1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from Newstalk ZEDB. 3 00:00:12,987 --> 00:00:15,787 Speaker 2: In this part of the country, a few names spring 4 00:00:15,907 --> 00:00:19,067 Speaker 2: instantly to mine, most notably our next guest. He actually 5 00:00:19,067 --> 00:00:22,587 Speaker 2: played his first NBC rugby games for Counties while he 6 00:00:22,667 --> 00:00:24,547 Speaker 2: was still at school in two thousand and one, then 7 00:00:24,627 --> 00:00:27,467 Speaker 2: moved to Waycuttle in two thousand and four debut for 8 00:00:27,507 --> 00:00:29,827 Speaker 2: the Chiefs and five went on to become their all 9 00:00:29,907 --> 00:00:33,787 Speaker 2: time leading points scorer eight hundred and eighty six points 10 00:00:33,787 --> 00:00:36,347 Speaker 2: and one hundred and five matches, still second only to 11 00:00:36,547 --> 00:00:39,507 Speaker 2: Damien Mackenzie. Played for the New Zealand under twenty one 12 00:00:39,587 --> 00:00:41,307 Speaker 2: so the junior All Blacks, and made his full All 13 00:00:41,307 --> 00:00:45,107 Speaker 2: Blacks debut against England in two thousand and eight. Went 14 00:00:45,147 --> 00:00:47,507 Speaker 2: on to play twenty five times for the All Blacks, 15 00:00:47,827 --> 00:00:51,467 Speaker 2: including twenty three Test matches, the last of which provided 16 00:00:51,507 --> 00:00:54,947 Speaker 2: one of the most iconic moments in our sporting history. 17 00:00:55,387 --> 00:00:58,467 Speaker 3: Thirty five out dead in front, he moves in. He 18 00:00:58,707 --> 00:01:00,467 Speaker 3: likes it. There's a little skimmin that's. 19 00:01:00,387 --> 00:01:04,667 Speaker 1: Over hay Well and he's already back at the twenty two. 20 00:01:05,467 --> 00:01:07,067 Speaker 3: Stephen Dunnell packed up. 21 00:01:07,347 --> 00:01:09,227 Speaker 2: Everyone knows where they were when he kicked that goal 22 00:01:09,267 --> 00:01:11,587 Speaker 2: in the twenty eleven Rugby World Cup Finals. Since then, 23 00:01:11,627 --> 00:01:15,787 Speaker 2: he's been and continues to be a radio host, podcaster, entrepreneur, 24 00:01:15,947 --> 00:01:21,027 Speaker 2: rugby coach and commentator, analyst with Skysport and universally has 25 00:01:21,067 --> 00:01:22,827 Speaker 2: Beaver Stephen Donald, Nice to see. 26 00:01:22,707 --> 00:01:25,667 Speaker 3: You, mate, great beer pony, How you mate, I'm very good. 27 00:01:25,747 --> 00:01:26,547 Speaker 3: It's so good to see you. 28 00:01:26,587 --> 00:01:28,267 Speaker 2: Can you go anywhere in this town without us being 29 00:01:28,267 --> 00:01:30,427 Speaker 2: asked for a selfie or will we stop for a chat? 30 00:01:31,187 --> 00:01:34,707 Speaker 4: It's good, it's I don't live in Hamilton anymore, but 31 00:01:34,747 --> 00:01:37,827 Speaker 4: I've been down all morning watching my beautiful nieces play 32 00:01:37,947 --> 00:01:39,747 Speaker 4: netball to start with at eight point thirty and then 33 00:01:39,827 --> 00:01:40,907 Speaker 4: hockey at ten thirty. 34 00:01:41,467 --> 00:01:43,387 Speaker 3: And yeah, I love being down here. 35 00:01:43,387 --> 00:01:46,107 Speaker 4: It's a wonderful public And yeah, he said, it's a 36 00:01:46,107 --> 00:01:49,907 Speaker 4: wonderful part of my life. And I always feel like, 37 00:01:50,187 --> 00:01:53,507 Speaker 4: you know, obviously born and bred Wayuku, but this always 38 00:01:53,547 --> 00:01:55,787 Speaker 4: I talk about home. This is you know, sitting there 39 00:01:55,787 --> 00:01:57,387 Speaker 4: a place that I feel like it's home for me. 40 00:01:57,427 --> 00:01:59,507 Speaker 2: You know, good on your mate, Well you look right 41 00:01:59,507 --> 00:02:02,787 Speaker 2: at home now last night or yesterday late afternoon. You 42 00:02:02,867 --> 00:02:06,627 Speaker 2: coach the Classics against the PACIFICA Legends and even park 43 00:02:06,627 --> 00:02:07,107 Speaker 2: how would that go. 44 00:02:07,427 --> 00:02:08,067 Speaker 3: Yeah, it was good. 45 00:02:09,027 --> 00:02:13,547 Speaker 4: If anyone saw it on Sky TV last night, you'd 46 00:02:13,587 --> 00:02:16,987 Speaker 4: have had a laugh. Obviously, a lot of us, well, 47 00:02:17,107 --> 00:02:19,227 Speaker 4: a lot of us, all of us well and truly passed, 48 00:02:19,227 --> 00:02:23,707 Speaker 4: are used by date, but great fun and a great concept. 49 00:02:24,147 --> 00:02:24,467 Speaker 3: Of course. 50 00:02:24,507 --> 00:02:26,547 Speaker 4: Classics is born out of the Classic All Blacks that 51 00:02:26,627 --> 00:02:30,627 Speaker 4: the Great Andy, the late great Andy Hayden was the 52 00:02:30,667 --> 00:02:34,507 Speaker 4: big driving force behind it, and then a wonderful, wonderful story. 53 00:02:35,107 --> 00:02:37,307 Speaker 4: His kids now have picked up the bet and then 54 00:02:38,267 --> 00:02:41,667 Speaker 4: just called the Classics, obviously due to legal reasons, but 55 00:02:42,427 --> 00:02:45,307 Speaker 4: they're running it. And although it's a lot of fun 56 00:02:45,347 --> 00:02:48,947 Speaker 4: for the guys to get together and play games and socialize, 57 00:02:48,987 --> 00:02:54,267 Speaker 4: it really is a wonderful void filled for guys post career. 58 00:02:54,387 --> 00:02:58,627 Speaker 4: And you know, we do live a wonderful life as 59 00:02:58,627 --> 00:02:59,747 Speaker 4: far as our careers go. 60 00:03:00,267 --> 00:03:03,027 Speaker 3: But you know, and it shouldn't. We don't feel sorry 61 00:03:03,067 --> 00:03:03,867 Speaker 3: for yourselves. 62 00:03:03,907 --> 00:03:06,707 Speaker 4: But once you walk out of an environment where you've 63 00:03:06,707 --> 00:03:08,707 Speaker 4: got thirty five of your best mates and your front 64 00:03:08,707 --> 00:03:11,907 Speaker 4: out into what I call the real world, it's it 65 00:03:11,987 --> 00:03:15,187 Speaker 4: can be harsh, and things like getting to give up 66 00:03:15,507 --> 00:03:17,107 Speaker 4: a couple of times a year or whatever, like the 67 00:03:17,147 --> 00:03:20,227 Speaker 4: Haydens are now carrying on is wonderful and they're doing 68 00:03:20,267 --> 00:03:22,507 Speaker 4: God's work as far as I'm concerned in a small way, 69 00:03:22,587 --> 00:03:25,067 Speaker 4: for the for the rugby players. I mean, we've got 70 00:03:25,107 --> 00:03:28,627 Speaker 4: a great game next week against fong and Nui at 71 00:03:28,627 --> 00:03:33,467 Speaker 4: the legendary Cooks Garden. And again, although it's wonderful for 72 00:03:33,587 --> 00:03:38,147 Speaker 4: us to get together as former teammates and opponents. Also, 73 00:03:38,187 --> 00:03:40,027 Speaker 4: I love the thing that the last couple of years, 74 00:03:40,427 --> 00:03:42,307 Speaker 4: last year we went to Fongolai and played in Northland. 75 00:03:42,467 --> 00:03:47,107 Speaker 4: This year Cooks Garden Wanganui MPC team is people like, 76 00:03:47,187 --> 00:03:49,667 Speaker 4: the names are pretty impressive and next week's team is 77 00:03:49,707 --> 00:03:51,867 Speaker 4: even more blockbust than the last night's team. And the 78 00:03:51,907 --> 00:03:55,867 Speaker 4: fact is people Fongui would have seen that caliber player. 79 00:03:56,267 --> 00:03:57,547 Speaker 3: I know, you know, pass these. 80 00:03:57,387 --> 00:03:59,547 Speaker 4: Wadys, but that caliber player and there in the community 81 00:03:59,667 --> 00:04:01,107 Speaker 4: and the boys will be down there for four days 82 00:04:01,147 --> 00:04:01,827 Speaker 4: straight next week. 83 00:04:01,907 --> 00:04:03,427 Speaker 3: So looking forward to that. 84 00:04:03,467 --> 00:04:05,427 Speaker 2: Mate, you talk about that move to the real world, 85 00:04:05,427 --> 00:04:07,227 Speaker 2: and there are so many chilling I'm sure with that 86 00:04:07,387 --> 00:04:11,427 Speaker 2: financial physical but the friendship stuff. You spend all day 87 00:04:11,467 --> 00:04:13,507 Speaker 2: every day with thirty five of your best mates yep, 88 00:04:13,587 --> 00:04:15,747 Speaker 2: and all of a sudden that's gone. How challenging is that? 89 00:04:16,467 --> 00:04:16,947 Speaker 1: Yeah? 90 00:04:17,027 --> 00:04:23,107 Speaker 4: And I guess I found it pretty challenging something because 91 00:04:23,107 --> 00:04:26,627 Speaker 4: the fact that it is, it is essentially you don't 92 00:04:26,667 --> 00:04:29,587 Speaker 4: realize what you've got until it's gone. And mine left 93 00:04:29,627 --> 00:04:33,187 Speaker 4: with COVID. Really I finished in Japan and SEID and 94 00:04:33,227 --> 00:04:36,187 Speaker 4: catch off COVID and came back and for six months, 95 00:04:36,387 --> 00:04:38,387 Speaker 4: you know, I was, I know, we were all sort 96 00:04:38,387 --> 00:04:40,027 Speaker 4: of getting up in the morning, going right, how I'm 97 00:04:40,027 --> 00:04:41,707 Speaker 4: going to fill in today because we weren't allow to 98 00:04:41,747 --> 00:04:44,787 Speaker 4: go to anybody our house. But I found an extremely 99 00:04:45,307 --> 00:04:46,747 Speaker 4: difficult just routine. 100 00:04:47,227 --> 00:04:47,467 Speaker 3: You know. 101 00:04:47,747 --> 00:04:50,107 Speaker 4: I was always someone that because I had to work 102 00:04:50,187 --> 00:04:52,387 Speaker 4: so hard to get where I did, because I wasn't talented, 103 00:04:52,627 --> 00:04:55,147 Speaker 4: I sort of would take every box. And I used 104 00:04:55,147 --> 00:04:57,387 Speaker 4: to think myself, oh, I can't wait till I'm finished playing. 105 00:04:57,387 --> 00:04:58,627 Speaker 3: I'll drink and eat pies. 106 00:04:59,307 --> 00:05:01,027 Speaker 4: And then, you know, you wake up and all of 107 00:05:01,067 --> 00:05:03,667 Speaker 4: a sudden, a month into this new freedom, you're like, 108 00:05:04,227 --> 00:05:05,587 Speaker 4: she's are I supposed to be somewhere? 109 00:05:05,627 --> 00:05:07,387 Speaker 3: Or where's my next training? You know? 110 00:05:07,507 --> 00:05:09,147 Speaker 4: And I can eat what I want or I can 111 00:05:09,187 --> 00:05:10,947 Speaker 4: drink what I want, you know, and all of a sudden, 112 00:05:11,067 --> 00:05:14,147 Speaker 4: you know the structure of life is tough to get 113 00:05:14,187 --> 00:05:16,627 Speaker 4: hold of. And then you're not being around guys, and 114 00:05:16,667 --> 00:05:20,027 Speaker 4: then going through you feel isolated and I just kill him. 115 00:05:20,347 --> 00:05:22,267 Speaker 4: Males being what they are, we don't bring up each 116 00:05:22,267 --> 00:05:23,947 Speaker 4: other and go, jeez, you struggling because I don't know 117 00:05:23,947 --> 00:05:27,147 Speaker 4: what to do now, you know, And and then you know, 118 00:05:27,147 --> 00:05:29,467 Speaker 4: getting into the real world. I mean, you're yourself for 119 00:05:29,827 --> 00:05:32,627 Speaker 4: a reason. Why my cushion was a lot softer because 120 00:05:32,627 --> 00:05:35,947 Speaker 4: you got me a job. But there are guys, and 121 00:05:36,027 --> 00:05:37,547 Speaker 4: I know, for six months I was thinking what am 122 00:05:37,587 --> 00:05:39,107 Speaker 4: I going to do? You know, and I know the 123 00:05:39,267 --> 00:05:41,867 Speaker 4: guys that really struggle, and you talk about the paycheck 124 00:05:41,947 --> 00:05:43,787 Speaker 4: and we are blessed with the paycheck. 125 00:05:43,467 --> 00:05:44,267 Speaker 3: We get while playing. 126 00:05:44,307 --> 00:05:46,067 Speaker 4: But then all of a sudden you get used to that, 127 00:05:46,387 --> 00:05:48,227 Speaker 4: and your family and your wives and all that get 128 00:05:48,307 --> 00:05:50,707 Speaker 4: used to it too, and all that becomes a factor. 129 00:05:50,787 --> 00:05:54,387 Speaker 4: So no, it's an interesting time, and yeah, things like 130 00:05:54,427 --> 00:05:55,867 Speaker 4: the classics all that. It's not going to solve all 131 00:05:55,907 --> 00:05:57,947 Speaker 4: the problems. It's just still a nice way for guys 132 00:05:57,947 --> 00:05:59,827 Speaker 4: to get to give and actually be open about it 133 00:05:59,867 --> 00:06:01,787 Speaker 4: and talk about it and go, yeah, it's she's a 134 00:06:01,827 --> 00:06:03,827 Speaker 4: bit difficult in which you can you help each other out. 135 00:06:04,467 --> 00:06:06,627 Speaker 3: So I got to I got a little business. 136 00:06:06,427 --> 00:06:08,987 Speaker 4: At the moment, which you know, we strugg along, but 137 00:06:09,107 --> 00:06:12,467 Speaker 4: like one of our employees or the only employee we've 138 00:06:12,467 --> 00:06:14,227 Speaker 4: got is one of my great old teammates from down 139 00:06:14,267 --> 00:06:16,227 Speaker 4: these ways. So it's it's called about I do that 140 00:06:16,227 --> 00:06:16,867 Speaker 4: sort of stuff too. 141 00:06:16,867 --> 00:06:18,787 Speaker 2: Yeah, brilliant stuff. I want to talk about your your 142 00:06:18,867 --> 00:06:22,227 Speaker 2: current exploits and your and your things you're involved in. Shortly, 143 00:06:22,267 --> 00:06:25,667 Speaker 2: but it's there a day that goes by when someone 144 00:06:26,427 --> 00:06:30,107 Speaker 2: doesn't remind you about the twenty third of October twenty eleven. 145 00:06:31,467 --> 00:06:35,707 Speaker 3: It's funny you get asked it, and. 146 00:06:34,427 --> 00:06:39,507 Speaker 4: And the raally is probably not no, it's yeah, it's yeah. 147 00:06:39,507 --> 00:06:41,987 Speaker 4: I guess it's just become so normal now that there's 148 00:06:41,987 --> 00:06:44,507 Speaker 4: always that sort of that sort of people and the 149 00:06:44,907 --> 00:06:47,467 Speaker 4: you know, like people go oh, you get sick of it. 150 00:06:48,827 --> 00:06:50,667 Speaker 4: There's two things about like a it's a lot better 151 00:06:50,667 --> 00:06:54,947 Speaker 4: than being reminded about Hong Kong every day. And secondly, 152 00:06:55,827 --> 00:06:58,547 Speaker 4: and secondly, when those people come up and talk to you, 153 00:06:58,787 --> 00:07:01,347 Speaker 4: it's the first time that they've ever seen you or 154 00:07:01,987 --> 00:07:05,187 Speaker 4: been the opportunity. Like some of the stories I've heard 155 00:07:05,227 --> 00:07:10,587 Speaker 4: from people are unbelievable as far as what either meant 156 00:07:10,587 --> 00:07:13,067 Speaker 4: to them or where they were or like I ran 157 00:07:13,107 --> 00:07:13,867 Speaker 4: into somebody. 158 00:07:14,067 --> 00:07:15,147 Speaker 3: I'm trying to think where I was. 159 00:07:15,187 --> 00:07:17,747 Speaker 4: I was overseas somewhere, and I ran into one of 160 00:07:17,747 --> 00:07:20,547 Speaker 4: our true heroes, which is somebody who's in our army. 161 00:07:21,107 --> 00:07:24,267 Speaker 4: And he told me that how he watched the game. 162 00:07:24,387 --> 00:07:26,707 Speaker 4: They watched it six hours after us because they were 163 00:07:26,987 --> 00:07:29,827 Speaker 4: serving over in wherever the war was at the time, 164 00:07:30,107 --> 00:07:33,547 Speaker 4: Afghanistan or what have you, and they got it, They 165 00:07:33,947 --> 00:07:35,707 Speaker 4: knew when it was on, but they had to get 166 00:07:35,747 --> 00:07:38,547 Speaker 4: it taken up to them on some sort of device 167 00:07:38,947 --> 00:07:42,267 Speaker 4: through like what what do they call those in the 168 00:07:42,387 --> 00:07:46,867 Speaker 4: army sort of yea convoys or whatever, and dropping off 169 00:07:46,867 --> 00:07:47,987 Speaker 4: the tape of the game, dropping off the. 170 00:07:47,947 --> 00:07:48,427 Speaker 3: Tape of the game. 171 00:07:48,467 --> 00:07:50,147 Speaker 4: And when this guy told me that, I mean I 172 00:07:50,187 --> 00:07:52,187 Speaker 4: was probably a few beers deep at the time. By 173 00:07:52,227 --> 00:07:53,907 Speaker 4: tell what, it sobered me up when you when you 174 00:07:53,907 --> 00:07:55,947 Speaker 4: hear that sort of story in the reality of it, 175 00:07:56,067 --> 00:07:59,107 Speaker 4: and and I guess again highlights the fact that what 176 00:07:59,427 --> 00:08:01,467 Speaker 4: what the what the sport and the team means to 177 00:08:01,667 --> 00:08:04,467 Speaker 4: this country. And so when you hear things like that, mate, 178 00:08:04,507 --> 00:08:07,067 Speaker 4: you can't help. But you know, if it's five minutes 179 00:08:07,107 --> 00:08:09,867 Speaker 4: out of your day, then so beet, because it's always 180 00:08:09,867 --> 00:08:11,267 Speaker 4: cool to hear people's excitement for it. 181 00:08:11,907 --> 00:08:14,947 Speaker 2: Were you actually white baiting or has that story been exaggerated? 182 00:08:15,747 --> 00:08:17,707 Speaker 4: Look at you know a lot of a lot of 183 00:08:17,747 --> 00:08:20,507 Speaker 4: my friends from and say were you or were you 184 00:08:20,547 --> 00:08:22,227 Speaker 4: just trying to make a quick buck from the next 185 00:08:22,267 --> 00:08:24,587 Speaker 4: movie or something? But no, it's It's true. I was 186 00:08:24,587 --> 00:08:28,507 Speaker 4: white bating down the river with my great mate Douggie, 187 00:08:28,547 --> 00:08:31,787 Speaker 4: and I like, the river's got a pretty good reception 188 00:08:31,907 --> 00:08:32,427 Speaker 4: these days. 189 00:08:32,267 --> 00:08:32,627 Speaker 3: Isn't it. 190 00:08:32,627 --> 00:08:34,587 Speaker 4: But that part of it is still to this day 191 00:08:34,707 --> 00:08:37,987 Speaker 4: hasn't been covered by any of the any of the towers. 192 00:08:38,747 --> 00:08:39,267 Speaker 3: So, yeah, I was. 193 00:08:39,547 --> 00:08:42,667 Speaker 4: I was none the wise, And you know, I went 194 00:08:42,707 --> 00:08:46,867 Speaker 4: down there that day having no information but thinking, shit, 195 00:08:46,947 --> 00:08:50,867 Speaker 4: it's not me then who you know? So obviously you'd 196 00:08:50,867 --> 00:08:52,827 Speaker 4: already been an injury and you'd had a glimmer of hope. 197 00:08:52,827 --> 00:08:54,987 Speaker 4: But my great mate Cruds had got caught on ahead 198 00:08:54,987 --> 00:08:58,507 Speaker 4: of me there on that one, And yeah, I had 199 00:08:58,667 --> 00:09:01,467 Speaker 4: I had hopes. But at the time Pitty was goal 200 00:09:01,587 --> 00:09:04,027 Speaker 4: kicking Petty. He had also the ability to probably cover 201 00:09:04,147 --> 00:09:08,547 Speaker 4: ten if need me, And I didn't know how deep 202 00:09:08,587 --> 00:09:10,747 Speaker 4: the Hong Kong fall out ran with the coaches, you know, 203 00:09:10,907 --> 00:09:14,507 Speaker 4: like they say, I mean on yours gone from the 204 00:09:14,587 --> 00:09:17,347 Speaker 4: early announcements. But did it mean that if they were 205 00:09:17,347 --> 00:09:19,547 Speaker 4: down to number three, was I still gone? 206 00:09:19,667 --> 00:09:19,907 Speaker 3: Gone? 207 00:09:20,267 --> 00:09:23,627 Speaker 4: So I went down there have no ambition or thought 208 00:09:23,907 --> 00:09:25,147 Speaker 4: of being a part of it. 209 00:09:26,147 --> 00:09:30,107 Speaker 2: Well, it's, as I say, part about folklore, something that yeah, 210 00:09:30,387 --> 00:09:33,267 Speaker 2: I'm sure you'll be reminded of for many years to come. 211 00:09:33,307 --> 00:09:34,547 Speaker 2: Can we bring it to the present day? 212 00:09:34,627 --> 00:09:34,867 Speaker 3: Yep. 213 00:09:35,067 --> 00:09:36,747 Speaker 2: You're close with many of these chiefs boys. Can I 214 00:09:36,747 --> 00:09:38,867 Speaker 2: ask you about a couple of them? Anton Lenet Brown yep. 215 00:09:38,867 --> 00:09:41,187 Speaker 2: First test of the year after coming back from injury, 216 00:09:41,227 --> 00:09:44,027 Speaker 2: his eighty six tests. And we know we can play 217 00:09:44,027 --> 00:09:47,147 Speaker 2: twelve or thirteen? What is his best role beef to 218 00:09:47,147 --> 00:09:49,787 Speaker 2: play with it? All Blacks twelve, thirteen or twenty three? 219 00:09:50,187 --> 00:09:53,787 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean the first thing that strikes you that 220 00:09:53,907 --> 00:09:56,267 Speaker 4: I reckon creeps up on it crept up on me 221 00:09:56,587 --> 00:09:58,107 Speaker 4: when I looked at it the start of the year, 222 00:09:58,187 --> 00:10:00,547 Speaker 4: was you just said his number eighty six. If you're 223 00:10:00,547 --> 00:10:03,067 Speaker 4: an a six test all Black, you are something. And 224 00:10:04,107 --> 00:10:07,187 Speaker 4: I remember, first of all, A came back from Japan. 225 00:10:07,227 --> 00:10:08,987 Speaker 4: I walked out on a big contract and I was 226 00:10:09,267 --> 00:10:13,547 Speaker 4: I've regret it ever since with my paycheck. But I 227 00:10:13,547 --> 00:10:16,027 Speaker 4: I came back and just played white Kadow and then 228 00:10:16,107 --> 00:10:19,387 Speaker 4: picked up another Chiefs turn and I remember the first 229 00:10:19,427 --> 00:10:21,347 Speaker 4: training I ever went too, and obviously he was a 230 00:10:21,387 --> 00:10:23,947 Speaker 4: lot of hype around the guy with blonde hair and 231 00:10:23,987 --> 00:10:26,067 Speaker 4: a cheeky smile and we'll. 232 00:10:25,987 --> 00:10:26,387 Speaker 3: Get to him. 233 00:10:26,427 --> 00:10:28,347 Speaker 4: And there was also a bit of high pround this midfielder. 234 00:10:28,627 --> 00:10:31,387 Speaker 4: And I had about two or three trainings with with him. 235 00:10:31,507 --> 00:10:34,907 Speaker 4: Then I'm from Bara Soap and I thought I literally 236 00:10:34,907 --> 00:10:41,987 Speaker 4: fought Conrad Smith straight away, and from from an engine 237 00:10:42,027 --> 00:10:44,467 Speaker 4: point of view, like to play in the midfield and 238 00:10:44,467 --> 00:10:46,387 Speaker 4: to play like Conrad that you need a big engine, 239 00:10:46,387 --> 00:10:50,027 Speaker 4: and Conrad had that. Anton's got a massive engine, an 240 00:10:50,107 --> 00:10:53,027 Speaker 4: intelligent football even at a young age, and just the 241 00:10:53,067 --> 00:10:56,387 Speaker 4: way he's he's not one of your typical explosive midfielders, 242 00:10:56,467 --> 00:10:58,547 Speaker 4: but he's a very safe pair of hands. 243 00:10:58,587 --> 00:11:00,267 Speaker 3: He's very clever on defense. 244 00:11:00,947 --> 00:11:02,907 Speaker 4: And that's what I just thought straight a Conrad Smith, 245 00:11:03,067 --> 00:11:05,147 Speaker 4: and fairness to Antony's he probably offers a little bit 246 00:11:05,187 --> 00:11:07,627 Speaker 4: more than Conrad would on it tech Like if you 247 00:11:07,627 --> 00:11:10,307 Speaker 4: ever get to see Anton close up, he's a big body, 248 00:11:11,707 --> 00:11:14,107 Speaker 4: just probably doesn't come across there as that explosive guy. 249 00:11:14,227 --> 00:11:17,667 Speaker 4: So for me, I'm excited by seeing him tonight. I 250 00:11:17,707 --> 00:11:20,627 Speaker 4: think from what we've seen this year, maybe that thirteen 251 00:11:20,747 --> 00:11:24,787 Speaker 4: Jersey is available for first time in a long time. 252 00:11:25,347 --> 00:11:28,267 Speaker 4: And for Anton, who we've mentioned he's played eighty six 253 00:11:28,387 --> 00:11:30,947 Speaker 4: tests apart from when he first came in, which was 254 00:11:30,987 --> 00:11:34,947 Speaker 4: through necessity. He came in very young because he was 255 00:11:34,947 --> 00:11:37,547 Speaker 4: a replacement lots of midfield injuries and he had a 256 00:11:38,027 --> 00:11:40,067 Speaker 4: quite a long run at twelve that very first year. 257 00:11:41,267 --> 00:11:43,627 Speaker 4: He's not had a prolonged run. 258 00:11:43,827 --> 00:11:44,947 Speaker 3: I don't think. 259 00:11:44,907 --> 00:11:47,387 Speaker 4: He's always been that guy that can cover every position, 260 00:11:47,507 --> 00:11:52,867 Speaker 4: and that's so for him, best position pinely like twelve, 261 00:11:52,867 --> 00:11:56,347 Speaker 4: I think sown up like Jordi bout rightfully so vice 262 00:11:56,387 --> 00:11:57,347 Speaker 4: captain of the All Blacks. 263 00:11:57,347 --> 00:11:58,347 Speaker 3: He ain't going anywhere. 264 00:11:58,707 --> 00:12:01,947 Speaker 4: So for Anton, big opportunity tonight and hopefully in the 265 00:12:01,987 --> 00:12:04,267 Speaker 4: coming weeks to say, hey, what about me? 266 00:12:04,347 --> 00:12:05,147 Speaker 3: Is the starting option? 267 00:12:05,907 --> 00:12:08,267 Speaker 2: What about blonde headed guy with the cheeky smile? He 268 00:12:08,347 --> 00:12:10,587 Speaker 2: gets to start tonight? Damien McKenzie at first five? 269 00:12:11,667 --> 00:12:12,187 Speaker 3: Is there a. 270 00:12:12,107 --> 00:12:14,707 Speaker 2: Genuine head to head going on here between him and 271 00:12:14,747 --> 00:12:16,867 Speaker 2: Bowden Barrett? Or do you think a pecking order has 272 00:12:16,907 --> 00:12:17,747 Speaker 2: been established? 273 00:12:18,227 --> 00:12:19,267 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's an interesting one. 274 00:12:19,547 --> 00:12:24,187 Speaker 4: I mean prior to the prior to the quarter final 275 00:12:24,227 --> 00:12:28,547 Speaker 4: here Blues Chiefs. I would have said, this is Damien's time. 276 00:12:28,907 --> 00:12:30,867 Speaker 4: We've just got to go in on Damien. He will 277 00:12:30,907 --> 00:12:33,187 Speaker 4: be the man, you know, And this is just ignoring 278 00:12:33,227 --> 00:12:35,667 Speaker 4: the fact of whatever Richie does, Richie does. But I 279 00:12:35,707 --> 00:12:36,987 Speaker 4: just thought, if he's going to be a man for 280 00:12:36,987 --> 00:12:39,867 Speaker 4: twenty twenty seven, then I thought they missed an opportunity 281 00:12:39,907 --> 00:12:43,147 Speaker 4: last year by fluffing around with him and not backing 282 00:12:43,227 --> 00:12:47,187 Speaker 4: him where now body I was live that day and 283 00:12:47,227 --> 00:12:50,187 Speaker 4: Body showed everything that you'd expect from a first five 284 00:12:50,227 --> 00:12:51,787 Speaker 4: of one hundred and fifty All Black Games, you know, 285 00:12:51,947 --> 00:12:54,547 Speaker 4: and has experienced to bring down the Chiefs with that 286 00:12:54,627 --> 00:12:56,547 Speaker 4: Blues team that night. Then he went very well in 287 00:12:56,547 --> 00:13:00,107 Speaker 4: that semi final, and I've really enjoyed the way Body's 288 00:13:00,107 --> 00:13:02,267 Speaker 4: gone about conducting things in the last sort of couple 289 00:13:02,307 --> 00:13:04,387 Speaker 4: of weeks. So I think there is a picking order. 290 00:13:04,427 --> 00:13:05,827 Speaker 4: I think there's no hiding from the fact. I think 291 00:13:05,867 --> 00:13:08,907 Speaker 4: bodi'snumber one, and it's his jersey well and truly at 292 00:13:08,947 --> 00:13:12,587 Speaker 4: the moment, which I guess lends itself to think, right, 293 00:13:12,587 --> 00:13:14,787 Speaker 4: how are you going to use Damien McKenzie in and 294 00:13:14,987 --> 00:13:18,627 Speaker 4: still and I lose track of his numbers. But again, 295 00:13:18,667 --> 00:13:20,947 Speaker 4: he's been around for a long time now, and obviously 296 00:13:20,987 --> 00:13:23,307 Speaker 4: always treat those two in particular because they're business partners, 297 00:13:23,347 --> 00:13:23,867 Speaker 4: as young. 298 00:13:23,747 --> 00:13:24,667 Speaker 3: Little bloody boys. 299 00:13:24,707 --> 00:13:28,027 Speaker 4: But the fact is that they're very experienced guys now. 300 00:13:28,067 --> 00:13:31,547 Speaker 3: And I still don't think we've nurtured Damien's role. 301 00:13:31,547 --> 00:13:33,667 Speaker 4: If he is going to be a bench player, he 302 00:13:33,707 --> 00:13:36,667 Speaker 4: could be the world's best bench player. You know, he's 303 00:13:36,747 --> 00:13:39,267 Speaker 4: no doubt about that in my mind. So what have 304 00:13:39,307 --> 00:13:41,707 Speaker 4: we got to do to make that happen? You know, like, 305 00:13:41,747 --> 00:13:43,667 Speaker 4: do we need to be committed to bringing him on 306 00:13:43,987 --> 00:13:46,587 Speaker 4: for a certain time? And you know, because for me, 307 00:13:47,347 --> 00:13:50,187 Speaker 4: I would have thought there's nothing more scary from an 308 00:13:50,187 --> 00:13:51,987 Speaker 4: opposition point of view if you can bring on a 309 00:13:52,067 --> 00:13:55,507 Speaker 4: Damien McKenzie when you've had fifty five sixty minutes of 310 00:13:55,507 --> 00:13:57,587 Speaker 4: the All Blacks playing at a tempo that they are now, 311 00:13:58,347 --> 00:14:00,827 Speaker 4: and then I know there's no rest this thing's coming 312 00:14:00,867 --> 00:14:04,067 Speaker 4: on and his first and second ford and third foard 313 00:14:04,147 --> 00:14:06,307 Speaker 4: is to run. Then I think that's an exciting prospect 314 00:14:06,387 --> 00:14:07,307 Speaker 4: of the as. 315 00:14:06,987 --> 00:14:09,187 Speaker 2: I totally agree Beef, I totally And that was Boden 316 00:14:09,187 --> 00:14:10,147 Speaker 2: Barrack's role to play. 317 00:14:10,667 --> 00:14:12,307 Speaker 3: And you know, up to the twenty fifteen will came 318 00:14:12,347 --> 00:14:14,187 Speaker 3: and he was the best bench player we've ever seen. Yeah, 319 00:14:14,267 --> 00:14:16,267 Speaker 3: we're about a shadow it out. He did a bit 320 00:14:16,307 --> 00:14:16,827 Speaker 3: of an anyone. 321 00:14:16,947 --> 00:14:21,667 Speaker 4: So Damien physically and attribute wise, he's got everything body hair, 322 00:14:21,707 --> 00:14:23,307 Speaker 4: So why can't he come on and be that guy 323 00:14:23,347 --> 00:14:26,227 Speaker 4: too and that difference maker. We don't need to have 324 00:14:26,867 --> 00:14:29,147 Speaker 4: Blomen's seven giants come off the bench and call it 325 00:14:29,187 --> 00:14:31,747 Speaker 4: a bomb squad. We can bring on these guys who 326 00:14:31,787 --> 00:14:32,827 Speaker 4: can turn a game our way. 327 00:14:32,867 --> 00:14:37,107 Speaker 2: You know, between Damien and Anton. The scene in Quintin 328 00:14:37,187 --> 00:14:40,067 Speaker 2: Pie back in the All Blacks twelve Jersey given the 329 00:14:40,107 --> 00:14:42,067 Speaker 2: three years, he said, how cool is this man? 330 00:14:42,307 --> 00:14:43,307 Speaker 3: It's a brilliant story. 331 00:14:43,347 --> 00:14:45,867 Speaker 4: Obviously we all know the injury and how it happened 332 00:14:45,867 --> 00:14:48,707 Speaker 4: and cut him down when he was essentially starting twelve. 333 00:14:48,747 --> 00:14:51,507 Speaker 4: It was at a young age, and they say with 334 00:14:51,547 --> 00:14:54,347 Speaker 4: those knees injuries that it does take a while. Even 335 00:14:54,347 --> 00:14:56,867 Speaker 4: when you're back, you're not truly back. You know, you've 336 00:14:56,907 --> 00:14:59,147 Speaker 4: got to get feel free about and all the rest 337 00:14:59,187 --> 00:15:01,387 Speaker 4: of it. Him and this year, like I mean, I 338 00:15:01,467 --> 00:15:05,667 Speaker 4: actually said on another bloody platform that last year I 339 00:15:05,707 --> 00:15:07,987 Speaker 4: thought he was getting stuffed around by the Chiefs, And 340 00:15:08,067 --> 00:15:09,667 Speaker 4: even as a proud Chiefs man, I said, get this 341 00:15:09,707 --> 00:15:13,107 Speaker 4: guy out of here. For Quinn's career, Go be Highland US. 342 00:15:13,307 --> 00:15:14,987 Speaker 4: You know they would love you down there. Now they've 343 00:15:15,027 --> 00:15:17,787 Speaker 4: got a pretty good twelve themselves, but you know, he 344 00:15:17,907 --> 00:15:20,027 Speaker 4: needed to be starting, and I thought he was getting 345 00:15:20,027 --> 00:15:21,747 Speaker 4: stuffed around here by the Chiefs. 346 00:15:21,787 --> 00:15:25,147 Speaker 3: But this year, obviously, I just think. 347 00:15:24,947 --> 00:15:27,947 Speaker 4: Maybe his confidence has come back because he's physically a 348 00:15:27,987 --> 00:15:31,147 Speaker 4: lot better. And I've always wanted him in this sort 349 00:15:31,187 --> 00:15:35,147 Speaker 4: of setup, and for the Chiefs too, because simply he 350 00:15:35,587 --> 00:15:37,587 Speaker 4: reminds me a bit of Lamapi, and I don't think 351 00:15:37,587 --> 00:15:40,027 Speaker 4: we've had all our marpie since Lamapi, and I think 352 00:15:40,067 --> 00:15:42,867 Speaker 4: that's been a missing ingredient in our midfield. I like 353 00:15:42,947 --> 00:15:47,587 Speaker 4: the idea of a contrast, but Quinn this year is 354 00:15:47,627 --> 00:15:49,827 Speaker 4: offered and showed that he's a lot more than just 355 00:15:49,867 --> 00:15:52,547 Speaker 4: a basher. He's got subtleties of his kicking game as 356 00:15:52,587 --> 00:15:56,267 Speaker 4: passing game. And I also think, and any ten will 357 00:15:56,267 --> 00:16:00,107 Speaker 4: tell you there's twelves that they play better with, and 358 00:16:00,147 --> 00:16:02,507 Speaker 4: it might not be the best twelve they've played with, 359 00:16:02,587 --> 00:16:05,707 Speaker 4: but they do just some twelves fit you like a glove. 360 00:16:05,827 --> 00:16:09,627 Speaker 4: And I just think Quinn and Damien well together, and 361 00:16:09,987 --> 00:16:12,347 Speaker 4: I think Damien often plays his best Boody, So for 362 00:16:12,387 --> 00:16:15,147 Speaker 4: me that shows that Quinn's a great communicator, because a 363 00:16:15,227 --> 00:16:18,227 Speaker 4: ten playing well is usually a result of having a 364 00:16:18,227 --> 00:16:19,587 Speaker 4: great communicator outside them. 365 00:16:19,827 --> 00:16:21,707 Speaker 2: How do you feel the All Blacks are placed? What 366 00:16:21,787 --> 00:16:24,427 Speaker 2: will be three games into year or two of a 367 00:16:24,467 --> 00:16:27,347 Speaker 2: World Cup cycle? After tonight? Can you make an assessment 368 00:16:27,347 --> 00:16:30,107 Speaker 2: on how we're placed heading towards twenty twenty seven? 369 00:16:31,067 --> 00:16:33,387 Speaker 4: Probably not twenty twenty seven, But what I do like 370 00:16:33,587 --> 00:16:40,227 Speaker 4: compared to last year is the style and the intent 371 00:16:41,067 --> 00:16:43,467 Speaker 4: that they're playing with. And I don't want to sound 372 00:16:43,507 --> 00:16:46,027 Speaker 4: like a cheerleader, but I am a cheerleader for the 373 00:16:46,027 --> 00:16:46,867 Speaker 4: way that they're playing. 374 00:16:47,067 --> 00:16:47,307 Speaker 3: You know. 375 00:16:47,547 --> 00:16:50,787 Speaker 4: Like last year, as proud in New Zealander and All 376 00:16:50,787 --> 00:16:53,307 Speaker 4: Black fan, as I am, I found it tough to 377 00:16:53,347 --> 00:16:55,507 Speaker 4: be positive and tough to enjoy it because I just 378 00:16:55,547 --> 00:16:58,707 Speaker 4: felt that we were I think we were chasing the 379 00:16:58,747 --> 00:17:02,107 Speaker 4: opposite the other countries. You know, we were seeing these 380 00:17:02,147 --> 00:17:04,467 Speaker 4: Northern Hemisy teams have success and we were thinking, oh, 381 00:17:04,507 --> 00:17:07,227 Speaker 4: we need to copy that. Well, that's arrogantly or whatever. 382 00:17:07,267 --> 00:17:09,987 Speaker 4: That's not our way, you know, like we play our way. 383 00:17:10,267 --> 00:17:13,307 Speaker 4: And I just think the last two weeks has shine. 384 00:17:13,867 --> 00:17:16,547 Speaker 4: I think the rugby public and anyone watching is that 385 00:17:16,827 --> 00:17:19,387 Speaker 4: I think we're starting to realize that we're never going 386 00:17:19,467 --> 00:17:21,187 Speaker 4: to be South Africa. But we don't want to be 387 00:17:21,227 --> 00:17:23,987 Speaker 4: South Africa. We're never going to be Island or England. 388 00:17:24,027 --> 00:17:26,547 Speaker 4: You know we want to be We've been the best 389 00:17:26,627 --> 00:17:28,227 Speaker 4: rugby team in the world for one hundred years for 390 00:17:28,227 --> 00:17:30,307 Speaker 4: a reason, because they've played like we play. And I 391 00:17:30,427 --> 00:17:32,867 Speaker 4: just think the last couple of weeks you've seen a 392 00:17:33,267 --> 00:17:36,987 Speaker 4: endeavor to play with more tempo. You've seen an endeavor 393 00:17:37,027 --> 00:17:39,787 Speaker 4: to be more attacking from all parts of the field. 394 00:17:40,427 --> 00:17:43,707 Speaker 4: And some of the best attacking teams of a most 395 00:17:44,027 --> 00:17:46,827 Speaker 4: you kick the most, but you've got to kick in 396 00:17:46,867 --> 00:17:49,227 Speaker 4: a way that you still got the option to attack. 397 00:17:49,827 --> 00:17:52,307 Speaker 4: And I just felt last year we were kicking and 398 00:17:52,467 --> 00:17:54,147 Speaker 4: you knew of our kicking. I knew of our kicking, 399 00:17:54,147 --> 00:17:55,627 Speaker 4: and the guy one hundred meters away and you've are 400 00:17:55,707 --> 00:17:57,467 Speaker 4: kicking and the drunk guy five ks down the road 401 00:17:57,467 --> 00:17:59,747 Speaker 4: and you've are kicking where This year, I just think 402 00:17:59,907 --> 00:18:02,067 Speaker 4: they've got a lot more threat to their game and 403 00:18:02,067 --> 00:18:02,947 Speaker 4: I'm loving watching it. 404 00:18:03,787 --> 00:18:06,107 Speaker 2: Just to finish, I know you've got lots going on. 405 00:18:06,387 --> 00:18:09,547 Speaker 2: You're on the Sky team tonight and loving your commentary. 406 00:18:09,547 --> 00:18:12,787 Speaker 2: You're analysis part of the breakdown and everything. What about Grins, 407 00:18:12,787 --> 00:18:15,187 Speaker 2: You got the Grins jacket on. Yeah, they're still going strong. 408 00:18:15,307 --> 00:18:16,747 Speaker 2: Is it your your drink brand? 409 00:18:16,867 --> 00:18:19,507 Speaker 4: Yeah, we've got myself and Damien and Nton and a 410 00:18:19,507 --> 00:18:21,587 Speaker 4: couple of other silent partners. We've got our We've got 411 00:18:21,587 --> 00:18:24,227 Speaker 4: our Grim's Drink Band, which is an RTD, which I 412 00:18:24,347 --> 00:18:26,387 Speaker 4: never touched an RTD before we started the brand. But 413 00:18:26,667 --> 00:18:28,467 Speaker 4: you got to keep up with the trends, they say. 414 00:18:29,347 --> 00:18:31,307 Speaker 4: So now we've got that and if it's and if 415 00:18:31,307 --> 00:18:33,147 Speaker 4: it's not in your bottle store, then you're not buying 416 00:18:33,147 --> 00:18:34,187 Speaker 4: from a good bottle store. 417 00:18:35,427 --> 00:18:36,827 Speaker 3: And so yeah, now we're tracking along. 418 00:18:36,867 --> 00:18:39,187 Speaker 4: As a tough market, there's lobbies overseas companies coming in 419 00:18:39,227 --> 00:18:42,067 Speaker 4: and making it extremely tough for us little kby companies 420 00:18:42,107 --> 00:18:42,587 Speaker 4: to survive. 421 00:18:42,667 --> 00:18:43,867 Speaker 3: But we're boxing on. 422 00:18:45,067 --> 00:18:47,547 Speaker 4: I've got many roles in there, including the delivery driver, 423 00:18:47,707 --> 00:18:52,987 Speaker 4: the CEO, the marketing manager, and warehouse packer. But it's 424 00:18:52,987 --> 00:18:56,107 Speaker 4: been it's been good, and we're actually looking overseas and 425 00:18:56,147 --> 00:18:58,747 Speaker 4: seeing if we can get any footholds here. So it's 426 00:18:58,827 --> 00:19:01,467 Speaker 4: it's certainly been an interesting dip into a business world. 427 00:19:01,587 --> 00:19:03,467 Speaker 2: Good man, And I mean, how are you staying fit? 428 00:19:03,547 --> 00:19:05,667 Speaker 2: Because you haven't blown out man, what are you doing 429 00:19:05,707 --> 00:19:06,227 Speaker 2: to stay fast? 430 00:19:06,467 --> 00:19:08,787 Speaker 3: Well, I'm not a great sleeper, so I've utilized that. 431 00:19:08,907 --> 00:19:11,107 Speaker 4: So I get up at about a quarter five every 432 00:19:11,107 --> 00:19:12,307 Speaker 4: morning and just do something. 433 00:19:12,867 --> 00:19:13,507 Speaker 3: But it I go. 434 00:19:13,627 --> 00:19:16,307 Speaker 4: I go for a run on the dark, cold streets 435 00:19:16,307 --> 00:19:18,507 Speaker 4: of Ike you for half an hour, or I've got 436 00:19:18,507 --> 00:19:20,467 Speaker 4: a bit of home gym gibbon. I go to half 437 00:19:20,467 --> 00:19:23,987 Speaker 4: an hour, get that done before kids wake up, and 438 00:19:24,027 --> 00:19:27,227 Speaker 4: then it's there. Turned to make me be a slave, 439 00:19:27,627 --> 00:19:29,227 Speaker 4: I guess like I did my own parents. 440 00:19:29,747 --> 00:19:31,547 Speaker 2: Beaver, It's so good to see you, man. We could 441 00:19:31,587 --> 00:19:32,827 Speaker 2: chat for a long time, and I know you got 442 00:19:32,867 --> 00:19:35,067 Speaker 2: other commitments. I really appreciate your stopping down. He mate, 443 00:19:35,067 --> 00:19:35,747 Speaker 2: It's great to see you. 444 00:19:35,867 --> 00:19:37,067 Speaker 3: She's pining. Great to be a mate. 445 00:19:37,147 --> 00:19:39,947 Speaker 2: Stephen Donald Beaver to all of us, joining us here 446 00:19:40,067 --> 00:19:42,987 Speaker 2: at the Roaming Giant seven eight nine he feet Terrace 447 00:19:43,027 --> 00:19:45,707 Speaker 2: as we build towards kickoff tonight at five past seven. 448 00:19:46,187 --> 00:19:49,387 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Paine, Listen live 449 00:19:49,467 --> 00:19:52,787 Speaker 1: to News talk Ed b weekends from midday, or follow 450 00:19:52,827 --> 00:19:54,427 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.