1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from Newstalks EDB. 3 00:00:12,907 --> 00:00:16,307 Speaker 2: We'll depart New Zealand Rugby after the twenty twenty six 4 00:00:16,507 --> 00:00:17,587 Speaker 2: Super Rugby season. 5 00:00:18,427 --> 00:00:21,987 Speaker 3: They go again, the Crusaders. Sevu Rees thinks he's got 6 00:00:21,987 --> 00:00:26,067 Speaker 3: to try a potentially historic moment here in the context 7 00:00:26,107 --> 00:00:28,787 Speaker 3: of Super Rugby. They're gonna go up Skirs. The TMO 8 00:00:28,907 --> 00:00:29,827 Speaker 3: is gonna be required. 9 00:00:30,387 --> 00:00:32,787 Speaker 2: He's unpossessed in the ball touch of the line, so 10 00:00:32,867 --> 00:00:35,347 Speaker 2: we'll be a try. 11 00:00:35,987 --> 00:00:36,747 Speaker 4: There. It is. 12 00:00:38,147 --> 00:00:41,907 Speaker 3: Sivu Rees. They're on their feet. They're aware of the history. 13 00:00:42,227 --> 00:00:46,427 Speaker 3: Sevu Reese is sixty six, but try in Super Rugby 14 00:00:47,027 --> 00:00:51,907 Speaker 3: and now outright undisputed alone at the top of the 15 00:00:51,947 --> 00:00:55,507 Speaker 3: Super Rugby standings for tries scored, and there's competition. 16 00:00:55,707 --> 00:00:59,067 Speaker 2: Super Rugby's all time leading tri scorer, sever Reese fell 17 00:00:59,107 --> 00:01:01,347 Speaker 2: out of favor for the All Blacks this season before 18 00:01:01,387 --> 00:01:04,547 Speaker 2: returning with two tries in the final Test of the 19 00:01:04,627 --> 00:01:08,147 Speaker 2: year against Wales. He has so with French club Pepignon 20 00:01:08,587 --> 00:01:11,307 Speaker 2: and All sever Reese played thirty seven Test matches for 21 00:01:11,307 --> 00:01:14,507 Speaker 2: the All Blacks, scoring twenty tries. He was first choice 22 00:01:14,507 --> 00:01:17,787 Speaker 2: on the wing at the twenty nineteen Rugby World Cup. Now, 23 00:01:17,827 --> 00:01:21,347 Speaker 2: sever Reese is contracted for all of next year with 24 00:01:21,427 --> 00:01:24,267 Speaker 2: New Zealand Rugby, but it is highly unlikely he'll play 25 00:01:24,307 --> 00:01:26,427 Speaker 2: for the All Blacks again. There is a caveat as 26 00:01:26,507 --> 00:01:30,347 Speaker 2: well to signing. Reports suggests that Pepergnon must retain their 27 00:01:30,387 --> 00:01:34,067 Speaker 2: spot in the top fourteen next season if the deal 28 00:01:34,147 --> 00:01:37,067 Speaker 2: is to go through. They're currently last, which would see 29 00:01:37,067 --> 00:01:39,307 Speaker 2: them dropped into the second Division. Let's see, let's hope 30 00:01:39,307 --> 00:01:42,467 Speaker 2: that they can retain their place and Severa Reese's three 31 00:01:42,547 --> 00:01:46,307 Speaker 2: year deal can go ahead. Severa Reese is with us 32 00:01:46,307 --> 00:01:50,387 Speaker 2: on Weekend Sport. Congratulations on the next chapter in your 33 00:01:50,427 --> 00:01:52,867 Speaker 2: rugby career, Seve. How did this all come about? 34 00:01:54,307 --> 00:01:59,387 Speaker 4: Yeah, honestly, it's yeah, it was probably one of the 35 00:01:59,427 --> 00:02:03,427 Speaker 4: toughest decisions I've had to make so far in Yeah, 36 00:02:03,587 --> 00:02:07,747 Speaker 4: and this was one of them, and to live New 37 00:02:07,827 --> 00:02:10,907 Speaker 4: Zealand and go Farands. But you know, so much thought 38 00:02:10,907 --> 00:02:13,227 Speaker 4: has been put into it, and we just think that 39 00:02:14,027 --> 00:02:17,227 Speaker 4: the timing is right and but yeah, we'll definitely miss 40 00:02:17,667 --> 00:02:18,427 Speaker 4: New Zealand. 41 00:02:18,827 --> 00:02:22,547 Speaker 2: Were there times during the decision making process, ever, when 42 00:02:22,587 --> 00:02:26,307 Speaker 2: you were leaning towards staying in New Zealand? 43 00:02:26,587 --> 00:02:29,107 Speaker 4: One hundred percent. You know, we look ahead, We've got 44 00:02:29,307 --> 00:02:32,667 Speaker 4: the World Cup, and you know, I feel like, you know, 45 00:02:32,867 --> 00:02:36,347 Speaker 4: I can stay here and try to have another crack 46 00:02:36,427 --> 00:02:38,547 Speaker 4: at going to the World Cup. And they had all 47 00:02:38,547 --> 00:02:42,187 Speaker 4: these things in my head and you know, like it's 48 00:02:42,587 --> 00:02:44,227 Speaker 4: like I said, it was. It was so tough and 49 00:02:44,347 --> 00:02:48,467 Speaker 4: I just had to you know, like so much going 50 00:02:48,507 --> 00:02:51,787 Speaker 4: back and forth, back and forth conversations with people that 51 00:02:51,867 --> 00:02:55,147 Speaker 4: I needed to have, and yeah, just really came down to, 52 00:02:55,747 --> 00:02:58,307 Speaker 4: you know, what me and my family were happy with, 53 00:02:58,467 --> 00:03:00,707 Speaker 4: and yeah, this is what we're happy with. 54 00:03:00,987 --> 00:03:02,947 Speaker 2: So now that you've made the decision, as you say, 55 00:03:02,987 --> 00:03:05,947 Speaker 2: it was, you know, a tricky decision making process. Now 56 00:03:05,947 --> 00:03:08,947 Speaker 2: that you've and on this call, do you feel at 57 00:03:08,987 --> 00:03:11,627 Speaker 2: peace with it, now that you've actually made the decision 58 00:03:11,627 --> 00:03:12,187 Speaker 2: to leave. 59 00:03:12,987 --> 00:03:16,947 Speaker 4: Yeah, one hundred percent. You know, like what wasn't until 60 00:03:17,307 --> 00:03:20,027 Speaker 4: like I said, I woke up this morning because the 61 00:03:20,387 --> 00:03:23,307 Speaker 4: club in France they announced it. Obviously, well we're all 62 00:03:23,347 --> 00:03:26,867 Speaker 4: still sleeping, so we Yeah, I wouldn't work up this 63 00:03:27,027 --> 00:03:30,267 Speaker 4: morning and just seeing you know, like all the messes 64 00:03:30,307 --> 00:03:33,627 Speaker 4: from people, and you know, that's when everything sort of 65 00:03:33,747 --> 00:03:36,107 Speaker 4: just sunk and and just felt real and you know, 66 00:03:36,187 --> 00:03:39,707 Speaker 4: just started to get super emotional just thinking of you 67 00:03:40,107 --> 00:03:43,787 Speaker 4: leaving New Zealand. But you know that's this life and 68 00:03:43,827 --> 00:03:46,507 Speaker 4: you know they say life goes on, so. 69 00:03:46,947 --> 00:03:49,507 Speaker 2: Yeah, indeed it does and you might be going just 70 00:03:49,627 --> 00:03:52,707 Speaker 2: yet because there's a super rugby season to be had 71 00:03:52,747 --> 00:03:54,867 Speaker 2: with the Crusaders. How important was it for you to 72 00:03:54,947 --> 00:03:57,867 Speaker 2: have one more season, to have twenty twenty six with 73 00:03:57,987 --> 00:03:59,907 Speaker 2: the Crusaders before you left. 74 00:04:01,547 --> 00:04:05,587 Speaker 4: Yeah, yeah, it was very important and I have had 75 00:04:05,587 --> 00:04:07,987 Speaker 4: that in my head this whole time that you know, 76 00:04:07,987 --> 00:04:12,787 Speaker 4: I've I've got one more shot at you know, you've 77 00:04:12,787 --> 00:04:15,427 Speaker 4: got the new stadium in christ It's you know, I 78 00:04:15,427 --> 00:04:18,187 Speaker 4: want to be part of the first Crusaders team to 79 00:04:18,987 --> 00:04:22,747 Speaker 4: play in that. And also I've got one hundred games 80 00:04:22,747 --> 00:04:25,707 Speaker 4: as well coming up for the Crusaders, So you know, 81 00:04:25,747 --> 00:04:27,907 Speaker 4: I've got a few more boxes to tick and you know, 82 00:04:27,907 --> 00:04:30,867 Speaker 4: I'll see that one hundred games will be be the 83 00:04:31,067 --> 00:04:32,027 Speaker 4: icing and the cake for me. 84 00:04:32,267 --> 00:04:35,507 Speaker 2: Yeah, some cool milestones to look forward to in terms 85 00:04:35,547 --> 00:04:37,867 Speaker 2: of your All Black's career. For now, anyway, it'll be 86 00:04:37,867 --> 00:04:39,707 Speaker 2: off to one side. Who knows what the future holds, 87 00:04:39,707 --> 00:04:41,947 Speaker 2: but for now, your time in the Black Jersey has 88 00:04:41,987 --> 00:04:43,707 Speaker 2: come to an end. Have you had the chance to 89 00:04:44,467 --> 00:04:47,107 Speaker 2: reflect on on what a special time it was for 90 00:04:47,227 --> 00:04:49,547 Speaker 2: you representing the All Blacks. 91 00:04:50,027 --> 00:04:52,827 Speaker 4: Oh, one hundred percent. You know, like every kid's dream 92 00:04:52,867 --> 00:04:55,547 Speaker 4: here has to be an All Black and you know, 93 00:04:55,587 --> 00:05:00,227 Speaker 4: I was very blessed and lucky enough to make that 94 00:05:00,387 --> 00:05:03,667 Speaker 4: come true for me and my family. And you know, 95 00:05:04,467 --> 00:05:08,187 Speaker 4: Area just thinks to all the coaches this, you know 96 00:05:08,387 --> 00:05:11,987 Speaker 4: past in prison that gave me the opportunity to represent 97 00:05:12,027 --> 00:05:15,987 Speaker 4: New Zealand. And you know, I see it. I know 98 00:05:16,027 --> 00:05:18,227 Speaker 4: everyone wants to be an All Black and you know, 99 00:05:18,307 --> 00:05:22,107 Speaker 4: being in the environment every day, as you know, you 100 00:05:22,107 --> 00:05:24,867 Speaker 4: don't take it lightly. And you know, like I said that, 101 00:05:25,507 --> 00:05:29,107 Speaker 4: you know, I've achieved my dream that I've I've always 102 00:05:29,147 --> 00:05:31,747 Speaker 4: wanted to do and you know, but unfortunately for now, 103 00:05:31,987 --> 00:05:35,147 Speaker 4: I'll have to push it to the side. And yeah, 104 00:05:35,187 --> 00:05:39,107 Speaker 4: obviously you know, focus on Super Rugby now and obviously 105 00:05:39,227 --> 00:05:40,387 Speaker 4: what comes after that. 106 00:05:40,627 --> 00:05:43,787 Speaker 2: Yeah, well, if your last test or the last test 107 00:05:43,827 --> 00:05:45,747 Speaker 2: you played is to be your last game for the 108 00:05:45,747 --> 00:05:47,747 Speaker 2: All Blacks that went against Wales at Cardiff, You've got 109 00:05:47,747 --> 00:05:50,867 Speaker 2: those tries that you're scored, including the ankle breaker in 110 00:05:50,867 --> 00:05:52,347 Speaker 2: the corner. Not a bad way to go out. 111 00:05:55,307 --> 00:05:57,907 Speaker 4: Oh yeah, well, no, that was cool. Like I said, 112 00:05:57,907 --> 00:06:01,187 Speaker 4: you know I've give him opportunity in that last game, 113 00:06:01,267 --> 00:06:03,707 Speaker 4: and you know I made sure to make the most 114 00:06:03,707 --> 00:06:06,827 Speaker 4: of it and yeah, minister to try and it is 115 00:06:06,907 --> 00:06:07,667 Speaker 4: a pretty cool. 116 00:06:07,747 --> 00:06:09,307 Speaker 2: It was very cool. So when you think of the 117 00:06:09,347 --> 00:06:12,947 Speaker 2: young Sevo Race who grew up in Fiji loving the 118 00:06:12,987 --> 00:06:16,067 Speaker 2: game of rugby, and you look back, now, how much 119 00:06:16,107 --> 00:06:18,947 Speaker 2: pride do you feel about what you've achieved for the 120 00:06:19,027 --> 00:06:20,867 Speaker 2: various teams you have represented? 