1 00:00:09,093 --> 00:00:11,973 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks at B. 2 00:00:12,373 --> 00:00:16,173 Speaker 1: Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio, 3 00:00:20,413 --> 00:00:22,173 Speaker 1: Straight down the Middle. 4 00:00:21,853 --> 00:00:29,853 Speaker 2: Of Trump Sky, try to. 5 00:00:29,853 --> 00:00:33,973 Speaker 1: Get inside the game from every end goal. It's Rugby 6 00:00:33,973 --> 00:00:37,653 Speaker 1: Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Navier powered by News 7 00:00:37,693 --> 00:00:38,213 Speaker 1: Talks EDB. 8 00:00:39,013 --> 00:00:41,533 Speaker 2: Welcome in to Rugby Direct powered by Habit Held Physio 9 00:00:41,573 --> 00:00:45,533 Speaker 2: book Today and Stay in the Game Rugby Direct Back. 10 00:00:45,613 --> 00:00:48,973 Speaker 2: We had Super Rugby Around one and the books. Elliott 11 00:00:48,973 --> 00:00:54,053 Speaker 2: Smith with me is Liam Napier, rugby writer, correspondent, co host, 12 00:00:54,093 --> 00:00:56,893 Speaker 2: et cetera, et cetera, Liam, Super Rugby Round ones in 13 00:00:56,933 --> 00:01:01,013 Speaker 2: the Books. Overall, how did you feel about the quality 14 00:01:01,013 --> 00:01:02,333 Speaker 2: of rugby we saw over the weekend. 15 00:01:03,133 --> 00:01:06,053 Speaker 3: I think it was a typical first round, Elliott. Great 16 00:01:06,093 --> 00:01:11,733 Speaker 3: to have it back on our earways. Suffered somewhat from 17 00:01:11,733 --> 00:01:13,853 Speaker 3: not having the best team in the competition start the round. 18 00:01:14,013 --> 00:01:16,573 Speaker 3: The Hurricanes, you know, almost came out in protest with 19 00:01:16,653 --> 00:01:21,173 Speaker 3: them not there right okay, but there was some quality. 20 00:01:21,373 --> 00:01:24,653 Speaker 3: There was some great passages, and I think there was 21 00:01:25,573 --> 00:01:29,813 Speaker 3: some clunkiness as well and some underwhelming long. 22 00:01:29,693 --> 00:01:30,613 Speaker 4: Patches as well. 23 00:01:30,653 --> 00:01:33,693 Speaker 3: So I expect the season to get better, but great 24 00:01:33,693 --> 00:01:37,173 Speaker 3: to see some upsets. I think that's crucial for this competition. 25 00:01:37,573 --> 00:01:40,773 Speaker 3: We don't want it to be highly predictable, don't want 26 00:01:40,813 --> 00:01:41,213 Speaker 3: it to be. 27 00:01:43,173 --> 00:01:44,173 Speaker 4: Scripted, do we. 28 00:01:44,373 --> 00:01:50,013 Speaker 3: So props to the Highlanders in particular, everyone's second favorite 29 00:01:50,013 --> 00:01:50,773 Speaker 3: team for the week. 30 00:01:52,693 --> 00:01:55,973 Speaker 2: Not my second favorite team, but that's all right. You 31 00:01:56,013 --> 00:01:58,493 Speaker 2: know everyone else could have their second favorite teams the Highlanders. 32 00:01:58,693 --> 00:02:03,213 Speaker 2: Let's start the Highlanders twenty five Crusaders twenty three under 33 00:02:03,253 --> 00:02:06,493 Speaker 2: the roof in Dunedin, and this was a very good 34 00:02:06,493 --> 00:02:10,373 Speaker 2: performance from the Highlanders. I thought it first half took 35 00:02:10,373 --> 00:02:13,373 Speaker 2: advantage of the Crusaders eras Crusaders couldn't hold onto any 36 00:02:13,453 --> 00:02:16,853 Speaker 2: ball for that first period and just took their opportunities 37 00:02:16,893 --> 00:02:20,173 Speaker 2: when they came. I think you've got to look at 38 00:02:20,333 --> 00:02:24,653 Speaker 2: the Crusaders and go, you know, maybe you know Cody, 39 00:02:24,693 --> 00:02:26,453 Speaker 2: Taylor and Wild and I know they had all blacks rice, 40 00:02:26,493 --> 00:02:27,893 Speaker 2: but they looked a lot better when they were on 41 00:02:27,933 --> 00:02:30,373 Speaker 2: the park, but they just Crusaders looked clunky for that 42 00:02:30,453 --> 00:02:33,333 Speaker 2: first forty but the Highlanders looked like a team and 43 00:02:33,413 --> 00:02:35,493 Speaker 2: maybe because they hadn't had as many all blacks through 44 00:02:35,533 --> 00:02:37,493 Speaker 2: pre season, but they looked like a team ready to 45 00:02:37,493 --> 00:02:39,493 Speaker 2: go for Round one. The Crusaders looked like they've been 46 00:02:39,493 --> 00:02:42,693 Speaker 2: caught by surprise that super rugby had got underway. 47 00:02:42,773 --> 00:02:46,293 Speaker 3: It will start with the Highlanders. I think almost need 48 00:02:46,333 --> 00:02:50,173 Speaker 3: to offer an apology. Round one didn't give them a chance, 49 00:02:50,613 --> 00:02:53,093 Speaker 3: and this picture thought the Crusaders would do it comfortably. 50 00:02:53,653 --> 00:02:57,333 Speaker 3: And I heard this morning actually that the tab made 51 00:02:57,333 --> 00:03:00,573 Speaker 3: a killing on that game. One punter put ten grand 52 00:03:01,333 --> 00:03:03,613 Speaker 3: on the Crusaders. I certainly had them in a few multis, 53 00:03:03,693 --> 00:03:05,413 Speaker 3: so not to that extent. 54 00:03:05,733 --> 00:03:07,733 Speaker 2: Well, I think counts ten grand lighter this morning. 55 00:03:09,493 --> 00:03:13,133 Speaker 3: But the context around the Highlanders, isn't it having lost 56 00:03:13,173 --> 00:03:18,173 Speaker 3: the LM. Pledger, Fabian Hollands, they just seem like they're 57 00:03:18,173 --> 00:03:21,373 Speaker 3: on the Rackabit and Jamie Joseph the distraction around that. 58 00:03:23,133 --> 00:03:23,893 Speaker 4: Look at their roster. 59 00:03:24,213 --> 00:03:27,173 Speaker 3: It doesn't have the star stuttered names of the other 60 00:03:27,213 --> 00:03:30,373 Speaker 3: New Zealand franchises, but they turned up and I was 61 00:03:30,413 --> 00:03:35,053 Speaker 3: really impressed with some of their non headline players. Jack Taylor, 62 00:03:35,053 --> 00:03:36,773 Speaker 3: I know the line out really struggled, but he was 63 00:03:36,813 --> 00:03:41,093 Speaker 3: good around the field. Lucas Casey was good, good on debut. 64 00:03:41,453 --> 00:03:44,293 Speaker 3: And then when they do get that front foot platform, 65 00:03:44,533 --> 00:03:50,893 Speaker 3: the outside backs in particular lethal Jacob Ratamavuki Nipkins, Caleb Tungytowe. 66 00:03:50,973 --> 00:03:53,213 Speaker 3: The try that he scored just blistering pace. He is 67 00:03:53,253 --> 00:03:55,693 Speaker 3: an out and out finisher. It was a real statement 68 00:03:57,013 --> 00:03:59,453 Speaker 3: finished from him to beat fi Haki and one another 69 00:03:59,573 --> 00:04:01,933 Speaker 3: in the corner. You know, he didn't have a lot 70 00:04:01,933 --> 00:04:05,653 Speaker 3: of room to move, but pure pace and they just 71 00:04:05,733 --> 00:04:06,133 Speaker 3: kept coming. 72 00:04:06,173 --> 00:04:06,693 Speaker 4: The Hoighlanders. 73 00:04:06,773 --> 00:04:09,573 Speaker 3: It was quite a smart tactical decision to switch the 74 00:04:09,573 --> 00:04:12,213 Speaker 3: front rows to match what the Crusaders. 75 00:04:11,693 --> 00:04:12,653 Speaker 4: Were doing with their bench. 76 00:04:13,893 --> 00:04:18,293 Speaker 3: And it did feel like watching that game that the 77 00:04:18,333 --> 00:04:21,293 Speaker 3: Crusaders would come over the top. When they was at 78 00:04:21,333 --> 00:04:23,973 Speaker 3: the fifty minute mark, they introduced their bomb, scored six 79 00:04:24,013 --> 00:04:27,493 Speaker 3: players as you mentioned, Will Jordan, Cody Taylor, Fletcher Newell, 80 00:04:28,973 --> 00:04:32,933 Speaker 3: there was a host of others and the Crusaders just 81 00:04:32,973 --> 00:04:37,213 Speaker 3: went about their methodical grinds that felt like they were 82 00:04:37,253 --> 00:04:38,213 Speaker 3: going to come over the top. 83 00:04:39,973 --> 00:04:43,533 Speaker 2: Was that a mistake, Well, yeah, I guess they're balancing that. 84 00:04:43,573 --> 00:04:46,693 Speaker 2: All blacks restands. This is the juggling act that super 85 00:04:46,773 --> 00:04:50,813 Speaker 2: rugby coaches have got to deal with, and the Crusaders 86 00:04:51,133 --> 00:04:53,013 Speaker 2: you know, have probably you know the same amount of 87 00:04:53,013 --> 00:04:54,653 Speaker 2: all blots or around about the same as the Chiefs. 88 00:04:54,733 --> 00:04:57,133 Speaker 2: So the Chiefs went to Eden park in one, which 89 00:04:57,133 --> 00:04:59,253 Speaker 2: we'll get to a minute, but you've got a delicate 90 00:04:59,333 --> 00:05:02,173 Speaker 2: balancing act. But it felt like once the Crusaders had 91 00:05:02,173 --> 00:05:03,773 Speaker 2: those all blacks on the park, they looked a lot 92 00:05:03,813 --> 00:05:06,573 Speaker 2: better for that last half hour of the game. And 93 00:05:07,333 --> 00:05:09,173 Speaker 2: as you say, rolling over the top, well, they got 94 00:05:09,213 --> 00:05:12,253 Speaker 2: to the point that they were, you know, out in 95 00:05:12,333 --> 00:05:15,733 Speaker 2: front and had a one point leads and we're looking 96 00:05:15,773 --> 00:05:17,893 Speaker 2: perhaps the better team by that point. The Hinders had 97 00:05:17,893 --> 00:05:20,893 Speaker 2: sort of fallen away a little bit in the game, 98 00:05:20,933 --> 00:05:23,173 Speaker 2: but they gave away the penalty and the Highlanders cam 99 00:05:23,253 --> 00:05:25,893 Speaker 2: Miller clutch enough to win it. So look, I thought 100 00:05:25,933 --> 00:05:28,493 Speaker 2: the Crusaders played their best rugby between the fifty minute 101 00:05:28,493 --> 00:05:32,093 Speaker 2: mark and the seventy eighth minute mark. That Penry I 102 00:05:32,093 --> 00:05:35,293 Speaker 2: felt was correct, but not much that those two players 103 00:05:35,333 --> 00:05:37,133 Speaker 2: could have done in terms of, you know, collecting the 104 00:05:37,173 --> 00:05:40,893 Speaker 2: player coming through. But ultimately they left themselves too much 105 00:05:40,893 --> 00:05:42,493 Speaker 2: work to do because at the first half they were 106 00:05:42,613 --> 00:05:45,853 Speaker 2: just really really out of sorts, and as I say before, 107 00:05:45,853 --> 00:05:48,293 Speaker 2: it felt like they were a team caught by surprise 108 00:05:48,333 --> 00:05:50,093 Speaker 2: that Super Rugby had started on February fourteen. 109 00:05:50,693 --> 00:05:51,653 Speaker 4: They had some good performers. 110 00:05:51,693 --> 00:05:55,893 Speaker 3: Ethan Blackeader was everywhere from open side, but then others 111 00:05:56,253 --> 00:05:57,973 Speaker 3: guys at least defying a nook who I thought was 112 00:05:58,093 --> 00:05:58,933 Speaker 3: really underwhelming. 113 00:05:59,013 --> 00:06:01,013 Speaker 2: We touched on it. I thought it was very underwhelming, just. 114 00:06:00,973 --> 00:06:07,413 Speaker 3: His basic skills, his positional play really just a totally 115 00:06:07,493 --> 00:06:09,573 Speaker 3: off performance. I don't know whether going back to the 116 00:06:09,613 --> 00:06:11,813 Speaker 3: wing or switching into the midfield. We touched on it 117 00:06:11,893 --> 00:06:13,973 Speaker 3: last week about being a hybrid player. He was in 118 00:06:14,013 --> 00:06:16,213 Speaker 3: the ruck at times. Maybe he's got too much on 119 00:06:16,253 --> 00:06:16,613 Speaker 3: his plate. 120 00:06:16,693 --> 00:06:18,573 Speaker 2: Yeah, this could all be the place. He doesn't look 121 00:06:18,613 --> 00:06:20,693 Speaker 2: like a wing anymore for me, And I know the 122 00:06:20,733 --> 00:06:22,773 Speaker 2: Crusaders have a few injuries around the wings that were 123 00:06:22,813 --> 00:06:25,373 Speaker 2: kind of forced to put him there. But he's barely 124 00:06:25,373 --> 00:06:27,213 Speaker 2: played wing for and we played there a couple of 125 00:06:27,213 --> 00:06:29,253 Speaker 2: times the All Blacks last year, but barely played there 126 00:06:29,293 --> 00:06:32,773 Speaker 2: for the best part of three years. And he got 127 00:06:32,773 --> 00:06:36,253 Speaker 2: out done for that first tribe. Poor defensive read and 128 00:06:36,293 --> 00:06:38,093 Speaker 2: then a lot of drop ball as well, which was 129 00:06:38,213 --> 00:06:39,933 Speaker 2: something we saw from him in the All Blacks last 130 00:06:40,013 --> 00:06:43,653 Speaker 2: year as well. One handed carry. He's just not able 131 00:06:43,693 --> 00:06:46,933 Speaker 2: to secure the ball. It feels like there's a really 132 00:06:47,013 --> 00:06:49,453 Speaker 2: quality player there, but he's just got to sharpen up 133 00:06:49,453 --> 00:06:51,653 Speaker 2: on some of those basic sets and I'm not sure 134 00:06:51,973 --> 00:06:54,013 Speaker 2: that he's a great defensive reader of the game. So 135 00:06:55,093 --> 00:06:57,133 Speaker 2: on the left wing he got found out for that tribe. 136 00:06:57,173 --> 00:06:59,453 Speaker 2: But again, at center, you've got to be strong on defense. 137 00:06:59,533 --> 00:07:01,493 Speaker 2: So I think there's a few question marks over him 138 00:07:01,533 --> 00:07:01,933 Speaker 2: this season. 139 00:07:02,173 --> 00:07:06,613 Speaker 3: There's no doubting his physical capabilities ball in hands at pace, 140 00:07:06,973 --> 00:07:10,293 Speaker 3: incredibly difficult to stop. But you those soft skills, catch pass, 141 00:07:11,293 --> 00:07:13,893 Speaker 3: defensive reads like you say, so there's some pretty big 142 00:07:13,933 --> 00:07:16,013 Speaker 3: flaws to for him to. 143 00:07:15,973 --> 00:07:20,213 Speaker 4: Work through there. Interesting around the turnout. 144 00:07:20,253 --> 00:07:22,573 Speaker 3: I think that they got fifteen thousand then it looked 145 00:07:22,613 --> 00:07:24,853 Speaker 3: like a great atmosphere. But I did read something from 146 00:07:25,373 --> 00:07:28,053 Speaker 3: Dylan Cleaver's piece that he made a late decision. He's 147 00:07:28,093 --> 00:07:32,173 Speaker 3: into needing to go to the game, and real backlog 148 00:07:32,173 --> 00:07:35,533 Speaker 3: of people trying to get in, So maybe something for 149 00:07:36,173 --> 00:07:37,333 Speaker 3: the stadium to address there. 150 00:07:37,453 --> 00:07:40,053 Speaker 2: Yeah, that's classic New Zealand, doesn't it. Though. You arrive 151 00:07:40,213 --> 00:07:42,813 Speaker 2: and hope, Yeah, you've got enough time without wanting to 152 00:07:42,853 --> 00:07:44,693 Speaker 2: sit in the stands for too long, and then ultimately 153 00:07:44,853 --> 00:07:45,733 Speaker 2: you get in the stands late. 154 00:07:45,773 --> 00:07:46,893 Speaker 4: But look, good turnout. 155 00:07:46,933 --> 00:07:49,213 Speaker 2: Good turnout for round one. I know the few people 156 00:07:49,253 --> 00:07:51,213 Speaker 2: saying they should have done it on Saturday because it 157 00:07:51,213 --> 00:07:53,093 Speaker 2: was obviously I think its O week last week, but 158 00:07:53,693 --> 00:07:55,853 Speaker 2: you know, there are various other considerations. I thought fifteen 159 00:07:55,893 --> 00:07:58,933 Speaker 2: thousand was pretty good and you've got another home game 160 00:07:58,933 --> 00:08:00,613 Speaker 2: this week against the Chiefs, so hopefully a good turn 161 00:08:00,653 --> 00:08:01,133 Speaker 2: out then too. 162 00:08:01,293 --> 00:08:05,333 Speaker 3: Yeah. I think it also speaks to the rivalry. You know, 163 00:08:05,373 --> 00:08:07,653 Speaker 3: the Southern Derby is still a massive fixture on the 164 00:08:07,733 --> 00:08:09,813 Speaker 3: rugby calendar, and you saw what it meant to the 165 00:08:09,893 --> 00:08:12,973 Speaker 3: Harner's coaching box and the players to get. 166 00:08:12,893 --> 00:08:14,013 Speaker 4: Up over the Crusaders. 167 00:08:14,333 --> 00:08:16,773 Speaker 3: That's certainly a match that will always be circled long 168 00:08:16,813 --> 00:08:20,373 Speaker 3: on the calendar, and there was genuine passion and pride 169 00:08:20,613 --> 00:08:21,333 Speaker 3: in that performance. 170 00:08:21,373 --> 00:08:23,573 Speaker 2: The work I didn't have on this opening weekend is why. 171 00:08:23,773 --> 00:08:25,813 Speaker 2: You know they've made a lot about the thirtieth anniversary. 172 00:08:25,973 --> 00:08:29,053 Speaker 2: Why wouldn't you kick it off again with Blues and Hurricanes. 173 00:08:29,133 --> 00:08:31,213 Speaker 2: Now there's probably other reasons that are not privy too, 174 00:08:31,333 --> 00:08:34,453 Speaker 2: but that kicked off Super Rugby in ninety six. Why 175 00:08:34,493 --> 00:08:36,213 Speaker 2: not kick it off in twenty twenty six with Blues 176 00:08:36,293 --> 00:08:37,213 Speaker 2: Hurricanes again? Yeah? 177 00:08:37,213 --> 00:08:38,173 Speaker 4: It would have been an easy one. 178 00:08:38,293 --> 00:08:41,533 Speaker 3: Interesting to note that thirty years ago the Haunters beat 179 00:08:41,533 --> 00:08:44,933 Speaker 3: the Crusaders by two points and thirty years on they 180 00:08:44,973 --> 00:08:45,813 Speaker 3: beat them by two points. 181 00:08:45,933 --> 00:08:48,413 Speaker 2: Uniforms as well. I think that's how in the Crusaders 182 00:08:48,453 --> 00:08:50,493 Speaker 2: campaign and known only six was not one to remember. 183 00:08:50,653 --> 00:08:53,933 Speaker 4: Yeah, another one for the good guys, So up the Landers. 184 00:08:54,013 --> 00:08:57,533 Speaker 2: Okay, that's enough for that. Let's move on to Saturday afternoon. 185 00:08:57,653 --> 00:09:02,013 Speaker 2: More on a pacifica Fiji and Drewer. Good win for 186 00:09:02,093 --> 00:09:05,573 Speaker 2: Winer pacificat on the road the Drewer your latok has 187 00:09:05,573 --> 00:09:08,813 Speaker 2: been a bit of a graveyard for visiting teams. We 188 00:09:08,853 --> 00:09:11,093 Speaker 2: had a lot of question marks over them last week 189 00:09:11,133 --> 00:09:14,613 Speaker 2: around how they were going to roll out this year. 190 00:09:15,373 --> 00:09:19,053 Speaker 2: But to go over Miracle Fire lungy bags a hat 191 00:09:19,093 --> 00:09:22,733 Speaker 2: trick and then they take a win over the Feeder 192 00:09:22,813 --> 00:09:24,213 Speaker 2: and draw a great Round one performance. 193 00:09:24,613 --> 00:09:28,573 Speaker 3: Oh, huge results, particularly given everything that surrounded Moana on 194 00:09:28,653 --> 00:09:30,853 Speaker 3: and off the field, question marks about how they're going 195 00:09:30,893 --> 00:09:34,093 Speaker 3: to cover Adi. I'm not going to say Miracle stepped 196 00:09:34,093 --> 00:09:37,413 Speaker 3: into his shoes. That's way too early, but to really 197 00:09:37,533 --> 00:09:41,533 Speaker 3: come out and deliver a follow me performance that's exactly 198 00:09:41,533 --> 00:09:44,733 Speaker 3: what Wina needed. And you're right about the dur Playing 199 00:09:45,133 --> 00:09:47,933 Speaker 3: in Fiji is the hardest road trip in superb we 200 00:09:47,973 --> 00:09:50,173 Speaker 3: particularly at this time of year with a sweltering heap. 201 00:09:50,493 --> 00:09:52,813 Speaker 3: I think prior to that game, the Duror had won 202 00:09:53,053 --> 00:09:56,853 Speaker 3: fifteen of their twenty two home matches, so incredibly difficult 203 00:09:56,893 --> 00:10:01,133 Speaker 3: place to go. And I don't think you'd say a 204 00:10:01,173 --> 00:10:04,493 Speaker 3: statement performance from Juana. But to come off last year 205 00:10:05,013 --> 00:10:08,133 Speaker 3: where you beat the Blues, you beat the Crusaders, you 206 00:10:08,453 --> 00:10:11,053 Speaker 3: the cusp of the top six, and now everyone's writing 207 00:10:11,053 --> 00:10:14,173 Speaker 3: them off, well, I think people were starting to rethink 208 00:10:14,253 --> 00:10:15,253 Speaker 3: those predictions. 209 00:10:15,333 --> 00:10:17,013 Speaker 2: Yeah, if they can do it over there, then you 210 00:10:17,053 --> 00:10:19,893 Speaker 2: know they can certainly Colleck some other wins drew a 211 00:10:19,893 --> 00:10:24,413 Speaker 2: big question marks over them now. I think they came 212 00:10:24,453 --> 00:10:26,293 Speaker 2: back into the game after they've been blown away by 213 00:10:26,373 --> 00:10:28,653 Speaker 2: Mowana early. But I think it's going to be a 214 00:10:28,693 --> 00:10:31,253 Speaker 2: long season to draw based on about forty eighty minutes. 215 00:10:31,853 --> 00:10:34,733 Speaker 3: Yeah, and it seems like the recurring themes that the 216 00:10:35,373 --> 00:10:37,333 Speaker 3: what I did see that game. It's the same issues 217 00:10:37,373 --> 00:10:42,413 Speaker 3: around basic skills, the line outs being able to convert 218 00:10:42,453 --> 00:10:44,453 Speaker 3: pressure into points when they get down there. You know, 219 00:10:44,453 --> 00:10:48,533 Speaker 3: they just rely on individual brilliant So big question marks 220 00:10:48,573 --> 00:10:49,293 Speaker 3: over their campaign. 221 00:10:49,373 --> 00:10:53,133 Speaker 2: Yeah, let's continue to Saturday Evening. Blues beaten by the 222 00:10:53,213 --> 00:10:59,013 Speaker 2: Chiefs nineteen fifteen. Cortez Ratam scores the winner for the 223 00:10:59,093 --> 00:11:02,373 Speaker 2: Chiefs late in the game. What did you make of 224 00:11:02,373 --> 00:11:02,773 Speaker 2: that game? 225 00:11:03,053 --> 00:11:08,853 Speaker 3: When not a great spectacle? I think two teams that 226 00:11:08,893 --> 00:11:11,653 Speaker 3: were fairly clunky. I think the first half was was 227 00:11:11,693 --> 00:11:16,213 Speaker 3: a reasonable watch, but the second half, certainly for a 228 00:11:16,213 --> 00:11:21,093 Speaker 3: good twenty minutes, was was pretty tough viewing. Lots of mistakes, 229 00:11:21,133 --> 00:11:25,413 Speaker 3: nothing really getting going for either team. I think for 230 00:11:25,453 --> 00:11:28,013 Speaker 3: the Blues, the one big question mark I still have 231 00:11:28,373 --> 00:11:30,293 Speaker 3: is are they doing enough? 232 00:11:30,573 --> 00:11:32,013 Speaker 4: Are they playing enough rugby? 233 00:11:32,173 --> 00:11:37,933 Speaker 3: Are they like I understand Verncotta's style as direct, confrontational, 234 00:11:39,133 --> 00:11:42,973 Speaker 3: you know, squeeze tactics, go to the mall, and that 235 00:11:43,413 --> 00:11:45,133 Speaker 3: doesn't seem like it's going to change. I talked to 236 00:11:45,173 --> 00:11:47,973 Speaker 3: Stephen Peterfetter last week and he was adamant that there 237 00:11:48,053 --> 00:11:51,413 Speaker 3: is room in that structure for Flair, for him to 238 00:11:52,613 --> 00:11:55,013 Speaker 3: put his imprint on the game and have a crack. 239 00:11:55,093 --> 00:11:59,453 Speaker 3: But we barely saw Caleb Clark. I think Mark Tale 240 00:11:59,533 --> 00:12:02,533 Speaker 3: is a big loss. On the other edge the right wing, 241 00:12:03,293 --> 00:12:06,373 Speaker 3: Sullivan was pretty good at fullback, but I just think 242 00:12:06,413 --> 00:12:07,933 Speaker 3: the Blues need to need to be a bit more 243 00:12:08,053 --> 00:12:12,213 Speaker 3: venture because they had ample opportunity at the back end 244 00:12:12,253 --> 00:12:15,213 Speaker 3: of that game to win it, but they just they're 245 00:12:15,293 --> 00:12:17,773 Speaker 3: rolling more got shut down, they gave away a couple 246 00:12:17,813 --> 00:12:21,533 Speaker 3: of penalties, and then boom, one moment the Chiefs steal it. 247 00:12:21,613 --> 00:12:23,813 Speaker 2: They did, and you know, they gave him a couple 248 00:12:23,813 --> 00:12:26,413 Speaker 2: of penalties to open up that door. I just felt 249 00:12:26,813 --> 00:12:28,893 Speaker 2: it was an awful game. Let's be honest, it was 250 00:12:28,893 --> 00:12:32,373 Speaker 2: an awful game of rugby. Didn't rise to any great heights, 251 00:12:33,013 --> 00:12:34,693 Speaker 2: but it did feel like one of those games where 252 00:12:34,693 --> 00:12:37,773 Speaker 2: the Blues were about to basically break the game open. 253 00:12:38,253 --> 00:12:41,333 Speaker 2: You know, they had the advantage, you know, by fifteen twelve, 254 00:12:41,373 --> 00:12:43,613 Speaker 2: and it felt like, you know, one score away and 255 00:12:43,653 --> 00:12:46,373 Speaker 2: the game's probably done. You know, some games do feel 256 00:12:46,413 --> 00:12:48,933 Speaker 2: like that. They left the door open for the Chiefs, 257 00:12:48,933 --> 00:12:51,693 Speaker 2: who I thought were clunky as well, but the Chiefs 258 00:12:51,733 --> 00:12:53,653 Speaker 2: were just you know, good enough to take that final moment. 259 00:12:54,413 --> 00:12:56,253 Speaker 2: I didn't think either team did a great job of 260 00:12:56,253 --> 00:12:58,453 Speaker 2: building pressure throughout that game. It felt like it was 261 00:12:58,493 --> 00:13:00,973 Speaker 2: a game of moments. You know, it was no score 262 00:13:00,973 --> 00:13:03,973 Speaker 2: in the opening thirty minutes, but it felt like, you know, 263 00:13:04,093 --> 00:13:06,413 Speaker 2: the was it five all at half time? It just 264 00:13:06,413 --> 00:13:08,893 Speaker 2: felt like it was one moment stacked on another moment. 265 00:13:08,893 --> 00:13:12,013 Speaker 2: But it wasn't building pressure. I think that was the 266 00:13:12,053 --> 00:13:14,493 Speaker 2: thing for the Blues is that they you mentioned the 267 00:13:14,573 --> 00:13:16,693 Speaker 2: rolling wall and everything like that, that didn't spend enough time 268 00:13:17,013 --> 00:13:20,173 Speaker 2: in the Chiefs red zone to really come home with that, 269 00:13:21,173 --> 00:13:23,453 Speaker 2: you know, that kind of performance to win that game. 270 00:13:23,533 --> 00:13:26,133 Speaker 2: So I don't know that we learned a lot about 271 00:13:26,133 --> 00:13:28,573 Speaker 2: either team in all honesty from that performance. 272 00:13:29,093 --> 00:13:31,133 Speaker 3: No, And both teams have a lot of players to 273 00:13:31,213 --> 00:13:35,013 Speaker 3: come back, particularly the Chiefs a whole host of all 274 00:13:35,013 --> 00:13:38,093 Speaker 3: blacks who didn't feature. I think the bench probably won 275 00:13:38,133 --> 00:13:40,773 Speaker 3: it for them in the end. Summer Penny Female had 276 00:13:40,813 --> 00:13:44,333 Speaker 3: a great line off a really nice delayed to proviaball 277 00:13:45,013 --> 00:13:47,693 Speaker 3: to go through and set up courties Ratama who also 278 00:13:47,773 --> 00:13:51,413 Speaker 3: came off the bench. So I think the Chiefs will 279 00:13:51,453 --> 00:13:55,413 Speaker 3: be happy obviously to come up and sneak that and 280 00:13:55,533 --> 00:13:58,133 Speaker 3: to set themselves up with that firepower they have to 281 00:13:58,173 --> 00:14:03,453 Speaker 3: come back. Damien McKenzie and a host of others tt. 282 00:14:03,493 --> 00:14:07,493 Speaker 2: Leroy Carter and played for the development team. This another 283 00:14:07,493 --> 00:14:09,213 Speaker 2: player that I'm missing as well. It was about five 284 00:14:09,213 --> 00:14:11,013 Speaker 2: of them that they didn't play on Saturday nights. 285 00:14:11,013 --> 00:14:13,413 Speaker 4: Some real fire power, that's most your back line. 286 00:14:13,453 --> 00:14:17,213 Speaker 3: I thought Quinta Pye was really good both over the 287 00:14:17,253 --> 00:14:22,693 Speaker 3: ball and bringing that physicality with his carrying to provide 288 00:14:22,773 --> 00:14:23,413 Speaker 3: was excellence. 289 00:14:25,213 --> 00:14:26,373 Speaker 2: I thought had a good game as well. 290 00:14:26,453 --> 00:14:30,093 Speaker 3: Yeah, the Chiefs line out didn't function very well. Bradley 291 00:14:30,093 --> 00:14:35,253 Speaker 3: Slater was really good your man on debut for the Blues, 292 00:14:36,653 --> 00:14:40,253 Speaker 3: and Yea Zarn Sullivan and a couple of others. But 293 00:14:40,933 --> 00:14:42,733 Speaker 3: the back line didn't see a great deal of ball. 294 00:14:42,813 --> 00:14:44,253 Speaker 2: The back line didn't see a great deal of ball. 295 00:14:44,333 --> 00:14:48,133 Speaker 2: I felt, like, you know, Peter Key, I thought on 296 00:14:48,173 --> 00:14:51,653 Speaker 2: debut was solid. Trying to think back to the commentary A. J. Lamb, 297 00:14:51,653 --> 00:14:54,373 Speaker 2: I didn't think we had a lot of time on ball. 298 00:14:54,453 --> 00:14:55,773 Speaker 2: Clark certainly didn't. 299 00:14:56,253 --> 00:14:57,213 Speaker 4: What about the two teens? 300 00:14:57,213 --> 00:15:00,853 Speaker 3: That was an interesting matchup Stephne de Fetter coming back 301 00:15:00,853 --> 00:15:04,213 Speaker 3: from his last real competitive game since May, and Josh 302 00:15:04,293 --> 00:15:07,973 Speaker 3: Jacob a big chance to start the season with Damien 303 00:15:08,013 --> 00:15:13,053 Speaker 3: mckinn is he welcoming his first child. What did you 304 00:15:13,093 --> 00:15:14,533 Speaker 3: make of both their performances. 305 00:15:14,613 --> 00:15:17,013 Speaker 2: I thought Jacob was pretty good by and large for 306 00:15:18,093 --> 00:15:20,453 Speaker 2: controlling the team, driving them around the park, and I 307 00:15:20,493 --> 00:15:22,613 Speaker 2: suspect that we might see more of Jacob at ten 308 00:15:22,693 --> 00:15:26,093 Speaker 2: this season than McKenzie. Might move mackenzie back at fullback, 309 00:15:26,133 --> 00:15:28,933 Speaker 2: potentially coming later in the game to ten I'm interested 310 00:15:28,933 --> 00:15:30,813 Speaker 2: to see where John O Gibbs it goes with that. 311 00:15:30,933 --> 00:15:33,413 Speaker 2: But I talked in the postmatch about being a big 312 00:15:33,453 --> 00:15:36,693 Speaker 2: fan of Josh Jacob and wanting him to regret basically 313 00:15:37,133 --> 00:15:39,493 Speaker 2: every day going to the Highlanders from twenty twenty seven. 314 00:15:39,773 --> 00:15:42,533 Speaker 2: I'd give a points decision to Josh Jacob. Piafeeda you 315 00:15:42,613 --> 00:15:44,493 Speaker 2: touched on hasn't played since made He looked like a 316 00:15:44,533 --> 00:15:46,573 Speaker 2: player that hadn't played since May. He wull be better 317 00:15:46,613 --> 00:15:51,253 Speaker 2: for that outing. I still think he didn't unlock the 318 00:15:51,733 --> 00:15:53,693 Speaker 2: Blues back line as much as you would have liked. 319 00:15:53,973 --> 00:15:55,813 Speaker 2: I'm not sure he's the long term answer for them 320 00:15:55,853 --> 00:15:58,373 Speaker 2: at ten. I think when Boden Barrett's back, they'll go 321 00:15:58,453 --> 00:16:01,173 Speaker 2: back to Boden and the next few rounds. Once he's 322 00:16:01,213 --> 00:16:03,493 Speaker 2: back for that Crusaders game on the seventh, which is 323 00:16:03,493 --> 00:16:05,773 Speaker 2: around the date or the date that he's he marked. 324 00:16:06,973 --> 00:16:08,693 Speaker 2: So yeah, points decision to Jake for me. 325 00:16:09,653 --> 00:16:12,293 Speaker 3: Yeah. I thought Peterfetter had some nice touches long balls 326 00:16:12,293 --> 00:16:16,853 Speaker 3: early and he kicked one fifty twenty two, but both 327 00:16:17,613 --> 00:16:20,573 Speaker 3: tens struggled off the tea early some really easy misses, 328 00:16:20,573 --> 00:16:23,813 Speaker 3: so I don't think it was an authoritative performance from 329 00:16:23,853 --> 00:16:26,693 Speaker 3: either of them. Maybe a sign of start in the season. 330 00:16:27,853 --> 00:16:29,853 Speaker 3: But yeah, interesting to see how Boden comes back as well. 331 00:16:29,893 --> 00:16:34,333 Speaker 3: Traditionally the All Blacks come back off the bench, and jeez, 332 00:16:34,573 --> 00:16:36,253 Speaker 3: will Jordan set the standard there, didn't they? 333 00:16:36,333 --> 00:16:38,973 Speaker 2: Yeah, he very much did say he was excellent coming 334 00:16:39,013 --> 00:16:41,733 Speaker 2: off the bench of the Crusaders. I've seen some social 335 00:16:41,773 --> 00:16:43,933 Speaker 2: media that they did around Jordan. We're in twenty three 336 00:16:44,093 --> 00:16:47,253 Speaker 2: Michael Jordan, et cetera, So I don't think it twenty 337 00:16:47,293 --> 00:16:48,693 Speaker 2: three for two much longer. 338 00:16:49,853 --> 00:16:53,213 Speaker 4: Michael had a few more hops. 339 00:16:52,813 --> 00:16:57,933 Speaker 2: Maybe both both quality players. Ossie Games Wartas up the 340 00:16:57,973 --> 00:17:00,613 Speaker 2: Reids thirty six twelve. This is a very good performance 341 00:17:00,653 --> 00:17:03,173 Speaker 2: in the war Tars. Game was in the balance up 342 00:17:03,253 --> 00:17:05,493 Speaker 2: until what about twenty to go, and the Wartars just 343 00:17:05,493 --> 00:17:07,973 Speaker 2: broke home and ran in some late tries. Very impressed 344 00:17:08,013 --> 00:17:09,933 Speaker 2: by what they are able to do. I think they'll 345 00:17:10,013 --> 00:17:12,493 Speaker 2: rise up the table a little bit this year. The 346 00:17:12,533 --> 00:17:17,213 Speaker 2: Wartars some really good outside backs Max Jorgncern quality players, 347 00:17:17,253 --> 00:17:19,853 Speaker 2: so I was impressed by that. And the Rumby is 348 00:17:19,893 --> 00:17:21,853 Speaker 2: just too good for the Force. Fifty six to twenty four. 349 00:17:22,333 --> 00:17:24,373 Speaker 2: Signs of life in the Force that we talked a 350 00:17:24,373 --> 00:17:26,053 Speaker 2: bit a little bit about last week that they might 351 00:17:26,093 --> 00:17:28,213 Speaker 2: be back. Well, didn't start particularly well. 352 00:17:28,853 --> 00:17:31,973 Speaker 3: No, that's a drubbing at home, isn't it because traditionally 353 00:17:32,013 --> 00:17:34,013 Speaker 3: they are a lot better in Perth. 354 00:17:34,613 --> 00:17:36,013 Speaker 4: But big result for the Waratars. 355 00:17:36,013 --> 00:17:39,613 Speaker 3: I think that is a statement performance in a derby match. 356 00:17:40,053 --> 00:17:44,053 Speaker 3: They were outsiders to start that week, heavily backed. I 357 00:17:44,093 --> 00:17:46,173 Speaker 3: think their neck and neck going into the game. The 358 00:17:46,253 --> 00:17:49,853 Speaker 3: Red's missing a few but that is a real stake 359 00:17:49,893 --> 00:17:52,373 Speaker 3: in the ground from the Watars and I think they 360 00:17:52,413 --> 00:17:56,453 Speaker 3: can kick on and be genuine contenders this year. I 361 00:17:56,453 --> 00:18:00,213 Speaker 3: think Sydney's not an easy place to go, so yeah, 362 00:18:00,253 --> 00:18:01,493 Speaker 3: interesting to see if they can kick on. 363 00:18:01,613 --> 00:18:03,173 Speaker 2: Indeed, all right, we'll take a quick break here on 364 00:18:03,253 --> 00:18:06,453 Speaker 2: Rugby Direct, come back with Final four and more after this. 365 00:18:08,533 --> 00:18:12,253 Speaker 2: You're back with Rugby Direct. Time now for the Final four, Liam, 366 00:18:12,413 --> 00:18:16,413 Speaker 2: question for you number one. Did the Highlanders win over 367 00:18:16,453 --> 00:18:19,733 Speaker 2: the Crusaders on Friday night? Locke and Jamie Joseph as 368 00:18:19,813 --> 00:18:21,013 Speaker 2: the All Blacks coach. 369 00:18:22,133 --> 00:18:26,533 Speaker 3: Well, the rumor was an overdriven that it's gonna it's 370 00:18:26,573 --> 00:18:27,693 Speaker 3: gonna be announced this week. 371 00:18:28,133 --> 00:18:29,933 Speaker 2: I was hearing it was gonna it's five o'clock Friday 372 00:18:29,973 --> 00:18:32,493 Speaker 2: before the game. There was one rumor going around. 373 00:18:32,413 --> 00:18:34,413 Speaker 4: It's all rubber stamp. It's good to go here. 374 00:18:35,053 --> 00:18:38,853 Speaker 2: Late March early June did a pump first week before 375 00:18:38,853 --> 00:18:39,413 Speaker 2: the All Black time. 376 00:18:39,533 --> 00:18:40,293 Speaker 4: The breaks awave it. 377 00:18:40,333 --> 00:18:46,053 Speaker 3: Look, no it didn't, but it can only help his cause. 378 00:18:46,653 --> 00:18:50,893 Speaker 3: It was a big upset result. But it has one result. 379 00:18:52,453 --> 00:18:54,893 Speaker 2: We're very good in this country of not viewing things 380 00:18:54,933 --> 00:18:59,573 Speaker 2: in context and viewing them in pure isolation. And one 381 00:18:59,613 --> 00:19:01,173 Speaker 2: win is not going to get him the All Blacks 382 00:19:01,213 --> 00:19:04,053 Speaker 2: coaching job. It's the same as if they've been beaten 383 00:19:04,053 --> 00:19:06,093 Speaker 2: by twenty five points was not going to rule him 384 00:19:06,093 --> 00:19:08,093 Speaker 2: out of the All Blacks coaching job. That helps. 385 00:19:08,493 --> 00:19:13,973 Speaker 3: It's certainly it's it's front front viewing as it's front 386 00:19:14,013 --> 00:19:16,653 Speaker 3: of mind. It's there, it's ever present. They've rey had 387 00:19:16,693 --> 00:19:19,613 Speaker 3: a good win in Japan in the weekends. I think 388 00:19:19,613 --> 00:19:24,413 Speaker 3: they beat t Shibam. 389 00:19:22,973 --> 00:19:24,613 Speaker 2: Longer and to black at his team. 390 00:19:24,653 --> 00:19:27,733 Speaker 3: Yeah that's all right, so but that's out of sight, 391 00:19:27,773 --> 00:19:32,053 Speaker 3: out of mind to a degree. Look, yeah it doesn't. 392 00:19:32,173 --> 00:19:34,413 Speaker 3: It won't hurt his chance as well, No, won't. 393 00:19:35,013 --> 00:19:37,613 Speaker 2: And look this will be taking into consideration. But again 394 00:19:37,853 --> 00:19:39,413 Speaker 2: you just don't know that a round one result in 395 00:19:39,453 --> 00:19:41,533 Speaker 2: Super Rugby is going to be the tipping point for 396 00:19:41,613 --> 00:19:45,133 Speaker 2: the the famous five as they come to that conclusion. 397 00:19:45,493 --> 00:19:48,573 Speaker 4: That's a good I like that use that the panel. 398 00:19:48,373 --> 00:19:52,933 Speaker 2: The Panel six Nations. Scotland rumors of their death have 399 00:19:52,973 --> 00:19:57,093 Speaker 2: been greatly exaggerated. Gregor Townsend resigning for another ten years. 400 00:19:57,373 --> 00:19:59,253 Speaker 4: Better again, Gregor is back baby. 401 00:19:59,373 --> 00:20:02,893 Speaker 2: Yeah, that was a really good performance and England were 402 00:20:02,973 --> 00:20:06,893 Speaker 2: quite poor. I thought watched the scame yesterday morning and 403 00:20:07,893 --> 00:20:10,293 Speaker 2: didn't spect Scotland to win. Certainly didn't expect them to 404 00:20:10,293 --> 00:20:14,093 Speaker 2: win thirty one twenty. They were claudy, I thought, and 405 00:20:14,853 --> 00:20:18,373 Speaker 2: just everything that they didn't get right against Italy. They 406 00:20:18,493 --> 00:20:20,893 Speaker 2: looked polished. I thought their fords are really really good. 407 00:20:20,933 --> 00:20:22,613 Speaker 2: Their back line you know, to weep a lot too 408 00:20:23,333 --> 00:20:27,213 Speaker 2: excellent again and Finn Russell won that Battle of the 409 00:20:27,293 --> 00:20:29,653 Speaker 2: tens quite easily over George Ford. 410 00:20:30,973 --> 00:20:36,933 Speaker 3: Yeah, what does do Scotland invest too much in the 411 00:20:37,013 --> 00:20:40,173 Speaker 3: England performance? This is Scotland's fifth win in six games 412 00:20:40,213 --> 00:20:46,973 Speaker 3: over England. England haven't won in Edinburgh since since twenty twenty. 413 00:20:48,013 --> 00:20:50,653 Speaker 3: Great result for Scotland, particularly the bounce back from Italy. 414 00:20:53,253 --> 00:20:55,853 Speaker 3: But it is a one off result and it is important. 415 00:20:56,333 --> 00:20:58,773 Speaker 3: It means a lot to them. The Kelcutter Cup they 416 00:20:58,853 --> 00:21:03,173 Speaker 3: always get up for ENGLM. But does is there too 417 00:21:03,293 --> 00:21:06,133 Speaker 3: much focus for Scotland on one fiction? Does that change 418 00:21:06,213 --> 00:21:10,213 Speaker 3: the complexion of Gregor Town's ends tenure as a whole. 419 00:21:11,133 --> 00:21:13,413 Speaker 2: Quite possibly. You look at the record they've had against England, 420 00:21:13,453 --> 00:21:17,693 Speaker 2: it's very very impressive, but you've got to win consistently 421 00:21:17,813 --> 00:21:20,013 Speaker 2: elsewhere and Scotland haven't been able to do that. And 422 00:21:20,093 --> 00:21:21,613 Speaker 2: you look back to what they did last year in 423 00:21:21,693 --> 00:21:24,253 Speaker 2: the Autumn Nation Series, you know that they should have 424 00:21:24,293 --> 00:21:26,253 Speaker 2: been in the All Blacks at Murrayfield. They should have 425 00:21:26,293 --> 00:21:30,773 Speaker 2: been an Argentina the following weekend at inn at Murrayfield 426 00:21:30,853 --> 00:21:33,013 Speaker 2: and blue what are twenty one? The lead or whatever? 427 00:21:33,053 --> 00:21:36,493 Speaker 2: It was? So, yep, great, they've got the curl cutter cup, 428 00:21:37,133 --> 00:21:39,333 Speaker 2: very very good performance. So I thought, as I say, 429 00:21:39,453 --> 00:21:42,493 Speaker 2: Scotland were excellent, but it's no use if they are 430 00:21:42,533 --> 00:21:44,533 Speaker 2: going to go lose to Italy and Rome in a 431 00:21:44,573 --> 00:21:47,013 Speaker 2: poor game the week before. They've obviously got another game 432 00:21:47,053 --> 00:21:50,973 Speaker 2: coming up this weekend, but they need to back these 433 00:21:51,053 --> 00:21:54,373 Speaker 2: results up. And that's the story I think of Gregor 434 00:21:54,413 --> 00:21:57,333 Speaker 2: Town's ends tenures that they have been high and then 435 00:21:57,333 --> 00:21:59,893 Speaker 2: they've been low and haven't been able to get any consistency. 436 00:22:00,013 --> 00:22:03,133 Speaker 2: So yeah, you're exactly right. The curl Cutter Cup is great, 437 00:22:03,333 --> 00:22:06,533 Speaker 2: but it's consistency that Scottish rugby fans won't. 438 00:22:06,653 --> 00:22:08,373 Speaker 3: Yeah, let's see what happens for the remainder of the 439 00:22:08,453 --> 00:22:11,013 Speaker 3: six nations. Great win because England had won what ten 440 00:22:11,293 --> 00:22:13,453 Speaker 3: twelve games in a row, so to halt that put 441 00:22:13,533 --> 00:22:16,333 Speaker 3: some real context around maybe where England are at as well. 442 00:22:17,053 --> 00:22:19,573 Speaker 3: Great one for Scottish rugby, but you've got to kick on. 443 00:22:19,813 --> 00:22:21,973 Speaker 3: And I also just want to make the point that 444 00:22:22,173 --> 00:22:25,973 Speaker 3: it's time now to genuinely put some respect on Italian 445 00:22:26,053 --> 00:22:31,413 Speaker 3: rugby's name because they could have easily could have. They didn't, No, 446 00:22:31,693 --> 00:22:36,613 Speaker 3: they didn't, but seven points they came within an island 447 00:22:36,693 --> 00:22:38,093 Speaker 3: and they had a try just allowed. 448 00:22:38,253 --> 00:22:40,693 Speaker 2: I thought they tried was being dislow, was pretty dubious, 449 00:22:41,893 --> 00:22:46,733 Speaker 2: maybe out of the hands, potentially slightly forward. But you 450 00:22:46,853 --> 00:22:48,933 Speaker 2: look at it and I go, is there enough for 451 00:22:49,013 --> 00:22:52,053 Speaker 2: a TMO to INTERVENA be so adamant? Is how Holly 452 00:22:52,133 --> 00:22:54,373 Speaker 2: Davidson's change your decision. I didn't think there was enough 453 00:22:54,413 --> 00:22:56,573 Speaker 2: there to go. It has to be overturned. I thought 454 00:22:56,573 --> 00:22:59,133 Speaker 2: it was a fifty to fifty call, and personally I 455 00:22:59,253 --> 00:23:03,373 Speaker 2: hate the TMO. But I think those decisions shouldn't be overruled. 456 00:23:03,413 --> 00:23:06,333 Speaker 2: I think there wasn't enough. You know, it wasn't absolutely 457 00:23:06,413 --> 00:23:07,693 Speaker 2: fluid that it was a forward pass. 458 00:23:08,493 --> 00:23:11,053 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think it was probably the right call, but 459 00:23:11,773 --> 00:23:13,813 Speaker 4: it was it was in real time. 460 00:23:16,453 --> 00:23:18,213 Speaker 2: This is my New Year's resolution. I wasn't going to 461 00:23:18,293 --> 00:23:21,253 Speaker 2: buck on at the TMO this year, but I didn't 462 00:23:21,253 --> 00:23:22,733 Speaker 2: think there was enough that to overturn it. Put it 463 00:23:22,813 --> 00:23:23,053 Speaker 2: that way. 464 00:23:23,213 --> 00:23:26,453 Speaker 3: Yeah, good, another good performance from Badly and I think 465 00:23:26,493 --> 00:23:29,413 Speaker 3: the context around with which they are viewed now needs 466 00:23:29,453 --> 00:23:32,613 Speaker 3: to change. So like that, what they're win against Scotland 467 00:23:33,053 --> 00:23:35,373 Speaker 3: last week was not a major surprise. It was an 468 00:23:35,453 --> 00:23:38,773 Speaker 3: upset sure, But to go to Dublin and push Ireland 469 00:23:38,813 --> 00:23:40,893 Speaker 3: to the brink I think shows where they're at. And 470 00:23:41,773 --> 00:23:46,133 Speaker 3: I think they're coming to New Zealand in July, and 471 00:23:46,253 --> 00:23:48,333 Speaker 3: that's in Wellington of all places. 472 00:23:48,453 --> 00:23:51,573 Speaker 2: I saw el Ferguson puts us on Instagram as well. 473 00:23:51,613 --> 00:23:54,053 Speaker 2: You know it is the graveyard for the All Blacks 474 00:23:55,093 --> 00:23:57,413 Speaker 2: Mariki weekend, you know, I think. 475 00:23:57,653 --> 00:23:58,573 Speaker 4: Look it's in there. 476 00:23:59,533 --> 00:24:01,853 Speaker 2: What would you do if a beat the All Blacks? 477 00:24:03,133 --> 00:24:05,533 Speaker 4: I'd probably have to sing the national anthem live on 478 00:24:05,693 --> 00:24:06,293 Speaker 4: Rugby Direct. 479 00:24:06,773 --> 00:24:08,893 Speaker 2: Well, we'll make that happen a lot better than that 480 00:24:09,013 --> 00:24:12,373 Speaker 2: can happen if God for Italy beat the All Blacks 481 00:24:13,493 --> 00:24:17,253 Speaker 2: later in the year and Wales crumbling its France this 482 00:24:17,373 --> 00:24:20,733 Speaker 2: morning in a result that most of us still coming. 483 00:24:21,533 --> 00:24:23,973 Speaker 4: Yeah, Griham times for Welsh rugby. But I also think 484 00:24:24,173 --> 00:24:25,093 Speaker 4: that does show. 485 00:24:26,413 --> 00:24:29,773 Speaker 3: How lethal France are and that back climb with DuPont, 486 00:24:30,853 --> 00:24:34,453 Speaker 3: Jelly Beer ramos Man, they are so good to watch. 487 00:24:34,533 --> 00:24:37,653 Speaker 2: Stack absolutely stacks. You had a piece last week top 488 00:24:37,733 --> 00:24:40,693 Speaker 2: three in the final four around getting fans back into rugby. 489 00:24:40,773 --> 00:24:43,293 Speaker 2: You spoke to Carl Budge who was made this. You 490 00:24:43,333 --> 00:24:45,453 Speaker 2: know one of his aims is the Blues CEO around 491 00:24:45,493 --> 00:24:49,373 Speaker 2: getting fans through the gates. Look that it was a 492 00:24:49,453 --> 00:24:52,253 Speaker 2: very good opening round of Super Rugby. What fifteen ish 493 00:24:52,373 --> 00:24:54,013 Speaker 2: thousand and Dunedin. 494 00:24:54,213 --> 00:24:56,213 Speaker 4: Seventeen Eden Park. 495 00:24:56,453 --> 00:24:59,013 Speaker 2: I know they had aim for maybe twenty didn't quite 496 00:24:59,093 --> 00:25:00,733 Speaker 2: get there, but there was the sale gp on, there 497 00:25:00,813 --> 00:25:02,973 Speaker 2: was other things on over the course of the weekend. 498 00:25:04,813 --> 00:25:07,333 Speaker 2: I guess a good start for getting those fans through 499 00:25:07,373 --> 00:25:08,613 Speaker 2: the gates. But there's to do. 500 00:25:09,613 --> 00:25:14,093 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think the challenge is outside of the kiwidobies, right. 501 00:25:14,173 --> 00:25:20,573 Speaker 3: So Chiefs Blues is a headline fixture Heihna's Crusaders probably 502 00:25:20,573 --> 00:25:23,613 Speaker 3: the biggest match of the year in Dnedain and Super Rugby, 503 00:25:23,933 --> 00:25:26,133 Speaker 3: so punters are going to come for those games. It's 504 00:25:26,173 --> 00:25:31,253 Speaker 3: when the foresaw of the drawer. Even the Brumbies who 505 00:25:31,293 --> 00:25:35,013 Speaker 3: are a headline Australian team, that appeal isn't there. So 506 00:25:37,493 --> 00:25:40,653 Speaker 3: I think one thing the Blues are doing well, there's 507 00:25:40,773 --> 00:25:43,013 Speaker 3: one day that with they're packaged up with the racing. 508 00:25:44,093 --> 00:25:45,773 Speaker 3: You can go to the racing and go to the Blues, 509 00:25:45,973 --> 00:25:49,573 Speaker 3: or you know, maybe you partner up with the Warriors 510 00:25:49,773 --> 00:25:55,613 Speaker 3: or another event in the city earlier kickoffs help family 511 00:25:55,653 --> 00:25:59,453 Speaker 3: friendly ticketing prices, or opening up the outer oval and 512 00:26:00,253 --> 00:26:02,853 Speaker 3: following things that have Aukland f C have done with 513 00:26:03,013 --> 00:26:07,933 Speaker 3: They had a big Inlands Beach in a massive slide 514 00:26:08,013 --> 00:26:10,333 Speaker 3: and all these things can sound a wee bit nef 515 00:26:10,453 --> 00:26:12,733 Speaker 3: but I think you just have to try something. 516 00:26:12,573 --> 00:26:14,973 Speaker 2: You do and you're right though those Australian games are 517 00:26:14,973 --> 00:26:16,733 Speaker 2: a hard sell, but then you also look at it 518 00:26:16,813 --> 00:26:20,213 Speaker 2: and go well, Auckland FC players Central Coast, they play 519 00:26:20,333 --> 00:26:22,973 Speaker 2: newcast Lot home, they play and no one knows who's 520 00:26:22,973 --> 00:26:24,813 Speaker 2: in their team unless you're an A league die hard 521 00:26:25,693 --> 00:26:30,133 Speaker 2: with the greatest respect. So those shouldn't be as harder 522 00:26:30,173 --> 00:26:32,333 Speaker 2: to sell those tickets as they are. You look at 523 00:26:32,333 --> 00:26:35,013 Speaker 2: the Warriors, you know, you know, you know those players 524 00:26:35,133 --> 00:26:37,813 Speaker 2: more so perhaps in the NRL, but they don't find 525 00:26:37,853 --> 00:26:40,253 Speaker 2: it hard to sell. So I think we've got a 526 00:26:40,293 --> 00:26:42,733 Speaker 2: view of Australian rugby because we got such a rugby country. 527 00:26:42,813 --> 00:26:44,693 Speaker 2: There's like, oh, this is not worth going to, whereas 528 00:26:44,733 --> 00:26:48,293 Speaker 2: in football and rugby league it's a different conversation. So 529 00:26:48,853 --> 00:26:51,653 Speaker 2: I think the Blues have a harder sell to try 530 00:26:51,693 --> 00:26:54,293 Speaker 2: and get people through the gates of those games. And 531 00:26:54,373 --> 00:26:55,933 Speaker 2: it's interesting to see what car Budge is going to 532 00:26:56,013 --> 00:26:57,853 Speaker 2: try over the next couple of years to try and 533 00:26:58,213 --> 00:27:02,373 Speaker 2: make that happen. Afternoon kickoffs might help for you, force Drewer, 534 00:27:02,573 --> 00:27:05,453 Speaker 2: Rumby's wartors, whatever game, but they can't do that every week. 535 00:27:05,533 --> 00:27:08,173 Speaker 2: So I'm intrigued. Look, innovation is a good thing in drag. 536 00:27:08,493 --> 00:27:12,693 Speaker 2: We need more of it. I think that's super Aquisin 537 00:27:12,773 --> 00:27:15,053 Speaker 2: crying out for some of those sort of blue sky 538 00:27:15,133 --> 00:27:15,893 Speaker 2: sort of thinking. 539 00:27:16,253 --> 00:27:17,133 Speaker 4: Yeah, I do. 540 00:27:17,933 --> 00:27:20,053 Speaker 3: I think it's it's called by just biggest challenge in 541 00:27:20,133 --> 00:27:23,973 Speaker 3: his career. He's done exceptional things for the ASP Classic. 542 00:27:24,173 --> 00:27:26,693 Speaker 3: He's worked with sale GP and a number of other things, 543 00:27:26,773 --> 00:27:31,893 Speaker 3: but coming to a traditionally conservative sport like rugby, going 544 00:27:31,933 --> 00:27:34,213 Speaker 3: to a ground like eden Park that can be very 545 00:27:34,293 --> 00:27:37,733 Speaker 3: restrictive on what they allow you to do starting the 546 00:27:37,813 --> 00:27:40,333 Speaker 3: season with a loss, and also the style of rugby 547 00:27:40,373 --> 00:27:45,333 Speaker 3: the Blues are playing and not necessarily a great attractive proposition. 548 00:27:45,533 --> 00:27:47,853 Speaker 3: So there's a number of challenges there. But I think 549 00:27:47,933 --> 00:27:52,333 Speaker 3: he is a very innovative person, so interested to see 550 00:27:52,893 --> 00:27:54,253 Speaker 3: what he can bring to that environment. 551 00:27:54,293 --> 00:27:56,653 Speaker 2: Yeah. Me, the Blues Crusaders, Blues next time games against 552 00:27:56,653 --> 00:27:58,693 Speaker 2: the Crusaders much seven. The shouldn't have too many issues 553 00:27:58,733 --> 00:28:01,093 Speaker 2: getting a decent crowd for that. It's getting going to 554 00:28:01,093 --> 00:28:03,173 Speaker 2: be a little bit cooler by that point in time. 555 00:28:03,653 --> 00:28:06,293 Speaker 2: Fans have been more tuned to rugby by round four. 556 00:28:06,413 --> 00:28:07,973 Speaker 2: But it might be but you know, there's all sorts 557 00:28:07,973 --> 00:28:09,173 Speaker 2: of Yeah. 558 00:28:09,253 --> 00:28:13,333 Speaker 3: The other challenge is Eden Park half capacity twenty thousand, 559 00:28:13,493 --> 00:28:19,013 Speaker 3: is a full mount smart stadium, so it doesn't look 560 00:28:19,053 --> 00:28:21,693 Speaker 3: the same, it doesn't feel the same from an atmosphere perspective, 561 00:28:22,373 --> 00:28:26,053 Speaker 3: and I would also probably question whether rugby has the 562 00:28:26,093 --> 00:28:29,693 Speaker 3: same die hard fans as say the Warriors do as well. 563 00:28:29,813 --> 00:28:31,613 Speaker 2: No, I don't think they do. I mean there's not 564 00:28:31,693 --> 00:28:36,053 Speaker 2: as I don't think it's a diehard Blues fandom that 565 00:28:36,173 --> 00:28:38,613 Speaker 2: there is for the Warriors, and that's out of borne 566 00:28:38,653 --> 00:28:42,173 Speaker 2: out of different things, different socioeconomic thing. There's so many 567 00:28:42,253 --> 00:28:46,253 Speaker 2: reasons for that. But the Warriors have never wanted thing 568 00:28:46,333 --> 00:28:48,613 Speaker 2: in their entire history. The Blues have won certain things, 569 00:28:48,653 --> 00:28:51,813 Speaker 2: but they're you know, the Warriors fans still turn up 570 00:28:51,853 --> 00:28:55,253 Speaker 2: Rainhaale shine at Mounts Amount Stadium. Blues fans can be fickle. 571 00:28:56,013 --> 00:28:58,813 Speaker 2: There's a certain base there, but I just question, you know, 572 00:28:58,853 --> 00:29:01,973 Speaker 2: there's not the diehards, is there? Yeah? Interesting to see 573 00:29:02,013 --> 00:29:03,213 Speaker 2: where they go to. A good piece on the US 574 00:29:03,453 --> 00:29:07,253 Speaker 2: held worth reading from Liam and number four. We'll get 575 00:29:07,293 --> 00:29:10,413 Speaker 2: some Hurricanes chat in here. Even though play Ruben Love injured, 576 00:29:10,493 --> 00:29:12,813 Speaker 2: we don't know the full details as yet. I heard 577 00:29:12,893 --> 00:29:16,293 Speaker 2: last week he was in a moon boot around Palmston North. 578 00:29:16,933 --> 00:29:20,093 Speaker 2: The Hurricanes acknowledge that with the media release. Was still 579 00:29:20,093 --> 00:29:23,933 Speaker 2: waiting to hear how he goes, but hopefully not out 580 00:29:23,973 --> 00:29:26,013 Speaker 2: for too long because I was really keen to see 581 00:29:26,013 --> 00:29:27,293 Speaker 2: how he's going to go at ten this season. 582 00:29:27,893 --> 00:29:31,053 Speaker 3: I'm hearing it's not serious, which is good news because 583 00:29:31,973 --> 00:29:34,613 Speaker 3: I think everyone would love to see Rygard Love and 584 00:29:34,933 --> 00:29:38,253 Speaker 3: Barrett kick off the season together. Whether that happens this 585 00:29:38,373 --> 00:29:40,733 Speaker 3: week against Moan, I'm not too sure, but I think 586 00:29:40,853 --> 00:29:43,573 Speaker 3: Ruben will be back soon. They've got Brett Cameron there, 587 00:29:43,653 --> 00:29:46,413 Speaker 3: so different type of player, but I think it would 588 00:29:46,493 --> 00:29:49,333 Speaker 3: be good to see Ruben Love getting extended run at ten, 589 00:29:50,373 --> 00:29:55,853 Speaker 3: both for his own stability and career progression and for 590 00:29:56,013 --> 00:29:56,533 Speaker 3: our interest. 591 00:29:56,773 --> 00:30:02,293 Speaker 2: Absolutely right MVP voting. Who'd you come up with? You 592 00:30:02,413 --> 00:30:02,973 Speaker 2: through two ones? 593 00:30:03,093 --> 00:30:06,133 Speaker 3: Lamb, Well one person we didn't mention with the Blues before. 594 00:30:06,213 --> 00:30:10,053 Speaker 3: Just a quick shout out to Torrian Barnes debut. Most 595 00:30:10,093 --> 00:30:14,133 Speaker 3: people probably never heard of him unless you're a die hard. 596 00:30:15,853 --> 00:30:17,693 Speaker 2: Drivers. Shout out to the bus drivers. 597 00:30:17,493 --> 00:30:19,933 Speaker 4: Canonbury and Follower. 598 00:30:21,373 --> 00:30:23,973 Speaker 3: But he hasn't cracked the top three. I'm going miracle 599 00:30:24,013 --> 00:30:27,373 Speaker 3: Fi Lungey. Pretty hard to go past three tries, so 600 00:30:27,453 --> 00:30:30,413 Speaker 3: he gets my three. Toper Vy excellent for the Blues. 601 00:30:31,373 --> 00:30:33,893 Speaker 3: A bit of controversy around his try, but that was legit. 602 00:30:34,013 --> 00:30:36,773 Speaker 3: You can dive for the trial line, just not over 603 00:30:36,853 --> 00:30:38,973 Speaker 3: a ruck and he was excellent at the line out. 604 00:30:39,493 --> 00:30:41,853 Speaker 3: Great soft skills around the field as well, and I'm 605 00:30:41,893 --> 00:30:46,813 Speaker 3: going one to Tavanawa. I thought typically strong over the 606 00:30:46,853 --> 00:30:50,733 Speaker 3: breakdown and with ball in hands, so a good start 607 00:30:50,773 --> 00:30:53,053 Speaker 3: to the season in his comeback. 608 00:30:52,853 --> 00:30:55,333 Speaker 2: Indeed three tries not good enough to get into my 609 00:30:55,413 --> 00:30:58,733 Speaker 2: three two ones. Tuper I gets my three points. I 610 00:30:58,773 --> 00:31:01,813 Speaker 2: thought he's excellent. That is exactly the blueprint of how 611 00:31:01,933 --> 00:31:04,213 Speaker 2: you want and all back to play in Super Rugby. 612 00:31:04,933 --> 00:31:06,973 Speaker 2: He just says to be getting better and better. He got. 613 00:31:07,013 --> 00:31:08,813 Speaker 2: He was excellent last year for the Blacks. Then he 614 00:31:08,813 --> 00:31:13,853 Speaker 2: had an injury layoff. Yeah, quality play to Lucas Casey. 615 00:31:14,093 --> 00:31:16,213 Speaker 2: Very impressed by him on debut, had a good Super 616 00:31:16,293 --> 00:31:18,973 Speaker 2: Rugby season, backed it up, sorry, good NB season backed 617 00:31:19,093 --> 00:31:21,613 Speaker 2: up on debut and Super Rugby similar to Barnes, has 618 00:31:21,653 --> 00:31:23,733 Speaker 2: come out of the wider training group and been thrusting. 619 00:31:24,373 --> 00:31:26,693 Speaker 2: I think those two have big futures in front of them. 620 00:31:27,253 --> 00:31:29,133 Speaker 2: On what we saw over the weekend, and one to 621 00:31:29,213 --> 00:31:36,093 Speaker 2: No Hotham with the Cisco the Thong song. Yeah, yeah, no, 622 00:31:36,413 --> 00:31:41,653 Speaker 2: but dount dunk du r. I don't need you're quite 623 00:31:41,693 --> 00:31:45,013 Speaker 2: evidenus thing on this podcast. I'm not one point for 624 00:31:45,133 --> 00:31:49,453 Speaker 2: not Hotham. Excellent was you know, probably the half back 625 00:31:49,493 --> 00:31:52,133 Speaker 2: of the weekend for mine from a New Zealand perspective 626 00:31:52,573 --> 00:31:53,773 Speaker 2: and a losing effort. 627 00:31:54,413 --> 00:31:57,973 Speaker 4: Yeah, probably shaded from La Christie yep, yep. 628 00:31:58,333 --> 00:32:00,813 Speaker 2: Risen was good off the bench for the Chiefs as well. 629 00:32:01,373 --> 00:32:04,013 Speaker 2: They seem to like using him in that last thirty 630 00:32:04,053 --> 00:32:05,573 Speaker 2: minute role. I mean he's done it for the All 631 00:32:05,613 --> 00:32:07,493 Speaker 2: Blacks number of times, but you know he had a 632 00:32:07,813 --> 00:32:10,373 Speaker 2: bit of a line why element to that last half hour. 633 00:32:11,053 --> 00:32:13,733 Speaker 2: Scored the winning try as well, So interested to see 634 00:32:14,213 --> 00:32:16,493 Speaker 2: how much he starts the season versus zavy Row. But 635 00:32:17,453 --> 00:32:19,853 Speaker 2: watch the space. Those are our three two ones. Also 636 00:32:20,373 --> 00:32:23,893 Speaker 2: get involved with us on fantasy as well. Rugby Direct podcast. 637 00:32:24,413 --> 00:32:26,293 Speaker 2: I heard just before kick off I'd ethan degree to 638 00:32:26,333 --> 00:32:28,253 Speaker 2: my team the hood. He was switched to the bench, 639 00:32:28,293 --> 00:32:29,653 Speaker 2: so I made a late change. I can't remember who 640 00:32:29,653 --> 00:32:31,053 Speaker 2: actually brought it in the end, but I did make 641 00:32:31,053 --> 00:32:33,453 Speaker 2: the late change, so had I think I had a 642 00:32:33,533 --> 00:32:36,373 Speaker 2: decent all weekend. But keep joining us on their Rugby 643 00:32:36,453 --> 00:32:38,013 Speaker 2: Direct podcast as where you find us. 644 00:32:38,333 --> 00:32:40,133 Speaker 3: Yeah, great turn out, thanks for getting on board. There's 645 00:32:40,173 --> 00:32:42,733 Speaker 3: ninety teams in there. Yeah, and the winner will get 646 00:32:43,173 --> 00:32:44,013 Speaker 3: super Rugby jersey. 647 00:32:44,093 --> 00:32:48,173 Speaker 2: So yeah, get am I what's your username? What's your 648 00:32:48,173 --> 00:32:48,533 Speaker 2: team name? 649 00:32:48,533 --> 00:32:48,573 Speaker 1: On? 650 00:32:48,653 --> 00:32:51,453 Speaker 2: I'm forty minute red card es, which isn't in joke 651 00:32:51,453 --> 00:32:52,533 Speaker 2: about twenty minute red cards. 652 00:32:52,773 --> 00:32:55,133 Speaker 4: I'm really hard to decipher Fox and Fazz. 653 00:32:54,973 --> 00:32:57,133 Speaker 2: Fox and this year. So yeah, it would be good 654 00:32:57,133 --> 00:32:59,093 Speaker 2: if he had everyone's actual names alongside them. You can 655 00:32:59,093 --> 00:33:01,293 Speaker 2: sort of figure that out, but those are us too. Anyway, 656 00:33:01,613 --> 00:33:04,933 Speaker 2: get involved Rugby Direct podcast to search for us as well. 657 00:33:05,413 --> 00:33:08,213 Speaker 2: Tipping Wires will run through that on our Thursday podcast. 658 00:33:08,973 --> 00:33:11,653 Speaker 2: Later in the week we'll go through who tips well 659 00:33:11,693 --> 00:33:13,453 Speaker 2: and who didn't. But once we got the team's locked in, 660 00:33:13,693 --> 00:33:16,413 Speaker 2: we will tip for round two. And also we want 661 00:33:16,453 --> 00:33:19,453 Speaker 2: your feedback and your letters and your emails and any 662 00:33:19,533 --> 00:33:22,893 Speaker 2: questions you've got in the Rugby Direct mailbag Rugby Direct 663 00:33:23,013 --> 00:33:27,133 Speaker 2: at inside dot co dot NZI to get in touch 664 00:33:27,173 --> 00:33:28,893 Speaker 2: with us. We'll read out it a couple every week. 665 00:33:29,133 --> 00:33:31,653 Speaker 2: We might even do some sort of special mailbag episodes. 666 00:33:31,693 --> 00:33:33,573 Speaker 2: We run through a lot of feedback, but certainly on 667 00:33:33,733 --> 00:33:36,053 Speaker 2: Thursdays we'll have to answer a couple of questions. So 668 00:33:36,253 --> 00:33:37,973 Speaker 2: keen on any questions you might have for. 669 00:33:38,413 --> 00:33:40,653 Speaker 4: Us two Yeah, questions, hot takes, rumors. 670 00:33:40,893 --> 00:33:43,533 Speaker 2: Yeah, we're open for it all. Rugby Directs the email 671 00:33:43,573 --> 00:33:46,933 Speaker 2: there at NZ dot co dot in z. Thanks to 672 00:33:46,973 --> 00:33:49,573 Speaker 2: Mark Kelly. We'll be back on Thursday with another edition 673 00:33:49,653 --> 00:33:52,013 Speaker 2: of Rugby Directs. Say safe out there, Powered by having 674 00:33:52,093 --> 00:33:54,493 Speaker 2: health physic. Book today and stay at the game. 675 00:33:56,693 --> 00:33:59,613 Speaker 1: For more from news talks, b listen live on air 676 00:33:59,853 --> 00:34:02,493 Speaker 1: or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you 677 00:34:02,613 --> 00:34:04,973 Speaker 1: go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio