February 16, 2025 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 17th of February 2025, Super Rugby Pacific is underway, and it's got off to one of the best starts it's had in years, with high scoring affairs and thrilling matches. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to discuss what made this round so good.
Piney went on a trip to AAMI Park in Melbourne over the weekend, he gives his thoughts on the stadium and his experience there.
Plus, Elijah Fa'afiu is back in the peoples chamber to recap the Warriors' pre-season match against the Melbourne Storm.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix howard By News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello there and welcome into a new weeknd to a
freshly minted episode of the Sports Fix podcast for February seventeen,
twenty twenty five. I'm Jason Pine, good to have you along.
Super Rugby is underway. Round one is in the box
and what around it was? Lots of scoring, close contests,
some very very close contests in fact, couple of one pointers.
(00:44):
So how did it wash up? As far as the
head hon shows are concerned, we go right to the top.
Jack Mesley, CEO of Super Rugby Pacific, is on the
podcast today giving us his assessment of the first week.
Elijah Part Fit You also pops into the chamber with
some of his thoughts. Also today, Amy Park in Melbourne
(01:05):
had the chance to visit over the weekend. I love
it should be the blueprint for any stadium that gets built,
and I'll tell you why. Let's get into it. In
other news, Let's get things started with a look at
some of the big sports stories around today. Teenage Kiwi
Finley Melville. I've says one has made in free ski
(01:26):
halfpipe World Cup event in Calvary.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Down the pipe finley Melville right, double twelve safety, Oh fie.
It serves with execution on that.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
But a relief for Tottenham war manager and pastor Cole Glue.
His side has beaten Manchester United one nill. He's hoping
that's a turning point in their Premier League fortunes.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
He league positions not anywhere where it should be and
today was an opportunity for us that started addressing that.
And we said we had a good week of training
with some players back and importantly once today.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
And Swedish golfer Ludwig or Berg has won the latest
USPGA Tour event at the Tory Pines South Course in California.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
It was a great you know, a great fight. Obviously
the golf course is tough, but fe like I was
in control of the ball flat all day and you're
really proud of the way that I finished.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
It was really cool leading a vix We've got just
the ticket. It's Sportsfix my news talks.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Ivy on the sports Fix podcast. Round one of Super
Rugby pacificas in the books and what around it was
plenty of tri scoring action and lots of close contests
as well. Let's bring in competition CEO Jack Measley. Jack,
thanks for joining us. So how do you assis in
general terms the first weekend of Super Rugby Pacific for
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
Well, I mean, firstly, you just got us on the park.
I mean one of amazing five games. We had incredible spectacles,
a lot decided by a point in and a lot
of them going all the way into into and past
the eighty eight minute. So yeah, we've sort of spent
the day to day reviewing all of those sorts of things,
(03:01):
looking at the product itself, looking at the match officials reviews,
looking at our marketing and attendance and audience reviews and
all of those things. And yeah, we were very lucky.
We had a we had a great start and a
highlights reel that you know you'd be you'd be lucky
to get at the end of a season after the
first round.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Indeed, Well, I want to unpack a few of the
things you've said there, But high scoring games with close margins,
I know you can't manufacture these things, but is that
kind of the ideal combo for you across a round
of Super rugby absolutely.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
I mean, we know Super rugby is always always been
high point scoring, you know, lots of tries and we
sort of innovated the first bonus point mechanisms back in
the day. But to balance that with an average of
a five point march, I think we had on average
nine tries a game and with a five point margin.
(03:53):
You know, that's the ideal or kind of balance we find.
We have free flowing, attacking rugby, but close games with
lots of lead swings and at the end of the day,
nice and close games.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
You talked abouit about your Monday review and highlighted a
few different categories inside that review. What were the main takeaways,
you know, from from giving the weekend, but a breathing
room and discussing it all today, we're really.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Pleased with how our laws and focus areas were dealt
with by the match officials. We think they did a
great job on the weekend. Still some things to a
few small things to nail, but in terms of the
way that they moved the game forward you would have seen,
you know, we're only stopping for major injuries. For example.
(04:43):
The referees were very consistent and focused on getting the
ninth to clear the ball. So all of those things
were really good and I think helped set up the spectacle.
There was no doubt that the games were fast fatigue
with the factor, and I think that helped us, you know,
(05:04):
helped the games set up to go deep into into
the eightieth minute and beyond.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
How happy were you with viewer numbers if you've seen
them and attendance numbers for the weekend.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
Yeah, I haven't got the full debrief on audience, but
in terms of attendance, we're really really pleased. I think
almost twenty percent up on Round one last year with
one less fixture, which is a great result. So some
really strong signs there, and just really pleased that all
of those that went to stadium and watched on broadcast
(05:37):
got such a great spectacle to watch across all five games.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
And Fantasy Super Rugby had it's launch a week or
so ago, well in the lead into Round one. Have
you received any sort of feedback anecdotal or or quantifiable
around Super Rugby and the fantasy element this weekend?
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Yeah, Well we had over fifty six thousand fans playing
Fantasy over the weekend, which were really really pleased. With
four year one and great to see just the discussion
that that is fueled, you know, all the way through
just from discussions I'm having with my mates to know
(06:18):
how that's fueling discussion on social media and threw into
the broadcast itself. So really pleased with that. And you know,
you know, what we really wanted to do was make
sure that it not only heroed our big stars but
also featured the emerging stars, so you know, to have
that narrative play out where the big stars scored big points.
(06:39):
But then you also everyone that played Fantasy now knows
Kyle Preston for example, you know who only zero point
one percent those Fantasy teams had him in there, but
there'll be a lot of people looking looking at that
going forward. So that's played out really well. Yeah, I
mean we're certainly listening and looking for feedback to see
(07:02):
how we can improve things in future iterations. That's certainly
you know, one of our focus is not just within Fantasy,
but in all facets of the game to make sure
we're listening and learning and seeing what we can do
to improve moving forward.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Did you say fifty three thousand players? Is that what
you said?
Speaker 4 (07:20):
I think it was over fifty six out.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Well, okay, well that makes me feel like about my
sixteen thousand, six hundred and ninetieth place. I'm almost I'm
in the top third. Jack. This is an excellent start.
It's an excellent start for me.
Speaker 4 (07:32):
Yeah, your expertise has not been questioned.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
I can assure you that it is. I can assure
you that it is all right. So round one of
the books. I know there was a big build up
to the start of the season. Now I guess you've
got to do it again and again and again. How
do you feel as you look forward now to this
week and how different will it be from last week
where it was all new?
Speaker 4 (07:52):
Well, I mean, I just look at the features we've
got this week, and we've got some absolute reports. So
Chiefs hosting the Crusaders will be phenomenal. We've got the
Canes hosting the Drawer, which is going to be great
to see fig on the road, see if they can
back up that performance they put on the weekend Highlanders
Blues as well. And then we've got Reds coming off
(08:15):
the buy who were really strong last year and had
a great preseason. And then it finishes off with Brumby's
Force and a local Australian derby down in Canberra. So
you know, I think this is the great thing this season.
We've got five fixtures, they're all going to be tight,
and you know there's no rest for the wicked. I mean,
(08:36):
I think we've only got a short season, but it's
sort of like a middle distance run, isn't it. Like
it's only sixteen rounds, but there is no break. So
it's a spring in many regards.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Well, you've certainly sprinted from the starting blocks. Jack, congrats
on getting weekened one underway, getting the season underway. Look
forward to seeing how the rest of the season plays
out and to catching up again soon. That is Super
Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Measley with us on the Sports
Fex podcast. I had the chance over the weekend to
visit Melbour and to go to Amy Park in Melbourne.
(09:11):
What a great venue for watching sport. Easy to get
to for starters via public transport, right in the heart
of Melbourne's famous sporting precinct, with the mcg and rod
Laver Arena close by. Once we got inside, the beauty
of a rectangular venue became so obvious. Now anyone who's
watched rugby or football at Eden Park or Sky Stadium
(09:34):
will know exactly what I mean. At those venues, she's
just a bit too far away from the action. By contrast,
at Amy Park, I felt like I was right on
top of the players. It was a bit like Forsyth
Bar Stadium in Dunedin, with the steeply banked seats and
not a bad view in the house. Now, Amy Park
holds about twenty five thousand when it's absolutely full. There
(09:56):
were only about ten thousand there on Friday, but it
didn't feel like it was empty. The noise from the
fans and I was at a football match between Melbourne
Victory and the Wellington Phoenix reverberated around the round and
added plenty to the atmosphere at halftime, plenty of food
and beverage options without any cues, and lots of bathrooms
(10:17):
as well. The only real problem I could pick out
was there's no roof, and when it rained in the
second half we did have to scamper up a bit
to get under cover, but that was a really small thing.
After the game, downstairs and out into the night without
any holdups or log jams inside. We could have walked
back into town, but jumped in an uber which was
(10:37):
very quick to arrive. All in all, a terrific sporting
experience at a great sporting venue. I really hope the
new christ Church Stadium is the same. The only downside
actually was the result the Phoenix lost, but that was
hardly Amy Park's fault.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
On the Sports Fix podcast. Into the Chamber we Go
Monday means the People's Chamber. Elijah joins me. Good first
weekend of Super Ragbia. Elijah, I'm not quite sure where
to look for my Hurricanes upset by the Crusaders or
was this not an upset?
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Well, I wasn't too sure. I'd say yes, it was
an amazing opening round and that definitely set the tone
for how the rest of the Super Rugby season should be.
The Crusaders and the Hurricanes. I'm not too sure what
happened in the second half there For the Hurricanes. They
definitely had the advantage. There were up fourteen to at
one stage, twenty two to fourteen at the break, and
then from there the Crusaders i think sort of stood
up and showed a bit of that resilience that we've
(11:35):
known from the Crusaders team. In the past. I'm obviously
not last season with their four win season, but before
that and the the finning champions that there were a
bit of that resilience shined through in that contest. But
I guess for you, Piney, having a guy like Kyles
Kyle Presling come off the bench for the Crusaders must
be a bit gutted about losing a weal Antonian like
(11:57):
him and having them come on and have the performance
that he did.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
I'm a press that it only took you forty eight
seconds to bring up Kyle Preston's name.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
Trying very hard, Piney.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
What a storyline though, storyline Coyle Preston. Whether or not
the Hurricanes, you know, chased him vigorously or not, you know,
I don't know, but even going to the Crusaders, you think,
Noah Hotham's there and all black already and you know,
set to be probably the number one, number nine for
a while. Mitchell Drummond has been around forever and still
(12:27):
continues to deliver at super rugby level. Gutsy moved from
Cayle Preston to go in the first place, but now
people are now starting to talk about him as an
all Blacks Bolter after one performance. I don't think we
should get too carried away, but you know what a
moment for him, Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
And it didn't take him too long to get accustomed,
I mean to the Super Rugby level, like that was
his first game at that level and nine getting thrown
into the dpen pretty much nine minutes since the contest.
But he was outstanding. His support for those tries that
he scored, His distribution was amazing. And then alongside Kyle Preston,
guys like Sevy Reese and Will Jordan. I think Will
(13:03):
Jordan's return was huge for the Crusaders having missed him
all of last season. So those two allbacks definitely stood
up for the Crusader So great one for them indeed.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
And I don't think it's panic stations for the Hurricanes
only one game. I just not't forget that. I mean
in the first game of twenty sixteen, which is when
the Hurricanes won their one and only Super Rugby title,
they had fifty put on them by the Brumbies. So
you know, we don't have to get too carried away
after one game. Just before we leave, Kyle Preston, do
you know what school he went to?
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Yes, I do. Actually it was a tawa.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
It was Tarbat Tarbar College, the hotbed of Whitefern's cricket
and now a rugby player as well. So yeah, I
know there were a lot of Wellington rugby folk who
were very pleased with Kyle Preston's individual performance, not as
pleased against the Hurricanes. But here we are. What about
(13:50):
Saturday night, the Chiefs coming to Eden Park in a
repeat of last year's final, beating the Blues twenty five fourteen,
Damien McKenzie with twenty of those twenty five points. What
do we take from this?
Speaker 4 (14:04):
Can we?
Speaker 2 (14:04):
As I say, we shouldn't get too worried about the
Hurricanes losing their first game? What about Blues fans? How
should they be feeling about a first up loss.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
I think the Blues will be disappointed, of course, given
there was a rematch of last year's Grand Final, and
the Chiefs have been saying all week it's not about
revenge from last year, but I feel like at the
back of their minds they were thinking a little bit
about revenge. So that was a good win for the Chiefs,
but for the Blues obviously a bit of disappointment, but
again they were missing a couple of key guys. I
guess the first thing that sex Sales Hoskinstituto and not
having him around the Super Rugby player of the Year
(14:34):
last season, and obviously the conditions didn't work out in
their favor for either team in terms of how the
game played out as well. So I wouldn't get too
carried away and say that, you know, the chances of
a back to back Super Rugby title are fading away
after one game. So yeah, I think for the Blues
they'll definitely be looking to lift things up again. But
(14:57):
that was a great win from the Chiefs to come
and to Eden Park and take that win.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
So I thought the Chiefs were favorites two years ago
made the final lost to the Crusaders. I thought they
were favorites. Last year made the final lost of the Blues.
Third time. I'm lucky for the Chiefs or again, is
it far too early?
Speaker 3 (15:12):
I think it's far too early to say. I'd say
I just have losing the guy like Wallace to t
T is definitely a huge loss. But I guess the
injury toll across the board has been has been huge
and a lot of teams have been affected after one week,
so we'll see what happens as this season goes on.
But yeah, I think it's too early to overreact after
(15:33):
one week.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
I think what week one's done or weekend one has
done has set us up nicely for a weekend too.
On Friday night, Round two is kicked off by the
Chiefs and the Crusaders and Hamilton both winners in their
first game. Imagine if the Crusaders go up to Hamilton
and win. Up there, are we starting to talk about
the Crusaders of old if that happens.
Speaker 3 (15:55):
Maybe maybe we're still overreacting after his selection party.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
I do love my I do love my hyperbole. You
know that.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Yeah, no, for sure, for sure, But no, it would
be a huge statement for the Crusaders if they could
have the opening two wins against the Hurricanes and the Chiefs,
two Kiwi teams who we I guess in the preseason
assumed would be top contenders. So the Crusettas would definitely
put themselves in that conversation if that's the case. So yeah,
we'll definitely see what happens.
Speaker 4 (16:19):
All right.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Well, speaking of not getting too carried away, how carried
away should we get by the Warriors, beating the Storm
the Storm thirty six ten in pre season on the weekend.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
Yeah, I guess with the Storm and the Warriors, the
Storm a lot of their big names weren't playing in
that contest, so in terms of the result, can't take
too much away from that. But for the Warriors, I
guess it's a nice bit of momentum heading into that
season opener and Las Vegas against against the Raiders, And
for me, the big talking point was what was going
to happen on the wings. Roger Taivasaschek seems to have
(16:50):
settled in. It's not a familiar a position that's unfamiliar
to him. He played in that position earlier in his career,
but on the other side of the wing, on the
other wing. Rather Dla Watinez Olesniak being out, I think
tane To a Pickie stood up over the weekend. So
I think Andrew Webster has found his two wingers. So
I would personally go with those two. But those two
impressed for me against the Storm.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
I just haven't put the lineup and this might not
be right, but Timarty Martin play at fullback on the weekend. Yeah,
that was that a surprise, I think so.
Speaker 3 (17:18):
But I think what whips is trying to say is
that he wants to try a team to a pickI
on the wing. I think because of that first preseason
game against the Sharks, he impressed there, so I think
Whipster wanted to see how he'd go in another outing.
And I think Timity has played a fullback as well,
so I think it was easy to shift the guy
like him, and I think he's sort of playing around
with some of the versatile players he has in the squad.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
It'll speaking of which I see Chanell Harris Tavita was
in the halves with Luke Metcalf, so do you reckon
we might see Metcalf Harris Tavita against the Raiders in
a couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
I think Timari will go back into the halves to
peer up with Metcalf. And this issue of chance are
being away on All Star duty, and I can see
Charms Chants returning to the number one jumper.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
All right, it's all very exciting. I look at it.
I don't mind in the people's chamber us getting carried
away early in the season. I look think it's you know,
I think it's okay for us to get excited about
the Warriors, about our own super rugby sides, and at
the same time not worry too much as they lose,
like Mike Canes did.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
I was you brought that up? Piney, That wasn't me.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
I think we should leave the People's Chamber there for
today and reconvene next Monday.
Speaker 4 (18:28):
Things.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
As always for your time.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
Appreciate it. Thanks Pony.
Speaker 1 (18:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Pine.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
That's all we have time for on the Sports Fix
podcast today. Thank you for downloading and listening in. If
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For more from News Talks dB Sport, listen to Sports
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(19:02):
and Sunday from midday till three.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
For more from News Talks EDB listen live on air
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix howard By News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello there and welcome into a new weeknd to a
freshly minted episode of the Sports Fix podcast for February seventeen,
twenty twenty five. I'm Jason Pine, good to have you along.
Super Rugby is underway. Round one is in the box
and what around it was? Lots of scoring, close contests,
some very very close contests in fact, couple of one pointers.
(00:44):
So how did it wash up? As far as the
head hon shows are concerned, we go right to the top.
Jack Mesley, CEO of Super Rugby Pacific, is on the
podcast today giving us his assessment of the first week.
Elijah Part Fit You also pops into the chamber with
some of his thoughts. Also today, Amy Park in Melbourne
(01:05):
had the chance to visit over the weekend. I love
it should be the blueprint for any stadium that gets built,
and I'll tell you why. Let's get into it. In
other news, Let's get things started with a look at
some of the big sports stories around today. Teenage Kiwi
Finley Melville. I've says one has made in free ski
(01:26):
halfpipe World Cup event in Calvary.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Down the pipe finley Melville right, double twelve safety, Oh fie.
It serves with execution on that.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
But a relief for Tottenham war manager and pastor Cole Glue.
His side has beaten Manchester United one nill. He's hoping
that's a turning point in their Premier League fortunes.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
He league positions not anywhere where it should be and
today was an opportunity for us that started addressing that.
And we said we had a good week of training
with some players back and importantly once today.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
And Swedish golfer Ludwig or Berg has won the latest
USPGA Tour event at the Tory Pines South Course in California.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
It was a great you know, a great fight. Obviously
the golf course is tough, but fe like I was
in control of the ball flat all day and you're
really proud of the way that I finished.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
It was really cool leading a vix We've got just
the ticket. It's Sportsfix my news talks.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Ivy on the sports Fix podcast. Round one of Super
Rugby pacificas in the books and what around it was
plenty of tri scoring action and lots of close contests
as well. Let's bring in competition CEO Jack Measley. Jack,
thanks for joining us. So how do you assis in
general terms the first weekend of Super Rugby Pacific for
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
Well, I mean, firstly, you just got us on the park.
I mean one of amazing five games. We had incredible spectacles,
a lot decided by a point in and a lot
of them going all the way into into and past
the eighty eight minute. So yeah, we've sort of spent
the day to day reviewing all of those sorts of things,
(03:01):
looking at the product itself, looking at the match officials reviews,
looking at our marketing and attendance and audience reviews and
all of those things. And yeah, we were very lucky.
We had a we had a great start and a
highlights reel that you know you'd be you'd be lucky
to get at the end of a season after the
first round.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Indeed, Well, I want to unpack a few of the
things you've said there, But high scoring games with close margins,
I know you can't manufacture these things, but is that
kind of the ideal combo for you across a round
of Super rugby absolutely.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
I mean, we know Super rugby is always always been
high point scoring, you know, lots of tries and we
sort of innovated the first bonus point mechanisms back in
the day. But to balance that with an average of
a five point march, I think we had on average
nine tries a game and with a five point margin.
(03:53):
You know, that's the ideal or kind of balance we find.
We have free flowing, attacking rugby, but close games with
lots of lead swings and at the end of the day,
nice and close games.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
You talked abouit about your Monday review and highlighted a
few different categories inside that review. What were the main takeaways,
you know, from from giving the weekend, but a breathing
room and discussing it all today, we're really.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Pleased with how our laws and focus areas were dealt
with by the match officials. We think they did a
great job on the weekend. Still some things to a
few small things to nail, but in terms of the
way that they moved the game forward you would have seen,
you know, we're only stopping for major injuries. For example.
(04:43):
The referees were very consistent and focused on getting the
ninth to clear the ball. So all of those things
were really good and I think helped set up the spectacle.
There was no doubt that the games were fast fatigue
with the factor, and I think that helped us, you know,
(05:04):
helped the games set up to go deep into into
the eightieth minute and beyond.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
How happy were you with viewer numbers if you've seen
them and attendance numbers for the weekend.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
Yeah, I haven't got the full debrief on audience, but
in terms of attendance, we're really really pleased. I think
almost twenty percent up on Round one last year with
one less fixture, which is a great result. So some
really strong signs there, and just really pleased that all
of those that went to stadium and watched on broadcast
(05:37):
got such a great spectacle to watch across all five games.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
And Fantasy Super Rugby had it's launch a week or
so ago, well in the lead into Round one. Have
you received any sort of feedback anecdotal or or quantifiable
around Super Rugby and the fantasy element this weekend?
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Yeah, Well we had over fifty six thousand fans playing
Fantasy over the weekend, which were really really pleased. With
four year one and great to see just the discussion
that that is fueled, you know, all the way through
just from discussions I'm having with my mates to know
(06:18):
how that's fueling discussion on social media and threw into
the broadcast itself. So really pleased with that. And you know,
you know, what we really wanted to do was make
sure that it not only heroed our big stars but
also featured the emerging stars, so you know, to have
that narrative play out where the big stars scored big points.
(06:39):
But then you also everyone that played Fantasy now knows
Kyle Preston for example, you know who only zero point
one percent those Fantasy teams had him in there, but
there'll be a lot of people looking looking at that
going forward. So that's played out really well. Yeah, I
mean we're certainly listening and looking for feedback to see
(07:02):
how we can improve things in future iterations. That's certainly
you know, one of our focus is not just within Fantasy,
but in all facets of the game to make sure
we're listening and learning and seeing what we can do
to improve moving forward.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Did you say fifty three thousand players? Is that what
you said?
Speaker 4 (07:20):
I think it was over fifty six out.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Well, okay, well that makes me feel like about my
sixteen thousand, six hundred and ninetieth place. I'm almost I'm
in the top third. Jack. This is an excellent start.
It's an excellent start for me.
Speaker 4 (07:32):
Yeah, your expertise has not been questioned.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
I can assure you that it is. I can assure
you that it is all right. So round one of
the books. I know there was a big build up
to the start of the season. Now I guess you've
got to do it again and again and again. How
do you feel as you look forward now to this
week and how different will it be from last week
where it was all new?
Speaker 4 (07:52):
Well, I mean, I just look at the features we've
got this week, and we've got some absolute reports. So
Chiefs hosting the Crusaders will be phenomenal. We've got the
Canes hosting the Drawer, which is going to be great
to see fig on the road, see if they can
back up that performance they put on the weekend Highlanders
Blues as well. And then we've got Reds coming off
(08:15):
the buy who were really strong last year and had
a great preseason. And then it finishes off with Brumby's
Force and a local Australian derby down in Canberra. So
you know, I think this is the great thing this season.
We've got five fixtures, they're all going to be tight,
and you know there's no rest for the wicked. I mean,
(08:36):
I think we've only got a short season, but it's
sort of like a middle distance run, isn't it. Like
it's only sixteen rounds, but there is no break. So
it's a spring in many regards.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Well, you've certainly sprinted from the starting blocks. Jack, congrats
on getting weekened one underway, getting the season underway. Look
forward to seeing how the rest of the season plays
out and to catching up again soon. That is Super
Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Measley with us on the Sports
Fex podcast. I had the chance over the weekend to
visit Melbour and to go to Amy Park in Melbourne.
(09:11):
What a great venue for watching sport. Easy to get
to for starters via public transport, right in the heart
of Melbourne's famous sporting precinct, with the mcg and rod
Laver Arena close by. Once we got inside, the beauty
of a rectangular venue became so obvious. Now anyone who's
watched rugby or football at Eden Park or Sky Stadium
(09:34):
will know exactly what I mean. At those venues, she's
just a bit too far away from the action. By contrast,
at Amy Park, I felt like I was right on
top of the players. It was a bit like Forsyth
Bar Stadium in Dunedin, with the steeply banked seats and
not a bad view in the house. Now, Amy Park
holds about twenty five thousand when it's absolutely full. There
(09:56):
were only about ten thousand there on Friday, but it
didn't feel like it was empty. The noise from the
fans and I was at a football match between Melbourne
Victory and the Wellington Phoenix reverberated around the round and
added plenty to the atmosphere at halftime, plenty of food
and beverage options without any cues, and lots of bathrooms
(10:17):
as well. The only real problem I could pick out
was there's no roof, and when it rained in the
second half we did have to scamper up a bit
to get under cover, but that was a really small thing.
After the game, downstairs and out into the night without
any holdups or log jams inside. We could have walked
back into town, but jumped in an uber which was
(10:37):
very quick to arrive. All in all, a terrific sporting
experience at a great sporting venue. I really hope the
new christ Church Stadium is the same. The only downside
actually was the result the Phoenix lost, but that was
hardly Amy Park's fault.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
On the Sports Fix podcast. Into the Chamber we Go
Monday means the People's Chamber. Elijah joins me. Good first
weekend of Super Ragbia. Elijah, I'm not quite sure where
to look for my Hurricanes upset by the Crusaders or
was this not an upset?
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Well, I wasn't too sure. I'd say yes, it was
an amazing opening round and that definitely set the tone
for how the rest of the Super Rugby season should be.
The Crusaders and the Hurricanes. I'm not too sure what
happened in the second half there For the Hurricanes. They
definitely had the advantage. There were up fourteen to at
one stage, twenty two to fourteen at the break, and
then from there the Crusaders i think sort of stood
up and showed a bit of that resilience that we've
(11:35):
known from the Crusaders team. In the past. I'm obviously
not last season with their four win season, but before
that and the the finning champions that there were a
bit of that resilience shined through in that contest. But
I guess for you, Piney, having a guy like Kyles
Kyle Presling come off the bench for the Crusaders must
be a bit gutted about losing a weal Antonian like
(11:57):
him and having them come on and have the performance
that he did.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
I'm a press that it only took you forty eight
seconds to bring up Kyle Preston's name.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
Trying very hard, Piney.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
What a storyline though, storyline Coyle Preston. Whether or not
the Hurricanes, you know, chased him vigorously or not, you know,
I don't know, but even going to the Crusaders, you think,
Noah Hotham's there and all black already and you know,
set to be probably the number one, number nine for
a while. Mitchell Drummond has been around forever and still
(12:27):
continues to deliver at super rugby level. Gutsy moved from
Cayle Preston to go in the first place, but now
people are now starting to talk about him as an
all Blacks Bolter after one performance. I don't think we
should get too carried away, but you know what a
moment for him, Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
And it didn't take him too long to get accustomed,
I mean to the Super Rugby level, like that was
his first game at that level and nine getting thrown
into the dpen pretty much nine minutes since the contest.
But he was outstanding. His support for those tries that
he scored, His distribution was amazing. And then alongside Kyle Preston,
guys like Sevy Reese and Will Jordan. I think Will
(13:03):
Jordan's return was huge for the Crusaders having missed him
all of last season. So those two allbacks definitely stood
up for the Crusader So great one for them indeed.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
And I don't think it's panic stations for the Hurricanes
only one game. I just not't forget that. I mean
in the first game of twenty sixteen, which is when
the Hurricanes won their one and only Super Rugby title,
they had fifty put on them by the Brumbies. So
you know, we don't have to get too carried away
after one game. Just before we leave, Kyle Preston, do
you know what school he went to?
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Yes, I do. Actually it was a tawa.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
It was Tarbat Tarbar College, the hotbed of Whitefern's cricket
and now a rugby player as well. So yeah, I
know there were a lot of Wellington rugby folk who
were very pleased with Kyle Preston's individual performance, not as
pleased against the Hurricanes. But here we are. What about
(13:50):
Saturday night, the Chiefs coming to Eden Park in a
repeat of last year's final, beating the Blues twenty five fourteen,
Damien McKenzie with twenty of those twenty five points. What
do we take from this?
Speaker 4 (14:04):
Can we?
Speaker 2 (14:04):
As I say, we shouldn't get too worried about the
Hurricanes losing their first game? What about Blues fans? How
should they be feeling about a first up loss.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
I think the Blues will be disappointed, of course, given
there was a rematch of last year's Grand Final, and
the Chiefs have been saying all week it's not about
revenge from last year, but I feel like at the
back of their minds they were thinking a little bit
about revenge. So that was a good win for the Chiefs,
but for the Blues obviously a bit of disappointment, but
again they were missing a couple of key guys. I
guess the first thing that sex Sales Hoskinstituto and not
having him around the Super Rugby player of the Year
(14:34):
last season, and obviously the conditions didn't work out in
their favor for either team in terms of how the
game played out as well. So I wouldn't get too
carried away and say that, you know, the chances of
a back to back Super Rugby title are fading away
after one game. So yeah, I think for the Blues
they'll definitely be looking to lift things up again. But
(14:57):
that was a great win from the Chiefs to come
and to Eden Park and take that win.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
So I thought the Chiefs were favorites two years ago
made the final lost to the Crusaders. I thought they
were favorites. Last year made the final lost of the Blues.
Third time. I'm lucky for the Chiefs or again, is
it far too early?
Speaker 3 (15:12):
I think it's far too early to say. I'd say
I just have losing the guy like Wallace to t
T is definitely a huge loss. But I guess the
injury toll across the board has been has been huge
and a lot of teams have been affected after one week,
so we'll see what happens as this season goes on.
But yeah, I think it's too early to overreact after
(15:33):
one week.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
I think what week one's done or weekend one has
done has set us up nicely for a weekend too.
On Friday night, Round two is kicked off by the
Chiefs and the Crusaders and Hamilton both winners in their
first game. Imagine if the Crusaders go up to Hamilton
and win. Up there, are we starting to talk about
the Crusaders of old if that happens.
Speaker 3 (15:55):
Maybe maybe we're still overreacting after his selection party.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
I do love my I do love my hyperbole. You
know that.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Yeah, no, for sure, for sure, But no, it would
be a huge statement for the Crusaders if they could
have the opening two wins against the Hurricanes and the Chiefs,
two Kiwi teams who we I guess in the preseason
assumed would be top contenders. So the Crusettas would definitely
put themselves in that conversation if that's the case. So yeah,
we'll definitely see what happens.
Speaker 4 (16:19):
All right.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Well, speaking of not getting too carried away, how carried
away should we get by the Warriors, beating the Storm
the Storm thirty six ten in pre season on the weekend.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
Yeah, I guess with the Storm and the Warriors, the
Storm a lot of their big names weren't playing in
that contest, so in terms of the result, can't take
too much away from that. But for the Warriors, I
guess it's a nice bit of momentum heading into that
season opener and Las Vegas against against the Raiders, And
for me, the big talking point was what was going
to happen on the wings. Roger Taivasaschek seems to have
(16:50):
settled in. It's not a familiar a position that's unfamiliar
to him. He played in that position earlier in his career,
but on the other side of the wing, on the
other wing. Rather Dla Watinez Olesniak being out, I think
tane To a Pickie stood up over the weekend. So
I think Andrew Webster has found his two wingers. So
I would personally go with those two. But those two
impressed for me against the Storm.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
I just haven't put the lineup and this might not
be right, but Timarty Martin play at fullback on the weekend. Yeah,
that was that a surprise, I think so.
Speaker 3 (17:18):
But I think what whips is trying to say is
that he wants to try a team to a pickI
on the wing. I think because of that first preseason
game against the Sharks, he impressed there, so I think
Whipster wanted to see how he'd go in another outing.
And I think Timity has played a fullback as well,
so I think it was easy to shift the guy
like him, and I think he's sort of playing around
with some of the versatile players he has in the squad.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
It'll speaking of which I see Chanell Harris Tavita was
in the halves with Luke Metcalf, so do you reckon
we might see Metcalf Harris Tavita against the Raiders in
a couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
I think Timari will go back into the halves to
peer up with Metcalf. And this issue of chance are
being away on All Star duty, and I can see
Charms Chants returning to the number one jumper.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
All right, it's all very exciting. I look at it.
I don't mind in the people's chamber us getting carried
away early in the season. I look think it's you know,
I think it's okay for us to get excited about
the Warriors, about our own super rugby sides, and at
the same time not worry too much as they lose,
like Mike Canes did.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
I was you brought that up? Piney, That wasn't me.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
I think we should leave the People's Chamber there for
today and reconvene next Monday.
Speaker 4 (18:28):
Things.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
As always for your time.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
Appreciate it. Thanks Pony.
Speaker 1 (18:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sportsfix with Jason Pine.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
That's all we have time for on the Sports Fix
podcast today. Thank you for downloading and listening in. If
you are a subscriber's a Sports Fix, you'll know that
around about the same time tomorrow and every weekday, a
fresh episode will drop into your podcast feed. If you
want that to happen, all you have to do is subscribe.
For more from News Talks dB Sport, listen to Sports
Talk weeknights between seven and eight and Weekend Sports Saturday
(19:02):
and Sunday from midday till three.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
For more from News Talks EDB listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
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