1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:11,973 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B. 2 00:00:12,373 --> 00:00:16,133 Speaker 1: Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio, 3 00:00:19,253 --> 00:00:30,733 Speaker 1: Straight down the Middle, try get inside the game from 4 00:00:30,853 --> 00:00:34,893 Speaker 1: every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam 5 00:00:34,973 --> 00:00:37,053 Speaker 1: Napier powered by News Talks EDB. 6 00:00:38,093 --> 00:00:41,533 Speaker 2: Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by habit hel Physio. Book 7 00:00:41,573 --> 00:00:45,093 Speaker 2: today and stay in the game Rugby Direct Direct. Back 8 00:00:45,133 --> 00:00:48,933 Speaker 2: for our midweek podcast Elliott Smith and with me. Liam 9 00:00:49,013 --> 00:00:52,813 Speaker 2: Napier has been summed out through injury. Well, hopefully touch 10 00:00:52,853 --> 00:00:56,613 Speaker 2: base with Liam later next week. And then is Nick Bewley, 11 00:00:56,933 --> 00:00:59,773 Speaker 2: our Crusader's commentator to join us this week? Bills, thanks 12 00:00:59,813 --> 00:01:01,493 Speaker 2: for giving up some of your time and joining us 13 00:01:01,733 --> 00:01:02,733 Speaker 2: on Rugby Direct. 14 00:01:05,333 --> 00:01:05,573 Speaker 3: Ellie. 15 00:01:05,613 --> 00:01:08,093 Speaker 4: Always a pleasure and it goes to show, doesn't it? 16 00:01:08,173 --> 00:01:11,613 Speaker 4: Row to and Super Rugby Pacific. It's already taking a 17 00:01:11,653 --> 00:01:15,493 Speaker 4: toll on players and broadcasters. 18 00:01:14,773 --> 00:01:18,293 Speaker 2: And journalists, so my thoughts to Liam. Hopefully recovers absolutely 19 00:01:18,333 --> 00:01:21,853 Speaker 2: let's ripen to it. Dalton Papalletti announcing a couple of 20 00:01:21,933 --> 00:01:24,453 Speaker 2: days ago now that he is leaving New Zealand rugby 21 00:01:24,813 --> 00:01:28,293 Speaker 2: after the season. He only played one test last year. 22 00:01:28,813 --> 00:01:31,733 Speaker 2: He's played nine on forty tests for the All Blacks 23 00:01:31,773 --> 00:01:35,973 Speaker 2: but decided that he is out heading to Castra Olympeak 24 00:01:36,013 --> 00:01:40,613 Speaker 2: in France. Did this catch you by surprise, nekor did 25 00:01:40,853 --> 00:01:43,373 Speaker 2: that perhaps the interview gave with TVNZ the week before 26 00:01:43,453 --> 00:01:45,293 Speaker 2: signal that he might be on the way out. 27 00:01:46,213 --> 00:01:49,613 Speaker 4: Yeah? I suppose, without knowing the full extent of the 28 00:01:49,653 --> 00:01:53,453 Speaker 4: details and the timeline, part of me thought Dalton would 29 00:01:53,493 --> 00:01:55,893 Speaker 4: be one of those players who was clearly out of 30 00:01:55,893 --> 00:01:58,773 Speaker 4: favor under Scott Robertson that might stick around and at 31 00:01:58,853 --> 00:02:01,493 Speaker 4: least wait to see who the next All Blacks coaches 32 00:02:01,893 --> 00:02:05,333 Speaker 4: and push towards the twenty twenty seven Rugby World Cup 33 00:02:05,373 --> 00:02:09,973 Speaker 4: in terms of getting a flight over to Australia. So look, 34 00:02:10,413 --> 00:02:12,053 Speaker 4: this deal may have been done for all we know, 35 00:02:12,933 --> 00:02:16,173 Speaker 4: you know over the Christmas New Year period. I just 36 00:02:16,253 --> 00:02:20,133 Speaker 4: think I do wonder whether he has perhaps a little 37 00:02:20,133 --> 00:02:22,493 Speaker 4: bit of regret around the time, and given he spoke 38 00:02:22,573 --> 00:02:25,533 Speaker 4: so highly of his experience and the All Blacks fifteen 39 00:02:25,573 --> 00:02:28,133 Speaker 4: at the back end of last year with Jamie Joseph 40 00:02:28,173 --> 00:02:30,253 Speaker 4: who was the coach of that All Blacks fifteen team, 41 00:02:30,253 --> 00:02:33,253 Speaker 4: who is now one of only two realistic contenders to 42 00:02:33,333 --> 00:02:35,613 Speaker 4: replace Scott Robertson in the top All Blacks jobs. So 43 00:02:36,533 --> 00:02:38,933 Speaker 4: curious timing to say the least. But here's a guy 44 00:02:39,173 --> 00:02:42,213 Speaker 4: who's given plenty to the Blues in particular and New 45 00:02:42,333 --> 00:02:45,813 Speaker 4: Zealand rugby, and you current begrudge a player at this 46 00:02:45,853 --> 00:02:48,813 Speaker 4: point of his career looking at the riches of France. 47 00:02:48,973 --> 00:02:51,573 Speaker 2: Yeah, I can't blame him either. I think it's a 48 00:02:51,613 --> 00:02:54,333 Speaker 2: play going before his time, though I think he had 49 00:02:54,333 --> 00:02:56,253 Speaker 2: more to give the All Blacks Jersey. I don't think 50 00:02:56,253 --> 00:02:58,413 Speaker 2: he had a great Super rugby year last year, but 51 00:02:59,493 --> 00:03:01,773 Speaker 2: he's always delivered. I felt on the international stage in 52 00:03:01,813 --> 00:03:04,613 Speaker 2: the kind of open so flanket that I think maybe 53 00:03:04,613 --> 00:03:07,333 Speaker 2: the All Blacks have been searching for in terms of 54 00:03:07,453 --> 00:03:11,573 Speaker 2: luck basement for Sam Kine. Obviously, DSRVs lotted in at 55 00:03:11,613 --> 00:03:14,253 Speaker 2: seven most of the time last year, but in terms 56 00:03:14,253 --> 00:03:16,533 Speaker 2: of that that similarity is Sam Kaine. I think Golden 57 00:03:16,573 --> 00:03:19,093 Speaker 2: Papaletti had it. But he made his point clear that 58 00:03:19,173 --> 00:03:21,853 Speaker 2: he probably didn't gel with the All Blacks coaching staff 59 00:03:21,933 --> 00:03:25,293 Speaker 2: last year, didn't know that they'd be on the art obviously, 60 00:03:26,253 --> 00:03:28,013 Speaker 2: and when he didn't get selected for the end of 61 00:03:28,053 --> 00:03:29,813 Speaker 2: year tour last year, he had a clause in his 62 00:03:29,893 --> 00:03:32,373 Speaker 2: contract that meant he could head abroad. So I think 63 00:03:32,373 --> 00:03:33,253 Speaker 2: it's a lost in New Zealand. 64 00:03:33,293 --> 00:03:33,413 Speaker 4: Rag. 65 00:03:33,453 --> 00:03:35,853 Speaker 2: We certainly lost for the Blues as they go forward, 66 00:03:35,853 --> 00:03:39,333 Speaker 2: and look, I think you know he'll be He can 67 00:03:39,373 --> 00:03:43,333 Speaker 2: console himself if he's at any point disappointed or second 68 00:03:43,853 --> 00:03:46,893 Speaker 2: thinks the decision, he can go. Look, I'm probably getting 69 00:03:46,933 --> 00:03:49,413 Speaker 2: a pretty good payday out of out of it all. 70 00:03:49,773 --> 00:03:53,053 Speaker 2: Another news item in the last couple of days bulls 71 00:03:53,573 --> 00:03:56,773 Speaker 2: the AB's coaching timeline. This is from a colleague Liam, 72 00:03:56,813 --> 00:03:59,693 Speaker 2: of course, who said that it's probably still three weeks away. 73 00:04:00,053 --> 00:04:03,653 Speaker 2: I'm sure you ought exactly the same in box Facebook 74 00:04:03,653 --> 00:04:07,533 Speaker 2: messenger chats. Everything's blowing up with all sorts of theories. 75 00:04:08,533 --> 00:04:11,893 Speaker 2: McCaul is apparently in as an assistant coach. We've got 76 00:04:11,893 --> 00:04:14,853 Speaker 2: Hanson coming back. I think they're going to get Fred 77 00:04:14,853 --> 00:04:17,973 Speaker 2: Allen back in at some point too. So are you 78 00:04:18,053 --> 00:04:20,733 Speaker 2: surprised that it's taking perhaps this longer? Do you like 79 00:04:20,773 --> 00:04:23,693 Speaker 2: the way that they're going about doing their due diligence? 80 00:04:24,213 --> 00:04:24,453 Speaker 3: Yeah. 81 00:04:24,533 --> 00:04:27,773 Speaker 4: Look, outside of people asking me about who the Sam 82 00:04:27,853 --> 00:04:32,453 Speaker 4: Ruth kids, that has been the question I've been put to, 83 00:04:32,773 --> 00:04:34,893 Speaker 4: or put the most too, over the last six or 84 00:04:34,893 --> 00:04:35,413 Speaker 4: so weeks. 85 00:04:36,213 --> 00:04:38,373 Speaker 3: What is going on with this all? Blacks coaching situation. 86 00:04:38,813 --> 00:04:39,453 Speaker 3: I don't know, and. 87 00:04:39,453 --> 00:04:42,973 Speaker 4: I'm not going to add to the fuel by rumor 88 00:04:43,093 --> 00:04:45,653 Speaker 4: or scuttle. But here, however, based on Liam's report, and 89 00:04:45,693 --> 00:04:48,733 Speaker 4: I don't dismiss his reporting whatsoever, I'm not surprised to 90 00:04:48,773 --> 00:04:51,853 Speaker 4: hear that, you know, Interim CEO Steve Lancaster and former 91 00:04:51,893 --> 00:04:54,813 Speaker 4: All Black Dame Coles, who are on this panel, this 92 00:04:54,853 --> 00:04:58,413 Speaker 4: appointment panel, have gone to observe Jamie Joseph in his 93 00:04:58,573 --> 00:05:01,773 Speaker 4: environment at the Highlanders and then now heading to Japan 94 00:05:01,893 --> 00:05:06,013 Speaker 4: to do the same at Kobe with Dave Renni. Although 95 00:05:06,013 --> 00:05:09,173 Speaker 4: I do find that a little bit, I wonder what 96 00:05:09,293 --> 00:05:12,413 Speaker 4: sort of what they're actually going to see. I feel 97 00:05:12,413 --> 00:05:13,933 Speaker 4: like if my boss was coming down here to the 98 00:05:13,973 --> 00:05:17,213 Speaker 4: christ Church offers to observe how I was looking ahead 99 00:05:17,213 --> 00:05:19,733 Speaker 4: of a potential promotion, I'd probably act on my best behavior. 100 00:05:19,773 --> 00:05:22,813 Speaker 4: Maybe not, you know, compared to what I'm like, you know, 101 00:05:22,893 --> 00:05:25,893 Speaker 4: week and week out. Alas, I'm not surprised by the 102 00:05:26,333 --> 00:05:29,813 Speaker 4: timeline I was. I was pretty shocked to hear that 103 00:05:30,373 --> 00:05:32,093 Speaker 4: all of a sudden it sounded like an appointment could 104 00:05:32,133 --> 00:05:35,373 Speaker 4: be made last week, earlier this week. I think, you 105 00:05:35,373 --> 00:05:37,333 Speaker 4: know New Zealand Rugby that there is no real rush 106 00:05:37,373 --> 00:05:40,973 Speaker 4: in the sense of July as the first Test match. 107 00:05:41,333 --> 00:05:44,373 Speaker 4: I know there's been discussion around it being a potential distraction. 108 00:05:44,533 --> 00:05:47,813 Speaker 4: Well the Highlanders dismissed any notion of that by dispatching 109 00:05:47,853 --> 00:05:50,453 Speaker 4: the Crusaders last week, and I did hear and read 110 00:05:50,493 --> 00:05:54,653 Speaker 4: that Kobe had to win in the Japanese competition. So look, 111 00:05:54,693 --> 00:05:57,493 Speaker 4: I'm sort of pleased they're doing their due diligence and 112 00:05:57,853 --> 00:06:00,653 Speaker 4: taking their time because they ought to. It's it's the 113 00:06:00,653 --> 00:06:01,853 Speaker 4: top job in New Zealand rugby. 114 00:06:01,933 --> 00:06:03,933 Speaker 2: That's right. It's an important decision. They didn't get it 115 00:06:03,973 --> 00:06:07,093 Speaker 2: clearly right last time. By what transpires, they need to 116 00:06:07,093 --> 00:06:09,653 Speaker 2: get it right for the run to the Rugby World Cup. 117 00:06:09,693 --> 00:06:11,613 Speaker 2: And you're right, there is no real rush because if 118 00:06:11,613 --> 00:06:14,613 Speaker 2: they do appoint Dave Rennie, look he's contracted through until 119 00:06:15,133 --> 00:06:17,893 Speaker 2: May June with his Japanese club, and no amount of 120 00:06:17,933 --> 00:06:20,973 Speaker 2: New Zealand dollars is going to attempt Kobe to release 121 00:06:21,053 --> 00:06:24,173 Speaker 2: him early. You know, if Jammie Joseph were to be 122 00:06:24,213 --> 00:06:25,933 Speaker 2: appointed the job, they could maybe get him out of 123 00:06:25,933 --> 00:06:28,733 Speaker 2: the Highlanders. But I think you know, he said obviously 124 00:06:28,733 --> 00:06:30,653 Speaker 2: got to have a coach in the next couple of months, 125 00:06:30,693 --> 00:06:33,373 Speaker 2: but I don't think there's any point rushing into a decision, 126 00:06:33,413 --> 00:06:36,253 Speaker 2: And when they made the decision on January sixteenth, I 127 00:06:36,253 --> 00:06:38,693 Speaker 2: think it was to part ways with Scott robertson two 128 00:06:38,773 --> 00:06:41,853 Speaker 2: months or thereabouts felt about rights. In terms of announcement, 129 00:06:41,853 --> 00:06:45,293 Speaker 2: I think that's probably about where we'll land with this 130 00:06:45,373 --> 00:06:47,973 Speaker 2: All Blacks coaching job. Bill's News from your way. As 131 00:06:48,013 --> 00:06:51,773 Speaker 2: we get into the Super rgby teams, lesterfying Onnoku, would 132 00:06:51,813 --> 00:06:54,373 Speaker 2: you say dropped to the bench for this game against 133 00:06:54,413 --> 00:06:57,133 Speaker 2: the Brumbies on Sunday afternoon? He had a Barry Crocker 134 00:06:57,213 --> 00:07:01,333 Speaker 2: on the opening ground against the Highlanders. Not great defensively 135 00:07:01,533 --> 00:07:05,133 Speaker 2: dropped A lot of ball would be classified as being dropped. 136 00:07:05,653 --> 00:07:06,093 Speaker 3: I think so. 137 00:07:06,293 --> 00:07:10,133 Speaker 4: I think that's what it is, certainly bingch and look, 138 00:07:10,133 --> 00:07:12,213 Speaker 4: they had to get Will Jordan back there obviously after 139 00:07:12,293 --> 00:07:16,333 Speaker 4: not starting last week. They've got huge raps on shay 140 00:07:16,413 --> 00:07:18,133 Speaker 4: Fie Harkey on the wedding in terms of what he 141 00:07:18,173 --> 00:07:21,413 Speaker 4: can offer, particularly defensively and under the high ball. 142 00:07:21,733 --> 00:07:22,973 Speaker 3: They've got Sebby Reese. 143 00:07:23,733 --> 00:07:25,973 Speaker 4: My understanding during the bulk of pre season is that 144 00:07:26,053 --> 00:07:29,893 Speaker 4: Lester Fying Nuku trained primarily at center, so for me, 145 00:07:29,933 --> 00:07:31,573 Speaker 4: it was more a discussion around whether it will be 146 00:07:31,653 --> 00:07:35,413 Speaker 4: Lester fying Anoku or Brighton in or outside the skipper 147 00:07:35,533 --> 00:07:39,253 Speaker 4: David Harvey in the midfield. But look, it's been a 148 00:07:39,293 --> 00:07:43,093 Speaker 4: fascinating one for us down here because Lester fying Noku openly, 149 00:07:43,253 --> 00:07:45,293 Speaker 4: in fact, I sat next to him while he put 150 00:07:45,293 --> 00:07:48,333 Speaker 4: this on the record, declared himself that he wants to 151 00:07:48,373 --> 00:07:51,973 Speaker 4: showcase his versatility. He wants to have a familiar a 152 00:07:52,013 --> 00:07:54,333 Speaker 4: similar role sorry to what he had at Tulin in 153 00:07:54,453 --> 00:07:56,853 Speaker 4: terms of being a hybrid player where it's start games 154 00:07:56,853 --> 00:08:01,013 Speaker 4: in the midfield and finish them in the as a flanker. 155 00:08:02,213 --> 00:08:04,693 Speaker 4: It seems to me, having spoken of Rob Penny and 156 00:08:04,853 --> 00:08:07,333 Speaker 4: got comments from him on the record on Tuesday of 157 00:08:07,333 --> 00:08:11,373 Speaker 4: this week, that they're keen to sort of get back 158 00:08:11,413 --> 00:08:14,213 Speaker 4: to basics with Lester Fyingnook. You get, you know, declutter 159 00:08:14,293 --> 00:08:16,973 Speaker 4: the mind of the potential of playing as many as 160 00:08:17,013 --> 00:08:20,253 Speaker 4: three different positions across eighty minutes of rugby and just 161 00:08:20,293 --> 00:08:23,253 Speaker 4: get back to being the athlete we know he can be. 162 00:08:23,493 --> 00:08:26,373 Speaker 4: So it'll be fascinating actually to see where he comes on. 163 00:08:26,493 --> 00:08:30,973 Speaker 4: I suspect it'll be in the midfield, but based on 164 00:08:31,013 --> 00:08:34,413 Speaker 4: his performance last week drawn a line in the sand 165 00:08:34,413 --> 00:08:36,573 Speaker 4: here really to say you just can't drop that many balls, 166 00:08:36,653 --> 00:08:38,693 Speaker 4: You can't have those defensive reads that allowed for that 167 00:08:38,733 --> 00:08:42,413 Speaker 4: first Highlands try to Caleb Tonguey tell and I don't 168 00:08:42,413 --> 00:08:45,013 Speaker 4: mind it. I do worry, though there was a lot 169 00:08:45,013 --> 00:08:48,053 Speaker 4: of excitement about being a hybrid player, we may never 170 00:08:48,093 --> 00:08:49,653 Speaker 4: see this before it even got off the ground. 171 00:08:49,693 --> 00:08:51,613 Speaker 2: Well, that's right. I mean you don't think you'll see 172 00:08:51,693 --> 00:08:54,173 Speaker 2: him trotting at number eight in the second half against 173 00:08:54,213 --> 00:08:56,293 Speaker 2: the Brumbies and the christ which sun on Sunday afternoon. 174 00:08:57,293 --> 00:09:01,013 Speaker 3: I'm going to say no. And look, look they've got 175 00:09:01,013 --> 00:09:01,733 Speaker 3: Corey Callo there. 176 00:09:01,733 --> 00:09:03,573 Speaker 4: They've got plenty of depth in the loocifle trands, not 177 00:09:03,613 --> 00:09:07,013 Speaker 4: as if they need to. And I think it's always 178 00:09:07,093 --> 00:09:09,373 Speaker 4: just going to be based on the sea situation of 179 00:09:09,453 --> 00:09:11,733 Speaker 4: a game. But I think to get the best out 180 00:09:11,733 --> 00:09:14,213 Speaker 4: of lessa finding who's particularly early on he hasn't been 181 00:09:14,253 --> 00:09:17,573 Speaker 4: in a crusader's environments is twenty twenty three, they should 182 00:09:17,573 --> 00:09:21,093 Speaker 4: just primarily focus on home being the best center or 183 00:09:21,173 --> 00:09:23,253 Speaker 4: the best winger, if that's what they decide is his 184 00:09:23,333 --> 00:09:24,253 Speaker 4: best position. Yeah. 185 00:09:24,293 --> 00:09:26,413 Speaker 2: Not too many other surprises from the Super Rugby team 186 00:09:26,493 --> 00:09:30,533 Speaker 2: Namings Wednesday. We saw the Blues make a few changes 187 00:09:30,573 --> 00:09:33,053 Speaker 2: to their pack, none to the back line. Chiefs bring 188 00:09:33,053 --> 00:09:35,613 Speaker 2: in a couple of all wax Leroy Carter, Simon Parker 189 00:09:35,653 --> 00:09:38,533 Speaker 2: and Moni Nadawa come back in to their side to 190 00:09:38,573 --> 00:09:40,893 Speaker 2: head south to the Highlanders who have made just the 191 00:09:40,893 --> 00:09:42,853 Speaker 2: one change with Ethan the group coming back into the 192 00:09:42,853 --> 00:09:46,973 Speaker 2: starting side. The Hurricanes. We'll have Royguard and Billy Procter 193 00:09:47,093 --> 00:09:51,693 Speaker 2: coming off the bench. There's I think seven debutants, in fact, 194 00:09:51,733 --> 00:09:53,773 Speaker 2: ten debutants. I think it might be across the two 195 00:09:53,813 --> 00:09:57,093 Speaker 2: fifteens or two twenty threes rather from that, Hurricanes more 196 00:09:57,093 --> 00:09:59,213 Speaker 2: in a Pacific game, but not too many other surprises 197 00:09:59,653 --> 00:10:04,213 Speaker 2: from those respective sides, so probably a good chance you'll 198 00:10:04,533 --> 00:10:07,613 Speaker 2: to run through the weekend. And you've been handed Liam 199 00:10:07,653 --> 00:10:10,653 Speaker 2: Napiers tipping pen for the week. He got two of five. 200 00:10:10,733 --> 00:10:12,453 Speaker 2: I got one of five in the opening round. So 201 00:10:13,053 --> 00:10:15,533 Speaker 2: it wasn't the greatest in all honesty. 202 00:10:16,333 --> 00:10:17,933 Speaker 3: And what was your one? Sorry? 203 00:10:18,053 --> 00:10:21,693 Speaker 2: My one was the Chiefs beating the Blues. His two 204 00:10:21,733 --> 00:10:26,213 Speaker 2: were the Moratars in the Brumbies. I picked, we both 205 00:10:26,213 --> 00:10:28,933 Speaker 2: picked the Crusaders. I picked the Reds, we both picked 206 00:10:28,933 --> 00:10:32,813 Speaker 2: the drawer and I picked the Force. So yeah, tough 207 00:10:32,813 --> 00:10:35,573 Speaker 2: fold start to the tipping comp for both of us 208 00:10:35,613 --> 00:10:37,973 Speaker 2: in all honesty, so let's rip in to it. Hurricanes, 209 00:10:37,973 --> 00:10:41,933 Speaker 2: More one of pacifica gold sport, iHeartRadio seven O five 210 00:10:42,013 --> 00:10:44,373 Speaker 2: Friday Night More one with a good win in Fiji? 211 00:10:44,413 --> 00:10:47,293 Speaker 2: Can they back it up at sky Stadium Bules. 212 00:10:48,173 --> 00:10:50,253 Speaker 4: Oh, look, it's not out of the realms of possibility, 213 00:10:50,333 --> 00:10:54,133 Speaker 4: but you know, I know how much teams, how difficult 214 00:10:54,133 --> 00:10:56,533 Speaker 4: it is for teams coming back from Lao Toka, and 215 00:10:56,853 --> 00:10:59,053 Speaker 4: that's just evident based on Tana among his team sheet 216 00:10:59,053 --> 00:11:02,173 Speaker 4: here where he's made twenty two of a possible twenty 217 00:11:02,213 --> 00:11:04,853 Speaker 4: three changes. I think miracle fire Lung he's the only 218 00:11:04,893 --> 00:11:07,573 Speaker 4: survivor after his hat trick and he's been moved back 219 00:11:07,613 --> 00:11:10,173 Speaker 4: to the bench. While the Hurricanes, you know, it's effectively 220 00:11:10,573 --> 00:11:13,213 Speaker 4: a one week longer pre season. They've got a lot 221 00:11:13,253 --> 00:11:15,973 Speaker 4: of class on this team sheet. Jordy Barrett. Of course 222 00:11:16,013 --> 00:11:19,413 Speaker 4: back from Leinster firepower off the bench as you mentioned, 223 00:11:19,453 --> 00:11:21,813 Speaker 4: in the form of cameroy guards. So I can't go 224 00:11:21,893 --> 00:11:24,373 Speaker 4: past the cane training and particularly given I'm here covering 225 00:11:24,373 --> 00:11:27,093 Speaker 4: for Liam, I'm going to look after my own welfare. 226 00:11:27,173 --> 00:11:30,653 Speaker 2: Yeah, I was going to say the Super Round might be, 227 00:11:30,773 --> 00:11:33,293 Speaker 2: you know, a tough round for you if indeed you 228 00:11:33,373 --> 00:11:35,653 Speaker 2: were to tip against the Hurricanes when Liam heads it 229 00:11:35,693 --> 00:11:37,093 Speaker 2: down for that a bit later in the year. So 230 00:11:37,173 --> 00:11:39,373 Speaker 2: maybe just stick to the stick to the games, which 231 00:11:39,413 --> 00:11:42,093 Speaker 2: is exactly what I'm going to do. War Tars Fiji 232 00:11:42,093 --> 00:11:44,173 Speaker 2: and drew a good start from the war Tars last week. 233 00:11:44,213 --> 00:11:45,893 Speaker 2: I was really impressed by the way they kicked home 234 00:11:46,213 --> 00:11:48,213 Speaker 2: in the last twenty minutes against the Reds. I can't 235 00:11:48,253 --> 00:11:50,173 Speaker 2: see the drawer getting close on Friday. 236 00:11:50,613 --> 00:11:54,293 Speaker 4: Yeah, very encouraging signs from the war Atars. And it's 237 00:11:54,333 --> 00:11:56,493 Speaker 4: about time too, you know again, you look at that 238 00:11:56,613 --> 00:11:59,373 Speaker 4: the class on paper and it's about time that they 239 00:11:59,413 --> 00:12:04,173 Speaker 4: are really contender and super Rugby Pacific. We saw last 240 00:12:04,253 --> 00:12:08,653 Speaker 4: year the drewer terrible on the road and until there's 241 00:12:08,693 --> 00:12:11,853 Speaker 4: evidence to suggest otherwise, I think that could continue. 242 00:12:11,973 --> 00:12:14,093 Speaker 3: And yeah, Chipson for the task. 243 00:12:14,333 --> 00:12:17,933 Speaker 2: Highlander's Chief Saturday Night, seven oh five. Paul Allison, Brendan 244 00:12:18,013 --> 00:12:22,413 Speaker 2: Laney calling this one on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Interesting game, 245 00:12:22,733 --> 00:12:26,253 Speaker 2: the Chiefs obviously winning in round one. They weren't entirely convincing, 246 00:12:26,333 --> 00:12:28,413 Speaker 2: but still got the job done. Their favorites for the 247 00:12:28,453 --> 00:12:32,053 Speaker 2: title Highlanders get too home games at back to back 248 00:12:32,053 --> 00:12:34,733 Speaker 2: to start the season. What say you, where do you 249 00:12:34,733 --> 00:12:35,493 Speaker 2: see this one going? 250 00:12:36,173 --> 00:12:38,293 Speaker 4: You know, this is a tough one a call, and 251 00:12:38,333 --> 00:12:42,173 Speaker 4: perhaps I wouldn't say that a week ago, but kudos 252 00:12:42,213 --> 00:12:44,253 Speaker 4: to the Highlanders and you know, you look at them 253 00:12:44,253 --> 00:12:46,853 Speaker 4: without Fabian Holland and Dylan played here and then there's 254 00:12:46,853 --> 00:12:48,533 Speaker 4: a few question marks here in terms of how well 255 00:12:48,573 --> 00:12:51,093 Speaker 4: they can contend. We did see last year that they 256 00:12:51,093 --> 00:12:53,693 Speaker 4: started the season, whether real, hissin orw I think they 257 00:12:53,693 --> 00:12:56,453 Speaker 4: won two of their first three before the wheels completely 258 00:12:56,493 --> 00:13:00,333 Speaker 4: came off. So I'm going to go with the outside 259 00:13:00,773 --> 00:13:03,253 Speaker 4: the home team. I'm going to say they keep on 260 00:13:03,533 --> 00:13:06,533 Speaker 4: keeping on. Joan and Ariki's fiftieth game, I thought he 261 00:13:06,613 --> 00:13:10,933 Speaker 4: was super impressive, and in combination with Jacob Ruttamatavuki Niekins 262 00:13:11,213 --> 00:13:13,773 Speaker 4: and Caleb tonguingtown the back three, I really like Lucas 263 00:13:13,773 --> 00:13:18,653 Speaker 4: Casey at number eight. Yeah, I didn't see enough from 264 00:13:18,653 --> 00:13:21,533 Speaker 4: the Chiefs to convince that they're hitting their straps at 265 00:13:21,533 --> 00:13:23,053 Speaker 4: this point of the season, so I think they're a 266 00:13:23,053 --> 00:13:25,253 Speaker 4: little bit vulnerable. If you're ever going to beat the Chiefs, 267 00:13:25,333 --> 00:13:26,173 Speaker 4: I think it's now. 268 00:13:26,133 --> 00:13:28,573 Speaker 2: That's a big call. I'm going to go the Chiefs. Look, 269 00:13:28,813 --> 00:13:31,533 Speaker 2: but I can see the case for the Highlanders and boy, 270 00:13:31,573 --> 00:13:34,173 Speaker 2: if they win two from two, the drums are just 271 00:13:34,173 --> 00:13:35,813 Speaker 2: going to beat there a little bit louder, aren't they 272 00:13:35,813 --> 00:13:39,053 Speaker 2: fit for Jammie Joseph to be the All Blacks head coach. 273 00:13:39,133 --> 00:13:42,653 Speaker 2: Force in Blues nine thirty five on Saturday night and 274 00:13:42,773 --> 00:13:45,293 Speaker 2: jundle up in Western Australia, which I think is about 275 00:13:45,293 --> 00:13:48,693 Speaker 2: twenty k's outside of Perth. The usual stadiums being used 276 00:13:48,693 --> 00:13:52,973 Speaker 2: for the Women's Asia Cup, so they're basically playing on 277 00:13:52,973 --> 00:13:55,853 Speaker 2: this sort of suburban ground on Saturday night. But the 278 00:13:55,933 --> 00:13:59,133 Speaker 2: Force were pretty disappointing last week. The Blues were in 279 00:13:59,293 --> 00:14:02,813 Speaker 2: great but I fancy the Blues to get the job 280 00:14:02,813 --> 00:14:03,893 Speaker 2: done in Perth. What about you? 281 00:14:04,333 --> 00:14:08,213 Speaker 4: Yeah, similar with me. I've got some concerns regarding the 282 00:14:08,893 --> 00:14:13,613 Speaker 4: this year. I'd like to be corrected, but I think 283 00:14:13,693 --> 00:14:15,893 Speaker 4: they stand to be one of the sort of easier 284 00:14:15,933 --> 00:14:19,813 Speaker 4: beats weekend week out. So look, I think the Blues 285 00:14:20,133 --> 00:14:23,413 Speaker 4: they'll be disappointed. They were clunky, So we're many teams 286 00:14:23,493 --> 00:14:27,133 Speaker 4: last week, but I think were the week under their belts. Yes, 287 00:14:27,133 --> 00:14:28,973 Speaker 4: it is a tough road trip to get all the 288 00:14:28,973 --> 00:14:32,493 Speaker 4: way out to suburban Western Australia. But I think there's 289 00:14:32,573 --> 00:14:34,413 Speaker 4: enough class there that they should click in together and 290 00:14:34,453 --> 00:14:35,493 Speaker 4: get their first win of the season. 291 00:14:35,573 --> 00:14:37,893 Speaker 2: And the game you'll be calling Saturday, sorry, Sunday afternoon, 292 00:14:37,973 --> 00:14:42,013 Speaker 2: three thirty five Crusaders and Brumbies. The TB's got the 293 00:14:42,013 --> 00:14:44,213 Speaker 2: Brumbies as rank outside is at three forty to the 294 00:14:44,213 --> 00:14:49,133 Speaker 2: Crusaders one thirty. The Crusaders, you know, were clunky last 295 00:14:49,133 --> 00:14:50,933 Speaker 2: week and then they had the bench come on, looked 296 00:14:50,933 --> 00:14:53,493 Speaker 2: a little bit better, but the Brumbies rolled over the 297 00:14:53,493 --> 00:14:56,413 Speaker 2: top of a pretty poor forced team. This is a 298 00:14:56,413 --> 00:14:58,813 Speaker 2: fascinating game. Look, I think the Crusaders should win. I'm 299 00:14:58,813 --> 00:15:01,053 Speaker 2: gonna tip them, but you know, the Brumbies coming to 300 00:15:01,093 --> 00:15:04,333 Speaker 2: christ Jitch and getting up seat wouldn't necessarily be out 301 00:15:04,333 --> 00:15:06,653 Speaker 2: of the realms of possibility. Although I did note last 302 00:15:06,733 --> 00:15:08,693 Speaker 2: night and this stumby that the Brumbies have them won 303 00:15:08,733 --> 00:15:11,853 Speaker 2: in christ Jurge since the year two thousand, I believe. 304 00:15:12,453 --> 00:15:12,973 Speaker 3: Is that right? 305 00:15:13,093 --> 00:15:15,893 Speaker 4: Yeah? I did get some information through that they've never 306 00:15:15,933 --> 00:15:18,853 Speaker 4: won at Apollo Projects Stadium out in Addington. This is 307 00:15:18,893 --> 00:15:22,733 Speaker 4: the third to last game the Crusaders will host the 308 00:15:22,773 --> 00:15:26,213 Speaker 4: Highlanders and the Drawer here before moving into their shiny 309 00:15:26,253 --> 00:15:30,373 Speaker 4: new indoor arena in Central Town. But yeah, as you 310 00:15:30,413 --> 00:15:32,293 Speaker 4: read out those odds there, Elliot, it must have been 311 00:15:32,333 --> 00:15:34,373 Speaker 4: I was thinking gamble responsibly. 312 00:15:34,413 --> 00:15:36,333 Speaker 3: But there's a bit, there's a bit of value there. 313 00:15:36,653 --> 00:15:39,773 Speaker 4: I think this Brumbies team again, like I know, it's 314 00:15:39,813 --> 00:15:42,253 Speaker 4: the four, so how much do you read into piling 315 00:15:42,293 --> 00:15:47,173 Speaker 4: on fifty six points in the sun. But Charlie Klee 316 00:15:47,213 --> 00:15:49,453 Speaker 4: in the back roll and the way their back line 317 00:15:49,493 --> 00:15:53,133 Speaker 4: was humming. It's an afternoon game and the weather whether 318 00:15:53,133 --> 00:15:56,573 Speaker 4: it does look good for Sunday afternoon, I think the 319 00:15:56,653 --> 00:15:59,053 Speaker 4: Brumbies are in with the real sniff. I am going 320 00:15:59,133 --> 00:16:02,413 Speaker 4: to tip the Crusaders just in terms of history and 321 00:16:03,413 --> 00:16:06,773 Speaker 4: bounce back from a disappointing showing last week. 322 00:16:06,813 --> 00:16:09,493 Speaker 3: They get Fletcher Mule back as well as a starter. 323 00:16:09,853 --> 00:16:12,053 Speaker 4: They have to Mighty Williams off the bench as well 324 00:16:12,053 --> 00:16:16,453 Speaker 4: as will Jordan's starting. So they usually put away Australian 325 00:16:16,533 --> 00:16:20,133 Speaker 4: teams at home. But I'm like you, I wouldn't be 326 00:16:20,133 --> 00:16:23,293 Speaker 4: shocked if we're sitting here Monday and the Crusader's roun two. 327 00:16:23,453 --> 00:16:26,253 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it's much closer game than friends at 328 00:16:26,293 --> 00:16:30,013 Speaker 2: the tab. Looking at a couple more things before we 329 00:16:30,293 --> 00:16:33,533 Speaker 2: go the tipping comp. Of course, you can join us 330 00:16:33,533 --> 00:16:37,453 Speaker 2: on Rugby Direct podcast, just search it there on the website, 331 00:16:37,453 --> 00:16:39,333 Speaker 2: which is play Fantasy Rugby dot com. How did you 332 00:16:39,333 --> 00:16:41,333 Speaker 2: go first week in the fantasy bills? 333 00:16:41,533 --> 00:16:43,773 Speaker 4: Well, speaking of Charlie Calee, I see he was the 334 00:16:43,853 --> 00:16:46,933 Speaker 4: highest scoring player of the lot in round one, I 335 00:16:47,053 --> 00:16:51,213 Speaker 4: did not have Charlie cale and Bewley's battlers, which really 336 00:16:51,253 --> 00:16:53,773 Speaker 4: set me on the back foot. I put my faith 337 00:16:54,013 --> 00:16:57,893 Speaker 4: and Lester fining Anooko as my captain, and, like many 338 00:16:57,933 --> 00:17:01,933 Speaker 4: across the codes, play but a nral fantasy and the like. 339 00:17:02,053 --> 00:17:05,293 Speaker 4: The pressure, the weight of expectation to be a captain 340 00:17:05,613 --> 00:17:09,533 Speaker 4: and my fantasy teams is obviously too much for mere mortals. 341 00:17:09,573 --> 00:17:12,133 Speaker 4: And as you outlined earlier, Elliott to Lesta had a 342 00:17:12,133 --> 00:17:13,773 Speaker 4: bit of a shocker and is now finding himself on 343 00:17:13,813 --> 00:17:14,133 Speaker 4: the bench. 344 00:17:14,173 --> 00:17:15,933 Speaker 3: So I think I'm. 345 00:17:15,773 --> 00:17:19,533 Speaker 4: About sixty seventh of your ninety odd teams in the 346 00:17:19,613 --> 00:17:20,893 Speaker 4: Rugby Direct Fantasy comp. 347 00:17:20,893 --> 00:17:23,013 Speaker 3: But it is round one. I'll keep chpping away. 348 00:17:23,053 --> 00:17:25,293 Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm aout same sixty two out of one hundred 349 00:17:25,333 --> 00:17:26,933 Speaker 2: and three. If you want to join us, please do 350 00:17:27,253 --> 00:17:32,173 Speaker 2: on at Rugby Direct podcast, searching on the Fantasy website 351 00:17:32,253 --> 00:17:34,533 Speaker 2: and we are going to dig into the mailbag every 352 00:17:35,013 --> 00:17:39,293 Speaker 2: Thursday on Rugby Direct. Rugby Direct at inz dot co 353 00:17:39,533 --> 00:17:43,493 Speaker 2: dot nz. Producer Mark has dug through the mail bag. 354 00:17:43,573 --> 00:17:45,853 Speaker 2: Got time for one this week. This is an interesting 355 00:17:45,853 --> 00:17:48,653 Speaker 2: one actually from Steve. What was the point of Super 356 00:17:48,733 --> 00:17:51,173 Speaker 2: Rugby coming out and saying the two po vi try 357 00:17:51,213 --> 00:17:53,613 Speaker 2: should not have been awarded It was in the thirty 358 00:17:53,613 --> 00:17:55,093 Speaker 2: first minute of the game. I understand if it was 359 00:17:55,093 --> 00:17:56,853 Speaker 2: the last player of the game, but still plenty of 360 00:17:56,853 --> 00:17:59,373 Speaker 2: footy to be played. That's from Steve and the King 361 00:17:59,453 --> 00:18:01,853 Speaker 2: Country Love the pod guys, cheap smart. Thanks Steve for 362 00:18:02,053 --> 00:18:05,693 Speaker 2: your email. I'll throw this to you. Are you first buels? 363 00:18:06,293 --> 00:18:08,933 Speaker 2: We're Super Rugby right to come out and say that 364 00:18:08,973 --> 00:18:11,133 Speaker 2: tri shouldn't have been given the green light from Ben 365 00:18:11,133 --> 00:18:11,773 Speaker 2: O'Keeffe on the. 366 00:18:11,773 --> 00:18:15,373 Speaker 4: Night, I actually didn't mind the transparency, to be totally honest. 367 00:18:15,813 --> 00:18:19,093 Speaker 4: I think there is an element of gray with this 368 00:18:19,253 --> 00:18:22,973 Speaker 4: rule and cast my mind back to the British and 369 00:18:22,973 --> 00:18:25,693 Speaker 4: Irish Lions series last year. In fact, there was an 370 00:18:25,733 --> 00:18:29,493 Speaker 4: incident in the Six Nations Ireland game at the weekend 371 00:18:29,733 --> 00:18:31,733 Speaker 4: against Italy. I think it might have been Dan Sheen 372 00:18:31,813 --> 00:18:37,613 Speaker 4: again diving with the ball where it just seems like referees. 373 00:18:37,773 --> 00:18:41,093 Speaker 4: It's a little bit open for interpretation where the rule 374 00:18:41,133 --> 00:18:43,093 Speaker 4: has been in place of the law. Sorry, it has 375 00:18:43,093 --> 00:18:45,853 Speaker 4: been in place for some time now in terms you 376 00:18:45,973 --> 00:18:50,533 Speaker 4: can't dive, you know, into into a tackle or over 377 00:18:50,613 --> 00:18:53,453 Speaker 4: an attempted tackle. So I think it's more a case 378 00:18:53,573 --> 00:18:58,013 Speaker 4: of giving this publicity because of the nature of the law, 379 00:18:58,093 --> 00:19:01,053 Speaker 4: as opposed to we got this wrong, we got this right. 380 00:19:02,253 --> 00:19:04,293 Speaker 4: I cast my one back to the Crusaders Highlanders game, 381 00:19:04,293 --> 00:19:06,813 Speaker 4: and I know there was a couple of decisions there 382 00:19:06,893 --> 00:19:10,853 Speaker 4: that Crusaders weren't particularly happy with, but they didn't feel 383 00:19:10,853 --> 00:19:15,013 Speaker 4: like it needed a full blind forensic investigation and public 384 00:19:15,773 --> 00:19:20,373 Speaker 4: you know outcry over either. So personally I don't mind it, 385 00:19:20,653 --> 00:19:23,333 Speaker 4: particularly if we're now going to have more consistency for 386 00:19:23,693 --> 00:19:26,133 Speaker 4: a law that for me anyway, seems reasonably clear. 387 00:19:26,213 --> 00:19:29,093 Speaker 2: Yeah, it does seem pretty clear. On the night I 388 00:19:29,253 --> 00:19:31,333 Speaker 2: had a question mark over it. We talked about it 389 00:19:31,333 --> 00:19:33,573 Speaker 2: in the commentary box, but it wasn't beside a ruck, 390 00:19:33,653 --> 00:19:35,853 Speaker 2: so I thought that legally you could be able to 391 00:19:35,893 --> 00:19:37,893 Speaker 2: do it. But having seen the footage up closed and 392 00:19:37,933 --> 00:19:40,653 Speaker 2: replayed since then, you can see the Blues defenders I 393 00:19:40,653 --> 00:19:42,013 Speaker 2: think one of them is Bradley Slater and I can't 394 00:19:42,013 --> 00:19:43,573 Speaker 2: remember who the other one is, but they're clearly duck 395 00:19:43,573 --> 00:19:46,333 Speaker 2: and low and TUBOVII is going over the top to 396 00:19:46,453 --> 00:19:49,053 Speaker 2: evade a tackle. I think that's the nature of how 397 00:19:49,093 --> 00:19:52,213 Speaker 2: close in defenders are. They're taught to go low, close 398 00:19:52,253 --> 00:19:55,893 Speaker 2: to the line. I saw them coming. I leaped over 399 00:19:55,893 --> 00:19:59,813 Speaker 2: the top, clear breach of the rules. But I suspect 400 00:19:59,813 --> 00:20:03,053 Speaker 2: that they may need to clarify a few things just 401 00:20:03,133 --> 00:20:06,173 Speaker 2: around you know, when you can be taken in the year, 402 00:20:06,213 --> 00:20:09,133 Speaker 2: and various things, because there's been a few instants in 403 00:20:09,213 --> 00:20:12,053 Speaker 2: recent times of defenders jumping over the top try as given, 404 00:20:12,613 --> 00:20:15,853 Speaker 2: and defenders don't seem to know exactly when they're allowed 405 00:20:15,853 --> 00:20:18,173 Speaker 2: to make tackles in the year, if they're allowed to 406 00:20:18,213 --> 00:20:20,053 Speaker 2: make tackles in the year when players are in flight. 407 00:20:20,173 --> 00:20:22,653 Speaker 2: So I think we'll Rugby needs to come out and clarify. 408 00:20:22,733 --> 00:20:25,533 Speaker 2: But having seen the footage back subsequently, I think they 409 00:20:25,573 --> 00:20:27,093 Speaker 2: made the right call. And look, I don't mind them 410 00:20:27,133 --> 00:20:28,853 Speaker 2: coming out and saying that it was interesting to hear 411 00:20:28,853 --> 00:20:31,813 Speaker 2: from the Blues who basically were a bit frustrated by 412 00:20:31,933 --> 00:20:35,693 Speaker 2: the decision and raise the alarm on Saturday night, But also, 413 00:20:36,013 --> 00:20:38,253 Speaker 2: you know, applauding the transparency even though they don't get 414 00:20:38,413 --> 00:20:40,333 Speaker 2: five points back, and you know they had plenty of 415 00:20:40,373 --> 00:20:43,253 Speaker 2: time in that game to cancel out that Chiefs try 416 00:20:43,853 --> 00:20:46,413 Speaker 2: and they weren't good enough to do so, so five 417 00:20:46,453 --> 00:20:48,893 Speaker 2: points gone. But Vincotta made a point as well of 418 00:20:48,933 --> 00:20:51,813 Speaker 2: saying the postmatch that sometimes you've actually in this competition, 419 00:20:51,893 --> 00:20:53,973 Speaker 2: got to be happy with taking one point away from 420 00:20:54,013 --> 00:20:57,533 Speaker 2: the game. Sometimes that actually is a not bad return. 421 00:20:57,573 --> 00:20:59,333 Speaker 2: But having said that, they'll want a few more as 422 00:20:59,333 --> 00:21:02,333 Speaker 2: they head to Perth on Saturday night. Nick Bully, thank 423 00:21:02,333 --> 00:21:04,973 Speaker 2: you very much for your time on Rugby Direct. Look 424 00:21:05,013 --> 00:21:07,093 Speaker 2: forward to catching up on Monday after another big weekend 425 00:21:07,093 --> 00:21:10,133 Speaker 2: of Super Rugby. Some more Six Nations as well. Call 426 00:21:10,213 --> 00:21:11,413 Speaker 2: well on Sunday afternoon. 427 00:21:11,773 --> 00:21:13,213 Speaker 3: Appreciate that Elliott, cheers mate. 428 00:21:13,253 --> 00:21:15,813 Speaker 2: That is right me Direct powered by Habit Heath book 429 00:21:15,853 --> 00:21:17,933 Speaker 2: Today and stay in the game and thanks to Mark 430 00:21:17,973 --> 00:21:19,573 Speaker 2: Kelly producing, We'll see you Monday. 431 00:21:21,853 --> 00:21:24,533 Speaker 1: For more from News Talk sed B. Listen live on 432 00:21:24,573 --> 00:21:27,533 Speaker 1: air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever 433 00:21:27,613 --> 00:21:30,173 Speaker 1: you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.