1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:12,693 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow 2 00:00:12,773 --> 00:00:18,333 Speaker 1: this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio. Inside 3 00:00:18,373 --> 00:00:22,973 Speaker 1: the Game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith, 4 00:00:23,173 --> 00:00:24,493 Speaker 1: powered by News Talks EDB. 5 00:00:24,733 --> 00:00:27,333 Speaker 2: Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Habit Health, tackling all 6 00:00:27,373 --> 00:00:31,133 Speaker 2: your aches and pains from sports and work. Elliott Smith, 7 00:00:31,213 --> 00:00:35,253 Speaker 2: Newstalk zbb's lead rugby commentated with me is always Liam Nappier, 8 00:00:35,453 --> 00:00:38,893 Speaker 2: rugby writer and chief sports writer for The New Zealand Herald. 9 00:00:39,373 --> 00:00:42,053 Speaker 3: Liam is super rugby back. 10 00:00:42,173 --> 00:00:44,013 Speaker 4: I think it is, Elliott. Well, you don't want to 11 00:00:44,053 --> 00:00:46,533 Speaker 4: jump the gun too much. But what an opening rounds, 12 00:00:46,813 --> 00:00:52,093 Speaker 4: wasn't it? One point results tries from the end of 13 00:00:52,133 --> 00:00:56,653 Speaker 4: the Earth, Try of the Year contenders, very competitive, very engaging. 14 00:00:57,333 --> 00:01:00,213 Speaker 4: The style of rugby was brilliant, so you couldn't ask 15 00:01:00,253 --> 00:01:01,013 Speaker 4: for a better start. 16 00:01:01,693 --> 00:01:04,173 Speaker 2: You really couldn't because there were no blowouts. The biggest 17 00:01:04,173 --> 00:01:07,813 Speaker 2: margin of the weekend was the Chiefs upsetting the Blues. 18 00:01:07,853 --> 00:01:11,613 Speaker 2: The champions a lot at one point, when's last place 19 00:01:11,653 --> 00:01:14,733 Speaker 2: sort of victories, you know, maybe it's a little bit 20 00:01:14,813 --> 00:01:17,533 Speaker 2: too early and shouldn't get carried away, but deleting the 21 00:01:17,533 --> 00:01:21,133 Speaker 2: rebels from the competition spreading those players out. Mowana has 22 00:01:21,133 --> 00:01:24,573 Speaker 2: got better with RDSVA, the Crusaders seemed to be better. 23 00:01:24,733 --> 00:01:27,893 Speaker 2: Just as a general the competition seems a lot more 24 00:01:27,973 --> 00:01:31,533 Speaker 2: even this year or already compared to previous years. And 25 00:01:31,533 --> 00:01:33,253 Speaker 2: I know there were three new Zealand teams in the 26 00:01:33,293 --> 00:01:36,213 Speaker 2: mix last year, but across the board, you go, that's 27 00:01:36,253 --> 00:01:37,733 Speaker 2: a fascinating opening round. 28 00:01:38,973 --> 00:01:39,653 Speaker 5: Yeah, big time. 29 00:01:39,693 --> 00:01:44,413 Speaker 4: And I think we saw stylistically last year the massive 30 00:01:44,453 --> 00:01:48,573 Speaker 4: improvements that a number of largely small tweaks can make 31 00:01:48,573 --> 00:01:51,573 Speaker 4: in terms of speeding up the game, improving the product, 32 00:01:52,373 --> 00:01:56,253 Speaker 4: removing stoppages and even in the weekend, just little things 33 00:01:56,293 --> 00:02:00,093 Speaker 4: like the shot clock for the goalkickers or setting the 34 00:02:00,133 --> 00:02:03,973 Speaker 4: scrum or the line out quickly protecting the halfback. All 35 00:02:03,973 --> 00:02:06,413 Speaker 4: those sorts of things make a massive difference to the 36 00:02:06,853 --> 00:02:07,773 Speaker 4: on field products. 37 00:02:08,413 --> 00:02:09,533 Speaker 5: Did see that last year. 38 00:02:09,573 --> 00:02:12,013 Speaker 4: And now, as you mentioned, with the spread of talent 39 00:02:12,053 --> 00:02:16,413 Speaker 4: in Australia, Muana being more competitive, and we do have 40 00:02:16,413 --> 00:02:19,173 Speaker 4: to be careful not jumping the gum and making wid 41 00:02:19,853 --> 00:02:24,333 Speaker 4: widespread generalizations too early, but you put those two things 42 00:02:24,373 --> 00:02:28,813 Speaker 4: together and this does feel like it's going to be 43 00:02:28,933 --> 00:02:33,493 Speaker 4: one of the most competitive Super Rugby competitions in recent memory. 44 00:02:33,773 --> 00:02:36,653 Speaker 2: Well, let's go through it line by line, game by 45 00:02:36,773 --> 00:02:42,653 Speaker 2: game and speaking with sweeping generalizations. The Crusaders, they are back. 46 00:02:43,213 --> 00:02:44,933 Speaker 5: I've been waiting for this, been waiting for this. 47 00:02:45,093 --> 00:02:47,653 Speaker 4: Look, just pump the brakes, Elliot, pumped the brakes, mate, 48 00:02:47,693 --> 00:02:48,453 Speaker 4: you're not back yet. 49 00:02:48,613 --> 00:02:51,213 Speaker 5: One game, you know, hold the phone. 50 00:02:51,773 --> 00:02:53,133 Speaker 3: Well, I thought they did very well. 51 00:02:53,133 --> 00:02:54,973 Speaker 2: You know, they were down fourteen now and it felt 52 00:02:55,013 --> 00:02:57,493 Speaker 2: like the ghosts of last year was still in the 53 00:02:57,573 --> 00:03:02,213 Speaker 2: system and they could have tripped up and really been 54 00:03:02,253 --> 00:03:04,493 Speaker 2: blown out in that game. But they came back and 55 00:03:05,133 --> 00:03:07,533 Speaker 2: rallied and sort of fought fire with fire a little 56 00:03:07,533 --> 00:03:11,693 Speaker 2: bit against the Hurricanes. I really liked what David Harvelli 57 00:03:11,733 --> 00:03:14,733 Speaker 2: did for the Crusaders. Taha Kemada clearly his best game 58 00:03:14,733 --> 00:03:16,213 Speaker 2: at super rugby level, yet there are a lot of 59 00:03:16,293 --> 00:03:19,413 Speaker 2: questions about him last year sent back to MP sorry 60 00:03:19,453 --> 00:03:22,853 Speaker 2: to club rugby level. But David Avelli, I thought was 61 00:03:22,853 --> 00:03:24,893 Speaker 2: so key in that performance. He linked well with Will 62 00:03:24,973 --> 00:03:28,653 Speaker 2: Jordan and that allowed Sevrees to roam out wide. And 63 00:03:28,693 --> 00:03:31,413 Speaker 2: then you had Kyle Preston come on early in the 64 00:03:31,453 --> 00:03:34,493 Speaker 2: game play seventy seven to odd minutes, and boy, he 65 00:03:34,533 --> 00:03:37,333 Speaker 2: looks like a real player of promise. So what I 66 00:03:37,373 --> 00:03:40,773 Speaker 2: thought they did well was just response and fire with fire, 67 00:03:40,773 --> 00:03:42,613 Speaker 2: whereas last year they went into the cages a little 68 00:03:42,613 --> 00:03:44,493 Speaker 2: bit of the Crusaders and didn't know how to fight 69 00:03:44,533 --> 00:03:47,013 Speaker 2: their way out of trouble. I thought at fourteen neel 70 00:03:47,013 --> 00:03:48,773 Speaker 2: down it could have gone a lot differently, but they 71 00:03:48,813 --> 00:03:51,453 Speaker 2: managed to wheel their way back into the contest and 72 00:03:51,733 --> 00:03:54,813 Speaker 2: that's a confidence building win for a team that was 73 00:03:54,853 --> 00:03:56,693 Speaker 2: low on confidence at the end of last year. 74 00:03:57,733 --> 00:04:00,093 Speaker 4: That's a massive one, isn't it after what happened last year, 75 00:04:00,493 --> 00:04:04,533 Speaker 4: missing the playoffs, having your head coach in the gun. Look, 76 00:04:04,733 --> 00:04:08,653 Speaker 4: I think everyone expected the Crusaders to be infinitely better year. 77 00:04:08,933 --> 00:04:11,813 Speaker 4: You put guys like Will Jordan back in that team 78 00:04:11,973 --> 00:04:13,733 Speaker 4: and what a difference he made. 79 00:04:13,773 --> 00:04:16,773 Speaker 5: But he can't do it alone. You mentioned David Heavili there. 80 00:04:17,053 --> 00:04:20,653 Speaker 4: The captaincy seems to rest really well on his shoulders. 81 00:04:20,693 --> 00:04:23,653 Speaker 4: I saw him talking postmatch about you know how much 82 00:04:23,653 --> 00:04:27,813 Speaker 4: the jersey means to him, and he really seems to 83 00:04:27,853 --> 00:04:33,373 Speaker 4: be mature and relishing that responsibility. Sever Reese was lethal 84 00:04:33,413 --> 00:04:36,813 Speaker 4: on the edge, and you're right the Crusaders made the 85 00:04:36,813 --> 00:04:39,733 Speaker 4: adjustment because in the first half, probably even for fifty 86 00:04:39,733 --> 00:04:40,333 Speaker 4: odd minutes. 87 00:04:40,573 --> 00:04:44,213 Speaker 5: The Hurricanes were dominant. They regularly broke the Crusaders. 88 00:04:44,933 --> 00:04:48,293 Speaker 4: Lever Armore clearly had a license to rush in the 89 00:04:48,333 --> 00:04:51,253 Speaker 4: midfield and that caused the Crusaders a lot of problems. 90 00:04:51,293 --> 00:04:55,173 Speaker 4: They were broken on the edge quite consistently. But they 91 00:04:55,213 --> 00:04:59,773 Speaker 4: made some adjustments and I felt the Crusaders got bester 92 00:04:59,893 --> 00:05:02,853 Speaker 4: as the game gone war on with the Hurricanes. For me, 93 00:05:03,453 --> 00:05:07,013 Speaker 4: maybe their their injuries, A bit of depth concerns started 94 00:05:07,013 --> 00:05:09,293 Speaker 4: to tell. I thought the Crusaders got more pay off 95 00:05:09,293 --> 00:05:12,253 Speaker 4: the bench. Guys like James O'Connor came on and had 96 00:05:12,293 --> 00:05:14,893 Speaker 4: a real impact. Where the Hurricanes it looked like they 97 00:05:14,893 --> 00:05:20,213 Speaker 4: started to fatigue and that allowed the Crusaders to just 98 00:05:20,613 --> 00:05:24,013 Speaker 4: get on top. But a massive win for the Crusaders 99 00:05:24,093 --> 00:05:26,813 Speaker 4: at home in particular. They've got a tough start to 100 00:05:26,853 --> 00:05:29,693 Speaker 4: the year with the Chiefs this week as well, so 101 00:05:29,813 --> 00:05:32,373 Speaker 4: really important for them to just draw a line in 102 00:05:32,373 --> 00:05:34,333 Speaker 4: the stand and say, hey, this is a new year, 103 00:05:34,893 --> 00:05:37,693 Speaker 4: let's keep building. You know, we're not the team that 104 00:05:37,693 --> 00:05:41,933 Speaker 4: we were last year. We can, you know, rebuild because 105 00:05:43,093 --> 00:05:45,573 Speaker 4: the Empire did crumble last year earlier and it does 106 00:05:45,693 --> 00:05:46,573 Speaker 4: need some rebuilding. 107 00:05:47,053 --> 00:05:51,013 Speaker 2: It did, and that's only the opening week. As you mentioned, 108 00:05:51,053 --> 00:05:53,773 Speaker 2: some big games to come, but some promising signs there 109 00:05:53,773 --> 00:05:55,693 Speaker 2: for the Crusaders. I thought there were promising signs for 110 00:05:55,733 --> 00:05:58,693 Speaker 2: the Hurricanes as well. I agree though were fatigued late 111 00:05:58,733 --> 00:06:00,493 Speaker 2: in the game. What they did really well early on, 112 00:06:00,573 --> 00:06:02,973 Speaker 2: I thought was stretched the Crusaders on the edges, and 113 00:06:03,013 --> 00:06:06,533 Speaker 2: you had in the hollow and finng and awful who 114 00:06:06,573 --> 00:06:11,013 Speaker 2: looks really really impressive super rugby level dominating around the 115 00:06:11,133 --> 00:06:14,133 Speaker 2: edges and making breaks. But it felt to me like 116 00:06:14,253 --> 00:06:17,253 Speaker 2: cam Royguard was doing a lot of it on his own, 117 00:06:17,293 --> 00:06:20,213 Speaker 2: and as the game wore on, you know, he got 118 00:06:20,253 --> 00:06:22,813 Speaker 2: fatigued and just wasn't able to have the influence that 119 00:06:22,893 --> 00:06:24,733 Speaker 2: he probably would have liked. But it felt like a 120 00:06:24,773 --> 00:06:27,333 Speaker 2: lot of that game rested on his shoulders and he 121 00:06:27,413 --> 00:06:29,253 Speaker 2: was just trying to do a little bit too much. 122 00:06:29,293 --> 00:06:31,573 Speaker 2: There was one kick that went a little bit too 123 00:06:31,653 --> 00:06:34,973 Speaker 2: far from memory, and he was maybe trying to do 124 00:06:35,013 --> 00:06:37,813 Speaker 2: it all because he perhaps didn't have the players outside 125 00:06:37,853 --> 00:06:39,773 Speaker 2: him that he was used to. So look, I don't 126 00:06:39,773 --> 00:06:42,453 Speaker 2: think it's you know, I think the Hurricanes will bounce 127 00:06:42,493 --> 00:06:44,933 Speaker 2: back quickly from that performance. There were some promising signs, 128 00:06:44,973 --> 00:06:47,293 Speaker 2: but just maybe in terms of the makeup of that 129 00:06:47,373 --> 00:06:49,173 Speaker 2: back line. They don't have the right pieces in the 130 00:06:49,253 --> 00:06:52,973 Speaker 2: right places through injury and maybe some selection issues as well. 131 00:06:54,173 --> 00:06:56,453 Speaker 4: Yeah, that's right, And look I was impressed with I 132 00:06:56,533 --> 00:07:00,373 Speaker 4: thought Harry Godfrey was very good at ten, but yeah, 133 00:07:00,373 --> 00:07:02,293 Speaker 4: I think maybe lacked a bit of support. And you're right, 134 00:07:02,373 --> 00:07:05,693 Speaker 4: Cam Royguard. He's still a young guy, isn't he and 135 00:07:05,853 --> 00:07:07,613 Speaker 4: took a lot on his shoulders. There was one kick 136 00:07:07,613 --> 00:07:09,773 Speaker 4: that went dead, another one went out on the fall 137 00:07:10,093 --> 00:07:15,213 Speaker 4: and those things start to compound, and yeah, you take 138 00:07:16,133 --> 00:07:19,213 Speaker 4: Jordi Barrett out of that team, massive influence in the 139 00:07:19,293 --> 00:07:22,973 Speaker 4: Hurricanes back line. I think they lost Riley Higgins late 140 00:07:22,973 --> 00:07:26,013 Speaker 4: in the week and a couple of others, so some 141 00:07:26,093 --> 00:07:28,653 Speaker 4: big outs. But yeah, I probably expected a bit more 142 00:07:29,253 --> 00:07:31,213 Speaker 4: from the Hurricanes just because of the way they performed 143 00:07:31,253 --> 00:07:32,053 Speaker 4: in that first half. 144 00:07:32,093 --> 00:07:33,453 Speaker 5: They were all over the Crusaders. 145 00:07:34,053 --> 00:07:35,413 Speaker 4: I wouldn't go as far as say they had them 146 00:07:35,453 --> 00:07:38,373 Speaker 4: on the ropes, but as you mentioned, they're breaking them up. Well, 147 00:07:38,973 --> 00:07:41,973 Speaker 4: they really had them on the rack and couldn't put 148 00:07:41,973 --> 00:07:45,813 Speaker 4: them away for whatever reason. They I thought Carrefa had 149 00:07:45,813 --> 00:07:49,293 Speaker 4: a big game and lead really well. That their attitude 150 00:07:49,333 --> 00:07:53,413 Speaker 4: to kick for the corner and really chase. Those opportunities 151 00:07:53,493 --> 00:07:58,013 Speaker 4: largely worked, but just they didn't get the payoff the bench. 152 00:07:58,213 --> 00:08:00,773 Speaker 4: You know, guys like Peter Luckeye came on and didn't 153 00:08:00,853 --> 00:08:04,333 Speaker 4: probably have the impact that you would expect of a 154 00:08:04,373 --> 00:08:08,653 Speaker 4: recent All Black, but he wasn't alone. So yeah, to 155 00:08:08,693 --> 00:08:11,013 Speaker 4: see how the Hurricanes regroup and if they can get 156 00:08:11,013 --> 00:08:11,893 Speaker 4: some troops. 157 00:08:11,573 --> 00:08:14,133 Speaker 5: Back, but not not all all Derm and Gloom. 158 00:08:14,173 --> 00:08:17,173 Speaker 4: I still think Clark Bladel was a very stude coach, 159 00:08:17,213 --> 00:08:21,613 Speaker 4: and he'll he'll go back and look at that, and 160 00:08:21,653 --> 00:08:23,653 Speaker 4: I think the blueprint is there for the Hurricanes. 161 00:08:24,133 --> 00:08:26,653 Speaker 2: Let's move on to the war Tars Highlanders later that 162 00:08:26,813 --> 00:08:29,933 Speaker 2: night on Friday, the war Tars winning that one by one, 163 00:08:30,053 --> 00:08:33,533 Speaker 2: thirty seven thirty six, end to end sort of stuff. 164 00:08:34,253 --> 00:08:37,693 Speaker 2: It was basically try meets try meets try. What did 165 00:08:37,773 --> 00:08:42,133 Speaker 2: we learn about the Highlanders first and foremost from the spixualium. 166 00:08:42,973 --> 00:08:47,053 Speaker 4: The Highlanders look, I think there were signs of Jamie 167 00:08:47,133 --> 00:08:48,613 Speaker 4: Joseph's fingerprints on this team. 168 00:08:48,613 --> 00:08:49,253 Speaker 5: I thought they had a. 169 00:08:49,253 --> 00:08:55,213 Speaker 4: Lot of spirit, They competed well, they contested everything this game, 170 00:08:55,253 --> 00:08:58,533 Speaker 4: in particular that the first half wasn't great, that the 171 00:08:58,613 --> 00:09:01,413 Speaker 4: war Tars seemon intent on hoisting to the heavens every 172 00:09:01,493 --> 00:09:06,293 Speaker 4: chance they got to bring Joseph tole you into the game. 173 00:09:06,413 --> 00:09:09,773 Speaker 4: I thought the hand has competed well and area they 174 00:09:09,853 --> 00:09:13,093 Speaker 4: got some some good There were some interesting selections first 175 00:09:13,133 --> 00:09:16,893 Speaker 4: and foremost for the Hounds. Wasn't there Benching Falal, Fuckatava 176 00:09:17,013 --> 00:09:21,253 Speaker 4: and cam Miller So a couple of very green halves 177 00:09:21,253 --> 00:09:24,613 Speaker 4: for the Honders, and I thought they formed a reasonably well. 178 00:09:24,813 --> 00:09:28,733 Speaker 4: But I wouldn't be too desponding if I was the 179 00:09:28,773 --> 00:09:30,933 Speaker 4: Honders that this was really tip for tet. I think 180 00:09:30,973 --> 00:09:33,173 Speaker 4: there was something like four lead changes in the last 181 00:09:33,613 --> 00:09:39,093 Speaker 4: ten to fifteen minutes was try for try and the Waratas. 182 00:09:39,253 --> 00:09:40,813 Speaker 5: Maybe deserved it, maybe they didn't. 183 00:09:41,013 --> 00:09:43,413 Speaker 4: They did because they got there in the end, but 184 00:09:43,453 --> 00:09:45,053 Speaker 4: it very easily could have gone either. 185 00:09:44,853 --> 00:09:47,413 Speaker 2: Way they could have. I think there were promising signs 186 00:09:47,413 --> 00:09:49,733 Speaker 2: there for the Highlanders. I don't think their best is 187 00:09:49,733 --> 00:09:52,533 Speaker 2: probably going to come for another couple of years. They've 188 00:09:52,533 --> 00:09:54,853 Speaker 2: got a nucleus of a young squad used they've got 189 00:09:54,853 --> 00:09:57,653 Speaker 2: some older heads in there as well, but they have 190 00:09:57,733 --> 00:10:00,413 Speaker 2: some players that are on the up in New Zealand rugby. 191 00:10:00,813 --> 00:10:04,373 Speaker 2: Cam Miller you mentioned there Fabian Holland, Sean Whzy and 192 00:10:04,453 --> 00:10:08,133 Speaker 2: other players Tongue as well, who I thought was very 193 00:10:08,133 --> 00:10:12,053 Speaker 2: good good on the weekend to more of the Nawai. 194 00:10:12,093 --> 00:10:13,573 Speaker 5: So is exceptional, wasn't he? 195 00:10:13,533 --> 00:10:16,013 Speaker 4: He's probably one of the best players of a round 196 00:10:16,133 --> 00:10:18,013 Speaker 4: on both sides of the ball and his kicking game. 197 00:10:18,213 --> 00:10:19,173 Speaker 5: Where did that come from? 198 00:10:19,253 --> 00:10:22,013 Speaker 4: Obviously he's moved into the midfield, but he pulled off 199 00:10:22,013 --> 00:10:25,013 Speaker 4: one fifty twenty two. I don't think anyone really thought 200 00:10:25,013 --> 00:10:26,653 Speaker 4: he had that in his repertoire. 201 00:10:26,253 --> 00:10:27,773 Speaker 2: No, and I think he can be a real presence 202 00:10:27,893 --> 00:10:30,413 Speaker 2: in the midfield. I actually liked that move from Jamie 203 00:10:30,453 --> 00:10:32,973 Speaker 2: Joseph moving in in there. So look, I don't think 204 00:10:32,973 --> 00:10:35,013 Speaker 2: it's all doom and glue for the Highlanders. I think 205 00:10:35,053 --> 00:10:37,533 Speaker 2: they're a team that is probably going to be this 206 00:10:37,653 --> 00:10:41,053 Speaker 2: year outside the playoffs looking in. But I think there 207 00:10:41,093 --> 00:10:44,733 Speaker 2: are promising signs. If Jamie Joseph sticks around, perhaps similar 208 00:10:44,773 --> 00:10:47,093 Speaker 2: to how he did in twenty fifteen, and can mold 209 00:10:47,133 --> 00:10:50,213 Speaker 2: this team into an unheralded, you know, unheralded bunch of 210 00:10:50,213 --> 00:10:53,253 Speaker 2: players into something, then they'll be really promising. They just 211 00:10:53,253 --> 00:10:56,653 Speaker 2: perhaps need to fix up, you know, some of their 212 00:10:56,933 --> 00:10:58,173 Speaker 2: their tidiness around the park. 213 00:10:58,213 --> 00:11:02,013 Speaker 3: They're a little bit discipline as well, and you know. 214 00:11:01,973 --> 00:11:04,693 Speaker 2: They'll they'll be tough for teams to put away this 215 00:11:04,853 --> 00:11:08,813 Speaker 2: year Waratas. In terms of their perform what did you 216 00:11:08,853 --> 00:11:15,133 Speaker 2: make of them? Is it title town in Sydney. 217 00:11:14,213 --> 00:11:17,533 Speaker 4: Look to be honest for the cavalry that they have 218 00:11:17,653 --> 00:11:21,053 Speaker 4: got as practically a Wallabies team, I was a little 219 00:11:21,093 --> 00:11:21,853 Speaker 4: bit underwhelmed. 220 00:11:22,693 --> 00:11:23,533 Speaker 5: I expected more. 221 00:11:23,573 --> 00:11:27,693 Speaker 4: I think maybe it's round one and they will get 222 00:11:27,693 --> 00:11:28,973 Speaker 4: better as the season goes on. 223 00:11:29,053 --> 00:11:31,533 Speaker 5: But they had an all Wallabies front row. 224 00:11:31,573 --> 00:11:34,613 Speaker 4: They've got Joseph Sui Le who is an absolute freak 225 00:11:34,613 --> 00:11:37,613 Speaker 4: of an athlete. You know, the Broaden guys like Andrew Callaway, 226 00:11:37,973 --> 00:11:41,653 Speaker 4: Taliana Tupo, and they did get some pay in certain areas, 227 00:11:41,773 --> 00:11:44,613 Speaker 4: but I think tactically they're a wee bit one dimensional 228 00:11:44,613 --> 00:11:48,973 Speaker 4: in the first half and a wee helter skelter they 229 00:11:48,973 --> 00:11:51,733 Speaker 4: were forcing passes that didn't need to be pushed, like 230 00:11:51,813 --> 00:11:52,653 Speaker 4: a bit of composure. 231 00:11:52,693 --> 00:11:54,253 Speaker 5: They got there in the end, but. 232 00:11:55,973 --> 00:11:58,013 Speaker 4: If you just look man for man in terms of 233 00:11:58,933 --> 00:12:02,813 Speaker 4: international experience, they headed all over the Hondas and they 234 00:12:02,853 --> 00:12:06,493 Speaker 4: made really really difficult work that could easily lost it. 235 00:12:06,773 --> 00:12:07,853 Speaker 5: So I expect them to get. 236 00:12:07,693 --> 00:12:09,613 Speaker 4: Better as the season and goes on, but also probably 237 00:12:09,613 --> 00:12:12,733 Speaker 4: expected a bit more, just given their off field recruits 238 00:12:13,573 --> 00:12:15,533 Speaker 4: in the past year with the demise of the Rebels. 239 00:12:15,813 --> 00:12:18,373 Speaker 2: Blues and Chiefs Saturday night at Eden Park this was 240 00:12:18,813 --> 00:12:21,893 Speaker 2: another fascinating game. You would expect, given what we saw 241 00:12:22,293 --> 00:12:25,253 Speaker 2: from the Blues last year fourteen six up at halftime, 242 00:12:25,293 --> 00:12:28,533 Speaker 2: that they would go on and win it, but they 243 00:12:28,613 --> 00:12:31,253 Speaker 2: folded in the second spell. The Chiefs went up a 244 00:12:31,333 --> 00:12:33,693 Speaker 2: level the Blues couldn't go with them. And while the 245 00:12:33,773 --> 00:12:36,493 Speaker 2: Chiefs I thought were unlucky to be down by eight 246 00:12:36,533 --> 00:12:38,773 Speaker 2: at half time, that was a game where you know, 247 00:12:38,813 --> 00:12:40,773 Speaker 2: I thought the Chiefs had maybe missed their opportunities in 248 00:12:40,773 --> 00:12:42,813 Speaker 2: the first half, the Blues had taken them and would 249 00:12:42,813 --> 00:12:44,573 Speaker 2: have kicked on from there. It didn't happen. In fact, 250 00:12:44,573 --> 00:12:47,573 Speaker 2: the opposite happened, and that's a big win, a statement 251 00:12:47,613 --> 00:12:50,293 Speaker 2: win from the Chiefs coming up to Auckland, taking the 252 00:12:50,333 --> 00:12:53,933 Speaker 2: win off the defending champions. Yes, and round one, but 253 00:12:54,013 --> 00:12:55,773 Speaker 2: a wake up call for the Blues as well. I 254 00:12:55,813 --> 00:12:58,973 Speaker 2: really liked the way and it was almost by accidents. 255 00:12:59,013 --> 00:13:02,653 Speaker 2: In terms of Clayton McMillan talking about the minutes that 256 00:13:02,733 --> 00:13:04,413 Speaker 2: he was prepared to give some of his All Blacks 257 00:13:04,413 --> 00:13:09,253 Speaker 2: players given how they'd had shortened preparation and times coming 258 00:13:09,293 --> 00:13:12,893 Speaker 2: in off their holidays, etc. But the fact that they 259 00:13:12,893 --> 00:13:14,573 Speaker 2: could bring those players on at the end, they could 260 00:13:14,613 --> 00:13:17,773 Speaker 2: move McKenzie into ten and direct the team around in 261 00:13:17,813 --> 00:13:20,733 Speaker 2: the second half. I thought it was a statement win 262 00:13:20,733 --> 00:13:24,413 Speaker 2: from the Chiefs and that now makes things very very 263 00:13:24,413 --> 00:13:26,213 Speaker 2: interesting in the state of the competition. 264 00:13:27,413 --> 00:13:29,373 Speaker 4: It does, and a big win for the Chiefs because 265 00:13:29,413 --> 00:13:32,893 Speaker 4: of the context of last year, wasn't it and round 266 00:13:32,893 --> 00:13:35,173 Speaker 4: one that won't count for anything come to playoffs, But 267 00:13:35,613 --> 00:13:37,173 Speaker 4: it was a big win for the Chiefs because they 268 00:13:37,213 --> 00:13:40,453 Speaker 4: hadn't won in Auckland since twenty twenty. They got absolutely 269 00:13:40,453 --> 00:13:42,733 Speaker 4: plumped in the final last year very. 270 00:13:44,373 --> 00:13:44,933 Speaker 5: Despondent. 271 00:13:45,173 --> 00:13:47,333 Speaker 4: You know that the Eden Park was chock a fall 272 00:13:47,413 --> 00:13:50,213 Speaker 4: of Chiefs fans and they never really got into the contest. 273 00:13:50,253 --> 00:13:52,573 Speaker 4: And there's a number of players, the vast majority of 274 00:13:52,573 --> 00:13:55,373 Speaker 4: them in fact coming back again for another crack, as 275 00:13:55,373 --> 00:13:59,573 Speaker 4: well as Clayton McMillan, so there. 276 00:13:58,613 --> 00:13:59,973 Speaker 5: Would have been a chip on their shoulder. 277 00:14:00,173 --> 00:14:03,813 Speaker 4: And it was a contrasting match compared to the rest 278 00:14:03,813 --> 00:14:06,613 Speaker 4: of the realm, partly because of the way the Blues play, 279 00:14:06,693 --> 00:14:09,053 Speaker 4: partly because there's a bit of rain, So it was 280 00:14:09,053 --> 00:14:11,693 Speaker 4: a bit of a grind at times, but you're right, 281 00:14:11,773 --> 00:14:16,493 Speaker 4: the Chiefs bench had a massive impact and that might 282 00:14:16,533 --> 00:14:18,693 Speaker 4: not be the case every week, but it certainly worked 283 00:14:18,693 --> 00:14:21,933 Speaker 4: for them being able to bring on that level of 284 00:14:22,373 --> 00:14:26,813 Speaker 4: player to really you bring it home in the last quarter. 285 00:14:27,413 --> 00:14:30,173 Speaker 4: Where I think the Chiefs won that game was going 286 00:14:30,213 --> 00:14:32,413 Speaker 4: toe to toe with the Blues. You do that with 287 00:14:32,453 --> 00:14:37,733 Speaker 4: their pack and you take away their strength and it's 288 00:14:37,773 --> 00:14:39,613 Speaker 4: not like the Blues don't know where to turn, but 289 00:14:40,253 --> 00:14:41,853 Speaker 4: they need to have a few more tricks up their 290 00:14:41,893 --> 00:14:45,733 Speaker 4: sleeve because if you can compete with their pack, if 291 00:14:45,773 --> 00:14:50,173 Speaker 4: you can muscle up and stop that go forward, then 292 00:14:50,693 --> 00:14:53,093 Speaker 4: you really it can be a bit of a kryptonite. 293 00:14:53,133 --> 00:14:54,453 Speaker 5: That's been Cotta's blueprint. 294 00:14:55,133 --> 00:14:56,773 Speaker 4: How much of the blue is going to evolve it 295 00:14:56,813 --> 00:15:00,773 Speaker 4: because when you take it away, it does really have 296 00:15:01,173 --> 00:15:05,333 Speaker 4: a big impact. And Daman McKenzie has influence on that 297 00:15:05,373 --> 00:15:09,253 Speaker 4: game from as you mentioned, fallback and first five. He 298 00:15:09,333 --> 00:15:12,013 Speaker 4: really stamped his authority and said this is going to 299 00:15:12,013 --> 00:15:12,533 Speaker 4: be my year. 300 00:15:12,813 --> 00:15:15,013 Speaker 2: He did look I really like Josh Jacob. I think 301 00:15:15,053 --> 00:15:17,613 Speaker 2: he's a promising player. But we did see the lifted 302 00:15:17,653 --> 00:15:21,573 Speaker 2: intensity once McKenzie was able to run things at the 303 00:15:21,573 --> 00:15:23,333 Speaker 2: back end of the game. I thought Jacob didn't play 304 00:15:23,333 --> 00:15:25,373 Speaker 2: too badly, but it was just the quality of McKenzie 305 00:15:25,373 --> 00:15:28,333 Speaker 2: that shone through, the ability and confidence to take on 306 00:15:28,413 --> 00:15:31,173 Speaker 2: the line when the opportunity presented themselves. It was a 307 00:15:31,173 --> 00:15:33,333 Speaker 2: game where he just took it by the struff of 308 00:15:33,373 --> 00:15:36,533 Speaker 2: the neck and said we're coming away with the competition 309 00:15:36,613 --> 00:15:39,533 Speaker 2: points from Eden Parks and I thought it was a 310 00:15:39,653 --> 00:15:42,893 Speaker 2: really really good performance. The worrying thing for the Blues 311 00:15:42,933 --> 00:15:45,333 Speaker 2: as you touched on there was up front there strum 312 00:15:45,373 --> 00:15:48,573 Speaker 2: got man handled at times. The lineup was okay, they 313 00:15:48,733 --> 00:15:51,173 Speaker 2: pinched a wee bit of the Chiefs ball, but the 314 00:15:51,253 --> 00:15:55,973 Speaker 2: penalty count sixteen to six against the Blues. Discipline wise, 315 00:15:56,013 --> 00:16:00,093 Speaker 2: they were all over the show. They invited Damon Murphy 316 00:16:00,133 --> 00:16:03,773 Speaker 2: to penalize them, and I think this is going to 317 00:16:03,773 --> 00:16:06,413 Speaker 2: be really really interesting to see where they go to 318 00:16:07,693 --> 00:16:10,053 Speaker 2: in the next few weeks around this discipline. Lin Let's 319 00:16:10,093 --> 00:16:12,693 Speaker 2: move on now to the four sen ONEA Pacific. The 320 00:16:12,733 --> 00:16:15,013 Speaker 2: final match of the round, at least involving one of 321 00:16:15,053 --> 00:16:18,093 Speaker 2: the New Zealand based teams that we'll discuss in this 322 00:16:18,093 --> 00:16:23,253 Speaker 2: week's part of this was quite the game. Look at 323 00:16:23,893 --> 00:16:26,093 Speaker 2: at forty four to thirty one up one. I should 324 00:16:26,093 --> 00:16:30,213 Speaker 2: have won that game. They did enough, well almost did enough, 325 00:16:30,253 --> 00:16:33,013 Speaker 2: and that's going to be a loss that haunts them. 326 00:16:33,573 --> 00:16:36,333 Speaker 2: Having to play the Reds again this week still in Australia. 327 00:16:37,093 --> 00:16:39,613 Speaker 2: They should be heading over to brisl with their tails up, 328 00:16:39,653 --> 00:16:43,293 Speaker 2: but it's a game they lost. And promising signs from 329 00:16:43,293 --> 00:16:45,693 Speaker 2: Mauana but just not enough on the night and Perth. 330 00:16:46,813 --> 00:16:50,253 Speaker 4: Yeah, they will haunt Myna Elliott's I guess a RSI 331 00:16:50,853 --> 00:16:53,373 Speaker 4: improved performance on the whole, but to have that sort 332 00:16:53,373 --> 00:16:57,613 Speaker 4: of lead and to let it slip will be incredibly frustrating. 333 00:16:57,613 --> 00:16:59,373 Speaker 4: I think you saw all the work that they put 334 00:16:59,413 --> 00:17:02,973 Speaker 4: them throughout the year, the preseason, sorry, the impact of 335 00:17:03,133 --> 00:17:06,333 Speaker 4: the new coaching team that we've touched on Ardie Severe 336 00:17:06,373 --> 00:17:10,253 Speaker 4: coming in behind the scene and listing expectations. 337 00:17:10,733 --> 00:17:13,053 Speaker 5: But it doesn't count for anything if you don't finish 338 00:17:13,133 --> 00:17:13,493 Speaker 5: the job. 339 00:17:13,573 --> 00:17:17,893 Speaker 4: Person a traditionally tough place to go, the longest trip 340 00:17:18,173 --> 00:17:21,013 Speaker 4: and Super Rugby currently and as you mentioned, they've got 341 00:17:21,053 --> 00:17:23,653 Speaker 4: to go to the Reds this week, so look. Promising 342 00:17:23,693 --> 00:17:26,533 Speaker 4: signs on the whole from one, but those are the 343 00:17:26,573 --> 00:17:30,493 Speaker 4: sort of wins that you need to bank, and those 344 00:17:30,533 --> 00:17:32,573 Speaker 4: are the sort of wins that the Crusaders let slip 345 00:17:32,613 --> 00:17:35,413 Speaker 4: last year. I think they lost something l five or 346 00:17:35,453 --> 00:17:39,173 Speaker 4: six games by five or six points or less. And 347 00:17:39,693 --> 00:17:43,373 Speaker 4: good teams have that composure and when you're ten twelve 348 00:17:43,453 --> 00:17:46,613 Speaker 4: points up with five ten minutes ago, you just have 349 00:17:46,653 --> 00:17:47,453 Speaker 4: to close that out. 350 00:17:47,533 --> 00:17:50,413 Speaker 5: So they will. That will really hurt. 351 00:17:50,773 --> 00:17:52,773 Speaker 2: It will indeed, anything else you want to touch on 352 00:17:52,773 --> 00:17:55,053 Speaker 2: from the opening round, Liam, we didn't really touch on 353 00:17:55,053 --> 00:17:58,413 Speaker 2: the Blue Brumbies and drew a game, But anything else 354 00:17:58,413 --> 00:18:00,693 Speaker 2: that stands out from that opening week of Super Rugby, 355 00:18:01,773 --> 00:18:02,293 Speaker 2: I think. 356 00:18:02,133 --> 00:18:05,373 Speaker 4: It was just a great start, Elliott, I really don't 357 00:18:05,373 --> 00:18:08,653 Speaker 4: think you could have asked for much more. Want to 358 00:18:08,693 --> 00:18:11,893 Speaker 4: see that competitiveness. We want to see the Chiefs upsetting 359 00:18:11,933 --> 00:18:15,373 Speaker 4: the Blues. We want to see more on you know, 360 00:18:15,413 --> 00:18:19,693 Speaker 4: going close and knocking over teams. So long man continue. 361 00:18:20,053 --> 00:18:22,173 Speaker 2: Absolutely, We'll take a break here on Rugby Direct with 362 00:18:22,173 --> 00:18:24,173 Speaker 2: Habit Health. Come back with the second half of the 363 00:18:24,173 --> 00:18:25,973 Speaker 2: podcast after this. 364 00:18:25,973 --> 00:18:30,333 Speaker 1: This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fares. 365 00:18:33,213 --> 00:18:36,853 Speaker 2: Ever try try heads, sixty sec every tackle to tackle, 366 00:18:36,973 --> 00:18:41,613 Speaker 2: get up again, take him before I'm not. 367 00:18:41,853 --> 00:18:47,373 Speaker 3: It's Rugby Direct. You're back with Rugby Direct powered by 368 00:18:47,493 --> 00:18:48,133 Speaker 3: Habit Health. 369 00:18:48,173 --> 00:18:50,533 Speaker 2: Time now for our final four four rugby topics that 370 00:18:50,573 --> 00:18:52,773 Speaker 2: Liam and I will debate. Well, William, I think just 371 00:18:52,813 --> 00:18:56,813 Speaker 2: after we clicked off on the podcast last week, it 372 00:18:57,013 --> 00:18:59,773 Speaker 2: was news that broke that in the OS in New 373 00:18:59,853 --> 00:19:02,293 Speaker 2: Zealand Rugby head split New Zealand Rugby taking in the 374 00:19:02,293 --> 00:19:06,373 Speaker 2: OS to quart around the vacation of the sponsorship which 375 00:19:06,413 --> 00:19:09,853 Speaker 2: has three years to run at this point. Your reaction 376 00:19:09,933 --> 00:19:13,293 Speaker 2: to this and who's likely to win from this point 377 00:19:13,493 --> 00:19:15,653 Speaker 2: in this whole saga, is anyone likely to win? 378 00:19:16,973 --> 00:19:18,093 Speaker 5: No? No, No one will win. 379 00:19:18,173 --> 00:19:22,493 Speaker 4: Lawyers will win because because they're not cheap, good lawyers 380 00:19:22,533 --> 00:19:24,973 Speaker 4: don't come cheap and New Zealand ARABBI will need a 381 00:19:25,093 --> 00:19:28,973 Speaker 4: very good lawyer to take on Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Look, 382 00:19:28,973 --> 00:19:32,053 Speaker 4: this is a big story outlet because big business matters 383 00:19:32,173 --> 00:19:34,653 Speaker 4: and it funds the game from the top to the bottom. 384 00:19:34,973 --> 00:19:37,413 Speaker 4: So I know there's a lot of very nervous people 385 00:19:37,453 --> 00:19:39,733 Speaker 4: out there in the New jell and a Ragby community 386 00:19:39,773 --> 00:19:44,333 Speaker 4: about the three years still remaining on the ANOS contract 387 00:19:44,493 --> 00:19:46,813 Speaker 4: and the loss of revenue that. 388 00:19:48,253 --> 00:19:49,533 Speaker 5: Will come straight away. 389 00:19:50,213 --> 00:19:53,293 Speaker 4: And I guess the big question now is well, a 390 00:19:53,373 --> 00:19:56,213 Speaker 4: couple what one's going regby get out of the steel 391 00:19:56,933 --> 00:20:00,653 Speaker 4: and you'd imagine it would be protracted that legal fights 392 00:20:00,653 --> 00:20:05,093 Speaker 4: don't get wrapped up overnight. So whatever they recruit, they're 393 00:20:05,133 --> 00:20:07,773 Speaker 4: going to take a loss and lawyer's fees. And can 394 00:20:07,813 --> 00:20:12,013 Speaker 4: they find another sponsor to that to that level, you know, 395 00:20:12,173 --> 00:20:14,133 Speaker 4: there's not that many out there. It's a pretty tough 396 00:20:14,173 --> 00:20:16,373 Speaker 4: climber in the world. Maybe they can tap up one 397 00:20:16,373 --> 00:20:19,533 Speaker 4: of their Japanese sponsors, but we're talking big funds here. 398 00:20:20,493 --> 00:20:23,293 Speaker 4: You know, Front of Jersey sponsor for the All Blacks 399 00:20:23,333 --> 00:20:27,453 Speaker 4: doesn't come cheap anywhere between ten to fifteen million dollars 400 00:20:27,853 --> 00:20:28,413 Speaker 4: per year. 401 00:20:29,293 --> 00:20:32,333 Speaker 5: Can they find someone else at that level, well, at. 402 00:20:32,173 --> 00:20:34,093 Speaker 2: Their short notice, it's going to be very, very tough. 403 00:20:34,133 --> 00:20:36,053 Speaker 2: You know, these things don't happen overnight. There's a lot 404 00:20:36,093 --> 00:20:40,173 Speaker 2: of you know, charm offenses that happen before you even 405 00:20:40,213 --> 00:20:43,653 Speaker 2: get to putting incorn paper. And to try and do 406 00:20:43,733 --> 00:20:46,253 Speaker 2: it in a relatively short window. We know, the SEVENS 407 00:20:46,293 --> 00:20:47,973 Speaker 2: teams I think still going to be badged as in 408 00:20:48,053 --> 00:20:51,213 Speaker 2: the OS this weekend because they don't have the gear, 409 00:20:51,693 --> 00:20:54,533 Speaker 2: you know, to change around that in such a short 410 00:20:54,573 --> 00:20:57,053 Speaker 2: space of time. By the time the All Blacks and 411 00:20:57,053 --> 00:20:59,493 Speaker 2: the Black Fans take to the field, you would suspect 412 00:20:59,533 --> 00:21:02,333 Speaker 2: that there'll be clean skinned and maybe there's another sponsor 413 00:21:02,373 --> 00:21:04,653 Speaker 2: on board. But as I say that, these things do 414 00:21:04,733 --> 00:21:08,213 Speaker 2: take time to try and get into motion and to 415 00:21:08,373 --> 00:21:10,053 Speaker 2: fill a hole of what I understand is to be 416 00:21:10,133 --> 00:21:13,213 Speaker 2: upwards of US ten million dollars a year for New 417 00:21:13,293 --> 00:21:16,133 Speaker 2: Zealand Rugby is not going to be a quick fix. 418 00:21:16,333 --> 00:21:19,893 Speaker 2: And as you say, it's you know, there's not many 419 00:21:19,933 --> 00:21:21,613 Speaker 2: sponsors out there that are willing to part with that 420 00:21:21,653 --> 00:21:25,373 Speaker 2: money at short notice. These things do take a lot 421 00:21:25,373 --> 00:21:27,013 Speaker 2: of time to get into motion, so it's going to 422 00:21:27,053 --> 00:21:29,293 Speaker 2: be fascinating to see whether someone can plug the gap. 423 00:21:29,333 --> 00:21:33,293 Speaker 2: Whether it's exactly the amount that inios we're putting into 424 00:21:33,373 --> 00:21:36,733 Speaker 2: the books or whether it's a smaller amount, is going 425 00:21:36,773 --> 00:21:39,253 Speaker 2: to be very very interesting. But I think you're right. 426 00:21:39,293 --> 00:21:41,253 Speaker 2: I think it's only lawyers who are going to win. 427 00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:44,413 Speaker 2: They clearly and the US wrote a number on a napkin, 428 00:21:44,453 --> 00:21:46,893 Speaker 2: slid it across the tables New Zealand Rugby and said 429 00:21:47,173 --> 00:21:49,853 Speaker 2: this is what we're preparing to get out of the 430 00:21:49,893 --> 00:21:52,333 Speaker 2: deal with New Zealand. Rugby laughed that off and hence 431 00:21:52,373 --> 00:21:55,133 Speaker 2: why we're going to court. But it's hard to see 432 00:21:55,173 --> 00:21:58,613 Speaker 2: anyone but lawyers winning at this point. Watch the space 433 00:21:58,853 --> 00:22:01,773 Speaker 2: on that front topic number two. The question was asked 434 00:22:01,853 --> 00:22:05,333 Speaker 2: last week here on Rugby Direct Napes around whether Warren 435 00:22:05,373 --> 00:22:08,693 Speaker 2: Gatland will last until the next six nations got I 436 00:22:08,733 --> 00:22:11,573 Speaker 2: said no, You said yes, he has gone. Now is 437 00:22:11,613 --> 00:22:13,773 Speaker 2: it the right call and who's going to replace him? 438 00:22:15,093 --> 00:22:16,333 Speaker 5: Well? I think it is the right call. 439 00:22:16,773 --> 00:22:21,653 Speaker 4: I didn't expect the Welsh Ruby Union to follow through 440 00:22:21,653 --> 00:22:24,413 Speaker 4: on that decision, and by all accounts, depending on who 441 00:22:24,453 --> 00:22:27,933 Speaker 4: you believe, this was Gatlin's decision. 442 00:22:28,933 --> 00:22:30,013 Speaker 5: At least in the short term. 443 00:22:30,013 --> 00:22:34,613 Speaker 4: He's jumped before he's been pushed because you just couldn't 444 00:22:34,653 --> 00:22:36,533 Speaker 4: retain him. Long term should have happened at the back 445 00:22:36,613 --> 00:22:41,853 Speaker 4: end of last year misplaced loyalty. But yeah, it is 446 00:22:41,853 --> 00:22:44,213 Speaker 4: a big question about who comes in now. Do they 447 00:22:44,213 --> 00:22:47,693 Speaker 4: look to someone like a Michael Checker, Do they look 448 00:22:47,813 --> 00:22:52,333 Speaker 4: to someone in their domestic scene. I know they've brought 449 00:22:52,413 --> 00:22:55,533 Speaker 4: up the Cardiff coach as interim for the rest of 450 00:22:55,533 --> 00:22:55,813 Speaker 4: the year. 451 00:22:55,853 --> 00:22:57,893 Speaker 5: What if he gets a bit of a bounce, do 452 00:22:57,973 --> 00:22:58,813 Speaker 5: they retain him? 453 00:22:59,693 --> 00:23:02,533 Speaker 4: But I think we do also do nearly acknowledge that 454 00:23:02,813 --> 00:23:06,453 Speaker 4: whoever gets its faces a massive uphill task because the 455 00:23:06,493 --> 00:23:10,213 Speaker 4: problems run much deeper than he co which But I 456 00:23:10,253 --> 00:23:12,493 Speaker 4: think it was a poor decision to bring in Gats. 457 00:23:12,973 --> 00:23:14,213 Speaker 5: Yes, he had a lot of success. 458 00:23:14,333 --> 00:23:18,413 Speaker 4: I think he won three Grand Slams and you know 459 00:23:18,493 --> 00:23:21,533 Speaker 4: went to the World Cup semi finals with Wales. But 460 00:23:23,133 --> 00:23:25,893 Speaker 4: viewing him as a quick solution was very short sighted 461 00:23:26,253 --> 00:23:28,653 Speaker 4: and I think we've seen that come to fruition. 462 00:23:29,173 --> 00:23:31,573 Speaker 2: We have indeed, look, it's quite interesting to look back. 463 00:23:31,613 --> 00:23:36,533 Speaker 2: Wayne Pevack was sacked in twenty twenty two and replaced 464 00:23:36,533 --> 00:23:40,773 Speaker 2: by Gatland when PVAc won the Six Nations in twenty 465 00:23:40,773 --> 00:23:44,693 Speaker 2: twenty one. Yes, twenty twenty didn't go flash. Twenty twenty 466 00:23:44,733 --> 00:23:46,773 Speaker 2: two didn't go flash in terms of Six Nations and 467 00:23:47,093 --> 00:23:51,053 Speaker 2: other results. But clearly I think the point was missed 468 00:23:51,373 --> 00:23:53,493 Speaker 2: around it is that this team was on a slide 469 00:23:53,733 --> 00:23:56,413 Speaker 2: and they thought let's get a bloke back in who 470 00:23:56,453 --> 00:24:00,613 Speaker 2: knows well shrugby intimately and he can correct it. But 471 00:24:00,653 --> 00:24:03,693 Speaker 2: I think the problems are bigger than Wayne Pavac, than 472 00:24:03,733 --> 00:24:07,573 Speaker 2: Warren Gatland. But I don't think he was the right 473 00:24:07,573 --> 00:24:09,453 Speaker 2: coach for that point and time. And and you know, 474 00:24:09,453 --> 00:24:11,213 Speaker 2: the saying goes, you can't go home again. You know, 475 00:24:11,253 --> 00:24:14,973 Speaker 2: you try and do things again for a second time round. 476 00:24:15,133 --> 00:24:17,373 Speaker 2: You might have that nostalgia but it never quite works 477 00:24:17,413 --> 00:24:20,173 Speaker 2: out Eddie Jones, you know in Australia, he's back in Japan. 478 00:24:20,213 --> 00:24:21,893 Speaker 2: Things aren't working that flash room. 479 00:24:21,973 --> 00:24:22,213 Speaker 3: Again. 480 00:24:22,333 --> 00:24:24,333 Speaker 2: There's been football managers who have done the same thing. 481 00:24:24,373 --> 00:24:27,373 Speaker 2: It's very, very hard once you've left the place time's 482 00:24:27,373 --> 00:24:29,733 Speaker 2: gone by to go back and do it again, especially 483 00:24:29,733 --> 00:24:31,813 Speaker 2: when there are issues like that. And while Shrugby and 484 00:24:31,893 --> 00:24:35,173 Speaker 2: Franco Smith has been a link with the job, Simon 485 00:24:35,213 --> 00:24:38,813 Speaker 2: eased to be. You know, maybe you know Liam McDonald 486 00:24:38,893 --> 00:24:40,653 Speaker 2: or someone might might be in the mix from a 487 00:24:40,693 --> 00:24:43,213 Speaker 2: New Zealand perspective, but haven't heard his name particularly links. 488 00:24:43,213 --> 00:24:46,453 Speaker 2: Brad Moore, Crusader's assistant coaches had his name up in 489 00:24:46,573 --> 00:24:50,293 Speaker 2: lights as well when that news first broke, But seems 490 00:24:50,333 --> 00:24:53,413 Speaker 2: like they might go someone based on the European Continent 491 00:24:53,573 --> 00:24:54,293 Speaker 2: Topic number. 492 00:24:54,093 --> 00:24:56,093 Speaker 3: Three, should we just give the war Tars the title? Now? 493 00:24:56,333 --> 00:24:58,173 Speaker 3: We did answer this a little bit earlier on, but 494 00:24:58,773 --> 00:24:59,373 Speaker 3: is it the year? 495 00:25:00,613 --> 00:25:03,573 Speaker 4: Well, the way that they carried on like pork chops 496 00:25:03,613 --> 00:25:07,333 Speaker 4: Eliot after that victory, you'd think so certainly looked like 497 00:25:07,373 --> 00:25:10,773 Speaker 4: they'd won the championship. And look, I'm all for celebrating 498 00:25:10,773 --> 00:25:14,213 Speaker 4: your wins, but it does seem to be a bit 499 00:25:14,213 --> 00:25:17,493 Speaker 4: symptomatic of the Warrior tess you mentioned. You recall a 500 00:25:17,533 --> 00:25:20,373 Speaker 4: couple of years ago when they beat the Crusaders, and 501 00:25:20,493 --> 00:25:24,133 Speaker 4: you know, taking that scalp of the former seven time 502 00:25:24,213 --> 00:25:27,453 Speaker 4: champions is a big deal. But I think it just 503 00:25:27,493 --> 00:25:29,453 Speaker 4: needs to be a bit of ty hoe. You know, 504 00:25:29,653 --> 00:25:31,293 Speaker 4: just pull your head and look at Wii. But it's 505 00:25:31,293 --> 00:25:33,853 Speaker 4: only one game, it's only round one. You haven't won 506 00:25:33,893 --> 00:25:37,613 Speaker 4: anything yet. So yeah, it was interesting to see those 507 00:25:37,653 --> 00:25:40,773 Speaker 4: over the top reactions from the Tars and yeah, let's 508 00:25:40,813 --> 00:25:42,093 Speaker 4: just say they need to back it up now. 509 00:25:42,333 --> 00:25:44,373 Speaker 2: Yeah, I do think the competition needs the war Tis 510 00:25:44,413 --> 00:25:46,093 Speaker 2: to be strong in terms of crowd figures and that 511 00:25:46,173 --> 00:25:49,493 Speaker 2: Sydney presence. But yeah, it's just just hold your horses 512 00:25:49,493 --> 00:25:52,533 Speaker 2: a little bit, Fellows. Topic number four of the chiefs Now, 513 00:25:52,533 --> 00:25:54,653 Speaker 2: the competition favorites on the basis of what we saw 514 00:25:54,733 --> 00:25:55,613 Speaker 2: on Saturday night. 515 00:25:56,933 --> 00:25:58,973 Speaker 4: I wouldn't got that far. You know, don't rule out 516 00:25:59,013 --> 00:26:05,733 Speaker 4: the Canes yet, but no, look, I think i'd still 517 00:26:05,773 --> 00:26:08,973 Speaker 4: favor the Blues at this point in time, but clearly 518 00:26:09,013 --> 00:26:10,893 Speaker 4: they've got a lot of work to do. It's interesting, 519 00:26:10,933 --> 00:26:14,733 Speaker 4: isn't You Look at preseason and the Blues had a 520 00:26:16,213 --> 00:26:17,293 Speaker 4: patchy preseason. 521 00:26:18,053 --> 00:26:19,173 Speaker 5: You have players coming late. 522 00:26:19,213 --> 00:26:21,853 Speaker 4: Everyone has excuses, but there is none for the Blues 523 00:26:21,893 --> 00:26:22,973 Speaker 4: with the depth of their roster. 524 00:26:24,093 --> 00:26:25,813 Speaker 5: Mentally, maybe they weren't quite there. 525 00:26:26,373 --> 00:26:30,613 Speaker 4: Not too sure, but I think it's probably too early 526 00:26:30,653 --> 00:26:32,333 Speaker 4: to annoy the title favorites. 527 00:26:33,333 --> 00:26:34,773 Speaker 5: Look, the Chiefs have it all to. 528 00:26:34,813 --> 00:26:38,613 Speaker 4: Do and they have their expected them to be right 529 00:26:38,693 --> 00:26:41,573 Speaker 4: up there to win it last year. They've lost a 530 00:26:41,573 --> 00:26:45,533 Speaker 4: couple of finals that will be ingrained in them, won't they. 531 00:26:46,093 --> 00:26:49,813 Speaker 4: And Clayton McMillan is a very astute coach, but when 532 00:26:49,813 --> 00:26:51,973 Speaker 4: it comes to the big dance, hasn't hasn't quite made 533 00:26:52,013 --> 00:26:55,653 Speaker 4: the Chiefs lift. So personally, I'd love to see the 534 00:26:55,733 --> 00:26:58,213 Speaker 4: Chiefs to I think they've been building for a number 535 00:26:58,253 --> 00:27:01,093 Speaker 4: of years. They've got some very experienced figures in that team, 536 00:27:01,893 --> 00:27:04,293 Speaker 4: but they've just folded when it really mattered at the 537 00:27:04,293 --> 00:27:05,053 Speaker 4: back end of the year. 538 00:27:05,093 --> 00:27:06,813 Speaker 5: So they need to keep building. 539 00:27:06,813 --> 00:27:09,613 Speaker 4: But it was a mess monkey off their back to 540 00:27:09,693 --> 00:27:12,053 Speaker 4: knock over the title title defenders. 541 00:27:12,413 --> 00:27:13,893 Speaker 2: One thing I do think they need to do the 542 00:27:13,893 --> 00:27:15,853 Speaker 2: Blues is move Boden Barrett back into ten. I know 543 00:27:15,933 --> 00:27:18,133 Speaker 2: there are injuries on Sullivan's out for at least a 544 00:27:18,133 --> 00:27:20,053 Speaker 2: few weeks. He was in a cast last week at training. 545 00:27:20,053 --> 00:27:23,093 Speaker 2: Stephen Petefetta a couple of weeks away, so maybe it 546 00:27:23,133 --> 00:27:26,333 Speaker 2: was the horses for courses selection. But Boden Barrett is 547 00:27:26,333 --> 00:27:28,533 Speaker 2: the incombent all Blacks ten. He needs to be playing ten. 548 00:27:28,693 --> 00:27:30,293 Speaker 2: I think they're better with him at ten. We saw 549 00:27:30,333 --> 00:27:32,773 Speaker 2: what Damian McKenzie did when he slid into ten for 550 00:27:32,853 --> 00:27:37,813 Speaker 2: the Chiefs. I think for the purposes of this Blues team, 551 00:27:38,373 --> 00:27:40,893 Speaker 2: they need to get him into ten as much as possible. 552 00:27:41,573 --> 00:27:44,733 Speaker 2: Let's run through the picks from last week. A rarity 553 00:27:44,773 --> 00:27:47,813 Speaker 2: for me. I'm actually in the lead three or five 554 00:27:48,053 --> 00:27:51,013 Speaker 2: over the course of the weekend, so great news for 555 00:27:51,973 --> 00:27:54,453 Speaker 2: me personally. And you had two of five. 556 00:27:54,933 --> 00:27:57,653 Speaker 4: Well you enjoy that well at last, because history would 557 00:27:57,653 --> 00:27:59,133 Speaker 4: say it won't last. 558 00:27:59,253 --> 00:28:01,533 Speaker 2: I think you've won what the last two maybe three years? 559 00:28:02,173 --> 00:28:04,653 Speaker 2: So look, let's see if I can build on that 560 00:28:04,773 --> 00:28:08,253 Speaker 2: lead the games this week. Liam, Let's run through the 561 00:28:08,573 --> 00:28:11,373 Speaker 2: Friday Night Chiefs Crusaders. Do the Chiefs go two from two? 562 00:28:11,373 --> 00:28:14,933 Speaker 2: Of the Crusaders be smart at home, Elliott's. 563 00:28:15,293 --> 00:28:23,973 Speaker 4: Unfortunately for your Crusaders, the rebuild, it's a financial hurdle, mate. 564 00:28:23,973 --> 00:28:26,013 Speaker 3: The rebul goes two from two. Don't you worry? About that. 565 00:28:26,093 --> 00:28:29,533 Speaker 2: This is Rob Penny's time and the Crusaders will be 566 00:28:29,533 --> 00:28:31,333 Speaker 2: two from two after this weekend. 567 00:28:31,453 --> 00:28:32,893 Speaker 3: Read's more one of PACIFICA. 568 00:28:33,173 --> 00:28:35,893 Speaker 2: This is an interesting one Friday night sun Corpse Stadium, 569 00:28:35,933 --> 00:28:37,933 Speaker 2: Reds first game of the year after a first round 570 00:28:37,933 --> 00:28:40,733 Speaker 2: by Do more want to learn the lessons of last 571 00:28:40,733 --> 00:28:42,133 Speaker 2: week or do the Reds get the victory? 572 00:28:43,253 --> 00:28:45,213 Speaker 5: Look, I think it helps playing a game. 573 00:28:45,453 --> 00:28:48,053 Speaker 4: You should have a bit more cohesion and Miner will 574 00:28:48,053 --> 00:28:49,933 Speaker 4: take a lot out of that game despite the result. 575 00:28:49,973 --> 00:28:53,213 Speaker 4: But look less Kiss has done a brilliant job with 576 00:28:53,253 --> 00:28:58,373 Speaker 4: the Reds potentially coaching for a role and that walla 577 00:28:58,453 --> 00:29:01,173 Speaker 4: be set up as well. You've got Frase mcwright and 578 00:29:01,453 --> 00:29:03,373 Speaker 4: a number of quality players in that Reds team. They're 579 00:29:03,373 --> 00:29:05,453 Speaker 4: at home, so I'm going to go the Reds. 580 00:29:06,333 --> 00:29:08,093 Speaker 2: I'm going to go the Reds as well. Set it 581 00:29:08,133 --> 00:29:11,213 Speaker 2: out afternoon at McLean Park in Napier. It'll be dangerous 582 00:29:11,213 --> 00:29:16,613 Speaker 2: if there's Sunshine Hurricanes hosting the drawer in Napier. Really 583 00:29:16,613 --> 00:29:19,893 Speaker 2: disappointed with the drawer. I thought over the weekend against 584 00:29:19,933 --> 00:29:23,693 Speaker 2: a Brumby's team that was down on numbers, so they 585 00:29:23,693 --> 00:29:26,933 Speaker 2: haven't traditionally traveled well. But you know, maybe you know 586 00:29:27,053 --> 00:29:29,093 Speaker 2: the sights and sounds of Napier will spur them on. 587 00:29:29,133 --> 00:29:29,653 Speaker 3: What do you reckon? 588 00:29:30,693 --> 00:29:33,373 Speaker 4: No, Elliott, it won't. The Kynes will bounce back in 589 00:29:33,413 --> 00:29:36,053 Speaker 4: that game. And I did tip last week that it 590 00:29:36,093 --> 00:29:37,693 Speaker 4: could be a tough year for the Dura. I just 591 00:29:37,693 --> 00:29:42,293 Speaker 4: think first year head coach Queen Jackson. Yeah, it's hard 592 00:29:42,293 --> 00:29:44,533 Speaker 4: to step in in your first year, while will there'll 593 00:29:44,533 --> 00:29:46,333 Speaker 4: be a number of things that that are in place 594 00:29:46,373 --> 00:29:50,013 Speaker 4: there it was. I think the Brumbies had something like 595 00:29:50,093 --> 00:29:52,653 Speaker 4: six debutants, didn't they and a number of their front 596 00:29:52,733 --> 00:29:56,053 Speaker 4: line players missing. So that was a bad first up 597 00:29:56,053 --> 00:29:59,173 Speaker 4: loss for them four point defeats. So I think the 598 00:29:59,253 --> 00:30:02,733 Speaker 4: Canes will resign the Dura to OH and two. 599 00:30:03,333 --> 00:30:05,933 Speaker 2: Speaking of oh and two, the defending champions oh and 600 00:30:05,973 --> 00:30:08,853 Speaker 2: two as they visit the Glasshouse in Dunedin and the 601 00:30:08,893 --> 00:30:10,173 Speaker 2: Highlanders on Saturday night. 602 00:30:11,293 --> 00:30:13,253 Speaker 5: Well, you know what, Elliot, I wouldn't rule the Highlands out. 603 00:30:13,293 --> 00:30:16,453 Speaker 4: Going back home, Jammie Joseph will all stir the emotions 604 00:30:16,453 --> 00:30:20,173 Speaker 4: and no doubt, you know, play on the underdog status 605 00:30:20,213 --> 00:30:23,293 Speaker 4: that everyone will write them off, nobody gives them a 606 00:30:23,413 --> 00:30:28,493 Speaker 4: chance and try and stoke that sort of narrative. But no, 607 00:30:29,653 --> 00:30:32,093 Speaker 4: you can't go past the Blues and the depth that 608 00:30:32,133 --> 00:30:33,333 Speaker 4: they've got, so we'll tip them. 609 00:30:33,373 --> 00:30:35,333 Speaker 2: Okay, we're going roughly similar here on going the Blues 610 00:30:35,333 --> 00:30:37,533 Speaker 2: as well, and the Brumby's a rounding things out against 611 00:30:37,533 --> 00:30:42,093 Speaker 2: the Western Force in Canberra Saturday nights. The Brumby is 612 00:30:42,093 --> 00:30:45,013 Speaker 2: always difficult at home. Any chance the Force go over 613 00:30:45,053 --> 00:30:47,173 Speaker 2: and get the job done, No, I. 614 00:30:47,213 --> 00:30:50,653 Speaker 4: Can't see it, so we'll have to put that multi 615 00:30:50,733 --> 00:30:52,973 Speaker 4: in then all the faves. 616 00:30:53,013 --> 00:30:54,013 Speaker 5: It sounds like a sure thing. 617 00:30:54,133 --> 00:30:56,133 Speaker 2: Yeah, Well, apart from the Crusaders and the Chiefs, we're 618 00:30:56,333 --> 00:30:59,813 Speaker 2: exactly the same this weekend, so that could very well 619 00:31:00,093 --> 00:31:02,733 Speaker 2: be defining in terms of the first couple of weeks 620 00:31:02,773 --> 00:31:05,053 Speaker 2: of this tipping competition. Let's run things out with our 621 00:31:05,213 --> 00:31:08,693 Speaker 2: MVP voting. Our Super Rugby have got their own Player 622 00:31:08,693 --> 00:31:10,293 Speaker 2: of the Year coming in for the first time, long 623 00:31:10,333 --> 00:31:13,213 Speaker 2: over due. We're going to continue ours as well, which 624 00:31:13,253 --> 00:31:17,573 Speaker 2: is for the New Zealand based franchises. Only give me 625 00:31:17,613 --> 00:31:20,053 Speaker 2: a three two ones for this point of this week, Limb. 626 00:31:21,093 --> 00:31:23,253 Speaker 5: I'm going all backs this week. 627 00:31:23,293 --> 00:31:27,453 Speaker 4: Elliott will Jordan for three, Damien McKenzie for two and 628 00:31:27,653 --> 00:31:30,973 Speaker 4: Tather Tava Nahua for one. I just think they were 629 00:31:30,973 --> 00:31:34,453 Speaker 4: the standout performance for me, big, big influence on their 630 00:31:34,453 --> 00:31:37,733 Speaker 4: respective matches. I know the forwards to do the real work, 631 00:31:37,813 --> 00:31:39,573 Speaker 4: but the back to take the chocolates. 632 00:31:39,573 --> 00:31:42,293 Speaker 2: This week I'm actually going very very similar, but I'm 633 00:31:42,293 --> 00:31:46,093 Speaker 2: going Kyle Preston for three points out of the Crusaders 634 00:31:46,333 --> 00:31:50,253 Speaker 2: three tries on debut gave them some spark. We didn't 635 00:31:50,293 --> 00:31:53,053 Speaker 2: see much of Nah Hotham, but for Kyle Preston to 636 00:31:53,053 --> 00:31:55,613 Speaker 2: come on and do the sort of numbers that he 637 00:31:55,653 --> 00:31:57,413 Speaker 2: did across the park I thought was very impressive. 638 00:31:57,573 --> 00:31:59,773 Speaker 5: Mckenzrey very very tough to take, isn't it. 639 00:31:59,773 --> 00:32:05,573 Speaker 4: Elliott born and bred Wellington boy wearing the worst jersey 640 00:32:05,613 --> 00:32:08,173 Speaker 4: you could possibly wear and super rugby and doing it 641 00:32:08,333 --> 00:32:10,613 Speaker 4: against his former teammates. 642 00:32:10,613 --> 00:32:11,573 Speaker 5: It's very tough to take. 643 00:32:11,813 --> 00:32:15,253 Speaker 2: Streams well, look at the Hurricanes offered him a contract 644 00:32:15,293 --> 00:32:17,533 Speaker 2: and he turned it down. He saw the you know, 645 00:32:17,613 --> 00:32:21,773 Speaker 2: he saw the lights. That's the Promised Land and him 646 00:32:21,773 --> 00:32:24,933 Speaker 2: and no Hotham and we're going to form a dynamic combination. 647 00:32:24,973 --> 00:32:28,733 Speaker 2: Hopefully Hotham not too far away from returning. So big 648 00:32:28,733 --> 00:32:30,933 Speaker 2: week for the Crusaders and the MVP voting with Will 649 00:32:31,013 --> 00:32:33,853 Speaker 2: Jordan and Kyle Preston getting three points eats but it 650 00:32:33,893 --> 00:32:36,693 Speaker 2: is Damien McKenzie who leads early on on the basis 651 00:32:36,693 --> 00:32:38,893 Speaker 2: of two points. For both of us getting four, he 652 00:32:39,093 --> 00:32:41,653 Speaker 2: is topping the chart. So that all about to do 653 00:32:41,733 --> 00:32:45,053 Speaker 2: us for Rugby Direct for the week. Liam, thank you, 654 00:32:45,093 --> 00:32:47,933 Speaker 2: as always, we will well, I won't catch up with 655 00:32:47,973 --> 00:32:51,173 Speaker 2: you next week. You're heading abroad, so we'll catch up 656 00:32:51,213 --> 00:32:53,333 Speaker 2: in a fortnight. And Nick Bule is going to slide 657 00:32:53,333 --> 00:32:56,013 Speaker 2: in next week and take your place and hopefully ruin 658 00:32:56,093 --> 00:32:56,573 Speaker 2: your tipping. 659 00:32:58,293 --> 00:32:59,173 Speaker 5: Yeah, no, appreciate that. 660 00:32:59,853 --> 00:33:02,693 Speaker 4: No, he's he's a heavy hitterer, so I look forward 661 00:33:02,733 --> 00:33:04,293 Speaker 4: to listening to his contributions. 662 00:33:04,533 --> 00:33:05,333 Speaker 3: We'll catch you soon. 663 00:33:05,533 --> 00:33:08,293 Speaker 2: Liam travels safe and we'll be back next week here 664 00:33:08,333 --> 00:33:10,733 Speaker 2: on Rugby Direct, powered by Habit Health, tackling all your 665 00:33:10,733 --> 00:33:12,133 Speaker 2: aches and pains from sport and. 666 00:33:12,173 --> 00:33:19,133 Speaker 1: Work for more from news Talks at b Listen live 667 00:33:19,333 --> 00:33:22,053 Speaker 1: on air or online, and keep our shows with you 668 00:33:22,133 --> 00:33:25,133 Speaker 1: wherever you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio