WEBVTT - Rugby Direct - Episode 199 0:00:09.093 --> 0:00:12.693 You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow 0:00:12.773 --> 0:00:17.013 this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio. 0:00:19.253 --> 0:00:25.293 Straight down the middle of DRUPAC. Try these. 0:00:28.693 --> 0:00:33.213 Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct 0:00:33.333 --> 0:00:37.053 with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier powered by News Talks EDB. 0:00:37.293 --> 0:00:40.373 Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habita Physio. Book today 0:00:40.413 --> 0:00:42.573 and stay in the game. 0:00:42.373 --> 0:00:45.253 Elli Gett Smith with me Liam Napier The countdown on 0:00:45.333 --> 0:00:49.853 to Super Rugby Specifical lim This was in theory supposed 0:00:49.853 --> 0:00:52.133 to be the first show of the year, best slide 0:00:52.173 --> 0:00:54.333 plans and everything, and I think this is number four 0:00:54.493 --> 0:00:57.493 of Rugby Direct for twenty twenty six. But welcome and 0:00:57.613 --> 0:01:00.053 how excited are you for Super Rugby to kick off 0:01:00.173 --> 0:01:00.813 lad of this week? 0:01:01.093 --> 0:01:03.613 Heah, what a treats to have four four in the can. 0:01:03.613 --> 0:01:06.093 It's been a big year already, isn't it. Well into 0:01:06.133 --> 0:01:09.373 the season Super Rugby thirty free as you say, and 0:01:09.453 --> 0:01:11.893 planning to look forward to. I think summer rugby or 0:01:12.173 --> 0:01:16.173 always produces great spectacles. It's a week earlier this year 0:01:16.533 --> 0:01:20.053 than last year, so some people grumble about that, but 0:01:20.693 --> 0:01:24.093 I'm looking forward to you bring him a Valentine's Day 0:01:24.093 --> 0:01:24.973 present this weekend. 0:01:25.333 --> 0:01:26.493 You got anything special on mine? 0:01:26.573 --> 0:01:28.733 Yeah? The bookings in with Into Flora, A nicely bunch 0:01:28.773 --> 0:01:31.733 of roses coming for the Valentine's Day. 0:01:31.813 --> 0:01:33.933 Yeah, delightful. Yeah, expect nothing less. 0:01:34.173 --> 0:01:36.853 All right, let's get into the business of Super Rugby. 0:01:36.893 --> 0:01:39.093 Big question first and foremost. I'm going to hit you 0:01:39.213 --> 0:01:43.013 with Liam who will win Super Rugby twenty twenty six. 0:01:44.413 --> 0:01:46.253 I'm a betting man. 0:01:46.413 --> 0:01:50.413 If I am having a punt, which I haven't as yet. 0:01:51.613 --> 0:01:53.933 I am on England to win six Nations, which was 0:01:54.853 --> 0:01:57.973 good start. Left me very torn, but I would go 0:01:58.053 --> 0:02:01.253 the Chiefs. I think, look there question mark there about 0:02:01.253 --> 0:02:05.333 the coaching transition between Clayton McMillan and John o'gibbs. That've 0:02:05.333 --> 0:02:08.813 been the nearly men of recent years, a number of lost, 0:02:08.853 --> 0:02:12.453 blown finals, but I think they have the deepest squad 0:02:12.893 --> 0:02:16.973 in Super Rugby. They've lost Antonina Brown temporarily to Japan 0:02:17.173 --> 0:02:20.293 and Shan Stephenson, so interesting. 0:02:19.933 --> 0:02:21.693 To see how they go about that. 0:02:21.813 --> 0:02:25.053 But I just think when you look at the season 0:02:25.093 --> 0:02:30.173 as a whole, all black rests, injuries, rotation, depth is 0:02:30.173 --> 0:02:32.693 so important and this Chiefs squad is stacked. If you 0:02:32.853 --> 0:02:37.013 just consider their starting team are starting twenty three potentially, 0:02:37.053 --> 0:02:40.453 and how many all blacks and the depth there consider this, 0:02:40.573 --> 0:02:44.533 Olin Norris, Samsoni Takyaho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupu Vai, 0:02:44.693 --> 0:02:49.093 Simon Parker, Luke, Jacobsson, Wallace a Tzi. That's a hell 0:02:49.133 --> 0:02:53.013 of a pack, Cortes At, Damien McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quintupaia, 0:02:53.133 --> 0:02:56.973 Daniel Rohner who's highly underrated in my book, Ammonia, and 0:02:57.013 --> 0:02:59.133 n and Tenny nine Ers so Torno. Then on the 0:02:59.173 --> 0:03:03.693 bench you've got potentially Arkoy, some of Penny Female, Xavier Roe, Josh, 0:03:03.813 --> 0:03:09.573 Jacob and Toymoi Flow and Brodie McAllister. So that's without 0:03:09.613 --> 0:03:12.053 even going into the wider squads. So the chiefs to 0:03:12.133 --> 0:03:13.613 me are favorites about what so you. 0:03:13.653 --> 0:03:15.493 Yeah, I think they have to go in as favorites 0:03:15.733 --> 0:03:17.533 as they have for the last few years because of 0:03:17.533 --> 0:03:19.533 that depth. And you're adding a player like a time 0:03:19.533 --> 0:03:22.133 boy for Lour. You had Simon Parker who wasn't at 0:03:22.173 --> 0:03:24.773 all black this time last year. All those sort of 0:03:24.853 --> 0:03:28.453 things I think vitally important. And depth is so big 0:03:28.493 --> 0:03:30.453 and super rugby we've seen it for the last few years. 0:03:30.493 --> 0:03:33.053 It's not necessarily the deepest team that wins, but it 0:03:33.093 --> 0:03:35.013 certainly helps. And if you have a couple of injuries 0:03:35.053 --> 0:03:38.053 and key positions, it's very very hard to rebuild. You 0:03:38.093 --> 0:03:42.093 look back to twenty twenty four when cam roy Guard 0:03:42.493 --> 0:03:44.653 got that injury. The Hurricanes were humming at that point 0:03:44.693 --> 0:03:47.453 and after that they were never quite the same. Following 0:03:47.493 --> 0:03:50.333 that last year took the Crusaders a little bit. They 0:03:50.333 --> 0:03:54.493 were playing quite well, lost Taha Kimita, Rivers. Rahart originally 0:03:54.533 --> 0:03:56.333 comes in and does very well, you know, wins a 0:03:56.333 --> 0:03:57.933 Super Rugby title and was the player of the match 0:03:57.933 --> 0:03:59.333 in the final, but took them a little bit to 0:03:59.333 --> 0:04:02.933 get going as well. Twenty four the Crusaders didn't have 0:04:02.973 --> 0:04:05.573 Will Jordan. You know, there's so you lose a couple 0:04:05.573 --> 0:04:08.173 of players in key positions, then you're in real strife. 0:04:08.333 --> 0:04:10.893 I think the Chiefs have got that arsenal there that 0:04:10.973 --> 0:04:13.413 if it's one player injured, the next man up is 0:04:13.413 --> 0:04:15.973 a very very good replacement. I don't see that depth 0:04:15.973 --> 0:04:19.693 across all the franchises. Maybe the Crusaders are perhaps the 0:04:19.773 --> 0:04:22.053 closest in terms of a New Zealand perspective and having 0:04:22.053 --> 0:04:23.933 that depth. And you know, there have been the two 0:04:24.533 --> 0:04:26.653 standard bearers for the last couple of seasons. 0:04:26.693 --> 0:04:27.693 So I'm with you. 0:04:27.773 --> 0:04:30.173 I'm intrigued to see how the coaching transition goes from 0:04:30.253 --> 0:04:33.813 John o' gibbs taking over. You know, he's a different 0:04:33.853 --> 0:04:36.373 kind of coach to Clayton McMillan. From what I hear 0:04:37.053 --> 0:04:39.653 speaking to Wallis a Titi last week, Damian McKenzie a 0:04:39.653 --> 0:04:41.973 couple of weeks prior to that, seems like it's been 0:04:41.973 --> 0:04:44.813 a fairly seamless transition. I don't know that's necessarily a 0:04:44.853 --> 0:04:47.413 good thing in some ways because he's already been part 0:04:47.453 --> 0:04:49.533 of the setup. You know, sometimes when you haven't got 0:04:49.573 --> 0:04:52.013 over that hurdle of making the final, you might just 0:04:52.013 --> 0:04:53.453 need a little bit of a shake up. But the 0:04:53.493 --> 0:04:56.893 Chiefs have gone for consistency in a way, and you know, 0:04:57.053 --> 0:04:59.413 apart from you know, those closing moments in a final, 0:05:00.173 --> 0:05:01.933 they're they're there or thereabouts, aren't they? 0:05:02.173 --> 0:05:06.733 They are, But it is a big mental hurdle question 0:05:07.053 --> 0:05:10.693 how do they get over there hump? Because there's got 0:05:10.773 --> 0:05:13.133 to be some demons there among that playing group, among 0:05:13.493 --> 0:05:17.693 the coaching staff that largely remains the same. Johnny Gibbs, 0:05:18.013 --> 0:05:21.893 as you say, was there last year, looking after the Fords, 0:05:22.653 --> 0:05:25.453 So what has he seen? What is he going to 0:05:25.453 --> 0:05:29.733 bring to the table that's new and he doesn't have 0:05:29.973 --> 0:05:33.293 a hugely great track record as head coach. 0:05:33.413 --> 0:05:35.373 It's very different being assistant to head coach. 0:05:35.493 --> 0:05:37.693 So I think you're right there does need to be 0:05:38.333 --> 0:05:42.413 something new because the Chiefs will almost certainly be there 0:05:42.493 --> 0:05:45.653 come finals time. How are they going to get over 0:05:45.693 --> 0:05:46.093 that hump? 0:05:46.853 --> 0:05:47.333 Otherwise? 0:05:47.373 --> 0:05:51.693 I think look the Crusader's resurrection last year. They've got 0:05:51.693 --> 0:05:55.533 claims to go back to back largely settled squads. They've 0:05:55.533 --> 0:05:58.973 lost Christy who was a real tireless workhorse, but you'd 0:05:59.013 --> 0:06:01.733 think Ethan Blackett will probably play, you know, one on 0:06:01.853 --> 0:06:06.293 five games on the discrossed on the open side lot 0:06:06.333 --> 0:06:10.293 hopefully as a better season in terms of injury. I 0:06:10.293 --> 0:06:13.213 think David Hevilli was a really smart choice as captain. 0:06:13.253 --> 0:06:16.733 He made a real impact on the Crusaders. The Blues 0:06:16.733 --> 0:06:20.333 will be there or thereabouts, but I think there could 0:06:20.333 --> 0:06:23.173 be a bit of disruption there. I think we saw 0:06:23.293 --> 0:06:27.253 last year Vncotta didn't have the same impact he had 0:06:27.293 --> 0:06:27.893 in year one. 0:06:28.293 --> 0:06:30.453 They lost the close semi final in christ Church. 0:06:31.573 --> 0:06:36.533 But interesting to see how they navigate recruiting a new 0:06:36.573 --> 0:06:39.933 coach with Verne's transition out and what that means for 0:06:39.973 --> 0:06:42.653 their wider coaching team as well. You've also got Biden 0:06:42.693 --> 0:06:45.893 Barrot out to round four, Patrick two Pilot out to 0:06:46.613 --> 0:06:51.133 round nine, Dalton Papal captaining the team. So Stephen Peter 0:06:51.213 --> 0:06:53.733 Fetter coming back really intrigued to see how he goes. 0:06:53.853 --> 0:06:56.213 Yeah, I think it just to touch on those two players. 0:06:56.253 --> 0:06:59.933 Papa last year was had a rough year. Was when 0:06:59.973 --> 0:07:03.493 the initial All backs squad then comes in then goes 0:07:03.533 --> 0:07:06.453 missing from the All Backs later in the year as well. 0:07:07.333 --> 0:07:09.653 I don't think he had a great rugby last year, Dalton, 0:07:09.973 --> 0:07:13.173 but I think he's certainly capable of having you know, 0:07:13.213 --> 0:07:16.133 more All Blacks rugby under his belt. And I think 0:07:16.133 --> 0:07:17.973 this looms is a big year for Dalton Papa Lee 0:07:18.093 --> 0:07:20.573 in so many ways. There's a new All Blacks coaching staff, 0:07:20.613 --> 0:07:22.013 which will get to a bit later in the pod 0:07:22.973 --> 0:07:24.813 with what the latest is around that. But I think 0:07:25.013 --> 0:07:26.653 this is a big chance for Dalton Papa Lee to 0:07:26.653 --> 0:07:29.973 stamp his claims and return to being perhaps the first 0:07:30.053 --> 0:07:32.653 choice you know, open side in the country. Who knows 0:07:32.693 --> 0:07:35.573 we ALREADYSRV might slot in into a new All Black setup, 0:07:35.573 --> 0:07:36.853 but I think this is a big year for Dolton, 0:07:36.853 --> 0:07:39.293 Papa Lee and Stephen Peter Feeder. I almost think this 0:07:39.373 --> 0:07:41.053 is the last chance saloon. And I mean that in 0:07:41.093 --> 0:07:43.173 the kindest possible way. Is that he's had so many 0:07:43.173 --> 0:07:47.173 injuries through the years, He's had so much time out 0:07:47.213 --> 0:07:50.493 of rugby. He's now what twenty eight. I think this 0:07:50.573 --> 0:07:52.493 is make or break for Stephen Peter Fetter in terms 0:07:52.533 --> 0:07:55.093 of nailing that All Black spot. I think a couple 0:07:55.133 --> 0:07:56.773 of years ago he was the starting All Blacks fullback 0:07:57.253 --> 0:07:58.573 and then he's had a number of injuries. 0:07:58.613 --> 0:08:00.773 Since the start of Scott Robertson's reign, he was the 0:08:00.773 --> 0:08:01.533 All Blacks fullback. 0:08:01.613 --> 0:08:04.133 So look, if he can have a good Super Rugby season, 0:08:04.173 --> 0:08:05.933 great and he may well get back in the All Blacks. 0:08:05.933 --> 0:08:08.693 But I think this is probably a big opportunity for Confit. 0:08:08.813 --> 0:08:10.333 Otherwise I think that window might have closed. 0:08:10.733 --> 0:08:14.253 He's a forgotten man, didn't play any NPC this year, 0:08:15.213 --> 0:08:20.333 had a number of league injuries. He's a guy that 0:08:20.373 --> 0:08:23.173 New Zealand Raby would love to retain because let's just 0:08:23.213 --> 0:08:29.013 say a Muanga comes back, but he might fall over 0:08:29.453 --> 0:08:30.693 or Bowden or d Mac. 0:08:30.973 --> 0:08:31.813 You need that depth. 0:08:31.853 --> 0:08:36.293 We've seen that in previous history with World Cups and 0:08:36.573 --> 0:08:39.173 first fives and how influential will they be can be. 0:08:39.293 --> 0:08:42.813 So he's a really classy operator and I'd love to 0:08:42.813 --> 0:08:44.733 see him have a runner and he is going to 0:08:44.853 --> 0:08:48.973 because Boden's not back to round four, so interesting to 0:08:48.973 --> 0:08:51.773 see how that pans out. Also, the Blues without Riquoewane, 0:08:52.213 --> 0:08:55.573 they've got Peter Aki coming back after seven years in France. 0:08:56.333 --> 0:08:59.853 Some footage in the preseason looks like he's strong and 0:08:59.933 --> 0:09:02.973 playing well. So look, the Blues have a strong roster. 0:09:03.013 --> 0:09:05.853 There's no doubting that. I don't see them winning it, 0:09:05.893 --> 0:09:08.173 but I see them featuring. And I think the Canes 0:09:08.373 --> 0:09:11.053 were the big movers this year and they should be. 0:09:11.213 --> 0:09:14.693 You've been pumping those tires on the train, yeah, for 0:09:15.093 --> 0:09:16.933 a couple of weeks. Now, what gives you so much 0:09:16.973 --> 0:09:18.373 confidence that they're ready to go? 0:09:18.893 --> 0:09:22.133 Well, Jordie's a massive in He's had that time in Leinster. 0:09:23.413 --> 0:09:27.573 He is coming back from injury, so I think he 0:09:28.653 --> 0:09:30.653 missed the back end of the All Black season, so 0:09:30.733 --> 0:09:33.733 he should be fresh and hungry there. He's a hugely 0:09:33.773 --> 0:09:36.973 influential presence in the fact that he does a lot 0:09:37.013 --> 0:09:38.053 of backline directing. 0:09:38.773 --> 0:09:39.853 He's a physical presence. 0:09:39.933 --> 0:09:41.693 I think we'll see him play a bit of fullback 0:09:41.693 --> 0:09:44.733 as well as second five. So intrigued to see how 0:09:44.773 --> 0:09:46.133 that pans out. I know there were a lot of 0:09:46.133 --> 0:09:49.013 people last year with the All Black struggling under the 0:09:49.093 --> 0:09:51.413 high ball, clamoring for Jordi to go back to fullback. 0:09:52.093 --> 0:09:56.333 Maybe that would certainly spark a bit of a conversation. 0:09:56.773 --> 0:09:57.373 Yeah, I think so. 0:09:57.853 --> 0:10:00.053 I'd like to see omit fullback at times this year 0:10:00.053 --> 0:10:02.013 for the Hurricanes. I think with the way that rugby's 0:10:02.053 --> 0:10:04.373 being played now, it made sense at the time for 0:10:04.413 --> 0:10:06.493 Jordi to move into second five for the All Blacks. 0:10:06.493 --> 0:10:09.013 I think it now makes sense for him potentially to 0:10:09.013 --> 0:10:10.413 move back to fall back, just with the way the 0:10:10.493 --> 0:10:11.493 high ball game operates. 0:10:11.493 --> 0:10:13.653 So I think it should be a live conversation. Yeah. 0:10:13.773 --> 0:10:16.573 The Hurricanes have are really like Roley Higgins, and if 0:10:16.573 --> 0:10:18.573 he can stay fit, I think you'll see him feature 0:10:19.573 --> 0:10:22.813 at twelve certainly at some point this year. 0:10:22.853 --> 0:10:24.413 With Jordi at fullback. 0:10:25.253 --> 0:10:28.493 The Hurricanes also get back Josh Morby, who's a very 0:10:28.493 --> 0:10:29.333 solid operator. 0:10:30.413 --> 0:10:32.773 Warner Dunes in the second row. They want big tickets 0:10:32.773 --> 0:10:34.773 on Wanta don Well. I think he's up there with 0:10:34.813 --> 0:10:36.373 the best locks in the world on his day, to 0:10:36.373 --> 0:10:39.053 be honest. And that's always been a weakness of the 0:10:39.133 --> 0:10:42.493 Hurricanes has been the Type five. And they've had some 0:10:42.533 --> 0:10:45.013 good players come through the years. They've had the odd 0:10:45.093 --> 0:10:47.813 you know, Hooker Moor, but they've never had them all 0:10:47.853 --> 0:10:49.493 together at once. And you look at that Type five 0:10:49.533 --> 0:10:52.213 now and you go, it's a pretty pretty good prospect, 0:10:52.533 --> 0:10:54.893 you know, when you can put together maybe youngster like 0:10:54.933 --> 0:10:59.013 a Delaaney or a Plumber alongside of Warner Dunes, who's 0:10:59.013 --> 0:11:02.453 a captain international. Ukala Whitte is still there for the Hurricanes. 0:11:02.493 --> 0:11:04.613 So I think it's a better Type five than what 0:11:04.653 --> 0:11:06.213 we've seen from the the Canes in recent times. 0:11:06.333 --> 0:11:07.693 Yeah, there's no excuses there. 0:11:07.973 --> 0:11:10.333 The Hurricy have three all black tight head props and 0:11:10.373 --> 0:11:12.573 they've recruited Lowaki who's a hulking prop. 0:11:12.573 --> 0:11:15.213 They've got us all as you mentioned there. 0:11:15.373 --> 0:11:17.893 I had a quick gown to lend mySAP Wang at 0:11:17.893 --> 0:11:20.733 the Super Rugby launch and he was saying, look, I 0:11:20.733 --> 0:11:23.173 think I'm done mate, I'm going to have to retire. 0:11:23.213 --> 0:11:25.253 I've seen us suffer more running around and there's no 0:11:25.293 --> 0:11:26.573 way I want to tackle that bloke. 0:11:26.973 --> 0:11:30.213 So yeah, Warner Durnes is a good recruit. 0:11:30.253 --> 0:11:32.733 I think it's interesting to see how he comes back 0:11:32.733 --> 0:11:36.293 from Japan or adapts to Super rugby, which is certainly 0:11:36.333 --> 0:11:38.573 going to be more physical. But he's a big line 0:11:38.573 --> 0:11:43.213 out presence. And then you talk about someone like Cam Rugard. 0:11:44.253 --> 0:11:46.093 If he stays on the park, he could be the 0:11:46.093 --> 0:11:48.773 best player in the comp this year. And then I 0:11:48.773 --> 0:11:50.533 think the Hurricanes are a lot clearer about where they 0:11:50.573 --> 0:11:54.173 want to go at ten. Ruben Loves started there and 0:11:54.773 --> 0:11:57.853 you've got Bret Cameron as well. A shame to lose 0:11:57.893 --> 0:12:00.813 Harry Godfrey for the season. He had some real nice 0:12:00.853 --> 0:12:04.853 moments at times, but he's done his ACL So look, 0:12:04.853 --> 0:12:07.533 I think generally speaking, the Canes of all the pieces. 0:12:07.533 --> 0:12:09.613 They've also got a view very strong coaching team. They 0:12:09.613 --> 0:12:13.773 get Jason Holland back from the All Blacks, Corey Jane 0:12:13.813 --> 0:12:17.293 and Jamie McIntosh are very highly regarded. Clark Lader thinks 0:12:17.293 --> 0:12:20.133 into his third year. In his first year he took 0:12:20.173 --> 0:12:23.733 them to top of the log and then they lost 0:12:23.733 --> 0:12:27.973 the semi final to the Chiefs and Wellington the Hurricanes kryptonite. 0:12:27.973 --> 0:12:31.613 I think they've lost three semifinals and four years. So 0:12:32.373 --> 0:12:35.293 we talk about the Chiefs not getting over the final hump. Well, 0:12:35.293 --> 0:12:37.973 the Hurricanes can't even reach the finals, so all the 0:12:37.973 --> 0:12:40.613 pieces are there and they should be the big movers, 0:12:40.653 --> 0:12:41.533 but there's no guarantee. 0:12:41.613 --> 0:12:42.013 No, it's not. 0:12:42.573 --> 0:12:44.453 They also hate a trip to Canberra in the knockout 0:12:44.493 --> 0:12:46.493 rounds because that has been their kryptonite for the last 0:12:46.573 --> 0:12:48.293 few years. The question I Mark I'd have over the 0:12:48.413 --> 0:12:51.053 Hurricanes is their depth. Dupless if he's going to miss 0:12:51.053 --> 0:12:54.573 the opening rounds through injury. We saw as I touched 0:12:54.613 --> 0:12:58.253 on earlier, Roy Guard if he gets an injury basically 0:12:58.253 --> 0:12:59.853 stopped them their tracks. I mean, that was the same 0:12:59.933 --> 0:13:02.773 year that they did lose to the Chiefs and the semifinals, 0:13:02.773 --> 0:13:05.013 but they weren't the same team after he got injured. 0:13:05.893 --> 0:13:08.253 But after that Roygard Love combination can click at ten 0:13:08.333 --> 0:13:10.853 and then anything's possible. I think for them this season 0:13:10.893 --> 0:13:16.693 they're certainly big contenders. The Crusaders defending champions Rob Pennies 0:13:16.733 --> 0:13:19.533 now into his third year at the Helm. First year 0:13:19.613 --> 0:13:22.653 was a bit of an unmitigated disaster, but you look 0:13:22.693 --> 0:13:24.853 back now and go, well, they lost a few key 0:13:24.853 --> 0:13:28.213 players that year and he rebuilt them be twenty twenty 0:13:28.213 --> 0:13:29.693 five and won the title In the end. 0:13:29.693 --> 0:13:30.573 Can they do it again. 0:13:30.613 --> 0:13:33.133 What do you think the chances of the Crusader's back 0:13:33.133 --> 0:13:34.493 to back in christ shoot might. 0:13:34.333 --> 0:13:37.173 Be Yeah, I mean, nobody wants to see that. 0:13:38.653 --> 0:13:43.333 Thick for yourself, but of course right up there, I 0:13:43.373 --> 0:13:47.333 think they're probably second favorites based on what they did 0:13:47.413 --> 0:13:49.573 last year. I think David Hevilli was a very smart 0:13:49.653 --> 0:13:54.133 choice as captain. They've lost Christie who is a real workhorse, 0:13:55.373 --> 0:13:59.773 but look they get Leicsterifying a nooko back. What an 0:13:59.813 --> 0:14:02.213 asset he's going to be, particularly at super rugby level. 0:14:03.573 --> 0:14:06.653 Where do you think he features in the midfield or yeah. 0:14:06.493 --> 0:14:07.053 I think he does. 0:14:07.373 --> 0:14:11.853 I think they'll probably move him alongside Brandon in or 0:14:11.933 --> 0:14:16.093 potentially or a Dallas mcleoard. I think they've got a 0:14:16.173 --> 0:14:19.173 number of options there seven Reeses last year as well 0:14:19.173 --> 0:14:21.013 at macas Springer. They've got a lot of depth in 0:14:21.093 --> 0:14:23.773 the world Jordan Will Jordan. Yeah, they could move the 0:14:23.813 --> 0:14:26.493 pieces around as they see fit. I would like to 0:14:26.533 --> 0:14:30.373 see Lester's at either second five wall center for the 0:14:30.453 --> 0:14:34.053 Crusaders this season. I think he's got the biggest upside 0:14:34.053 --> 0:14:35.653 in midfield. We sat a little bit of them there 0:14:35.693 --> 0:14:38.173 with the All Blacks last year. I think he saw 0:14:38.253 --> 0:14:40.733 needs a little bit work on distribution a couple other things, 0:14:40.773 --> 0:14:42.893 but he might be there also a little bit of 0:14:42.933 --> 0:14:45.013 whisper that maybe they might look in using him a 0:14:45.053 --> 0:14:47.533 little bit of a hybrid role, maybe potentially as well 0:14:48.373 --> 0:14:50.973 the loose forts, which is what he did in Too Long. 0:14:50.853 --> 0:14:54.213 For one of the big unknowns I think with the Crusaders, 0:14:54.413 --> 0:15:00.373 everybody hated going to was Apollo stating here in the 0:15:00.413 --> 0:15:03.253 middle of the winter, you know, horrific place to go 0:15:03.933 --> 0:15:07.253 for a finals match. Everyone's going to look forward to 0:15:07.293 --> 0:15:09.573 going to a pristine place under the roof. How does 0:15:09.573 --> 0:15:10.653 that affect the Crusaders. 0:15:10.653 --> 0:15:13.133 It's a very good question, and you might be losing 0:15:13.133 --> 0:15:16.133 one of their strengths by moving to the stadium. I 0:15:16.173 --> 0:15:18.573 think ultimately they had to get a new stadium because 0:15:18.613 --> 0:15:23.413 the scaffolding lean to, you know, had well exhausted. 0:15:23.493 --> 0:15:24.253 It's used by date. 0:15:24.333 --> 0:15:27.173 But that does mitigate some of the Crusader's strengths, is 0:15:27.213 --> 0:15:30.213 the ability to roll up the sleeves in the wets 0:15:30.333 --> 0:15:33.453 or in the dewey night era of Christ Jutch. It's 0:15:33.453 --> 0:15:35.453 still going to be cold inside the stadium, you know, 0:15:35.533 --> 0:15:38.013 like full South Barth Stadium, It's still cold inside there. 0:15:38.093 --> 0:15:41.293 But it does mitigate that and you take away, you know, 0:15:41.413 --> 0:15:44.333 the atmospheric conditions. It's a bit of a leaveless So 0:15:44.413 --> 0:15:46.293 it's going to be interesting for the Crusaders how they 0:15:46.333 --> 0:15:49.573 adapt to that, especially with a run of derbies towards 0:15:49.613 --> 0:15:51.573 the end of the season, because they've been back into 0:15:51.613 --> 0:15:54.573 the derby's once the stadium opens for Super Round and April, 0:15:54.613 --> 0:15:58.213 they've got a few derbies at home after that, so 0:15:58.773 --> 0:16:00.733 they're going to have to adapt to those conditions and 0:16:00.773 --> 0:16:02.413 adapt quickly. It's going to be interesting to see how 0:16:02.413 --> 0:16:04.013 that unfolds over the course of the season. 0:16:04.373 --> 0:16:04.653 It is. 0:16:04.733 --> 0:16:08.613 Yeah, if you're the look I think the Blues one 0:16:08.613 --> 0:16:12.053 team that's under Verncoda that went to christ Church with 0:16:12.133 --> 0:16:15.893 a belief that they had the game plan to go 0:16:15.973 --> 0:16:18.653 toe to toe with the Crusaders upfronts you know, play 0:16:18.733 --> 0:16:24.213 that tim Man rugby, match them, physically, challenge their set piece. 0:16:24.293 --> 0:16:26.653 But if you're the Hurricanes and the Chiefs and you're 0:16:26.693 --> 0:16:29.653 going to a roof stadium, I think you're rubbing your 0:16:29.653 --> 0:16:32.133 hands together compared to yes, going to. 0:16:33.653 --> 0:16:36.493 A cold scaffold stadium in the middle of the winter. 0:16:36.613 --> 0:16:38.453 Absolutely, a couple of question marks I do have of 0:16:38.493 --> 0:16:40.933 the Crusaders is at ten Takim. I think it's a 0:16:40.933 --> 0:16:42.973 big year for him. I was beginning to be impressed 0:16:42.973 --> 0:16:44.493 by him last year before he got injured in that 0:16:44.573 --> 0:16:47.613 Chiefs game at Home Rivers. Rayhanna was a player of 0:16:47.653 --> 0:16:50.453 the match in the final. But I think it's still 0:16:50.453 --> 0:16:52.253 a question mark there. I think in the second row 0:16:52.453 --> 0:16:56.853 as well, Scott Barrett out until probably around maysh for 0:16:57.133 --> 0:16:59.893 them this year, They've got Jamie Hannah, They've got shel Foon, 0:16:59.973 --> 0:17:02.373 They've got Liam Jack Taylor, Cahill will tuck it Now. 0:17:02.373 --> 0:17:04.493 These are names that have been around, some of them 0:17:04.533 --> 0:17:07.013 for the Crusader's environment for a few years now, but 0:17:07.053 --> 0:17:09.093 they haven't had a lot of opportunity. Is because they've 0:17:09.093 --> 0:17:11.053 been behind white Lock and Barrett. 0:17:10.693 --> 0:17:13.333 And always had a degree of experience there. 0:17:13.213 --> 0:17:14.213 Alongside them with them. 0:17:14.373 --> 0:17:16.653 So I think that's a question mark for the Crusaders 0:17:16.653 --> 0:17:18.933 this year is can these second row players stand up 0:17:20.373 --> 0:17:22.973 and continue what has been a strength of them in 0:17:23.013 --> 0:17:26.013 the set piece over the last few seasons. So that's 0:17:26.053 --> 0:17:27.973 fascinating to me, is we I also think losing you 0:17:28.013 --> 0:17:29.493 only more I know who is a loss this year. 0:17:29.533 --> 0:17:32.613 He's got to Warrataz, They've got letter you who has 0:17:32.653 --> 0:17:36.573 been under twenties last season. Good player, but again that's 0:17:36.613 --> 0:17:39.853 a losing him's a big drop off as well. It's 0:17:39.893 --> 0:17:45.133 touch on the Highlanders as well. You know the when 0:17:45.213 --> 0:17:48.173 in the offseason I was compiling a rugby director things 0:17:48.253 --> 0:17:50.453 we'd missed and that's quickly got turfed out the window 0:17:50.493 --> 0:17:53.893 because we're back very quickly. But Dylan Pledge's injury was 0:17:54.093 --> 0:17:56.773 at the top of that and I think that alone 0:17:56.853 --> 0:18:00.013 has changed the course and the expectations of the season 0:18:00.053 --> 0:18:02.573 for the Highlanders. And then you throw in Farbig and 0:18:02.613 --> 0:18:05.373 Holand getting injured on Friday and we're still well waiting word. 0:18:05.773 --> 0:18:08.093 I'm hearing various things as too. Once it's not as 0:18:08.093 --> 0:18:11.093 big as it looked too. They were struggling to get 0:18:11.133 --> 0:18:13.573 it back in on Friday, so that usually means surgery, 0:18:14.573 --> 0:18:17.333 so we wait news on that. But you lose Dylan Pledger, 0:18:17.373 --> 0:18:19.893 who was you know, one of the great players last 0:18:19.973 --> 0:18:22.613 year in the NPC, and potentially Holland for instant that 0:18:22.813 --> 0:18:25.093 really takes the Windo own of the Highland of Sales. 0:18:25.093 --> 0:18:28.013 I think, oh massive, and I think wider from a 0:18:28.053 --> 0:18:30.333 pure fan perspective, Dylan Pledger would have been one of 0:18:30.333 --> 0:18:33.293 the top five players this year that you circled to 0:18:33.333 --> 0:18:37.933 look forward to such an exciting prospects. His running game, 0:18:38.853 --> 0:18:41.733 his control, his speeds to the base. You know, he's 0:18:41.733 --> 0:18:45.933 probably the closest thing, closest nine to Aaron Smith, that 0:18:46.013 --> 0:18:49.093 the New Zealand game has seen. And look, we hope 0:18:49.133 --> 0:18:51.933 and expect he's a young man. He'll do the rearhab 0:18:51.933 --> 0:18:54.173 and come again, but it won't be this year. So 0:18:54.613 --> 0:18:59.373 huge blow for the Landers. And yeah, Fabian Holland's let's 0:18:59.373 --> 0:19:03.293 hope it's not too serious because they just don't have 0:19:03.293 --> 0:19:04.293 that caliber player. 0:19:04.533 --> 0:19:06.933 They've got three all blacks Ethan de Groot. 0:19:06.813 --> 0:19:11.013 And Tavatavanawa the other one, the other ones, so they 0:19:11.053 --> 0:19:13.133 desperately need them and they've got a bloody tough start 0:19:13.173 --> 0:19:17.613 to the season. I think they have the Crusader Chiefs 0:19:17.653 --> 0:19:21.493 maybe next and then the Reds away and you've got 0:19:21.533 --> 0:19:25.653 the Jamie Joseph unknown hanging over their season as well. 0:19:25.653 --> 0:19:30.053 They were wooden spooners last year, and it does feel 0:19:30.093 --> 0:19:32.733 like it's sort of set up for the Highlanders maybe 0:19:32.733 --> 0:19:34.213 next year when they get Josh Shakim. 0:19:34.213 --> 0:19:35.333 They've been crying out for. 0:19:36.813 --> 0:19:39.653 A real established tin and I think he is going 0:19:39.733 --> 0:19:41.933 to be that guy for them. They've still got talents 0:19:42.693 --> 0:19:46.533 Russe Mavookie Neapkins and you know the All Blacks needs 0:19:46.533 --> 0:19:49.733 some wingers. Caleb Tungueytowel had a breakout year last year, 0:19:49.773 --> 0:19:52.613 so if they can get some good quality ball, they've 0:19:52.653 --> 0:19:55.213 got talents in that back line. 0:19:55.933 --> 0:19:58.733 But I do it does feel like a rebuild project 0:19:58.933 --> 0:20:01.093 that still work in progress. I mean they've got Stanley 0:20:01.093 --> 0:20:03.733 Solomon who's a very good player out of Wellington. They've 0:20:03.773 --> 0:20:06.453 nabbed him from there. If he gets an opportunity this year, 0:20:06.453 --> 0:20:07.213 excited to see him. 0:20:07.373 --> 0:20:10.213 Van Hurley and Seawann will the Hurley gets injured quite 0:20:10.293 --> 0:20:14.013 quite consistently as well, So yeah, it could be another 0:20:14.053 --> 0:20:14.853 tough year for the Landers. 0:20:15.253 --> 0:20:16.693 Mark I think is over that pack. They've got a 0:20:16.693 --> 0:20:18.653 lot of excitement in the outside backs. They've got Fucker 0:20:18.693 --> 0:20:20.773 Tava who I think is a big year for him. Potentially, 0:20:21.213 --> 0:20:22.893 maybe he's back knocking on the door of the All 0:20:22.893 --> 0:20:25.893 Blacks if he can have a good year. You know Pledger, 0:20:25.973 --> 0:20:28.133 he's probably gonna behind Pledger now you know he's going 0:20:28.173 --> 0:20:30.493 to be the first choice this year. Ten I think 0:20:30.573 --> 0:20:33.293 is a question mark for them again. They've got new stub, 0:20:33.373 --> 0:20:37.293 they've got Cam Miller. They've got Tan Robinson, They've got 0:20:37.373 --> 0:20:39.773 Rishan passitoa who came over from Australia. 0:20:40.053 --> 0:20:40.933 It's pretty lightweight. 0:20:41.013 --> 0:20:44.613 It's lightweight. These are players that in theory could be good, 0:20:44.613 --> 0:20:45.933 but they haven't had a lot of game time. 0:20:46.773 --> 0:20:50.373 Cam Miller was he was he marked as the guy 0:20:50.373 --> 0:20:54.533 and look, maybe a year on, I think he gets 0:20:54.573 --> 0:20:58.893 the keys, but it's all set up for and waiting 0:20:58.933 --> 0:20:59.773 for Jacob Okay. 0:20:59.813 --> 0:21:02.333 Let's touch on the rest of the team's more on 0:21:02.413 --> 0:21:07.413 a PACIFICA. Losing Ardisava, that's a big blow for them. 0:21:07.493 --> 0:21:09.533 They're going to be captain by a miracle fire along you, 0:21:09.613 --> 0:21:11.333 which I think is a great pick for them, But 0:21:11.493 --> 0:21:17.933 it feels like losing Artie Savilla might take the take 0:21:17.973 --> 0:21:19.933 more Wana. You know they're going to get him back 0:21:19.973 --> 0:21:21.293 next year, but it just feels like that's going to 0:21:21.333 --> 0:21:22.413 be impossible to get over. 0:21:22.533 --> 0:21:24.133 It's an Artie Savia sizes hole. 0:21:25.093 --> 0:21:25.333 Yeah. 0:21:25.333 --> 0:21:27.853 Look, there's no getting away from he was super a 0:21:27.893 --> 0:21:30.133 good player of the year last year with what three 0:21:30.253 --> 0:21:35.213 rounds remaining, he was that good, ye, and you do 0:21:35.333 --> 0:21:38.013 not replace the guy like that. I think Miracles a 0:21:38.053 --> 0:21:40.253 smart choice as captain when you think about his story 0:21:40.333 --> 0:21:45.733 coming from the Island's been plucked from relative obscurity and 0:21:45.773 --> 0:21:49.933 coming here and thriving. It is a great story. But 0:21:50.213 --> 0:21:51.973 he's not going to step into artie shoes. He's going 0:21:52.053 --> 0:21:54.453 to need some support. I think they've still got a 0:21:54.453 --> 0:21:57.893 strong coaching team with Tana and Tom Coventry. They've lost 0:21:57.893 --> 0:22:00.813 Stephen Jones, so interesting to see whether that has an 0:22:00.813 --> 0:22:03.493 impact on their attack my pursua as well. 0:22:03.693 --> 0:22:07.053 They've recruited Nannie Lao Marpi. I've heard a few. 0:22:08.533 --> 0:22:12.653 Worrying reports about the state of his knees, so interesting 0:22:12.693 --> 0:22:15.973 to see how much rugby he plays. Look, I hope 0:22:15.973 --> 0:22:18.613 more want to go really well and build on that momentum. 0:22:18.933 --> 0:22:21.093 They were on the cusp for making the top six 0:22:21.453 --> 0:22:23.533 last year. I can't see them making it this year. 0:22:24.173 --> 0:22:29.133 And look, there are real concerns over their financial future. 0:22:29.253 --> 0:22:30.693 Reported a lot on that last year. 0:22:30.693 --> 0:22:37.213 I understand they've got a a it's called a information 0:22:37.413 --> 0:22:40.093 memorandum out there at the moments, and so they're basically 0:22:40.133 --> 0:22:44.493 seeking investments, significant millions and millions of dollars investments to 0:22:44.773 --> 0:22:48.093 keep them afloat so off the field, major major question marks, 0:22:48.093 --> 0:22:50.893 and I think that's probably true on but I think 0:22:51.173 --> 0:22:56.373 they are a real unique proposition for this tournament and competition, 0:22:56.733 --> 0:22:58.653 and a hope that they can pull it together on 0:22:58.693 --> 0:23:05.173 the field because that does generate interest and momentum, and they've. 0:23:05.013 --> 0:23:06.453 Got a lot of goodwill and support. 0:23:07.053 --> 0:23:11.013 But it could be a tough year to meet the 0:23:11.093 --> 0:23:15.013 expectations that they set for themselves last year, because nobody 0:23:15.053 --> 0:23:17.693 really saw them going that well, knocking over the Crusaders 0:23:17.733 --> 0:23:18.253 and the. 0:23:18.493 --> 0:23:20.453 Like, yeah, beting the Blues and all those sort of 0:23:20.493 --> 0:23:22.813 big moments. It's not only Savvig they've lost. They've lost 0:23:22.813 --> 0:23:26.253 their Nissi brothers, their Reformo is not their car, Anthime Woiflour, 0:23:27.453 --> 0:23:30.133 a couple of Hosavily Taylor too, He's gone. So this 0:23:30.213 --> 0:23:33.093 is a even removing artists Ivy. They've lost a bit 0:23:33.093 --> 0:23:34.853 of the nucleus that's been around for three or four 0:23:34.933 --> 0:23:37.573 years since that team came into Super Rugby. So I 0:23:37.573 --> 0:23:39.933 think it's gonna be a struggle this year for more 0:23:39.933 --> 0:23:42.813 one a Pacific. Let's touch on the Australian insides. Do 0:23:42.853 --> 0:23:45.173 you expect them to be better this year? There was 0:23:45.173 --> 0:23:47.733 certainly an improvement last year. Are they able to take 0:23:47.773 --> 0:23:48.093 that lead? 0:23:48.133 --> 0:23:48.293 Well? 0:23:48.293 --> 0:23:50.173 We see more Australian sides in the top Sex and 0:23:50.213 --> 0:23:51.293 threatening to win the title. 0:23:52.013 --> 0:23:54.893 I expect the Waratahs to be I think you tipped 0:23:54.853 --> 0:23:56.933 them last year to make the final last year and 0:23:56.933 --> 0:24:00.293 as a familiar theme, isn't it? And I spoke to 0:24:00.373 --> 0:24:05.253 Jack Measley, the competition CEO at the launch and he admitted, 0:24:05.373 --> 0:24:08.253 purely from a selfish point of view, from a revenue 0:24:08.413 --> 0:24:11.333 broadcasts and eyeball's point of view, they would love the 0:24:11.373 --> 0:24:14.613 war Tars to go well because that's the Sydney. 0:24:15.133 --> 0:24:18.453 The Marketsburg twenty twenty seven World Cup. It's everything that 0:24:18.533 --> 0:24:18.853 gets to. 0:24:18.813 --> 0:24:21.173 The yeah, and I think Australian rugby has a wee 0:24:21.173 --> 0:24:23.733 bit of momentum there with on the back of the 0:24:23.773 --> 0:24:26.813 lines tour the World Cup coming and. 0:24:28.213 --> 0:24:31.173 They need to continue that. So I think the Wara Tars. 0:24:32.613 --> 0:24:36.293 They've recruited well and they've got some massive names throughout 0:24:36.293 --> 0:24:40.613 that backlane, guys like Suwey Lee and Max Jorgenson, who's 0:24:40.613 --> 0:24:44.293 an incredible talents. The Brumbies have consistently set the bar 0:24:44.453 --> 0:24:47.013 for them. The Reds have had their moments, particularly against 0:24:47.013 --> 0:24:51.333 New Zealand's teams, and Liz Kiss in his final season 0:24:51.413 --> 0:24:54.613 before going to the Wallabies will be you know, looking 0:24:54.653 --> 0:24:59.173 to make a final impression, so I don't see an 0:24:59.173 --> 0:25:02.693 Australian side winning it. I probably don't see an Australian 0:25:02.733 --> 0:25:08.013 side making the final, but I hope there's a a 0:25:08.933 --> 0:25:11.653 and some upsets because the competition needs it. 0:25:11.733 --> 0:25:12.013 Yeah. 0:25:12.173 --> 0:25:14.453 I think the Australian sides do look a little bit 0:25:14.493 --> 0:25:16.853 stronger Man for Man this year than they do last year. 0:25:16.853 --> 0:25:19.093 The Warrior I think very very good, so elite. He's 0:25:19.133 --> 0:25:22.413 had a super rugby season under his belt now after 0:25:22.413 --> 0:25:24.893 being thrust into that Wallaby's tour end of twenty four. 0:25:25.373 --> 0:25:28.293 The Reds you know, Mcwright Wilson, very good pack. The 0:25:28.333 --> 0:25:32.413 Brumby's are always very very strongly attained EDMD this year 0:25:32.413 --> 0:25:34.733 to their mix. The Force I think have recruited well 0:25:34.773 --> 0:25:38.453 for you Agentina players over there. George Bridge comes back in, 0:25:39.813 --> 0:25:43.213 but it's hard to see them going you know, you know, 0:25:43.253 --> 0:25:44.253 making a real charge. 0:25:44.333 --> 0:25:45.773 One of those teams. 0:25:45.573 --> 0:25:48.093 Especially they started really well last year and fell away 0:25:48.173 --> 0:25:52.173 quite badly. Yeah they did, so that to me speaks 0:25:52.213 --> 0:25:55.493 to a lack of depth and they don't tend to 0:25:55.533 --> 0:25:56.693 travel well to New Zealand. 0:25:56.853 --> 0:25:59.413 So it'd be nice to see the narrative change. 0:25:59.453 --> 0:26:01.613 It would be Drew is the team only team. We 0:26:01.653 --> 0:26:04.613 haven't touched on Unknown with them, didn't have a great 0:26:04.653 --> 0:26:08.653 lead year last year. They've got my nust at Tali, 0:26:08.653 --> 0:26:12.413 which is probably the highest profile recruits this season. But again, 0:26:12.493 --> 0:26:16.493 the Unknown playing at home in Fiji, there's a great 0:26:16.493 --> 0:26:19.173 advantage for them, didn't travel particularly well last year. 0:26:19.453 --> 0:26:21.373 No, they're away record iss horrific. 0:26:21.533 --> 0:26:25.573 So until they address that, they're not going to feature 0:26:25.853 --> 0:26:29.333 long into the competition. And I think it's fair to 0:26:29.373 --> 0:26:34.493 say they've probably gone backwards since Mick the Kick moved 0:26:34.493 --> 0:26:37.053 on from them and went to lead the national team. 0:26:37.413 --> 0:26:37.973 I think so too. 0:26:38.013 --> 0:26:41.213 All right, anyone else that stands out for you, any 0:26:41.213 --> 0:26:43.333 players to watch the sear I'm excited to see a 0:26:43.333 --> 0:26:46.453 few of those young players that have gone around the place. 0:26:46.573 --> 0:26:48.933 Rico Simpson would like to see him get an opportunity 0:26:48.973 --> 0:26:51.973 at the Blues. Excited to see him Tyrone Thompson at 0:26:52.013 --> 0:26:54.213 the Chiefs for me back in rugby this year went 0:26:54.253 --> 0:26:57.253 to the Knights and the NRAL. Last year didn't quite 0:26:57.333 --> 0:26:58.813 work out for him, but I think he's a player 0:26:58.813 --> 0:27:00.853 of real upside if he can get some game time. 0:27:01.733 --> 0:27:03.693 He stands out for me. Anyone that stands out of 0:27:03.733 --> 0:27:04.493 the top of the head for you. 0:27:05.013 --> 0:27:09.333 Well, not up and comers necessarily, but bill Blecks need 0:27:09.333 --> 0:27:13.773 a wing need wingers. So I think I'm really intrigued 0:27:13.773 --> 0:27:16.933 to see who stands up out of Kleib, Toney, Towel, 0:27:17.573 --> 0:27:19.653 Timeoi Flo, these sort of guys. 0:27:20.053 --> 0:27:22.293 Nawa as well had a. 0:27:22.893 --> 0:27:28.653 Brief impact with the All Blacks, suffer More needs a 0:27:28.653 --> 0:27:32.093 big year. He looks in great physical shape and if 0:27:32.093 --> 0:27:34.893 he can stay on the park. Looking forward to seeing 0:27:35.373 --> 0:27:38.293 him go again. Guys like Peter Ki but interest and 0:27:38.373 --> 0:27:41.133 see how he comes back. There's a few wraps on 0:27:41.533 --> 0:27:46.453 Rampling yep as well. Recruit for the Blues. There's always 0:27:46.453 --> 0:27:50.853 a few surprise packages that we aren't necessarily on the radar. 0:27:52.093 --> 0:27:56.693 Tava Tavanaha missed most of the second half of last 0:27:56.773 --> 0:27:58.733 year and he was right up there in terms of 0:27:58.773 --> 0:28:00.573 Super Auby Players of the Year last year of his 0:28:00.973 --> 0:28:04.853 turnover ability and moved to the midfield, so there's a lot. 0:28:04.853 --> 0:28:07.133 I think there's a lot of points to prove, particularly 0:28:07.133 --> 0:28:11.373 with a new All Black coach coming in. Maybe reputations 0:28:11.373 --> 0:28:16.413 don't count for as much, so yeah, there's plenty of Injurgue. 0:28:16.013 --> 0:28:19.293 All right, final question on Super Rugby, who will be 0:28:19.493 --> 0:28:27.253 in the final come mid to late June this year, Liam. 0:28:25.253 --> 0:28:29.813 The Chiefs and the Canes. 0:28:30.653 --> 0:28:34.013 Interesting, it's going to require the Canes to actually win 0:28:34.333 --> 0:28:38.053 a knockout game, so good luck to them. 0:28:38.133 --> 0:28:38.653 I'm going to the. 0:28:38.653 --> 0:28:40.693 Chiefs in the Crusader's very matched last year's final, but 0:28:40.733 --> 0:28:42.893 I suspect this time around it will probably be in Hamilton. 0:28:43.213 --> 0:28:43.813 Is that boring? 0:28:44.093 --> 0:28:48.533 Like that's that's what most people would predict, right? Is 0:28:48.813 --> 0:28:52.253 that bad for the competition that it's so familiar? 0:28:52.373 --> 0:28:56.533 No, you said no, I think legacies, you know, are 0:28:56.533 --> 0:28:59.213 good for competitions and way because everyone wants to knock 0:28:59.253 --> 0:29:01.093 off the top team. The Crusaders one seven straight that 0:29:01.173 --> 0:29:06.733 frustrated the Jesus out of everyone. But I, you know, 0:29:06.733 --> 0:29:08.773 I would like to see an Australian team really rattled 0:29:08.773 --> 0:29:10.733 the cage this year and put some pressure on the 0:29:10.733 --> 0:29:13.693 New Zealand teams. Can't see it happening to the extent 0:29:13.773 --> 0:29:15.893 that one of the women about the final, I thought 0:29:15.893 --> 0:29:18.213 maybe last year, as I said, I took Blues Warritar's 0:29:18.213 --> 0:29:20.413 final last year had been quite happened. I took the 0:29:20.453 --> 0:29:24.413 Chief Drewer the year before, which was rather rogue. So 0:29:24.413 --> 0:29:26.173 I'm going a bit conservative this time and going to 0:29:26.173 --> 0:29:28.413 the Chiefs Crusaders, so watch the space. 0:29:28.933 --> 0:29:34.453 One final question before we leave Super how much wind 0:29:34.533 --> 0:29:38.013 is sucked out of the competition by guys like Severe 0:29:38.093 --> 0:29:42.653 alb Rico being in Japan, or Rico and Link so 0:29:42.733 --> 0:29:45.813 this is not a new concept necessarily, and also guys 0:29:45.893 --> 0:29:51.533 like Scott Barrett non playing sabbatical, Boden Barretts and Cody 0:29:51.573 --> 0:29:53.973 Taylor having late starts. And then there's also a number 0:29:53.973 --> 0:29:58.453 of injuries which are beyond the control of a competition. 0:29:58.093 --> 0:30:01.093 That does the seasons need to start later? 0:30:01.173 --> 0:30:04.653 Should Super we delay the Kii Doubi's when all these 0:30:04.653 --> 0:30:05.453 guys are missing. 0:30:06.013 --> 0:30:08.333 You know, it's it's not idea, was it? 0:30:08.333 --> 0:30:10.653 It's not a deal. It does take a win and 0:30:10.693 --> 0:30:11.253 out of the sales. 0:30:11.293 --> 0:30:14.253 We talked about the ARTISRV sized hole at more on 0:30:14.253 --> 0:30:18.933 a Pacifica this year. But I think it's the way 0:30:18.933 --> 0:30:20.053 of the world. Like I would like to see a 0:30:20.053 --> 0:30:22.733 Super Rugby start start of March. I think that would 0:30:22.733 --> 0:30:26.573 be better for everyone. If you speak to Super Rugby 0:30:26.613 --> 0:30:28.333 that they would love to go even longer at the 0:30:28.373 --> 0:30:31.533 back end of the year and you go past Dune 0:30:31.613 --> 0:30:34.453 July and make it a real you know, home and 0:30:34.493 --> 0:30:37.853 away style competition. It does take some wind out of 0:30:37.893 --> 0:30:40.293 the sales. But I also you know, we talked about 0:30:40.293 --> 0:30:42.453 the Chiefs thing. We didn't mention Antonine Brown not being 0:30:42.493 --> 0:30:44.413 there and the Chiefs you mentioned they've got a whole 0:30:44.413 --> 0:30:47.813 lot of great players coming through there, you know, the Blues. 0:30:47.893 --> 0:30:50.693 Rique Yuani's not I don't think it's as big as 0:30:50.693 --> 0:30:51.733 it's been made out to be. 0:30:51.813 --> 0:30:52.613 What about you. 0:30:54.333 --> 0:30:56.693 I think fundamentally you want all of his players on 0:30:56.733 --> 0:30:59.613 the park all the time, and I think the all 0:30:59.653 --> 0:31:04.173 Blacks reces I can understands from a worklow point of view, 0:31:04.933 --> 0:31:08.853 but I think you could have a bit more structure 0:31:09.013 --> 0:31:12.933 around the ki we doobies. I think you don't want 0:31:13.133 --> 0:31:17.413 headline stars missing from those matches in particular, and they 0:31:17.413 --> 0:31:19.413 do tend to be front loaded at the start of 0:31:19.453 --> 0:31:22.973 the year and it probably does diminish their appeal. 0:31:23.533 --> 0:31:25.573 Interesting, all right, We'll take a break, come back with 0:31:25.573 --> 0:31:28.333 more on Rugby Direct after this powered by Habit Health Physio. 0:31:29.133 --> 0:31:30.653 This is Rugby. 0:31:30.293 --> 0:31:33.253 Direct, a podcast for real rugby fares. 0:31:36.573 --> 0:31:40.773 Try try and sixty every tackle tackle Get up again. 0:31:44.013 --> 0:31:49.213 Before it's Rugby Direct. You're back with Rugby It's Direct. 0:31:49.213 --> 0:31:52.693 Time now for the final four. Let's pivots and go 0:31:52.773 --> 0:31:56.053 to the big topic of the summer, biggest story of 0:31:56.053 --> 0:31:58.493 the year, bigger than the election that I think as well, 0:31:58.853 --> 0:32:01.533 all blacks coaching gig where are we at? Applications have 0:32:01.613 --> 0:32:04.213 closed last week. We're just going to give it to 0:32:04.213 --> 0:32:08.013 Steve Hanson and Egan Foster. And we're wrong about the clock? 0:32:08.053 --> 0:32:11.853 Is it the I don't think so. Okay, Look, it 0:32:11.933 --> 0:32:14.813 is like an election in some ways. I'm not sure 0:32:14.813 --> 0:32:18.133 who's national and who's labor. But I have to ask Jamie, 0:32:18.253 --> 0:32:22.293 Joseph and Dave Rennie because look, it's a two horse race. 0:32:23.093 --> 0:32:26.253 They've applied everyone it's aware that it's down to those two. 0:32:26.973 --> 0:32:29.893 So what coaching teams can they as symbol how they're 0:32:29.933 --> 0:32:34.533 going to interview. And you think it shouldn't even take 0:32:34.573 --> 0:32:37.413 too long when that's the scenario as well, well. 0:32:37.333 --> 0:32:39.053 I think it'd be good if it doesn't take too long. 0:32:39.493 --> 0:32:41.533 Make a decision, especially for the Highlanders, you know, make 0:32:41.533 --> 0:32:43.653 a decision if if Joseph misses out or gets it, 0:32:43.933 --> 0:32:45.773 then you can move on and plan for the future. 0:32:46.493 --> 0:32:49.893 You don't want to dragging through, you know, to round 0:32:50.333 --> 0:32:52.893 eight nineteen of especially if the Highlanders, for example, are 0:32:52.933 --> 0:32:54.813 in the Super raggy playff mix. I don't think they 0:32:54.813 --> 0:32:57.453 will be, but look, you don't want that being You 0:32:57.493 --> 0:32:59.773 know in the back of your minds as a team 0:32:59.853 --> 0:33:03.213 that the coaching is uncertain, so I suspect they'll come 0:33:03.213 --> 0:33:05.933 to a pretty quick conclusion. It surprised me, what are 0:33:05.933 --> 0:33:09.013 we at the moment ninth of February. I wouldn't be 0:33:09.013 --> 0:33:10.973 surprised to see a decision this time. 0:33:11.173 --> 0:33:14.773 In a month's time, yeah, I think even by the 0:33:14.853 --> 0:33:18.293 end of the month, they've got the coaching panel. Dane 0:33:18.293 --> 0:33:24.373 Cole's joining, Kevin Meer, Lamu, David Kirk and Don Tricker. 0:33:24.533 --> 0:33:26.413 I think that's a strong coaching team. 0:33:26.693 --> 0:33:30.173 You could argue maybe they're missing a former coach in 0:33:30.213 --> 0:33:36.253 that mix, but there's two contenders, interview them, have a 0:33:36.253 --> 0:33:38.293 thorough debate about it, and make a decision. 0:33:38.373 --> 0:33:41.733 Should they be presenting their coaching staff at these like 0:33:41.813 --> 0:33:43.093 how much is that going to matter? 0:33:44.053 --> 0:33:47.773 I think it does matter because we saw with Scott 0:33:47.853 --> 0:33:52.573 Robertson that his coaching team didn't work. We had a 0:33:52.653 --> 0:33:57.693 number of exits, we had a real lack of experience a. 0:33:57.693 --> 0:34:00.773 Floyd, but he still presented it. It just didn't work. 0:34:00.933 --> 0:34:03.013 So he presents it and look, there was. It was 0:34:03.053 --> 0:34:05.413 pushback saying this is not experienced enough, but they still 0:34:05.613 --> 0:34:07.613 signed off on it and then it didn't work. So 0:34:08.053 --> 0:34:10.093 who with Joseph or any might brings you know that 0:34:10.533 --> 0:34:11.413 may not work either. 0:34:11.813 --> 0:34:16.013 It's a different panel this time around. Yeah, so maybe they'll. 0:34:17.213 --> 0:34:20.933 Maybe those floors will be hit them between the eyes 0:34:22.733 --> 0:34:26.293 when it's the sudden and people were locked up like 0:34:26.333 --> 0:34:29.253 Tony Brown and Joe Schmidt and Vern Cootta and others. 0:34:29.693 --> 0:34:32.333 It's not going to be the krem dela creme of 0:34:32.453 --> 0:34:36.333 the coaching team necessarily. I don't think Joseph and Reny 0:34:36.333 --> 0:34:40.933 are going to work together. But I think the coaching 0:34:40.973 --> 0:34:44.773 teams are important. But getting the right vision and the 0:34:44.893 --> 0:34:48.013 right man is first and foremost. What it comes down to. 0:34:48.613 --> 0:34:51.573 Watch the space opening weekend of Six Nations as we continue, 0:34:51.613 --> 0:34:57.293 the final four is under in the books now France 0:34:57.373 --> 0:34:59.733 island WAITANGUI day. Great to have them schedule that game 0:34:59.773 --> 0:35:01.733 for nine am on a public holiday in New Zealand. 0:35:01.813 --> 0:35:04.613 I saw that smashed TV records in France. 0:35:04.773 --> 0:35:05.573 Yeah. 0:35:05.613 --> 0:35:07.093 Look, I think that's what rugby needs to be a 0:35:07.133 --> 0:35:09.613 bit better. AT's just as an assign it is. They 0:35:09.653 --> 0:35:12.773 moved it to avoid the opening ceremony of the Milano 0:35:12.813 --> 0:35:17.013 called Tina Winter Olympics. But especially in markets where rugby 0:35:17.053 --> 0:35:22.693 is not the biggest, biggest driver, find those windows where 0:35:22.813 --> 0:35:26.373 you can slote in games. And Thursday night game didn't 0:35:26.373 --> 0:35:28.333 clash with any football on the weekend, didn't clash with 0:35:28.373 --> 0:35:31.693 the opening ceremony, smashed the records. There's big interest in France. 0:35:31.693 --> 0:35:33.733 You look at the Wallabies three or four years ago 0:35:33.733 --> 0:35:35.613 when they played that game on Thursday night. The blood 0:35:35.653 --> 0:35:38.093 is low, big interest levels there. So I think in 0:35:38.133 --> 0:35:41.133 those markets, just a site, it's important to find those 0:35:41.133 --> 0:35:43.813 little windows that work and capture the public's imagination. 0:35:44.093 --> 0:35:48.253 Yeah, be adaptable, Yeah, pivots, be creative. We've talked about 0:35:48.293 --> 0:35:52.053 this before around Easter and Anzac Day and how the 0:35:52.133 --> 0:35:55.333 NRL and other sporting comps do that better than rugby. 0:35:55.453 --> 0:35:58.213 So yeah, I think you're right in terms of that 0:35:58.293 --> 0:36:02.053 opening weekends. Look, the All Blacks coaching team or next 0:36:02.053 --> 0:36:03.613 to All Black coach is a two horse race, and 0:36:03.613 --> 0:36:05.653 I think the Six Nations is a two horse race. 0:36:05.773 --> 0:36:10.093 France and England's Scotland don't. I don't think you could 0:36:10.093 --> 0:36:13.293 say that's a shock loss, given what's transpired in recent 0:36:13.333 --> 0:36:16.973 times in Italy. Beat them last year as well, and 0:36:17.493 --> 0:36:22.813 Islands real concerns thereabouts their states. 0:36:23.213 --> 0:36:25.293 They haven't just not gone stagnant, they've gone backwards. 0:36:25.413 --> 0:36:28.373 They are on the decline, yeah, one hundred percent, and 0:36:29.213 --> 0:36:30.453 I saw the results. 0:36:30.573 --> 0:36:31.133 I think it was. 0:36:31.093 --> 0:36:34.173 England a Island ay as well, and England pumped them. 0:36:34.213 --> 0:36:38.373 So probably concerns zir about the next generation coming through 0:36:38.413 --> 0:36:40.293 as well. Maybe Andy Farrell doesn't have a lot of 0:36:40.813 --> 0:36:44.613 options to turn to. And also I think maybe in 0:36:44.653 --> 0:36:47.093 general Irish rugby has just been found out for being 0:36:47.133 --> 0:36:50.653 a little bit formulaic. You know that that pattern structure 0:36:51.253 --> 0:36:55.133 worked really well to a points, but it's I think 0:36:55.173 --> 0:36:58.333 the game has moved on to a degree and it 0:36:58.373 --> 0:37:01.013 hasn't got them over that World Cup hump either. They've 0:37:01.013 --> 0:37:03.453 had some great success. They enjoyed time at number one, 0:37:03.493 --> 0:37:08.293 They've won six Nations titles. Andy Farrell succeeded Joe Shma 0:37:08.573 --> 0:37:11.893 and yeah, has enjoyed success. But they've hit the ceiling 0:37:11.933 --> 0:37:13.093 and now they're on the decline. 0:37:13.213 --> 0:37:15.733 That French performance, especially in the first forty five to 0:37:15.773 --> 0:37:18.253 fifty minutes, was as good as I've seen against another 0:37:18.293 --> 0:37:22.533 Tier one team. They played a style of rugby that 0:37:22.653 --> 0:37:25.413 was entertaining to watch, but they were just ruthless at 0:37:25.413 --> 0:37:28.853 the same time. You know, Blbot is an exceptional player 0:37:29.373 --> 0:37:31.573 that any number of players this is, you know, while 0:37:31.613 --> 0:37:34.413 they've also left out audreats from their squad. 0:37:34.773 --> 0:37:35.693 Credit credit to Galt. 0:37:35.853 --> 0:37:40.213 He made some massive selection decisions, going favoring more that 0:37:40.293 --> 0:37:44.893 the Bordeaux way than to lose way of style, but 0:37:44.973 --> 0:37:48.213 also players, and it's paying off. 0:37:48.333 --> 0:37:51.133 Losing Winnie Antonio to retirement on the I mean, all 0:37:51.173 --> 0:37:54.813 sorts of things. And they absolutely pummeled Ireland. England smashing Wales. 0:37:54.853 --> 0:37:56.013 No surprises there. 0:37:56.213 --> 0:37:59.533 No Wales. Rugby's in a very sad state. No one's 0:37:59.573 --> 0:38:02.133 happy about that at the moments. And I don't think 0:38:02.133 --> 0:38:03.813 you can take too much from that from an English 0:38:03.853 --> 0:38:04.613 perspective either. 0:38:04.813 --> 0:38:06.533 No, I think it was fairly standard. 0:38:06.533 --> 0:38:08.813 I mean, what I did see was that the forty 0:38:08.853 --> 0:38:12.013 eight seven I watched their game back and honestly could 0:38:12.013 --> 0:38:14.253 have been another sixty pointer late last year. They probably 0:38:14.293 --> 0:38:17.253 missed a couple of opportunities while it was really really poor. 0:38:17.293 --> 0:38:18.893 And then a great win for Italy who are playing 0:38:18.933 --> 0:38:21.653 some entertaining r He doesn't always come off, but they 0:38:21.693 --> 0:38:25.693 are really really thrilling to watch, and in the reign 0:38:25.773 --> 0:38:27.893 and Rome. They were too good in the end. So 0:38:27.973 --> 0:38:30.613 a big day for you're Italian heritage. 0:38:30.933 --> 0:38:31.333 That's right. 0:38:31.413 --> 0:38:34.573 The blood was boiling on in the morning when I 0:38:34.733 --> 0:38:36.333 got up and saw that the result. I didn't get 0:38:36.373 --> 0:38:36.853 up to watch that. 0:38:36.973 --> 0:38:40.253 It was very early. Consider this. 0:38:40.973 --> 0:38:43.853 It'saly had won one of forty two six Nation games 0:38:43.893 --> 0:38:47.213 before Gonzalo Corsada took over. They have won four of 0:38:47.333 --> 0:38:48.173 eleven since. 0:38:49.093 --> 0:38:51.613 It's remarkable and and look he looks like you look 0:38:51.613 --> 0:38:54.213 at that performance that he got out of them against 0:38:54.253 --> 0:38:56.213 the All Blacks end of twenty twenty four. It was 0:38:56.213 --> 0:38:58.853 a tit All Blacks team, but they really just annoyed 0:38:58.853 --> 0:39:01.333 the All Blacks that night and played some good rugby 0:39:01.333 --> 0:39:03.253 at times I thought and didn't get perhaps to get 0:39:03.293 --> 0:39:05.733 the awards. But they've found a coach there came off 0:39:05.773 --> 0:39:08.613 the back of Kieran Crowley. They've struck gold. Think with 0:39:08.693 --> 0:39:13.493 guisarda Scotland on the other hand, Gregor Town's end. He 0:39:13.573 --> 0:39:16.613 was asked in the media conference afterwards. I heard the footage, 0:39:16.933 --> 0:39:19.493 I heard the audigo and basically was asked whether you 0:39:19.533 --> 0:39:22.333 expected to be in charge when England came to town, come 0:39:22.373 --> 0:39:25.453 to town and at Murrayfield, this coming weekend he will 0:39:25.493 --> 0:39:29.053 be he would suspect, but Franco Smith is poised and 0:39:29.133 --> 0:39:32.173 ready to go. It wouldn't surprise me to see them 0:39:32.173 --> 0:39:34.773 pulled the trigger after these Six Nations if it continues 0:39:34.813 --> 0:39:35.573 in this vein. 0:39:35.693 --> 0:39:39.413 Yeah, I think I can see that happening Glasgow. I 0:39:39.413 --> 0:39:42.973 think they're currently second in Europe leading the USC. Franco 0:39:43.013 --> 0:39:45.613 Smith's done a great job there and patients has run 0:39:45.653 --> 0:39:47.053 out with Town's end, He's had. 0:39:47.613 --> 0:39:49.613 General ninth Six Nations campaign. 0:39:50.173 --> 0:39:55.253 He's he is Scotland's most successful coach, but he for 0:39:55.293 --> 0:39:59.373 a number of years he's had generational players and scored 0:39:59.453 --> 0:40:04.733 depth like Scotland have never had before. And when Scotland 0:40:04.773 --> 0:40:08.693 blew that leads against the Pumas a week halfter losing 0:40:08.733 --> 0:40:11.893 to the All Blacks and similar fashion at Murrayfield, Scotland 0:40:11.893 --> 0:40:15.053 will booed off the park. And if that's not telling, 0:40:15.213 --> 0:40:17.573 I don't know what is. This result comes on the 0:40:17.573 --> 0:40:19.893 back of that. I think Scotland needed to finish at 0:40:20.013 --> 0:40:23.893 least third or above. And look, there's already a lot 0:40:23.893 --> 0:40:26.773 of noise around Gregor Town's end going to become director 0:40:26.773 --> 0:40:29.853 of rugby at Newcastle after the World Cup. He's already 0:40:29.893 --> 0:40:33.013 there in a consultancy capacity. I don't think that's a 0:40:33.013 --> 0:40:35.813 good look trying to juggle two rolls in one when 0:40:36.293 --> 0:40:39.333 your main gig's not going well. So I think he's 0:40:39.333 --> 0:40:41.293 gone by the end of the six Nations and you'll 0:40:41.293 --> 0:40:44.573 see a change at the head of Scottish Rugby. 0:40:44.653 --> 0:40:47.053 Topic number three and the Final four Rugby World Cup 0:40:47.133 --> 0:40:51.333 draw for twenty twenty seven was released last week has 0:40:51.333 --> 0:40:54.413 predicted the big game to open is Australia Hong Kong, China. 0:40:56.453 --> 0:40:58.573 I mean we had to draw in decend, but this 0:40:58.613 --> 0:41:01.733 is the schedule, but it just sort of was laid 0:41:01.773 --> 0:41:05.093 ba A. How thin that pool stages in terms of 0:41:05.173 --> 0:41:07.333 must watch matches. I think World Rugby has lost a 0:41:07.333 --> 0:41:10.093 plot here. Like, I do not know what they're thinking. 0:41:10.733 --> 0:41:12.973 The sport does not have twenty four teams worthy of 0:41:13.013 --> 0:41:15.813 being at a World Cup. They've gone far too early 0:41:15.893 --> 0:41:19.813 with moving to that format. I just think this is 0:41:19.813 --> 0:41:21.653 going to fall flat in the face and I think 0:41:21.653 --> 0:41:25.933 there's a real risk that this tournament doesn't get the 0:41:25.973 --> 0:41:29.773 returns that they're hoping for in Australia, So I just, yeah, 0:41:29.813 --> 0:41:31.533 I do not know what they're thinking. 0:41:32.133 --> 0:41:35.093 I think there's a real internal conflict in sport in 0:41:35.133 --> 0:41:37.213 general at the moments when you look at the NRL 0:41:37.293 --> 0:41:44.093 expanding between broadcast revenue and putting the fan first, and 0:41:44.213 --> 0:41:49.133 the Rugby World Cup is expanding to make more broadcast revenue, 0:41:49.493 --> 0:41:51.973 and it's going to completely suck the interest out of 0:41:51.973 --> 0:41:57.133 that competition basically until almost the quarter final stage, and 0:41:57.173 --> 0:41:58.293 that's a long time. 0:41:58.413 --> 0:42:02.733 There should be some jeopardy in the opening rounds. I 0:42:02.813 --> 0:42:05.733 just don't know what world are we think they're getting 0:42:05.773 --> 0:42:10.333 out of having such a light group stage. You know, 0:42:10.333 --> 0:42:12.173 you can have the Australian New Zealand game, but really 0:42:12.213 --> 0:42:14.493 there's not even that much jippety on that fixture because 0:42:14.773 --> 0:42:18.613 they should both pump Hong Kong, China and Chile in 0:42:18.653 --> 0:42:21.413 that pool. We've got Ireland Scotland, you got England Wales. 0:42:21.453 --> 0:42:24.973 But again, it works at World Cups because there should 0:42:24.973 --> 0:42:26.893 be some jeopardy that if you lose this game, you 0:42:26.933 --> 0:42:29.813 have a tougher path through the quarterfinals or you might 0:42:29.853 --> 0:42:31.573 not make the quarter finals at all. And I just 0:42:31.573 --> 0:42:34.093 don't see that from World Rugby. So I think they've 0:42:34.133 --> 0:42:35.493 misread this big time. 0:42:35.373 --> 0:42:35.973 Oh massively. 0:42:35.973 --> 0:42:37.773 You look at South Africa's pool, they could put out 0:42:37.853 --> 0:42:41.773 a fourth fifth string team and waltz through the pool stages. 0:42:42.453 --> 0:42:43.733 Nobody wants to watch that. 0:42:43.693 --> 0:42:44.973 No, no, no one does. 0:42:45.373 --> 0:42:49.213 So yeah, Black Mark against World Rugby Topic four in 0:42:49.253 --> 0:42:52.053 the final four thirty years of Super Rugby or thirtieth anniversary, 0:42:52.053 --> 0:42:54.773 It started in nineteen ninety six, on the eve of 0:42:54.773 --> 0:42:55.853 the twenty twenty six season. 0:42:55.893 --> 0:42:59.653 You'll stand out memory from the last thirty years. 0:43:00.293 --> 0:43:02.293 Well, we were at the superbrig relaunch and they had 0:43:02.493 --> 0:43:05.453 had a bit of memorabilitiya floating around there, and they 0:43:05.453 --> 0:43:08.893 had the stubs from the opening game and Mighty Palmas 0:43:08.973 --> 0:43:10.773 the North and I was at that game. 0:43:10.813 --> 0:43:11.733 I remember. 0:43:13.053 --> 0:43:16.533 Snippets of it, but also remember the Mexican waves, full 0:43:16.573 --> 0:43:19.493 cans flying up and a little kid being carried out because. 0:43:19.253 --> 0:43:21.213 He got gone with a full can. 0:43:21.933 --> 0:43:24.893 So yes, they say it's good that that times have 0:43:25.013 --> 0:43:29.333 moved on from that, but I think the early stages 0:43:29.373 --> 0:43:31.973 of that competition were amazing because it was just all 0:43:32.013 --> 0:43:35.093 out attack, wasn't it. You think about Christian Cullen and 0:43:35.933 --> 0:43:40.013 Goldie and other players just you know, linked to the field. 0:43:40.053 --> 0:43:42.293 Try is amazing brand of rugby. 0:43:42.533 --> 0:43:44.973 The game's changed a lot since then, so that was 0:43:45.053 --> 0:43:50.133 magic being witnessing Mike Canes won their first title and 0:43:50.173 --> 0:43:55.173 the freezing cold in Wellington. Wasn't a great final, but 0:43:55.413 --> 0:43:58.853 it was a great night. So there's a couple for you. 0:43:58.933 --> 0:44:00.053 I'm struggling to narrow it down. 0:44:00.053 --> 0:44:04.373 Person, get out there. 0:44:05.213 --> 0:44:06.973 Well, I'm going to say the Crusaders warri Tis two 0:44:06.973 --> 0:44:09.453 thousand and two at Jade Stadium in Christia. 0:44:09.453 --> 0:44:10.853 You're going to say the one they lost. 0:44:11.853 --> 0:44:15.813 Crusaders Pumping the war Tars ninety six nineteen. I was 0:44:15.813 --> 0:44:18.013 at the game, never seen anything like a standing ovation 0:44:18.053 --> 0:44:20.533 at halftime there was sixty three nil up. So that's 0:44:20.533 --> 0:44:21.933 one that lives in the memory. So I'll give you 0:44:21.933 --> 0:44:23.493 that one. But I mean I could narrow it down 0:44:23.533 --> 0:44:26.773 to any of the other thirteen thirteen titles. The Crusaders one. 0:44:26.733 --> 0:44:33.453 Right, I could have said Rob Pennies fish. 0:44:31.373 --> 0:44:33.733 Well, look at the reboard works. So it was all 0:44:33.773 --> 0:44:36.573 worth it. The pain was worth the worth it in 0:44:36.613 --> 0:44:38.973 the end, Like this run through some tipping. We'll keep 0:44:38.973 --> 0:44:41.133 this going this year. Give me some tips for the 0:44:41.213 --> 0:44:43.653 opening round. We start with Highland. Just Crusaders Friday night 0:44:43.733 --> 0:44:44.373 in Dunedin. 0:44:45.093 --> 0:44:47.213 Stada's doing that, Yeah, I think so, yeah. 0:44:47.093 --> 0:44:48.893 War Tars Reds in Sydney. 0:44:49.613 --> 0:44:51.253 It was always tight. But I'll go the Tars. 0:44:51.893 --> 0:44:54.933 You're going to go the Tars. I will go the 0:44:55.013 --> 0:44:58.493 Reds for an upset in that one. The Drewer hosting 0:44:58.533 --> 0:45:01.253 winner Pacifica in Tokia Saturday afternoon. 0:45:02.093 --> 0:45:04.013 The the Drewer at home. 0:45:04.813 --> 0:45:07.333 Yeah, I tend to agree with you. I just have 0:45:07.413 --> 0:45:11.053 worries about my Wanda. She Blues Chiefs Eden Park the 0:45:11.133 --> 0:45:12.613 National Stadium. 0:45:12.933 --> 0:45:14.733 Tough to tip. Interesting to see what sort of crowd 0:45:14.733 --> 0:45:18.093 they get on opening weekend for that. Had to chat 0:45:18.133 --> 0:45:20.973 to Carl Budge last week, which puts something out this 0:45:20.973 --> 0:45:23.253 week about things he wants to do differently and how 0:45:23.373 --> 0:45:26.013 Rugby hasn't put the fan first. So interesting to see 0:45:26.013 --> 0:45:28.973 how body looks to bring and how restricted he is. 0:45:28.853 --> 0:45:29.853 With with Eden Park. 0:45:29.973 --> 0:45:32.653 They've got that over the outer over there that could 0:45:32.693 --> 0:45:36.813 potentially do some fun things with. It's a long one 0:45:36.893 --> 0:45:38.613 way of saying, I have no idea who's going to 0:45:38.653 --> 0:45:42.093 win that game, but I will tip the Blues home. 0:45:42.173 --> 0:45:45.333 Wow, okay, I'm going to check the Chiefs for a victory. 0:45:45.413 --> 0:45:48.453 The Western Force Brumbies the game you're almost looking forward 0:45:48.453 --> 0:45:49.613 to this weekend in Perth. 0:45:49.853 --> 0:45:55.453 Of course, the Brumbies Force your Force. I've lost lel 0:45:55.533 --> 0:45:55.973 mackd on with. 0:45:56.653 --> 0:45:59.613 Yeah, but what they've gained is Steorge a Bridge, so 0:46:00.293 --> 0:46:03.173 you know they've gained something there. I think they've named 0:46:03.173 --> 0:46:05.773 like a six player leadership group as well. Curtley Beal 0:46:06.133 --> 0:46:10.133 probably his last season. Our win for Coote Bill to 0:46:10.133 --> 0:46:14.573 win another Super Rugby title right Rugby dreets Super Rugby preview. 0:46:14.613 --> 0:46:16.453 In the books, we will catch you next week. 0:46:17.053 --> 0:46:19.373 Thanks to Habit Health Visio book today and stay in 0:46:19.453 --> 0:46:20.493 the game Up the Canes. 0:46:20.613 --> 0:46:26.573 No for more from News Talks ed B. 0:46:26.893 --> 0:46:30.133 Listen live on air or online, and keep our shows 0:46:30.133 --> 0:46:33.493 with you wherever you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.