1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:11,973 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B. 2 00:00:12,373 --> 00:00:16,173 Speaker 1: Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio, 3 00:00:19,373 --> 00:00:30,853 Speaker 1: Straight down the Middle, Try get inside the game from 4 00:00:31,013 --> 00:00:34,613 Speaker 1: every end goal. It's Rugby Direct with Elliot Smith and 5 00:00:34,733 --> 00:00:37,173 Speaker 1: Liam Nabier, powered by News Talks ed B. 6 00:00:37,933 --> 00:00:41,573 Speaker 2: Welcome to Rugby Direct powered by Access Solutions, elevating you 7 00:00:41,653 --> 00:00:42,773 Speaker 2: and your business to. 8 00:00:42,853 --> 00:00:45,413 Speaker 3: A higher level. We are in. 9 00:00:45,413 --> 00:00:49,333 Speaker 2: Test Manchester City, Wellington, Napes and we're in my hotel room. 10 00:00:49,693 --> 00:00:51,973 Speaker 2: We need to record another edition of Rugby Direct on 11 00:00:52,013 --> 00:00:56,413 Speaker 2: a Thursday evening, which is becoming a regular thing. First 12 00:00:56,413 --> 00:00:59,093 Speaker 2: and foremost, I'm listening would have seen the team by now? 13 00:00:59,133 --> 00:01:01,013 Speaker 2: What did you make of that solution? 14 00:01:02,133 --> 00:01:04,453 Speaker 4: Great to be here in the capitol. First and foremost 15 00:01:04,453 --> 00:01:06,013 Speaker 4: isn't that we survived? 16 00:01:08,453 --> 00:01:09,253 Speaker 3: Were you fluent today? 17 00:01:09,293 --> 00:01:09,333 Speaker 4: What? 18 00:01:09,413 --> 00:01:10,933 Speaker 3: It's a bit more ropy than yesterday. 19 00:01:10,973 --> 00:01:13,373 Speaker 4: The All Blacks needed to do a couple of loops. 20 00:01:13,413 --> 00:01:15,333 Speaker 4: I think I went up to the carpety coast and 21 00:01:15,413 --> 00:01:18,453 Speaker 4: had to come back again. So yeah, I hope they 22 00:01:18,453 --> 00:01:21,373 Speaker 4: will hope for a smoothie ride this weekend. Look in 23 00:01:21,453 --> 00:01:24,773 Speaker 4: terms of the All Black selections, I can't still shake 24 00:01:24,813 --> 00:01:30,373 Speaker 4: the sense that it's a bit conservative that's not disrespect 25 00:01:30,413 --> 00:01:33,573 Speaker 4: to Italy. I just probably expected Dave Renny to go 26 00:01:33,613 --> 00:01:37,573 Speaker 4: away bit further and maybe that's a bit harsh. Maybe 27 00:01:37,613 --> 00:01:41,733 Speaker 4: that's my perspective on things. But they have made a 28 00:01:41,813 --> 00:01:44,413 Speaker 4: number of changes. I think it's eleven in the squad 29 00:01:44,533 --> 00:01:48,653 Speaker 4: five and the starting team, and I can understand where 30 00:01:48,653 --> 00:01:52,693 Speaker 4: they're coming from around building cohesion and combinations and getting 31 00:01:52,733 --> 00:01:54,613 Speaker 4: more clarity at this stage of the year under a 32 00:01:54,653 --> 00:02:00,253 Speaker 4: new management team. But there's just a few more elements. 33 00:02:00,293 --> 00:02:03,453 Speaker 4: I would have liked to have seen Anton signer, Josh 34 00:02:03,533 --> 00:02:06,893 Speaker 4: Moreby given a crack from the outset, Kyle Preston on 35 00:02:06,893 --> 00:02:09,973 Speaker 4: the bench. I don't particularly like the complexion of the bench, 36 00:02:11,693 --> 00:02:13,693 Speaker 4: but I can't understand the rationale. With a big tour 37 00:02:13,733 --> 00:02:15,693 Speaker 4: of South Africa and you're going to have those midweek games, 38 00:02:15,733 --> 00:02:17,853 Speaker 4: You're going to have a lot of time to give 39 00:02:17,933 --> 00:02:19,213 Speaker 4: players opportunities, aren't. 40 00:02:19,053 --> 00:02:21,453 Speaker 2: You You are indeed, yeah, I tend to think the 41 00:02:21,453 --> 00:02:24,733 Speaker 2: same vibe. I probably would have started Signa at blindside 42 00:02:24,893 --> 00:02:28,733 Speaker 2: this week. I think you can have a testing starting 43 00:02:28,773 --> 00:02:33,293 Speaker 2: test open side of Jacobson and Signa together Artie Savighert 44 00:02:33,933 --> 00:02:37,413 Speaker 2: at eight. I would have liked to see moreby in 45 00:02:37,453 --> 00:02:41,333 Speaker 2: the back three Finago would have been interesting to see 46 00:02:41,333 --> 00:02:44,253 Speaker 2: if he would have played a role. Didn't get coursed 47 00:02:44,333 --> 00:02:47,133 Speaker 2: have asked to Dave any earlier, but is this cald 48 00:02:47,173 --> 00:02:49,973 Speaker 2: Clark been moved out of the team. 49 00:02:49,853 --> 00:02:51,293 Speaker 3: Or is it horses for courses. 50 00:02:51,333 --> 00:02:55,693 Speaker 2: There's a few unanswered questions I suppose around it, but yeah, 51 00:02:55,693 --> 00:02:57,453 Speaker 2: I would have liked to see it. Just another step 52 00:02:57,493 --> 00:03:01,373 Speaker 2: taken forward from the all blacks around some of those selections. 53 00:03:01,413 --> 00:03:04,133 Speaker 2: And you know, Dave Rennie was quick to point out 54 00:03:04,173 --> 00:03:07,333 Speaker 2: that Cortez Ratama only had five six minutes or similar 55 00:03:07,373 --> 00:03:10,093 Speaker 2: off the bench in christ Church, which is true, but 56 00:03:10,213 --> 00:03:13,933 Speaker 2: again that's no reason why he couldn't start Preston this week. 57 00:03:13,973 --> 00:03:17,213 Speaker 2: We'll start righting or even and move Preston off the 58 00:03:17,213 --> 00:03:19,133 Speaker 2: bench and then you bring Royguard back in for the 59 00:03:19,133 --> 00:03:21,693 Speaker 2: Irish Test. I think though that could have been a 60 00:03:21,733 --> 00:03:24,373 Speaker 2: live option potentially. I do get the sense that they 61 00:03:24,413 --> 00:03:27,413 Speaker 2: are wanting, though, to give Reuben Love the best possible 62 00:03:27,413 --> 00:03:30,413 Speaker 2: start to twelve before they begin to tinker and move 63 00:03:30,493 --> 00:03:33,933 Speaker 2: players around him. And that's why again we're probably looking 64 00:03:33,933 --> 00:03:36,733 Speaker 2: at a Barrett at twelve and Royguard at nine rubbed 65 00:03:36,773 --> 00:03:39,053 Speaker 2: and some of those other combinations. So I tend to 66 00:03:39,093 --> 00:03:41,173 Speaker 2: agree that I probably would have gone a step further 67 00:03:41,413 --> 00:03:44,173 Speaker 2: than maybe Dave Rennie has. But I also think there's 68 00:03:44,173 --> 00:03:46,173 Speaker 2: a bit to like about this team as well. Love 69 00:03:46,213 --> 00:03:49,813 Speaker 2: gets another crack at ten. We also see Billy Proctor 70 00:03:50,173 --> 00:03:53,893 Speaker 2: out as thirteen. I'm still not sold on quint to 71 00:03:53,933 --> 00:03:55,493 Speaker 2: pirate at thirteen. I think there were a couple of 72 00:03:55,533 --> 00:03:59,133 Speaker 2: defensive moments last week where he was out of position. 73 00:03:59,133 --> 00:04:01,293 Speaker 3: I think that first try from memory was one. 74 00:04:01,173 --> 00:04:06,293 Speaker 2: Of them, whereas Billy Proctor very involved and his defense 75 00:04:06,573 --> 00:04:09,613 Speaker 2: is one of his real assets in a test match. So, 76 00:04:10,413 --> 00:04:14,093 Speaker 2: all in all, an interesting team, and it should been theory, 77 00:04:14,173 --> 00:04:18,293 Speaker 2: be good enough to beat Italy Italy comfortably in all honesty. 78 00:04:18,053 --> 00:04:21,493 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think so. And look, I can understand the 79 00:04:21,573 --> 00:04:24,573 Speaker 4: rationale around a quartet of Hurricanes in the back line. 80 00:04:24,653 --> 00:04:27,573 Speaker 4: Cameray Gard rubin Love is, as you say, retaining that 81 00:04:27,653 --> 00:04:32,013 Speaker 4: combination giving Love the best possible opportunity with Jeready Barrett 82 00:04:32,013 --> 00:04:37,813 Speaker 4: outside him, and then also with Leea Ricarda coming onto 83 00:04:37,813 --> 00:04:40,013 Speaker 4: the wing. I think if you look at players with 84 00:04:40,093 --> 00:04:42,533 Speaker 4: the most of the game here, you're looking at Lea 85 00:04:42,573 --> 00:04:45,773 Speaker 4: Ocara on the left wing, Billy Propter at center, Wallace 86 00:04:45,813 --> 00:04:50,533 Speaker 4: a Titi at six. I think if we draw down 87 