November 11, 2024 • 39 mins
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith in Paris and Liam Napier discuss the All Blacks' win over (now former) world number ones Ireland in Dublin - what it means in both the context of the tour and the year and how they managed to wear down Ireland. We also look ahead to the penultimate test of 2024 against France this weekend and ponder some selection headaches for the selectors.
We also wrap up the rest of the weekend in the end of year internationals and dive into the Super Rugby squads revealed today - the big surprises and transfers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
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.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yet inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliott Smith powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Access Solutions, elevating you
and your business to a higher level. We've moved on
to Paris. It is the All Blacks who have also
moved on with the third victory of the end of
year tour, adding Ireland to sculpts of England and Japan
and Rugby Direct back to discuss at all. Liam Napier greetings,
(00:49):
bon soir or bon soir is.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
I believe you might call it from Paris.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
That's air Elliott's bon bons bringing back some special memories.
Scrats have you joining us from Paris.
Speaker 6 (01:05):
But yeah, maybe you can just clarify for.
Speaker 5 (01:07):
The listeners what it is, because I know it's a
tough languages of French.
Speaker 6 (01:11):
It's can be tough to get to hit around.
Speaker 5 (01:13):
So if you could just clarify that for everyone once
and for all, well.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
I think we clarify it fairly well at last year's
World Cup, where you would fear well like taxi drivers
and people restaurant staff with von s and head to
be total was actually bond the phrase for good evening.
But as you said, it is a very tough language
to learn. I know very little, but von versus bond
(01:39):
I do know.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Liam your reaction please All Blacks defeat Ireland twenty three
thirteen in Dublin. They went and as outsiders. I know
last week you picked them to lose. I picked them
to win. They've gone and done the job. What did
you make of the performance in the match itself?
Speaker 5 (01:59):
Yes, well it was not often at Elliott you actually
get one over me on the tipping state, so you
save with that and enjoy it. But look, I I
was surprised by a number of aspects of this match.
It come to Ireland's performance in the minutes. But look,
this was an impressive performance from the All Blacks, wasn't it.
(02:22):
If you consider the backdrop, everything was stacked against them,
the six day turnarounds that had a few injuries. They
were unconvincing at Twickenham the previous week got out of
jail with two mischances by George Ford at the death,
so there was a lot of uncertainty. I think surrounding
(02:42):
the All Blacks and the nature of their performances and
the hot and cold nature still there, and so they
had a lot to prove going to Dublin where they
hadn't won in eight years, lost their last two tests
playing the world number one, So a huge scalp for
the All Blacks, the most significant of the year under
Scott Robertson. They've lept to number two in the world
(03:03):
after the weekend's results. Not that that's a huge factor
I think, but the way they closed out that game
very impressive, wasn't it. Their ability to stick to their
game plan. I think they are really developing their identity.
They were brave, courageous. They had to survive a yellow
card to Jordie Barrett's. They got some real payoff the
(03:24):
bench again. They stuck where they're attacking intent, stretching island
wide and finally getting over the line to Will Jordan's.
So some real clutch moments under pressure. It was a
very rusty, clunky performance from Islands. Maybe we get into
where they are at and should it be a big
(03:47):
concern long term for them?
Speaker 6 (03:48):
Are they stagnating? Have they peeked?
Speaker 5 (03:50):
But look, I think the All Blacks will be massively
boyed by that performance.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Can to get into that a little bit shortly, but
I think the All Blacks will be very boyed by
that performance. The only time they'll really put under pressure
by Ireland was in that stretch just after halftime, when
Jordi Barrett was off the park and Ireland attacked with surreal,
intense and real energy that we didn't see for the
other seventy minutes of the game. They were ferocious at
(04:19):
that point in the time. They did what we knew
and no on Ireland to do in their attacking shape
and attacking formation in recent seasons, and Josh Funderfley got
the rewards there and it felt like that was a
momentum swinger in the game, but it was actually really
just a bullip more than anything. The All Blacks restored
(04:39):
order to their performance shortly after that, when we go
back to fifteen and didn't really have too many issues.
Took a couple of penalty goals to them to get
back in front, and then the Will Jordan tried to
ice it. I guess you look at that and go
the All Blacks actually maybe could have even won by
more and been more dominant it was probably Samara scrambled
defense keeping the All Blacks outside the twenty two that
(05:03):
meant that they weren't able to perhaps win by more.
I thought it was a very good All Black's performance,
the best of the year, and it showed just where
they're heading, I think in terms of knowing that attacking structure,
the way they want to play, and almost you know,
some acceptance that they can't play the style that the
All Blacks have necessarily become accustomed to in recent years
(05:26):
and the way that New Zealanders are ingrained to play
in a DNA. But this was built on a very
good four platform. Didn't always get the rubber the green
around the ruck. I thought there was a Nick Barry
was a bit sluggish there, but I thought from an
All Blacks perspective, that's a performance they can really hang
their hat on. It's the bar for them going forward
(05:48):
and sets up the rest of this tour. Of the
last two games of the year relatively nicely. I think
stand out for me personally the suffer on Laura and
Damian McKenzie, two players that probably wouldn't have been starting
if a Cody Taylor and Bowden Barrett with fit, but
talking about players taking their chances. It was a game
of it.
Speaker 5 (06:07):
Yeah, big time, and those outs for the All Blacks
Boden Barrett and Cody Taylor, two such senior influential figures.
Speaker 6 (06:15):
I had big concerns around how the lineout was going
to go.
Speaker 5 (06:18):
But it has been a really coming of age two
weeks for so far more, hasn't it. Seventy six odd
minutes at Twicking in the previous week, had a few
lineout yips in the second half there, throwing long three
missed lineouts for the All Blacks.
Speaker 6 (06:33):
But to come through this performance pretty much.
Speaker 5 (06:36):
An eighty minute effort, He'll take so much out of there,
and damon McKenzie, you know, much moligned, I guess game
management in particular, and for him to stand up kick
eighteen points, you know they had that. He had that
one moment with Will Jordan where it was a bit
of a brain explosion where they put each other on
a massive pressure taking that quick line out.
Speaker 6 (06:58):
But aside from that, you know.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
He took great options directed to the All Blacks around that.
I think it was his skipball to more that you know,
identified the space and made the most of it. For
Will Jordan's try so another clutch moment there standing up
with his goal kicking, and it really does change the
sort of complexion of the All Black season, but also
(07:22):
their squads and their depths are you know, having been
forced to develop players again through injury. When you think
about Boden Barrett and Cody Taylor probably been available for
this week, then you have got a real conversation a
about who starts attend. But then you think about the
nature of the bench with Armor probably going back to
(07:42):
the bench and bringing on a McKenzie or a Barrett.
And then you think about Patrick Twoplotu and the performances
of offer toing a fussy and Pussileo Tossi off the bench.
So an area for the All Blacks when you think
about the Rugby Championship and the five final quarter fades there,
they really have turned that around in the last couple
of weeks. I know they've got a few injuries this
(08:05):
week with Sam Cain and Mark Tale have been ruled out,
so they have to make some changes. But developing that depth, Elliott,
it really does change the complexion of the squad, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
It does because that's what's going to win your World Cup.
In twenty twenty seven is having depth. We know that
the spring Box have been able to achieve with their
depth and where they sit at the moment and the
players that they can call or not only from a
twenty three that starts a game, but from their wider
squad as well of what players with test experience they
can call on. It's always been a strength of previous
(08:38):
All Black sides that have won World Cups and next
man up mentality and having the ability to dip into
that pool and go beyond your first choice fifteen, I
think is really vital. And for someone like a stuff
On Mullie, look at the test starts that he has
had in previous occasions. He's always when he's been in
previously been the third choice hooker. This year he's up
to second, probably only because Sammasoni Takayaho is injured. And
(09:02):
you know, there's only so much you can learn from
starting and playing big minutes against with all due respect.
You know Fiji, the team that we to San Diego
for them Japan a couple of weeks back. This is
where you earn your bread and butter. Is playing against
the big countries in the world, and he's had two
big weeks. Now we're hopefully it's coming of age moment
because we know what he's been capable of at Super
(09:22):
rugby level and indeed at the NBC level as well.
We'll get onto the changes potentially for this weekend in
a moment or two. I guess you look at that
performance and the one thing I want to touch on
is perhaps if we look at the Irish performance, as
we mentioned before, around that they were a shadow of
(09:43):
what we've seen from them previously. And it wasn't the
Irish that we've become accustomed to, you know, it wasn't
the Iris that split the series, you know against South
Africa midyear and has pushed the All Blacks before. It
felt labored's I don't think I've seen Bundy Rkey play
as poorly against the All Blacks as he did on
(10:04):
the weekend. In fact, he looked tired in all honesty,
and a team that looks a little tired you look
at the players are coming off the bench. Peter Amoney
great warrior in Tess Ruby, but he's played one hundred
and twenty odd Test matches roughly now. Ken Heirley's played
for a number of years well more than a decade
(10:26):
over one hundred tests. Colin Murray still kicking around. Ireland's
had some really real good success at the under twenty
six Nations in recent times, but you don't see that
necessarily coming through. It feels like the same Irish team
which has been around for a few years by Johnny Sexton,
and you know this is only one game, but it
just does feel like maybe there's a bit of regeneration
(10:47):
needed in that team.
Speaker 6 (10:49):
Yeah, I totally agree, Elliot.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
Look, I think they looked predictable and we have to
acknowledge they had a couple of big outs too, Ted
Furlong and Dan Shan so two of their starting front row,
and I think we saw that there was some yips
from their lineout and this scrum was pretty much under
pressure throughout that match. I think I've had ethan the
group being involved. They probably could have got stuffed more
(11:13):
at scrum time, but it just looked so orchestrated and
structured and when that doesn't come to fruition for Island,
they don't really know where to go or what to do.
There was a lot of box kicking. They got some
pay at the breakdown, but there was a bit of
a lottery. As you mentioned with Nick, very very scrappy.
Island seemed to be coming in from the side laying
(11:34):
in the ruck a lot of leeway there, so that
contributed to a pretty ugly spectacle on the whole. You know,
Cam sorry, Cortes Rasma was under massive pressure for the
All Blacks, but for Ireland. Yeah, where is the next
generation coming from? This is a team that has been
around a long time. We do have to be careful
(11:55):
not to read into one performance too much. Ireland haven't
played since July, but they had everything in their favor.
You know, they're at home. This was they made a
big deal of playing on the Friday night lights. They
were hell bent on redemption because of the World Cup
quarterfinal last year.
Speaker 6 (12:11):
They're going to avenge that result.
Speaker 5 (12:13):
It was all set up for them and they completely flopped.
They didn't really put the All Blacks under a great
deal of pressure from my perspective, and are now looking.
Speaker 6 (12:26):
At playing Argentina this weekend.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
Who an Argentinian team that's already had some big scalps.
So now Islands. It's amazing how one result can rarely
flip the script. Yeah, they had really looked like duds.
You moved on from that World Cup quarter final with
what they did in South Africa and Johnny Sexton's out
(12:48):
hadn't been so big for them, but this was a
performance that will spark a lot of concern for them.
Speaker 7 (12:52):
I think I think it will too.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
And looking at the teens I'm not convinced by either
of them that played on the weekend. I thought they
were labored at times. Karan Frawley doesn't fill me with
a lot of confidence. He counts for the bench, made
a none braveras so. You know, it's hard replacing legacy
teams like Johnny Sexton. You many international teams have been
(13:15):
through it, but there might have been a trial in
an era before they settle on that Liam. If we're
looking ahead to this weekend France and started to France,
the area that the All Blacks know well, a venue
the All Blacks know well. Lost a World Cup final
there just over a year ago. Now lost to France
on the opening game of that World Cup as well,
(13:36):
a lot of water going under the bridge since then,
France beating Japan earlier in the weekend as well. Where
do you see this game going over the weekend and
can the all blacks make it for in a role
on this end of view tour.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
What a result that would be given the expectations coming
into this too. I think both of us predicted they
would win four or five, but that was very optimistic
based on what had happened this year. But if we
look at France, dress and foremost, it's quite hard to
get a gauge on them, and it's a bit of
a tied serio type of unpredictable French. But if you
(14:13):
look at France following their World Cup quarterfinal weexit, I
don't know if they've truly got an over that yet.
A home World cut for them, everything was set up
and they came into that with great form, but you
know that the life was sucked out of that tournament
when they lost to South Africa by one point. Then
in July they go out to Argentina with a second
(14:36):
string team and have a number of off field issues there.
They split that series one one. They go back into
the top fourteen. They will get Antonto Palm back, which
is massive for them. I know his first match back
in the top fourteen, he scored three tries off the bench,
so all eyes on him. But I think there are
a few question marks about where France are at. I
(14:58):
think they spanked Japan last weekend, but how much can
you take out of that performance given where Japan are at,
so hard to know what to expect from the French
that the All Blacks I think they'll have to you know,
they will be starting to feel the effects of a
big season.
Speaker 6 (15:14):
With Sam Cain and Mark Talaire out. There be a
couple of changes.
Speaker 5 (15:18):
You'd expect probably Ardie Severe to go to seven and
Wallace is teased to eight. Maybe some of Penny Female
comes in at six. I think it's good recognition for
Carefi to come into that squad on the right wing.
You'd expects of Reice to come in, so pretty seamless
changes to a degree for the All Blacks, they will
(15:38):
have to come down from that Irish performance. There'll be
Bassard's because of the nature of England Island back to
back and then France. It's a massive three weeks, so
there will be a bit of tweaking needed in that squad.
But look, it'd be hard not to back the All
Blacks to get up this week, I think, But it's
just it's quite hard to know which French team will
(16:01):
turn up.
Speaker 7 (16:02):
Indeed it is Liam. Give us a prediction. Do they
win this weekend?
Speaker 6 (16:08):
I will top the All Blacks this sweek Elliott's.
Speaker 5 (16:10):
I think they'll have a lot of confidence and belief
based on what's happened the past two weeks. You know,
they've had a tough year. It's been a bit of
a roller coaster. Scott Robinson his first year, a lot
of change and the coaching team and the structures. But
I do think, like you mentioned before, they've starting to
(16:31):
come to grips with their identity, with the way they
want to play, with the way they close out matches.
So I think that there's a lot that they can
carry through to this week. Playing these European nations at home,
you do have to be careful because France are a
team that can go bang bang, and then the crowd
gets involved and it's very hard to get their momentum back.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
But a Field Blacks can stay in the fights.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
We talked about their bench before and their game management's improving.
Speaker 6 (17:02):
Yeah, I am going to tip them too one this week.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
I suggested that they've beat England and I and they
lose to France, So I'm not going to deviate from that,
but I hope the All Blacks get the job done
at Start Defrance this weekend. Let's talk about the remainder
of the games over the course of the weekend. What
stood out for you. I don't want to run through
every game because I'm sure that everyone's probably done to
death or webit on some of those games. What the
(17:26):
key things that stood out to you from the rest
of the weekend.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
It's hard to go past the Wallabies, isn't it. What
a stunning result for them and much needed for Australian rugby,
and in particular just Joseph suweer Lee's debut. I think
expectations when he's come over from the NRL only a
matter of weeks ago, really that maybe he might get
one Test cap off the bench on the spring tour.
(17:51):
Question marks about you know, whether he would even get that,
whether he was just a bit of a project player.
Take him into the squad lo and Beholds throws him
into start in the midfield at Twickenham against England, up
against Olli Lawrence, very established Test midfield and what a
stunning debut.
Speaker 6 (18:10):
Just his confidence to walk onto that.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
Stage, his breadth of skill and what a result for
the Wallabies to pull that out of the bag in
the eighty fourth minute.
Speaker 6 (18:21):
I think it was trying the corner. There was a.
Speaker 5 (18:26):
Crazy sort of game England one lost, it lost, it
won and that's such a big result for Joe Schmitt's Wallabies.
Speaker 6 (18:35):
But also what a weekend for Southern Hemisphere rugby.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Just a reminder that's I guess that the tide cliche
that Super rugby is terrible and preparing players for the
Test scene maybe doesn't align. You know, there is a
lot in the fact that the Northern Hemisphere has starting
their season and the Southern's battle hardened. But it is
a reminder of where Test rugby's as the closeness of
(19:00):
the top sort of five nations in the world in particular,
So a real philip for the for the Southern Hemisphere.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Absolutely, it is hard to go past that gave it
twiket and it was remarkable one of the best rugby
games I've seen in some time. For England to score
thirty seven points at Twickenham and not come away with
the win was crazy. It looked at one point but
felt like England were about to kick away, but the
Warby's just managed to stay with them right until the
very end and quite the finish that it was. Max
(19:31):
Jorgenson looks like a real player of promise. Leniki Tower
as well, combining with Suwa lee Ian midfield Eki inexplicably
not wanted by Eddie Jones for the end of the year.
Sorry for the Rugy Will Cup last year. Despite the victor,
he's probably, you know, one of the Wallaby's best. Just
completely put him in the arter and he laid on
(19:52):
that ball to Max Jorginson. That sorted the mat with
that end of match winning try. So you've got to
give credit to Leniky Tower as well, and no credit.
Speaker 7 (20:03):
To Eddie Jones.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Right, let's move on before we wrap up the first
time for the podcast. Super Rugby squads have just been announced, Leam.
I guess a couple of we surprises, but nothing made
sure in there.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
I guess not revealed this that there's been a bit
of oil around you.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
I've been pushed to Meg as well that the Hurricanes
were poised to land in All Blacks ten. The name
attached was Stephen Petafetta. Now I know that you explored
it with the Hurricanes and was told there was no
truth in it. Lo and behold the team's come out today.
He's not in the Hurricanes team. They've got Riley haul Heepper.
But you know, rumors are always abound before the Super
(20:45):
Rugby squad namings. What stood out to you from some
of those squads that have been announced today.
Speaker 5 (20:52):
They're no great surprises out the LA and that seems
to be the case of Super rugby squads these days.
Most of the headline signings are announced ahead of time.
Now we knew Boden Barrett was coming back from Japan
to the Blues.
Speaker 6 (21:03):
We knew Ardie Severe was going.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
From the Hurricanes to Moana Pacifica, So most of the
big takeaways they're out there. I think the Warrior Cars
have recruited really well after the demise of the Melwoyn Rebels,
number of Wallabies going there. But yeah, the Hurricanes could
be a wee bit of a tough year. They're going
to have to cover Jordie Barrett who's going up to Ireland.
(21:28):
Artie's gone, although their loose forward stocks are pretty well
looking pretty good and Brick Cameron injured for the year,
so Reuben Love maybe have to slop sloting at ten.
The Hurricanes pick up Crusaders, great Riley Hohaper, so big, big.
Speaker 6 (21:46):
Recruit for them.
Speaker 5 (21:47):
And what about your your Crusaders, how do you see
them shaping that?
Speaker 3 (21:52):
Look I've seen you're wearing a Christian Callum Hurricanes tribute,
Jerzy make room for a Riley Hall h Hooper one, come
lead you to the Promised Land. Look the Crusaders. You're
looking at the squad really stable by and large. There's
not a lot of of new names coming in. There's
kerschil Sykes Martin who's played a lot of rugby for
(22:14):
the Crusaders, already gets his first contract, Antonio Shelfun, Fletcher Anderson,
all of debut for the Crusaders before. The ones that
stand out for me a couple of the new faces
who have played under twenties, like the Xavier Sipher Louis
from wikatsu Aki Toevolala from Miakotzo. A couple of young,
really promising players. They've now Kyle Preston from Wellington as well,
(22:36):
who had a really good m PC season as their
half back, so standing up for them.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
The one that sort of got under the radar is.
Speaker 3 (22:43):
All Blacks fifteen hooker and according to the All Blacks
last week Brody McAllister switching from the Crusaders to the Chiefs.
Speaker 7 (22:51):
Don't think then he expected that.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
I guess there was a bit of logjam George Bell
Body Taylor at the Crusaders questions about how much game
time he get next year. I suppose he goes up
to the Chiefs and he's going to be playing a
fit again. SAMASONI Takah Bradley Slay sag to me buying
against those two for a selection. But they're now without
Tyrone Thompson who's gone abroad to play NRL. So that's
(23:14):
a sneaky we move. But as you say, not that
the days of the old sub rugby squads we did
see unheralded players and unexpected signings across the country.
Speaker 5 (23:26):
No, we don't see that these days do But might
have to have a word with Preston. He had a
great year for Wellington and it's got to be sacrilege,
doesn't it go from the Capitol to christ Church. Can't
sign that one up, so sign that one off. So
good pick up for the Crusaders. But do you see
(23:47):
that landscape being shaked up? Shaked up much after what
happened last year?
Speaker 3 (23:52):
I think the power base of super Roby will remain
in the top half of the North Fire. I'm just
looking at the squads. Auckland very very settled with the
names that they have got, the lot of the championship
winning team back again. The Chiefs, who were runners up,
of course, have got a lot of players as the Hurricanes,
as you touched on, relatively unsettled with the players that
(24:13):
have departed from their camp, so a big loss for them.
The Highlanders, I look at that and go, perhaps not
enough change. There's a few new players in there. They've
got Taylor Pungy Toll out of the Blues. You know,
Van Hurley gets his first contract couple of out of
the Bay of Plenty as well. I would have liked
(24:37):
to do and pledge your young New Zealand and twenties
half bet get a run, but he's not in the
mix for them there, so maybe a little bit more
needed to change there. And Mowana, you know, the standout
signing for them is obviously Ardie Savia coming in and
taking the chocolates there.
Speaker 7 (24:52):
So hard to see too much of a shake up.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
What so you yeah, I think it's the Blues and
Chiefs are still very stacked aren't they. You might I'd
expect advancedly improve performance from the Crusaders that have a
lot to prove under they're they're great mentor Rob Penny,
But no, I think it will be the traditional powers,
maybe with the Hurricanes coming back to the pack a
(25:16):
little bit with those outs. But as you mentioned, there's
Jamie Joseph coming into the Hondas. It's going to be
a pretty tough slog for him. He's got some some
good young talent. He'll be leaning on the likes of
Fabian Holland. So good to see him get called into
the All Blacks last week after starring for the All
Blacks fifteen. But not too many headline recruits for the Landers, unfortunately.
Speaker 7 (25:41):
No, unfortunately not.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
Let's take a quick break here on Rugby Direct gets
back into our final four after this.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fairs.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Rugby Direct, how would Buddies Talks be?
Speaker 3 (26:00):
You're back with Rugby Direct. Time now for the final
four on the podcast. Let's dig into it. Lim you
support some of the changes, hopefully all excite for Paris
this week. We heard earlier today Sam Came Matt Talia
both ruled out with injury. You gave the thought that
maybe Adi Savi goes to seven female at blindside and
(26:21):
Stiti at eight.
Speaker 7 (26:24):
Do you see any other possibilities?
Speaker 3 (26:26):
I guess they could go to Provi on the blind
side potentially, or maybe keeps the td A blindside, Peter
luck Eye open side severe at number eight. Well.
Speaker 5 (26:37):
Very interested to see how that loose board trio shakes
down Elliott because that is going to be a peek
into the future. Not too sure whether Sam Came will return,
perhaps for the final tour match against Italy, a bit
of a sendoff that would be for him, but very
much a peek into the future this week if they
do go Sitsi at eight, and I'd love to see
(26:59):
it because you've been calling for it all year. Some
open he's been coming off the bench. I think he's
deserving of a start at blind side. He's been in
that tour squad since Japan. So interesting to see which
way they go there and the makeup of the bench.
Maybe they bring carefe in, maybe they promote Peter Lukeye.
(27:22):
Not too sure what about in the back line and
Ethan de Grew as well, he's been out in the
cold since the off field issue that started the tour
when he was part of that advanced party that left
from Japan couldn't get a look in. Last week, Scott
Robertson said that was a performance issue with Mighty Williams
(27:42):
starting and offered to and it's fussy performing well off
the bench. I think he posted something on Instagrams today
saying get better, not better. Do you see Big Ethan
getting another chance anytime soon?
Speaker 7 (27:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (27:56):
I think I think I may have a look at
that switching those two around. Look, I wouldn't touch off
a tour a Fassi. I think he's been the unsung
hero for the All Blacks in that bench role, coming
in playing the last half hour or thereabouts of test matches,
so I'd stick with him. I think maybe this week
you go back to Groot having served his penance to
Mighty Williams, had a couple of good games without being
(28:17):
perhaps spectacular. The scrum has probably been a bit besa once.
The reserves have come on in the last couple of weeks,
so I'd be comfortable seeing de group maybe come back
in for this week. Right Wing seems pretty set up
for Sevu Reese to take that spot. You know, that
could maybe go a Reuben Love potentially, but I think
(28:40):
it's more out of the box. I mean lamb which
you are all that shaffie hockey coming straight back and
straight into the run on side.
Speaker 6 (28:47):
Well, wow, Elliott. I think.
Speaker 5 (28:51):
Chris Rass built up a bit of good will again,
hasn't he with the results on the field. But it's
fortunate because I think fee hockey selection he's in danger
of losing the room, to be honest, because for me
that just smacks of crusaders bias. There's been a number
of great performing outside backs and he's on a rugby
and when we discussed it earlier in the year, you
(29:13):
sort of fobbed it often. Yeah, you know, he's just
coming in to hold some tackle bags. It's not really
an indication of the pecking order. It doesn't mean a lot,
you know, money that I has got to play this
weekend or I can't remember the timing of the NPC's schedule.
But you're telling me not to read too much into
the selection. But here he is low and behold now
he's in the squads. What say you of free Harky's inclusion.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
I think they're saying perhaps a little bit more from
feeharky than the general populace.
Speaker 7 (29:46):
Look, I think he's a promising player.
Speaker 3 (29:49):
Hasn't certainly got to the point that you'd say he's
ready to play test rugby. You look at that All
Blacks fifteen and probably didn't stand out too much of
the quintupliers. That a little bit of reinvention of himself.
He played a bit of wing on the weekend. Maybe
he could have looked at someone like him to come
into the mix as well. Yeah, it's an interesting one. Look,
(30:12):
I don't know that he'd be the player I call
him next, But you know, Razer, as you said, has
got some good will at the moment, and everything he's
touched at the moment is turning to gold. So maybe
fie Hacke's points for a breakout game at Start de
France and you'll be using your words next week on
the podcast.
Speaker 5 (30:32):
Well yeah, let's see, look what one position we haven't
touched on here. Damien McKenzie obviously came in and really
his best test performance at ten in his career by
quite some distance.
Speaker 6 (30:44):
Boden Barrett seems like.
Speaker 5 (30:47):
Likely to be available this week, So who starts at ten?
Speaker 7 (30:51):
I think Boden Barrett.
Speaker 3 (30:55):
It's still shaped though a guy and with prior to
that Test match, Damien McKenzie was excellent, kept the majority
of his goals, lead the team around the park really
really well. As you say, it was mature as sure
performance from Damien McKenzie. But they made that switch for
a reason to put Boden Barrett there. What I think
you've done now is just given McKenzie that confidence to
close out test matches like that.
Speaker 7 (31:17):
I'd be reverting back to Boden Barrett.
Speaker 6 (31:20):
Yeah, I think so too.
Speaker 5 (31:21):
I think Boden wasn't dropped for performance reasons, so.
Speaker 6 (31:26):
You'd go back to them based on that.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
And if you do go back to Boden this week,
then you could start McKenzie the following week against Italy
and then they've each had a crack Kevin made with
McKenzie starting against Japan, Boden against England's McKenzie against Ireland
potentially voting against France, and McKenzie against Italy. So it
gives them both some real time in the settle and
(31:50):
that's that's quite a nice way to manage it.
Speaker 6 (31:53):
So interesting to see watch way they go.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
So should Warren Gatland be sent packing as well as
coach ten straight defeats from the Men from the Valleys.
There's a time for Warren Ball to be sent to
the graveyard.
Speaker 5 (32:08):
I wouldn't have hired Warren in the first place, Elliott,
based on a number of different reasons. I think you
and I are both on the same page that I
think the Games moved on from Warren he went back.
I think it was a bad decision. You know, he
had established a very good legacy with Wales. The one
thing I would say is the game in Wales is
(32:30):
a number of challenges. Financially they're trying to rebuild their
depth as well.
Speaker 6 (32:36):
But yeah, this was a bad loss at home for Wales.
Speaker 5 (32:42):
I think it was their first time losing the Fiji
in twenty thirty years.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
It was a different Fiji inside.
Speaker 5 (32:47):
They got the use of the European bass players who
made a big impact in their performance, but they also
had a number of cards Fiji, so Wales couldn't exploit that.
They made a bizarre selection change with putting a half
back to the wing and that sort of backside for
(33:08):
them as well. So not great tactically in the coaching box.
I'm not sure quite what happened there but Warren under
massiveppreciate ten straight losses and it doesn't get any easier
for them this week, so he will be very grumpy Gatsats.
Speaker 3 (33:27):
I would stick with him on the basis that I
don't think they can afford to pay him out. As
you said, major challenges for Wales rugby at the moment.
There are some promising young players, but I don't think
this generation is going to go to the promised Land.
I don't know that Warren Gatland is the man to
lead them there, but I think by turfing him now,
(33:49):
I'm not sure who you'd go to on the market.
Maybe Elam McDonald or someone like that, but you know
they're few and far between, and I don't know that
it's worth the pain of paying out Warren Gatland for
what you get in in return having to start from scratch,
So I think they're stuck with him for better or worse,
and at this point it will like it's going to
be worse, and you know, God for bid, tails up
(34:11):
Wallaby Side heading to Cardiff this week could be very
very interesting.
Speaker 7 (34:16):
Based on squads alone.
Speaker 3 (34:18):
Give me the finishing order of the New Zealand Super
Besides for twenty twenty five, Liam and we're going to
include Mowanna and there as well, so.
Speaker 5 (34:25):
Six all right, we're going Blues to go back to
back Elliots. The Chiefs number two a bit of a
heart prediction here with the Canes coming on at three.
I did have your Crusaders last, but I've decided to
bump them up a couple of spots to four, Landers
and fifth and Mowana's a round out. That's New Zealand
(34:49):
top six Elliotts.
Speaker 3 (34:51):
My top two is the same Blues and Chiefs Crusaders' thirds.
They're coming back. I like the stability. Rob Penny will
have learned a lot from the first season. Canes in fourth,
I think losing the best player in their Ford's best
player in their backs is a big blow for them,
as well as not having perhaps the first choice ten. Evidently,
(35:15):
I'm going Malwana in fifth. I think they'll get a
bit of a bump from Marty and then I'm going
to Highlanders in sixth to have a tough year of
it once again. Unfortunately for our friends in the South.
Jamie Joseph will do some things good for them, but
there's only so much I think you can ring out
of that squad. In a final topic in the final four,
(35:35):
who wins the remainder of the fixtures this weekend? Let's
run through them. Liam Island Argentina Friday night local time
in Dublin.
Speaker 5 (35:45):
You know what, earlier, I'm gonna normally go with the faves.
It's I get a lot of stick for that with
the mateset, so when it comes to punting, so I'm
gonna go a bit of an upset here. I think
the Pumas they'll strike Island at a good time. Island
still number of injuries in their front row, so a
big up step for the Pumas on the way.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
I'm gonna have to say that the Irish bounce back
this week Scotland and Portugal at murray Field Saturday afternoon
local time.
Speaker 7 (36:14):
To Portugal pull off a big old upset.
Speaker 6 (36:19):
No they do not.
Speaker 5 (36:20):
But it is good to see them getting some proper fixtures,
isn't it. They've been a big mover in recent years,
so great to see them playing top ten nations and
getting that exposure that I guess ted two nations need.
Speaker 7 (36:35):
Yeah, I can't see that happening either.
Speaker 3 (36:38):
England South Africa Twickenham, Saturday afternoon. Do England's troubles continue
or can they land a blow on the World champions.
Speaker 5 (36:49):
The box wore further heat misery on Stee Both books
England and it's amazing how the complexion of the English
has changed, isn't it. They came out here in July
and could a water should have beaten the All Blacks.
A couple of coaching changes, a couple of blowouts in
the final moments of tests against the Wallabies and the
(37:10):
All Blacks, and they could be zero to three to
start their Northern tour.
Speaker 7 (37:15):
I reckon South Africa when just give us the aid
and o bench us. See.
Speaker 3 (37:18):
I know you want to do it. I know you
want to do it. Just go out this week you
can give it eight and no why not? Italy Georgia
on Sunday afternoon here in Europe. Interesting one. Italy were
very poor against Argentina. Georgia battle hardened a bit by
playing the All Blacks fifteen.
Speaker 7 (37:39):
What do you reckon?
Speaker 5 (37:40):
Yeah, that match against for Georgia should help them. But look,
I think the Italians will bounce back. My homelands don't
know too much French Elliott, but the Italian's strong, so look,
they'll they'll they'll do it my homeland, all right.
Speaker 3 (37:56):
And final topic or final game rather wells Australia in
Cardiff the final game of the autumnation series round. Does
Australia's quest for a Grand Slam roman on track? Or
does Gats stop the rot at ten.
Speaker 5 (38:13):
So you can't go past the Wallaby's they'll ride that
high from talking them all the way down the m
one and.
Speaker 6 (38:21):
It gets under under pressure Earliot.
Speaker 3 (38:23):
As long as I haven't been riding that high too much.
That is the one thing I do worry about the way.
Who's backing it up? You know what I'm going to say,
Wales will get the win over Australia, because who doesn't
love a contrast of beating England at Twickenham then losing
to god.
Speaker 7 (38:39):
Or for Wales side a week later.
Speaker 3 (38:41):
That'll do us for rugby directs from Paris for another week.
We will catch you again in seven days or thereabouts.
Time is the All Blacks contemplate their final match of
the year. Lim It's been a pleasure as always.
Speaker 5 (38:56):
It is indeed, Ellie, enjoy your week in Paris, and
just remember it's Boni, not Boni.
Speaker 7 (39:01):
I say that I'm in strife. We will catch you
next week here a.
Speaker 3 (39:05):
Rugby Directs are powered by our good friends and access
to Lose is elevating you and your business to a
higher level.
Speaker 1 (39:15):
For more from News Talk st B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yet inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct
with Elliott Smith powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Welcome into Rugby Direct powered by Access Solutions, elevating you
and your business to a higher level. We've moved on
to Paris. It is the All Blacks who have also
moved on with the third victory of the end of
year tour, adding Ireland to sculpts of England and Japan
and Rugby Direct back to discuss at all. Liam Napier greetings,
(00:49):
bon soir or bon soir is.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
I believe you might call it from Paris.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
That's air Elliott's bon bons bringing back some special memories.
Scrats have you joining us from Paris.
Speaker 6 (01:05):
But yeah, maybe you can just clarify for.
Speaker 5 (01:07):
The listeners what it is, because I know it's a
tough languages of French.
Speaker 6 (01:11):
It's can be tough to get to hit around.
Speaker 5 (01:13):
So if you could just clarify that for everyone once
and for all, well.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
I think we clarify it fairly well at last year's
World Cup, where you would fear well like taxi drivers
and people restaurant staff with von s and head to
be total was actually bond the phrase for good evening.
But as you said, it is a very tough language
to learn. I know very little, but von versus bond
(01:39):
I do know.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Liam your reaction please All Blacks defeat Ireland twenty three
thirteen in Dublin. They went and as outsiders. I know
last week you picked them to lose. I picked them
to win. They've gone and done the job. What did
you make of the performance in the match itself?
Speaker 5 (01:59):
Yes, well it was not often at Elliott you actually
get one over me on the tipping state, so you
save with that and enjoy it. But look, I I
was surprised by a number of aspects of this match.
It come to Ireland's performance in the minutes. But look,
this was an impressive performance from the All Blacks, wasn't it.
(02:22):
If you consider the backdrop, everything was stacked against them,
the six day turnarounds that had a few injuries. They
were unconvincing at Twickenham the previous week got out of
jail with two mischances by George Ford at the death,
so there was a lot of uncertainty. I think surrounding
(02:42):
the All Blacks and the nature of their performances and
the hot and cold nature still there, and so they
had a lot to prove going to Dublin where they
hadn't won in eight years, lost their last two tests
playing the world number one, So a huge scalp for
the All Blacks, the most significant of the year under
Scott Robertson. They've lept to number two in the world
(03:03):
after the weekend's results. Not that that's a huge factor
I think, but the way they closed out that game
very impressive, wasn't it. Their ability to stick to their
game plan. I think they are really developing their identity.
They were brave, courageous. They had to survive a yellow
card to Jordie Barrett's. They got some real payoff the
(03:24):
bench again. They stuck where they're attacking intent, stretching island
wide and finally getting over the line to Will Jordan's.
So some real clutch moments under pressure. It was a
very rusty, clunky performance from Islands. Maybe we get into
where they are at and should it be a big
(03:47):
concern long term for them?
Speaker 6 (03:48):
Are they stagnating? Have they peeked?
Speaker 5 (03:50):
But look, I think the All Blacks will be massively
boyed by that performance.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Can to get into that a little bit shortly, but
I think the All Blacks will be very boyed by
that performance. The only time they'll really put under pressure
by Ireland was in that stretch just after halftime, when
Jordi Barrett was off the park and Ireland attacked with surreal,
intense and real energy that we didn't see for the
other seventy minutes of the game. They were ferocious at
(04:19):
that point in the time. They did what we knew
and no on Ireland to do in their attacking shape
and attacking formation in recent seasons, and Josh Funderfley got
the rewards there and it felt like that was a
momentum swinger in the game, but it was actually really
just a bullip more than anything. The All Blacks restored
(04:39):
order to their performance shortly after that, when we go
back to fifteen and didn't really have too many issues.
Took a couple of penalty goals to them to get
back in front, and then the Will Jordan tried to
ice it. I guess you look at that and go
the All Blacks actually maybe could have even won by
more and been more dominant it was probably Samara scrambled
defense keeping the All Blacks outside the twenty two that
(05:03):
meant that they weren't able to perhaps win by more.
I thought it was a very good All Black's performance,
the best of the year, and it showed just where
they're heading, I think in terms of knowing that attacking structure,
the way they want to play, and almost you know,
some acceptance that they can't play the style that the
All Blacks have necessarily become accustomed to in recent years
(05:26):
and the way that New Zealanders are ingrained to play
in a DNA. But this was built on a very
good four platform. Didn't always get the rubber the green
around the ruck. I thought there was a Nick Barry
was a bit sluggish there, but I thought from an
All Blacks perspective, that's a performance they can really hang
their hat on. It's the bar for them going forward
(05:48):
and sets up the rest of this tour. Of the
last two games of the year relatively nicely. I think
stand out for me personally the suffer on Laura and
Damian McKenzie, two players that probably wouldn't have been starting
if a Cody Taylor and Bowden Barrett with fit, but
talking about players taking their chances. It was a game
of it.
Speaker 5 (06:07):
Yeah, big time, and those outs for the All Blacks
Boden Barrett and Cody Taylor, two such senior influential figures.
Speaker 6 (06:15):
I had big concerns around how the lineout was going
to go.
Speaker 5 (06:18):
But it has been a really coming of age two
weeks for so far more, hasn't it. Seventy six odd
minutes at Twicking in the previous week, had a few
lineout yips in the second half there, throwing long three
missed lineouts for the All Blacks.
Speaker 6 (06:33):
But to come through this performance pretty much.
Speaker 5 (06:36):
An eighty minute effort, He'll take so much out of there,
and damon McKenzie, you know, much moligned, I guess game
management in particular, and for him to stand up kick
eighteen points, you know they had that. He had that
one moment with Will Jordan where it was a bit
of a brain explosion where they put each other on
a massive pressure taking that quick line out.
Speaker 6 (06:58):
But aside from that, you know.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
He took great options directed to the All Blacks around that.
I think it was his skipball to more that you know,
identified the space and made the most of it. For
Will Jordan's try so another clutch moment there standing up
with his goal kicking, and it really does change the
sort of complexion of the All Black season, but also
(07:22):
their squads and their depths are you know, having been
forced to develop players again through injury. When you think
about Boden Barrett and Cody Taylor probably been available for
this week, then you have got a real conversation a
about who starts attend. But then you think about the
nature of the bench with Armor probably going back to
(07:42):
the bench and bringing on a McKenzie or a Barrett.
And then you think about Patrick Twoplotu and the performances
of offer toing a fussy and Pussileo Tossi off the bench.
So an area for the All Blacks when you think
about the Rugby Championship and the five final quarter fades there,
they really have turned that around in the last couple
of weeks. I know they've got a few injuries this
(08:05):
week with Sam Cain and Mark Tale have been ruled out,
so they have to make some changes. But developing that depth, Elliott,
it really does change the complexion of the squad, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
It does because that's what's going to win your World Cup.
In twenty twenty seven is having depth. We know that
the spring Box have been able to achieve with their
depth and where they sit at the moment and the
players that they can call or not only from a
twenty three that starts a game, but from their wider
squad as well of what players with test experience they
can call on. It's always been a strength of previous
(08:38):
All Black sides that have won World Cups and next
man up mentality and having the ability to dip into
that pool and go beyond your first choice fifteen, I
think is really vital. And for someone like a stuff
On Mullie, look at the test starts that he has
had in previous occasions. He's always when he's been in
previously been the third choice hooker. This year he's up
to second, probably only because Sammasoni Takayaho is injured. And
(09:02):
you know, there's only so much you can learn from
starting and playing big minutes against with all due respect.
You know Fiji, the team that we to San Diego
for them Japan a couple of weeks back. This is
where you earn your bread and butter. Is playing against
the big countries in the world, and he's had two
big weeks. Now we're hopefully it's coming of age moment
because we know what he's been capable of at Super
(09:22):
rugby level and indeed at the NBC level as well.
We'll get onto the changes potentially for this weekend in
a moment or two. I guess you look at that
performance and the one thing I want to touch on
is perhaps if we look at the Irish performance, as
we mentioned before, around that they were a shadow of
(09:43):
what we've seen from them previously. And it wasn't the
Irish that we've become accustomed to, you know, it wasn't
the Iris that split the series, you know against South
Africa midyear and has pushed the All Blacks before. It
felt labored's I don't think I've seen Bundy Rkey play
as poorly against the All Blacks as he did on
(10:04):
the weekend. In fact, he looked tired in all honesty,
and a team that looks a little tired you look
at the players are coming off the bench. Peter Amoney
great warrior in Tess Ruby, but he's played one hundred
and twenty odd Test matches roughly now. Ken Heirley's played
for a number of years well more than a decade
(10:26):
over one hundred tests. Colin Murray still kicking around. Ireland's
had some really real good success at the under twenty
six Nations in recent times, but you don't see that
necessarily coming through. It feels like the same Irish team
which has been around for a few years by Johnny Sexton,
and you know this is only one game, but it
just does feel like maybe there's a bit of regeneration
(10:47):
needed in that team.
Speaker 6 (10:49):
Yeah, I totally agree, Elliot.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
Look, I think they looked predictable and we have to
acknowledge they had a couple of big outs too, Ted
Furlong and Dan Shan so two of their starting front row,
and I think we saw that there was some yips
from their lineout and this scrum was pretty much under
pressure throughout that match. I think I've had ethan the
group being involved. They probably could have got stuffed more
(11:13):
at scrum time, but it just looked so orchestrated and
structured and when that doesn't come to fruition for Island,
they don't really know where to go or what to do.
There was a lot of box kicking. They got some
pay at the breakdown, but there was a bit of
a lottery. As you mentioned with Nick, very very scrappy.
Island seemed to be coming in from the side laying
(11:34):
in the ruck a lot of leeway there, so that
contributed to a pretty ugly spectacle on the whole. You know,
Cam sorry, Cortes Rasma was under massive pressure for the
All Blacks, but for Ireland. Yeah, where is the next
generation coming from? This is a team that has been
around a long time. We do have to be careful
(11:55):
not to read into one performance too much. Ireland haven't
played since July, but they had everything in their favor.
You know, they're at home. This was they made a
big deal of playing on the Friday night lights. They
were hell bent on redemption because of the World Cup
quarterfinal last year.
Speaker 6 (12:11):
They're going to avenge that result.
Speaker 5 (12:13):
It was all set up for them and they completely flopped.
They didn't really put the All Blacks under a great
deal of pressure from my perspective, and are now looking.
Speaker 6 (12:26):
At playing Argentina this weekend.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
Who an Argentinian team that's already had some big scalps.
So now Islands. It's amazing how one result can rarely
flip the script. Yeah, they had really looked like duds.
You moved on from that World Cup quarter final with
what they did in South Africa and Johnny Sexton's out
(12:48):
hadn't been so big for them, but this was a
performance that will spark a lot of concern for them.
Speaker 7 (12:52):
I think I think it will too.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
And looking at the teens I'm not convinced by either
of them that played on the weekend. I thought they
were labored at times. Karan Frawley doesn't fill me with
a lot of confidence. He counts for the bench, made
a none braveras so. You know, it's hard replacing legacy
teams like Johnny Sexton. You many international teams have been
(13:15):
through it, but there might have been a trial in
an era before they settle on that Liam. If we're
looking ahead to this weekend France and started to France,
the area that the All Blacks know well, a venue
the All Blacks know well. Lost a World Cup final
there just over a year ago. Now lost to France
on the opening game of that World Cup as well,
(13:36):
a lot of water going under the bridge since then,
France beating Japan earlier in the weekend as well. Where
do you see this game going over the weekend and
can the all blacks make it for in a role
on this end of view tour.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
What a result that would be given the expectations coming
into this too. I think both of us predicted they
would win four or five, but that was very optimistic
based on what had happened this year. But if we
look at France, dress and foremost, it's quite hard to
get a gauge on them, and it's a bit of
a tied serio type of unpredictable French. But if you
(14:13):
look at France following their World Cup quarterfinal weexit, I
don't know if they've truly got an over that yet.
A home World cut for them, everything was set up
and they came into that with great form, but you
know that the life was sucked out of that tournament
when they lost to South Africa by one point. Then
in July they go out to Argentina with a second
(14:36):
string team and have a number of off field issues there.
They split that series one one. They go back into
the top fourteen. They will get Antonto Palm back, which
is massive for them. I know his first match back
in the top fourteen, he scored three tries off the bench,
so all eyes on him. But I think there are
a few question marks about where France are at. I
(14:58):
think they spanked Japan last weekend, but how much can
you take out of that performance given where Japan are at,
so hard to know what to expect from the French
that the All Blacks I think they'll have to you know,
they will be starting to feel the effects of a
big season.
Speaker 6 (15:14):
With Sam Cain and Mark Talaire out. There be a
couple of changes.
Speaker 5 (15:18):
You'd expect probably Ardie Severe to go to seven and
Wallace is teased to eight. Maybe some of Penny Female
comes in at six. I think it's good recognition for
Carefi to come into that squad on the right wing.
You'd expects of Reice to come in, so pretty seamless
changes to a degree for the All Blacks, they will
(15:38):
have to come down from that Irish performance. There'll be
Bassard's because of the nature of England Island back to
back and then France. It's a massive three weeks, so
there will be a bit of tweaking needed in that squad.
But look, it'd be hard not to back the All
Blacks to get up this week, I think, But it's
just it's quite hard to know which French team will
(16:01):
turn up.
Speaker 7 (16:02):
Indeed it is Liam. Give us a prediction. Do they
win this weekend?
Speaker 6 (16:08):
I will top the All Blacks this sweek Elliott's.
Speaker 5 (16:10):
I think they'll have a lot of confidence and belief
based on what's happened the past two weeks. You know,
they've had a tough year. It's been a bit of
a roller coaster. Scott Robinson his first year, a lot
of change and the coaching team and the structures. But
I do think, like you mentioned before, they've starting to
(16:31):
come to grips with their identity, with the way they
want to play, with the way they close out matches.
So I think that there's a lot that they can
carry through to this week. Playing these European nations at home,
you do have to be careful because France are a
team that can go bang bang, and then the crowd
gets involved and it's very hard to get their momentum back.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
But a Field Blacks can stay in the fights.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
We talked about their bench before and their game management's improving.
Speaker 6 (17:02):
Yeah, I am going to tip them too one this week.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
I suggested that they've beat England and I and they
lose to France, So I'm not going to deviate from that,
but I hope the All Blacks get the job done
at Start Defrance this weekend. Let's talk about the remainder
of the games over the course of the weekend. What
stood out for you. I don't want to run through
every game because I'm sure that everyone's probably done to
death or webit on some of those games. What the
(17:26):
key things that stood out to you from the rest
of the weekend.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
It's hard to go past the Wallabies, isn't it. What
a stunning result for them and much needed for Australian rugby,
and in particular just Joseph suweer Lee's debut. I think
expectations when he's come over from the NRL only a
matter of weeks ago, really that maybe he might get
one Test cap off the bench on the spring tour.
(17:51):
Question marks about you know, whether he would even get that,
whether he was just a bit of a project player.
Take him into the squad lo and Beholds throws him
into start in the midfield at Twickenham against England, up
against Olli Lawrence, very established Test midfield and what a
stunning debut.
Speaker 6 (18:10):
Just his confidence to walk onto that.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
Stage, his breadth of skill and what a result for
the Wallabies to pull that out of the bag in
the eighty fourth minute.
Speaker 6 (18:21):
I think it was trying the corner. There was a.
Speaker 5 (18:26):
Crazy sort of game England one lost, it lost, it
won and that's such a big result for Joe Schmitt's Wallabies.
Speaker 6 (18:35):
But also what a weekend for Southern Hemisphere rugby.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Just a reminder that's I guess that the tide cliche
that Super rugby is terrible and preparing players for the
Test scene maybe doesn't align. You know, there is a
lot in the fact that the Northern Hemisphere has starting
their season and the Southern's battle hardened. But it is
a reminder of where Test rugby's as the closeness of
(19:00):
the top sort of five nations in the world in particular,
So a real philip for the for the Southern Hemisphere.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Absolutely, it is hard to go past that gave it
twiket and it was remarkable one of the best rugby
games I've seen in some time. For England to score
thirty seven points at Twickenham and not come away with
the win was crazy. It looked at one point but
felt like England were about to kick away, but the
Warby's just managed to stay with them right until the
very end and quite the finish that it was. Max
(19:31):
Jorgenson looks like a real player of promise. Leniki Tower
as well, combining with Suwa lee Ian midfield Eki inexplicably
not wanted by Eddie Jones for the end of the year.
Sorry for the Rugy Will Cup last year. Despite the victor,
he's probably, you know, one of the Wallaby's best. Just
completely put him in the arter and he laid on
(19:52):
that ball to Max Jorginson. That sorted the mat with
that end of match winning try. So you've got to
give credit to Leniky Tower as well, and no credit.
Speaker 7 (20:03):
To Eddie Jones.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Right, let's move on before we wrap up the first
time for the podcast. Super Rugby squads have just been announced, Leam.
I guess a couple of we surprises, but nothing made
sure in there.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
I guess not revealed this that there's been a bit
of oil around you.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
I've been pushed to Meg as well that the Hurricanes
were poised to land in All Blacks ten. The name
attached was Stephen Petafetta. Now I know that you explored
it with the Hurricanes and was told there was no
truth in it. Lo and behold the team's come out today.
He's not in the Hurricanes team. They've got Riley haul Heepper.
But you know, rumors are always abound before the Super
(20:45):
Rugby squad namings. What stood out to you from some
of those squads that have been announced today.
Speaker 5 (20:52):
They're no great surprises out the LA and that seems
to be the case of Super rugby squads these days.
Most of the headline signings are announced ahead of time.
Now we knew Boden Barrett was coming back from Japan
to the Blues.
Speaker 6 (21:03):
We knew Ardie Severe was going.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
From the Hurricanes to Moana Pacifica, So most of the
big takeaways they're out there. I think the Warrior Cars
have recruited really well after the demise of the Melwoyn Rebels,
number of Wallabies going there. But yeah, the Hurricanes could
be a wee bit of a tough year. They're going
to have to cover Jordie Barrett who's going up to Ireland.
(21:28):
Artie's gone, although their loose forward stocks are pretty well
looking pretty good and Brick Cameron injured for the year,
so Reuben Love maybe have to slop sloting at ten.
The Hurricanes pick up Crusaders, great Riley Hohaper, so big, big.
Speaker 6 (21:46):
Recruit for them.
Speaker 5 (21:47):
And what about your your Crusaders, how do you see
them shaping that?
Speaker 3 (21:52):
Look I've seen you're wearing a Christian Callum Hurricanes tribute,
Jerzy make room for a Riley Hall h Hooper one, come
lead you to the Promised Land. Look the Crusaders. You're
looking at the squad really stable by and large. There's
not a lot of of new names coming in. There's
kerschil Sykes Martin who's played a lot of rugby for
(22:14):
the Crusaders, already gets his first contract, Antonio Shelfun, Fletcher Anderson,
all of debut for the Crusaders before. The ones that
stand out for me a couple of the new faces
who have played under twenties, like the Xavier Sipher Louis
from wikatsu Aki Toevolala from Miakotzo. A couple of young,
really promising players. They've now Kyle Preston from Wellington as well,
(22:36):
who had a really good m PC season as their
half back, so standing up for them.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
The one that sort of got under the radar is.
Speaker 3 (22:43):
All Blacks fifteen hooker and according to the All Blacks
last week Brody McAllister switching from the Crusaders to the Chiefs.
Speaker 7 (22:51):
Don't think then he expected that.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
I guess there was a bit of logjam George Bell
Body Taylor at the Crusaders questions about how much game
time he get next year. I suppose he goes up
to the Chiefs and he's going to be playing a
fit again. SAMASONI Takah Bradley Slay sag to me buying
against those two for a selection. But they're now without
Tyrone Thompson who's gone abroad to play NRL. So that's
(23:14):
a sneaky we move. But as you say, not that
the days of the old sub rugby squads we did
see unheralded players and unexpected signings across the country.
Speaker 5 (23:26):
No, we don't see that these days do But might
have to have a word with Preston. He had a
great year for Wellington and it's got to be sacrilege,
doesn't it go from the Capitol to christ Church. Can't
sign that one up, so sign that one off. So
good pick up for the Crusaders. But do you see
(23:47):
that landscape being shaked up? Shaked up much after what
happened last year?
Speaker 3 (23:52):
I think the power base of super Roby will remain
in the top half of the North Fire. I'm just
looking at the squads. Auckland very very settled with the
names that they have got, the lot of the championship
winning team back again. The Chiefs, who were runners up,
of course, have got a lot of players as the Hurricanes,
as you touched on, relatively unsettled with the players that
(24:13):
have departed from their camp, so a big loss for them.
The Highlanders, I look at that and go, perhaps not
enough change. There's a few new players in there. They've
got Taylor Pungy Toll out of the Blues. You know,
Van Hurley gets his first contract couple of out of
the Bay of Plenty as well. I would have liked
(24:37):
to do and pledge your young New Zealand and twenties
half bet get a run, but he's not in the
mix for them there, so maybe a little bit more
needed to change there. And Mowana, you know, the standout
signing for them is obviously Ardie Savia coming in and
taking the chocolates there.
Speaker 7 (24:52):
So hard to see too much of a shake up.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
What so you yeah, I think it's the Blues and
Chiefs are still very stacked aren't they. You might I'd
expect advancedly improve performance from the Crusaders that have a
lot to prove under they're they're great mentor Rob Penny,
But no, I think it will be the traditional powers,
maybe with the Hurricanes coming back to the pack a
(25:16):
little bit with those outs. But as you mentioned, there's
Jamie Joseph coming into the Hondas. It's going to be
a pretty tough slog for him. He's got some some
good young talent. He'll be leaning on the likes of
Fabian Holland. So good to see him get called into
the All Blacks last week after starring for the All
Blacks fifteen. But not too many headline recruits for the Landers, unfortunately.
Speaker 7 (25:41):
No, unfortunately not.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
Let's take a quick break here on Rugby Direct gets
back into our final four after this.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fairs.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Rugby Direct, how would Buddies Talks be?
Speaker 3 (26:00):
You're back with Rugby Direct. Time now for the final
four on the podcast. Let's dig into it. Lim you
support some of the changes, hopefully all excite for Paris
this week. We heard earlier today Sam Came Matt Talia
both ruled out with injury. You gave the thought that
maybe Adi Savi goes to seven female at blindside and
(26:21):
Stiti at eight.
Speaker 7 (26:24):
Do you see any other possibilities?
Speaker 3 (26:26):
I guess they could go to Provi on the blind
side potentially, or maybe keeps the td A blindside, Peter
luck Eye open side severe at number eight. Well.
Speaker 5 (26:37):
Very interested to see how that loose board trio shakes
down Elliott because that is going to be a peek
into the future. Not too sure whether Sam Came will return,
perhaps for the final tour match against Italy, a bit
of a sendoff that would be for him, but very
much a peek into the future this week if they
do go Sitsi at eight, and I'd love to see
(26:59):
it because you've been calling for it all year. Some
open he's been coming off the bench. I think he's
deserving of a start at blind side. He's been in
that tour squad since Japan. So interesting to see which
way they go there and the makeup of the bench.
Maybe they bring carefe in, maybe they promote Peter Lukeye.
(27:22):
Not too sure what about in the back line and
Ethan de Grew as well, he's been out in the
cold since the off field issue that started the tour
when he was part of that advanced party that left
from Japan couldn't get a look in. Last week, Scott
Robertson said that was a performance issue with Mighty Williams
(27:42):
starting and offered to and it's fussy performing well off
the bench. I think he posted something on Instagrams today
saying get better, not better. Do you see Big Ethan
getting another chance anytime soon?
Speaker 7 (27:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (27:56):
I think I think I may have a look at
that switching those two around. Look, I wouldn't touch off
a tour a Fassi. I think he's been the unsung
hero for the All Blacks in that bench role, coming
in playing the last half hour or thereabouts of test matches,
so I'd stick with him. I think maybe this week
you go back to Groot having served his penance to
Mighty Williams, had a couple of good games without being
(28:17):
perhaps spectacular. The scrum has probably been a bit besa once.
The reserves have come on in the last couple of weeks,
so I'd be comfortable seeing de group maybe come back
in for this week. Right Wing seems pretty set up
for Sevu Reese to take that spot. You know, that
could maybe go a Reuben Love potentially, but I think
(28:40):
it's more out of the box. I mean lamb which
you are all that shaffie hockey coming straight back and
straight into the run on side.
Speaker 6 (28:47):
Well, wow, Elliott. I think.
Speaker 5 (28:51):
Chris Rass built up a bit of good will again,
hasn't he with the results on the field. But it's
fortunate because I think fee hockey selection he's in danger
of losing the room, to be honest, because for me
that just smacks of crusaders bias. There's been a number
of great performing outside backs and he's on a rugby
and when we discussed it earlier in the year, you
(29:13):
sort of fobbed it often. Yeah, you know, he's just
coming in to hold some tackle bags. It's not really
an indication of the pecking order. It doesn't mean a lot,
you know, money that I has got to play this
weekend or I can't remember the timing of the NPC's schedule.
But you're telling me not to read too much into
the selection. But here he is low and behold now
he's in the squads. What say you of free Harky's inclusion.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
I think they're saying perhaps a little bit more from
feeharky than the general populace.
Speaker 7 (29:46):
Look, I think he's a promising player.
Speaker 3 (29:49):
Hasn't certainly got to the point that you'd say he's
ready to play test rugby. You look at that All
Blacks fifteen and probably didn't stand out too much of
the quintupliers. That a little bit of reinvention of himself.
He played a bit of wing on the weekend. Maybe
he could have looked at someone like him to come
into the mix as well. Yeah, it's an interesting one. Look,
(30:12):
I don't know that he'd be the player I call
him next, But you know, Razer, as you said, has
got some good will at the moment, and everything he's
touched at the moment is turning to gold. So maybe
fie Hacke's points for a breakout game at Start de
France and you'll be using your words next week on
the podcast.
Speaker 5 (30:32):
Well yeah, let's see, look what one position we haven't
touched on here. Damien McKenzie obviously came in and really
his best test performance at ten in his career by
quite some distance.
Speaker 6 (30:44):
Boden Barrett seems like.
Speaker 5 (30:47):
Likely to be available this week, So who starts at ten?
Speaker 7 (30:51):
I think Boden Barrett.
Speaker 3 (30:55):
It's still shaped though a guy and with prior to
that Test match, Damien McKenzie was excellent, kept the majority
of his goals, lead the team around the park really
really well. As you say, it was mature as sure
performance from Damien McKenzie. But they made that switch for
a reason to put Boden Barrett there. What I think
you've done now is just given McKenzie that confidence to
close out test matches like that.
Speaker 7 (31:17):
I'd be reverting back to Boden Barrett.
Speaker 6 (31:20):
Yeah, I think so too.
Speaker 5 (31:21):
I think Boden wasn't dropped for performance reasons, so.
Speaker 6 (31:26):
You'd go back to them based on that.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
And if you do go back to Boden this week,
then you could start McKenzie the following week against Italy
and then they've each had a crack Kevin made with
McKenzie starting against Japan, Boden against England's McKenzie against Ireland
potentially voting against France, and McKenzie against Italy. So it
gives them both some real time in the settle and
(31:50):
that's that's quite a nice way to manage it.
Speaker 6 (31:53):
So interesting to see watch way they go.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
So should Warren Gatland be sent packing as well as
coach ten straight defeats from the Men from the Valleys.
There's a time for Warren Ball to be sent to
the graveyard.
Speaker 5 (32:08):
I wouldn't have hired Warren in the first place, Elliott,
based on a number of different reasons. I think you
and I are both on the same page that I
think the Games moved on from Warren he went back.
I think it was a bad decision. You know, he
had established a very good legacy with Wales. The one
thing I would say is the game in Wales is
(32:30):
a number of challenges. Financially they're trying to rebuild their
depth as well.
Speaker 6 (32:36):
But yeah, this was a bad loss at home for Wales.
Speaker 5 (32:42):
I think it was their first time losing the Fiji
in twenty thirty years.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
It was a different Fiji inside.
Speaker 5 (32:47):
They got the use of the European bass players who
made a big impact in their performance, but they also
had a number of cards Fiji, so Wales couldn't exploit that.
They made a bizarre selection change with putting a half
back to the wing and that sort of backside for
(33:08):
them as well. So not great tactically in the coaching box.
I'm not sure quite what happened there but Warren under
massiveppreciate ten straight losses and it doesn't get any easier
for them this week, so he will be very grumpy Gatsats.
Speaker 3 (33:27):
I would stick with him on the basis that I
don't think they can afford to pay him out. As
you said, major challenges for Wales rugby at the moment.
There are some promising young players, but I don't think
this generation is going to go to the promised Land.
I don't know that Warren Gatland is the man to
lead them there, but I think by turfing him now,
(33:49):
I'm not sure who you'd go to on the market.
Maybe Elam McDonald or someone like that, but you know
they're few and far between, and I don't know that
it's worth the pain of paying out Warren Gatland for
what you get in in return having to start from scratch,
So I think they're stuck with him for better or worse,
and at this point it will like it's going to
be worse, and you know, God for bid, tails up
(34:11):
Wallaby Side heading to Cardiff this week could be very
very interesting.
Speaker 7 (34:16):
Based on squads alone.
Speaker 3 (34:18):
Give me the finishing order of the New Zealand Super
Besides for twenty twenty five, Liam and we're going to
include Mowanna and there as well, so.
Speaker 5 (34:25):
Six all right, we're going Blues to go back to
back Elliots. The Chiefs number two a bit of a
heart prediction here with the Canes coming on at three.
I did have your Crusaders last, but I've decided to
bump them up a couple of spots to four, Landers
and fifth and Mowana's a round out. That's New Zealand
(34:49):
top six Elliotts.
Speaker 3 (34:51):
My top two is the same Blues and Chiefs Crusaders' thirds.
They're coming back. I like the stability. Rob Penny will
have learned a lot from the first season. Canes in fourth,
I think losing the best player in their Ford's best
player in their backs is a big blow for them,
as well as not having perhaps the first choice ten. Evidently,
(35:15):
I'm going Malwana in fifth. I think they'll get a
bit of a bump from Marty and then I'm going
to Highlanders in sixth to have a tough year of
it once again. Unfortunately for our friends in the South.
Jamie Joseph will do some things good for them, but
there's only so much I think you can ring out
of that squad. In a final topic in the final four,
(35:35):
who wins the remainder of the fixtures this weekend? Let's
run through them. Liam Island Argentina Friday night local time
in Dublin.
Speaker 5 (35:45):
You know what, earlier, I'm gonna normally go with the faves.
It's I get a lot of stick for that with
the mateset, so when it comes to punting, so I'm
gonna go a bit of an upset here. I think
the Pumas they'll strike Island at a good time. Island
still number of injuries in their front row, so a
big up step for the Pumas on the way.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
I'm gonna have to say that the Irish bounce back
this week Scotland and Portugal at murray Field Saturday afternoon
local time.
Speaker 7 (36:14):
To Portugal pull off a big old upset.
Speaker 6 (36:19):
No they do not.
Speaker 5 (36:20):
But it is good to see them getting some proper fixtures,
isn't it. They've been a big mover in recent years,
so great to see them playing top ten nations and
getting that exposure that I guess ted two nations need.
Speaker 7 (36:35):
Yeah, I can't see that happening either.
Speaker 3 (36:38):
England South Africa Twickenham, Saturday afternoon. Do England's troubles continue
or can they land a blow on the World champions.
Speaker 5 (36:49):
The box wore further heat misery on Stee Both books
England and it's amazing how the complexion of the English
has changed, isn't it. They came out here in July
and could a water should have beaten the All Blacks.
A couple of coaching changes, a couple of blowouts in
the final moments of tests against the Wallabies and the
(37:10):
All Blacks, and they could be zero to three to
start their Northern tour.
Speaker 7 (37:15):
I reckon South Africa when just give us the aid
and o bench us. See.
Speaker 3 (37:18):
I know you want to do it. I know you
want to do it. Just go out this week you
can give it eight and no why not? Italy Georgia
on Sunday afternoon here in Europe. Interesting one. Italy were
very poor against Argentina. Georgia battle hardened a bit by
playing the All Blacks fifteen.
Speaker 7 (37:39):
What do you reckon?
Speaker 5 (37:40):
Yeah, that match against for Georgia should help them. But look,
I think the Italians will bounce back. My homelands don't
know too much French Elliott, but the Italian's strong, so look,
they'll they'll they'll do it my homeland, all right.
Speaker 3 (37:56):
And final topic or final game rather wells Australia in
Cardiff the final game of the autumnation series round. Does
Australia's quest for a Grand Slam roman on track? Or
does Gats stop the rot at ten.
Speaker 5 (38:13):
So you can't go past the Wallaby's they'll ride that
high from talking them all the way down the m
one and.
Speaker 6 (38:21):
It gets under under pressure Earliot.
Speaker 3 (38:23):
As long as I haven't been riding that high too much.
That is the one thing I do worry about the way.
Who's backing it up? You know what I'm going to say,
Wales will get the win over Australia, because who doesn't
love a contrast of beating England at Twickenham then losing
to god.
Speaker 7 (38:39):
Or for Wales side a week later.
Speaker 3 (38:41):
That'll do us for rugby directs from Paris for another week.
We will catch you again in seven days or thereabouts.
Time is the All Blacks contemplate their final match of
the year. Lim It's been a pleasure as always.
Speaker 5 (38:56):
It is indeed, Ellie, enjoy your week in Paris, and
just remember it's Boni, not Boni.
Speaker 7 (39:01):
I say that I'm in strife. We will catch you
next week here a.
Speaker 3 (39:05):
Rugby Directs are powered by our good friends and access
to Lose is elevating you and your business to a
higher level.
Speaker 1 (39:15):
For more from News Talk st B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
40s and Free Agents: NFL Draft Season
Daniel Jeremiah of Move the Sticks and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Daily join forces to break down every team's needs this offseason.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Bobby Bones Show
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.