121 00:06:22,227 --> 00:06:25,667 Speaker 4: No. One hundred. You know, like I said, you know, 122 00:06:25,707 --> 00:06:27,667 Speaker 4: I just you know, I was I was a little 123 00:06:27,747 --> 00:06:30,627 Speaker 4: kid from Fiji. You know, I was born in Fiji. 124 00:06:32,067 --> 00:06:35,667 Speaker 4: You know, grew up in Fiji and moved over to 125 00:06:35,667 --> 00:06:40,067 Speaker 4: New Zealand for for better life and hoping that one 126 00:06:40,147 --> 00:06:43,227 Speaker 4: day I'll be able to support my family. And you know, 127 00:06:43,307 --> 00:06:46,027 Speaker 4: today I can. I can happily say that, you know, 128 00:06:46,147 --> 00:06:48,827 Speaker 4: I've ticked all those boxes and you know, all the teams, 129 00:06:49,067 --> 00:06:51,627 Speaker 4: all the teams that I was a part of, and 130 00:06:51,667 --> 00:06:55,507 Speaker 4: in the friendships and relationships that I've I've built over 131 00:06:55,587 --> 00:06:59,427 Speaker 4: the last five many years and in up until today. 132 00:07:00,507 --> 00:07:03,347 Speaker 4: You know, I get to sit back and yeah, you know, 133 00:07:03,507 --> 00:07:06,227 Speaker 4: just look back and just yeah, just makes me so proud, 134 00:07:06,547 --> 00:07:09,267 Speaker 4: just happy and knowing that I've given everything to all 135 00:07:09,307 --> 00:07:12,627 Speaker 4: the teams that I've been a part of, and you know, 136 00:07:12,707 --> 00:07:16,667 Speaker 4: and hope hopefully I've made made some of the fans 137 00:07:17,067 --> 00:07:21,467 Speaker 4: proud and you know, just yeah, you know, it just 138 00:07:21,467 --> 00:07:24,027 Speaker 4: so brings me so much story and just happiness just 139 00:07:24,067 --> 00:07:27,427 Speaker 4: thinking about, Yeah, my career so far here and is 140 00:07:27,427 --> 00:07:28,067 Speaker 4: in it and. 141 00:07:28,027 --> 00:07:31,387 Speaker 2: The other thing we've loved watching you be for anything 142 00:07:31,387 --> 00:07:33,907 Speaker 2: you play for as a hype man, something we've come 143 00:07:33,947 --> 00:07:36,587 Speaker 2: to expect from Seva Roos when you're forward to affect 144 00:07:36,627 --> 00:07:39,427 Speaker 2: a turnover or something similarly, you're the first one in 145 00:07:39,467 --> 00:07:41,787 Speaker 2: there with the with the chart hoo's and the pats 146 00:07:41,827 --> 00:07:44,947 Speaker 2: on the back. Is that something that you have intentionally 147 00:07:44,987 --> 00:07:47,107 Speaker 2: wanted to bring to the teams that you've been a 148 00:07:47,147 --> 00:07:47,467 Speaker 2: part of. 149 00:07:49,147 --> 00:07:52,187 Speaker 4: Yeah, or one hundred percent, you know, like if you 150 00:07:52,587 --> 00:07:54,947 Speaker 4: you know, if you look at the rugby that's been 151 00:07:54,947 --> 00:07:58,507 Speaker 4: played today and you know that the modern rugby, you know, 152 00:07:58,547 --> 00:08:01,707 Speaker 4: almost all all teams are all teams. You can say 153 00:08:01,707 --> 00:08:04,427 Speaker 4: all teams are the same. You know, we almost trained 154 00:08:04,427 --> 00:08:06,627 Speaker 4: the same amount of hours and everything. You know, thinking 155 00:08:06,747 --> 00:08:09,667 Speaker 4: it comes down to just just little things of like 156 00:08:09,787 --> 00:08:12,467 Speaker 4: you know, how high you can obviously get it and 157 00:08:12,507 --> 00:08:18,187 Speaker 4: get into other other teams' heads and just little things, 158 00:08:18,187 --> 00:08:20,427 Speaker 4: you know. But but at the same time, it's you know, 159 00:08:20,667 --> 00:08:23,707 Speaker 4: we do it to celebrate the little wins that we 160 00:08:23,867 --> 00:08:25,907 Speaker 4: had and it could have been from a scrum our 161 00:08:25,947 --> 00:08:28,267 Speaker 4: big boys could have had a really good scrum more 162 00:08:28,747 --> 00:08:31,507 Speaker 4: or you know, just we want a penalty or just 163 00:08:31,547 --> 00:08:33,507 Speaker 4: something like that, just you know, getting in there and 164 00:08:33,587 --> 00:08:36,947 Speaker 4: just showing those big boys how much we issually appreciate 165 00:08:37,827 --> 00:08:38,667 Speaker 4: what they've just done. 166 00:08:38,827 --> 00:08:41,347 Speaker 2: Love it, Love it. Well, you've signed for three years 167 00:08:41,387 --> 00:08:44,907 Speaker 2: on this deal in France. Have you thought beyond that 168 00:08:45,107 --> 00:08:47,267 Speaker 2: about what the future might hold? Can you see yourself, 169 00:08:47,267 --> 00:08:49,547 Speaker 2: for example, coming back to New Zealand at some. 170 00:08:49,547 --> 00:08:55,267 Speaker 4: Point I've been yeah, I'll just ask it just before, 171 00:08:55,947 --> 00:08:59,827 Speaker 4: you know, because i'm you know, on Fijian and you 172 00:08:59,867 --> 00:09:03,907 Speaker 4: know three years time I'll be eligible for for Fuji 173 00:09:04,067 --> 00:09:08,387 Speaker 4: as well. So be It's like I said, you know, 174 00:09:08,667 --> 00:09:13,947 Speaker 4: there's lots there for me, be all to see. When 175 00:09:13,987 --> 00:09:16,827 Speaker 4: we leave New Zealand, there'll be no looking back for sure, 176 00:09:17,187 --> 00:09:19,587 Speaker 4: and you know we're going to go there with the 177 00:09:19,667 --> 00:09:22,547 Speaker 4: mindset of just going there to play some good rugby, 178 00:09:23,547 --> 00:09:26,667 Speaker 4: you know, enjoy create some some more amazing memories of 179 00:09:26,787 --> 00:09:30,947 Speaker 4: my little family and you know whatever, whatever happens in 180 00:09:30,947 --> 00:09:34,387 Speaker 4: the future, happens whether it's a Fiji jersey or on 181 00:09:34,427 --> 00:09:38,107 Speaker 4: New Zealand jersey again, then yeah, we'll just wait and see. 182 00:09:38,187 --> 00:09:39,907 Speaker 2: Yeah, well, look forward to seeing how that plays out 183 00:09:39,907 --> 00:09:42,387 Speaker 2: while we get to watch you for one more Super 184 00:09:42,467 --> 00:09:46,307 Speaker 2: Rugby season with the Crusaders. Sever congratulations on a terrific 185 00:09:46,387 --> 00:09:48,467 Speaker 2: All Black's career. Thank you for all the joy you've 186 00:09:48,467 --> 00:09:50,067 Speaker 2: brought to so many people during your time in the 187 00:09:50,067 --> 00:09:52,587 Speaker 2: Black Jersey. All the best for the Super Rugby season ahead, 188 00:09:52,587 --> 00:09:54,307 Speaker 2: and thanks for chatting to us today. 189 00:09:54,587 --> 00:09:55,827 Speaker 4: Thank you so much, appreciate it. 190 00:09:55,827 --> 00:09:59,907 Speaker 2: Thanks, no, thank you, sir. So yeah, he's not leaving yet. 191 00:10:00,667 --> 00:10:03,027 Speaker 2: Annoyingly for the rest of us, he'll probably part of 192 00:10:03,027 --> 00:10:04,947 Speaker 2: a part of a Crusader side that will win another 193 00:10:04,987 --> 00:10:08,947 Speaker 2: Super Rugby title. But for now, as far as the 194 00:10:08,987 --> 00:10:11,067 Speaker 2: All Blacks are concerned, that is it, and you would 195 00:10:11,107 --> 00:10:13,867 Speaker 2: have to think that is it. I just simply can't 196 00:10:13,867 --> 00:10:16,147 Speaker 2: see a set of circumstances under which sever Ruce would 197 00:10:16,147 --> 00:10:16,867 Speaker 2: play for the All Blacks. 198 00:10:16,907 --> 00:10:17,147 Speaker 4: Again. 199 00:10:17,547 --> 00:10:20,427 Speaker 2: He's twenty nine now, sob be thirty two when he 200 00:10:20,467 --> 00:10:23,307 Speaker 2: comes back, if he does come back. And look, you know, 201 00:10:23,347 --> 00:10:26,867 Speaker 2: I think we've kind of learned that wingers. You know, 202 00:10:26,947 --> 00:10:30,267 Speaker 2: they certainly are the hot hand when it comes to selection, 203 00:10:30,307 --> 00:10:33,427 Speaker 2: and that's exactly what Seva Reese was in twenty nineteen. 204 00:10:34,027 --> 00:10:37,787 Speaker 2: He and George Bridge came into those wingspots having had 205 00:10:37,987 --> 00:10:40,627 Speaker 2: very little test rugby going into the World Cup in 206 00:10:40,667 --> 00:10:45,227 Speaker 2: twenty nineteen and were first choice across that tournament. And 207 00:10:45,867 --> 00:10:47,387 Speaker 2: I think the same thing's going to happen at the 208 00:10:47,427 --> 00:10:51,347 Speaker 2: next Rugby World Cup. I honestly think there may be 209 00:10:51,467 --> 00:10:55,907 Speaker 2: a situation, a scenario under which the starting winger or 210 00:10:55,987 --> 00:11:00,227 Speaker 2: wingers plural for us at the next Rugby World Cup 211 00:11:00,227 --> 00:11:02,467 Speaker 2: in twenty twenty seven are players we haven't yet seen 212 00:11:02,467 --> 00:11:08,387 Speaker 2: debut because it is it's the wing above all other 213 00:11:08,387 --> 00:11:10,667 Speaker 2: positions in rugby, and particularly in the All Blacks at 214 00:11:10,707 --> 00:11:14,907 Speaker 2: a World Cup. Time is a form thing. It is 215 00:11:15,307 --> 00:11:19,227 Speaker 2: the hot hand, as Elliott Smith, our rugby editor and 216 00:11:19,267 --> 00:11:24,187 Speaker 2: match commentator, calls it. A guy like Caleb Tungataw might 217 00:11:24,227 --> 00:11:26,787 Speaker 2: be a great example. I mean, Lee Roy Carter came 218 00:11:26,827 --> 00:11:29,387 Speaker 2: in this year having you know, really, I mean, I'm 219 00:11:29,387 --> 00:11:32,507 Speaker 2: not sure that many people a year ago were picking 220 00:11:32,587 --> 00:11:34,107 Speaker 2: Lee Roy Carter to play as often for the All 221 00:11:34,107 --> 00:11:36,787 Speaker 2: Blacks as he did this year. So who knows who 222 00:11:36,787 --> 00:11:39,067 Speaker 2: it's going to be in a couple of years. 223 00:11:39,147 --> 00:11:42,947 Speaker 1: Time For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen 224 00:11:43,027 --> 00:11:46,267 Speaker 1: live to news Talk Said Be weekends from midday, or 225 00:11:46,347 --> 00:11:48,267 Speaker 1: follow the podcast on iHeartRadio