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 --> 00:00:17,013 Speaker 1: Follow this and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio. 3 00:00:18,533 --> 00:00:20,533 Speaker 2: Straight down the middle of tru. 4 00:00:23,053 --> 00:00:31,573 Speaker 1: Try get inside the game from every air goal. It's 5 00:00:31,693 --> 00:00:35,493 Speaker 1: Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Leo Levier powered by 6 00:00:35,533 --> 00:00:36,333 Speaker 1: News Talks EDB. 7 00:00:36,893 --> 00:00:40,253 Speaker 2: Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Access Solutions, elevating you 8 00:00:40,333 --> 00:00:44,293 Speaker 2: and your business to a higher level. Elliott Smith with 9 00:00:44,333 --> 00:00:47,413 Speaker 2: me Liam Napier. Testmatch City, eight o'clock on a Thursday 10 00:00:47,493 --> 00:00:50,613 Speaker 2: night and we are podcasting, Lillam. Great to see you. 11 00:00:50,653 --> 00:00:52,733 Speaker 2: As always, we have our first All Black seam of 12 00:00:52,733 --> 00:00:53,333 Speaker 2: the year. 13 00:00:53,613 --> 00:00:57,373 Speaker 3: First Test Match. Fever has gripped the Garden City. 14 00:00:57,373 --> 00:01:00,133 Speaker 2: Simpy has hasn't it? You can feel it? That or 15 00:01:00,293 --> 00:01:05,893 Speaker 2: this minus one degree? Something's gripping the city. First and foremost, Liam, 16 00:01:05,933 --> 00:01:08,653 Speaker 2: what did you make of the twenty three named by 17 00:01:08,773 --> 00:01:11,533 Speaker 2: Dave Rennie? It was different to the twenty three's we 18 00:01:11,613 --> 00:01:14,253 Speaker 2: put out there earlier in the week on the podcast. 19 00:01:15,133 --> 00:01:17,613 Speaker 2: Some surprises there overall, What did you make of it? 20 00:01:18,173 --> 00:01:24,293 Speaker 3: Absolutely? Some surprises? Yeah, I think brave and bolds and interesting. 21 00:01:25,093 --> 00:01:29,893 Speaker 3: I think Dave Rennie has immediately stamped his authority on 22 00:01:29,933 --> 00:01:32,933 Speaker 3: this All Black regime, and I don't agree with all 23 00:01:32,933 --> 00:01:36,133 Speaker 3: of the selections, but I like the fact that he 24 00:01:36,213 --> 00:01:41,813 Speaker 3: has made change and as doing things differently. It's not 25 00:01:41,973 --> 00:01:45,053 Speaker 3: the same tried and true he's backing Ruben Love. He's 26 00:01:45,093 --> 00:01:48,413 Speaker 3: trying a few different things, not necessarily what I would 27 00:01:48,413 --> 00:01:54,213 Speaker 3: have done, but there is a real conviction and it 28 00:01:54,253 --> 00:01:56,373 Speaker 3: does feel like a new regime, doesn't it. 29 00:01:56,373 --> 00:01:58,693 Speaker 2: It does. There's a lot of change there. You look 30 00:01:58,733 --> 00:02:01,693 Speaker 2: at the team that he's named and Ruben Love, you know, 31 00:02:01,773 --> 00:02:03,893 Speaker 2: jumps out handed the keys at ten on the back 32 00:02:03,933 --> 00:02:07,813 Speaker 2: of that excellent Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes. I 33 00:02:07,813 --> 00:02:10,053 Speaker 2: think it would have a hard cell in the media 34 00:02:10,053 --> 00:02:14,413 Speaker 2: conference today if he'd picked Damien McKenzie at ten, if 35 00:02:14,453 --> 00:02:17,213 Speaker 2: he'd picked Boden Barrett at ten and overlooked them for 36 00:02:17,493 --> 00:02:19,973 Speaker 2: Ruben Love. Their time will come again, probably in the 37 00:02:20,013 --> 00:02:22,773 Speaker 2: ten jusy for the All Blacks at some point, inevitably 38 00:02:22,893 --> 00:02:25,613 Speaker 2: there'll be injuries, whatever it might be, but he's gone. 39 00:02:25,693 --> 00:02:27,533 Speaker 2: Ruben Love is the ten to lead this All Blacks 40 00:02:27,573 --> 00:02:30,373 Speaker 2: team into a new era. And I ultimately admire that. 41 00:02:31,053 --> 00:02:33,253 Speaker 3: Yeah, he's picked him on form and rewarded him and 42 00:02:33,333 --> 00:02:36,693 Speaker 3: he had to. I think it would have sense the 43 00:02:36,733 --> 00:02:39,813 Speaker 3: complete wrong message if you go to McKenzie who was 44 00:02:39,853 --> 00:02:43,293 Speaker 3: completely upstaged by Love in the Super Rugby Final, or 45 00:02:43,333 --> 00:02:46,533 Speaker 3: Boden Barrett who had a very underwhelming Super Rugby season. 46 00:02:47,053 --> 00:02:49,813 Speaker 3: Just quickly on Barrett, this is the first time since 47 00:02:49,853 --> 00:02:54,613 Speaker 3: twenty fifteen that he has missed selection in the All 48 00:02:54,653 --> 00:03:01,173 Speaker 3: Blacks first Test of the year, so very a crossroads 49 00:03:01,173 --> 00:03:04,773 Speaker 3: for him potentially, although Dave Rennie did spoke glowingly about 50 00:03:04,773 --> 00:03:07,653 Speaker 3: what he's bringing behind the scenes. But just on Love, 51 00:03:08,413 --> 00:03:14,213 Speaker 3: the conviction, the confidence to play freely. That should suit 52 00:03:14,373 --> 00:03:17,773 Speaker 3: the style of rugby that Rennie wants to play. Look, 53 00:03:17,813 --> 00:03:19,573 Speaker 3: Test rugby is a different beast. He's going to have 54 00:03:19,733 --> 00:03:22,533 Speaker 3: much less time and space. He wasn't put under a 55 00:03:22,533 --> 00:03:25,413 Speaker 3: great deal of pressure throughout the Hurricanes playoff run. You know, 56 00:03:25,453 --> 00:03:28,653 Speaker 3: they did it so easy. But he scored twenty five 57 00:03:28,693 --> 00:03:31,213 Speaker 3: points in that final two tries. He was player of 58 00:03:31,213 --> 00:03:34,413 Speaker 3: the game. It was impossible not to select him for 59 00:03:34,453 --> 00:03:35,573 Speaker 3: this game at ten, wasn't. 60 00:03:35,413 --> 00:03:38,093 Speaker 2: It was? And he's got conviction in his ability and 61 00:03:38,253 --> 00:03:40,173 Speaker 2: he's said previously on to be the best player in 62 00:03:40,213 --> 00:03:42,533 Speaker 2: the world. Well in the final he played like the 63 00:03:42,573 --> 00:03:44,253 Speaker 2: best player in the world. So now let's see it 64 00:03:44,293 --> 00:03:46,093 Speaker 2: on the test match stage. He's had a crack at 65 00:03:46,093 --> 00:03:50,533 Speaker 2: fifteen a couple of times, some bench appearances, but ultimately 66 00:03:50,573 --> 00:03:53,333 Speaker 2: he's been having to collect airpoints rather than All Blacks 67 00:03:53,333 --> 00:03:56,533 Speaker 2: appearances the last couple of years in this All Blacks team. 68 00:03:56,893 --> 00:03:59,133 Speaker 2: Now Rindy's gone, we back you and we're going to 69 00:03:59,173 --> 00:04:01,533 Speaker 2: put Roy Guard you know, and number nine inside you. 70 00:04:01,533 --> 00:04:03,293 Speaker 2: We're going to put Jordi Barrett there at twelve, so 71 00:04:03,293 --> 00:04:06,333 Speaker 2: there is safety nets the wrong term, but some familiarity 72 00:04:06,933 --> 00:04:09,413 Speaker 2: either side of him. So it's those Hurricanes players again 73 00:04:09,453 --> 00:04:11,653 Speaker 2: that will be inside him, and Jordi Barrett will as 74 00:04:11,653 --> 00:04:14,333 Speaker 2: he does because he's quality player. Tacks and pressure off Love, 75 00:04:14,333 --> 00:04:16,973 Speaker 2: whether it's a kicking game, whatever it might be, distribution 76 00:04:17,573 --> 00:04:19,173 Speaker 2: and you've got Roy Guards there who was one of 77 00:04:19,173 --> 00:04:21,973 Speaker 2: the best half backs in the world. So ultimately they've 78 00:04:22,013 --> 00:04:24,573 Speaker 2: given him the best possible chance to succeed in this 79 00:04:24,613 --> 00:04:25,173 Speaker 2: Test match. 80 00:04:25,373 --> 00:04:28,813 Speaker 3: It's risk and reward, isn't it. That combination is key. 81 00:04:29,573 --> 00:04:35,213 Speaker 3: The familiarity that you speak about. Yeah, Reuben Love. It's 82 00:04:35,253 --> 00:04:39,053 Speaker 3: an interesting scenario because of his relative inexperience. He's only 83 00:04:39,093 --> 00:04:42,413 Speaker 3: played five tests, two starts at fullback, never started at 84 00:04:42,453 --> 00:04:45,693 Speaker 3: ten for the All Blacks. That speaks to how much 85 00:04:45,733 --> 00:04:49,413 Speaker 3: he's been kept on ice, and also the fact that 86 00:04:49,453 --> 00:04:52,573 Speaker 3: he's only really committed to number ten this year. He 87 00:04:52,653 --> 00:04:54,933 Speaker 3: played ten at the back end of the year for 88 00:04:54,973 --> 00:04:59,133 Speaker 3: the Hurricanes last year, but was still largely seen as 89 00:04:59,413 --> 00:05:02,293 Speaker 3: a fallback. Actually played but a wing for the All 90 00:05:02,293 --> 00:05:05,493 Speaker 3: Blacks as well. This year. He's had a full campaign 91 00:05:05,533 --> 00:05:08,133 Speaker 3: at ten and it made such a difference that clarity. 92 00:05:08,933 --> 00:05:12,253 Speaker 3: That's his position and he's carried that through with a 93 00:05:12,293 --> 00:05:15,173 Speaker 3: new regime and now he gets the keys. I think 94 00:05:15,213 --> 00:05:17,613 Speaker 3: it's too early to say that this is a definitive 95 00:05:17,733 --> 00:05:20,973 Speaker 3: changing of the guard at ten, because of course Richie 96 00:05:21,053 --> 00:05:24,333 Speaker 3: Muwanga is in the wings waiting to satisfy the eligibility 97 00:05:24,893 --> 00:05:28,613 Speaker 3: criteria and be recalled. But Ruben Love needed this chance 98 00:05:28,653 --> 00:05:32,253 Speaker 3: and the fact that Mwanga's in that background only enhances 99 00:05:32,293 --> 00:05:35,213 Speaker 3: the fact that Love had to have his time now. 100 00:05:35,853 --> 00:05:38,773 Speaker 3: So it's a big chance it. 101 00:05:38,693 --> 00:05:41,813 Speaker 2: Is, indeed, and you mentioned obviously Mackenzie at fullback, which 102 00:05:41,813 --> 00:05:44,573 Speaker 2: we'll get to in a moment, but you know, Davin, 103 00:05:44,573 --> 00:05:46,733 Speaker 2: he was very effusive about what Boden Barrat's done since 104 00:05:46,773 --> 00:05:50,613 Speaker 2: being in camp. I guess Mackenzie maybe now it was 105 00:05:50,613 --> 00:05:53,253 Speaker 2: interesting to hear him say that he thinks they've got 106 00:05:53,253 --> 00:05:55,813 Speaker 2: the two best fullbacks in the world. There might be 107 00:05:55,853 --> 00:05:57,933 Speaker 2: some cubbling around that from the rest of the. 108 00:05:57,933 --> 00:06:00,933 Speaker 3: World, but I think there will be so for France. 109 00:06:00,693 --> 00:06:04,613 Speaker 2: Yeah, potentially. But if you look and deeper into that, 110 00:06:05,453 --> 00:06:08,093 Speaker 2: does that suggest he believes that Damon McKenzie is best 111 00:06:08,653 --> 00:06:11,333 Speaker 2: employed as a fullback rather than a ten. You know, 112 00:06:11,453 --> 00:06:13,773 Speaker 2: was there some not secret meaning in those words? But 113 00:06:13,813 --> 00:06:16,213 Speaker 2: does it suggest that maybe he's an out and out 114 00:06:16,213 --> 00:06:18,613 Speaker 2: fifteen rather than a ten in this all blacks environment. 115 00:06:19,493 --> 00:06:21,973 Speaker 3: I don't think so. No, because at the back end 116 00:06:22,013 --> 00:06:24,573 Speaker 3: of this game, I expect McKenzie to come into ten, 117 00:06:25,133 --> 00:06:27,773 Speaker 3: Jordan to go back to fullback, Fennonga North fourth to 118 00:06:27,853 --> 00:06:31,853 Speaker 3: debut on the right wing. But who knows how the 119 00:06:31,893 --> 00:06:34,133 Speaker 3: game plays out. If Rumen loves having a blinder, maybe 120 00:06:34,173 --> 00:06:39,893 Speaker 3: he finishes at ten. But I think Ruben, Damien, Boden, 121 00:06:40,453 --> 00:06:43,093 Speaker 3: will Jordan. They all have that versatility, which is a strength, 122 00:06:44,453 --> 00:06:48,813 Speaker 3: but it is a big core in many respects. Despite 123 00:06:48,853 --> 00:06:53,613 Speaker 3: Reuben being the form horse to Usurp, Boden and Damien, 124 00:06:53,653 --> 00:06:56,413 Speaker 3: these guys have been around for the best part of 125 00:06:56,453 --> 00:07:01,453 Speaker 3: a decade. Boden's played hundreds of tests McKenzie's been in 126 00:07:01,453 --> 00:07:04,693 Speaker 3: that environment, so it does a real statement of faith. 127 00:07:05,333 --> 00:07:07,693 Speaker 3: I like McKenzie at fullback. I think he played his 128 00:07:07,773 --> 00:07:09,813 Speaker 3: best rugby for the All Blacks last year. He was 129 00:07:09,893 --> 00:07:13,213 Speaker 3: very brave in the air. He had some great cameos 130 00:07:13,253 --> 00:07:19,653 Speaker 3: off the bench. You think about Edinburgh match turning efforts. Yeah, ah, 131 00:07:19,693 --> 00:07:24,653 Speaker 3: and with Love coming in, one of mackenzie or Barrett 132 00:07:24,653 --> 00:07:26,253 Speaker 3: had to miss out, didn't they They did? 133 00:07:26,373 --> 00:07:28,053 Speaker 2: Yep, absolutely. I mean they could have added one on 134 00:07:28,093 --> 00:07:30,333 Speaker 2: the bench, but it would have been kind of a 135 00:07:30,373 --> 00:07:33,653 Speaker 2: pointless selection in many ways. I'm not totally sure on 136 00:07:33,693 --> 00:07:36,973 Speaker 2: the bench as a whole. We can come back to 137 00:07:37,013 --> 00:07:38,173 Speaker 2: that in a moment potentially. 138 00:07:38,933 --> 00:07:43,333 Speaker 3: What about Will Jordan? Is he now as his future 139 00:07:43,413 --> 00:07:45,733 Speaker 3: now on the right wing for the All Blacks under 140 00:07:45,813 --> 00:07:46,253 Speaker 3: Dave Rennie? 141 00:07:46,293 --> 00:07:48,493 Speaker 2: Maybe it is, But again Rennie goes back and says, 142 00:07:48,613 --> 00:07:50,213 Speaker 2: you know, these are the two best fullbacks in the world. 143 00:07:50,293 --> 00:07:52,173 Speaker 2: So I tend to sueduce he will see some time 144 00:07:52,773 --> 00:07:55,253 Speaker 2: at fullback, whether that's next week, whether it's in three 145 00:07:55,333 --> 00:07:58,773 Speaker 2: or four months time, whether it's in South Africa. But 146 00:07:58,853 --> 00:08:00,933 Speaker 2: he wants his best players out there, and we know 147 00:08:00,973 --> 00:08:02,653 Speaker 2: that Jordan is capable on the right wing, and he's 148 00:08:02,653 --> 00:08:05,653 Speaker 2: probably played his best All Blacks rugby on the right wing. 149 00:08:06,773 --> 00:08:09,813 Speaker 2: But time comes for everyone wingers, as I know you've 150 00:08:09,853 --> 00:08:12,893 Speaker 2: written about extensively, and you know, twenty seven, twenty eight 151 00:08:12,973 --> 00:08:15,453 Speaker 2: years of age, when your pay starts to go. I'm 152 00:08:15,453 --> 00:08:18,373 Speaker 2: not saying Will Jordan's has necessarily, but at some point 153 00:08:18,373 --> 00:08:20,093 Speaker 2: that probably will have to be a live discussion whether 154 00:08:20,133 --> 00:08:22,013 Speaker 2: he can still play on the wing and add what 155 00:08:22,053 --> 00:08:23,493 Speaker 2: the All Blacks want them to there. 156 00:08:23,693 --> 00:08:26,613 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's a funny how things come full circle or 157 00:08:26,653 --> 00:08:30,893 Speaker 3: they change complexion because during Ian Foster's regime he was 158 00:08:30,933 --> 00:08:33,813 Speaker 3: heavily criticized for not playing Will Jordan at fullback, and 159 00:08:33,893 --> 00:08:36,853 Speaker 3: Jordan was open towards the back end of that time 160 00:08:36,893 --> 00:08:39,933 Speaker 3: about his preference being to play fullback. Now, Dave Rennie 161 00:08:39,973 --> 00:08:43,213 Speaker 3: recounted something today about how when he visited the Crusaders 162 00:08:43,213 --> 00:08:46,733 Speaker 3: he talked to Will about that and Will apparently said, well, 163 00:08:47,093 --> 00:08:49,533 Speaker 3: I'm not fuss as you probably would do with a 164 00:08:49,533 --> 00:08:51,773 Speaker 3: new All Blacks coach, say oh, I'm happy to play anywhere. 165 00:08:52,493 --> 00:08:54,373 Speaker 3: And now he finds himself on the right wing, where 166 00:08:54,493 --> 00:08:56,493 Speaker 3: as you point out, he scored the bulk of his 167 00:08:56,613 --> 00:09:00,053 Speaker 3: tries whoever roaming Commission, he will get highly involved. I 168 00:09:00,053 --> 00:09:02,573 Speaker 3: think the big big question up with Will Jordan's game 169 00:09:03,213 --> 00:09:06,813 Speaker 3: is his aerial ability, and that seems strange for a 170 00:09:06,853 --> 00:09:09,333 Speaker 3: guy that's predominantly played at full back, but you're not 171 00:09:09,453 --> 00:09:12,533 Speaker 3: really tested there in Super rugby, and last year he 172 00:09:12,693 --> 00:09:16,533 Speaker 3: was part of the problem, recurring problem with the All 173 00:09:16,533 --> 00:09:17,333 Speaker 3: Blacks issues on. 174 00:09:17,413 --> 00:09:21,213 Speaker 2: He was he couldn't quite get it right, and so 175 00:09:22,013 --> 00:09:24,293 Speaker 2: that's going to be interesting to see how that happens 176 00:09:24,293 --> 00:09:26,373 Speaker 2: and whether it's been something that All Blacks have focused 177 00:09:26,413 --> 00:09:29,293 Speaker 2: on to get right under this new coaching regime. You'd hope, 178 00:09:29,293 --> 00:09:31,773 Speaker 2: because it remains a major part of world rugby and 179 00:09:31,933 --> 00:09:35,533 Speaker 2: Test rugby in the way that opposition teams now attack 180 00:09:35,613 --> 00:09:37,813 Speaker 2: these days, and you'd hope the All Blacks likewise will 181 00:09:37,853 --> 00:09:41,493 Speaker 2: be doing that on attack themselves and deploying a kicking game. 182 00:09:42,053 --> 00:09:43,973 Speaker 2: Let's get into the lose forward trier, because that was 183 00:09:44,013 --> 00:09:47,413 Speaker 2: a surprise. Peter Larche at six, Luke Jacobson at seven, 184 00:09:47,733 --> 00:09:51,013 Speaker 2: Ardisa Villa at eight. Peter Luckeye has never started a 185 00:09:51,053 --> 00:09:54,533 Speaker 2: first class game at blindside. Flanker. Dave Reny said in 186 00:09:54,573 --> 00:09:57,093 Speaker 2: the media conference that those numbers don't matter as much 187 00:09:57,133 --> 00:10:00,213 Speaker 2: as they maybe did ten years ago, apart from sort 188 00:10:00,213 --> 00:10:03,133 Speaker 2: of setting at scrums, but this is still a surprise. 189 00:10:04,973 --> 00:10:06,773 Speaker 2: Is it the right core to go with these players 190 00:10:06,973 --> 00:10:07,733 Speaker 2: in the way that they have. 191 00:10:09,693 --> 00:10:11,813 Speaker 3: I'm personally not a fan of that loose Ford trio. 192 00:10:11,893 --> 00:10:15,693 Speaker 3: I can understand the rationale that they see Luke Jacobson 193 00:10:15,733 --> 00:10:20,493 Speaker 3: as a complimentary presence to Artie Severe and Peter Luckey. 194 00:10:21,093 --> 00:10:23,853 Speaker 3: Jacobson has a seven on his back, but his strengths 195 00:10:24,493 --> 00:10:30,453 Speaker 3: predominantly defensively, strong shoulders, his work great, pretty good at 196 00:10:30,493 --> 00:10:34,533 Speaker 3: the line out as well, so not a traditional pilfering fetcher, 197 00:10:34,773 --> 00:10:36,813 Speaker 3: open side flanker by any stretch. Did play there for 198 00:10:36,853 --> 00:10:41,133 Speaker 3: the Chiefs. Personally, I like Peter Luckeye at eight. I 199 00:10:41,133 --> 00:10:43,653 Speaker 3: thought he was superb there for the Hurricanes this year, 200 00:10:45,013 --> 00:10:49,333 Speaker 3: and Artie's in my mind an open side flanka. He 201 00:10:49,373 --> 00:10:51,373 Speaker 3: has played some good rugby for the All Blacks at eight. 202 00:10:51,933 --> 00:10:54,533 Speaker 3: I just feel like you're over complicating it playing players 203 00:10:54,573 --> 00:10:58,213 Speaker 3: out of position. Yes, they're interchangeable, but they are quite 204 00:10:58,533 --> 00:11:03,133 Speaker 3: defined roles in some way as well. So look, it's 205 00:11:03,133 --> 00:11:04,453 Speaker 3: the first test of the year. I think there'd be 206 00:11:04,453 --> 00:11:07,813 Speaker 3: a lot of change in that loose Ford trio. But 207 00:11:07,893 --> 00:11:10,453 Speaker 3: we've talked a bit about Luke Jacobson as well. He's 208 00:11:10,453 --> 00:11:13,053 Speaker 3: played a number of tests, but in my mind, probably 209 00:11:13,053 --> 00:11:16,173 Speaker 3: in yours, never really nailed it at test rugby. So 210 00:11:16,853 --> 00:11:18,693 Speaker 3: this is a big opportunity for him as well. 211 00:11:18,773 --> 00:11:20,453 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it is and a chance for him 212 00:11:20,493 --> 00:11:23,053 Speaker 2: to maybe just reset his all black's career. He's been 213 00:11:23,093 --> 00:11:25,013 Speaker 2: coached by a coach that he's previously worked with and 214 00:11:25,093 --> 00:11:27,813 Speaker 2: Dave Rennie maybe not for a long time, and Luke 215 00:11:27,853 --> 00:11:30,853 Speaker 2: Jacobson was a you know, little Vigiemite probably back in 216 00:11:30,853 --> 00:11:33,373 Speaker 2: those days so to speak. But I think it's a 217 00:11:33,373 --> 00:11:35,973 Speaker 2: big chance for Luke Jacobson to reset his test career 218 00:11:36,013 --> 00:11:39,653 Speaker 2: somewhat Veggimer momte, I prefer Vegimite. I know that's the 219 00:11:39,693 --> 00:11:46,853 Speaker 2: Australian controversial might taste better to me. Yeah, look, I 220 00:11:46,893 --> 00:11:48,293 Speaker 2: think it's a chance for him to reset his test 221 00:11:48,293 --> 00:11:50,373 Speaker 2: career a little bit. Because I have sat on this 222 00:11:50,373 --> 00:11:52,693 Speaker 2: podcast before that I can't think of a test where 223 00:11:52,733 --> 00:11:55,653 Speaker 2: Luke Jacobson has gone out and it had an absolute 224 00:11:55,653 --> 00:11:58,013 Speaker 2: storman gone you know that was Luke Jacobson's best test 225 00:11:58,053 --> 00:12:00,133 Speaker 2: because I can't think of one. It might he's a 226 00:12:00,173 --> 00:12:02,133 Speaker 2: great player at super rapi level, but I just haven't 227 00:12:02,333 --> 00:12:05,013 Speaker 2: seen him take that step up. Now with a clean 228 00:12:05,093 --> 00:12:07,613 Speaker 2: slate of sorts, this could be the opportunity that he 229 00:12:07,653 --> 00:12:12,053 Speaker 2: needs to really lockdown a jersey in this loose Ford trio. 230 00:12:12,253 --> 00:12:14,853 Speaker 2: And his versatility is a strength and the fact that 231 00:12:14,893 --> 00:12:17,373 Speaker 2: apparently we don't see numbers anymore or roles in this 232 00:12:17,413 --> 00:12:20,253 Speaker 2: loose Ward trio, you know he can slide between all 233 00:12:20,293 --> 00:12:22,893 Speaker 2: of those roles. So I think it's a big opportunity 234 00:12:22,893 --> 00:12:25,573 Speaker 2: for Lou Jacobson on Saturday Night to stamp his authority 235 00:12:25,933 --> 00:12:29,373 Speaker 2: and make him the first choice open side flankert in 236 00:12:29,453 --> 00:12:32,693 Speaker 2: this mix going forward, because previously to this point, I 237 00:12:32,693 --> 00:12:33,533 Speaker 2: don't think he has. 238 00:12:33,933 --> 00:12:36,133 Speaker 3: Well in the big caveat to that is it sounds 239 00:12:36,173 --> 00:12:39,853 Speaker 3: like Dave Rennie views Artie Severe as an eight first 240 00:12:39,893 --> 00:12:43,093 Speaker 3: and foremost, and so that leaves the open side jersey 241 00:12:43,133 --> 00:12:46,973 Speaker 3: potentially open, not just for Jacobson, but Anton Signer as well. 242 00:12:47,013 --> 00:12:51,853 Speaker 3: Could really state his case as this series progresses. And 243 00:12:51,973 --> 00:12:58,373 Speaker 3: it also the recurring question about number six and it's 244 00:12:58,413 --> 00:13:01,053 Speaker 3: the profile of your loose Fords as a combination, and 245 00:13:01,093 --> 00:13:03,573 Speaker 3: Reny admitted that this was the area that they discussed 246 00:13:03,573 --> 00:13:09,773 Speaker 3: the most and successive all black coaches or trios of 247 00:13:09,853 --> 00:13:15,773 Speaker 3: loose forwards generally have one combative, hard hitting, hard working 248 00:13:16,253 --> 00:13:19,653 Speaker 3: player that Simon Parker fulfilled that role or was supposed 249 00:13:19,693 --> 00:13:23,613 Speaker 3: to fulfill that role under Scott Robertson, you're going back 250 00:13:23,653 --> 00:13:30,693 Speaker 3: to Shannon Frazelle or Liam Squire. You know, it's been 251 00:13:30,693 --> 00:13:33,613 Speaker 3: a perennial problem. So now Peter Luckeye gets thrown the jersey? 252 00:13:33,773 --> 00:13:36,093 Speaker 2: Do you think that there? And we've talked about oviously 253 00:13:36,093 --> 00:13:38,133 Speaker 2: about the jerseys and not meeting maybe as much, but 254 00:13:38,133 --> 00:13:41,493 Speaker 2: are they trying to fashion Luckhaie into that role? So 255 00:13:41,533 --> 00:13:44,413 Speaker 2: they've seen something. Obviously he's an excellent player and storming 256 00:13:44,413 --> 00:13:47,093 Speaker 2: Super Rugby Final, but have they gone yep, there's enough 257 00:13:47,093 --> 00:13:50,173 Speaker 2: elements there that we can make him a blindside flanker 258 00:13:50,253 --> 00:13:53,293 Speaker 2: and make him into the next Jerome Cano going back 259 00:13:53,493 --> 00:13:55,613 Speaker 2: ten plus years now, and he's the kind of guy 260 00:13:55,893 --> 00:13:58,293 Speaker 2: that we can see feeling that even though traditionally he's 261 00:13:58,293 --> 00:13:59,293 Speaker 2: played Steven or Raight. 262 00:14:00,013 --> 00:14:02,973 Speaker 3: I think it's a case of we're picking Ardie at 263 00:14:02,973 --> 00:14:05,733 Speaker 3: eight and so we need Peter Luckeye in the trio. 264 00:14:06,133 --> 00:14:08,573 Speaker 3: So weird is he fit and they've gone six. It 265 00:14:08,573 --> 00:14:12,053 Speaker 3: seems a bit strange because if it'd probably be less 266 00:14:12,093 --> 00:14:16,573 Speaker 3: polarizing if you put Peter Lukeye at seven and Jacobson 267 00:14:16,613 --> 00:14:18,453 Speaker 3: at eight. But they've obviously got a rationale for it. 268 00:14:18,533 --> 00:14:20,973 Speaker 2: Yeah, they do again, but numbers don't matter. Well that 269 00:14:21,133 --> 00:14:23,133 Speaker 2: you know, the less importance. But we're getting very tangled 270 00:14:23,173 --> 00:14:27,213 Speaker 2: and going, well, why are players wearing certain numbers? Wallace 271 00:14:27,253 --> 00:14:30,453 Speaker 2: Satisi comes off the bench as well. Haven't seen him 272 00:14:30,453 --> 00:14:32,933 Speaker 2: since that horrible head knock in the game against the 273 00:14:33,013 --> 00:14:35,853 Speaker 2: Reds in the first round of the Super Ruggy Plaffs. 274 00:14:36,453 --> 00:14:39,053 Speaker 2: He played a little bit of impact last year off 275 00:14:39,093 --> 00:14:42,133 Speaker 2: the All Blacks bench. He can bring impact in the 276 00:14:42,213 --> 00:14:46,693 Speaker 2: last in the closing minutes of games. You wouldntn't wouldn't 277 00:14:46,693 --> 00:14:49,733 Speaker 2: want a pigeonhole him there necessarily, But in the way 278 00:14:49,773 --> 00:14:51,813 Speaker 2: that they've selected this team, I can see him, you know, 279 00:14:51,933 --> 00:14:54,093 Speaker 2: hading some impact in it closing stage. 280 00:14:54,373 --> 00:14:59,693 Speaker 3: Absolutely yeah. And I think look from an attacking dynamic 281 00:15:01,733 --> 00:15:05,333 Speaker 3: point of view, Setti starts in your loose Ford trio. 282 00:15:05,413 --> 00:15:08,173 Speaker 3: But it comes back to those complementary skill sets and 283 00:15:09,213 --> 00:15:11,533 Speaker 3: at this stage of his career, he probably doesn't bring 284 00:15:11,613 --> 00:15:18,493 Speaker 3: that hard defensive presence that compliments Ardi and Lackaye, and 285 00:15:18,533 --> 00:15:20,013 Speaker 3: so he's the one that misses out. 286 00:15:20,413 --> 00:15:22,893 Speaker 2: I think it's exactly it. He's had to miss out 287 00:15:22,893 --> 00:15:25,853 Speaker 2: on this occasion. Maybe they'll tweak it again depending on 288 00:15:25,853 --> 00:15:27,493 Speaker 2: how it goes this weekend. 289 00:15:27,533 --> 00:15:29,373 Speaker 3: And Jason Ryan also said earlier in the week that 290 00:15:29,413 --> 00:15:32,053 Speaker 3: they view him as an eight, so now he's stuck 291 00:15:32,093 --> 00:15:32,653 Speaker 3: behind Ardi. 292 00:15:33,093 --> 00:15:37,213 Speaker 2: Yeah, just interesting reading and dissecting some of the comments 293 00:15:37,213 --> 00:15:40,813 Speaker 2: that have been made this week alone. Elsewhere in the 294 00:15:41,173 --> 00:15:44,413 Speaker 2: twenty three, the Locks kind of picked themselves with Darry 295 00:15:44,973 --> 00:15:48,373 Speaker 2: and Josh Lord to start to provide out with concussion. 296 00:15:48,973 --> 00:15:51,613 Speaker 2: Obviously Barrett's not there, I Fabien Holan's not there, and 297 00:15:51,933 --> 00:15:55,253 Speaker 2: Patrick Tepilotto. It's being a Pigeonholing has been very much 298 00:15:55,453 --> 00:15:59,693 Speaker 2: given the impact role at test level for two coaches now, 299 00:15:59,733 --> 00:16:02,813 Speaker 2: if not longer. It's really fulfills very well. So I 300 00:16:02,853 --> 00:16:05,373 Speaker 2: suppose they haven't changed it there front row. They've gone 301 00:16:05,413 --> 00:16:09,173 Speaker 2: with the starters there and de Groot Taylor then in 302 00:16:09,293 --> 00:16:12,893 Speaker 2: an all Hurricanes replacement trio via which you can see 303 00:16:12,893 --> 00:16:15,453 Speaker 2: the benefits of anything stand out from the rest of 304 00:16:15,453 --> 00:16:16,013 Speaker 2: the twenty three. 305 00:16:16,413 --> 00:16:18,373 Speaker 3: I think it's a test you're locking depth, you're into 306 00:16:18,413 --> 00:16:21,453 Speaker 3: your fourth and fifth choice locks because there's no Scott Barrett, 307 00:16:21,453 --> 00:16:25,813 Speaker 3: no Fabian Holland, no TUPUVIAI so big responsibility on those 308 00:16:25,853 --> 00:16:29,853 Speaker 3: guys to own the line out and bring physical presences 309 00:16:29,893 --> 00:16:32,973 Speaker 3: around the park. Josh Lord has been superb this year 310 00:16:33,013 --> 00:16:36,333 Speaker 3: for the Chiefs. Big opportunity for Sam Darry. I really 311 00:16:36,373 --> 00:16:39,693 Speaker 3: do like largely the composition of the All Blacks bench, 312 00:16:40,093 --> 00:16:42,373 Speaker 3: if we separate it out. Though I'm a big fan 313 00:16:42,453 --> 00:16:46,773 Speaker 3: of the Fords. They all hurricanes front row, no mere 314 00:16:47,533 --> 00:16:51,973 Speaker 3: more lomax man like unleashing them in the last half 315 00:16:52,013 --> 00:16:55,253 Speaker 3: an hour. That's a real point of difference with toy 316 00:16:55,293 --> 00:17:00,133 Speaker 3: Polotu and Sititi. I would have selected Kyle Preston over 317 00:17:00,293 --> 00:17:05,373 Speaker 3: Cortes Ratima. Billy Proctor I think probably deserves his selection 318 00:17:05,693 --> 00:17:07,693 Speaker 3: on the base of what he puts together this year 319 00:17:07,693 --> 00:17:10,413 Speaker 3: in Superbriate, but I'm also not sold on him being 320 00:17:11,053 --> 00:17:14,493 Speaker 3: an impact player as yet and then fitting enough for 321 00:17:15,573 --> 00:17:17,693 Speaker 3: there be a few nerves there, hopefully get some early 322 00:17:17,733 --> 00:17:22,653 Speaker 3: touches and can impress. So I do largely like certainly 323 00:17:22,693 --> 00:17:25,933 Speaker 3: that the Fords on that bench, and I don't think 324 00:17:25,973 --> 00:17:28,413 Speaker 3: the All Blacks have got that element right in recent 325 00:17:28,453 --> 00:17:28,933 Speaker 3: years either. 326 00:17:29,053 --> 00:17:30,693 Speaker 2: No, I don't think they have, and hopefully this is 327 00:17:30,693 --> 00:17:32,933 Speaker 2: a step towards I tend to agree about the backs, 328 00:17:32,933 --> 00:17:35,653 Speaker 2: Billy Procter can only play center. I mean, maybe you 329 00:17:35,693 --> 00:17:38,693 Speaker 2: could put him on the wing. Potentially hasn't played a 330 00:17:38,693 --> 00:17:41,333 Speaker 2: lot there, but maybe you could taken a role, but 331 00:17:41,373 --> 00:17:43,933 Speaker 2: you've already got a wing there, so I think I'm 332 00:17:44,013 --> 00:17:48,853 Speaker 2: not quite sold on that necessarily, But otherwise I think 333 00:17:48,893 --> 00:17:52,453 Speaker 2: are pretty well rounded and interesting. Twenty three from Dave 334 00:17:52,533 --> 00:17:55,373 Speaker 2: Rennie and you can quibble with it, but I think 335 00:17:55,413 --> 00:17:58,773 Speaker 2: ultimately does you know, represent a step forward for this 336 00:17:58,813 --> 00:18:00,493 Speaker 2: All Blacks team who are going to face a French 337 00:18:00,533 --> 00:18:04,173 Speaker 2: side on the weekend with a lot of Bordeaux players 338 00:18:04,253 --> 00:18:07,413 Speaker 2: in the mix. They've named their squad this evening as well, 339 00:18:07,933 --> 00:18:10,733 Speaker 2: the headline being Luku and Jellowbeert nine and ten for 340 00:18:10,773 --> 00:18:14,253 Speaker 2: a million names to a New Zealand audience. More fun 341 00:18:14,533 --> 00:18:18,013 Speaker 2: at second five Damienos and the mix as well. 342 00:18:18,973 --> 00:18:22,693 Speaker 3: The other wing twenty one year olds was one of 343 00:18:22,693 --> 00:18:29,533 Speaker 3: their standouts last year as well. So yeah, quite lanky, tall, fast, skillful, 344 00:18:29,853 --> 00:18:32,213 Speaker 3: great in the air. He really impressed me this time 345 00:18:32,293 --> 00:18:32,773 Speaker 3: last year. 346 00:18:32,893 --> 00:18:34,933 Speaker 2: Yeah, he was excellent, and I think ye know that. 347 00:18:35,133 --> 00:18:37,453 Speaker 2: You know, this French team has once again been written 348 00:18:37,493 --> 00:18:41,133 Speaker 2: off to an extent, but they've got a lot of 349 00:18:41,173 --> 00:18:43,333 Speaker 2: Bordeaux players who are the European champions. They're going to 350 00:18:43,333 --> 00:18:43,653 Speaker 2: come in. 351 00:18:43,613 --> 00:18:47,013 Speaker 3: With eight from Bordeaux and the squad. Yeah, so there 352 00:18:47,053 --> 00:18:50,453 Speaker 3: are established combinations they might be. I think the All 353 00:18:50,453 --> 00:18:53,933 Speaker 3: Blacks will fancy themselves at the scrum because France don't 354 00:18:53,933 --> 00:18:57,373 Speaker 3: have their first choice props, so they may come for 355 00:18:57,453 --> 00:18:59,733 Speaker 3: them there. And they have gone with their strong, very 356 00:18:59,773 --> 00:19:03,053 Speaker 3: strong scrummages and the grout and nule, so I think 357 00:19:03,053 --> 00:19:07,173 Speaker 3: that's one area they may target the French. But as 358 00:19:07,173 --> 00:19:09,093 Speaker 3: we saw last year the Test of the Year, it 359 00:19:09,213 --> 00:19:13,333 Speaker 3: was pretty squeaky and France love being written off, don't they. 360 00:19:13,493 --> 00:19:15,613 Speaker 2: They do, and they've got a lot of quality players 361 00:19:15,773 --> 00:19:19,893 Speaker 2: and will play in different ways to the All Blacks 362 00:19:19,933 --> 00:19:22,933 Speaker 2: have played in recent times in Super Rugby, So not 363 00:19:23,013 --> 00:19:25,813 Speaker 2: a lot of time together for the All Blacks opponents 364 00:19:25,813 --> 00:19:27,493 Speaker 2: that are spending a lot of time to give the 365 00:19:27,813 --> 00:19:31,093 Speaker 2: club level. How's this going to play out on Saturday night? 366 00:19:32,813 --> 00:19:37,013 Speaker 3: Who knows. Look, there's a lot of familiarity in the 367 00:19:37,013 --> 00:19:40,053 Speaker 3: All Black team when you talk about Roy guard Love, Barretts. 368 00:19:41,133 --> 00:19:43,733 Speaker 3: There's enough class in that team the All Blacks should win. 369 00:19:45,093 --> 00:19:50,213 Speaker 3: But first Test of the Year traditionally rusty French it's 370 00:19:50,253 --> 00:19:52,733 Speaker 3: a tied trope, but they are unpredictable, not necessarily in 371 00:19:52,773 --> 00:19:55,733 Speaker 3: the way they play, but if they get their tails up, 372 00:19:56,653 --> 00:19:58,333 Speaker 3: if they get a bit of momentum, they can be 373 00:19:58,373 --> 00:20:02,613 Speaker 3: incredibly dangerous. If they are allowed to offloads, if they 374 00:20:02,653 --> 00:20:05,093 Speaker 3: can pressure the All Blacks under the high ball and 375 00:20:05,173 --> 00:20:07,733 Speaker 3: live off some scraps and put some school board pressure 376 00:20:07,773 --> 00:20:11,453 Speaker 3: on and you know, put some heat on Ruben Love 377 00:20:11,533 --> 00:20:16,133 Speaker 3: force a few early mistakes, that they are a live chance. 378 00:20:16,853 --> 00:20:19,293 Speaker 3: I would not be writing off this French team, but 379 00:20:19,453 --> 00:20:24,533 Speaker 3: missing I think it's eight top fourteen finalists. Reny you know, 380 00:20:24,773 --> 00:20:28,813 Speaker 3: starting his tenure. It doesn't really matter how it happens, 381 00:20:28,813 --> 00:20:32,013 Speaker 3: but They'll Blacks have to win. Just win, get on 382 00:20:32,053 --> 00:20:33,693 Speaker 3: the board and then you can progress from there. 383 00:20:34,133 --> 00:20:36,173 Speaker 2: Let's think back two years ago. The All Blacks played 384 00:20:36,213 --> 00:20:39,693 Speaker 2: England in Dunedin and they squeaked. 385 00:20:39,213 --> 00:20:42,173 Speaker 3: Home absolutely Marcus Smith had he had a better night 386 00:20:42,173 --> 00:20:43,653 Speaker 3: off the team in England won that game. 387 00:20:44,013 --> 00:20:46,093 Speaker 2: If the All Black's winning that fashion on Saturday night, 388 00:20:46,133 --> 00:20:46,893 Speaker 2: will that be enough? 389 00:20:49,893 --> 00:20:54,173 Speaker 3: Well, not for the public probably, you know, it's it's 390 00:20:54,173 --> 00:20:55,853 Speaker 3: not enough for the All Blacks to win. It's how 391 00:20:55,853 --> 00:20:58,733 Speaker 3: they win more by how much. But internally I think 392 00:20:58,773 --> 00:21:02,973 Speaker 3: they'd probably take a starting points. But look, there's enough 393 00:21:02,973 --> 00:21:05,733 Speaker 3: experience in that all Black team to deliver a performance. 394 00:21:07,213 --> 00:21:09,613 Speaker 3: There'll be a lot of overtivation coming back to christ 395 00:21:09,653 --> 00:21:13,013 Speaker 3: Church playing in a pristine venue, starting a new era. 396 00:21:13,493 --> 00:21:16,333 Speaker 3: There's a whole lot of talk about optimism, but there 397 00:21:16,373 --> 00:21:19,013 Speaker 3: is a reality of bringing a new management team together, 398 00:21:19,773 --> 00:21:24,413 Speaker 3: sharing a lot of new calls, making changes that that 399 00:21:24,493 --> 00:21:26,613 Speaker 3: generally takes time. So I do expect there to be 400 00:21:26,653 --> 00:21:27,493 Speaker 3: a bit of clunkiness. 401 00:21:27,573 --> 00:21:29,133 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it will be right before we go 402 00:21:29,293 --> 00:21:34,373 Speaker 2: Super Rugby announcing the format for next year ten teams. 403 00:21:34,413 --> 00:21:37,693 Speaker 2: Obviously there's still a top six, although the lucky loser 404 00:21:37,733 --> 00:21:42,173 Speaker 2: has been sent to the graveyards of Super Rugby ideas 405 00:21:42,693 --> 00:21:46,453 Speaker 2: joining who else? It's quite full that some wolves, what 406 00:21:46,853 --> 00:21:50,653 Speaker 2: is the Rebels, Kings, Kings South Africa in general? Yeah, 407 00:21:51,533 --> 00:21:54,773 Speaker 2: so welcome in the lucky Loserana Lana, Yep. What do 408 00:21:54,813 --> 00:21:56,693 Speaker 2: you make of the format for next year? 409 00:21:58,973 --> 00:22:03,893 Speaker 3: Two more weeks could be quite a hard sell? Look, 410 00:22:03,933 --> 00:22:08,093 Speaker 3: I think the format as such as probably probably the 411 00:22:08,093 --> 00:22:10,813 Speaker 3: best that they could come up with the time in 412 00:22:10,813 --> 00:22:14,133 Speaker 3: the allotted time frame. It's not completely fair because the 413 00:22:14,133 --> 00:22:17,093 Speaker 3: Australians won't play the Kiwi teams as much, so that's 414 00:22:17,093 --> 00:22:20,573 Speaker 3: a leg up for them. And I have major issues 415 00:22:20,613 --> 00:22:25,013 Speaker 3: with the top six even that, even though the first 416 00:22:25,013 --> 00:22:28,133 Speaker 3: two teams have the week off, six teams making the 417 00:22:28,133 --> 00:22:33,053 Speaker 3: postseason from ten is quite fascical, really, isn't it. And 418 00:22:33,853 --> 00:22:37,493 Speaker 3: from my mind, a top you can satisfy the broadcasters 419 00:22:37,533 --> 00:22:39,173 Speaker 3: and the fans here. What you do is you have 420 00:22:39,173 --> 00:22:42,613 Speaker 3: a top four and you have home and away semis 421 00:22:44,013 --> 00:22:48,253 Speaker 3: and then you still get six finals matches and you 422 00:22:48,293 --> 00:22:49,453 Speaker 3: don't have to have a top six. 423 00:22:49,533 --> 00:22:52,773 Speaker 2: Yeah. I'm coming around to that idea of having the 424 00:22:52,773 --> 00:22:55,773 Speaker 2: top four semi finals one place four, you play away first, 425 00:22:55,773 --> 00:22:57,493 Speaker 2: and then the home team gets a benefit of knowing 426 00:22:57,573 --> 00:22:59,893 Speaker 2: sort of what they've got to chase in Week two. 427 00:23:00,413 --> 00:23:01,933 Speaker 2: I think there's a lot of benefit to that. And 428 00:23:01,973 --> 00:23:05,253 Speaker 2: you have the best teams of the competition playing more 429 00:23:05,293 --> 00:23:06,413 Speaker 2: often at the back end. 430 00:23:07,413 --> 00:23:09,173 Speaker 3: It's got to be some jeper throughout the season. 431 00:23:09,333 --> 00:23:13,693 Speaker 2: Yeah, absolutely, And I don't think it is particularly fan 432 00:23:13,813 --> 00:23:16,933 Speaker 2: centric to extend the regular season out by two weeks 433 00:23:18,093 --> 00:23:19,933 Speaker 2: and then still put a top six in. You're giving 434 00:23:19,973 --> 00:23:22,293 Speaker 2: more games in the regular season for a top six 435 00:23:22,333 --> 00:23:25,373 Speaker 2: that I could probably tell you right now is probably 436 00:23:25,373 --> 00:23:27,413 Speaker 2: going to be the same as this year, maybe give 437 00:23:27,493 --> 00:23:31,213 Speaker 2: or take one team. Yeah, yeah, exactly, come on, Force 438 00:23:31,213 --> 00:23:34,053 Speaker 2: surprised me. Drewors surprised me. 439 00:23:34,293 --> 00:23:36,173 Speaker 3: You know, yeah, the Force got quite a high turnover, 440 00:23:36,253 --> 00:23:38,293 Speaker 3: but they were the big movies and Aussie this. 441 00:23:38,333 --> 00:23:42,573 Speaker 2: Year surprised me, Like I could tell, barring massive changes, 442 00:23:42,893 --> 00:23:45,013 Speaker 2: it's probably going to be around the same top six. 443 00:23:45,053 --> 00:23:48,013 Speaker 2: So we're playing sixteen, seventeen weeks, whatever it is. I 444 00:23:48,013 --> 00:23:50,813 Speaker 2: think sixteen off the top of me head. To get 445 00:23:50,853 --> 00:23:53,133 Speaker 2: to the same or similar top six needs to be 446 00:23:53,173 --> 00:23:55,773 Speaker 2: jepandine needs to be a top four and that puts 447 00:23:55,813 --> 00:23:59,053 Speaker 2: more emphasis on the regular season games. If there is 448 00:23:59,133 --> 00:24:00,493 Speaker 2: only a top four to make it. 449 00:24:01,173 --> 00:24:07,093 Speaker 3: Yeah, yeah, you had me at hello, I just I can't. 450 00:24:08,453 --> 00:24:10,293 Speaker 3: You could tune out for the best part of half 451 00:24:10,293 --> 00:24:13,053 Speaker 3: the year and tune into the back end, and like 452 00:24:13,133 --> 00:24:14,893 Speaker 3: you say, you can pick your top six now. So 453 00:24:15,213 --> 00:24:18,733 Speaker 3: if it's not home and away semi finals, maybe you 454 00:24:18,733 --> 00:24:21,373 Speaker 3: have a home and away grand final. Yeah you know, 455 00:24:21,413 --> 00:24:24,333 Speaker 3: and you still get your three weeks of finals. But 456 00:24:25,813 --> 00:24:30,493 Speaker 3: it's an elite professional competition because there's jeopardy and not 457 00:24:30,613 --> 00:24:32,893 Speaker 3: over half your teams are making the postseason. 458 00:24:32,973 --> 00:24:37,093 Speaker 2: Yeah, this just doesn't work with ten teams sixteen plaff, 459 00:24:37,173 --> 00:24:40,453 Speaker 2: but there needs to be some path towards expansion. 460 00:24:40,493 --> 00:24:40,733 Speaker 3: I think. 461 00:24:40,773 --> 00:24:40,973 Speaker 2: Yeah. 462 00:24:41,093 --> 00:24:44,533 Speaker 3: The only tick I would give them is they resisted 463 00:24:44,653 --> 00:24:46,653 Speaker 3: the urge or the push from Australia to go to 464 00:24:46,693 --> 00:24:51,853 Speaker 3: conferences which would have guaranteed an Australian presence in the finals. 465 00:24:51,973 --> 00:24:53,173 Speaker 3: And we just don't need that. 466 00:24:53,533 --> 00:24:56,373 Speaker 2: No, we don't. I said enough about Australia the other day. 467 00:24:57,893 --> 00:25:00,213 Speaker 2: You're not welcome across it. It would be very interesting 468 00:25:00,413 --> 00:25:03,093 Speaker 2: to get there in September October for the. 469 00:25:03,773 --> 00:25:06,413 Speaker 3: You better hope your family in Perth give your safe housels. 470 00:25:06,573 --> 00:25:09,693 Speaker 2: Yeah, it might be the best possible so around that. 471 00:25:10,053 --> 00:25:13,093 Speaker 2: Thanks to Mark Kelly for producing this Right by Direct 472 00:25:13,093 --> 00:25:16,293 Speaker 2: podcast on a Thursday night. We are powered by Excess Solutions, 473 00:25:16,533 --> 00:25:19,493 Speaker 2: elevating you and your business to a higher level. 474 00:25:20,453 --> 00:25:23,133 Speaker 1: For more from News Talk st B, listen live on 475 00:25:23,173 --> 00:25:26,133 Speaker 1: air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever 476 00:25:26,213 --> 00:25:28,773 Speaker 1: you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.