1 00:00:06,707 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,747 --> 00:00:11,787 Speaker 1: from News Talk zed B. 3 00:00:13,267 --> 00:00:16,547 Speaker 2: The last of the Super Rugby quarterfinals is in Canberra 4 00:00:16,627 --> 00:00:19,867 Speaker 2: tonight nine thirty Brumb's v Highlanders Again. There's a full 5 00:00:19,907 --> 00:00:23,027 Speaker 2: commentary for you on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. The Brumbies 6 00:00:23,067 --> 00:00:25,827 Speaker 2: for third in the regular season, losing just two of 7 00:00:25,867 --> 00:00:29,307 Speaker 2: their fourteen games and willing all of their home matches. 8 00:00:29,347 --> 00:00:31,387 Speaker 2: The Highlanders finished sixth. 9 00:00:31,707 --> 00:00:35,867 Speaker 3: The Highlanders have duff the line out, the balls out, 10 00:00:37,147 --> 00:00:39,907 Speaker 3: Try it to the Islanders out of nothing. 11 00:00:41,227 --> 00:00:41,787 Speaker 1: Oh it's the. 12 00:00:41,867 --> 00:00:44,747 Speaker 2: Groot Highlanders and all Blacks prop Ethan de Groot is 13 00:00:44,787 --> 00:00:47,707 Speaker 2: with us out of Canberra. Ethan, what sort of shape 14 00:00:47,707 --> 00:00:50,347 Speaker 2: do you think you're in heading into the quarterfinals? 15 00:00:51,387 --> 00:00:53,867 Speaker 3: Obviously season what's the better of a huss and a raw? 16 00:00:53,947 --> 00:00:54,587 Speaker 4: And then. 17 00:00:55,947 --> 00:00:57,627 Speaker 3: The middle of our season got a bit messy, but 18 00:00:57,707 --> 00:01:00,427 Speaker 3: we've sort of clean things up coming into finals. Fody 19 00:01:00,547 --> 00:01:04,907 Speaker 3: and the beauty thing about finals forty its pointston matters knockout, 20 00:01:04,987 --> 00:01:06,787 Speaker 3: so best team one on the day. 21 00:01:06,827 --> 00:01:09,947 Speaker 2: Really, you talk about that rope period sort of mid season, 22 00:01:10,187 --> 00:01:12,507 Speaker 2: what were the things that you put in place that 23 00:01:12,747 --> 00:01:14,267 Speaker 2: helped you to kind of get out of that and 24 00:01:14,707 --> 00:01:16,947 Speaker 2: put together a decent run of results towards the back end. 25 00:01:19,427 --> 00:01:21,587 Speaker 3: I think we just went back to simplifying things and 26 00:01:21,787 --> 00:01:23,587 Speaker 3: just go back to what was working well for us 27 00:01:23,587 --> 00:01:27,387 Speaker 3: instead of adding a whole heap of other stuff. So yes, 28 00:01:27,507 --> 00:01:29,707 Speaker 3: probably just simplified up our game a bit more and 29 00:01:30,227 --> 00:01:32,107 Speaker 3: just went back to what was working well at the start. 30 00:01:32,907 --> 00:01:35,107 Speaker 2: It was last weekend's game against the Hurricanes a bit 31 00:01:35,187 --> 00:01:37,867 Speaker 2: challenging mentally. You kind of knew you were in the 32 00:01:37,907 --> 00:01:41,027 Speaker 2: top eight already, you couldn't really improve your table position, 33 00:01:41,667 --> 00:01:44,067 Speaker 2: wanted to keep something in the tank for knockout footy. 34 00:01:44,107 --> 00:01:45,987 Speaker 2: Was it a bit challenging mentally last weekend? 35 00:01:49,747 --> 00:01:52,387 Speaker 3: Not personally, not for myself. I was obviously a big 36 00:01:52,427 --> 00:01:56,547 Speaker 3: game knocking up the fifty. But I think it was good. 37 00:01:56,667 --> 00:01:59,227 Speaker 3: You know, we gave a lot of lot more boys 38 00:01:59,227 --> 00:02:00,947 Speaker 3: a run. We rested a few of our key guys 39 00:02:00,987 --> 00:02:04,027 Speaker 3: that we couldn't afford to get injured, so everyone was 40 00:02:04,067 --> 00:02:06,267 Speaker 3: sort of ready and we're already in battle hard and 41 00:02:06,387 --> 00:02:08,107 Speaker 3: for the hope of the next couple of weeks. 42 00:02:08,507 --> 00:02:10,627 Speaker 2: So in the earlier meeting with the Brumbies this season 43 00:02:11,107 --> 00:02:14,507 Speaker 2: twenty seven to twenty one loss and round four, you 44 00:02:14,867 --> 00:02:17,987 Speaker 2: led that game after an hour, pretty close result at 45 00:02:17,987 --> 00:02:19,467 Speaker 2: the end. What can you take out of that game 46 00:02:19,827 --> 00:02:21,147 Speaker 2: that might be useful tonight? 47 00:02:23,267 --> 00:02:26,667 Speaker 3: Yeah, that was sort of Yeah, we definitely let that 48 00:02:26,787 --> 00:02:30,107 Speaker 3: game slip and we're a completely different teams since then, 49 00:02:30,987 --> 00:02:33,307 Speaker 3: and so of the Brumbies. But yeah, I think we 50 00:02:33,387 --> 00:02:36,427 Speaker 3: can just take out Obviously, you start well, you've got 51 00:02:36,427 --> 00:02:38,427 Speaker 3: to finish well and we've got to front up. 52 00:02:39,067 --> 00:02:41,827 Speaker 2: As far as the week's concerned, has it has it 53 00:02:41,867 --> 00:02:44,347 Speaker 2: felt different in any way, you know with a knockout 54 00:02:44,387 --> 00:02:45,187 Speaker 2: game at the end of it. 55 00:02:48,427 --> 00:02:51,707 Speaker 3: Not really. We just take one week at a time 56 00:02:51,787 --> 00:02:55,067 Speaker 3: and hopefully we can earn another Monday together. So in 57 00:02:55,107 --> 00:02:58,267 Speaker 3: the aspect, you know, there's always the unknown, but and 58 00:02:58,387 --> 00:03:00,107 Speaker 3: not looking too far ahead, we just got to know 59 00:03:00,267 --> 00:03:00,707 Speaker 3: this game. 60 00:03:01,587 --> 00:03:04,427 Speaker 2: You had this long running windless streak against other New 61 00:03:04,507 --> 00:03:06,827 Speaker 2: Zealand sides kind of hanging over you, but snapped it 62 00:03:06,947 --> 00:03:09,747 Speaker 2: with that victory over the Crusaders three or four weeks 63 00:03:09,747 --> 00:03:12,107 Speaker 2: back in Dnedan. How much did you enjoy that victory? 64 00:03:13,867 --> 00:03:16,387 Speaker 4: Yeah? That was that was a beauty. 65 00:03:17,147 --> 00:03:18,627 Speaker 3: You know, it's always easy to get up for the 66 00:03:18,627 --> 00:03:22,547 Speaker 3: games like that against the old the old foe, and 67 00:03:22,587 --> 00:03:24,307 Speaker 3: you know that a team that's been on top for 68 00:03:24,347 --> 00:03:28,427 Speaker 3: so long, But yeah, that was a extremely proud of 69 00:03:28,427 --> 00:03:29,667 Speaker 3: that effort from the boys. 70 00:03:30,027 --> 00:03:32,947 Speaker 2: What sort of day to day impact has Jamie Joseph 71 00:03:33,027 --> 00:03:35,427 Speaker 2: had on the on the team Ethan coming in as 72 00:03:35,587 --> 00:03:38,147 Speaker 2: is in that new role of director of rugby. Has 73 00:03:38,147 --> 00:03:40,347 Speaker 2: he had much sort of on the grass impact. 74 00:03:42,947 --> 00:03:45,787 Speaker 3: In terms of probably not coaching wise as an on 75 00:03:45,947 --> 00:03:49,347 Speaker 3: the grass coaching, but he's definitely coming and he's got 76 00:03:49,347 --> 00:03:53,107 Speaker 3: our coaching staff hissing, and you know, he brings a 77 00:03:53,107 --> 00:03:55,627 Speaker 3: bit of edge and he's he's been awesome with. 78 00:03:55,627 --> 00:03:56,947 Speaker 4: Our leadership group as well, So. 79 00:03:58,987 --> 00:04:01,107 Speaker 3: He sort of works behind the scenes, but yeah, he's 80 00:04:01,107 --> 00:04:03,827 Speaker 3: definitely got that presence about him that you know, you 81 00:04:03,907 --> 00:04:05,947 Speaker 3: just want to go do everything for him. 82 00:04:05,827 --> 00:04:10,627 Speaker 4: And same with the coaches. Yeah, it's pretty special man. 83 00:04:10,587 --> 00:04:13,067 Speaker 2: Yep, that's for sure. Can I ask you about your 84 00:04:13,427 --> 00:04:15,787 Speaker 2: your rest week in early May? I thought this was 85 00:04:15,787 --> 00:04:20,787 Speaker 2: tremendous taking the week off and going duck shooting. How 86 00:04:20,787 --> 00:04:24,067 Speaker 2: important is it to do something unrelated to rugby during 87 00:04:24,107 --> 00:04:26,707 Speaker 2: your week's off and to and to refresh yourself mentally? 88 00:04:28,987 --> 00:04:31,707 Speaker 3: Yeah, obviously we have, We've got long years of rugby, 89 00:04:31,747 --> 00:04:34,547 Speaker 3: hopefully obviously got a big year. Hopefully we've got on 90 00:04:34,627 --> 00:04:36,947 Speaker 3: back in the All Blacks. But yeah, in terms of 91 00:04:36,947 --> 00:04:40,667 Speaker 3: those rest weeks, they it was lucky, luckily my one 92 00:04:40,707 --> 00:04:45,747 Speaker 3: aligned with duck shooting. But yeah, I definitely the right. 93 00:04:45,787 --> 00:04:48,307 Speaker 3: I still it wasn't a full week off. I still trained, 94 00:04:48,827 --> 00:04:51,027 Speaker 3: joined the team. I just didn't play, But I had 95 00:04:51,027 --> 00:04:55,347 Speaker 3: that weekend off and I think it's massive to get 96 00:04:55,347 --> 00:04:58,427 Speaker 3: away from the game for a wee bit. And if 97 00:04:58,507 --> 00:05:00,627 Speaker 3: that takes going duck shooting with my mates or going 98 00:05:00,667 --> 00:05:02,387 Speaker 3: out for a pig or going out for a stag, 99 00:05:03,227 --> 00:05:04,587 Speaker 3: That's what I'll do in my spare time. 100 00:05:04,667 --> 00:05:05,907 Speaker 4: So That's what I went and done. 101 00:05:06,347 --> 00:05:08,427 Speaker 2: Do you have a successful weekend in the my mind 102 00:05:08,627 --> 00:05:09,307 Speaker 2: is the big question? 103 00:05:11,107 --> 00:05:14,067 Speaker 3: Uh? Yeah, No, it was always It's always good. Me 104 00:05:14,067 --> 00:05:16,467 Speaker 3: and my mates down home have been going going down 105 00:05:16,467 --> 00:05:19,227 Speaker 3: there for years. We ended up shooting sixty eight for 106 00:05:19,307 --> 00:05:21,227 Speaker 3: the weekend. It was pretty good, not bad. 107 00:05:21,427 --> 00:05:24,627 Speaker 2: Well, that seems like a lot for the uninitiated, like 108 00:05:24,667 --> 00:05:27,907 Speaker 2: what would a what what would a regular number be like? 109 00:05:27,947 --> 00:05:29,507 Speaker 2: As fifty a good number, for example. 110 00:05:31,747 --> 00:05:35,587 Speaker 3: Ah, you always hear some ridiculous numbers, especially down south 111 00:05:36,187 --> 00:05:40,307 Speaker 3: where I'm from. Yeah, I think that's pretty standard around fifty. 112 00:05:40,307 --> 00:05:43,507 Speaker 3: Any anything under anything close to one hundreds a pretty 113 00:05:43,507 --> 00:05:43,867 Speaker 3: good day. 114 00:05:43,947 --> 00:05:46,227 Speaker 4: But I hear about some people getting over that. 115 00:05:47,827 --> 00:05:49,907 Speaker 2: Well, and back to the right you mentioning the All 116 00:05:49,907 --> 00:05:53,627 Speaker 2: Blacks there, Obviously Highland is your focus until the season ends, 117 00:05:53,667 --> 00:05:55,867 Speaker 2: in whichever way, shape or form that is. Have you 118 00:05:55,867 --> 00:05:57,947 Speaker 2: thought that much about the All Black season ahead. 119 00:06:01,107 --> 00:06:02,107 Speaker 3: Well, not too much. 120 00:06:02,187 --> 00:06:04,027 Speaker 4: I do know it's a massive year. 121 00:06:05,627 --> 00:06:07,747 Speaker 3: And you've you've got to be playing your best footy. 122 00:06:07,627 --> 00:06:09,947 Speaker 4: To obviously make that squad. 123 00:06:10,067 --> 00:06:13,707 Speaker 3: So yeah, for me, it's the anything I'm looking looking 124 00:06:13,707 --> 00:06:15,867 Speaker 3: at now is performing to be selected. 125 00:06:15,907 --> 00:06:17,147 Speaker 4: You know, each game is a. 126 00:06:18,267 --> 00:06:19,987 Speaker 3: Sort of got to treat every game towards the end 127 00:06:19,987 --> 00:06:21,667 Speaker 3: of the season as a trial to make the All 128 00:06:21,707 --> 00:06:23,427 Speaker 3: Lecks and that's kind of how I've taken it. 129 00:06:24,547 --> 00:06:28,147 Speaker 2: And as far as the Brumbies are concerned, just to finish, 130 00:06:28,187 --> 00:06:30,307 Speaker 2: are there any any things that you've kind of pinpointed 131 00:06:30,387 --> 00:06:33,787 Speaker 2: that you'll need to do particularly well if you are 132 00:06:33,827 --> 00:06:35,667 Speaker 2: to advance to the semi finals? 133 00:06:37,387 --> 00:06:39,507 Speaker 3: Yeah, set piece. 134 00:06:39,347 --> 00:06:40,107 Speaker 4: Is going to be massive. 135 00:06:41,347 --> 00:06:44,467 Speaker 3: The Brumbies are no one for good line out d 136 00:06:45,347 --> 00:06:49,067 Speaker 3: and also known for a good rolling mall, so we'll 137 00:06:49,067 --> 00:06:52,347 Speaker 3: be prepared for that. I reckon whoever wins set Peace, 138 00:06:53,667 --> 00:06:54,547 Speaker 3: we'll win the game. 139 00:06:55,147 --> 00:06:57,987 Speaker 2: Well, you must feel a high degree of responsibility in 140 00:06:57,987 --> 00:07:00,827 Speaker 2: that area. Then do you, as as the cornerstone of 141 00:07:00,867 --> 00:07:03,547 Speaker 2: the Highlanders scrummed, does that kind of you know, give 142 00:07:03,627 --> 00:07:06,187 Speaker 2: you any extra motivation knowing that it's going to be 143 00:07:06,227 --> 00:07:06,907 Speaker 2: that a battle. 144 00:07:08,627 --> 00:07:10,587 Speaker 4: Yeah, one hundred percent off. 145 00:07:10,667 --> 00:07:13,107 Speaker 3: That's their way into the game, and I can take 146 00:07:13,147 --> 00:07:18,027 Speaker 3: that away from it, away from them and make it 147 00:07:18,147 --> 00:07:20,107 Speaker 3: our way into the game. Yeah, that's a mess of 148 00:07:20,507 --> 00:07:23,667 Speaker 3: that's my role and I'm excited for the challenge. 149 00:07:24,227 --> 00:07:26,387 Speaker 2: Well, I hope you get to get another Monday. Hope 150 00:07:26,427 --> 00:07:29,547 Speaker 2: you earn yourselves another Monday. We'll be watching with interest tonight, Ethan, 151 00:07:29,547 --> 00:07:31,547 Speaker 2: thanks for taking the time for a chat. 152 00:07:31,387 --> 00:07:33,787 Speaker 4: Mate, No worries, Thank you very much. 153 00:07:33,667 --> 00:07:35,787 Speaker 2: No, thank you, Ethan. Ethan de greet Highlanders and All 154 00:07:35,787 --> 00:07:38,907 Speaker 2: Blacks front rawer nine thirty five tonight. That's the final 155 00:07:39,267 --> 00:07:39,987 Speaker 2: quarter final. 156 00:07:40,827 --> 00:07:44,027 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 157 00:07:44,107 --> 00:07:47,387 Speaker 1: to News Talk z B weekends from midday or follow 158 00:07:47,427 --> 00:07:49,067 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.