00:04:50,533 --> 00:04:52,693 Speaker 4: into those three guys, who has the most of the 88 00:04:52,773 --> 00:04:53,293 Speaker 4: game for you. 89 00:04:54,653 --> 00:04:56,413 Speaker 2: I don't know that Walla City has the most again 90 00:04:56,453 --> 00:04:57,893 Speaker 2: because I think he is a vital part of the 91 00:04:57,893 --> 00:05:01,573 Speaker 2: All Blacks twenty three. I think Lucky was good last 92 00:05:01,653 --> 00:05:05,213 Speaker 2: week and the Titi is as good. I think they'll 93 00:05:05,253 --> 00:05:08,293 Speaker 2: probably form a combination this year where basically they might 94 00:05:08,573 --> 00:05:11,613 Speaker 2: end up starting fifty percent of the Test roughly by 95 00:05:11,653 --> 00:05:13,853 Speaker 2: and large and something the other will come off the bench. 96 00:05:14,533 --> 00:05:17,173 Speaker 2: I think Leroy card is an interesting one. Probably didn't 97 00:05:17,173 --> 00:05:19,573 Speaker 2: have the best back end of last year on their 98 00:05:19,693 --> 00:05:20,733 Speaker 2: end of year tour. 99 00:05:21,173 --> 00:05:24,293 Speaker 4: Faded, didn't he end and then didn't play a lot 100 00:05:24,333 --> 00:05:26,173 Speaker 4: of Super Ruguay this year, only came in at the back. 101 00:05:26,133 --> 00:05:29,573 Speaker 2: End injury wise. I am intrigued to see whether the 102 00:05:29,813 --> 00:05:31,733 Speaker 2: Rennie views him as an asset off the bench in 103 00:05:31,813 --> 00:05:34,373 Speaker 2: terms of what he can play, whether he sees him 104 00:05:34,373 --> 00:05:37,213 Speaker 2: as potentially a Test thirteen. He's played but there for 105 00:05:37,253 --> 00:05:40,253 Speaker 2: the Chiefs. He's played half back. He's obviously capable on 106 00:05:40,933 --> 00:05:44,173 Speaker 2: both wings, were seen at to Test level. So to me, 107 00:05:44,253 --> 00:05:46,493 Speaker 2: he's the you know, the pocket knife you put on 108 00:05:46,493 --> 00:05:48,733 Speaker 2: the bench potentially, if you're looking at maybe a six two, 109 00:05:48,773 --> 00:05:50,533 Speaker 2: but that's another step forward. But I think he's got 110 00:05:50,533 --> 00:05:53,333 Speaker 2: a bit to gain this weekend. And similarly, Billy Proctor. 111 00:05:53,813 --> 00:05:55,693 Speaker 2: I'm a big fan of Billy Proctor. We haven't seen 112 00:05:55,733 --> 00:05:58,573 Speaker 2: the best of him in an All Blacks Jersey as yet, 113 00:05:58,893 --> 00:06:01,733 Speaker 2: and Quinti Pie player is super rugby. I don't know 114 00:06:01,733 --> 00:06:03,613 Speaker 2: how you fit them all into a back line, but 115 00:06:03,653 --> 00:06:05,813 Speaker 2: I'm still, as I said before, not convinced that Quinta 116 00:06:05,853 --> 00:06:07,253 Speaker 2: Pie's best position at thirteen. 117 00:06:08,413 --> 00:06:11,093 Speaker 4: Billy's a very different prospect, isn't it. He's the best 118 00:06:12,173 --> 00:06:15,853 Speaker 4: distributing center that New Zealand has, I think, and we 119 00:06:15,893 --> 00:06:19,413 Speaker 4: saw that in Super Rugby. Josh Morby and fing ngon 120 00:06:19,533 --> 00:06:24,013 Speaker 4: Or four scored seventeen tries single season record each and 121 00:06:24,093 --> 00:06:27,613 Speaker 4: that's the reflection of what's happening inside them and the 122 00:06:27,653 --> 00:06:33,733 Speaker 4: pace and the width that the Hurricanes provided also, so 123 00:06:33,973 --> 00:06:36,813 Speaker 4: I think he's got the most Again. One of the 124 00:06:36,853 --> 00:06:39,693 Speaker 4: other big questions around this, I thought this week was 125 00:06:39,733 --> 00:06:42,493 Speaker 4: an ideal time to rest art a severe and it 126 00:06:42,573 --> 00:06:45,493 Speaker 4: was very interesting to hear Dave Rennie talk about the 127 00:06:45,533 --> 00:06:50,013 Speaker 4: prospect of Artie having a late start to South African tour. 128 00:06:50,893 --> 00:06:53,933 Speaker 4: That's come as a bit of a surprise. I thought, 129 00:06:54,093 --> 00:06:56,133 Speaker 4: if it wasn't this week, then maybe you look at 130 00:06:56,133 --> 00:07:02,213 Speaker 4: the Bleeders lows he's the new captain. How was sort 131 00:07:02,253 --> 00:07:04,093 Speaker 4: of put in the cart before the horse a little bit, 132 00:07:04,173 --> 00:07:08,773 Speaker 4: But that seems far from ideal to bring Savia. But later, 133 00:07:08,813 --> 00:07:11,693 Speaker 4: even though the All Blacks start with a match against 134 00:07:11,693 --> 00:07:12,693 Speaker 4: the Stormers in Cape. 135 00:07:12,533 --> 00:07:14,133 Speaker 3: Town, yeah there is a break. 136 00:07:14,173 --> 00:07:14,333 Speaker 4: You know. 137 00:07:14,373 --> 00:07:16,853 Speaker 2: It's similar to line series in the fact that the 138 00:07:16,853 --> 00:07:21,333 Speaker 2: first Test isn't until the twenty first of August, so 139 00:07:22,373 --> 00:07:25,613 Speaker 2: current there's New Zealand or South African time, but regardless, 140 00:07:25,613 --> 00:07:28,093 Speaker 2: it's sort of that weekend, so there's a few tour 141 00:07:28,133 --> 00:07:32,013 Speaker 2: games to get through and so you could possibly have 142 00:07:32,093 --> 00:07:35,013 Speaker 2: him missed the first couple come in the week before, 143 00:07:36,333 --> 00:07:39,093 Speaker 2: maybe plays that last tour match before the All Blacks 144 00:07:39,533 --> 00:07:42,893 Speaker 2: first Test, and you know is there and that that 145 00:07:42,973 --> 00:07:45,933 Speaker 2: basically gives them sort of essentially close to three weeks 146 00:07:45,933 --> 00:07:48,493 Speaker 2: off between next week's Test against Ireland, which I'm sure 147 00:07:48,493 --> 00:07:50,693 Speaker 2: they're not going to rest them for, and you know, 148 00:07:50,773 --> 00:07:54,573 Speaker 2: the tour game there. So maybe that's a possibility. But 149 00:07:54,613 --> 00:07:56,693 Speaker 2: I tend to agree with the original point that this 150 00:07:56,893 --> 00:07:59,333 Speaker 2: was probably set up quite nicely for Artie sa Viga 151 00:07:59,733 --> 00:08:01,613 Speaker 2: to have a week off. I get they're betting in 152 00:08:01,693 --> 00:08:06,013 Speaker 2: new combinations, the new leadership, everything around that, but you 153 00:08:06,053 --> 00:08:08,173 Speaker 2: could have had them either coming off the bench or 154 00:08:08,573 --> 00:08:10,333 Speaker 2: you know, none of the twenty three entirely. 155 00:08:10,653 --> 00:08:12,693 Speaker 4: He looked pretty battered and beat up last week. He 156 00:08:12,733 --> 00:08:14,773 Speaker 4: took a knock on the warm up, played through that 157 00:08:14,893 --> 00:08:17,973 Speaker 4: and then was beaten and bloodied. So he's played for 158 00:08:18,013 --> 00:08:20,213 Speaker 4: eighteen months. He is going to need a rest at 159 00:08:20,213 --> 00:08:23,293 Speaker 4: some point. I can see the rationale around that South 160 00:08:23,293 --> 00:08:27,133 Speaker 4: African window and maybe stepping out of the environment entirely. 161 00:08:27,493 --> 00:08:30,333 Speaker 4: But I thought this was an opportunity to go with 162 00:08:30,453 --> 00:08:33,453 Speaker 4: other people in the loose Ford trio. Another big takeaway 163 00:08:33,493 --> 00:08:37,813 Speaker 4: today there's four players I think a right that will 164 00:08:37,853 --> 00:08:40,093 Speaker 4: not feature in the first two weeks of Rennie's tenure. 165 00:08:40,093 --> 00:08:45,573 Speaker 4: Boden Barrett, Kyle Preston helped me out here, Simon Parker 166 00:08:45,693 --> 00:08:50,293 Speaker 4: and Patrick two Plotu and Rennie said today not necessarily, 167 00:08:50,413 --> 00:08:53,733 Speaker 4: as he held bent on playing everyone in his thirty 168 00:08:53,733 --> 00:08:56,773 Speaker 4: four man squad in this three test series. I thought 169 00:08:56,773 --> 00:09:00,493 Speaker 4: that that was very interesting. Most coaches would want to 170 00:09:00,493 --> 00:09:05,173 Speaker 4: give everyone game time, but maybe that is a reflection 171 00:09:05,213 --> 00:09:07,853 Speaker 4: of what's to come in South Africa. But you'd have 172 00:09:07,853 --> 00:09:10,653 Speaker 4: to think of like Boden Barrett would be absolutely being 173 00:09:10,693 --> 00:09:13,613 Speaker 4: down the door ittching for an opportunity looking over his shoulder. 174 00:09:13,693 --> 00:09:16,973 Speaker 4: Ye would be fascinating. If he's not used at all 175 00:09:16,973 --> 00:09:17,373 Speaker 4: in July. 176 00:09:17,573 --> 00:09:21,013 Speaker 2: Well absolutely, Look and this is two medi conferences or 177 00:09:21,013 --> 00:09:22,973 Speaker 2: two weekly media conferences in the row now that Dave 178 00:09:23,013 --> 00:09:25,093 Speaker 2: Rynny has been quick time to line just how valuable 179 00:09:25,413 --> 00:09:27,693 Speaker 2: Boden Barrett has been in this environment even though he's 180 00:09:27,733 --> 00:09:28,173 Speaker 2: not playing. 181 00:09:28,373 --> 00:09:29,253 Speaker 3: Last week he said it. 182 00:09:29,213 --> 00:09:31,493 Speaker 2: Before the first Test, he said it again today that 183 00:09:31,573 --> 00:09:33,613 Speaker 2: he was carving them up a couple of points and 184 00:09:33,653 --> 00:09:37,053 Speaker 2: their training today obviously he's acting as the ten for 185 00:09:37,613 --> 00:09:41,373 Speaker 2: Italy and the reposed training session. So I think he 186 00:09:41,373 --> 00:09:43,853 Speaker 2: gets an opportunity potentially next week. Maybe they look at 187 00:09:43,893 --> 00:09:47,253 Speaker 2: fullback for him starting in Edden Park, maybe comes off 188 00:09:47,293 --> 00:09:47,653 Speaker 2: the bench. 189 00:09:48,253 --> 00:09:49,213 Speaker 3: They having gone with. 190 00:09:49,253 --> 00:09:52,533 Speaker 2: A specialist playmaker on the bench in the first couple 191 00:09:52,533 --> 00:09:55,453 Speaker 2: of weeks, so that may be going slightly against the grain, 192 00:09:55,613 --> 00:09:57,693 Speaker 2: but I would be surprised if we don't see Boden 193 00:09:57,693 --> 00:10:02,053 Speaker 2: Barrett next week. Been battling a lot of injuries, I 194 00:10:02,053 --> 00:10:04,373 Speaker 2: mean that's the story unfortunately of his career is that 195 00:10:04,453 --> 00:10:07,253 Speaker 2: he's never quite been fully fitt. He's an absolute warrior 196 00:10:07,293 --> 00:10:09,493 Speaker 2: and a great player, but he's he's battling injuries, but 197 00:10:09,613 --> 00:10:11,693 Speaker 2: I think is a vital player. And then yeah, I 198 00:10:11,693 --> 00:10:14,693 Speaker 2: would have liked to see Preston this week. Absolutely. He 199 00:10:14,773 --> 00:10:16,933 Speaker 2: may get a chance next week. Depending on how long 200 00:10:17,053 --> 00:10:19,413 Speaker 2: Ratama gets this week, they may be more comfortable to 201 00:10:19,453 --> 00:10:21,813 Speaker 2: go We'll put Preston on the bench next week rather 202 00:10:21,853 --> 00:10:24,973 Speaker 2: than Royguard and Parker. Hard to know. He may be 203 00:10:25,093 --> 00:10:27,333 Speaker 2: the one unlucky one that doesn't doesn't quite get an 204 00:10:27,333 --> 00:10:28,573 Speaker 2: opportunity in this series. 205 00:10:28,933 --> 00:10:31,653 Speaker 4: Yeah, the other one just now think about Xavier new Mair, 206 00:10:33,093 --> 00:10:35,653 Speaker 4: George Bowers come on to the bench. They've gone with 207 00:10:35,693 --> 00:10:40,933 Speaker 4: Ethan de Grue and Tyrolomax because they respect highly Atalys 208 00:10:41,013 --> 00:10:45,893 Speaker 4: Scrum personally. I would have liked to have seen new 209 00:10:45,933 --> 00:10:48,173 Speaker 4: Mare go again. I thought he was very impressive off 210 00:10:48,173 --> 00:10:52,173 Speaker 4: the bench. He's that all court modern day prop and 211 00:10:52,213 --> 00:10:54,453 Speaker 4: I think he brings a lot more than a George Bauer. 212 00:10:55,013 --> 00:10:59,213 Speaker 4: So he's a final line decision. Yeah, but I think 213 00:10:59,453 --> 00:11:01,253 Speaker 4: new Mire is the future and you need to be 214 00:11:01,253 --> 00:11:03,693 Speaker 4: progressing those guys, so I would have gone that. 215 00:11:03,733 --> 00:11:03,893 Speaker 3: Well. 216 00:11:03,973 --> 00:11:07,173 Speaker 2: I suspect they'll revert back to the mix they had 217 00:11:07,253 --> 00:11:10,253 Speaker 2: last week for next week would be my thought that 218 00:11:10,493 --> 00:11:13,733 Speaker 2: loom Max probably drops back to the bench on Will 219 00:11:13,773 --> 00:11:16,813 Speaker 2: comes back in on the bench and maybe Naw me 220 00:11:17,453 --> 00:11:19,293 Speaker 2: on the bench as well. They're all hurricanes, but that 221 00:11:19,573 --> 00:11:21,893 Speaker 2: me again the newill comes back into the starting side. 222 00:11:22,093 --> 00:11:24,893 Speaker 2: Lonax hasn't had a lot of rugby really since September 223 00:11:24,893 --> 00:11:26,773 Speaker 2: of last year. He's been in and out, you know, 224 00:11:26,933 --> 00:11:30,013 Speaker 2: thumb injuries and various other bits he's had to have repaired. 225 00:11:30,093 --> 00:11:33,253 Speaker 2: So I can understand him hopefully getting fifty to fifty 226 00:11:33,253 --> 00:11:35,533 Speaker 2: five minutes under his belt on the again. Here's a 227 00:11:35,533 --> 00:11:38,853 Speaker 2: fun fact for you. This Saturday were the first time 228 00:11:38,893 --> 00:11:42,053 Speaker 2: that Luke Jacobson has started back to back All Blacks 229 00:11:42,053 --> 00:11:42,933 Speaker 2: tests in his career. 230 00:11:43,933 --> 00:11:46,933 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think that's the reflection of his career at 231 00:11:46,973 --> 00:11:51,253 Speaker 4: test level, isn't it. That's he's been selected by successive 232 00:11:51,293 --> 00:11:55,813 Speaker 4: All Black coaches but never sees that chance to say 233 00:11:56,413 --> 00:12:00,373 Speaker 4: I'm I'm a must have selection. And Dave Rennie today 234 00:12:00,413 --> 00:12:03,093 Speaker 4: and I think he's right. I'd agree with him. Last 235 00:12:03,093 --> 00:12:05,333 Speaker 4: week was Luke Jacobson's best test. He got a couple 236 00:12:05,333 --> 00:12:10,813 Speaker 4: of early penalties, but has worked great his defense front 237 00:12:10,853 --> 00:12:14,253 Speaker 4: on defense, his ability to clean bodies and provide that 238 00:12:14,333 --> 00:12:18,333 Speaker 4: quick rock ball, the slick off fload for Will Jordan's try. Look, 239 00:12:18,453 --> 00:12:21,093 Speaker 4: I wasn't a big fan of his selection and I 240 00:12:21,093 --> 00:12:23,613 Speaker 4: think he proved me and a number of other people 241 00:12:23,933 --> 00:12:26,533 Speaker 4: are wrong and he's been rewarded again with another. 242 00:12:26,253 --> 00:12:27,813 Speaker 2: Start he has men and look, I've still on this 243 00:12:27,853 --> 00:12:31,053 Speaker 2: podcast that you can never you know, I've always wanted 244 00:12:31,093 --> 00:12:33,293 Speaker 2: him to succeed the Test level, but never quite seen it. 245 00:12:33,333 --> 00:12:35,893 Speaker 2: But maybe we are beginning, and this early days, but 246 00:12:36,333 --> 00:12:38,093 Speaker 2: you know, if he can back it up again this week, 247 00:12:38,133 --> 00:12:40,173 Speaker 2: And as I said, I went through the stats before 248 00:12:40,453 --> 00:12:42,573 Speaker 2: he's played back to back weeks off the bench or 249 00:12:42,613 --> 00:12:44,373 Speaker 2: starting one week off the bench next week, but this 250 00:12:44,413 --> 00:12:47,013 Speaker 2: is the first time he's getting back to back starts 251 00:12:47,253 --> 00:12:49,213 Speaker 2: and maybe better lat than ever. It might be that 252 00:12:49,293 --> 00:12:52,333 Speaker 2: the kick start he needs to his Test career. So 253 00:12:52,373 --> 00:12:55,573 Speaker 2: that's the All Blacks twenty three. They should do a 254 00:12:55,653 --> 00:12:58,453 Speaker 2: job on this Italian team. Look on the davern he 255 00:12:58,533 --> 00:13:00,733 Speaker 2: was quick to point out the heat in Japan last week, 256 00:13:00,733 --> 00:13:02,653 Speaker 2: and it can be oppressive at. 257 00:13:02,493 --> 00:13:04,013 Speaker 3: This time of the year. We've seen that. 258 00:13:04,973 --> 00:13:09,053 Speaker 2: But Italy were really poor and really disappointing given the 259 00:13:09,093 --> 00:13:10,973 Speaker 2: moments they've had in the six Nations over the last 260 00:13:11,093 --> 00:13:15,333 Speaker 2: couple of seasons. I know they're missing Angkapuzzo who's back home, 261 00:13:15,733 --> 00:13:17,773 Speaker 2: and a couple of other players that weren't selected but 262 00:13:18,813 --> 00:13:21,213 Speaker 2: just didn't quite get going. And it's hard to see 263 00:13:21,733 --> 00:13:24,813 Speaker 2: twelve hour flights in New Zealand being the tonic they 264 00:13:24,813 --> 00:13:26,773 Speaker 2: need to everything for everything clicking them to. 265 00:13:26,693 --> 00:13:29,733 Speaker 4: Get Yeah, look at Italy's first test in New Zealand. 266 00:13:29,733 --> 00:13:31,493 Speaker 4: Since two thousand and nine, they have made a couple 267 00:13:31,573 --> 00:13:35,773 Speaker 4: of key changes at fullback, left wing and blindside flankers, 268 00:13:35,773 --> 00:13:38,173 Speaker 4: so it's a stronger team by the back end of 269 00:13:38,213 --> 00:13:42,613 Speaker 4: their year. They haven't got everyone in their squad, leaving 270 00:13:42,613 --> 00:13:45,613 Speaker 4: a couple behinds. It's going to be a tall order. 271 00:13:46,213 --> 00:13:48,533 Speaker 4: I would expect the All Blacks to put fifty plus 272 00:13:48,573 --> 00:13:51,533 Speaker 4: on this Italy team, particularly given the strength of the 273 00:13:51,613 --> 00:13:56,453 Speaker 4: All Black team, the combinations, the directives around prioritizing cohesion 274 00:13:56,493 --> 00:14:01,333 Speaker 4: over maybe fast tracking some of those rookies. I think 275 00:14:01,373 --> 00:14:03,613 Speaker 4: we see this All Black team taking another step up, 276 00:14:03,893 --> 00:14:06,053 Speaker 4: particularly on attack, and they need to make some big 277 00:14:06,093 --> 00:14:10,213 Speaker 4: shifts on defense as well. What about the Wellington who 278 00:14:10,213 --> 00:14:13,613 Speaker 4: doo h? Was it three from their last ten? I 279 00:14:13,613 --> 00:14:16,293 Speaker 4: think the last match here was that record defeats to 280 00:14:16,373 --> 00:14:19,693 Speaker 4: the box Does that play any part, Well, I. 281 00:14:19,613 --> 00:14:21,613 Speaker 2: Don't think it plays a part, But the more it 282 00:14:21,613 --> 00:14:23,333 Speaker 2: gets talked about, the more it is sort of in 283 00:14:23,333 --> 00:14:25,453 Speaker 2: the back of the mind. And there's no reason for 284 00:14:25,493 --> 00:14:27,893 Speaker 2: them to have been this bad and willing obviously it's 285 00:14:27,893 --> 00:14:29,613 Speaker 2: from Boxer are a very very good team, but it's 286 00:14:29,653 --> 00:14:33,973 Speaker 2: become almost comical how they found ways to lose and 287 00:14:34,173 --> 00:14:38,253 Speaker 2: conspire to play really badly in the Capitol. And you know, 288 00:14:38,293 --> 00:14:40,013 Speaker 2: I'm sure I listeners caught up with us as well 289 00:14:40,013 --> 00:14:43,413 Speaker 2: that they only arrived into Wellington today. Maybe that was 290 00:14:43,453 --> 00:14:45,613 Speaker 2: a factor in trying to change up some of the momentum. 291 00:14:45,613 --> 00:14:49,213 Speaker 2: This decision was made by the previous all Blacks coaching regime. 292 00:14:49,253 --> 00:14:50,253 Speaker 3: Maybe they did this to. 293 00:14:50,253 --> 00:14:53,333 Speaker 2: Basically try and shake off the Capital who do Whatever 294 00:14:53,373 --> 00:14:57,733 Speaker 2: it might have been, I can't see it happening on Saturday. 295 00:14:57,773 --> 00:14:59,853 Speaker 2: I think they should be far too good for this 296 00:14:59,893 --> 00:15:03,013 Speaker 2: Italian team. But it is quite a funny sideshow to 297 00:15:03,013 --> 00:15:06,373 Speaker 2: have this still going on, because really some of them, 298 00:15:06,413 --> 00:15:08,853 Speaker 2: you know, they shouldn't have lost half of them, if 299 00:15:08,893 --> 00:15:09,213 Speaker 2: not more. 300 00:15:10,053 --> 00:15:11,733 Speaker 4: It's funny they had prior to this run that she 301 00:15:11,773 --> 00:15:15,613 Speaker 4: had a great record in Wellington. I think it's a 302 00:15:15,613 --> 00:15:19,293 Speaker 4: bit of a non factor, particularly for Italy, and with 303 00:15:19,413 --> 00:15:25,013 Speaker 4: Dave Renny coming in as well. He's from Wellington coaching, 304 00:15:25,293 --> 00:15:28,813 Speaker 4: started coaching the Alpert Cults was a teacher and a publican, 305 00:15:30,013 --> 00:15:33,773 Speaker 4: won a provincial title with Wellington in two thousand, knows 306 00:15:33,773 --> 00:15:37,133 Speaker 4: this region well, so I think he feels entirely comfortable. 307 00:15:37,213 --> 00:15:39,373 Speaker 4: And I really don't even think the All Blacks will 308 00:15:39,453 --> 00:15:40,293 Speaker 4: touch on that this week. 309 00:15:40,453 --> 00:15:42,733 Speaker 2: No, I don't think so either. I think it'll be 310 00:15:43,213 --> 00:15:46,853 Speaker 2: left to the side of the discussion. So the All 311 00:15:46,893 --> 00:15:50,493 Speaker 2: Blacks Italy on Saturday afternoon two plus five sold out 312 00:15:50,533 --> 00:15:55,893 Speaker 2: crowds got there in the end with the locals and yeah, 313 00:15:55,893 --> 00:15:58,773 Speaker 2: great to see and hopefully the occasion matches it because 314 00:15:59,173 --> 00:16:01,533 Speaker 2: the last time there was a high profile rugby game 315 00:16:01,573 --> 00:16:04,213 Speaker 2: played in the Capitol, you know, we got ourselves entertained. 316 00:16:04,253 --> 00:16:05,853 Speaker 2: Maybe not if you're a Chiefs fan, but it was 317 00:16:06,133 --> 00:16:08,653 Speaker 2: assumably great occasion. So hopefully more of the same on 318 00:16:08,693 --> 00:16:09,413 Speaker 2: Saturday afternoon. 319 00:16:10,253 --> 00:16:14,053 Speaker 4: Yeah, we'll keep an eye out for trains and maybe 320 00:16:14,053 --> 00:16:15,653 Speaker 4: you can do some tooting. And you are on the 321 00:16:15,733 --> 00:16:16,973 Speaker 4: Hurricanes bandwagon now, so. 322 00:16:18,933 --> 00:16:22,573 Speaker 2: The only bandwagon I want, that white bait wagon that's 323 00:16:22,613 --> 00:16:25,053 Speaker 2: on the Viaduct, which we do need to go check 324 00:16:25,093 --> 00:16:27,133 Speaker 2: out instantly on Saturday morning at some point. 325 00:16:27,573 --> 00:16:29,373 Speaker 4: Yes, indeed, I can't wait for that. 326 00:16:29,333 --> 00:16:31,333 Speaker 3: That indeed, we'll do us. Rugby Director. 327 00:16:31,493 --> 00:16:36,093 Speaker 2: Quick update on the nation's championship Juicy Patch Saga. I 328 00:16:36,133 --> 00:16:40,893 Speaker 2: had a response from New Zealand Rugby and I was 329 00:16:40,933 --> 00:16:43,173 Speaker 2: told that they aren't required to wear them the badge, 330 00:16:43,333 --> 00:16:45,613 Speaker 2: so they're not wearing it at this point in time, 331 00:16:45,693 --> 00:16:47,573 Speaker 2: So there you go. I think they're the only ones 332 00:16:47,573 --> 00:16:48,253 Speaker 2: that didn't. 333 00:16:48,013 --> 00:16:50,453 Speaker 4: So yeah, fair enough in that infancy, isn't it It is? 334 00:16:50,493 --> 00:16:52,653 Speaker 2: Indeed yeh see guys, and there's no sponsor attached to 335 00:16:52,733 --> 00:16:56,373 Speaker 2: this competition. You I think cut always are just pulling 336 00:16:56,413 --> 00:17:00,053 Speaker 2: back until they're you know, back on solid ground and 337 00:17:00,733 --> 00:17:04,853 Speaker 2: not getting entangled. And other developments worldwide put it that way, 338 00:17:05,053 --> 00:17:07,533 Speaker 2: they will do us for Rugby Direct. We're back early 339 00:17:07,613 --> 00:17:10,693 Speaker 2: part of next week with the reaction to this Italy game. 340 00:17:10,733 --> 00:17:13,173 Speaker 2: We built up to Ireland as well thanks to Mark Kelly. 341 00:17:13,413 --> 00:17:16,173 Speaker 2: We're powered by Excess Solutions, elevating you and your business 342 00:17:16,253 --> 00:17:17,933 Speaker 2: to a higher level. 343 00:17:18,093 --> 00:17:20,733 Speaker 1: For more from News Talks ed B listen live on 344 00:17:20,813 --> 00:17:23,773 Speaker 1: air or online and keep our shows with you wherever 345 00:17:23,813 --> 00:17:26,413 Speaker 1: you go. With our podcasts on iHeartRadio.