WEBVTT - Rugby Direct - Episode 202 0:00:09.093 --> 0:00:11.973 You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B. 0:00:12.373 --> 0:00:16.133 Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio, 0:00:19.253 --> 0:00:30.733 Straight down the Middle, try get inside the game from 0:00:30.853 --> 0:00:34.893 every angle. It's Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam 0:00:34.973 --> 0:00:37.053 Napier powered by News Talks EDB. 0:00:38.093 --> 0:00:41.533 Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by habit hel Physio. Book 0:00:41.573 --> 0:00:45.093 today and stay in the game Rugby Direct Direct. Back 0:00:45.133 --> 0:00:48.933 for our midweek podcast Elliott Smith and with me. Liam 0:00:49.013 --> 0:00:52.813 Napier has been summed out through injury. Well, hopefully touch 0:00:52.853 --> 0:00:56.613 base with Liam later next week. And then is Nick Bewley, 0:00:56.933 --> 0:00:59.773 our Crusader's commentator to join us this week? Bills, thanks 0:00:59.813 --> 0:01:01.493 for giving up some of your time and joining us 0:01:01.733 --> 0:01:02.733 on Rugby Direct. 0:01:05.333 --> 0:01:05.573 Ellie. 0:01:05.613 --> 0:01:08.093 Always a pleasure and it goes to show, doesn't it? 0:01:08.173 --> 0:01:11.613 Row to and Super Rugby Pacific. It's already taking a 0:01:11.653 --> 0:01:15.493 toll on players and broadcasters. 0:01:14.773 --> 0:01:18.293 And journalists, so my thoughts to Liam. Hopefully recovers absolutely 0:01:18.333 --> 0:01:21.853 let's ripen to it. Dalton Papalletti announcing a couple of 0:01:21.933 --> 0:01:24.453 days ago now that he is leaving New Zealand rugby 0:01:24.813 --> 0:01:28.293 after the season. He only played one test last year. 0:01:28.813 --> 0:01:31.733 He's played nine on forty tests for the All Blacks 0:01:31.773 --> 0:01:35.973 but decided that he is out heading to Castra Olympeak 0:01:36.013 --> 0:01:40.613 in France. Did this catch you by surprise, nekor did 0:01:40.853 --> 0:01:43.373 that perhaps the interview gave with TVNZ the week before 0:01:43.453 --> 0:01:45.293 signal that he might be on the way out. 0:01:46.213 --> 0:01:49.613 Yeah? I suppose, without knowing the full extent of the 0:01:49.653 --> 0:01:53.453 details and the timeline, part of me thought Dalton would 0:01:53.493 --> 0:01:55.893 be one of those players who was clearly out of 0:01:55.893 --> 0:01:58.773 favor under Scott Robertson that might stick around and at 0:01:58.853 --> 0:02:01.493 least wait to see who the next All Blacks coaches 0:02:01.893 --> 0:02:05.333 and push towards the twenty twenty seven Rugby World Cup 0:02:05.373 --> 0:02:09.973 in terms of getting a flight over to Australia. So look, 0:02:10.413 --> 0:02:12.053 this deal may have been done for all we know, 0:02:12.933 --> 0:02:16.173 you know over the Christmas New Year period. I just 0:02:16.253 --> 0:02:20.133 think I do wonder whether he has perhaps a little 0:02:20.133 --> 0:02:22.493 bit of regret around the time, and given he spoke 0:02:22.573 --> 0:02:25.533 so highly of his experience and the All Blacks fifteen 0:02:25.573 --> 0:02:28.133 at the back end of last year with Jamie Joseph 0:02:28.173 --> 0:02:30.253 who was the coach of that All Blacks fifteen team, 0:02:30.253 --> 0:02:33.253 who is now one of only two realistic contenders to 0:02:33.333 --> 0:02:35.613 replace Scott Robertson in the top All Blacks jobs. So 0:02:36.533 --> 0:02:38.933 curious timing to say the least. But here's a guy 0:02:39.173 --> 0:02:42.213 who's given plenty to the Blues in particular and New 0:02:42.333 --> 0:02:45.813 Zealand rugby, and you current begrudge a player at this 0:02:45.853 --> 0:02:48.813 point of his career looking at the riches of France. 0:02:48.973 --> 0:02:51.573 Yeah, I can't blame him either. I think it's a 0:02:51.613 --> 0:02:54.333 play going before his time, though I think he had 0:02:54.333 --> 0:02:56.253 more to give the All Blacks Jersey. I don't think 0:02:56.253 --> 0:02:58.413 he had a great Super rugby year last year, but 0:02:59.493 --> 0:03:01.773 he's always delivered. I felt on the international stage in 0:03:01.813 --> 0:03:04.613 the kind of open so flanket that I think maybe 0:03:04.613 --> 0:03:07.333 the All Blacks have been searching for in terms of 0:03:07.453 --> 0:03:11.573 luck basement for Sam Kine. Obviously, DSRVs lotted in at 0:03:11.613 --> 0:03:14.253 seven most of the time last year, but in terms 0:03:14.253 --> 0:03:16.533 of that that similarity is Sam Kaine. I think Golden 0:03:16.573 --> 0:03:19.093 Papaletti had it. But he made his point clear that 0:03:19.173 --> 0:03:21.853 he probably didn't gel with the All Blacks coaching staff 0:03:21.933 --> 0:03:25.293 last year, didn't know that they'd be on the art obviously, 0:03:26.253 --> 0:03:28.013 and when he didn't get selected for the end of 0:03:28.053 --> 0:03:29.813 year tour last year, he had a clause in his 0:03:29.893 --> 0:03:32.373 contract that meant he could head abroad. So I think 0:03:32.373 --> 0:03:33.253 it's a lost in New Zealand. 0:03:33.293 --> 0:03:33.413 Rag. 0:03:33.453 --> 0:03:35.853 We certainly lost for the Blues as they go forward, 0:03:35.853 --> 0:03:39.333 and look, I think you know he'll be He can 0:03:39.373 --> 0:03:43.333 console himself if he's at any point disappointed or second 0:03:43.853 --> 0:03:46.893 thinks the decision, he can go. Look, I'm probably getting 0:03:46.933 --> 0:03:49.413 a pretty good payday out of out of it all. 0:03:49.773 --> 0:03:53.053 Another news item in the last couple of days bulls 0:03:53.573 --> 0:03:56.773 the AB's coaching timeline. This is from a colleague Liam, 0:03:56.813 --> 0:03:59.693 of course, who said that it's probably still three weeks away. 0:04:00.053 --> 0:04:03.653 I'm sure you ought exactly the same in box Facebook 0:04:03.653 --> 0:04:07.533 messenger chats. Everything's blowing up with all sorts of theories. 0:04:08.533 --> 0:04:11.893 McCaul is apparently in as an assistant coach. We've got 0:04:11.893 --> 0:04:14.853 Hanson coming back. I think they're going to get Fred 0:04:14.853 --> 0:04:17.973 Allen back in at some point too. So are you 0:04:18.053 --> 0:04:20.733 surprised that it's taking perhaps this longer? Do you like 0:04:20.773 --> 0:04:23.693 the way that they're going about doing their due diligence? 0:04:24.213 --> 0:04:24.453 Yeah. 0:04:24.533 --> 0:04:27.773 Look, outside of people asking me about who the Sam 0:04:27.853 --> 0:04:32.453 Ruth kids, that has been the question I've been put to, 0:04:32.773 --> 0:04:34.893 or put the most too, over the last six or 0:04:34.893 --> 0:04:35.413 so weeks. 0:04:36.213 --> 0:04:38.373 What is going on with this all? Blacks coaching situation. 0:04:38.813 --> 0:04:39.453 I don't know, and. 0:04:39.453 --> 0:04:42.973 I'm not going to add to the fuel by rumor 0:04:43.093 --> 0:04:45.653 or scuttle. But here, however, based on Liam's report, and 0:04:45.693 --> 0:04:48.733 I don't dismiss his reporting whatsoever, I'm not surprised to 0:04:48.773 --> 0:04:51.853 hear that, you know, Interim CEO Steve Lancaster and former 0:04:51.893 --> 0:04:54.813 All Black Dame Coles, who are on this panel, this 0:04:54.853 --> 0:04:58.413 appointment panel, have gone to observe Jamie Joseph in his 0:04:58.573 --> 0:05:01.773 environment at the Highlanders and then now heading to Japan 0:05:01.893 --> 0:05:06.013 to do the same at Kobe with Dave Renni. Although 0:05:06.013 --> 0:05:09.173 I do find that a little bit, I wonder what 0:05:09.293 --> 0:05:12.413 sort of what they're actually going to see. I feel 0:05:12.413 --> 0:05:13.933 like if my boss was coming down here to the 0:05:13.973 --> 0:05:17.213 christ Church offers to observe how I was looking ahead 0:05:17.213 --> 0:05:19.733 of a potential promotion, I'd probably act on my best behavior. 0:05:19.773 --> 0:05:22.813 Maybe not, you know, compared to what I'm like, you know, 0:05:22.893 --> 0:05:25.893 week and week out. Alas, I'm not surprised by the 0:05:26.333 --> 0:05:29.813 timeline I was. I was pretty shocked to hear that 0:05:30.373 --> 0:05:32.093 all of a sudden it sounded like an appointment could 0:05:32.133 --> 0:05:35.373 be made last week, earlier this week. I think, you 0:05:35.373 --> 0:05:37.333 know New Zealand Rugby that there is no real rush 0:05:37.373 --> 0:05:40.973 in the sense of July as the first Test match. 0:05:41.333 --> 0:05:44.373 I know there's been discussion around it being a potential distraction. 0:05:44.533 --> 0:05:47.813 Well the Highlanders dismissed any notion of that by dispatching 0:05:47.853 --> 0:05:50.453 the Crusaders last week, and I did hear and read 0:05:50.493 --> 0:05:54.653 that Kobe had to win in the Japanese competition. So look, 0:05:54.693 --> 0:05:57.493 I'm sort of pleased they're doing their due diligence and 0:05:57.853 --> 0:06:00.653 taking their time because they ought to. It's it's the 0:06:00.653 --> 0:06:01.853 top job in New Zealand rugby. 0:06:01.933 --> 0:06:03.933 That's right. It's an important decision. They didn't get it 0:06:03.973 --> 0:06:07.093 clearly right last time. By what transpires, they need to 0:06:07.093 --> 0:06:09.653 get it right for the run to the Rugby World Cup. 0:06:09.693 --> 0:06:11.613 And you're right, there is no real rush because if 0:06:11.613 --> 0:06:14.613 they do appoint Dave Rennie, look he's contracted through until 0:06:15.133 --> 0:06:17.893 May June with his Japanese club, and no amount of 0:06:17.933 --> 0:06:20.973 New Zealand dollars is going to attempt Kobe to release 0:06:21.053 --> 0:06:24.173 him early. You know, if Jammie Joseph were to be 0:06:24.213 --> 0:06:25.933 appointed the job, they could maybe get him out of 0:06:25.933 --> 0:06:28.733 the Highlanders. But I think you know, he said obviously 0:06:28.733 --> 0:06:30.653 got to have a coach in the next couple of months, 0:06:30.693 --> 0:06:33.373 but I don't think there's any point rushing into a decision, 0:06:33.413 --> 0:06:36.253 And when they made the decision on January sixteenth, I 0:06:36.253 --> 0:06:38.693 think it was to part ways with Scott robertson two 0:06:38.773 --> 0:06:41.853 months or thereabouts felt about rights. In terms of announcement, 0:06:41.853 --> 0:06:45.293 I think that's probably about where we'll land with this 0:06:45.373 --> 0:06:47.973 All Blacks coaching job. Bill's News from your way. As 0:06:48.013 --> 0:06:51.773 we get into the Super rgby teams, lesterfying Onnoku, would 0:06:51.813 --> 0:06:54.373 you say dropped to the bench for this game against 0:06:54.413 --> 0:06:57.133 the Brumbies on Sunday afternoon? He had a Barry Crocker 0:06:57.213 --> 0:07:01.333 on the opening ground against the Highlanders. Not great defensively 0:07:01.533 --> 0:07:05.133 dropped A lot of ball would be classified as being dropped. 0:07:05.653 --> 0:07:06.093 I think so. 0:07:06.293 --> 0:07:10.133 I think that's what it is, certainly bingch and look, 0:07:10.133 --> 0:07:12.213 they had to get Will Jordan back there obviously after 0:07:12.293 --> 0:07:16.333 not starting last week. They've got huge raps on shay 0:07:16.413 --> 0:07:18.133 Fie Harkey on the wedding in terms of what he 0:07:18.173 --> 0:07:21.413 can offer, particularly defensively and under the high ball. 0:07:21.733 --> 0:07:22.973 They've got Sebby Reese. 0:07:23.733 --> 0:07:25.973 My understanding during the bulk of pre season is that 0:07:26.053 --> 0:07:29.893 Lester Fying Nuku trained primarily at center, so for me, 0:07:29.933 --> 0:07:31.573 it was more a discussion around whether it will be 0:07:31.653 --> 0:07:35.413 Lester fying Anoku or Brighton in or outside the skipper 0:07:35.533 --> 0:07:39.253 David Harvey in the midfield. But look, it's been a 0:07:39.293 --> 0:07:43.093 fascinating one for us down here because Lester fying Noku openly, 0:07:43.253 --> 0:07:45.293 in fact, I sat next to him while he put 0:07:45.293 --> 0:07:48.333 this on the record, declared himself that he wants to 0:07:48.373 --> 0:07:51.973 showcase his versatility. He wants to have a familiar a 0:07:52.013 --> 0:07:54.333 similar role sorry to what he had at Tulin in 0:07:54.453 --> 0:07:56.853 terms of being a hybrid player where it's start games 0:07:56.853 --> 0:08:01.013 in the midfield and finish them in the as a flanker. 0:08:02.213 --> 0:08:04.693 It seems to me, having spoken of Rob Penny and 0:08:04.853 --> 0:08:07.333 got comments from him on the record on Tuesday of 0:08:07.333 --> 0:08:11.373 this week, that they're keen to sort of get back 0:08:11.413 --> 0:08:14.213 to basics with Lester Fyingnook. You get, you know, declutter 0:08:14.293 --> 0:08:16.973 the mind of the potential of playing as many as 0:08:17.013 --> 0:08:20.253 three different positions across eighty minutes of rugby and just 0:08:20.293 --> 0:08:23.253 get back to being the athlete we know he can be. 0:08:23.493 --> 0:08:26.373 So it'll be fascinating actually to see where he comes on. 0:08:26.493 --> 0:08:30.973 I suspect it'll be in the midfield, but based on 0:08:31.013 --> 0:08:34.413 his performance last week drawn a line in the sand 0:08:34.413 --> 0:08:36.573 here really to say you just can't drop that many balls, 0:08:36.653 --> 0:08:38.693 You can't have those defensive reads that allowed for that 0:08:38.733 --> 0:08:42.413 first Highlands try to Caleb Tonguey tell and I don't 0:08:42.413 --> 0:08:45.013 mind it. I do worry, though there was a lot 0:08:45.013 --> 0:08:48.053 of excitement about being a hybrid player, we may never 0:08:48.093 --> 0:08:49.653 see this before it even got off the ground. 0:08:49.693 --> 0:08:51.613 Well, that's right. I mean you don't think you'll see 0:08:51.693 --> 0:08:54.173 him trotting at number eight in the second half against 0:08:54.213 --> 0:08:56.293 the Brumbies and the christ which sun on Sunday afternoon. 0:08:57.293 --> 0:09:01.013 I'm going to say no. And look, look they've got 0:09:01.013 --> 0:09:01.733 Corey Callo there. 0:09:01.733 --> 0:09:03.573 They've got plenty of depth in the loocifle trands, not 0:09:03.613 --> 0:09:07.013 as if they need to. And I think it's always 0:09:07.093 --> 0:09:09.373 just going to be based on the sea situation of 0:09:09.453 --> 0:09:11.733 a game. But I think to get the best out 0:09:11.733 --> 0:09:14.213 of lessa finding who's particularly early on he hasn't been 0:09:14.253 --> 0:09:17.573 in a crusader's environments is twenty twenty three, they should 0:09:17.573 --> 0:09:21.093 just primarily focus on home being the best center or 0:09:21.173 --> 0:09:23.253 the best winger, if that's what they decide is his 0:09:23.333 --> 0:09:24.253 best position. Yeah. 0:09:24.293 --> 0:09:26.413 Not too many other surprises from the Super Rugby team 0:09:26.493 --> 0:09:30.533 Namings Wednesday. We saw the Blues make a few changes 0:09:30.573 --> 0:09:33.053 to their pack, none to the back line. Chiefs bring 0:09:33.053 --> 0:09:35.613 in a couple of all wax Leroy Carter, Simon Parker 0:09:35.653 --> 0:09:38.533 and Moni Nadawa come back in to their side to 0:09:38.573 --> 0:09:40.893 head south to the Highlanders who have made just the 0:09:40.893 --> 0:09:42.853 one change with Ethan the group coming back into the 0:09:42.853 --> 0:09:46.973 starting side. The Hurricanes. We'll have Royguard and Billy Procter 0:09:47.093 --> 0:09:51.693 coming off the bench. There's I think seven debutants, in fact, 0:09:51.733 --> 0:09:53.773 ten debutants. I think it might be across the two 0:09:53.813 --> 0:09:57.093 fifteens or two twenty threes rather from that, Hurricanes more 0:09:57.093 --> 0:09:59.213 in a Pacific game, but not too many other surprises 0:09:59.653 --> 0:10:04.213 from those respective sides, so probably a good chance you'll 0:10:04.533 --> 0:10:07.613 to run through the weekend. And you've been handed Liam 0:10:07.653 --> 0:10:10.653 Napiers tipping pen for the week. He got two of five. 0:10:10.733 --> 0:10:12.453 I got one of five in the opening round. So 0:10:13.053 --> 0:10:15.533 it wasn't the greatest in all honesty. 0:10:16.333 --> 0:10:17.933 And what was your one? Sorry? 0:10:18.053 --> 0:10:21.693 My one was the Chiefs beating the Blues. His two 0:10:21.733 --> 0:10:26.213 were the Moratars in the Brumbies. I picked, we both 0:10:26.213 --> 0:10:28.933 picked the Crusaders. I picked the Reds, we both picked 0:10:28.933 --> 0:10:32.813 the drawer and I picked the Force. So yeah, tough 0:10:32.813 --> 0:10:35.573 fold start to the tipping comp for both of us 0:10:35.613 --> 0:10:37.973 in all honesty, so let's rip in to it. Hurricanes, 0:10:37.973 --> 0:10:41.933 More one of pacifica gold sport, iHeartRadio seven O five 0:10:42.013 --> 0:10:44.373 Friday Night More one with a good win in Fiji? 0:10:44.413 --> 0:10:47.293 Can they back it up at sky Stadium Bules. 0:10:48.173 --> 0:10:50.253 Oh, look, it's not out of the realms of possibility, 0:10:50.333 --> 0:10:54.133 but you know, I know how much teams, how difficult 0:10:54.133 --> 0:10:56.533 it is for teams coming back from Lao Toka, and 0:10:56.853 --> 0:10:59.053 that's just evident based on Tana among his team sheet 0:10:59.053 --> 0:11:02.173 here where he's made twenty two of a possible twenty 0:11:02.213 --> 0:11:04.853 three changes. I think miracle fire Lung he's the only 0:11:04.893 --> 0:11:07.573 survivor after his hat trick and he's been moved back 0:11:07.613 --> 0:11:10.173 to the bench. While the Hurricanes, you know, it's effectively 0:11:10.573 --> 0:11:13.213 a one week longer pre season. They've got a lot 0:11:13.253 --> 0:11:15.973 of class on this team sheet. Jordy Barrett. Of course 0:11:16.013 --> 0:11:19.413 back from Leinster firepower off the bench as you mentioned, 0:11:19.453 --> 0:11:21.813 in the form of cameroy guards. So I can't go 0:11:21.893 --> 0:11:24.373 past the cane training and particularly given I'm here covering 0:11:24.373 --> 0:11:27.093 for Liam, I'm going to look after my own welfare. 0:11:27.173 --> 0:11:30.653 Yeah, I was going to say the Super Round might be, 0:11:30.773 --> 0:11:33.293 you know, a tough round for you if indeed you 0:11:33.373 --> 0:11:35.653 were to tip against the Hurricanes when Liam heads it 0:11:35.693 --> 0:11:37.093 down for that a bit later in the year. So 0:11:37.173 --> 0:11:39.373 maybe just stick to the stick to the games, which 0:11:39.413 --> 0:11:42.093 is exactly what I'm going to do. War Tars Fiji 0:11:42.093 --> 0:11:44.173 and drew a good start from the war Tars last week. 0:11:44.213 --> 0:11:45.893 I was really impressed by the way they kicked home 0:11:46.213 --> 0:11:48.213 in the last twenty minutes against the Reds. I can't 0:11:48.253 --> 0:11:50.173 see the drawer getting close on Friday. 0:11:50.613 --> 0:11:54.293 Yeah, very encouraging signs from the war Atars. And it's 0:11:54.333 --> 0:11:56.493 about time too, you know again, you look at that 0:11:56.613 --> 0:11:59.373 the class on paper and it's about time that they 0:11:59.413 --> 0:12:04.173 are really contender and super Rugby Pacific. We saw last 0:12:04.253 --> 0:12:08.653 year the drewer terrible on the road and until there's 0:12:08.693 --> 0:12:11.853 evidence to suggest otherwise, I think that could continue. 0:12:11.973 --> 0:12:14.093 And yeah, Chipson for the task. 0:12:14.333 --> 0:12:17.933 Highlander's Chief Saturday Night, seven oh five. Paul Allison, Brendan 0:12:18.013 --> 0:12:22.413 Laney calling this one on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Interesting game, 0:12:22.733 --> 0:12:26.253 the Chiefs obviously winning in round one. They weren't entirely convincing, 0:12:26.333 --> 0:12:28.413 but still got the job done. Their favorites for the 0:12:28.453 --> 0:12:32.053 title Highlanders get too home games at back to back 0:12:32.053 --> 0:12:34.733 to start the season. What say you, where do you 0:12:34.733 --> 0:12:35.493 see this one going? 0:12:36.173 --> 0:12:38.293 You know, this is a tough one a call, and 0:12:38.333 --> 0:12:42.173 perhaps I wouldn't say that a week ago, but kudos 0:12:42.213 --> 0:12:44.253 to the Highlanders and you know, you look at them 0:12:44.253 --> 0:12:46.853 without Fabian Holland and Dylan played here and then there's 0:12:46.853 --> 0:12:48.533 a few question marks here in terms of how well 0:12:48.573 --> 0:12:51.093 they can contend. We did see last year that they 0:12:51.093 --> 0:12:53.693 started the season, whether real, hissin orw I think they 0:12:53.693 --> 0:12:56.453 won two of their first three before the wheels completely 0:12:56.493 --> 0:13:00.333 came off. So I'm going to go with the outside 0:13:00.773 --> 0:13:03.253 the home team. I'm going to say they keep on 0:13:03.533 --> 0:13:06.533 keeping on. Joan and Ariki's fiftieth game, I thought he 0:13:06.613 --> 0:13:10.933 was super impressive, and in combination with Jacob Ruttamatavuki Niekins 0:13:11.213 --> 0:13:13.773 and Caleb tonguingtown the back three, I really like Lucas 0:13:13.773 --> 0:13:18.653 Casey at number eight. Yeah, I didn't see enough from 0:13:18.653 --> 0:13:21.533 the Chiefs to convince that they're hitting their straps at 0:13:21.533 --> 0:13:23.053 this point of the season, so I think they're a 0:13:23.053 --> 0:13:25.253 little bit vulnerable. If you're ever going to beat the Chiefs, 0:13:25.333 --> 0:13:26.173 I think it's now. 0:13:26.133 --> 0:13:28.573 That's a big call. I'm going to go the Chiefs. Look, 0:13:28.813 --> 0:13:31.533 but I can see the case for the Highlanders and boy, 0:13:31.573 --> 0:13:34.173 if they win two from two, the drums are just 0:13:34.173 --> 0:13:35.813 going to beat there a little bit louder, aren't they 0:13:35.813 --> 0:13:39.053 fit for Jammie Joseph to be the All Blacks head coach. 0:13:39.133 --> 0:13:42.653 Force in Blues nine thirty five on Saturday night and 0:13:42.773 --> 0:13:45.293 jundle up in Western Australia, which I think is about 0:13:45.293 --> 0:13:48.693 twenty k's outside of Perth. The usual stadiums being used 0:13:48.693 --> 0:13:52.973 for the Women's Asia Cup, so they're basically playing on 0:13:52.973 --> 0:13:55.853 this sort of suburban ground on Saturday night. But the 0:13:55.933 --> 0:13:59.133 Force were pretty disappointing last week. The Blues were in 0:13:59.293 --> 0:14:02.813 great but I fancy the Blues to get the job 0:14:02.813 --> 0:14:03.893 done in Perth. What about you? 0:14:04.333 --> 0:14:08.213 Yeah, similar with me. I've got some concerns regarding the 0:14:08.893 --> 0:14:13.613 this year. I'd like to be corrected, but I think 0:14:13.693 --> 0:14:15.893 they stand to be one of the sort of easier 0:14:15.933 --> 0:14:19.813 beats weekend week out. So look, I think the Blues 0:14:20.133 --> 0:14:23.413 they'll be disappointed. They were clunky, So we're many teams 0:14:23.493 --> 0:14:27.133 last week, but I think were the week under their belts. Yes, 0:14:27.133 --> 0:14:28.973 it is a tough road trip to get all the 0:14:28.973 --> 0:14:32.493 way out to suburban Western Australia. But I think there's 0:14:32.573 --> 0:14:34.413 enough class there that they should click in together and 0:14:34.453 --> 0:14:35.493 get their first win of the season. 0:14:35.573 --> 0:14:37.893 And the game you'll be calling Saturday, sorry, Sunday afternoon, 0:14:37.973 --> 0:14:42.013 three thirty five Crusaders and Brumbies. The TB's got the 0:14:42.013 --> 0:14:44.213 Brumbies as rank outside is at three forty to the 0:14:44.213 --> 0:14:49.133 Crusaders one thirty. The Crusaders, you know, were clunky last 0:14:49.133 --> 0:14:50.933 week and then they had the bench come on, looked 0:14:50.933 --> 0:14:53.493 a little bit better, but the Brumbies rolled over the 0:14:53.493 --> 0:14:56.413 top of a pretty poor forced team. This is a 0:14:56.413 --> 0:14:58.813 fascinating game. Look, I think the Crusaders should win. I'm 0:14:58.813 --> 0:15:01.053 gonna tip them, but you know, the Brumbies coming to 0:15:01.093 --> 0:15:04.333 christ Jitch and getting up seat wouldn't necessarily be out 0:15:04.333 --> 0:15:06.653 of the realms of possibility. Although I did note last 0:15:06.733 --> 0:15:08.693 night and this stumby that the Brumbies have them won 0:15:08.733 --> 0:15:11.853 in christ Jurge since the year two thousand, I believe. 0:15:12.453 --> 0:15:12.973 Is that right? 0:15:13.093 --> 0:15:15.893 Yeah? I did get some information through that they've never 0:15:15.933 --> 0:15:18.853 won at Apollo Projects Stadium out in Addington. This is 0:15:18.893 --> 0:15:22.733 the third to last game the Crusaders will host the 0:15:22.773 --> 0:15:26.213 Highlanders and the Drawer here before moving into their shiny 0:15:26.253 --> 0:15:30.373 new indoor arena in Central Town. But yeah, as you 0:15:30.413 --> 0:15:32.293 read out those odds there, Elliot, it must have been 0:15:32.333 --> 0:15:34.373 I was thinking gamble responsibly. 0:15:34.413 --> 0:15:36.333 But there's a bit, there's a bit of value there. 0:15:36.653 --> 0:15:39.773 I think this Brumbies team again, like I know, it's 0:15:39.813 --> 0:15:42.253 the four, so how much do you read into piling 0:15:42.293 --> 0:15:47.173 on fifty six points in the sun. But Charlie Klee 0:15:47.213 --> 0:15:49.453 in the back roll and the way their back line 0:15:49.493 --> 0:15:53.133 was humming. It's an afternoon game and the weather whether 0:15:53.133 --> 0:15:56.573 it does look good for Sunday afternoon, I think the 0:15:56.653 --> 0:15:59.053 Brumbies are in with the real sniff. I am going 0:15:59.133 --> 0:16:02.413 to tip the Crusaders just in terms of history and 0:16:03.413 --> 0:16:06.773 bounce back from a disappointing showing last week. 0:16:06.813 --> 0:16:09.493 They get Fletcher Mule back as well as a starter. 0:16:09.853 --> 0:16:12.053 They have to Mighty Williams off the bench as well 0:16:12.053 --> 0:16:16.453 as will Jordan's starting. So they usually put away Australian 0:16:16.533 --> 0:16:20.133 teams at home. But I'm like you, I wouldn't be 0:16:20.133 --> 0:16:23.293 shocked if we're sitting here Monday and the Crusader's roun two. 0:16:23.453 --> 0:16:26.253 Yeah, I think it's much closer game than friends at 0:16:26.293 --> 0:16:30.013 the tab. Looking at a couple more things before we 0:16:30.293 --> 0:16:33.533 go the tipping comp. Of course, you can join us 0:16:33.533 --> 0:16:37.453 on Rugby Direct podcast, just search it there on the website, 0:16:37.453 --> 0:16:39.333 which is play Fantasy Rugby dot com. How did you 0:16:39.333 --> 0:16:41.333 go first week in the fantasy bills? 0:16:41.533 --> 0:16:43.773 Well, speaking of Charlie Calee, I see he was the 0:16:43.853 --> 0:16:46.933 highest scoring player of the lot in round one, I 0:16:47.053 --> 0:16:51.213 did not have Charlie cale and Bewley's battlers, which really 0:16:51.253 --> 0:16:53.773 set me on the back foot. I put my faith 0:16:54.013 --> 0:16:57.893 and Lester fining Anooko as my captain, and, like many 0:16:57.933 --> 0:17:01.933 across the codes, play but a nral fantasy and the like. 0:17:02.053 --> 0:17:05.293 The pressure, the weight of expectation to be a captain 0:17:05.613 --> 0:17:09.533 and my fantasy teams is obviously too much for mere mortals. 0:17:09.573 --> 0:17:12.133 And as you outlined earlier, Elliott to Lesta had a 0:17:12.133 --> 0:17:13.773 bit of a shocker and is now finding himself on 0:17:13.813 --> 0:17:14.133 the bench. 0:17:14.173 --> 0:17:15.933 So I think I'm. 0:17:15.773 --> 0:17:19.533 About sixty seventh of your ninety odd teams in the 0:17:19.613 --> 0:17:20.893 Rugby Direct Fantasy comp. 0:17:20.893 --> 0:17:23.013 But it is round one. I'll keep chpping away. 0:17:23.053 --> 0:17:25.293 Yeah, I'm aout same sixty two out of one hundred 0:17:25.333 --> 0:17:26.933 and three. If you want to join us, please do 0:17:27.253 --> 0:17:32.173 on at Rugby Direct podcast, searching on the Fantasy website 0:17:32.253 --> 0:17:34.533 and we are going to dig into the mailbag every 0:17:35.013 --> 0:17:39.293 Thursday on Rugby Direct. Rugby Direct at inz dot co 0:17:39.533 --> 0:17:43.493 dot nz. Producer Mark has dug through the mail bag. 0:17:43.573 --> 0:17:45.853 Got time for one this week. This is an interesting 0:17:45.853 --> 0:17:48.653 one actually from Steve. What was the point of Super 0:17:48.733 --> 0:17:51.173 Rugby coming out and saying the two po vi try 0:17:51.213 --> 0:17:53.613 should not have been awarded It was in the thirty 0:17:53.613 --> 0:17:55.093 first minute of the game. I understand if it was 0:17:55.093 --> 0:17:56.853 the last player of the game, but still plenty of 0:17:56.853 --> 0:17:59.373 footy to be played. That's from Steve and the King 0:17:59.453 --> 0:18:01.853 Country Love the pod guys, cheap smart. Thanks Steve for 0:18:02.053 --> 0:18:05.693 your email. I'll throw this to you. Are you first buels? 0:18:06.293 --> 0:18:08.933 We're Super Rugby right to come out and say that 0:18:08.973 --> 0:18:11.133 tri shouldn't have been given the green light from Ben 0:18:11.133 --> 0:18:11.773 O'Keeffe on the. 0:18:11.773 --> 0:18:15.373 Night, I actually didn't mind the transparency, to be totally honest. 0:18:15.813 --> 0:18:19.093 I think there is an element of gray with this 0:18:19.253 --> 0:18:22.973 rule and cast my mind back to the British and 0:18:22.973 --> 0:18:25.693 Irish Lions series last year. In fact, there was an 0:18:25.733 --> 0:18:29.493 incident in the Six Nations Ireland game at the weekend 0:18:29.733 --> 0:18:31.733 against Italy. I think it might have been Dan Sheen 0:18:31.813 --> 0:18:37.613 again diving with the ball where it just seems like referees. 0:18:37.773 --> 0:18:41.093 It's a little bit open for interpretation where the rule 0:18:41.133 --> 0:18:43.093 has been in place of the law. Sorry, it has 0:18:43.093 --> 0:18:45.853 been in place for some time now in terms you 0:18:45.973 --> 0:18:50.533 can't dive, you know, into into a tackle or over 0:18:50.613 --> 0:18:53.453 an attempted tackle. So I think it's more a case 0:18:53.573 --> 0:18:58.013 of giving this publicity because of the nature of the law, 0:18:58.093 --> 0:19:01.053 as opposed to we got this wrong, we got this right. 0:19:02.253 --> 0:19:04.293 I cast my one back to the Crusaders Highlanders game, 0:19:04.293 --> 0:19:06.813 and I know there was a couple of decisions there 0:19:06.893 --> 0:19:10.853 that Crusaders weren't particularly happy with, but they didn't feel 0:19:10.853 --> 0:19:15.013 like it needed a full blind forensic investigation and public 0:19:15.773 --> 0:19:20.373 you know outcry over either. So personally I don't mind it, 0:19:20.653 --> 0:19:23.333 particularly if we're now going to have more consistency for 0:19:23.693 --> 0:19:26.133 a law that for me anyway, seems reasonably clear. 0:19:26.213 --> 0:19:29.093 Yeah, it does seem pretty clear. On the night I 0:19:29.253 --> 0:19:31.333 had a question mark over it. We talked about it 0:19:31.333 --> 0:19:33.573 in the commentary box, but it wasn't beside a ruck, 0:19:33.653 --> 0:19:35.853 so I thought that legally you could be able to 0:19:35.893 --> 0:19:37.893 do it. But having seen the footage up closed and 0:19:37.933 --> 0:19:40.653 replayed since then, you can see the Blues defenders I 0:19:40.653 --> 0:19:42.013 think one of them is Bradley Slater and I can't 0:19:42.013 --> 0:19:43.573 remember who the other one is, but they're clearly duck 0:19:43.573 --> 0:19:46.333 and low and TUBOVII is going over the top to 0:19:46.453 --> 0:19:49.053 evade a tackle. I think that's the nature of how 0:19:49.093 --> 0:19:52.213 close in defenders are. They're taught to go low, close 0:19:52.253 --> 0:19:55.893 to the line. I saw them coming. I leaped over 0:19:55.893 --> 0:19:59.813 the top, clear breach of the rules. But I suspect 0:19:59.813 --> 0:20:03.053 that they may need to clarify a few things just 0:20:03.133 --> 0:20:06.173