 Speaker 3: Yeah tough, wasn't it. Look I'm going to go the Landers, 567 00:29:08,453 --> 00:29:10,933 Speaker 3: but again not with any great form of confidence. 568 00:29:11,413 --> 00:29:13,933 Speaker 2: I'm going to force to get the job done in Perth. 569 00:29:14,493 --> 00:29:17,333 Speaker 2: So a few different tips there along the way. Have 570 00:29:17,573 --> 00:29:21,813 Speaker 2: MVP Metal time quick recap of the top standings to 571 00:29:21,933 --> 00:29:24,413 Speaker 2: Monthya nawe out in front on eight. Then it's a 572 00:29:25,173 --> 00:29:28,493 Speaker 2: five way type for second Artie Savier Quintepie, Will Jordan 573 00:29:28,573 --> 00:29:32,453 Speaker 2: Duplaskrifi and Damien McKenzie and their miracle fire Lungey is 574 00:29:32,773 --> 00:29:36,733 Speaker 2: in seventh at the moment on four points your three, 575 00:29:36,813 --> 00:29:39,533 Speaker 2: two ones, I'll go first this week Artie Save gets 576 00:29:39,573 --> 00:29:43,133 Speaker 2: my three. Just the difference he's made to that team, 577 00:29:43,173 --> 00:29:47,733 Speaker 2: couple of tries on the weekend. Excellent player and I 578 00:29:47,813 --> 00:29:50,613 Speaker 2: think we're just seeing that the kind of leadership that 579 00:29:50,693 --> 00:29:53,413 Speaker 2: he brings to a team like more in a pacifica 580 00:29:53,533 --> 00:29:55,853 Speaker 2: both on or off the park, and he's been an 581 00:29:55,893 --> 00:29:56,493 Speaker 2: excellent form. 582 00:29:57,253 --> 00:29:59,893 Speaker 3: Just on that point in question. Do you think the 583 00:29:59,933 --> 00:30:01,973 Speaker 3: All Black's got it right with their with their captain 584 00:30:02,133 --> 00:30:06,093 Speaker 3: and I mean their performance is particularly in Super Rugby 585 00:30:06,133 --> 00:30:09,053 Speaker 3: currently speak to the holes a part, aren't it. 586 00:30:09,093 --> 00:30:09,253 Speaker 1: Yeah? 587 00:30:09,253 --> 00:30:10,893 Speaker 2: I don think Scott Barrett's having the greatest of Super 588 00:30:10,973 --> 00:30:15,613 Speaker 2: Rugby seasons. I think it's different coach captaining an All 589 00:30:15,653 --> 00:30:19,333 Speaker 2: Blacks team and the expectations around that and what you 590 00:30:19,413 --> 00:30:23,773 Speaker 2: want out of it. Scott Robertson knows new Scott Barrett well. 591 00:30:24,093 --> 00:30:30,093 Speaker 2: He installed him as captain. I think Artie Savier there 592 00:30:30,173 --> 00:30:32,013 Speaker 2: was some questions around his game management, I think from 593 00:30:32,013 --> 00:30:36,973 Speaker 2: a test perspective last year, and I think sometimes you 594 00:30:37,053 --> 00:30:39,013 Speaker 2: also just want Artie to be Artie and just play 595 00:30:39,053 --> 00:30:41,413 Speaker 2: the way he has, unencumbered by having to talk to referees, 596 00:30:41,493 --> 00:30:44,333 Speaker 2: having to do those sort of things. So I get 597 00:30:44,373 --> 00:30:46,933 Speaker 2: there was a groundswell for Artie Savier. I get his leader. 598 00:30:47,053 --> 00:30:49,853 Speaker 2: He's still the vice captain of this team. For me, 599 00:30:50,613 --> 00:30:53,373 Speaker 2: I think the decision was probably understandable you. 600 00:30:56,573 --> 00:30:58,293 Speaker 3: I'm on the fence. I think we do need to 601 00:30:58,293 --> 00:31:00,013 Speaker 3: see a lot more from Scott Barrett, both from a 602 00:31:00,093 --> 00:31:03,813 Speaker 3: performance perspective, and I think there was a major adjustment 603 00:31:03,853 --> 00:31:06,573 Speaker 3: for him in his first year as skipper, just the 604 00:31:07,613 --> 00:31:10,293 Speaker 3: load of of it all off the field or the 605 00:31:10,653 --> 00:31:13,533 Speaker 3: commitments there. I don't think it was a role that 606 00:31:13,653 --> 00:31:18,813 Speaker 3: he with the or Blacks necessarily wanted, and it'll be 607 00:31:18,893 --> 00:31:21,413 Speaker 3: one that he goes into, so I think Artie would 608 00:31:21,413 --> 00:31:25,373 Speaker 3: have been better suited initially maybe Scott bat grows into overtime. 609 00:31:25,613 --> 00:31:27,933 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's interesting as well. I don't think Scott's the 610 00:31:28,493 --> 00:31:33,653 Speaker 2: most compelling interview subject in terms of the media. But 611 00:31:33,693 --> 00:31:35,093 Speaker 2: you see some of those behind the scenes videos the 612 00:31:35,133 --> 00:31:37,053 Speaker 2: All Blacks put out, and he's a lot more vocal there, 613 00:31:37,933 --> 00:31:40,093 Speaker 2: sort of the team huddles things, talking to the team, 614 00:31:40,253 --> 00:31:42,333 Speaker 2: rocking them up. Seen a few that have released there 615 00:31:42,333 --> 00:31:44,213 Speaker 2: and you go, okay, well that's you know, there's a 616 00:31:44,333 --> 00:31:46,253 Speaker 2: there's some leadership there, there's a bit there's a bit 617 00:31:46,293 --> 00:31:49,653 Speaker 2: of charisma about that. So maybe the public face and 618 00:31:49,693 --> 00:31:51,253 Speaker 2: the private face that are a wee bit different from 619 00:31:51,413 --> 00:31:52,533 Speaker 2: from Scott Barrett. I don't know. 620 00:31:53,013 --> 00:31:56,853 Speaker 3: Yeah, it does. He's not captaining the Crusaders. But something 621 00:31:56,853 --> 00:31:59,213 Speaker 3: has happened in the last year or two though, hasn't it, 622 00:31:59,253 --> 00:32:01,933 Speaker 3: Because he was the best lock or close to it 623 00:32:02,013 --> 00:32:04,853 Speaker 3: in the world, you know Ebanez Tebeth and a like 624 00:32:04,933 --> 00:32:09,573 Speaker 3: as well. But he has formed, has dipped significantly. 625 00:32:09,813 --> 00:32:13,413 Speaker 2: He looks a little tired, and I wonder whether I 626 00:32:13,493 --> 00:32:15,133 Speaker 2: con't try and I think whether he's got a sabbatical 627 00:32:15,173 --> 00:32:16,773 Speaker 2: in his contract or not. But even just a bit 628 00:32:16,773 --> 00:32:19,293 Speaker 2: of a rest. I mean, obviously he's a new All 629 00:32:19,293 --> 00:32:21,493 Speaker 2: bleaxet and he shouldn't be needing rest necessarily, But I 630 00:32:21,573 --> 00:32:23,573 Speaker 2: just wonder whether he's the kind of player that just 631 00:32:23,653 --> 00:32:25,333 Speaker 2: needs a bit of a prolonged break. Didn't play a 632 00:32:25,373 --> 00:32:27,733 Speaker 2: lot of rugby last year, but it was rehabs getting 633 00:32:27,773 --> 00:32:30,533 Speaker 2: back onto the park. In terms of super rugby, I 634 00:32:30,613 --> 00:32:32,853 Speaker 2: just wonder whether he just kind of needs a bit 635 00:32:32,893 --> 00:32:34,053 Speaker 2: of refresh. I don't know what it is. 636 00:32:34,693 --> 00:32:37,893 Speaker 3: Yeah, and simplify things. I think the easiest way to 637 00:32:38,013 --> 00:32:41,413 Speaker 3: lead is to lead from the front interactions and so yeah, 638 00:32:41,413 --> 00:32:43,453 Speaker 3: hopefully he can regain a bit of that as the 639 00:32:43,493 --> 00:32:44,213 Speaker 3: season progresses. 640 00:32:44,293 --> 00:32:47,573 Speaker 2: Yeah, Patrick Palagreen, he gets my two. Talked about him earlier, 641 00:32:47,653 --> 00:32:51,653 Speaker 2: but what a signing from White at PACIFICA un hero 642 00:32:51,813 --> 00:32:53,493 Speaker 2: of a player. I don't think anyone else would have 643 00:32:53,493 --> 00:32:55,573 Speaker 2: been chasing him. But they've plucked him out from playing 644 00:32:55,653 --> 00:32:59,613 Speaker 2: for Coventry and he is making every post a winner 645 00:32:59,653 --> 00:33:02,973 Speaker 2: and the noticeable ups to it uptech since they basically 646 00:33:03,053 --> 00:33:06,973 Speaker 2: traded him with Jackson Garden, baship has been really noticeable. 647 00:33:07,413 --> 00:33:10,533 Speaker 2: So he gets my two. Balance Sullivan from the Hurricanes 648 00:33:10,533 --> 00:33:11,653 Speaker 2: I thought it was very good on the week and 649 00:33:11,693 --> 00:33:12,173 Speaker 2: gets my one. 650 00:33:12,653 --> 00:33:16,413 Speaker 3: Nice. Yeah. Patrick Pellegrini gets my three. Just to the 651 00:33:16,533 --> 00:33:21,293 Speaker 3: variety to his game, the fifty twenty two's, the long balls, 652 00:33:21,453 --> 00:33:24,933 Speaker 3: the support play as you mentioned second division English club 653 00:33:24,973 --> 00:33:30,653 Speaker 3: Rugby two. He mentioned postmatch that he grew up modeling 654 00:33:30,733 --> 00:33:34,373 Speaker 3: his game idolizing James O'Connor, so to playing against his idols. 655 00:33:35,053 --> 00:33:37,853 Speaker 3: Great story, isn't it three for him? Two to Artie 656 00:33:37,893 --> 00:33:41,733 Speaker 3: Severe and one to Braden Yosse. Very impressed with his 657 00:33:42,293 --> 00:33:44,493 Speaker 3: performance at Blindside for the King. 658 00:33:44,653 --> 00:33:46,973 Speaker 2: Yeah, he'd had a quiet short of season to this point, 659 00:33:47,013 --> 00:33:50,213 Speaker 2: a lot of wraps on the last year and probably 660 00:33:50,213 --> 00:33:52,453 Speaker 2: hadn't got going this season. But that was a big 661 00:33:52,533 --> 00:33:55,653 Speaker 2: performance of note, wasn't it. So he gets your one 662 00:33:55,733 --> 00:33:57,373 Speaker 2: the sweet we'll tear that up and bring you the 663 00:33:57,453 --> 00:33:59,773 Speaker 2: updated table next week. I can tell you Artie Savilla 664 00:33:59,813 --> 00:34:03,093 Speaker 2: has moved to the front of the list. That'll about 665 00:34:03,093 --> 00:34:04,973 Speaker 2: do us for rugby Dick for another week. I could 666 00:34:05,013 --> 00:34:06,653 Speaker 2: have see our friends at Habit Health tackling all your 667 00:34:06,693 --> 00:34:09,293 Speaker 2: aches and pains from sport and work. Big buller to you, 668 00:34:09,853 --> 00:34:13,013 Speaker 2: Liam and enjoy your time in Fiji. To Let's go 669 00:34:13,133 --> 00:34:16,853 Speaker 2: to you thanks to last and Bars English. We'll see 670 00:34:16,853 --> 00:34:18,693 Speaker 2: you next time on Rugby Direct for 671 00:34:18,853 --> 00:34:21,533 Speaker 1: More from News Talks, Ed b listen live on air 672 00:34:21,773 --> 00:34:24,453 Speaker 1: or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you 673 00:34:24,573 --> 00:34:26,933 Speaker 1: go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio