1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:11,973 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B. 2 00:00:12,373 --> 00:00:16,173 Speaker 1: Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio. 3 00:00:19,253 --> 00:00:21,013 Speaker 2: Straight down the middle. 4 00:00:20,733 --> 00:00:24,373 Speaker 3: Of dry Dick score by try. 5 00:00:28,693 --> 00:00:33,213 Speaker 1: Get inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct 6 00:00:33,333 --> 00:00:37,053 Speaker 1: with Elliot Smith and Leam Napier powered by News Talks EDB. 7 00:00:37,413 --> 00:00:40,053 Speaker 4: Welcome into Rugby Direct, powered by Habit Health, tackling all 8 00:00:40,053 --> 00:00:43,693 Speaker 4: your aches and pains from sport and work. Elligant Smith 9 00:00:43,733 --> 00:00:46,533 Speaker 4: and Liam Napier back for another week to dissect Super 10 00:00:46,613 --> 00:00:49,533 Speaker 4: Rugby Pacific Round eleven and a number of other rugby 11 00:00:49,613 --> 00:00:53,133 Speaker 4: related matters from the world of the game. Liam, Greetings 12 00:00:53,173 --> 00:00:54,893 Speaker 4: and welcome back to the podcast. 13 00:00:54,973 --> 00:00:58,733 Speaker 5: Cheer, good to see Elliott's in. Isn't it great to 14 00:00:58,773 --> 00:00:59,973 Speaker 5: be back on the Cane train? 15 00:01:00,493 --> 00:01:01,213 Speaker 2: Back baby? 16 00:01:01,573 --> 00:01:04,013 Speaker 4: Would you say that? Would you say that? Let's get 17 00:01:04,013 --> 00:01:05,613 Speaker 4: into that first thing. Are the Canes back? 18 00:01:05,973 --> 00:01:07,493 Speaker 2: They are? They are in a big way. 19 00:01:08,053 --> 00:01:10,613 Speaker 5: Look, I've got a tough draw, tough run home, but 20 00:01:11,733 --> 00:01:15,893 Speaker 5: the cavalry has arrived. Billy propped a massive performance. Riley 21 00:01:15,973 --> 00:01:20,173 Speaker 5: Higgins back in the midfield as well. Came Royguard, playing 22 00:01:20,173 --> 00:01:22,813 Speaker 5: exceptionally well, kinning a Hola on the wing. 23 00:01:23,973 --> 00:01:24,613 Speaker 2: Carefe. 24 00:01:26,333 --> 00:01:27,653 Speaker 4: Most of these players have been there for most of 25 00:01:27,653 --> 00:01:29,733 Speaker 4: the season. Billy Propped is the one that hasn't and 26 00:01:29,813 --> 00:01:32,573 Speaker 4: Riley Higgins. It's a big upgrade in the midfield. But 27 00:01:32,613 --> 00:01:34,933 Speaker 4: you mentioned he's been playing well, don't be wrong, but 28 00:01:35,173 --> 00:01:36,973 Speaker 4: his number of players you mentioned there have been playing 29 00:01:36,973 --> 00:01:38,853 Speaker 4: for the So what's been going wrong to this point? 30 00:01:39,253 --> 00:01:41,133 Speaker 5: Well, look, sometimes there's just a couple of pieces of 31 00:01:41,253 --> 00:01:44,533 Speaker 5: puzzle missing Elliott and they've come back the winning. Canberra 32 00:01:44,813 --> 00:01:48,813 Speaker 5: very very tough place to win. See Carefree mentioned postmatch 33 00:01:48,813 --> 00:01:51,853 Speaker 5: he's never he had never won there in his career, 34 00:01:52,333 --> 00:01:54,413 Speaker 5: so I think that's a real stake in the ground 35 00:01:54,453 --> 00:01:57,693 Speaker 5: performance from the Hurricanes going away on tour, coming together 36 00:01:57,973 --> 00:02:00,893 Speaker 5: and they did a lot of stuff around the ANZACs 37 00:02:01,373 --> 00:02:04,453 Speaker 5: and Canberra went to a service and laid some reefs. 38 00:02:04,453 --> 00:02:07,733 Speaker 5: Maybe that's brought them together being away. I've got the 39 00:02:07,813 --> 00:02:11,093 Speaker 5: Chiefs this so big ask, but they're back. 40 00:02:11,253 --> 00:02:13,133 Speaker 4: Well. If they can win this week, it certainly shakes 41 00:02:13,173 --> 00:02:14,893 Speaker 4: up the competition, doesn't it. If they can get a 42 00:02:16,213 --> 00:02:18,533 Speaker 4: bit of a roll on heading into the ploffs, and 43 00:02:18,773 --> 00:02:20,933 Speaker 4: you know, the Cane train could be quite hard to stop, 44 00:02:20,973 --> 00:02:23,253 Speaker 4: but it's been so stop start this season. You know, 45 00:02:23,293 --> 00:02:26,853 Speaker 4: the drawer against the Force the week prior the two 46 00:02:26,893 --> 00:02:31,693 Speaker 4: losses to the Blues inexplicably really, you know, the losses 47 00:02:31,693 --> 00:02:34,653 Speaker 4: to the Crusaders. So it's been a stop start season. 48 00:02:34,693 --> 00:02:36,733 Speaker 4: But you know they if they do get a Billy 49 00:02:36,773 --> 00:02:39,893 Speaker 4: propped back, rebon Love looks more comfortable in ten second 50 00:02:39,933 --> 00:02:44,333 Speaker 4: game into that run, they look like they could do 51 00:02:44,533 --> 00:02:46,173 Speaker 4: something in the back end of this season. 52 00:02:46,853 --> 00:02:49,373 Speaker 5: Yeah, I think it's not make or break for them 53 00:02:50,133 --> 00:02:52,533 Speaker 5: as it is for the Blues. They're not completely a 54 00:02:52,613 --> 00:02:57,773 Speaker 5: must win territory yet. And look, the Chiefs looked pretty 55 00:02:57,813 --> 00:03:01,333 Speaker 5: formidable and dispatching the force. They get Wallace, a tz 56 00:03:01,493 --> 00:03:03,733 Speaker 5: back who comes off the bench for nine minute was 57 00:03:03,773 --> 00:03:08,133 Speaker 5: it nine minute? Roughly nine carries sixty meters what are 58 00:03:08,133 --> 00:03:12,133 Speaker 5: a turn? So not a must win, but it would 59 00:03:12,173 --> 00:03:15,773 Speaker 5: be if they were to beat the Chiefs. They put 60 00:03:15,773 --> 00:03:19,773 Speaker 5: the competition on notice. But isn't it I'm not putting 61 00:03:19,813 --> 00:03:22,893 Speaker 5: it totally down to Billy Proctor, but it is amazing 62 00:03:22,933 --> 00:03:26,413 Speaker 5: how one person can have a massive influence on the team, 63 00:03:26,453 --> 00:03:29,493 Speaker 5: whether it was whether it's Artie Severe or Moyana or. 64 00:03:32,413 --> 00:03:34,093 Speaker 2: Will Jordan for the Crusaders. 65 00:03:34,413 --> 00:03:38,013 Speaker 5: You know, Billy Proctor is that sort of talesman and 66 00:03:38,053 --> 00:03:40,173 Speaker 5: that the Hurricans. He came off the bench last week, 67 00:03:40,173 --> 00:03:42,733 Speaker 5: but the Hurricanes have clearly really missed him this season, 68 00:03:43,253 --> 00:03:47,693 Speaker 5: both his leadership and just a special touches. And it 69 00:03:47,773 --> 00:03:51,533 Speaker 5: did remind me and frustrate me about last year the 70 00:03:51,573 --> 00:03:54,653 Speaker 5: lack of opportunities that the All Blacks gave Billy Proctor. 71 00:03:55,293 --> 00:03:57,613 Speaker 5: Didn't see him for the whole of the Rugby Championship 72 00:03:58,013 --> 00:04:01,253 Speaker 5: and then he returned or he didn't became. 73 00:04:01,573 --> 00:04:03,653 Speaker 3: He didn't go on the end of your tour, essentially. 74 00:04:03,293 --> 00:04:06,853 Speaker 5: Because he had his first him and his partner welcome's 75 00:04:06,893 --> 00:04:09,893 Speaker 5: first child, which is you know fair enough, absolutely you 76 00:04:09,973 --> 00:04:13,813 Speaker 5: prioritize that. But yeah, it was a wasted opportunity for 77 00:04:13,813 --> 00:04:17,133 Speaker 5: the All Blacks and the weekend was a reminder of 78 00:04:17,653 --> 00:04:19,173 Speaker 5: just how classy he can be. 79 00:04:19,733 --> 00:04:22,453 Speaker 4: Absolutely, and I thought painted a pretty good picture in 80 00:04:22,493 --> 00:04:25,373 Speaker 4: terms of his distribution but also his running game. And 81 00:04:25,973 --> 00:04:28,413 Speaker 4: you know, the question being asked clack laid law and 82 00:04:28,453 --> 00:04:30,973 Speaker 4: they didn't really know about this Archilles injury to Billy Procer. 83 00:04:31,013 --> 00:04:32,973 Speaker 4: It could have been a lot longer and they're getting 84 00:04:33,173 --> 00:04:35,853 Speaker 4: different opinions on it. And he is back now and 85 00:04:35,893 --> 00:04:38,933 Speaker 4: he forms a really pervotful part of what they can 86 00:04:38,973 --> 00:04:41,133 Speaker 4: do this season and you already saw it. I thought 87 00:04:41,173 --> 00:04:45,493 Speaker 4: with nai Pu playing probably the best he's looked in 88 00:04:45,533 --> 00:04:48,413 Speaker 4: a Can's jersey for quite some time, just having Billy 89 00:04:48,453 --> 00:04:50,813 Speaker 4: Procter inside him on the weekend, it's. 90 00:04:50,653 --> 00:04:53,933 Speaker 5: A very good point because not all centers make their 91 00:04:53,933 --> 00:04:57,853 Speaker 5: outsides look that good, and it's a criticism of Rico 92 00:04:57,973 --> 00:04:59,613 Speaker 5: his thro This. 93 00:04:59,613 --> 00:05:01,173 Speaker 4: Was a game as well where it felt like it 94 00:05:01,213 --> 00:05:03,053 Speaker 4: was in the balance for a lot of Perier and 95 00:05:03,093 --> 00:05:05,213 Speaker 4: it could have swung the way of the Brumbies, and 96 00:05:05,253 --> 00:05:07,173 Speaker 4: it kind of I don't know, I felt watching it 97 00:05:07,253 --> 00:05:09,573 Speaker 4: that the Brumbies going to get a couple of consecutive 98 00:05:09,653 --> 00:05:12,213 Speaker 4: scores and take charge of the game. It never quite happened, 99 00:05:12,213 --> 00:05:15,853 Speaker 4: but that's what's happened previously in Canberra, whereas the Brumbies, sorry, 100 00:05:15,853 --> 00:05:17,893 Speaker 4: the Hurricanes have looked good to a point and then 101 00:05:17,893 --> 00:05:19,933 Speaker 4: the Brumbies have taken charge of the game, kept waiting 102 00:05:19,973 --> 00:05:22,053 Speaker 4: for that to happen. Just didn't happen on the weekend, 103 00:05:22,053 --> 00:05:24,533 Speaker 4: and that's credit to the way that the Hurricanes played. 104 00:05:24,533 --> 00:05:27,413 Speaker 5: I thought it is and it's a big shift because 105 00:05:27,893 --> 00:05:31,133 Speaker 5: you mentioned those Blues performances and I think that Hurricanes 106 00:05:31,173 --> 00:05:34,453 Speaker 5: team doesn't lose to the Blues, but the two close 107 00:05:34,493 --> 00:05:38,573 Speaker 5: losses could haunt them this year. They were games they 108 00:05:38,613 --> 00:05:41,453 Speaker 5: could have should have won. But this was different. They 109 00:05:41,733 --> 00:05:44,173 Speaker 5: actually came home over the top of the Brumbies. The 110 00:05:44,173 --> 00:05:47,133 Speaker 5: Brumbies scored I think in a seventy second minute to 111 00:05:48,133 --> 00:05:51,613 Speaker 5: get within six points, but the Hurricanes were well clear 112 00:05:52,493 --> 00:05:53,213 Speaker 5: by that point. 113 00:05:53,333 --> 00:05:55,013 Speaker 2: So the second half. 114 00:05:55,453 --> 00:05:57,613 Speaker 5: Rather than fading off as they did in those Blues 115 00:05:57,653 --> 00:06:00,733 Speaker 5: performances and blowing the chance to ice the game, this 116 00:06:00,773 --> 00:06:05,093 Speaker 5: time they stepped up and to winning Canberra. You'd hope 117 00:06:05,133 --> 00:06:06,773 Speaker 5: that would give them a lot of confidence in a 118 00:06:06,813 --> 00:06:09,013 Speaker 5: season that has been very underwhelming. 119 00:06:09,213 --> 00:06:12,613 Speaker 4: It has been Saturday night earlier than that full South 120 00:06:12,653 --> 00:06:16,093 Speaker 4: Bar Stadium, the Crusader's forty three over the Highlanders ten. 121 00:06:16,173 --> 00:06:18,133 Speaker 4: Second week in a row the Honders have been torched 122 00:06:18,133 --> 00:06:21,773 Speaker 4: by the tune or forty ish to ten. But unlike 123 00:06:21,813 --> 00:06:24,933 Speaker 4: Glass we fell out. This game was done and dusted. 124 00:06:25,693 --> 00:06:29,013 Speaker 4: Earlier last week they went in at halftime thirteen ten down. 125 00:06:29,053 --> 00:06:31,093 Speaker 4: This time they went in what twenty one nil down 126 00:06:31,173 --> 00:06:33,173 Speaker 4: and just not really at the races. I know they 127 00:06:33,213 --> 00:06:35,933 Speaker 4: had a lot of position before halftime, but things aren't 128 00:06:35,933 --> 00:06:38,973 Speaker 4: clicking for the Holanders. They had injuries of course and 129 00:06:39,013 --> 00:06:42,893 Speaker 4: lost to a couple of their locks, but Crusaders, even 130 00:06:42,933 --> 00:06:45,093 Speaker 4: without Taha Kimitta, were able to get a bit of 131 00:06:45,093 --> 00:06:47,333 Speaker 4: a roll on, put some pressure on and the homeland 132 00:06:47,453 --> 00:06:50,973 Speaker 4: is wilted. And from the Highlanders team that beat the 133 00:06:50,973 --> 00:06:53,653 Speaker 4: Blues early in the season, they have gone backwards and 134 00:06:54,013 --> 00:06:56,893 Speaker 4: it's hard to make a convincing case for them to 135 00:06:56,933 --> 00:06:58,893 Speaker 4: make the playoffs, even though they are only five points 136 00:06:58,933 --> 00:07:00,013 Speaker 4: outside of the moment. 137 00:07:00,293 --> 00:07:01,253 Speaker 2: No, I think. 138 00:07:02,733 --> 00:07:06,093 Speaker 5: As long as a month ago said the Landers are done, 139 00:07:06,213 --> 00:07:10,053 Speaker 5: and they've got worse since then. And yeah they've had 140 00:07:10,053 --> 00:07:13,373 Speaker 5: some injury challenges, but you would expect more, particularly at 141 00:07:13,373 --> 00:07:19,013 Speaker 5: home against your local rivals. This is a traditional fixture 142 00:07:19,053 --> 00:07:22,413 Speaker 5: that if you're going to get up for any game, 143 00:07:22,773 --> 00:07:25,373 Speaker 5: it is this game. We've seen hard as teams of 144 00:07:25,533 --> 00:07:29,773 Speaker 5: previous iterations be down and out and struggling, and yet 145 00:07:30,253 --> 00:07:33,573 Speaker 5: rise for the Crusaders, not always knock them off, but 146 00:07:33,773 --> 00:07:36,893 Speaker 5: be very competitive. But as you said, they weren't even 147 00:07:36,933 --> 00:07:40,333 Speaker 5: there from twenty one zeril down. The game's gone and 148 00:07:41,133 --> 00:07:46,013 Speaker 5: it has been a stark reminder of where they're at 149 00:07:46,053 --> 00:07:48,533 Speaker 5: the past two weeks. Pump by the Chiefs, Pumped by 150 00:07:48,533 --> 00:07:52,613 Speaker 5: the Crusaders. The two best teams on in the competition. 151 00:07:53,973 --> 00:07:57,133 Speaker 5: So while this was a real statement performance from the Crusaders, 152 00:07:57,933 --> 00:08:01,813 Speaker 5: it was a real reality check for Hardness fans. 153 00:08:02,013 --> 00:08:04,013 Speaker 4: Yeah, what have we learned from a Crusader's perspective, I 154 00:08:04,093 --> 00:08:06,093 Speaker 4: guess that they are in the top two in the 155 00:08:06,093 --> 00:08:10,093 Speaker 4: competition swept them. As I guess from a Crusader specific 156 00:08:10,173 --> 00:08:12,173 Speaker 4: you've probably learned a little bit more about rivers Raehanna, 157 00:08:12,213 --> 00:08:14,173 Speaker 4: who was on the bench and had to play seventy 158 00:08:14,173 --> 00:08:16,813 Speaker 4: five minutes with Taha Kimita suffering what appeared to be 159 00:08:16,893 --> 00:08:19,973 Speaker 4: a relatively serious knee injury. So in the context of 160 00:08:20,013 --> 00:08:23,373 Speaker 4: the whole competition, you get what is your third string 161 00:08:23,453 --> 00:08:27,413 Speaker 4: first five out there for some minutes. Will Jordan played well, 162 00:08:27,613 --> 00:08:29,493 Speaker 4: Taylor and Moore and on who's forming into a really 163 00:08:29,573 --> 00:08:33,053 Speaker 4: nice one two punch in terms of hookers. But it 164 00:08:33,133 --> 00:08:35,533 Speaker 4: was just a case of job done for the Crusaders. 165 00:08:35,533 --> 00:08:37,293 Speaker 4: I don't know we learned too much more about them 166 00:08:37,293 --> 00:08:38,253 Speaker 4: from that performance on the. 167 00:08:38,213 --> 00:08:40,413 Speaker 2: Weekend, not necessarily. 168 00:08:40,493 --> 00:08:44,533 Speaker 5: I think we learned or it was reconfirmed that their 169 00:08:44,653 --> 00:08:48,053 Speaker 5: attack is very lethal this year. The way that their 170 00:08:48,053 --> 00:08:50,493 Speaker 5: back door plays, the way they're moving the ball to 171 00:08:50,573 --> 00:08:54,493 Speaker 5: space and executing has been exceptional this season and that's 172 00:08:54,533 --> 00:08:59,333 Speaker 5: been the massive shift for me. Whether it's James Marshall 173 00:08:59,493 --> 00:09:03,053 Speaker 5: or Brad Moore, whoever has taken charge of that attack 174 00:09:03,093 --> 00:09:06,813 Speaker 5: has done a great job and empowering those players to 175 00:09:06,853 --> 00:09:10,813 Speaker 5: play what they are seeing and taking the opportunities. And yeah, 176 00:09:10,893 --> 00:09:13,973 Speaker 5: just the accuracy of the passing, the timing, the execution 177 00:09:14,093 --> 00:09:17,293 Speaker 5: has been really good. The conditions were there for it 178 00:09:17,413 --> 00:09:20,133 Speaker 5: when you play under the roof, So they are going 179 00:09:20,213 --> 00:09:22,013 Speaker 5: to have to play a different style of rugby coming 180 00:09:22,013 --> 00:09:23,213 Speaker 5: into winter, but. 181 00:09:24,893 --> 00:09:26,333 Speaker 2: That's right. The set piece is strong. 182 00:09:27,333 --> 00:09:30,213 Speaker 5: So look, this is completely different Crusader's side this year, 183 00:09:30,253 --> 00:09:34,213 Speaker 5: isn't it? They are on form. That was another real 184 00:09:34,253 --> 00:09:40,573 Speaker 5: statement performance just on tame Let's He was almost certainly 185 00:09:40,613 --> 00:09:44,973 Speaker 5: out this week and potentially longer term. What do you 186 00:09:45,133 --> 00:09:47,333 Speaker 5: want to do there? Do you go Rivers Rayhanna and 187 00:09:47,373 --> 00:09:50,293 Speaker 5: back Caam after last week or do you promote James 188 00:09:50,333 --> 00:09:51,413 Speaker 5: O'Connor or the experience? 189 00:09:51,493 --> 00:09:53,933 Speaker 4: Well I think you go and this the next game 190 00:09:54,013 --> 00:09:55,853 Speaker 4: is against the Chiefs. They've got to buy this week 191 00:09:55,853 --> 00:09:57,773 Speaker 4: and they've got the Chiefs so top of the table 192 00:09:57,813 --> 00:10:00,453 Speaker 4: clash could have big implications in terms of home top 193 00:10:00,493 --> 00:10:04,173 Speaker 4: seeding for the playoffs as it stands anyway, but I 194 00:10:04,173 --> 00:10:07,133 Speaker 4: think I'll probably go Rayhanna and then Connor to close 195 00:10:07,173 --> 00:10:10,453 Speaker 4: out the last many minutes of the game. We saw 196 00:10:10,453 --> 00:10:12,373 Speaker 4: I kind of start against my wad of PACIFICA. That's 197 00:10:12,413 --> 00:10:14,253 Speaker 4: the one start he's head. They lost that game, Not 198 00:10:14,253 --> 00:10:16,813 Speaker 4: saying it was solely that, but I like the finishing 199 00:10:16,893 --> 00:10:19,013 Speaker 4: role that he's had on the park. It was crucial 200 00:10:19,053 --> 00:10:21,293 Speaker 4: a couple of weeks ago with that late penalty against 201 00:10:21,293 --> 00:10:24,453 Speaker 4: the Blues. When he came on against the Chiefs a 202 00:10:24,493 --> 00:10:27,053 Speaker 4: few weeks back when they got belted, the game was 203 00:10:27,093 --> 00:10:30,093 Speaker 4: kind of gone ready by that point and O'Connor didn't 204 00:10:30,093 --> 00:10:32,693 Speaker 4: have a great night. But I still think Rayhunter, you 205 00:10:32,773 --> 00:10:35,213 Speaker 4: probably comes straight into the starting lineup and you keep 206 00:10:35,213 --> 00:10:37,893 Speaker 4: O'Connor in that role which has become accustomed to as 207 00:10:37,893 --> 00:10:38,413 Speaker 4: a finisher. 208 00:10:39,773 --> 00:10:42,053 Speaker 5: Yeah, I agree, but it is I think it's a 209 00:10:42,053 --> 00:10:44,693 Speaker 5: bit of a backflip from you, isn't it, Because and 210 00:10:44,853 --> 00:10:48,533 Speaker 5: there has been a clamoring among Crusader supporters to start 211 00:10:48,533 --> 00:10:54,293 Speaker 5: O'Connor over Ta Kimera. Ha's quelled a little bit, and 212 00:10:54,373 --> 00:10:58,853 Speaker 5: some of that's down to Taha's goal kicking. But yeah, 213 00:10:58,893 --> 00:11:02,213 Speaker 5: it's interesting how that dynamic can shift and It probably 214 00:11:02,253 --> 00:11:04,893 Speaker 5: would be different as well, had the Crusade has not 215 00:11:04,973 --> 00:11:09,173 Speaker 5: been so dominant, had that front foot platform wasn't under 216 00:11:09,173 --> 00:11:12,053 Speaker 5: a great deal of pressure. He played well, but certainly 217 00:11:12,053 --> 00:11:16,133 Speaker 5: everything was flowing for the Crusaders, right, So on a 218 00:11:16,133 --> 00:11:19,973 Speaker 5: wet night against the Chiefs, you're not necessarily getting all 219 00:11:19,973 --> 00:11:23,493 Speaker 5: the forward parody that you want. Difficult conditions, you've got 220 00:11:23,493 --> 00:11:26,933 Speaker 5: to take control. There's probably still some questions about his 221 00:11:27,013 --> 00:11:32,373 Speaker 5: ability to command and direct a game that's tight, intense, right. 222 00:11:32,893 --> 00:11:36,373 Speaker 4: Absolutely, But I still think you learn a bit more 223 00:11:36,373 --> 00:11:38,773 Speaker 4: about him by putting him in that ten jersey against 224 00:11:38,773 --> 00:11:41,573 Speaker 4: a team like the Chiefs than by him coming off 225 00:11:41,613 --> 00:11:43,253 Speaker 4: the bench of last twenty minutes when the game might 226 00:11:43,293 --> 00:11:47,493 Speaker 4: be in the balance. So it's an interesting dynamic for 227 00:11:47,693 --> 00:11:50,293 Speaker 4: Rob Penny to consider James O'Connor. 228 00:11:50,533 --> 00:11:53,773 Speaker 5: A bit of talk about him this season, isn't there, 229 00:11:53,893 --> 00:11:56,813 Speaker 5: you know, in terms of his goal kicking, his influence 230 00:11:56,853 --> 00:12:01,213 Speaker 5: off the bench with the Crusaders, the match winning penalty. 231 00:12:02,813 --> 00:12:07,413 Speaker 5: What about his future do you? I guess first and 232 00:12:07,493 --> 00:12:10,013 Speaker 5: foremost you expect them to be named in the Wallabies 233 00:12:10,053 --> 00:12:11,053 Speaker 5: squad for the Lions tour. 234 00:12:11,093 --> 00:12:12,813 Speaker 4: If I'm Joe Schmid, I'm naming him I'm not saying 235 00:12:12,853 --> 00:12:16,613 Speaker 4: he's playing every Test match, but I think he can 236 00:12:16,653 --> 00:12:19,613 Speaker 4: add a real role in this setup. And we don't 237 00:12:19,613 --> 00:12:21,053 Speaker 4: know whether I know a lot of CEO's going to 238 00:12:21,053 --> 00:12:23,453 Speaker 4: play givenees now off to Japan. Tom Liner I thought 239 00:12:23,573 --> 00:12:26,533 Speaker 4: was really good on the weekend. Ben Donaldson's another player 240 00:12:26,693 --> 00:12:29,293 Speaker 4: knocking on the door for the Force. They do have 241 00:12:29,413 --> 00:12:33,413 Speaker 4: some options at ten, but to me, I think you 242 00:12:33,493 --> 00:12:35,813 Speaker 4: look at James O'Connor and the experience that he can 243 00:12:35,853 --> 00:12:39,213 Speaker 4: add in a Lion series and go, why wouldn't we 244 00:12:39,293 --> 00:12:41,253 Speaker 4: want this part of our setup? Why wouldn't we select 245 00:12:41,253 --> 00:12:45,173 Speaker 4: this bloke? And you know, he's a different player to 246 00:12:45,213 --> 00:12:47,253 Speaker 4: the one that was in the Wallabies, you know what, 247 00:12:47,373 --> 00:12:51,653 Speaker 4: fifteen years ago now and he's playing some smart rugby 248 00:12:51,693 --> 00:12:53,853 Speaker 4: and I think a few of the Wallabies. You take 249 00:12:54,533 --> 00:12:56,453 Speaker 4: all of that and put it into the mix with 250 00:12:57,053 --> 00:12:58,653 Speaker 4: you know, line series and what he's learned from the 251 00:12:58,653 --> 00:13:00,053 Speaker 4: Crusaders and put him in there. 252 00:13:00,693 --> 00:13:02,253 Speaker 2: Absolutely, I'd have him in that squad. 253 00:13:02,413 --> 00:13:06,173 Speaker 5: Yeah, and it's not just you're not solely picking them 254 00:13:06,173 --> 00:13:08,653 Speaker 5: as a ten. You could have him on the bench 255 00:13:08,733 --> 00:13:13,333 Speaker 5: covering wing fallback and yeah, exactly. He's a guy that 256 00:13:13,413 --> 00:13:17,533 Speaker 5: will come on and make sound decisions. I think you've 257 00:13:17,533 --> 00:13:23,613 Speaker 5: got to draw a line through comparisons to his personality 258 00:13:23,653 --> 00:13:25,773 Speaker 5: and character earlier in his career. 259 00:13:25,813 --> 00:13:26,333 Speaker 2: All men. 260 00:13:29,533 --> 00:13:33,653 Speaker 5: Go through changes, mature, grow up, and he did that 261 00:13:33,693 --> 00:13:36,053 Speaker 5: in the Spotlight, right, And there was a long time ago. 262 00:13:36,213 --> 00:13:40,413 Speaker 5: You're talking eight odd years. He's a completely different person now. 263 00:13:40,533 --> 00:13:43,133 Speaker 5: So I would one hundred percent have him in that squad. 264 00:13:43,173 --> 00:13:46,133 Speaker 5: And what you could do is put him out in 265 00:13:46,173 --> 00:13:49,733 Speaker 5: the Anzact team as well that they combines, not Inzact team, 266 00:13:49,773 --> 00:13:54,133 Speaker 5: that combine what is an Anzact team. Yeah, put him 267 00:13:54,173 --> 00:13:57,813 Speaker 5: out even you know, whether he's behind mye or starting 268 00:13:58,133 --> 00:14:00,093 Speaker 5: or whatever, whatever it may be, give a taste of 269 00:14:00,093 --> 00:14:02,213 Speaker 5: it and then bring him into the lines Tour squad. 270 00:14:02,333 --> 00:14:03,893 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think he has to be. That's the way 271 00:14:03,893 --> 00:14:06,533 Speaker 4: that he's playing at the moment. Mawana Pacific a beating 272 00:14:06,573 --> 00:14:10,013 Speaker 4: the draw of thirty four fifteen. Mauana started really strongly, 273 00:14:10,373 --> 00:14:12,533 Speaker 4: sort of switched off for a period in the second spell. 274 00:14:13,413 --> 00:14:16,173 Speaker 4: Artie Savia was denied probably the try of the season 275 00:14:16,213 --> 00:14:20,733 Speaker 4: with his kick and chase, but Wana back to winning 276 00:14:20,733 --> 00:14:22,973 Speaker 4: ways after a couple of weeks off and back to 277 00:14:23,013 --> 00:14:25,653 Speaker 4: North Harbor Stadium, and they are a really tough team 278 00:14:25,693 --> 00:14:29,493 Speaker 4: to play at that grounds the drawer learned they are. 279 00:14:31,133 --> 00:14:33,853 Speaker 5: Isn't it great to see the turnout there for that 280 00:14:33,933 --> 00:14:37,973 Speaker 5: game when you think back to Moana playing at Mount 281 00:14:38,013 --> 00:14:42,373 Speaker 5: Smart with literally barely one hundred people, And this was 282 00:14:42,813 --> 00:14:45,373 Speaker 5: I think they called it the Carver Bowl bat or 283 00:14:46,373 --> 00:14:49,333 Speaker 5: something like that. I saw some vision of Arti being 284 00:14:49,373 --> 00:14:53,893 Speaker 5: handed some Carver post match. So very special and yeah, 285 00:14:54,013 --> 00:14:57,613 Speaker 5: great performance from Winer to get back to winning ways. 286 00:14:58,813 --> 00:15:00,573 Speaker 2: What a chip and chase it was from Artie. 287 00:15:01,173 --> 00:15:02,773 Speaker 5: I don't know if you take too much out of it, 288 00:15:02,813 --> 00:15:05,573 Speaker 5: because the dru have been very poor this year and 289 00:15:06,053 --> 00:15:10,813 Speaker 5: not a great traveling team. Again, we were inconsistent within 290 00:15:10,853 --> 00:15:13,653 Speaker 5: the match, but it was an important match for them 291 00:15:13,653 --> 00:15:18,293 Speaker 5: to win for their self confidence to get you know, yeah, 292 00:15:18,413 --> 00:15:21,813 Speaker 5: just restore a bit of belief in that team after 293 00:15:22,253 --> 00:15:25,653 Speaker 5: a tough couple of weeks when they knocked over the Crusaders. 294 00:15:26,293 --> 00:15:31,093 Speaker 5: So yeah, important and let's hope that they can just 295 00:15:31,133 --> 00:15:31,973 Speaker 5: stay at North Harbor. 296 00:15:32,053 --> 00:15:34,893 Speaker 4: Really yeah, I know that, you know, they had to 297 00:15:34,893 --> 00:15:38,133 Speaker 4: move a game from Toma to Pokakoi, but if you 298 00:15:38,133 --> 00:15:40,013 Speaker 4: want to build a home stadium, you need to play 299 00:15:40,013 --> 00:15:43,493 Speaker 4: there as much as possible. And I think the traveling 300 00:15:44,853 --> 00:15:47,573 Speaker 4: scenario of them has ended. You know, it was frustrating 301 00:15:47,573 --> 00:15:49,533 Speaker 4: for them. I'm sure they played in Hamilton home game 302 00:15:49,613 --> 00:15:52,173 Speaker 4: last year, they played elsewhere. Sure, let's take one game 303 00:15:52,213 --> 00:15:54,933 Speaker 4: a year to the Islands. But I think if you're 304 00:15:54,933 --> 00:15:56,973 Speaker 4: going to make North Harbor Stadium your home, then you 305 00:15:57,013 --> 00:15:58,533 Speaker 4: play there as much as possible. 306 00:15:58,773 --> 00:16:02,373 Speaker 3: And it's become a wee bit of a fortress for them. 307 00:16:02,373 --> 00:16:04,933 Speaker 4: And they're now what two points outside the top six 308 00:16:05,053 --> 00:16:08,733 Speaker 4: as it stands, Blues thirty five to twenty one users 309 00:16:08,773 --> 00:16:12,373 Speaker 4: to the Reds on the weekend. You know, they grinted 310 00:16:12,413 --> 00:16:18,573 Speaker 4: it out against the Crusaders and lost that one obviously, 311 00:16:20,173 --> 00:16:23,773 Speaker 4: but they are just hot and cold at the moment. 312 00:16:23,773 --> 00:16:26,813 Speaker 4: The Blues and Friday night they were particularly cold. I 313 00:16:26,813 --> 00:16:28,173 Speaker 4: thought that was really poor from them. 314 00:16:28,733 --> 00:16:31,693 Speaker 5: This is a dire performance, Elliott. I know they had 315 00:16:33,693 --> 00:16:35,413 Speaker 5: in the first half. They got over the line four 316 00:16:35,493 --> 00:16:38,213 Speaker 5: or five times and when denied, and there was one 317 00:16:38,213 --> 00:16:41,013 Speaker 5: instance in particular where the TMO came in and it 318 00:16:41,053 --> 00:16:43,453 Speaker 5: went well back. This might have been in the second 319 00:16:43,493 --> 00:16:47,453 Speaker 5: half year host constitution knock on the TMO should not 320 00:16:47,493 --> 00:16:48,973 Speaker 5: be coming in and going that far back. 321 00:16:49,053 --> 00:16:50,453 Speaker 4: I thought we got rid of the team. Ot We'll 322 00:16:50,493 --> 00:16:51,893 Speaker 4: not got rid but I thought we got to the 323 00:16:51,933 --> 00:16:54,973 Speaker 4: point where it's two phases. Now they've extended out who 324 00:16:55,173 --> 00:16:56,453 Speaker 4: is making these decisions. 325 00:16:56,893 --> 00:16:57,973 Speaker 2: Yeah, it was ridiculous. 326 00:16:58,293 --> 00:17:01,693 Speaker 5: You literally had five minutes of rugby yah to go 327 00:17:01,773 --> 00:17:03,933 Speaker 5: back for that unnecessary. 328 00:17:04,093 --> 00:17:07,573 Speaker 4: But yeah, look, I think there needs to be lined. 329 00:17:07,733 --> 00:17:11,173 Speaker 4: It needs to be two faces. The only way I'd 330 00:17:11,213 --> 00:17:13,213 Speaker 4: have a TMO interference in the game is try no try. 331 00:17:13,773 --> 00:17:15,053 Speaker 4: You can still have the bunker, but it has to 332 00:17:15,053 --> 00:17:17,853 Speaker 4: be spotted on field by the on field referee and 333 00:17:17,973 --> 00:17:20,293 Speaker 4: there it's got too much power. It's got ridiculous, and 334 00:17:20,493 --> 00:17:22,133 Speaker 4: we're seeing in a rugby league now as well the 335 00:17:22,133 --> 00:17:26,173 Speaker 4: bunker's tracking things from two sets ago and sending players 336 00:17:26,213 --> 00:17:29,613 Speaker 4: off for ten minutes. We've allowed technology to take too 337 00:17:29,693 --> 00:17:31,693 Speaker 4: much control of the game and it needs to be 338 00:17:31,733 --> 00:17:33,413 Speaker 4: pulled right right back. 339 00:17:34,093 --> 00:17:35,173 Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, I agree. 340 00:17:35,373 --> 00:17:38,253 Speaker 5: I think there's a place for it for foul play 341 00:17:38,773 --> 00:17:41,653 Speaker 5: and for deciding tries at the time, but you have 342 00:17:41,693 --> 00:17:43,373 Speaker 5: to have a hard and faster all about how many 343 00:17:43,373 --> 00:17:46,613 Speaker 5: phases you can go back, because it just becomes fascical 344 00:17:47,813 --> 00:17:50,093 Speaker 5: to let teams play on to have all this other 345 00:17:50,173 --> 00:17:52,973 Speaker 5: action that's meaning meaningless. 346 00:17:52,973 --> 00:17:55,533 Speaker 4: Where the adsav try ruled out one of the tries 347 00:17:55,533 --> 00:17:56,933 Speaker 4: of the season. I'm not saying you should allow a 348 00:17:57,013 --> 00:18:00,293 Speaker 4: try just because it looks spectacular, but a knock on 349 00:18:00,653 --> 00:18:02,933 Speaker 4: you prior to that on the other side of the field. 350 00:18:03,093 --> 00:18:05,013 Speaker 5: Yeah, And there's just got to be some culpability with 351 00:18:05,053 --> 00:18:08,333 Speaker 5: the officials at the time. You know that Hoskins two 352 00:18:08,373 --> 00:18:10,333 Speaker 5: to knock on should have been picked up in real 353 00:18:10,373 --> 00:18:13,213 Speaker 5: time and it wasn't. Well, then that's picked up in 354 00:18:13,253 --> 00:18:15,933 Speaker 5: the referee review and I said, you should have spotted that. 355 00:18:16,013 --> 00:18:19,933 Speaker 5: You know, the human era is part of part of 356 00:18:20,173 --> 00:18:25,653 Speaker 5: teams individuals when it's at the try line. Sure have 357 00:18:25,853 --> 00:18:27,973 Speaker 5: let the TMO look at it there, but don't go 358 00:18:28,093 --> 00:18:31,533 Speaker 5: back five minutes or twenty phases. 359 00:18:31,613 --> 00:18:32,333 Speaker 2: It just gets you. 360 00:18:33,013 --> 00:18:36,373 Speaker 4: Bruing the contest in the pursuit of perfection, which you 361 00:18:36,413 --> 00:18:38,653 Speaker 4: were never going to get. Support needs to be at 362 00:18:38,653 --> 00:18:42,733 Speaker 4: the contest of entertainment product, not the legalities of knock ons. 363 00:18:42,813 --> 00:18:45,293 Speaker 4: Was to try perfect in the lead up? You know, 364 00:18:45,573 --> 00:18:47,253 Speaker 4: I just think we're searching for something that we're never 365 00:18:47,253 --> 00:18:49,973 Speaker 4: going to get in the sport, the Blues are searching 366 00:18:49,973 --> 00:18:51,453 Speaker 4: for something that they don't seem to be close to 367 00:18:51,453 --> 00:18:54,213 Speaker 4: be getting at the moment. And where do you think 368 00:18:54,333 --> 00:18:58,293 Speaker 4: is going wrong? In particular, I don't think they're getting 369 00:18:58,373 --> 00:19:01,333 Speaker 4: enough out of their forwards at the moment in terms 370 00:19:01,333 --> 00:19:04,413 Speaker 4: of set peace. I think they're lacking a bit in 371 00:19:04,493 --> 00:19:07,013 Speaker 4: terms of having a real enforcer or a ball carrier, 372 00:19:07,733 --> 00:19:10,253 Speaker 4: likes of a kid Yuanni, who copped a fair bit 373 00:19:10,293 --> 00:19:12,253 Speaker 4: of stick while he was here. But I think Angel's 374 00:19:12,293 --> 00:19:14,253 Speaker 4: Signa tries hard and I think you never get a 375 00:19:14,253 --> 00:19:16,853 Speaker 4: bad performance out of Anton's Signa. But you're missing something there. 376 00:19:17,093 --> 00:19:20,773 Speaker 4: Tolden Papaliti was missing on the weekend as well. Hoskinstitute 377 00:19:20,813 --> 00:19:23,053 Speaker 4: is finally a little bit of form, but it just 378 00:19:23,093 --> 00:19:25,253 Speaker 4: feels like they're not getting enough out of numbers six, 379 00:19:25,333 --> 00:19:26,213 Speaker 4: seven and eight at the moment. 380 00:19:27,773 --> 00:19:29,893 Speaker 5: Yeah, the Blues have got a lot to address because, 381 00:19:29,933 --> 00:19:32,853 Speaker 5: as you mentioned, the hot cold and could have easily 382 00:19:33,573 --> 00:19:35,293 Speaker 5: come away with much more in christ Church. 383 00:19:35,373 --> 00:19:36,533 Speaker 2: The previous week they had. 384 00:19:36,453 --> 00:19:40,133 Speaker 5: Another performance, another loss, close loss to the Chiefs and Hamilton. 385 00:19:40,253 --> 00:19:44,013 Speaker 5: So look, on their day they can very easily beat 386 00:19:44,053 --> 00:19:46,373 Speaker 5: the best teams in this competition, and that they're with 387 00:19:46,453 --> 00:19:49,773 Speaker 5: the roster that they have, they should be. But what 388 00:19:49,933 --> 00:19:52,373 Speaker 5: a fall from grace this has been. Because this is 389 00:19:52,413 --> 00:19:56,173 Speaker 5: a team that won the championship last year, have the 390 00:19:56,253 --> 00:20:00,933 Speaker 5: same coaching team arguably a better squad with Boden Barrett 391 00:20:00,973 --> 00:20:04,173 Speaker 5: coming back, and yet they've fallen off cliff. 392 00:20:04,613 --> 00:20:06,973 Speaker 2: This performance was die that. 393 00:20:07,133 --> 00:20:09,293 Speaker 5: Yes, they got over the line four or five times 394 00:20:09,293 --> 00:20:13,973 Speaker 5: in that first half, couldn't convert, but the line out capitulated. 395 00:20:14,013 --> 00:20:17,373 Speaker 5: They lost four shambles, four throws and there's just no 396 00:20:17,453 --> 00:20:23,453 Speaker 5: real excuse for that. There was indecision under the high ball, 397 00:20:24,573 --> 00:20:28,813 Speaker 5: so many turnovers, ill discipline. Mark t Leah, what was 398 00:20:28,813 --> 00:20:31,613 Speaker 5: he thinking with that tackle? Sure, like by all means, 399 00:20:31,653 --> 00:20:33,693 Speaker 5: put a great hat on, but don't lift him. Well 400 00:20:33,693 --> 00:20:35,373 Speaker 5: he's gonna go for three weeks now you have to shift. 401 00:20:35,453 --> 00:20:38,333 Speaker 5: That could be the end of his Blues career. Yeah, 402 00:20:38,573 --> 00:20:42,693 Speaker 5: it probably won't, but yeah, that really cost the Blues, 403 00:20:43,173 --> 00:20:45,493 Speaker 5: I think, and fatigue as much as anything else. Down 404 00:20:45,493 --> 00:20:49,173 Speaker 5: to one man short for twenty minutes. Look, I think 405 00:20:49,173 --> 00:20:52,253 Speaker 5: the score line flattered them in the end to a degree. 406 00:20:52,253 --> 00:20:54,133 Speaker 5: They got a couple of late tries. I think the 407 00:20:54,173 --> 00:20:58,173 Speaker 5: red scored five tries to three. And this is a 408 00:20:58,213 --> 00:21:01,533 Speaker 5: Reds team that's down on troops. Yeah, they're coming off 409 00:21:01,533 --> 00:21:03,573 Speaker 5: the Buyer, so they're fresh, but they prior to that 410 00:21:03,613 --> 00:21:08,173 Speaker 5: they lost to the Brumbies and the Chiefs, so not 411 00:21:09,813 --> 00:21:13,573 Speaker 5: Reds team that's at their peak and form. So really 412 00:21:13,573 --> 00:21:16,573 Speaker 5: bad loss for the Blues in the context of this 413 00:21:16,733 --> 00:21:20,573 Speaker 5: season being on the line as well. So how much 414 00:21:21,493 --> 00:21:23,333 Speaker 5: are the heads really in this Well. 415 00:21:23,213 --> 00:21:25,653 Speaker 4: I don't seem to be there mentally. They seem to 416 00:21:25,693 --> 00:21:28,373 Speaker 4: be very fragile, which was last year though winning games 417 00:21:28,373 --> 00:21:30,013 Speaker 4: you know late on. I think it was a game 418 00:21:30,013 --> 00:21:32,773 Speaker 4: against the Warrators they came back and won quite late. 419 00:21:32,813 --> 00:21:33,453 Speaker 3: There were other. 420 00:21:33,333 --> 00:21:36,253 Speaker 4: Fixtures as well where they were sort of the mentality 421 00:21:36,293 --> 00:21:38,733 Speaker 4: monsters of the competition. They would win games late, the 422 00:21:38,773 --> 00:21:41,213 Speaker 4: wood games win maybe they shouldn't, and then they could 423 00:21:41,253 --> 00:21:43,453 Speaker 4: also steamroll you. And we've just seen none of that 424 00:21:43,533 --> 00:21:46,133 Speaker 4: from the Blues this year. And yes, while they've got 425 00:21:46,133 --> 00:21:48,733 Speaker 4: a softish run a home and that would have probably 426 00:21:48,773 --> 00:21:52,133 Speaker 4: included the Reds pride of the weekend, there's no guarantees that. Yeah, 427 00:21:52,173 --> 00:21:53,893 Speaker 4: you probably said the bet the Force next week, but 428 00:21:53,893 --> 00:21:56,253 Speaker 4: then they're over to the drawer and that games at night. Yes, 429 00:21:56,253 --> 00:22:00,013 Speaker 4: they probably favorites here, but tough place to play Mwana Pacifica. 430 00:22:00,053 --> 00:22:01,733 Speaker 4: They'll have their towels up at albany. I know they've 431 00:22:01,733 --> 00:22:04,613 Speaker 4: got Bell beat in a few weeks ago, but they 432 00:22:04,653 --> 00:22:07,293 Speaker 4: are going to have to probably run the table here. 433 00:22:07,293 --> 00:22:10,373 Speaker 4: I know they're only five points outside the playoffs, but 434 00:22:10,413 --> 00:22:12,293 Speaker 4: they're probably gonna have to win every game from here 435 00:22:12,333 --> 00:22:15,053 Speaker 4: on inwards to make a dend in this competition. 436 00:22:15,933 --> 00:22:19,493 Speaker 5: Yep, they do, and they're probably gonna they're gonna have 437 00:22:19,493 --> 00:22:21,613 Speaker 5: to do a bit more than they've done, I think, 438 00:22:21,693 --> 00:22:25,133 Speaker 5: because this limited game plan worked really well for them 439 00:22:25,213 --> 00:22:27,373 Speaker 5: last year and they've gone back to it and it 440 00:22:27,493 --> 00:22:31,373 Speaker 5: worked for them against Mouana and they got out of 441 00:22:31,453 --> 00:22:35,853 Speaker 5: jail against the Hurricanes, and they were worked in christ 442 00:22:35,973 --> 00:22:38,973 Speaker 5: Church where it was bucketing down with rain, so the 443 00:22:39,013 --> 00:22:42,933 Speaker 5: conditions suited that sort of up the guts, you know, 444 00:22:43,613 --> 00:22:48,733 Speaker 5: very rolling more one off carries very limited game plan, 445 00:22:48,853 --> 00:22:52,413 Speaker 5: but it was it's not gonna be enough, No it's not. 446 00:22:52,453 --> 00:22:54,093 Speaker 4: And it was incredibly limited, I thought on the weekend 447 00:22:54,133 --> 00:22:56,453 Speaker 4: fim like Christie starting at half back, I think had 448 00:22:56,693 --> 00:23:01,733 Speaker 4: one run for no meters. Just ponderous at times, I thought. 449 00:23:01,773 --> 00:23:04,133 Speaker 4: And then when Sam Not comes on, you're tiring defenses 450 00:23:04,173 --> 00:23:07,613 Speaker 4: everything like that. But he makes a few snipes around 451 00:23:07,653 --> 00:23:10,933 Speaker 4: the edges, scores a try. I think he beat a 452 00:23:10,973 --> 00:23:14,213 Speaker 4: couple of defenders, ran for twenty five odd meters. He 453 00:23:14,293 --> 00:23:17,333 Speaker 4: added a spark. Tolfa Funaki did that last year. I 454 00:23:17,333 --> 00:23:19,373 Speaker 4: think they need to make a change at half back. 455 00:23:19,373 --> 00:23:21,933 Speaker 4: They should have Boden Barrett back starting this week after 456 00:23:21,973 --> 00:23:26,093 Speaker 4: illness last week, but they're not. I mean, I criticized 457 00:23:26,133 --> 00:23:29,893 Speaker 4: the loose Fortrair before, but again they need quick ball 458 00:23:29,933 --> 00:23:31,453 Speaker 4: and they're just not getting it either out to their 459 00:23:31,493 --> 00:23:32,093 Speaker 4: back line. 460 00:23:32,453 --> 00:23:35,453 Speaker 5: Yeah, I mean, you put Boden Barrett back in that team. 461 00:23:35,573 --> 00:23:39,333 Speaker 5: You bring back Dalton Papale and Caleb Clark from injury. 462 00:23:39,733 --> 00:23:43,853 Speaker 5: But you know, Harry Plumber won took the Blues to 463 00:23:43,893 --> 00:23:47,773 Speaker 5: a championship last year and all teams suffer injury, So yeah, 464 00:23:47,813 --> 00:23:50,293 Speaker 5: you can clutch for excuses, but the Blues should be 465 00:23:50,373 --> 00:23:52,013 Speaker 5: much better than that. That was one of the worst 466 00:23:52,013 --> 00:23:55,173 Speaker 5: performances of the year with their season on the line, 467 00:23:55,773 --> 00:23:59,173 Speaker 5: and yeah, it's just been that sort of season. 468 00:23:59,093 --> 00:23:59,613 Speaker 3: It has been. 469 00:23:59,653 --> 00:24:02,133 Speaker 4: The Chiefs continue to be top of the table, fifty 470 00:24:02,173 --> 00:24:05,573 Speaker 4: six to twenty two over the Force. Look, the Force 471 00:24:05,613 --> 00:24:08,293 Speaker 4: were fifteen all at one stage, but similar to the 472 00:24:08,373 --> 00:24:11,653 Speaker 4: Highlands previous week, once the Chiefs warm up very very 473 00:24:11,693 --> 00:24:13,613 Speaker 4: hard to stop, they went with six or two bench. 474 00:24:13,653 --> 00:24:16,293 Speaker 4: We saw Cecidi come on for ten minutes at the 475 00:24:16,413 --> 00:24:19,733 Speaker 4: end court is Rantom and moved to the wing. Antonine 476 00:24:19,853 --> 00:24:23,213 Speaker 4: Brown suffered a hand or alm injury, so that's a 477 00:24:23,213 --> 00:24:26,733 Speaker 4: worry for the Chiefs. But when they got into their 478 00:24:26,773 --> 00:24:29,053 Speaker 4: work they were hard to stop and the fourth squad 479 00:24:29,053 --> 00:24:32,413 Speaker 4: had a couple of nice tries, but ultimately they don't 480 00:24:32,413 --> 00:24:34,333 Speaker 4: have it what it takes to match it. 481 00:24:34,373 --> 00:24:35,053 Speaker 3: With the Chiefs. 482 00:24:35,373 --> 00:24:38,733 Speaker 5: No, they don't, And it's sort of going to script, 483 00:24:38,853 --> 00:24:41,613 Speaker 5: isn't it. It felt like, always felt like that would 484 00:24:41,693 --> 00:24:45,213 Speaker 5: be a blowout. First of all, great to see the 485 00:24:45,293 --> 00:24:48,693 Speaker 5: Chiefs take a game to Mount Monganui bay Oval. I 486 00:24:48,733 --> 00:24:51,773 Speaker 5: thought the whole set up around that in terms of 487 00:24:51,813 --> 00:24:55,453 Speaker 5: the temporary stands. It's not an easy thing to do 488 00:24:55,533 --> 00:24:58,413 Speaker 5: to make a rugby ground at a cricket oval, so 489 00:24:58,773 --> 00:25:01,093 Speaker 5: you traditionally a long way from the ground, and I 490 00:25:01,133 --> 00:25:03,733 Speaker 5: think I would like to see that more, whether that 491 00:25:03,813 --> 00:25:08,493 Speaker 5: be the Blues going to I don't know Northlands that 492 00:25:08,533 --> 00:25:10,813 Speaker 5: they do once a year, but the Hurricanes could go 493 00:25:10,853 --> 00:25:15,893 Speaker 5: to Napier more often. You know these big stadiums are empty. 494 00:25:16,253 --> 00:25:19,773 Speaker 4: Well, the Crusaders haven't played in Nelson for years, and 495 00:25:20,093 --> 00:25:22,853 Speaker 4: think about how big Tasman's been as part of their success. 496 00:25:22,453 --> 00:25:24,693 Speaker 2: In recent massive yeah, the players. 497 00:25:25,013 --> 00:25:29,333 Speaker 5: Yeah yeah, maybe maybe they should deflect like the like Taranaki. 498 00:25:30,173 --> 00:25:32,893 Speaker 4: We'll keep them, thank you very much. Hard to know, 499 00:25:33,053 --> 00:25:35,653 Speaker 4: read too much into that. Chiefs just too good, but 500 00:25:35,773 --> 00:25:37,693 Speaker 4: great to see washed the TV back out there ahead 501 00:25:37,693 --> 00:25:39,853 Speaker 4: of schedule. I heard a few whispers last week that 502 00:25:39,893 --> 00:25:41,173 Speaker 4: he was this is before the team was named, that 503 00:25:41,213 --> 00:25:42,653 Speaker 4: it was maybe three weeks away, and then all of 504 00:25:42,653 --> 00:25:44,893 Speaker 4: a sudden he gets named in the team. You know, 505 00:25:44,973 --> 00:25:46,653 Speaker 4: picks up the ball and runs with it essentially with 506 00:25:46,693 --> 00:25:48,693 Speaker 4: that ten minutes on the park and I'm sure it'll 507 00:25:48,693 --> 00:25:51,573 Speaker 4: probably come off the bench again against the Hurricanes this week. 508 00:25:51,613 --> 00:25:54,173 Speaker 4: But boy, you know, he's back and it's great to 509 00:25:54,173 --> 00:25:54,853 Speaker 4: see him out there. 510 00:25:54,893 --> 00:25:55,213 Speaker 2: It is. 511 00:25:55,333 --> 00:25:58,173 Speaker 5: He is an absolute weapon for his own rugby. He 512 00:25:58,333 --> 00:26:01,493 Speaker 5: was one of the best, if not the best players 513 00:26:01,493 --> 00:26:04,253 Speaker 5: in the world last year and still very much in 514 00:26:04,293 --> 00:26:08,053 Speaker 5: the infancy of his career. But his power, his pace 515 00:26:08,093 --> 00:26:10,573 Speaker 5: for a big man is footwork just exceptional. 516 00:26:11,213 --> 00:26:13,733 Speaker 2: Also, Ammonia Nadaua. 517 00:26:13,573 --> 00:26:15,773 Speaker 5: Has hit some real form for the Chiefs and really 518 00:26:15,773 --> 00:26:18,893 Speaker 5: staking our claim I think for that All Blacks right 519 00:26:18,893 --> 00:26:23,173 Speaker 5: wing spot. Samasoni Takyaho and his one hundredth game for 520 00:26:23,213 --> 00:26:25,293 Speaker 5: the Chiefs I thought was impressive. 521 00:26:24,853 --> 00:26:25,893 Speaker 2: Olin Norris huge. 522 00:26:26,133 --> 00:26:27,813 Speaker 3: Yeah, wasn't he a magnificent. 523 00:26:27,373 --> 00:26:31,093 Speaker 5: Off the bench? Was that after five ten minutes he 524 00:26:31,213 --> 00:26:35,053 Speaker 5: was everywhere. Quinta Pia was good as well. And Antonina 525 00:26:35,093 --> 00:26:38,693 Speaker 5: Brown's absence so yes, Josh Jacobs. 526 00:26:38,373 --> 00:26:39,933 Speaker 3: I thought it was Josh j Adens performs at ten 527 00:26:39,973 --> 00:26:40,213 Speaker 3: as well. 528 00:26:40,293 --> 00:26:44,093 Speaker 5: Yeah, and Damien mckinn's's absence easier to look good and 529 00:26:44,493 --> 00:26:47,973 Speaker 5: that match than I think his last start was in 530 00:26:48,333 --> 00:26:51,053 Speaker 5: Laotoka or in Fiji when it was driving rain and 531 00:26:51,213 --> 00:26:52,413 Speaker 5: the Chiefs lose that game. 532 00:26:52,853 --> 00:26:53,413 Speaker 2: So yeah. 533 00:26:53,453 --> 00:26:56,933 Speaker 5: Good to see a very very promising young ten comeback 534 00:26:56,973 --> 00:26:58,653 Speaker 5: and stamp is authority there as well. 535 00:26:58,773 --> 00:27:01,413 Speaker 4: Certainly is let's sacer break. Here on Rugby Direct, powered 536 00:27:01,413 --> 00:27:03,653 Speaker 4: by our friends that habit, health, tackling or your aches 537 00:27:03,693 --> 00:27:05,333 Speaker 4: and pains from sport and work. 538 00:27:06,213 --> 00:27:13,533 Speaker 1: This is Rugby Direct podcast for real rugby fans. Every 539 00:27:13,573 --> 00:27:14,533 Speaker 1: try drive. 540 00:27:14,533 --> 00:27:17,573 Speaker 4: Had sixty six, every tackle tack tackles, get up again, 541 00:27:20,693 --> 00:27:21,213 Speaker 4: take him. 542 00:27:21,053 --> 00:27:21,813 Speaker 3: Before five times. 543 00:27:21,813 --> 00:27:23,373 Speaker 2: It's Rugby Direct. 544 00:27:24,693 --> 00:27:27,293 Speaker 4: Time now for our final four on Rugby Direct. Four 545 00:27:27,333 --> 00:27:31,013 Speaker 4: rugby topics Liam and myself to bake them. Topic number one, 546 00:27:31,253 --> 00:27:34,933 Speaker 4: will you draw a line under the blues or through 547 00:27:34,973 --> 00:27:35,333 Speaker 4: the blues? 548 00:27:35,333 --> 00:27:36,093 Speaker 3: I should say. 549 00:27:38,053 --> 00:27:41,413 Speaker 5: I'm going to preface this, so the Blues will make 550 00:27:41,453 --> 00:27:44,653 Speaker 5: the playoffs, okay, but they will not win the title. 551 00:27:45,293 --> 00:27:46,213 Speaker 3: You reckon They'll sneak in. 552 00:27:46,533 --> 00:27:49,373 Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah, it is a very winnable run home. 553 00:27:50,293 --> 00:27:54,133 Speaker 5: So I think they will make the playoffs, but they 554 00:27:54,173 --> 00:27:56,293 Speaker 5: don't have what it takes to win the title this year. 555 00:27:56,333 --> 00:27:59,093 Speaker 4: If they played the Chief Sal Crusaders in the opening week, 556 00:27:59,133 --> 00:28:00,093 Speaker 4: could you see them winning that? 557 00:28:01,093 --> 00:28:03,773 Speaker 5: Yeah, I wouldn't rule them out of that, but I 558 00:28:03,813 --> 00:28:06,533 Speaker 5: don't think they have the capacity to win back to 559 00:28:06,613 --> 00:28:09,013 Speaker 5: back big games, big five final schemes. 560 00:28:10,333 --> 00:28:11,733 Speaker 4: I don't think they do either. I think I'll make 561 00:28:11,773 --> 00:28:13,093 Speaker 4: the plant. I'm similar to you. I think I'll make 562 00:28:13,133 --> 00:28:15,453 Speaker 4: the playoffs, but I can't see them winning this title. 563 00:28:15,613 --> 00:28:17,613 Speaker 4: I think the Tottle defense is done. They run their race. 564 00:28:18,373 --> 00:28:20,733 Speaker 4: Topic Number two is it time to re sign Rob 565 00:28:20,853 --> 00:28:24,173 Speaker 4: Henney at the Crusaders. Now, I know a bit of 566 00:28:24,213 --> 00:28:25,893 Speaker 4: reporting last week, so you said they put it back 567 00:28:25,893 --> 00:28:28,933 Speaker 4: to the end of the season, but boys some time 568 00:28:28,973 --> 00:28:31,893 Speaker 4: for Rock and Rob to be given a couple more years. 569 00:28:32,093 --> 00:28:32,773 Speaker 2: Rob the great. 570 00:28:32,973 --> 00:28:37,693 Speaker 5: Yeah, Well, let's dive into this a bit because you 571 00:28:37,733 --> 00:28:40,373 Speaker 5: and I were highly critical of Rob last year and 572 00:28:40,693 --> 00:28:44,813 Speaker 5: we said that the Crusaders should have punted him. That's, 573 00:28:45,173 --> 00:28:47,573 Speaker 5: you know, a lot of what happened last year, and 574 00:28:47,933 --> 00:28:50,813 Speaker 5: there were in terms of what flowed out of that, 575 00:28:50,813 --> 00:28:54,893 Speaker 5: there was a lot of criticism about his selections and 576 00:28:54,973 --> 00:28:57,613 Speaker 5: his coaching, and I know things didn't go right, but 577 00:28:57,613 --> 00:28:59,933 Speaker 5: there were clearly a lot of issues that they have addressed. 578 00:29:00,813 --> 00:29:04,693 Speaker 5: So expand this question out. Did the Crusaders do the 579 00:29:04,773 --> 00:29:07,253 Speaker 5: right thing by not punting him? 580 00:29:07,373 --> 00:29:12,053 Speaker 4: I think that did. Yeah, I think they did that. 581 00:29:12,853 --> 00:29:15,133 Speaker 4: They've clearly learned from their lessons and I think that's 582 00:29:15,173 --> 00:29:18,333 Speaker 4: ultimately all you could possibly ask is that they did 583 00:29:18,373 --> 00:29:21,653 Speaker 4: some things wrong last year. The coaching perhaps was not 584 00:29:21,733 --> 00:29:25,253 Speaker 4: what the team needed, and this year, whether it results 585 00:29:25,253 --> 00:29:27,933 Speaker 4: in a title, whether it results in an early playoffecks 586 00:29:28,013 --> 00:29:29,333 Speaker 4: or whatever might have been, seem to have learned that 587 00:29:29,413 --> 00:29:32,333 Speaker 4: lessons and they've gone back to what they know as 588 00:29:32,373 --> 00:29:36,493 Speaker 4: Crusades players have found a rhythm there. And I thought 589 00:29:36,533 --> 00:29:38,653 Speaker 4: it was an interesting point piece from Gregor Paul on 590 00:29:38,733 --> 00:29:40,533 Speaker 4: The Hero on the Weekend talking about the difference between 591 00:29:40,533 --> 00:29:43,893 Speaker 4: the Blues and this Crusaders team, and the Blues winning 592 00:29:43,893 --> 00:29:45,853 Speaker 4: that title but not knowing how to kick on with it. 593 00:29:45,893 --> 00:29:48,973 Speaker 4: The Crusaders obviously being very poor last year, but finding 594 00:29:49,053 --> 00:29:51,373 Speaker 4: a way back into it. And that's the difference between 595 00:29:51,653 --> 00:29:54,173 Speaker 4: a championship winning club and a dynasty winning club. And 596 00:29:56,093 --> 00:29:57,973 Speaker 4: I think they made the right decision in the end 597 00:29:58,013 --> 00:30:01,013 Speaker 4: to keep him. Credit to them, and he's probably earned 598 00:30:01,773 --> 00:30:03,773 Speaker 4: a renewal of some sort, whether it results in a 599 00:30:03,773 --> 00:30:05,573 Speaker 4: title this year. I think he's worthy of at least 600 00:30:05,573 --> 00:30:06,533 Speaker 4: another season at the Helm. 601 00:30:07,453 --> 00:30:12,213 Speaker 5: Yeah, it's interesting America, isn't I think they've clearly learned 602 00:30:12,213 --> 00:30:15,133 Speaker 5: from their lessons. I think Brad Moore coming back has 603 00:30:15,173 --> 00:30:19,733 Speaker 5: brought quite a bit of coaching experience. You know, Bradmore 604 00:30:19,773 --> 00:30:21,893 Speaker 5: had a really tough time with the All Blacks. He 605 00:30:21,933 --> 00:30:25,213 Speaker 5: was punted from there, but he has been around, He 606 00:30:25,253 --> 00:30:29,373 Speaker 5: went to Scotland and I think he has helped their 607 00:30:29,413 --> 00:30:32,933 Speaker 5: attack coming back. Look, are we very surprised if the 608 00:30:32,973 --> 00:30:37,653 Speaker 5: Crusaders don't keep them for some length of time. I'm 609 00:30:37,733 --> 00:30:40,933 Speaker 5: still on the fence about whether he's a brilliant coach, 610 00:30:41,613 --> 00:30:45,373 Speaker 5: but look on the basis of what they've done this year, 611 00:30:46,013 --> 00:30:48,413 Speaker 5: I think you'd have to probably extend them for another year. 612 00:30:48,453 --> 00:30:51,693 Speaker 5: It gives you a bit of time and they need 613 00:30:51,733 --> 00:30:54,693 Speaker 5: a succession plane He's not They're not going to sign 614 00:30:54,733 --> 00:30:57,733 Speaker 5: them for another four years, but you could give him 615 00:30:57,733 --> 00:31:01,613 Speaker 5: another year and start working through what that looks like. 616 00:31:01,653 --> 00:31:04,013 Speaker 4: Beyond that, well, Tomody Alison was the succession plan that 617 00:31:04,053 --> 00:31:05,933 Speaker 4: seems like a feely open secret and never quite came 618 00:31:05,973 --> 00:31:08,973 Speaker 4: to pass. Because now he's permanent member of the All Blacks. 619 00:31:10,333 --> 00:31:13,093 Speaker 4: There are coaches out there. Maybe you can tempt someone 620 00:31:13,173 --> 00:31:16,413 Speaker 4: to come home again. It wasn't that long ago that 621 00:31:16,493 --> 00:31:18,373 Speaker 4: you know, you're talking about maybe Leo maczagle back to 622 00:31:18,413 --> 00:31:20,893 Speaker 4: the Crusaders or you know, someone like that and so 623 00:31:21,493 --> 00:31:23,933 Speaker 4: worthy of an extension, but maybe not a long term one. 624 00:31:24,453 --> 00:31:27,213 Speaker 5: Yeah, and it is hard to sit here now and 625 00:31:27,213 --> 00:31:29,293 Speaker 5: say who would take over from him. You've got guys 626 00:31:29,333 --> 00:31:32,253 Speaker 5: like Ross Philippo and the Wings. Maybe Brad Moore has 627 00:31:32,493 --> 00:31:37,253 Speaker 5: designs on that. Joe Schmitt's going to be potentially out 628 00:31:37,293 --> 00:31:39,773 Speaker 5: of a gig but maybe still involved with the Wallabies. 629 00:31:39,813 --> 00:31:43,573 Speaker 5: We've led less Kiss expected to be announced as their 630 00:31:44,413 --> 00:31:49,333 Speaker 5: head coach of this week, so there's no really made 631 00:31:49,413 --> 00:31:51,813 Speaker 5: guy to just slot in there. And the way they 632 00:31:51,933 --> 00:31:56,253 Speaker 5: performed this year, he deserves an extension. And yeah, I'm 633 00:31:56,253 --> 00:31:58,453 Speaker 5: sure you run outside of christ which will be hoping 634 00:31:58,533 --> 00:32:01,973 Speaker 5: that twenty twenty four revives itself. 635 00:32:02,093 --> 00:32:06,093 Speaker 4: Nope, well maybe outside of you know, the promised lamb. 636 00:32:06,173 --> 00:32:09,453 Speaker 4: Sure and to bot number three women wicklif back for 637 00:32:09,493 --> 00:32:14,053 Speaker 4: the Black Ferns backflipping. I suppose on her retirement, is 638 00:32:14,093 --> 00:32:16,733 Speaker 4: she capable of leading them to the World Cup title 639 00:32:17,253 --> 00:32:18,013 Speaker 4: single handedly? 640 00:32:18,373 --> 00:32:19,373 Speaker 2: Not single handedly? 641 00:32:19,533 --> 00:32:24,133 Speaker 5: No, no, but it is a Phillip massive coup to 642 00:32:24,173 --> 00:32:29,613 Speaker 5: get her back. She's an inspirational figure on and off 643 00:32:29,613 --> 00:32:32,213 Speaker 5: the fields, but no, she can't do it alone. And 644 00:32:33,573 --> 00:32:36,413 Speaker 5: one of the big things with this World Cup will 645 00:32:36,453 --> 00:32:38,693 Speaker 5: be obviously the forward play of England. 646 00:32:38,733 --> 00:32:39,613 Speaker 2: So they've gone on it. 647 00:32:39,733 --> 00:32:43,693 Speaker 5: They are on another massive unbeaten run and the kicking 648 00:32:43,773 --> 00:32:46,453 Speaker 5: game in particular. And it is interesting when you think 649 00:32:46,533 --> 00:32:48,853 Speaker 5: back to the way the Black Ferns won their title 650 00:32:48,933 --> 00:32:55,053 Speaker 5: last time. It was really attack, it's all costs at 651 00:32:55,093 --> 00:32:58,773 Speaker 5: gay Eband and it was just offloads pace. You know, 652 00:32:58,813 --> 00:33:03,453 Speaker 5: that was Wayne Smith's blueprints. So can do the Black 653 00:33:03,453 --> 00:33:06,053 Speaker 5: Ferns have the ability to find because they're not going 654 00:33:06,133 --> 00:33:09,493 Speaker 5: to have that same blueprint with one and Smith not involved, 655 00:33:09,613 --> 00:33:10,293 Speaker 5: and they. 656 00:33:12,413 --> 00:33:12,533 Speaker 3: Do. 657 00:33:12,573 --> 00:33:16,813 Speaker 5: They have the ability to play England, not at their 658 00:33:16,853 --> 00:33:20,333 Speaker 5: own game, but to find that balance between getting enough 659 00:33:20,493 --> 00:33:24,613 Speaker 5: Ford parody, stopping England's more and then having the ability 660 00:33:24,693 --> 00:33:27,093 Speaker 5: to kick and then bring in your attack. 661 00:33:27,253 --> 00:33:28,253 Speaker 3: That is the question. 662 00:33:28,253 --> 00:33:30,853 Speaker 4: Look, I wasn't all that impressed from what I saw 663 00:33:30,853 --> 00:33:34,053 Speaker 4: from England during the Women's six Nations. They beat France 664 00:33:34,093 --> 00:33:36,013 Speaker 4: by a point on the weekend to win the crown. 665 00:33:36,853 --> 00:33:39,533 Speaker 4: John Mitchell making a few changes to basically try and 666 00:33:39,573 --> 00:33:42,133 Speaker 4: build some depth as well, So hard to read too 667 00:33:42,173 --> 00:33:44,053 Speaker 4: much into it from a World Cup perspective. There was 668 00:33:44,093 --> 00:33:46,093 Speaker 4: a bit of chopping and changing, but I wasn't really 669 00:33:46,133 --> 00:33:49,253 Speaker 4: overly impressed by England during that campaign. Having said that 670 00:33:49,293 --> 00:33:51,693 Speaker 4: they go on as the heavy gust to favorites, but 671 00:33:51,773 --> 00:33:54,893 Speaker 4: Portia Willi and Wickliff her ultimate power with ball in hand, 672 00:33:55,493 --> 00:33:58,333 Speaker 4: the lines that she runs. You add in Georgia Miller 673 00:33:58,773 --> 00:34:02,053 Speaker 4: to that forward pack. You added you know, Sacy Waker, 674 00:34:02,413 --> 00:34:04,533 Speaker 4: Racy Poldy Lane, You add in some of these new 675 00:34:04,533 --> 00:34:06,293 Speaker 4: players that are impressed and all picky, like Brax and 676 00:34:06,333 --> 00:34:09,413 Speaker 4: Sorrens and McGee Tolp for basin. It changes the complexion 677 00:34:09,413 --> 00:34:12,413 Speaker 4: of what was a fairly pedestrian black Ferns seen last year. 678 00:34:13,613 --> 00:34:15,813 Speaker 4: I mean, it shouldn't necessarily take these players coming in 679 00:34:15,893 --> 00:34:19,013 Speaker 4: to do that, but you can elevate it there and 680 00:34:19,213 --> 00:34:21,693 Speaker 4: I think they can make a difference. You're right, pusha 681 00:34:21,693 --> 00:34:23,573 Speaker 4: wooden will Cliff isn't going to do it alone. But 682 00:34:23,653 --> 00:34:25,413 Speaker 4: if you were able to pick one player to make 683 00:34:25,453 --> 00:34:26,733 Speaker 4: a difference, it would be her. 684 00:34:27,493 --> 00:34:31,053 Speaker 5: Oh shit, yeah, and she's a phenomenal athlete. Yeah, she's 685 00:34:31,093 --> 00:34:34,613 Speaker 5: at the back end of her career, but she is 686 00:34:35,293 --> 00:34:39,453 Speaker 5: a Lomu esque type player in terms of her individual 687 00:34:39,533 --> 00:34:44,133 Speaker 5: ability to run through or around or get a turnover 688 00:34:44,453 --> 00:34:48,733 Speaker 5: to lift her teammates. And yeah, I really do hope 689 00:34:48,773 --> 00:34:50,973 Speaker 5: the Black Ferns still retain the essence of what they 690 00:34:51,053 --> 00:34:55,053 Speaker 5: had for three years ago in terms of their basic 691 00:34:56,053 --> 00:34:59,773 Speaker 5: skill sets because I still think that that is superior 692 00:34:59,893 --> 00:35:04,333 Speaker 5: to what other nations have to offer, the ability to 693 00:35:04,333 --> 00:35:07,533 Speaker 5: offload and keep the ball alive. But yeah, they will 694 00:35:07,533 --> 00:35:08,933 Speaker 5: need to strike that balance. 695 00:35:08,733 --> 00:35:11,453 Speaker 4: Topic done before Chiefs Crusaders final. Are you prepared to 696 00:35:11,453 --> 00:35:17,733 Speaker 4: say and lock that in or can you say there's 697 00:35:17,773 --> 00:35:18,493 Speaker 4: the cane train. 698 00:35:18,373 --> 00:35:19,533 Speaker 2: Main trains coming out of. 699 00:35:19,653 --> 00:35:21,973 Speaker 4: Fifth mate, they're fifteen points off of the top two. 700 00:35:22,733 --> 00:35:24,413 Speaker 4: Sure they can't make an impact in the playoffs. 701 00:35:25,013 --> 00:35:26,613 Speaker 2: Look, no, I am going to lock that in. 702 00:35:27,373 --> 00:35:29,973 Speaker 4: I thought the Brumbies before the weekend, if they've beating 703 00:35:30,013 --> 00:35:32,053 Speaker 4: the Hurricanes, they're knocking right on the door of that 704 00:35:32,093 --> 00:35:35,213 Speaker 4: top three. They have the Crusaders at home still to come. 705 00:35:36,133 --> 00:35:38,933 Speaker 4: But the Brumbies were Look, they played the part on 706 00:35:38,973 --> 00:35:41,653 Speaker 4: the weekend, but losing that game just you know, it 707 00:35:41,653 --> 00:35:44,133 Speaker 4: opens the door to those other teams and probably makes 708 00:35:44,173 --> 00:35:46,133 Speaker 4: me less confident that the Brumbies can play a role 709 00:35:46,533 --> 00:35:49,013 Speaker 4: in stopping one of those two teams in their march 710 00:35:49,053 --> 00:35:49,573 Speaker 4: to the final. 711 00:35:50,093 --> 00:35:51,933 Speaker 2: Yeah. I can't see the Brumbies doing that. 712 00:35:52,373 --> 00:35:54,933 Speaker 5: The Chiefs and Crusaders do look by far and away 713 00:35:54,973 --> 00:35:58,373 Speaker 5: the two best teams in the comp. I do think 714 00:35:58,413 --> 00:36:00,893 Speaker 5: on their day the Blues and the Hurricanes in a 715 00:36:00,933 --> 00:36:03,973 Speaker 5: one off finals match have the potential to upset their 716 00:36:04,013 --> 00:36:08,573 Speaker 5: apple carts. But at this point I would say and 717 00:36:08,573 --> 00:36:09,533 Speaker 5: Crusaders final. 718 00:36:09,373 --> 00:36:12,413 Speaker 4: The Reads potentially as well, but I if they're at home. 719 00:36:12,493 --> 00:36:16,133 Speaker 3: Yes, A weighed not so much against the New Zealand side. 720 00:36:16,413 --> 00:36:19,413 Speaker 2: Yeah, I still think on the balance of power. 721 00:36:20,613 --> 00:36:22,893 Speaker 5: For all that we've seen this year in terms of 722 00:36:24,093 --> 00:36:27,733 Speaker 5: the Kiwi teams prior to the Hurricanes win, struggling not 723 00:36:27,733 --> 00:36:30,373 Speaker 5: getting a win in Australia, what was that? This was 724 00:36:30,413 --> 00:36:36,013 Speaker 5: it the sixth attempt, so we had five four losses 725 00:36:36,053 --> 00:36:38,093 Speaker 5: I think it was, and one draw from New Zealand 726 00:36:38,133 --> 00:36:42,133 Speaker 5: teams in Australia, so it has been a graveyard this 727 00:36:42,253 --> 00:36:44,533 Speaker 5: season prior to the Hurricanes. So yeah, you don't want 728 00:36:44,533 --> 00:36:46,893 Speaker 5: to be going to Australia, particularly because then you've got 729 00:36:46,933 --> 00:36:49,093 Speaker 5: to come home the following week if you wine. But 730 00:36:49,533 --> 00:36:52,613 Speaker 5: on the balance of power, I think the Australian teams 731 00:36:52,653 --> 00:36:56,013 Speaker 5: are a couple of rings are rung down, so Chiefs 732 00:36:56,053 --> 00:36:59,933 Speaker 5: and Crusaders for me. But yeah, don't discount the Cane 733 00:36:59,933 --> 00:37:03,053 Speaker 5: train or all the Blues in a one off finals match. 734 00:37:04,013 --> 00:37:07,333 Speaker 4: Right tipping time, we both had four correct tips of 735 00:37:07,373 --> 00:37:10,293 Speaker 4: five on the weekend. Difference was I picked the Reds, 736 00:37:10,613 --> 00:37:13,333 Speaker 4: you picked the Blues. I picked the Brumbies, you picked 737 00:37:13,333 --> 00:37:15,133 Speaker 4: the Canes. So other than that we were on the 738 00:37:15,173 --> 00:37:16,973 Speaker 4: same But I still lead by six points and that's 739 00:37:17,013 --> 00:37:20,853 Speaker 4: great news. Blues force Friday night footy at Eden Park, 740 00:37:21,653 --> 00:37:22,733 Speaker 4: May the force be with you. 741 00:37:23,653 --> 00:37:27,133 Speaker 5: May the force be with those trying to get punters. 742 00:37:27,973 --> 00:37:31,813 Speaker 5: So to be diabolic on Friday could be challenging. Moana 743 00:37:31,893 --> 00:37:35,373 Speaker 5: It's Mount Smash. Yeah, look the Blues won that, but 744 00:37:35,413 --> 00:37:37,653 Speaker 5: there will be very few people where to witness. 745 00:37:38,213 --> 00:37:39,373 Speaker 4: I don't think it's gonna be one of those ones 746 00:37:39,373 --> 00:37:40,933 Speaker 4: that you tell your grandkids about that. You're in the 747 00:37:40,933 --> 00:37:44,613 Speaker 4: stands for Drew It against the Reds two way five 748 00:37:44,653 --> 00:37:46,253 Speaker 4: Saturday afternoon Drew at home. 749 00:37:47,613 --> 00:37:48,573 Speaker 3: Interesting one, isn't it? 750 00:37:48,653 --> 00:37:50,813 Speaker 2: Yes? Is it Lowa Tokyo. 751 00:37:52,213 --> 00:37:52,533 Speaker 3: Pass? 752 00:37:53,853 --> 00:37:55,693 Speaker 2: I guess I think the Reds win the. 753 00:37:55,893 --> 00:37:58,373 Speaker 3: HTFC Bank Stadium. That's some super reads. 754 00:38:00,613 --> 00:38:05,493 Speaker 4: Uh Drew hurricanes cheaps the time for the cane train 755 00:38:06,093 --> 00:38:07,813 Speaker 4: back on supposedly on the tracks. 756 00:38:07,853 --> 00:38:10,293 Speaker 3: Does it get derailed this week at skyt Stadium. 757 00:38:10,013 --> 00:38:13,173 Speaker 5: Too, Elliott, That's all you need to get on the case. 758 00:38:13,253 --> 00:38:17,413 Speaker 4: I'm going to the Chiefs Brumbi's Wartas interesting game for 759 00:38:17,453 --> 00:38:19,813 Speaker 4: the both of these teams. The Wartars now on the 760 00:38:19,813 --> 00:38:22,493 Speaker 4: outside looking in of the top six. They need to win, 761 00:38:22,533 --> 00:38:23,573 Speaker 4: but they're heading to Canberra. 762 00:38:25,093 --> 00:38:27,213 Speaker 5: I'm going to go with the Brumbies. I think being 763 00:38:27,293 --> 00:38:30,213 Speaker 5: humbled at home will hurt and they'll bounce back. 764 00:38:30,453 --> 00:38:30,653 Speaker 2: Yeah. 765 00:38:30,653 --> 00:38:33,333 Speaker 4: I think the Brumbies as well. Highland is Mowana pacifica. 766 00:38:33,613 --> 00:38:36,253 Speaker 4: This one under the roof in Dunedin on a Sunday 767 00:38:36,293 --> 00:38:37,693 Speaker 4: afternoon at three thirty five. 768 00:38:38,013 --> 00:38:42,373 Speaker 2: It's great see Sunday afternoon foot, isn't it is? This 769 00:38:42,413 --> 00:38:48,573 Speaker 2: is a really relime game. You know what I'm going minor. 770 00:38:48,853 --> 00:38:51,613 Speaker 4: I'm going to get the Highlanders at home to bounce back, 771 00:38:51,693 --> 00:38:56,133 Speaker 4: but not with a lot of confidence. Rugby Derek Meddal 772 00:38:56,413 --> 00:38:59,933 Speaker 4: voting time three two ones. Aardie Saviller out on top 773 00:38:59,973 --> 00:39:02,333 Speaker 4: with thirteen, Boden Barrett twelve and a three way tie 774 00:39:02,413 --> 00:39:07,053 Speaker 4: for third to more Dove, Niway, Patrick Palegrini in quinte 775 00:39:07,053 --> 00:39:09,053 Speaker 4: pie limb you three two ones. 776 00:39:09,453 --> 00:39:12,773 Speaker 5: Yes, Elliott, Well with the cane train back, there will 777 00:39:12,813 --> 00:39:14,813 Speaker 5: be no shock to you that Billy Proctor takes my 778 00:39:14,933 --> 00:39:19,933 Speaker 5: three exceptional performance from a future all Black center Kenning 779 00:39:19,973 --> 00:39:23,333 Speaker 5: a holo of two his best performance for the best 780 00:39:23,333 --> 00:39:25,453 Speaker 5: performance here bumping, thumping. 781 00:39:25,293 --> 00:39:27,573 Speaker 3: Hear to go the queen sweep here Hurrican. 782 00:39:27,653 --> 00:39:29,973 Speaker 5: I was very tempted to put Cam Morrigan in there, 783 00:39:30,013 --> 00:39:34,413 Speaker 5: but look props to the prop Olin Norris, absolute weapon 784 00:39:34,453 --> 00:39:35,453 Speaker 5: off the bench for the Chiefs. 785 00:39:35,453 --> 00:39:38,333 Speaker 2: So he gets my one right. 786 00:39:38,813 --> 00:39:42,533 Speaker 4: Some ballots required to this conversation will Jordan's three points. 787 00:39:43,253 --> 00:39:45,813 Speaker 4: Billy propped at two points. He was very good as 788 00:39:45,813 --> 00:39:48,853 Speaker 4: we're discussed, and one to look Jacobson, who I thought 789 00:39:49,693 --> 00:39:52,333 Speaker 4: played exceptionally well. He seems to be developing a bit 790 00:39:52,333 --> 00:39:54,213 Speaker 4: more of his carrying game as well. We've seen that 791 00:39:54,253 --> 00:39:57,693 Speaker 4: on the weekend. I yeah, really liking the way that 792 00:39:57,733 --> 00:39:59,973 Speaker 4: he's playing and leading this Chiefs team as well. So 793 00:40:00,013 --> 00:40:02,053 Speaker 4: he gets my one point this week. 794 00:40:02,333 --> 00:40:05,493 Speaker 5: Yeah, your Crusader's hookers. Both of them were very good too. 795 00:40:05,773 --> 00:40:07,373 Speaker 5: Cody Taylor was exceptional. 796 00:40:07,493 --> 00:40:10,293 Speaker 4: Quick question then before we wrap up, three All Black 797 00:40:10,293 --> 00:40:11,653 Speaker 4: sookers in the All Black squad? 798 00:40:11,693 --> 00:40:12,253 Speaker 3: Who are they? 799 00:40:13,133 --> 00:40:14,693 Speaker 2: Well, mine's a wee bit boring. 800 00:40:15,013 --> 00:40:19,573 Speaker 5: I'm going Taylor, SAMASONI, Takyajo, and us for Armore, even 801 00:40:19,573 --> 00:40:22,173 Speaker 5: though our Moore has been really off his game this 802 00:40:22,253 --> 00:40:24,613 Speaker 5: year and struggle with injuries and hasn't played a lot. 803 00:40:24,733 --> 00:40:27,413 Speaker 2: But those are my three still. 804 00:40:28,333 --> 00:40:34,613 Speaker 4: Taylor, Takyaho, Why not two the Bolt the boulta twenty 805 00:40:34,653 --> 00:40:36,413 Speaker 4: one year old by I think I really liked what 806 00:40:36,493 --> 00:40:37,813 Speaker 4: Armor did for the All Blacks this year, but he 807 00:40:37,813 --> 00:40:40,293 Speaker 4: hasn't got the form at the moment for the Hurricanes. 808 00:40:40,573 --> 00:40:42,453 Speaker 4: He may find that over the closing stages once his 809 00:40:42,493 --> 00:40:44,493 Speaker 4: team gets a bit more confidence. If this Cane train 810 00:40:45,173 --> 00:40:47,573 Speaker 4: is rolling as you seem to think it will be, 811 00:40:48,973 --> 00:40:51,933 Speaker 4: but as it stands, I think that's those are the 812 00:40:51,933 --> 00:40:53,733 Speaker 4: three that I go with. I think Takio is coming 813 00:40:53,773 --> 00:40:57,093 Speaker 4: back into it after a long time out of the game, 814 00:40:58,013 --> 00:41:00,133 Speaker 4: finding his Form now played his one hundredth on the 815 00:41:00,133 --> 00:41:03,893 Speaker 4: weekend and so I'd give him the not over um more. 816 00:41:04,773 --> 00:41:07,453 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean on Form, that's a fair call. 817 00:41:08,453 --> 00:41:10,813 Speaker 5: Who has been exceptional for the Crusaders this year and 818 00:41:11,773 --> 00:41:14,173 Speaker 5: had a lot more game time than what he would 819 00:41:14,213 --> 00:41:16,173 Speaker 5: have expected to and taken that and run with it. 820 00:41:16,533 --> 00:41:21,133 Speaker 5: He is another in that mold of a dynamic, destructive 821 00:41:21,173 --> 00:41:27,493 Speaker 5: ball carrier and I think more he did step up 822 00:41:27,493 --> 00:41:28,973 Speaker 5: in a big way for the All Black Slash year. 823 00:41:28,973 --> 00:41:32,173 Speaker 5: But there probably are still concerns around his line out 824 00:41:32,173 --> 00:41:35,893 Speaker 5: throwing under pressure. But I would be surprised if they 825 00:41:35,933 --> 00:41:36,893 Speaker 5: went away from those three. 826 00:41:37,133 --> 00:41:39,333 Speaker 3: Indeed. Well that wraps it up for Rugby Direct for 827 00:41:39,333 --> 00:41:40,453 Speaker 3: another week, Limb, you're away. 828 00:41:40,733 --> 00:41:43,253 Speaker 5: Next week I am going to check on the rival 829 00:41:43,253 --> 00:41:46,453 Speaker 5: code a little bit of five tackle kick in Brisbane. 830 00:41:46,533 --> 00:41:51,373 Speaker 5: So yes, I'll be soaking up the what they call 831 00:41:51,413 --> 00:41:52,893 Speaker 5: it the brown Snake in Brisbane. 832 00:41:53,133 --> 00:41:54,813 Speaker 2: That's the river, oh right. 833 00:41:56,453 --> 00:42:00,053 Speaker 5: Somewhere else floating up there to sun Corp four x 834 00:42:00,693 --> 00:42:01,293 Speaker 5: something like that. 835 00:42:01,413 --> 00:42:03,293 Speaker 4: Yeah, all right, Well we'll catch you in a couple 836 00:42:03,293 --> 00:42:06,853 Speaker 4: of weeks on Rugby Director, Liam And thanks to Lars 837 00:42:06,893 --> 00:42:08,813 Speaker 4: and Bars English for time that's sort together. Thanks as 838 00:42:08,853 --> 00:42:11,293 Speaker 4: well to habit heath, tackling all your aches and pains from. 839 00:42:11,213 --> 00:42:11,853 Speaker 3: Support and work. 840 00:42:16,013 --> 00:42:18,613 Speaker 1: For more from News Talks at b Listen live on 841 00:42:18,733 --> 00:42:21,693 Speaker 1: air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever 842 00:42:21,733 --> 00:42:24,293 Speaker 1: you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio