1 00:00:09,133 --> 00:00:12,693 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow 2 00:00:12,773 --> 00:00:17,653 Speaker 1: this and our wide range of podcasts now on Iheartradiot. 3 00:00:17,853 --> 00:00:22,053 Speaker 1: Inside the Game from Every angle. It's Rugby Direct with 4 00:00:22,293 --> 00:00:24,613 Speaker 1: Elliott Smith, powered by Newstalks EDB. 5 00:00:24,973 --> 00:00:27,973 Speaker 2: Welcome into Rugby Direct, par By fourklib Solutions lifting you 6 00:00:28,053 --> 00:00:32,493 Speaker 2: and your business to a higher level. Commichewa from Japan. 7 00:00:32,733 --> 00:00:36,533 Speaker 2: Rugby Direct back for another week. That is test week 8 00:00:36,613 --> 00:00:40,573 Speaker 2: for the All Blacks once again, and we are recording 9 00:00:40,733 --> 00:00:43,493 Speaker 2: Liam and Apre welcome into you. A couple of hours 10 00:00:43,533 --> 00:00:46,133 Speaker 2: after the All Blacks have named their team to play 11 00:00:46,213 --> 00:00:49,693 Speaker 2: Japan in Yokohama on Saturday afternoon New Zealand time or 12 00:00:49,693 --> 00:00:53,693 Speaker 2: Saturday evening New Zealand time, and early in the week 13 00:00:53,693 --> 00:00:56,373 Speaker 2: as well. So one surprise is the team was named 14 00:00:56,373 --> 00:01:00,573 Speaker 2: so early. Another surprise Pranctice being some of the selections 15 00:01:00,573 --> 00:01:03,653 Speaker 2: in the team has things and your reaction to the team. 16 00:01:03,693 --> 00:01:11,533 Speaker 3: Plus I come to Elliott's son, Hajimimus Matashiwa, Liam dess. 17 00:01:11,573 --> 00:01:15,413 Speaker 3: I hope you've settled into your Tokyo digs and had 18 00:01:15,493 --> 00:01:18,893 Speaker 3: some raman and maybe a bit of saki later. 19 00:01:18,933 --> 00:01:20,493 Speaker 4: It's to help you drift off to sleep. 20 00:01:20,693 --> 00:01:24,453 Speaker 5: But look first, off on the tour on a five 21 00:01:24,493 --> 00:01:26,853 Speaker 5: match score for the All Blacks and you'd expect them 22 00:01:26,893 --> 00:01:28,133 Speaker 5: to do it reasonably comfortably. 23 00:01:28,213 --> 00:01:30,933 Speaker 4: But yeah, there's plenty of talking points in this team. 24 00:01:30,973 --> 00:01:34,893 Speaker 5: I think largely expected in that it was always going 25 00:01:34,973 --> 00:01:37,493 Speaker 5: to be a second string team, wasn't it, with an 26 00:01:37,533 --> 00:01:41,293 Speaker 5: advanced party going to London for next week's Test against 27 00:01:41,333 --> 00:01:46,653 Speaker 5: England at Twickenham, But perhaps more experience than what you 28 00:01:46,653 --> 00:01:51,813 Speaker 5: would have thought, with guys like Sam Kane going starting 29 00:01:52,413 --> 00:01:57,493 Speaker 5: and Patrick two blow to captain. So it's not a 30 00:01:57,533 --> 00:01:58,773 Speaker 5: baby Black's team, is it. 31 00:01:59,613 --> 00:02:03,653 Speaker 2: No, it certainly isn't a lot of experience in that team, 32 00:02:03,933 --> 00:02:08,333 Speaker 2: alongside some players that clearly haven't had opportunities this year 33 00:02:08,613 --> 00:02:13,093 Speaker 2: or for one reason or another injuries or falling out 34 00:02:13,093 --> 00:02:16,333 Speaker 2: of favors, and a Penny Feene now falls into that category. 35 00:02:17,253 --> 00:02:20,893 Speaker 2: Cam Roy Garden and sim Perfetta have obviously battled injuries 36 00:02:21,653 --> 00:02:24,213 Speaker 2: this year as well and have been shorter on opportunities 37 00:02:24,293 --> 00:02:28,133 Speaker 2: in the Black jersey, and some like Billy Proctor who 38 00:02:28,213 --> 00:02:31,733 Speaker 2: impressed in that game against England, against Fiji and San 39 00:02:31,733 --> 00:02:35,013 Speaker 2: Diego but hasn't had an opportunity since it's a chance 40 00:02:35,053 --> 00:02:37,213 Speaker 2: for I guess players to put their best foot forward, 41 00:02:37,693 --> 00:02:39,973 Speaker 2: knowing that you know, perhaps they sit on the outside 42 00:02:40,013 --> 00:02:42,653 Speaker 2: of the first team at the moment, but just to 43 00:02:42,733 --> 00:02:47,013 Speaker 2: keep themselves on the selectors minds and in front of 44 00:02:47,093 --> 00:02:49,653 Speaker 2: the and someone like a Penny Fee Now, I don't 45 00:02:49,653 --> 00:02:52,893 Speaker 2: think necessarily put too much of a foot wrong. Earlier 46 00:02:52,933 --> 00:02:55,333 Speaker 2: in the season, perhaps wasn't necessarily what they were after 47 00:02:55,373 --> 00:02:57,933 Speaker 2: and didn't have the impact that he wanted. But this 48 00:02:58,053 --> 00:03:00,733 Speaker 2: is a chance for him to just to remind the 49 00:03:00,773 --> 00:03:03,093 Speaker 2: All Black selectors and remind the fans that he is 50 00:03:03,133 --> 00:03:05,413 Speaker 2: still there and ensure what he can do. 51 00:03:06,773 --> 00:03:10,853 Speaker 5: Yeah, I think as he's against you as a big opportunity, 52 00:03:10,893 --> 00:03:14,853 Speaker 5: isn't it. Without wanting to be just suspectful to Japan, 53 00:03:15,013 --> 00:03:16,853 Speaker 5: They've obviously never been the All Blacks. 54 00:03:16,893 --> 00:03:19,493 Speaker 4: They did push them very close in Tokyo. 55 00:03:20,893 --> 00:03:23,333 Speaker 5: I think it was last time out when Brodie Retallick 56 00:03:23,653 --> 00:03:26,933 Speaker 5: memory serves me correct, got a late red card or 57 00:03:26,973 --> 00:03:29,733 Speaker 5: maybe a second yellow and the All Blacks rund a 58 00:03:29,733 --> 00:03:32,933 Speaker 5: massive pressure. And so maybe that's in the back of 59 00:03:32,973 --> 00:03:37,293 Speaker 5: their minds. But in terms of this team and who 60 00:03:37,333 --> 00:03:40,973 Speaker 5: has the most again, I'm looking with the Hurricanes lens 61 00:03:41,493 --> 00:03:46,013 Speaker 5: at which will shock you. Guys like Cam Royguard coming 62 00:03:46,053 --> 00:03:48,933 Speaker 5: back for his first starts, Peter Luckey and Ruben Love 63 00:03:49,133 --> 00:03:51,413 Speaker 5: set to make their debuts off the bench. You mentioned 64 00:03:51,413 --> 00:03:54,933 Speaker 5: Billy Procter there not cited in the Rugby Championship, and 65 00:03:54,973 --> 00:03:59,453 Speaker 5: that was a real missed opportunity, I think, And as 66 00:03:59,573 --> 00:04:04,733 Speaker 5: much as this week's team will intrigue and give guys opportunity, 67 00:04:05,053 --> 00:04:07,853 Speaker 5: I'm also reading into what it means for next week. 68 00:04:08,533 --> 00:04:12,893 Speaker 5: I think sever Reice and Mark Tala probably contesting one 69 00:04:12,933 --> 00:04:15,493 Speaker 5: wing spot with Caleb Clark rested. 70 00:04:16,693 --> 00:04:17,093 Speaker 4: You would. 71 00:04:17,333 --> 00:04:19,533 Speaker 5: I'm very happy to see Wallace to Tsi get his 72 00:04:19,573 --> 00:04:22,413 Speaker 5: first start at number eight. I'm not entirely sure about 73 00:04:22,413 --> 00:04:26,973 Speaker 5: whether that points to something that we'll see more of 74 00:04:27,533 --> 00:04:31,853 Speaker 5: in this tour. Perhaps the All Blacks are very short, 75 00:04:31,893 --> 00:04:35,253 Speaker 5: aren't they in the loose forward department with Dalton, Papa Lee, 76 00:04:35,373 --> 00:04:39,973 Speaker 5: Ethan Blackader and who's the other one's one of the 77 00:04:40,053 --> 00:04:44,573 Speaker 5: injuries Jacobson. Jacobson all at home, so they don't have 78 00:04:44,613 --> 00:04:46,613 Speaker 5: a lot of options at blindside. So it does a 79 00:04:46,653 --> 00:04:48,693 Speaker 5: big chance for a guy like some of a penny 80 00:04:48,693 --> 00:04:52,253 Speaker 5: female to impress. But I think it also points to 81 00:04:52,293 --> 00:04:55,853 Speaker 5: the fact that maybe Boden may be probably likely Boden 82 00:04:55,853 --> 00:04:59,453 Speaker 5: Barrett has usurped Damien McKenzie and he's likely to start 83 00:04:59,813 --> 00:05:02,093 Speaker 5: at number ten against England and am I reading too 84 00:05:02,173 --> 00:05:02,653 Speaker 5: much into this? 85 00:05:03,213 --> 00:05:05,453 Speaker 2: No? I think it's the way I'm reading it as well. 86 00:05:06,613 --> 00:05:11,293 Speaker 2: Around that selection that I think Boden Barrett will probably 87 00:05:11,413 --> 00:05:14,813 Speaker 2: be one of those players that heads up to England's 88 00:05:14,853 --> 00:05:17,733 Speaker 2: early and by virtue of that, I would suggest it 89 00:05:17,773 --> 00:05:20,533 Speaker 2: means he is going to get a start next weekend 90 00:05:21,613 --> 00:05:24,733 Speaker 2: at Twickenham. Now that could change, but on the basis 91 00:05:24,893 --> 00:05:27,973 Speaker 2: of that, I think they're not. They're pretty much showing 92 00:05:28,013 --> 00:05:30,413 Speaker 2: their cards a little bit. I think about likely for 93 00:05:30,533 --> 00:05:33,453 Speaker 2: Damien McKenzie to play both of these first two chests. 94 00:05:33,453 --> 00:05:36,493 Speaker 2: It wouldn't surprise me to see mckenzy maybe start against 95 00:05:36,533 --> 00:05:40,493 Speaker 2: France in a couple of weeks time. But I suspect 96 00:05:40,493 --> 00:05:44,173 Speaker 2: that Boden Barrett will now start against England and Ireland's 97 00:05:44,253 --> 00:05:46,653 Speaker 2: on the basis of that blur there's like Cup performance 98 00:05:46,693 --> 00:05:49,693 Speaker 2: in Wellington. You know, at least we're reading too much 99 00:05:49,693 --> 00:05:52,493 Speaker 2: into it. It feels like there has been a sort 100 00:05:52,493 --> 00:05:55,173 Speaker 2: of changing between those two in terms of the picking 101 00:05:55,253 --> 00:05:57,493 Speaker 2: order at number ten for the All Blacks. 102 00:05:58,173 --> 00:06:00,413 Speaker 5: Yeah, it does indeed, and I think There's a number 103 00:06:00,413 --> 00:06:04,373 Speaker 5: of elements for that. You've got Boden's steady hands and 104 00:06:06,133 --> 00:06:10,493 Speaker 5: I think the All Blacks attack looked its best in 105 00:06:10,573 --> 00:06:14,093 Speaker 5: that game in Wellington. Mackenzie was very good off the bench. 106 00:06:14,653 --> 00:06:18,973 Speaker 5: It allows Will Jordan to play fullback. He's not in 107 00:06:19,053 --> 00:06:21,693 Speaker 5: this team this week, so you'd expect him to slot 108 00:06:21,693 --> 00:06:23,093 Speaker 5: in at fallback as well. 109 00:06:24,453 --> 00:06:27,653 Speaker 4: I just it's a calming presence, isn't it. 110 00:06:27,653 --> 00:06:31,173 Speaker 5: Boden, he didn't he wasn't sensational, he wasn't sublime, but 111 00:06:31,293 --> 00:06:35,893 Speaker 5: the things he did he did largely with authority, with calmness. 112 00:06:36,413 --> 00:06:40,133 Speaker 5: And I think Scott Robinson is a massive fan of 113 00:06:40,213 --> 00:06:44,253 Speaker 5: the Barrats in general. Obviously made Scott captain a big 114 00:06:44,293 --> 00:06:48,253 Speaker 5: fan of Boden as well. And Jordie who isn't in 115 00:06:48,333 --> 00:06:52,533 Speaker 5: this team, but I'm not sure where exactly he's at 116 00:06:52,573 --> 00:06:55,813 Speaker 5: with his injury. He was targeting this Japan games, so 117 00:06:56,293 --> 00:07:00,333 Speaker 5: maybe he's not quite ready to go just yet. But 118 00:07:01,333 --> 00:07:04,533 Speaker 5: I think you're right that Boden has usurped Mackenzie in 119 00:07:04,573 --> 00:07:07,773 Speaker 5: the in the pecking order. Interesting to see Stephen Peter 120 00:07:07,853 --> 00:07:11,893 Speaker 5: Fetter it's another go at fullback. He hasn't played for 121 00:07:11,933 --> 00:07:17,093 Speaker 5: the All Blacks since that England series, so an opportunity 122 00:07:17,133 --> 00:07:19,893 Speaker 5: for him. But in general, you could go through this 123 00:07:19,973 --> 00:07:22,253 Speaker 5: team and say you could pretty much pick the England 124 00:07:22,333 --> 00:07:24,413 Speaker 5: starting team with you know we're shooting one week your 125 00:07:24,453 --> 00:07:27,133 Speaker 5: heads here, but you know Ethan de Groot not there 126 00:07:27,333 --> 00:07:32,133 Speaker 5: at Lucy, Cody, Taylor, Tyra Lomas, Scott. 127 00:07:31,773 --> 00:07:33,133 Speaker 4: Barrett to Provie. 128 00:07:33,453 --> 00:07:36,453 Speaker 5: So there are a few contestable areas, but by and large, 129 00:07:36,493 --> 00:07:39,093 Speaker 5: I think you're right that the All Blacks have revealed 130 00:07:39,093 --> 00:07:42,893 Speaker 5: their cards to a degree with those three big tests 131 00:07:42,933 --> 00:07:45,093 Speaker 5: to come and keeping their their starters are ice. 132 00:07:45,893 --> 00:07:48,573 Speaker 2: You didn't get a chance to ask about Jordi today 133 00:07:48,653 --> 00:07:51,213 Speaker 2: at the media conference here in Tokyo, but never to 134 00:07:51,253 --> 00:07:53,733 Speaker 2: find out some details, but suspected to be one of 135 00:07:53,733 --> 00:07:57,213 Speaker 2: those players getting north a wee bit earlier on than 136 00:07:57,293 --> 00:08:02,293 Speaker 2: some of those players that are just playing on the weekend. 137 00:08:02,653 --> 00:08:05,253 Speaker 2: I did just want to mention August as well. In 138 00:08:05,333 --> 00:08:09,613 Speaker 2: terms of this All Blacks pack, it is huge. It 139 00:08:09,693 --> 00:08:13,573 Speaker 2: is a huge pack. To Mighty Williams and Tossi either 140 00:08:13,613 --> 00:08:15,893 Speaker 2: side of the scrum, that's what one hundred and fifty 141 00:08:15,893 --> 00:08:19,093 Speaker 2: one hundred and forty ish each, so it's a lot 142 00:08:19,133 --> 00:08:20,453 Speaker 2: of weight there in the middle of the stuff that 143 00:08:20,453 --> 00:08:25,253 Speaker 2: on Miller's you know no, you know small player himself 144 00:08:25,973 --> 00:08:29,533 Speaker 2: a lot too female SITSI. It's a huge pack that 145 00:08:29,573 --> 00:08:32,093 Speaker 2: the All Blacks have named this week, I think got 146 00:08:32,133 --> 00:08:35,653 Speaker 2: to be the biggest in their history, and probably a 147 00:08:35,693 --> 00:08:38,333 Speaker 2: statement of intent around how they expect to play against 148 00:08:38,373 --> 00:08:40,853 Speaker 2: Japan this week and how they want to play against 149 00:08:40,933 --> 00:08:41,613 Speaker 2: Japan this week. 150 00:08:42,773 --> 00:08:43,973 Speaker 4: Yeah, that's interesting, isn't it? 151 00:08:44,013 --> 00:08:47,693 Speaker 5: And it is interesting because from what I can see 152 00:08:48,013 --> 00:08:51,253 Speaker 5: from afar anyway, it looks extremely hot and humid, So 153 00:08:51,973 --> 00:08:56,573 Speaker 5: naming a big pack that will test them aerobically, you know, 154 00:08:56,613 --> 00:09:00,453 Speaker 5: they haven't had a lot of time to acclimatize. I 155 00:09:00,453 --> 00:09:03,293 Speaker 5: mean the bench is pretty stacked as well. But a 156 00:09:03,333 --> 00:09:06,333 Speaker 5: massive pack and a big challenge for Japan, who are 157 00:09:06,373 --> 00:09:11,133 Speaker 5: traditionally undersized, are they and they play the game traditionally 158 00:09:11,133 --> 00:09:14,693 Speaker 5: again with at a real clip, so it'd be interesting 159 00:09:14,693 --> 00:09:16,573 Speaker 5: to see how they come out under Adie Jones. 160 00:09:16,573 --> 00:09:18,653 Speaker 4: What is your expectation for Japan? 161 00:09:18,773 --> 00:09:21,893 Speaker 5: I know in their last match of the Pacific Nations 162 00:09:22,493 --> 00:09:26,933 Speaker 5: Cup they were beaten soundly by Fiji. So what is 163 00:09:26,973 --> 00:09:30,853 Speaker 5: your expectation for how competitive Japan are? Do you give 164 00:09:30,893 --> 00:09:33,653 Speaker 5: them a realistic chance of pushing the All Blacks here. 165 00:09:34,813 --> 00:09:38,373 Speaker 2: To note it really is, you know Fiji what them 166 00:09:38,453 --> 00:09:40,733 Speaker 2: that game in the Pacific Nations Cup. I thought they 167 00:09:40,773 --> 00:09:43,853 Speaker 2: played Japan played ratherly well against some more of the 168 00:09:43,893 --> 00:09:47,653 Speaker 2: week prior, so that they weren't that great. I than't 169 00:09:47,653 --> 00:09:51,173 Speaker 2: think against the United States in the Pacific Nations Cup. 170 00:09:52,213 --> 00:09:56,373 Speaker 2: So I think they're relatively shaky and up and down 171 00:09:56,893 --> 00:09:59,653 Speaker 2: this Japan team under Eddie Jones, and I don't think 172 00:09:59,693 --> 00:10:04,093 Speaker 2: we've seen quite yet how they're going to build towards 173 00:10:04,173 --> 00:10:06,173 Speaker 2: twenty twenty seven. And it's certainly what E Jones is 174 00:10:06,533 --> 00:10:09,373 Speaker 2: talking about is the build towards twenty twenty seventh. They 175 00:10:09,373 --> 00:10:12,373 Speaker 2: lost to Georgia earlier in the year, lost comfortable bit 176 00:10:12,373 --> 00:10:15,413 Speaker 2: at Italy, bounced back to beat Canada, who are a 177 00:10:15,413 --> 00:10:17,853 Speaker 2: bit of a basket case internationally in the men's game 178 00:10:18,253 --> 00:10:20,413 Speaker 2: at the moment. So they're hot and cold at the 179 00:10:20,453 --> 00:10:24,373 Speaker 2: moment under Eddie Jones. We do know though that Eddie 180 00:10:24,453 --> 00:10:29,013 Speaker 2: Jones loves playing the All Blacks, and we'll find it 181 00:10:29,053 --> 00:10:31,613 Speaker 2: a style to try and contest them. But I just 182 00:10:31,653 --> 00:10:34,093 Speaker 2: don't see this Japanese team. He's tried a few players 183 00:10:34,133 --> 00:10:36,733 Speaker 2: gone young, with a lot of players being able to 184 00:10:36,733 --> 00:10:39,093 Speaker 2: push the All Blacks as much as they did in 185 00:10:39,133 --> 00:10:41,413 Speaker 2: twenty twenty two, which is a really close run thing 186 00:10:41,493 --> 00:10:44,133 Speaker 2: on that afternoon in Tokyo. I just don't see that 187 00:10:44,173 --> 00:10:44,853 Speaker 2: happening again. 188 00:10:46,053 --> 00:10:46,933 Speaker 4: No, I think you're right. 189 00:10:47,013 --> 00:10:49,173 Speaker 5: I think there's a case to be made that Japan 190 00:10:49,253 --> 00:10:51,573 Speaker 5: has gone backwards under Eddie Jones. 191 00:10:51,733 --> 00:10:54,613 Speaker 4: And you know he's talking about a new era. 192 00:10:54,733 --> 00:10:57,613 Speaker 5: He's very good at talking, but we need to see 193 00:10:57,613 --> 00:10:59,973 Speaker 5: some stuff, some substance with that. I think there'll be 194 00:11:00,093 --> 00:11:03,533 Speaker 5: seventy old thousand people there this weekend, so it'll be 195 00:11:03,973 --> 00:11:07,693 Speaker 5: a great atmosphere. The All Blacks are hugely popular in Japan, 196 00:11:07,733 --> 00:11:12,013 Speaker 5: aren't now your picture of the large media contingents, and 197 00:11:12,573 --> 00:11:17,973 Speaker 5: they certainly their popularity has grown with the players going 198 00:11:17,973 --> 00:11:20,533 Speaker 5: over the irregularly to play in the in the top league. 199 00:11:20,613 --> 00:11:24,213 Speaker 5: So it'll be a great occasion. But I don't think 200 00:11:24,293 --> 00:11:29,573 Speaker 5: Japan realistically should push this all black team. It's you 201 00:11:29,613 --> 00:11:31,253 Speaker 5: know they've got this all black team has a lot 202 00:11:31,253 --> 00:11:32,933 Speaker 5: of points in them if they can get it right. 203 00:11:32,973 --> 00:11:35,533 Speaker 5: And as you mentioned that big, they're strong, the fast, 204 00:11:36,013 --> 00:11:37,973 Speaker 5: The style of rugby that they're trying to play will 205 00:11:38,013 --> 00:11:40,973 Speaker 5: really test Japan. I just want to touch people. Throw 206 00:11:41,013 --> 00:11:43,333 Speaker 5: one question at you here in terms of the loose forwards. 207 00:11:43,733 --> 00:11:47,173 Speaker 5: How contestable is that? And we've seen and Wallace at 208 00:11:47,213 --> 00:11:50,373 Speaker 5: TC in particular as the wild card. Here is he 209 00:11:50,493 --> 00:11:54,493 Speaker 5: playing for the number eight position for the remainder of 210 00:11:54,493 --> 00:11:58,093 Speaker 5: the tour? Or will Alardi come back in because we 211 00:11:58,173 --> 00:12:01,693 Speaker 5: spoke before about the lack of fit loose forwards. But 212 00:12:01,933 --> 00:12:05,333 Speaker 5: Wallace could potentially stay at eight, You could put Arty 213 00:12:05,413 --> 00:12:08,733 Speaker 5: to seven and then you could potentially use a Shupoo 214 00:12:08,813 --> 00:12:12,253 Speaker 5: Vai or even a Scott Barrett at six against England, 215 00:12:13,013 --> 00:12:15,133 Speaker 5: or you could just keep Sam Kine going at ten. 216 00:12:15,253 --> 00:12:17,773 Speaker 5: So how do you see the composition of that loose 217 00:12:17,813 --> 00:12:18,413 Speaker 5: forward trio? 218 00:12:18,893 --> 00:12:22,333 Speaker 4: Is our players playing for places this weekend? 219 00:12:22,893 --> 00:12:25,413 Speaker 2: I think so? I think, and that that has come 220 00:12:25,493 --> 00:12:28,853 Speaker 2: about because of some of those injuries as well. You know, 221 00:12:28,853 --> 00:12:32,333 Speaker 2: Ethan Blackheader would be right in the mix of being 222 00:12:32,373 --> 00:12:35,493 Speaker 2: a starter or a bench player if not for the 223 00:12:36,173 --> 00:12:40,773 Speaker 2: horrid run of injuries that he continues to have. It 224 00:12:40,893 --> 00:12:44,013 Speaker 2: seems that, you know, unfortunately for Ethan a week doesn't 225 00:12:44,013 --> 00:12:46,533 Speaker 2: send to go by with him having another injury. It's 226 00:12:46,533 --> 00:12:48,973 Speaker 2: sort of two steps four, one step back every time 227 00:12:48,973 --> 00:12:51,093 Speaker 2: he gets back on the park, because inevitably he's injured 228 00:12:51,733 --> 00:12:55,173 Speaker 2: it's must incredibly frustrating for a player of his talents, 229 00:12:55,213 --> 00:12:57,733 Speaker 2: the adult and Papa let he hadn't seen much of 230 00:12:57,813 --> 00:13:01,413 Speaker 2: him in the back ends of the international season to 231 00:13:01,493 --> 00:13:04,013 Speaker 2: this point, but he would have got an opportunity, I'm sure, 232 00:13:04,053 --> 00:13:06,773 Speaker 2: here in Tokyo, on a chance to stake his claim. 233 00:13:06,853 --> 00:13:11,213 Speaker 2: Luke jacobsonly so with those three players ripped out of 234 00:13:11,253 --> 00:13:14,893 Speaker 2: contention for at least this week and hearing varying things 235 00:13:15,293 --> 00:13:17,813 Speaker 2: as to their availability for the rest of the tour, 236 00:13:18,053 --> 00:13:20,613 Speaker 2: from the fact none of them might make the rest 237 00:13:20,613 --> 00:13:22,293 Speaker 2: of the tour, or that one of the two of 238 00:13:22,333 --> 00:13:24,893 Speaker 2: them might be in a position to link up with 239 00:13:24,933 --> 00:13:26,773 Speaker 2: the All Blacks Men in their heads to London next week, 240 00:13:27,693 --> 00:13:30,213 Speaker 2: I think that has created a little bit of a 241 00:13:30,213 --> 00:13:33,333 Speaker 2: sense of the unknown, in a sense that positions are 242 00:13:33,413 --> 00:13:34,773 Speaker 2: up for grabs and it could be a bit of 243 00:13:34,813 --> 00:13:37,933 Speaker 2: a shake up, maybe earlier than expected. I want a 244 00:13:37,973 --> 00:13:41,253 Speaker 2: few points to someone like Sam Caine playing this week 245 00:13:41,253 --> 00:13:44,613 Speaker 2: getting knowledge that yes, they are low on open side 246 00:13:45,093 --> 00:13:48,733 Speaker 2: options in the squad as it stands in London and 247 00:13:48,733 --> 00:13:53,893 Speaker 2: it's right here in Tokyo. But if potentially I could 248 00:13:53,973 --> 00:13:56,213 Speaker 2: see as you see the RDSRV at seven next week, 249 00:13:56,253 --> 00:13:58,533 Speaker 2: what was the TV of Eights Fee now on the 250 00:13:58,533 --> 00:14:02,773 Speaker 2: blind or maybe a two po y or Scott Barrett 251 00:14:02,773 --> 00:14:06,093 Speaker 2: next week with the aerial skills in the lineup, giving 252 00:14:06,093 --> 00:14:08,453 Speaker 2: the All Blacks an extra lineup option could be a 253 00:14:08,813 --> 00:14:12,053 Speaker 2: So I think with those injuries there, that's created a 254 00:14:12,053 --> 00:14:14,213 Speaker 2: little bit of a sense of well, now there's spots 255 00:14:14,253 --> 00:14:17,893 Speaker 2: up for grabs that maybe worn't and the one player 256 00:14:17,933 --> 00:14:20,573 Speaker 2: wouldn't rule out of this necessarily either. And I know 257 00:14:20,613 --> 00:14:22,413 Speaker 2: he's only coming off the bench this week for a debut, 258 00:14:22,493 --> 00:14:25,373 Speaker 2: is Peter Luckeye because he for me, seems like a 259 00:14:25,413 --> 00:14:28,733 Speaker 2: players that could rise up the ranks and that's All 260 00:14:28,773 --> 00:14:31,933 Speaker 2: Black's environment fairly quickly once he gets an opportunity. 261 00:14:32,973 --> 00:14:34,853 Speaker 5: Yeah, I totally agree. I think I would have had 262 00:14:34,893 --> 00:14:37,293 Speaker 5: Peter Luckeye on the squad from the get go. He's 263 00:14:37,293 --> 00:14:41,013 Speaker 5: only there because of those injuries, and I agree. I 264 00:14:41,013 --> 00:14:45,973 Speaker 5: think he's a young guy with a very mature head 265 00:14:46,013 --> 00:14:46,813 Speaker 5: on his shoulders. 266 00:14:46,893 --> 00:14:47,973 Speaker 4: Like Wallace at TT. 267 00:14:48,173 --> 00:14:50,773 Speaker 5: I think he could come come in and really stamp 268 00:14:50,813 --> 00:14:57,573 Speaker 5: his authority very quickly. He plays like he's been around 269 00:14:57,613 --> 00:14:59,813 Speaker 5: for a long time. He's one of the most dynamic 270 00:15:00,213 --> 00:15:02,413 Speaker 5: ball carriers already in New Zealand. 271 00:15:02,493 --> 00:15:02,813 Speaker 4: Rugby. 272 00:15:02,853 --> 00:15:05,053 Speaker 5: He's capable at seven and eight, so he gives you 273 00:15:05,173 --> 00:15:09,013 Speaker 5: versatility off the bench and I think, yeah, he could 274 00:15:09,053 --> 00:15:11,293 Speaker 5: really rise up the ranks quickly. Just in terms of 275 00:15:11,333 --> 00:15:15,693 Speaker 5: those injuries. Luke Jacobson was a broken thumb, I wouldn't 276 00:15:15,693 --> 00:15:18,933 Speaker 5: expect to see him on this tour, and Dalton Papole 277 00:15:19,133 --> 00:15:23,693 Speaker 5: and Ethan Blackheader. I really don't see those guys traveling 278 00:15:23,813 --> 00:15:27,933 Speaker 5: from New Zealand to London in the next week and 279 00:15:28,293 --> 00:15:31,293 Speaker 5: being thrust into a Test. So maybe they come into 280 00:15:31,413 --> 00:15:34,653 Speaker 5: contention later in the tour, but I think it is 281 00:15:34,813 --> 00:15:38,533 Speaker 5: very much a case of those players that are featuring 282 00:15:39,853 --> 00:15:41,973 Speaker 5: or are in the All Black squad right now will 283 00:15:41,973 --> 00:15:45,173 Speaker 5: be available for England. The only other guy I think 284 00:15:46,173 --> 00:15:50,413 Speaker 5: or discussion point here is cam royguards can he play 285 00:15:50,533 --> 00:15:53,413 Speaker 5: his way into the starting number nine Jersey. This will 286 00:15:53,413 --> 00:15:55,613 Speaker 5: be his first test since. 287 00:15:55,933 --> 00:15:56,613 Speaker 4: The World Cup. 288 00:15:57,253 --> 00:15:59,373 Speaker 5: He's had very little rugby, I think about one hundred 289 00:15:59,373 --> 00:16:04,893 Speaker 5: minutes for County's. Monaco Cortiz Ratima has stolen the march 290 00:16:05,213 --> 00:16:09,253 Speaker 5: in his absence. He's been very good and his starting 291 00:16:09,293 --> 00:16:13,053 Speaker 5: appearances for the All Blacks. How contestable? Do you see 292 00:16:13,733 --> 00:16:19,333 Speaker 5: that number nine Jersey, particularly just in the short term. 293 00:16:18,933 --> 00:16:21,653 Speaker 2: I think very contestable and I think we might see 294 00:16:21,653 --> 00:16:25,293 Speaker 2: a few different combinations over the course of this tour. Obviously, 295 00:16:25,493 --> 00:16:28,733 Speaker 2: this week your Blacks have just gone with Cambroygg because 296 00:16:28,733 --> 00:16:30,573 Speaker 2: he needs the game time. It was well flagged by 297 00:16:30,613 --> 00:16:33,533 Speaker 2: Scots and last week ow TJ pen and AA some 298 00:16:33,693 --> 00:16:35,973 Speaker 2: Eventually now I think Corti is an ultimate will start 299 00:16:36,053 --> 00:16:39,333 Speaker 2: next week at Twickenham, and I think the bench spot 300 00:16:39,413 --> 00:16:42,973 Speaker 2: is now open as well, whether it's Cambroyguard or TJ. Pedanara. 301 00:16:43,253 --> 00:16:46,733 Speaker 2: And for me, assuming Cambroygard comes through this game against Japan, 302 00:16:47,093 --> 00:16:49,893 Speaker 2: he's the kind of player that I would look to 303 00:16:49,893 --> 00:16:52,573 Speaker 2: to be starting one of those big two tests Ireland 304 00:16:52,613 --> 00:16:54,773 Speaker 2: in France. I don't think he'll start against England next week, 305 00:16:54,853 --> 00:16:58,293 Speaker 2: just with the travel factor everything else involved in that, 306 00:16:58,453 --> 00:17:01,733 Speaker 2: but I think, you know, Irelands could be a potential 307 00:17:01,813 --> 00:17:04,573 Speaker 2: for him there. I think his ability around the ruck 308 00:17:04,773 --> 00:17:07,293 Speaker 2: is left boot could be a real weapon against the 309 00:17:07,373 --> 00:17:10,253 Speaker 2: Irish and that one on one match up against DuPont 310 00:17:10,333 --> 00:17:14,213 Speaker 2: against France, I think he could really impress in that 311 00:17:14,293 --> 00:17:18,293 Speaker 2: game there as well. So for me, I think ken 312 00:17:18,413 --> 00:17:22,173 Speaker 2: Royguard's ascension will continue over the course of this tour. 313 00:17:22,573 --> 00:17:24,573 Speaker 2: I don't think you're playing against England next week, but 314 00:17:24,653 --> 00:17:26,853 Speaker 2: it would not surprise me to see him play at 315 00:17:26,973 --> 00:17:30,133 Speaker 2: least one of the two big tests after that against 316 00:17:30,213 --> 00:17:32,173 Speaker 2: it either Island or France. I think he's that good 317 00:17:32,533 --> 00:17:35,613 Speaker 2: and will continue to back up the all blacks ranks 318 00:17:35,653 --> 00:17:37,653 Speaker 2: as he was doing last year and as he was 319 00:17:37,693 --> 00:17:40,733 Speaker 2: doing in Super Rugby this year before he got that injury. 320 00:17:41,933 --> 00:17:44,253 Speaker 5: Yeah, I agree, I think of courses it after my 321 00:17:44,333 --> 00:17:47,973 Speaker 5: starts against England, but I would have can Roy guard 322 00:17:48,053 --> 00:17:50,613 Speaker 5: on the bench. I think a lethal prospect to bring 323 00:17:50,693 --> 00:17:53,213 Speaker 5: on the last half an hour twenty minutes with his 324 00:17:53,373 --> 00:17:55,853 Speaker 5: running game, and by the end of the tour I 325 00:17:55,933 --> 00:18:00,533 Speaker 5: can very much see him moving into that starting position. 326 00:18:00,653 --> 00:18:03,133 Speaker 5: So there is a lot to play for across the border, 327 00:18:03,133 --> 00:18:06,053 Speaker 5: isn't it. We've covered a lot there. This is an 328 00:18:06,093 --> 00:18:09,613 Speaker 5: experimental team. There's a lot of players that need game time, 329 00:18:09,733 --> 00:18:15,133 Speaker 5: that need opportunities. But as much as it points to 330 00:18:15,213 --> 00:18:18,813 Speaker 5: this weekend, it also very much points to the starting 331 00:18:18,893 --> 00:18:21,173 Speaker 5: team that we will see at Twickenham the following week. 332 00:18:22,173 --> 00:18:26,293 Speaker 2: Indeed, just on that loose spoord tree, I think they're 333 00:18:26,333 --> 00:18:32,373 Speaker 2: all keeping the sex worm for Oli Mephis He's going 334 00:18:32,453 --> 00:18:34,613 Speaker 2: to be something special. Oli mephis. I know he started 335 00:18:34,613 --> 00:18:36,333 Speaker 2: on the wing on the weekend, but the fact that 336 00:18:36,333 --> 00:18:39,173 Speaker 2: he can play flankers or depitly and win. He was 337 00:18:39,293 --> 00:18:42,533 Speaker 2: very good in a losing performance for wake Cards. That kid. 338 00:18:43,453 --> 00:18:45,053 Speaker 2: He's got a big future ahead of the first year 339 00:18:45,093 --> 00:18:47,533 Speaker 2: out of high school. A big fan of what he 340 00:18:47,653 --> 00:18:49,253 Speaker 2: might be able to do in the coming years at 341 00:18:49,573 --> 00:18:51,733 Speaker 2: Super and All Black sul Well. 342 00:18:51,773 --> 00:18:54,693 Speaker 5: Let's say he's nineteen years old, isn't he And how 343 00:18:54,773 --> 00:18:57,293 Speaker 5: many Well, there's probably a few to be fair, but 344 00:18:57,653 --> 00:19:00,413 Speaker 5: flankers you can put on the wing that can pull 345 00:19:00,453 --> 00:19:02,613 Speaker 5: out a chip and chase and score a trial like 346 00:19:02,733 --> 00:19:06,493 Speaker 5: that in a semi final context. I think from memory 347 00:19:06,573 --> 00:19:10,173 Speaker 5: he scored was it under twenties? He scored four tries 348 00:19:11,173 --> 00:19:15,013 Speaker 5: playing open side against Australia, so he's been on the radar. 349 00:19:16,453 --> 00:19:19,293 Speaker 4: It's interesting to see where his future does end up. 350 00:19:19,333 --> 00:19:23,293 Speaker 5: Because he was defending on the line against Wellington and 351 00:19:23,813 --> 00:19:27,093 Speaker 5: just got driven backwards. It was one of the Wellington 352 00:19:27,173 --> 00:19:30,293 Speaker 5: forwards that that bowled over. So if he is going 353 00:19:30,373 --> 00:19:31,653 Speaker 5: to be a loose forward, if he is going to 354 00:19:31,693 --> 00:19:33,293 Speaker 5: play open side, he needs to put on a bit 355 00:19:33,333 --> 00:19:36,413 Speaker 5: of size. But he's only nineteen and what a skill 356 00:19:36,493 --> 00:19:41,293 Speaker 5: set he's got pace, you know, skills off the boots, 357 00:19:41,933 --> 00:19:46,613 Speaker 5: anticipation vision, so it's really interesting to see where he 358 00:19:46,693 --> 00:19:47,293 Speaker 5: does end up. 359 00:19:47,413 --> 00:19:49,573 Speaker 4: But what a future that kid has. 360 00:19:50,573 --> 00:19:53,053 Speaker 2: Indeed he does. Won't be playing the NBC final this 361 00:19:53,173 --> 00:19:57,373 Speaker 2: weekend though, that is your Wellington against. 362 00:19:58,493 --> 00:20:01,373 Speaker 5: Our Wellington is very special actually that you could see 363 00:20:02,653 --> 00:20:05,733 Speaker 5: a title defense in your first year supporting Wellington, so 364 00:20:05,933 --> 00:20:08,773 Speaker 5: very special times for us on Rugby Direct for. 365 00:20:08,853 --> 00:20:13,773 Speaker 2: That against Plenty, who really ratcheted up the pressure on 366 00:20:13,853 --> 00:20:17,253 Speaker 2: the Canterbury side after halftime in that semi final on 367 00:20:17,413 --> 00:20:20,573 Speaker 2: the weekends. And deserving finalists, I think both of them. 368 00:20:20,853 --> 00:20:23,853 Speaker 2: Tacky had the elements of this season but fell away 369 00:20:23,893 --> 00:20:27,373 Speaker 2: after wutting the shield. Tasman similarly after giving up the shield. 370 00:20:28,813 --> 00:20:31,573 Speaker 2: You know. I think Wellington and Bay of Plenty deserving 371 00:20:31,773 --> 00:20:34,693 Speaker 2: of their spots in this Saturday afternoon society. 372 00:20:35,373 --> 00:20:38,413 Speaker 4: Very much so. And it will be a magnificent final. 373 00:20:38,453 --> 00:20:42,733 Speaker 5: I think it's Bay Plenty's first big dance and Mark 374 00:20:42,813 --> 00:20:47,453 Speaker 5: Kelly's making the pilgrimage the Bay mascots all the way 375 00:20:47,533 --> 00:20:52,413 Speaker 5: from from Auckland to Wellington via bus or overnight bus 376 00:20:52,613 --> 00:20:56,013 Speaker 5: or train or some some crazy methods, so it'll be 377 00:20:56,013 --> 00:20:59,493 Speaker 5: a very special occasion for him and Wellington. 378 00:20:59,893 --> 00:21:03,453 Speaker 4: Yeah, they've had to scrap and fight. 379 00:21:03,533 --> 00:21:08,133 Speaker 5: That was an incredibly tight, physical, tense semi final against Wakato. 380 00:21:09,213 --> 00:21:10,853 Speaker 4: Some real stand up performances. 381 00:21:10,933 --> 00:21:14,733 Speaker 5: Do see Carefi was huge in the last quarter, big turnovers, 382 00:21:14,773 --> 00:21:20,053 Speaker 5: big hits, really stood up as skipper for Wellington. So 383 00:21:20,213 --> 00:21:23,093 Speaker 5: hoping for a big turnout in the Capitol and the 384 00:21:23,213 --> 00:21:25,333 Speaker 5: Lions can roar and go back. 385 00:21:25,253 --> 00:21:25,813 Speaker 4: To back. 386 00:21:27,253 --> 00:21:30,413 Speaker 2: Inzeed. So you're packing the lines, I will not. 387 00:21:30,573 --> 00:21:33,853 Speaker 4: With a huge degree of confidence. I think they have 388 00:21:33,933 --> 00:21:34,773 Speaker 4: been building nicely. 389 00:21:34,813 --> 00:21:38,213 Speaker 5: I think they'll turn down penalty shots and really look 390 00:21:38,293 --> 00:21:41,813 Speaker 5: to put the lines under some heat. But yeah, the 391 00:21:41,933 --> 00:21:44,693 Speaker 5: head and the heart say Wellington get it done this weekend. 392 00:21:44,733 --> 00:21:45,253 Speaker 4: Who you got? 393 00:21:45,613 --> 00:21:48,453 Speaker 2: I wouldn't get paid plenty to be contrary, and I 394 00:21:48,573 --> 00:21:51,013 Speaker 2: was a very impressed. But the way they turned the 395 00:21:51,053 --> 00:21:53,133 Speaker 2: heat up on canbree in the second half of that game. 396 00:21:53,173 --> 00:21:55,293 Speaker 2: It was tip for tat in the first spell and 397 00:21:55,373 --> 00:21:59,373 Speaker 2: then they have plenty came out and absolutely just destroyed 398 00:22:00,293 --> 00:22:02,893 Speaker 2: the Red and Blacks in the second spell. I thought 399 00:22:02,933 --> 00:22:07,333 Speaker 2: they were superbly leads around the park. The loose falls 400 00:22:07,773 --> 00:22:10,933 Speaker 2: were I thought, shout out to Willis for the hollow 401 00:22:11,573 --> 00:22:14,893 Speaker 2: and a morning at hour and just on the morning 402 00:22:14,973 --> 00:22:16,893 Speaker 2: that our obviously missing out on the All Blacks, but 403 00:22:17,253 --> 00:22:19,333 Speaker 2: he's played a lot of NPC this season at center. 404 00:22:20,213 --> 00:22:22,853 Speaker 2: Just adding another string to his blog plates Bowie, you 405 00:22:22,853 --> 00:22:28,173 Speaker 2: can play center, right wing, fullback now and that's a 406 00:22:28,333 --> 00:22:31,413 Speaker 2: skill set that you know, if you need someone to 407 00:22:31,453 --> 00:22:33,573 Speaker 2: come off the bench and a tear smatch, very very 408 00:22:33,893 --> 00:22:37,053 Speaker 2: versatile sort of player. And I think that you know, 409 00:22:37,333 --> 00:22:40,013 Speaker 2: it's a you know, where he goes over the next 410 00:22:40,093 --> 00:22:41,693 Speaker 2: couple of years is going to be interesting in terms 411 00:22:41,733 --> 00:22:46,013 Speaker 2: of his you know, bid for higher honors well. 412 00:22:46,013 --> 00:22:48,453 Speaker 5: And also it speaks to the value of game time 413 00:22:48,533 --> 00:22:52,893 Speaker 5: because I'm only our heads all of maybe ten minutes. 414 00:22:53,133 --> 00:22:54,093 Speaker 4: In July. 415 00:22:54,973 --> 00:22:58,293 Speaker 5: He had a very disruptive so Brugby campaign with the Chiefs. 416 00:22:58,693 --> 00:23:00,613 Speaker 5: But he's gone back to Bay Plenty and really hit 417 00:23:00,733 --> 00:23:04,453 Speaker 5: form and like say, it's been at center. But everything 418 00:23:04,493 --> 00:23:06,613 Speaker 5: you've seen from him he could replicate on the wing, 419 00:23:06,813 --> 00:23:10,253 Speaker 5: very skillful across the board, comfortable in the wings, center, 420 00:23:10,373 --> 00:23:15,693 Speaker 5: fallback and making a real difference for the Plenty And 421 00:23:16,653 --> 00:23:19,373 Speaker 5: so yeah, I would like to see him in that 422 00:23:19,493 --> 00:23:23,133 Speaker 5: All Black environment again and given a better crack, But 423 00:23:24,373 --> 00:23:26,373 Speaker 5: I guess it just shows shows the depth there and 424 00:23:26,373 --> 00:23:30,573 Speaker 5: Willis Hola Hollow, former Welsh International Super Rugby champion with 425 00:23:30,653 --> 00:23:33,613 Speaker 5: the Hurricanes and currently without a Super Rugby gig, so 426 00:23:34,453 --> 00:23:36,333 Speaker 5: surely someone snaps him up as well. 427 00:23:37,373 --> 00:23:40,493 Speaker 2: Absolutely. Before we wrap up the first half of the podcast, 428 00:23:40,613 --> 00:23:43,733 Speaker 2: the pools out for next year's Women's Rugby World Cup 429 00:23:43,773 --> 00:23:47,813 Speaker 2: in England and by Joe, New Zealand's managed to find 430 00:23:47,893 --> 00:23:51,053 Speaker 2: Ireland the side that took them up and the Wigs 431 00:23:51,133 --> 00:23:54,093 Speaker 2: ving not so long ago in their pool along with Japan, 432 00:23:54,573 --> 00:23:58,693 Speaker 2: Japan and Spain. Excuse me, So that's a tricky task 433 00:23:58,773 --> 00:24:02,333 Speaker 2: for the Black fans as they try and emerge out 434 00:24:02,333 --> 00:24:05,733 Speaker 2: of there, especially as top seed. You know, the draw 435 00:24:05,853 --> 00:24:07,893 Speaker 2: gods haven't been too favorable to the Black funds. 436 00:24:08,853 --> 00:24:11,973 Speaker 5: No Ireland is something of the new giant killers of 437 00:24:12,093 --> 00:24:14,853 Speaker 5: the women's game out't they tipped up the Black fans 438 00:24:14,893 --> 00:24:18,053 Speaker 5: for the first time. And the w x V tournaments 439 00:24:18,693 --> 00:24:20,773 Speaker 5: and as you say, I think it's the top two 440 00:24:20,813 --> 00:24:23,173 Speaker 5: teams go through from the pool, but you don't want 441 00:24:23,213 --> 00:24:26,933 Speaker 5: to be finishing second and confronting England and the and 442 00:24:27,013 --> 00:24:30,333 Speaker 5: the knockouts straight off the bats. So very tricky pool 443 00:24:30,493 --> 00:24:33,773 Speaker 5: and as we touched on I think last week there's 444 00:24:33,773 --> 00:24:35,493 Speaker 5: a lot of work in front of the black ferns 445 00:24:36,013 --> 00:24:38,613 Speaker 5: over the next ten months to get ready for that 446 00:24:38,693 --> 00:24:39,133 Speaker 5: World Cup. 447 00:24:39,413 --> 00:24:41,253 Speaker 4: Defense certainly is right. 448 00:24:41,293 --> 00:24:43,053 Speaker 2: We'll take a break here and Ruki's are rigged with 449 00:24:43,093 --> 00:24:46,133 Speaker 2: our friends at Fourkliff Solutions. Back with the second half 450 00:24:46,173 --> 00:24:47,293 Speaker 2: of the podcast after this. 451 00:24:48,253 --> 00:24:52,293 Speaker 1: This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fans. 452 00:24:56,413 --> 00:25:00,133 Speaker 2: Every try drive had sixty second, every tackle tack, tackles, 453 00:25:00,173 --> 00:25:05,173 Speaker 2: get up again, every well take you before times. It's 454 00:25:05,333 --> 00:25:10,893 Speaker 2: Rugby Direct. Ladies tal back with Rugby Direct time out 455 00:25:10,933 --> 00:25:13,093 Speaker 2: for the final four to four Rugby topics that Lee 456 00:25:13,133 --> 00:25:16,413 Speaker 2: and I chew over from the last seven days in 457 00:25:16,453 --> 00:25:18,893 Speaker 2: the world of Rugby. Topic number one. This is a 458 00:25:18,933 --> 00:25:22,093 Speaker 2: surprise logging on this want of checking the emails and 459 00:25:22,173 --> 00:25:26,053 Speaker 2: saying this Craig Fenton out as the boss of New 460 00:25:26,133 --> 00:25:31,333 Speaker 2: Zealand Rugby Commercials. Liam. Your reaction, I know you've been 461 00:25:32,293 --> 00:25:36,493 Speaker 2: on the story today. What's behind and what does it mean? 462 00:25:38,053 --> 00:25:41,413 Speaker 5: Was a surprise and also big news. I guess the 463 00:25:41,533 --> 00:25:45,533 Speaker 5: context for our listeners here. New Zealand Rugby Commercial Co. 464 00:25:45,773 --> 00:25:49,053 Speaker 5: Is a separate entity that was set up following the 465 00:25:49,453 --> 00:25:53,453 Speaker 5: private equity deal with US fund manager Silver Lake, basically 466 00:25:53,573 --> 00:25:58,573 Speaker 5: to manage all of New Zealand rugby's income and revenue 467 00:25:58,773 --> 00:26:03,573 Speaker 5: and to drive funding for the game. So an incredibly 468 00:26:05,013 --> 00:26:08,093 Speaker 5: important role, one of the most important in New Zealand rugby. 469 00:26:08,133 --> 00:26:11,933 Speaker 5: Crag Fenton was hired late last year. He's only been 470 00:26:12,013 --> 00:26:14,933 Speaker 5: in the gig nine months. He came with much fanfare, 471 00:26:15,973 --> 00:26:18,813 Speaker 5: had twenty five years experience overseas. 472 00:26:18,853 --> 00:26:22,493 Speaker 4: Worked for Google and had done the media rounds. 473 00:26:22,573 --> 00:26:27,813 Speaker 5: Recently, from what I gather, Elliott, it's really deteriorated over 474 00:26:27,853 --> 00:26:29,733 Speaker 5: the past. The riding's been on the wall for the 475 00:26:29,813 --> 00:26:33,773 Speaker 5: last month. Craig Fenton had a number of falling out 476 00:26:34,253 --> 00:26:41,013 Speaker 5: with senior New Zealand Rugby executives and now he's gone. 477 00:26:41,053 --> 00:26:44,093 Speaker 5: I think they apparently. I had heard that they called 478 00:26:44,133 --> 00:26:47,533 Speaker 5: in consultants to try and work through things and couldn't 479 00:26:48,453 --> 00:26:52,813 Speaker 5: couldn't do that. So a very big replacement, very big void, 480 00:26:53,453 --> 00:26:57,893 Speaker 5: and a very important appointment to make because this comes 481 00:26:58,133 --> 00:26:59,933 Speaker 5: at a time when New z ond Ruby needs to 482 00:27:00,773 --> 00:27:04,213 Speaker 5: renegotiate their broadcast deal with Sky and Craig Fencin would 483 00:27:04,213 --> 00:27:06,853 Speaker 5: have been a big part of that. And as you 484 00:27:06,973 --> 00:27:11,133 Speaker 5: know that that broadcast steel likely to suffer a reduction 485 00:27:11,293 --> 00:27:14,093 Speaker 5: on the one hundred million that's a bumper deal that 486 00:27:14,133 --> 00:27:19,533 Speaker 5: they had with Sky Television previously. So yeah, very precarious 487 00:27:19,613 --> 00:27:21,693 Speaker 5: sort of position that news on a rega now finds 488 00:27:21,773 --> 00:27:22,173 Speaker 5: himself in. 489 00:27:23,173 --> 00:27:25,613 Speaker 2: Indeed, and I think it's fair to say that INNS 490 00:27:25,853 --> 00:27:31,333 Speaker 2: r C hasn't quite you know, had its straps in 491 00:27:31,493 --> 00:27:33,693 Speaker 2: terms of what they wanted from it in New Zealand. 492 00:27:33,813 --> 00:27:37,213 Speaker 2: Ended r plus has been on the in the market 493 00:27:37,333 --> 00:27:40,053 Speaker 2: for about a year now. They've had some content and 494 00:27:40,133 --> 00:27:42,453 Speaker 2: they pulled away from that a little bit, went to 495 00:27:42,573 --> 00:27:45,693 Speaker 2: YouTube to distribute some of that, which is a model 496 00:27:45,893 --> 00:27:49,453 Speaker 2: in itself and you can get advertising revenue there of 497 00:27:49,533 --> 00:27:52,013 Speaker 2: course as well, but that marked a little bit of 498 00:27:52,053 --> 00:27:55,333 Speaker 2: a change from the initial viewing. It just feels like, 499 00:27:55,773 --> 00:27:58,253 Speaker 2: you know, they haven't quite figured out where they want 500 00:27:58,253 --> 00:28:03,973 Speaker 2: to go with trying to monetize and build on the 501 00:28:04,053 --> 00:28:08,893 Speaker 2: Silver Lake investments. I know that it's released, were trumpeting 502 00:28:08,933 --> 00:28:11,773 Speaker 2: about ends in r plus and the number of views 503 00:28:11,813 --> 00:28:14,693 Speaker 2: it had, but I just it hasn't really cemented itself, 504 00:28:14,733 --> 00:28:17,813 Speaker 2: I don't think in the market. And so there's some 505 00:28:17,853 --> 00:28:21,373 Speaker 2: big questions for whoever replaces Craig fen Tin where they 506 00:28:21,373 --> 00:28:22,453 Speaker 2: come on early part of next. 507 00:28:22,453 --> 00:28:25,053 Speaker 4: Year sure as yeah, and. 508 00:28:26,853 --> 00:28:29,933 Speaker 5: A big job isn't it, because that broadcast there will 509 00:28:30,013 --> 00:28:33,653 Speaker 5: basically make or break the game here. You know, you've 510 00:28:33,733 --> 00:28:37,533 Speaker 5: got so many mouths to feed, from the NPC provinces 511 00:28:37,613 --> 00:28:40,453 Speaker 5: to Super Rugby to the players. And there's a new 512 00:28:40,493 --> 00:28:44,653 Speaker 5: collective employment agreement with the players, there's a new funding 513 00:28:44,773 --> 00:28:49,733 Speaker 5: arrangement with the provinces to agree all coming to a 514 00:28:49,813 --> 00:28:52,773 Speaker 5: head in the next sort of year or so. So 515 00:28:53,333 --> 00:28:56,253 Speaker 5: if that pop does reduce, you're going to have a 516 00:28:56,293 --> 00:29:02,133 Speaker 5: lot of frustrated and people crying out for funds. 517 00:29:03,053 --> 00:29:06,693 Speaker 2: Indeed's topic two in the final four listenings are breaking 518 00:29:06,813 --> 00:29:10,693 Speaker 2: a few hours ago that SEVENS has been x from 519 00:29:10,813 --> 00:29:14,133 Speaker 2: the renewed peer back what if you want to call 520 00:29:14,213 --> 00:29:19,173 Speaker 2: it Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in twenty twenty six. This 521 00:29:19,333 --> 00:29:24,573 Speaker 2: is a real blow for rugby. SEVENS for mine, it 522 00:29:24,733 --> 00:29:29,053 Speaker 2: kind of was a bridge between the Olympics and World 523 00:29:29,133 --> 00:29:34,013 Speaker 2: Cup level. But you know, not much they can really 524 00:29:34,053 --> 00:29:37,093 Speaker 2: do about it from what I understand. No, and. 525 00:29:38,573 --> 00:29:40,253 Speaker 4: It's an interesting scenario, isn't it. 526 00:29:40,293 --> 00:29:43,853 Speaker 5: Altt Because if you broadened this conversation out, SEVENS is 527 00:29:43,973 --> 00:29:48,373 Speaker 5: a bit of a crossroads. It's struggling on the World 528 00:29:48,533 --> 00:29:52,693 Speaker 5: Series since World Rugby took it over losing a lot 529 00:29:52,773 --> 00:29:55,853 Speaker 5: of money. The World Cup of Sevens is a bit 530 00:29:55,893 --> 00:29:58,093 Speaker 5: of a non event. The pinnacle event now, of course, 531 00:29:58,213 --> 00:30:02,013 Speaker 5: is the Olympics that used to be the Commonwealth Games. 532 00:30:02,013 --> 00:30:04,613 Speaker 5: If you think historically, you go back to the early 533 00:30:04,773 --> 00:30:08,933 Speaker 5: nineties and some of the men's seems that news and sense, 534 00:30:09,253 --> 00:30:11,933 Speaker 5: you know that the biggest names in the sport, even 535 00:30:12,013 --> 00:30:15,453 Speaker 5: in more recent times guys like Ben Smith and Manu 536 00:30:15,573 --> 00:30:21,653 Speaker 5: and Liam Messim and Sonny Ball Williams going to the 537 00:30:21,773 --> 00:30:25,533 Speaker 5: sevens to try and you know, chase metals and the 538 00:30:25,613 --> 00:30:30,053 Speaker 5: women's of course have been the standard bearers across the board. 539 00:30:30,173 --> 00:30:32,853 Speaker 5: So from an athlete perspective, it is a major blow. 540 00:30:33,013 --> 00:30:35,453 Speaker 5: Just I'll run through the sports there are in the 541 00:30:35,493 --> 00:30:38,893 Speaker 5: Commonwealth Games this year and it's a very small, pearedback 542 00:30:38,973 --> 00:30:43,613 Speaker 5: event after Glasgow picked it up following Melbourne saying we 543 00:30:43,693 --> 00:30:46,773 Speaker 5: can't afford it, we don't want it. So there's athletics, swimming, 544 00:30:46,973 --> 00:30:53,933 Speaker 5: artistic gymnastics, track, cycling, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and 545 00:30:54,173 --> 00:30:58,773 Speaker 5: three on three basketball, so very small, but sevens does 546 00:30:58,893 --> 00:31:00,053 Speaker 5: not make the cut. 547 00:31:02,453 --> 00:31:07,253 Speaker 2: With all your respected judo, I'm not sure how that 548 00:31:07,493 --> 00:31:12,053 Speaker 2: is in the month game sports, three on three basketball, 549 00:31:12,173 --> 00:31:14,773 Speaker 2: don't know that's a common Wealth sport. I mean, clearly 550 00:31:14,893 --> 00:31:16,373 Speaker 2: they're doing it to pay back to the numbers I 551 00:31:16,373 --> 00:31:18,253 Speaker 2: would guess in the athletes Diligi or whatever it is 552 00:31:19,013 --> 00:31:22,373 Speaker 2: numbers on site, because some of those simply aren't common 553 00:31:22,413 --> 00:31:27,173 Speaker 2: Wealth sports and it's probably time to wind up the 554 00:31:27,213 --> 00:31:30,053 Speaker 2: common Wealth Games. Great that guys goes come in to 555 00:31:30,133 --> 00:31:33,053 Speaker 2: stave it, but if you're going to take out sevens 556 00:31:33,173 --> 00:31:37,493 Speaker 2: and also hockey, you know, which is an traditional Commonwealth 557 00:31:37,573 --> 00:31:41,413 Speaker 2: game sport, you know, nipples managed to survive the Cup 558 00:31:41,453 --> 00:31:45,253 Speaker 2: squash isn't there. So I just it seems more about 559 00:31:45,493 --> 00:31:47,933 Speaker 2: trying to make it cost effective than actually a good 560 00:31:47,973 --> 00:31:50,293 Speaker 2: sporting product. I agree sevens at a crossroads, and I 561 00:31:50,333 --> 00:31:54,333 Speaker 2: think one of the big issues is that its glow strotting, 562 00:31:54,413 --> 00:31:57,733 Speaker 2: and that's one of its you know, great strengths to 563 00:31:57,813 --> 00:32:01,293 Speaker 2: an extent, but it also means that you know players 564 00:32:01,733 --> 00:32:04,013 Speaker 2: just you know, you're not in the right time zone 565 00:32:04,053 --> 00:32:06,213 Speaker 2: for New Zealand. You know, the likes of Mikaela Blythe 566 00:32:06,293 --> 00:32:10,493 Speaker 2: and all those players from the New Zealand seven Sin 567 00:32:10,573 --> 00:32:15,253 Speaker 2: Sierrah Henny and Georgia Miller and whoever else, Rissi Poli, 568 00:32:15,413 --> 00:32:18,453 Speaker 2: all those players are virgin on household names, but they're 569 00:32:18,453 --> 00:32:23,053 Speaker 2: being seen because they play in largely European or American 570 00:32:23,133 --> 00:32:25,213 Speaker 2: time zones that are unfriendly to New Zealand. There's no 571 00:32:25,293 --> 00:32:28,253 Speaker 2: tournament in New Zealand anymore. This goes to the men 572 00:32:28,493 --> 00:32:32,613 Speaker 2: as well, So I just think that, you know, perhaps 573 00:32:33,413 --> 00:32:35,853 Speaker 2: it needs to be centralized and cut back a little 574 00:32:35,893 --> 00:32:38,373 Speaker 2: bit more or made to being more friendly time zones 575 00:32:38,653 --> 00:32:41,653 Speaker 2: as soon as that World seven circuit, because otherwise it's 576 00:32:41,733 --> 00:32:45,693 Speaker 2: just it's going to really struggle to continue, I think. 577 00:32:45,813 --> 00:32:49,293 Speaker 2: But yeah, it's an interesting topic. Topic number three as 578 00:32:49,413 --> 00:32:52,253 Speaker 2: wouldn't Boss signs with the Blues? Good pick up for 579 00:32:52,253 --> 00:32:55,173 Speaker 2: the Blues for super Rugi or Picky is it? 580 00:32:55,253 --> 00:32:59,293 Speaker 5: What one of the greatest women's rugby players in history. 581 00:32:59,373 --> 00:33:02,573 Speaker 5: She's thirty three and her father played till fifty five 582 00:33:02,733 --> 00:33:05,093 Speaker 5: and she reckons she'll give that a crack as well, 583 00:33:05,733 --> 00:33:08,853 Speaker 5: but yeah, good, great pickup. She's going to Japan for 584 00:33:08,933 --> 00:33:12,893 Speaker 5: three months and then coming back, so a real boost 585 00:33:12,933 --> 00:33:16,653 Speaker 5: for Super Ruby Alpaki for some foremost to have Porscha 586 00:33:16,733 --> 00:33:19,733 Speaker 5: coming back, and the motivation for that was to play 587 00:33:19,773 --> 00:33:21,653 Speaker 5: with her niece at the Blue. 588 00:33:21,693 --> 00:33:22,733 Speaker 4: She lives in Bay Plenty. 589 00:33:22,853 --> 00:33:27,653 Speaker 5: She's played previously for Chief's Manoi, so switching allegiance. But 590 00:33:27,813 --> 00:33:32,653 Speaker 5: she is a northern Northern woman, proud and very excited 591 00:33:32,693 --> 00:33:36,133 Speaker 5: about this sort of homecoming. Interesting to see where she plays, 592 00:33:37,013 --> 00:33:41,573 Speaker 5: you know, joked about a potential positional switch to open 593 00:33:41,653 --> 00:33:45,333 Speaker 5: side flanker. But with her niece being a winger and 594 00:33:46,613 --> 00:33:49,213 Speaker 5: via Coolo being there as well, superstar of the of 595 00:33:49,293 --> 00:33:52,573 Speaker 5: the Black Ferns, you know, who knows where we might 596 00:33:52,653 --> 00:33:54,173 Speaker 5: see Porscha pop up next season. 597 00:33:55,013 --> 00:33:59,733 Speaker 2: Yeah, very exciting. Yeah, maybe she could go again to 598 00:33:59,813 --> 00:34:02,893 Speaker 2: the World Cup with the fifteens in a different spot. 599 00:34:03,013 --> 00:34:07,093 Speaker 2: That could be a possibility. And topic number four, how 600 00:34:07,173 --> 00:34:08,853 Speaker 2: many of these five tests are the end of the 601 00:34:08,933 --> 00:34:14,213 Speaker 2: year tour will be all Blacks win liam out of five? 602 00:34:14,293 --> 00:34:15,053 Speaker 2: How many are they? 603 00:34:16,853 --> 00:34:21,533 Speaker 5: Well, they will beat Japan, they will beat England, they 604 00:34:21,573 --> 00:34:25,613 Speaker 5: will lose to Ireland, they will beat Italy. 605 00:34:26,973 --> 00:34:30,093 Speaker 4: And they will beat France. 606 00:34:30,453 --> 00:34:33,853 Speaker 2: There you go, so you reckon they win four or five. 607 00:34:34,653 --> 00:34:39,413 Speaker 5: That's very that's very optimistic now think about it. But yeah, 608 00:34:39,653 --> 00:34:42,333 Speaker 5: I'm going to back them to do that very tough tour. 609 00:34:42,973 --> 00:34:45,133 Speaker 5: I can see them potentially losing to France as well, 610 00:34:45,373 --> 00:34:47,773 Speaker 5: but I think they get over England at twicken them, 611 00:34:48,533 --> 00:34:50,133 Speaker 5: but I can't see them get past Island. 612 00:34:51,613 --> 00:34:54,373 Speaker 2: I think they might lose to France, but get past Ireland, 613 00:34:54,373 --> 00:34:57,093 Speaker 2: I don't know. Something just tells me that they might 614 00:34:57,173 --> 00:35:00,173 Speaker 2: be up for that game again against the Irish. I mean, 615 00:35:00,213 --> 00:35:02,613 Speaker 2: it's such a tough schedules in the England, Island, France 616 00:35:03,613 --> 00:35:06,693 Speaker 2: back to back to back in three weeks. It really 617 00:35:06,813 --> 00:35:09,413 Speaker 2: is difficult. I am going to go that they win 618 00:35:09,533 --> 00:35:11,733 Speaker 2: four or five as well, but I'm just going to 619 00:35:11,773 --> 00:35:15,773 Speaker 2: say that they lose to France after beating England and Ireland. 620 00:35:16,013 --> 00:35:17,813 Speaker 2: So if they went for a five, that's a pretty 621 00:35:17,853 --> 00:35:18,293 Speaker 2: good return. 622 00:35:19,813 --> 00:35:21,013 Speaker 4: That's a great return. 623 00:35:21,173 --> 00:35:25,093 Speaker 5: I think given that schedule, those three big tests in 624 00:35:25,173 --> 00:35:28,493 Speaker 5: fifteen days, Island did them no favors. By She's dealing 625 00:35:28,573 --> 00:35:32,653 Speaker 5: that on a Friday night in Dublin, six days after England. 626 00:35:32,773 --> 00:35:37,093 Speaker 5: So that's a brutal turnaround and there will be injuries, 627 00:35:37,213 --> 00:35:40,573 Speaker 5: they'll have to change their squads. So we're really going 628 00:35:40,653 --> 00:35:43,773 Speaker 5: to find out where this all black team is that they. 629 00:35:43,773 --> 00:35:45,573 Speaker 2: Sent me are well, we'll find out where they're at 630 00:35:45,613 --> 00:35:50,613 Speaker 2: after a big testing Instjapan in Yokohama on Saturday afternoon 631 00:35:50,693 --> 00:35:53,093 Speaker 2: local time ten to seven is ze on time log 632 00:35:53,133 --> 00:35:55,533 Speaker 2: on and you still send big old Sporttheart Radio all 633 00:35:55,613 --> 00:35:57,573 Speaker 2: the build up and reaction on insi hero dot co 634 00:35:57,693 --> 00:36:00,453 Speaker 2: lot Insied as well with Ligam. We will touch base 635 00:36:00,493 --> 00:36:03,373 Speaker 2: again from London next week and yourself for a good week, 636 00:36:03,493 --> 00:36:07,173 Speaker 2: lad and I'll try to keep off the family checking 637 00:36:07,253 --> 00:36:08,013 Speaker 2: on over here. 638 00:36:09,773 --> 00:36:12,093 Speaker 5: As get stuck into the check in the Rahman the 639 00:36:12,173 --> 00:36:16,773 Speaker 5: sushi and you enjoy the call, have have a great gift. 640 00:36:17,413 --> 00:36:19,413 Speaker 2: We'll see as soon that has been rightby direct with 641 00:36:19,453 --> 00:36:22,533 Speaker 2: four Cliff Solutions, lifting you and your business so higher 642 00:36:22,653 --> 00:36:22,853 Speaker 2: living 643 00:36:27,093 --> 00:36:29,653 Speaker 1: For more from News Talks ed B listen live on 644 00:36:29,773 --> 00:36:32,733 Speaker 1: air or online and keep our shows with you wherever 645 00:36:32,813 --> 00:36:35,373 Speaker 1: you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio