April 21, 2025 • 47 mins
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to a busy week of news in the rugby world, including the breaking news of Portia Woodman-Wickliffe coming out of retirement to have a crack at the World Cup for the Black Ferns.
We also discuss Rieko Ioane's shock loan move to Leinster and how he might be welcomed by the Irish fans and teammates given his spat with Johnny Sexton and we discuss where to next for the Blues with Mark Tele'a's move to Japan after this season.
We also wrap the round of Super Rugby as the top six becomes increasingly murky.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight down the middle of dry.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Dick sc try these pocket.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliot Smith and Leam Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct, powered by Habit Health, tackling all
your aches and pains from sports and work. Elliott Smith
back again for another week and returning this week after
a week sabbatical, Liam Napier, Liam, welcome back into the podcast.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
Great to be here, Elliott, Thank you.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Is it true you couldn't face last week after the
Hurricanes loss of the Crusaders who are clearly on a roll.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Look I've been in hiding and lights come out and
firmly dispatch such rumors off the bats. No, I head
my sister's So I didn't see a lot of rugby
that weekend. There were the odd there was the odd
skygo floating around, but not enough to enhance our listeners.
So stepped out for Nick Buley and listened to the
(01:19):
part and it was probably an improvement.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Yes, certainly it was an interesting toss up this week
to consider whether next stade or you came back, but
we've gone with you back, welcome back. It's been a
busy week in rugby, hasn't it. And I think we're
going to flip things around from what we usually do
on the podcast this week and get in some of
the key issues around player movements. And one of those
key player movements is this morning before we recorded portion
(01:46):
woodwen Wickliffe now the saying that she is going to
play at a Rugby World Cup this year or at
least be available for selection. I'm sure she will be
selected barring injury. Big boost for the Black Fans campaign.
The whispers have been around for a few weeks around
whether she's going to make herself available. Was very very
impressive during Super Rugby or Picky, But to have a
(02:06):
player of her come back and play at a World
Cup I think is big for the Black fans.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
It's massive, yeah.
Speaker 5 (02:12):
And just watching her throughout Alpacky and in the crossover
match last weekend last Thursday night against the waratas Man,
she's still got it and it just seemed like such
a waste for her to not be available for the
Black Friends. She was already going over there in ambassador
oil role, So to have her sitting in the stands
(02:35):
when she's been so commanding for the Blues, it's great. Look,
maybe this wouldn't have happened if her move to the
n rl W the Nights I think she was joining
didn't get blocked. So serendipitous, Maybe fates having some role
in the backgrounds, but it really is a massive boost
(02:56):
to the Blackfriand's World Cup campaign.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
It is.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
And hearing her or seeing some quotes from her today
certainly sounded like, you know, she got to the middle
of a campaign and thought she could probably do it
and go to the World Cup. And I guess if
you're weighing that up, and also the issues that were
going on around the NRLW contract, which are been well documented,
I suppose you go, let's go with the sport. I know,
let's go with the one that I am beginning to
(03:19):
feel a desire to go for the World Cup again.
So in terms of that World Cup makes for the
Black fans now, I think anunity presents a real opportunity
to you know, put her at midfield. She was plagued
center there during the Opeki season. They're probably going to
get obviously some other players from the Sevens as well,
who are going to add something so on the shape
of it, you know, Black fans are quite disappointing last
(03:41):
year lost to Ireland of course, and that the WXV.
But you add in Portia, wood and Wickliffe, you add
in some of those Sevens players like a Georgia Miller,
who is the reigning Musial one Player of the Year
across both codes and across both genders, all of a
sudden changes the complexion of things a little bit. As
they hid into World Cup year.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
It does I think you would love someone like said
Hardy still be involved. I think she was the big
obvious missing name. But having those seven as players crossover
as massive. They were huge in the success that they
had on New Zealand soil was it three years ago
now because that World Cup was shifted and yeah, Porusia
(04:21):
Woodman Whitcliffe now coming back is another massive And I agree.
I think I would like to see the more ball
you get her the better, the closer to the action
she is, the more influenced she can have. It's not
just with ball and ham, it's not just without. It's
her skill over the ball in the tackle to get turnovers,
her voice in the midfield. You know, though the playing
(04:45):
sevens really does expose your skill brief you've got to
be able to do it all. She's got so much experience,
She's been there, done that. So look, I'm sure Alan
Bunting would have been in her ear as soon as
there was a possibility that she wasn't going to go
to Australia, as soon as he knew that she was
going to be in the UK for the World Cup anyway,
that there would have been people working on her throughout
(05:06):
the year and clearly they've sparked her interests and why not.
He's a World Cup there, it's on the horizon. She's
your a long time retired.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
You are indeed, and she was going to be a
master Card ambassador. So master Card have now got their
ambassador turning into an actual play at the tournament, which
is exciting for I think for the sport as a
whole to have a player of her, one of the greatest,
even do it back in the sport. So great news
for the Black fans in that World Cup. But some
of the news last week Rico Yowani announcing that he
(05:37):
is going on sabbatical to Leinster. I think we knew
that he had a contract or an element in his
contract that he could go and have a sabbatical overseas.
It had been relatively quiet. There had been mentioned of
Japan that he was going to go over there, obviously
his brother's playing over there, and a few years ago
there was talk of Rico black Rams potentially he was
(05:58):
going there. Didn't quite eventuate, but I don't think many
people would have expected Leinster, even despite Jordi Barrett being there,
given the history that Riko Yowanni has had with Island
and the people of Ireland over the last couple of years.
But what a move, certainly one that shocked the rugby
world last week when that broke.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Yeah, it did.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
I guess this is a bit of an inside about
how some of these things play out for our listeners.
You and I are in my luxury vehicle mcghinni Blambo
the William Lamba on the way back from Blues training
on Wednesday, I think it was afternoon and making a
few calls. This had been bubbling away for a couple
(06:41):
of days about Ricco's is going to take a sabbatic
call and having these conversations just sitting beside me and
then Rico Lenster, and I saw your eyebrows race in
the front seat of the car as it happened. Rico,
he's his own man, He runs his own race and
head it all sort of ready to go the following
(07:02):
morning and he puts out a post on Instagram as
he's fully entitled to and it breaks.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
But just taught me through your inner sure reaction.
Speaker 5 (07:12):
We're in the car eyebrows raised when Rico and Leinster,
like you say, it's not something that was widely expected
by anyone in terms of the destination.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
No, it certainly wasn't.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
And when you repeated that from your contact, I was like, really,
like they're trying to put it all together in my
head and going the Rico Yuani is going to Leinster,
the club that Johnny Sixton played for, and I mean
I thought that would be the last place he would
want to go.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
But I was genuinely shocked.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
And it takes a lot to shock us sort of
in the business these days, but for Rico Juanna to
go to Ireland was a genuine shock and I admire
it in many ways because he's sort of going to
front up. He'll have to front media. You would think
at some point over there he's going to have to
talk about this. He's going to wear the Lynster jersey,
the colors that Johnny Sixton wore, the man that he
(08:06):
gave the send off to after the twenty twenty three
World Cup quarter final, the man that Johnny Sixton wrote
about in his book in detail, the gobfool that he
got from Rico u Wan. All of that element comes
into it. And so yeah, I gingly couldn't believe it's
sitting on the other side of the vehicle and going.
Rico Won is going to Leinster. So what do you
(08:29):
make of the moves? Look, I really like it for
both him as a player and also like a just
a getting out of the comfort zone sort of thing.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
I suppose.
Speaker 5 (08:38):
Yeah, I think before we touch on unpacked the move
as such, I just wanted to go through the announcement.
So Rico makes the announcements, then there's media reports, and
then a few hours later Lenster, you know, finally confirm
the move. And this is from their Twitter accounts. They say,
not sure if you've heard Leinster are delighted to announce
the signing of Rico one eighty one times kept all
(08:59):
black will join the club. I just want to read
a few of the replies on this, just to you know,
get a wee flavor. And you know, obviously this is
not a cross section of Irish rugby media, but I
did have an Irish friend get in touch and you know,
talking about the move, and they made the point that
the Irish aren't typically very forgiving people, or certainly immediately.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
So so okay, look.
Speaker 5 (09:26):
Ricco, this is from Jay. Ricco will be staying at
Johnny's house during his time at Leinster.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
I was from Simon.
Speaker 5 (09:32):
I want a handwritten apology before he gets a minute
for us. That's good, A fantastic signing. It says a
lot about Leinster rugby that they are these world class
players are happy to sign for us. If you want
the best, you have to train with the best. Rich
getting richer. I thought you had a know dickheads rule.
(09:53):
So wow, there's there's a there's a there's a real
blend there.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
Isn't there There is a blend there.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
And look, I know Leinster are the most popular with
the rest of the Irish rugby population. Give him the
players they've got at their disposal and they're bringing in
Jordi Barrett followed by Rico Yuandi. So there's all sorts
of issues there, but there are some bridges that are
probably going to need to be meant. Meanted at some
point between Rico Uanni and the Irish people, maybe sort
(10:21):
of come to Jesus moment, maybe he goes on National
TV or something like that. I don't know, but I
think ultimately it's one of those things that, you know,
I think is good for the sport in a way
like it's a it's.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
A headline grabber.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
People are going to want to watch Rico Yuandi's first
game for Linza to see how it goes. They want
to know who he's playing with, who's playing against, who
is going to be that Irish team, and in the
lead up to that test in Chicago in November, that's
another element on top of it that you know, three
weeks beforehand is going to be playing against some of
these people. So I don't think it's a great story
(10:58):
for rugby. In all honesty, it is.
Speaker 5 (11:00):
Rugby needs these narratives, it needs characters, It needs talking
points and controversy. And look, whether you love or low
with Rico, you've got to respect him. For having the
confidence in himself to cultivate this sort of thing right
like he took on, he gave it to Johnny and
(11:21):
then was a year later the All Blacks go back
to Dublin. He leads the All Blacks hucker there after
being painted as the public enemy number one the whole week,
and then after the game, after the All Blacks beat
Irelands their first home defeat in nineteen matches, Rico goes
on Instagram and say he's put that in the book.
(11:43):
So just absolutely doubles down, has another crack. So this
really was the last place you'd expect him to go.
My understanding is he's completely unfazed by the reception. He
might get any of that stuff. I think it's a
great move for his rugby career because, like Jordie, it
(12:05):
will expose him to a different culture. It'll get them
away from home. He's been in the Auckland rugby bubble
for the best part of a decade. Longer he'll go
over there with his partner, experienced different culture, be exposed
to a different style of rugby, different conditions, different atmosphere.
He'll contest European glory. Those are very very special things
(12:26):
that not every rugby player gets to experience. And I
think we're seeing the benefits of Jordan now he's the
are enamored with him over there and they are very
different players. But who does benefit more from this? Is
it Leinster? Is it the All Blacks? Isn't usual rugby?
Is it the individual players here? Because there's all sorts
(12:50):
of theories you could.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
Espouse about.
Speaker 5 (12:54):
Ireland's tapping into these guys and storing away intellectual property
and using that to their benefit when Ireland play the
All Blacks? So who is it that benefit if it's
most from this move, well these moves because it's not one.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
Off the twofold.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
Yeah, I think rugby benefits as a whole, as we've discussed,
but I think the player and exposing them to different
styles of rugby can only be a good thing. If
your Rica, Yuani, you're going to play a different style
than you've had at club level for probably since South
Africa left. It's gonna be it's gonna be way more physical,
it's going to be a lot different to what you
(13:32):
get at blues level. They're going to be different things
asked of you as a center up north than perhaps
what you're doing in the Blues system and you come
back with that knowledge as a hopefully a better rugby player,
more well rounded rugby player. We know that Rica Yuani
has been criticized through his distribution skills as center since
he moved in from the wing. That's going to put
(13:53):
on them under the microscope. Not that it hasn't here
in New Zealand, but you know, lenks are going to
be asking different things of them than what perhaps the
Blues are this season and what the All Blacks have done.
So my hope is he comes back a more well
rounded play and that he on the road to twenty
twenty seven. If he is going to be the All
Blacks first choice number thirteen, then he improves as a player.
(14:15):
From then the team I don't think it benefits is
the Blues, and I think that's the issue here is
that they're going to lose Mark t Lea, which we'll
get to in a moment or two, and Rico Uani
in one season. Two of their back line stars, Harry
Plumber is also going on an offstal contract, so it's
a lot of talent the Blues are going to have
to replace in a short space of time. So I
(14:40):
don't think the Super rugby teams win. Yes, they might
get some benefit from Rico in twenty twenty seven once
he's back in the mix, but I think the Super
rugby teams don't benefit.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
One hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (14:50):
And that's where the sabbatical argument falls down, is that
you're prioritizing the All Blacks over Super Rugby. And we've
seen it with the Hurricanes. They lost Artie Severe and
then lost them for goods. They were without Jordi Barrett
this year and that's a a hole for a largely
(15:11):
an experienced back line, the back three. I've seen the
Hurricane struggle and Jordie's absence, and yeah, while the Blues
have a lot of depth, a lot more than most,
they will struggle to fill Rico's absence for that season. Yeah,
sabbaticals are great for keeping players long term, but they
don't prioritize Super rugby. Just one other question here is
(15:36):
obviously Jordi Barrett paved the way for this move. Nobody
since d C I think I'm right and saying, has
gone away on sabbatical to Europe. It had always been Japan.
Rico had offers to go to Japan knock those back,
but In an interview over the weekend with Jason Pine,
(15:56):
Geordie talked about the fact that Rico sounded him out.
Of course he would for advice about how it's been.
Jordie's clearly set in a bloody high ceiling here ken
ricco match and live up to that.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Well, they're different players, aren't they, And in a way,
you know he's going to have to try and live
up to that expectation because they've got a player that's
playing some great rugby at the moment and Jordie Barrett
playing exceptional rugby fit for Leinster, and the natural expectation
is that the next New Zealand bloke that comes over
will slott in and do that. But they're different players,
(16:32):
They're playing different positions and I think they need to
be realistic about what they can expect from from both
of those players. And so I think the pressure will
be on Rico Yuani because Georgie's, as you said, pave
the way. He's going to have to live up to
some of those expectations, whether their fear or not. When
he slots in to Leinster. Do you think that he's
(16:53):
going to be able to match what is probably going
to be a fairly lofty expectation from the Leinster fan base.
Speaker 5 (17:00):
Yeah, it's going to be interesting. And he doesn't just
walk into that team either. Because you've got Gary Ringrose
and Robbie Henshaw what eighty odds capped Irish midfielders. It
does allow them to rotate that that midfield dynamic. Maybe
we see we saw Jordie Barrett has gone to fullback.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
In the earlier part of this lens stint.
Speaker 5 (17:24):
Maybe we see Rico start on the wing and then
transition into the midfield.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
I think.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
That lends the team to a degree would make most
elite level rouge players look good. You know, if you
think about the Great Crusaders teams or even that you know, Dave's,
Dave Rennie's Chiefs, when you brought someone into that team,
they would invariably look the part or all they have
to do is do their role because they've got so
(17:54):
many good players around them. Leinster this season in particular,
looks so far ahead of anyone else. They smashed Glasgow
fifty two. Now in the Champions Cup quarterfinal. You know
that's a quarterfinal stage, so I think in some ways
it's easier to slot into a really good team like that.
But as you mentioned, Rico and Jordie are very different players.
(18:17):
Rico's sorry, Jordie's got a big boots, you know, probably
more rounded skill where I hope this move for Rico
ignites his attacking game because I think that's where the
criticism in terms of where he's been the last few
years has You know, he doesn't make great scything breaks
(18:38):
that we used to see from him, and the distribution
you mentioned there. Partly that's to do with the Blues style,
but even for the All Blacks, I don't think we've
seen his best on attack, so that's where you'd want
to see the improvement in his game.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
Look wouldn't be good if they could go the other way.
You know, how good would be to see James Low
play for the Chiefs for example.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
That's a joke.
Speaker 3 (19:04):
But no seriousness like you know he was seeing like
his Publima play for the Crusaders a few years ago
and he was in his in his prime in that season.
But we really haven't seen it too often. You know,
Joe marsh And came over from Harlequin's I think it
was in England to Super Rugby. But James O'Connor, James O'Connor,
(19:25):
but yeah, he's probably in the twide of his career.
Speaker 5 (19:27):
But there was Ciprouni, yeah, Rubles, Yeah, there was a
couple of other It was the Welsh number ten who
came out for the Highlanders, Petrol Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
Yeah, very short lived one with the Crusaders whose name
escapes me.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
It'll come to me.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
Joe Payne.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
He didn't get a game, No, no, yeah, I think Look,
I think it comes down to cash, doesn't It leans
to very well set up and Rico is going to
make him. I assume he's making half a meal, at
least going going there half a meal?
Speaker 3 (20:07):
You're you're halfpenny was the name I was thinking, ill
though I couldn't quite get to right.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
So New Zealands of rugby clubs don't have the cash
to bring these guys down in their problem. The guys,
you do, see I generate the end of their careers,
or they've had a few off field issues and they
need another start. Public Maneterea probably the exception. He was
still in his prime. Essentially, Yeah, I look, I'd love
to see it. Obviously the cash just doesn't add up.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
But if you're a player in an iron team that
is wanting to improve, that is wanting to be better.
Surely it works both ways and be interesting to see
whether you know the door has been opened one way,
whether potentially there'll be interest from players up on that
part of the world to come back, come down in
their prime and play in Super rugby.
Speaker 5 (20:53):
Oh look, wouldn't you love to see it? As a
fan of the game, I think it would generate massive
interest and as a pure marketing exercise, imagine how much
interest there is going to be in Dublin when Lenster.
You know, when Reco first plays for for Alinstone. You
know the narrative that they you could spin the Yeah
(21:14):
it's endless, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Yeah, we shry and get there for that.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
Mark Talia news breaking last week that he is off
to Japan. We understand it's tword of a blitz. He's
joining on a three year deal. He hasn't confirmed that.
The club have not confirmed that, but he is off
to Japan after the season. A few things around that
one in some ways of surprise, in some ways not
And that sounds like me sitting on the fence. But
if you look at you know, his age profile in
(21:41):
terms of All Blacks wings and how they age and
where they get to selection wise, he is twenty eight,
twenty nine later this year All Blacks Wings. You've written
pieces on it for the Herald. Twenty seven is about
when they age out. So he's had a lot. Even
for a late bloomer, he's had probably an extra year
or so, but he is. He was in good form
(22:01):
on the Endia Tours, great against England, very very good
last year, I thought. And so in that way it
comes a bit of a surprise that he is a
first choice all Blacks play at the moment. But not
for a second do I blame him for taking the
money and departing up North. I think it's a smart
move for Mark t Lea, and as I said before,
(22:23):
it leaves a hole in the Blues for next season.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
It does, yeah, and I think he's probably a bigger
loss than maybe some people would grasp. I think he
is still in good form, you know, despite the age,
despite everything pointing to decline and wingers as they get older.
And if there is one position where you can get
usurped overnight, it is on the wing. We've seen bolters
(22:48):
come through, particularly in World Cup years for the All BLACKSNMNA,
scatder Wi sucking the hole low. You know, these guys
are picked when they're hot, when they're on form. And
there's another change George Bridge as well, and Severe who
came through to push out Julian Severe and others. So
the changes, the late changes tend to happen on the edge.
(23:11):
So I agree with you that it's a smart move
from Tallaire to take the cash. My understanding as he's
doubling his New Zealand salary go to Japan, have that
security of a three year contract. But it does still
feel like he's got a lot more to give. And
he's an exceptional finisher. We've seen that twicking him against
England last year. For the Blues this season, despite very
(23:34):
limited chances, he goes roaming off his wing. He's deceptively strong,
great feats, good in the air. I think he's improved
a lot. But this is also a guy that's emerged
from west Auckland. He spent three years at North Harbor
before he even cracked the Blues. And then there's this
massive money contract on the table. You take the money
(23:56):
and run, don't you.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
You have to?
Speaker 3 (23:57):
I think, and look, as I said, late bloomer. For me,
he was a player. Even when he was named in
the All Blacks. I was like, really, and he's obviously
made him repost Winno since that debut in Scotland and
Inner twenty two, but.
Speaker 5 (24:11):
Well yeah he was after the twenty twenty three will
cut well breakthrough player.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
Yeah yeah to me, it didn't like it. Obviously been
a good super ruggie player, but he didn't strike me
as an international player. But Ian Foster and the All
Blacks staff saw something in him in twenty twenty two.
He was in the camp before that and then made
his debut that clearly they found an international player there
and so look, your one injury away, aren't you as
(24:36):
a winger in that sort of age of your career
from plunging down the pecking orders. So smart move for him.
The question being though Limb, would you select them for
the All Blacks this year? He's not going into November?
Would you select them for the All Blacks?
Speaker 5 (24:51):
Just before I get to that last year, I think
another selection of failure to start the year that the
All Black should have picked him earlier. I thought they
showed too much faith in sev Reese and mark Talia
was is a better player, and I think that was
part of the between Leo McDonald and Scott Robertson as well,
(25:11):
until I should have more than nineteen tests. He finished
the year starting four of the five tests on that
Northern Tour and the one test at seven arrested play
got badly gassed.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
Yeah, by Louis Bell's in Paris.
Speaker 5 (25:25):
So look, he will be a big loss and we'll
talk about who is potential replacement.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
So what was your question again?
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Would you select him for the All Blacks this year?
Speaker 5 (25:34):
No?
Speaker 3 (25:34):
No, So he's notible, so he is eligible until he
goes and you wouldn't pick.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
Him until, Yeah, he's eligible, No, I wouldn't. I think.
Speaker 5 (25:42):
You've got to invest in the guys that are staying
now that and look that's case by case basis, but
I think two years out from a World Cup you've
got to start solidifying that back three build, combinations, cohesion. Yeah,
I think it's time to move on you.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
I probably would select them up until I probably see
the RUGA Championship and then look to move on. I think, yes,
lead them until the end of the RAGA Championship, then
not take him on the end of year tour. I
think would be the way I'll go probably half and
half approach from me, But I honestly think that he's
still got something to give for the All Blacks and
(26:27):
with end of year tour coming plus two years after
that before a World Cup, you can build talent and
depth here. He is still one of the best wingers
in the country. He is going after the season. If
he happened to not announce it until later on in
the year, then he probably still would be selected, So
I'd stick with him for at least the first half
(26:49):
of the year.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
One other question before we go onto successors or alternatives,
do we have any issue with Steve Hanson then Ian
Foster recruiting players out in New Zealand All Blacks on
three year contracts for more Black coaches clearly leveraging relationships
or is it just part and pass or professional.
Speaker 3 (27:12):
Part and parcel of professional sport. I don't have a
huge issue I think with it. I think if marx
Ley didn't want to go, he wouldn't have gone, you know,
if the offer had come from another club, like clearly
potentially there's obviously you know, Ian Foster knows him well,
sleeped up.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
First lifted him in the All Blacks, but.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
Could have come from Suntory, Sunkle Life, could come from anyone.
And I don't think that plays a huge part and
haven't got a major issue with it, do you.
Speaker 4 (27:41):
I don't think so.
Speaker 5 (27:43):
Ok, maybe he wouldn't have got that kind of enticing
deal if it hadn't come from those guys. They know
his talent really well and they know what he can offer.
He'll rip it up.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
In Japan totally and he's going to suit their game.
You know.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
Look at Joey Mardhu who has been on the right
wing essentially is replaced Marxley is essentially replacing Joey Mardho
mart who's had a number of good finishes as a
player that hasn't really played much union. And the way
the Japanese top league game is structured, a lot of
the Wings get a lot of ball and we're seeking
to Vita League out there and had huge success. Wings
(28:17):
earned their dime up there, they scored a lot of tries.
So I think it was slot and.
Speaker 5 (28:22):
Will yeah, big upgrade on joe Marno in terms of experience,
proven talent on the on the international scene in rugby
union context. Anyway, successes Sevarice is the obvious guy to
benefit your boys shave Fi Hackey probably moves up another
rung after being called in as injury cover last year.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
You've got what you got to say.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
I would just say he was badly left out on
the weekend and that a j Lamb try, which is
only one instance.
Speaker 2 (28:51):
But when Hoskins are two do through that. No.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Look past that we'll get to in a minute. Fee
Hockey was no able to be seeing a j Lamb
schools that try. So there's a few defensive deficiencies there
for mister Hackey.
Speaker 5 (29:03):
Yeah, defensively in particular. I think he has been exposed
a couple of times. Yeah, I remember the Fijian Durua
as well, had a bit of a field day there.
You've got Caleb Tonguey towel, guys like Kennin the Hoolo
Tava Tavanawa for you're looking for an out and ou empowering. Obviously,
Caleb Clark's the incumbent on the left given the Crusader's
(29:27):
bias and the all Blacks is as simple as seven
in shaefee hockey come in.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Yeah, it might be that simple.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
Actually, No, I think there are actually a number of
wingers there that maybe aren't quite at the top of
the game.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Just ye.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Caleb Tungu Tow has had an excellent season for the
Honders and he was impressive and SEVENS continues to build
quite nicely. Yeah, he's another one. Another player as well
that I thought was quite good for the Hurricanes on
the weekend. Is he fineng and awful who was again
out of the SEVENS program, big player body presence on
the park. He to me seems like someone that could
(29:59):
be in the All Blacks mix before not too long
as well.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
So I don't think there's any shortage of players.
Speaker 3 (30:03):
It can be interesting to see whether they go to
I think if I was gonna pick one right now,
Caleb Tonguytown.
Speaker 5 (30:09):
Yeah, I think it's probably between given them, you're looking
at thirty two players in July. Maybe in eighteen what's
that fourteen splits. It could come down to a Ruben
Love against the Shaeffie Hockey Ruben Love had spent a
little bit of time on the wing for the All Blacks.
To actually see him playing there, not too sure, but yeah,
(30:32):
I would not be shocked to see fear Hacke get
the call.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
Up exciting times.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
We will get into now the weekend that was, and
let's start with that Force Hurricanes game on Saturday night.
Where do you begin? This was not a great game
of rugby in all honesty. Hurricanes had chance to win
it in super Point with Ruben Love's drop goal. The
Force had a penalty goal on a drop goal and
(30:58):
at a time. To be honest, the draw seems pretty
fair on the basis of that ninety minutes of rugby.
Speaker 5 (31:04):
Yeah, two teams that didn't take their chances essentially as
you meant, and they both had cracksit it late in
the match. Cullum Harkin, who I did thought does some
really good things from fallback, went through the line and
all had men inside and out. He went the inside
ball and completely missed cam Roy guards. So that was
a blown opportunity for the Hurricanes to win with twenty
(31:26):
odd minutes remaining. Yeah, it's not been a great season
for the Canes and that was a game they really
really had to win. They're still in the mix, but
the way they're playing, they're not I would not cast
them as any form of contender.
Speaker 3 (31:41):
We've got a tricky trip to the Brumbies this weekend
where they do not traditionally play that well. We've lost
a number of quarter finals there in the last few
years or knockout games I probably should say not at
a ground they tend to play it well, and they
just seem to be lacking up things this season. You know,
they've changed ten a little bit. We saw rubin love
and there on the weekend. I don't think they're getting
(32:03):
enough out of their pack and all honestly, there's a
lot of names in that pack that are you know,
All Blacks contenders or have been mentioned in All Blacks contenders.
I don't think they're getting enough out of that. They've
changed the front row a number of times. And this
is what happens, and we saw it with the Crusaders
last year, is that when you're not winning, you begin
to tinker and you have injuries of course, which the
Hurricanes have had. But consistency is so key in Super
(32:25):
rugby and the Hurricanes just don't have it and haven't
had it with the selections I've had this year.
Speaker 5 (32:30):
That's a good point, isn't it That selection consistency does
is massive in terms of building some form of cohesion.
And you're right, they haven't got enough from their pack.
They had some late starts with Tyrorolomax and are more
coming back that hurt them. But more is on record
that he's not playing the way he wants. Xavier Numa
is another All Black contender you'd want to be stamping
(32:53):
his authority. Guys like Peter Lukeye haven't really kicked on
the season as you'd expect. Having been called into the
All Blacks. Turuben Loves struggled to assert his authority obviously
thrust into the ten jersey, very different for him. You've
got guys like Belly Proctor making his comeback off the bench.
So yeah, a lot of chopping and changing and it has.
Speaker 4 (33:17):
Effected them, affected them.
Speaker 5 (33:19):
They've lost a couple of really close games against the
Blues that have tipped the season the wrong way. And yeah,
very close to drawing a line through the Canes at
this point.
Speaker 2 (33:29):
Which is remarkable given they are three points outside the.
Speaker 5 (33:32):
Top six and they topped the log last year, which was,
you know, well exceeded expectations, I think in Clark Ladler's
first year at the Helm.
Speaker 3 (33:40):
Yeah, that's right. The Chiefs beating the hind Is forty
sixteen Earlier in that night. I can't remember. We went
to this a few weeks ago where you had drawn
a line through the Hinders, but thirteen ten they trailed.
I think it was at halftime and just didn't turn
up for the second spell. The game was done essentially
in a ten minute burst after halftime or fifteen minute burst.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
It might have been.
Speaker 3 (34:02):
If your light came back from the second half and
you would have flicked them TV on. God, wasn't it
thirteen ten at half times? Thirty fourteen? The blink of
an eye? I mean, that's on one side what the
Chiefs are capable of doing, and they can do that
to teams on the other side. Really poured from the Honders,
you know, not letting it slip necessarily because you know
there's no shame in losing to the Chiefs. But the
way they lost I thought was really disappointing from the Honders.
Speaker 5 (34:26):
A bit of a double edged swordeers a reaction from the Chiefs,
and particularly they're senior players, guys like McKenzie and Luke
Jacobson and others who went to Sydney the previous week
and you know had a chakra against the Tars, So
part reaction from the Chiefs and they're always much better
in Hamilton, and they're always much better when they I
don't know mentally dialed in fully, but yeah, probably a
(34:49):
real stark reality check about where the Landers sit as well.
Has been a season of near misses for them, but
they weren't even close in that one.
Speaker 3 (34:57):
No, they And they've got a tough run home as well.
I think they've got all Kiwi derbies to finish form
re member, got Moana next week and got Crusaders twice
still to come, so they've got a really rocky run
in again. Similar to the Hurricanes. There are only four
points outside the top six, but it's just hard to
see them getting enough points to crack their way in
(35:18):
there and stay there.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (35:19):
No, everyone can make can they? And there's going to
be a bit of cannibalization, particularly among the Kiwi teams
in the coming weeks.
Speaker 3 (35:26):
There is in Deeds Brumby's beating one in Pacific at
twenty four nil in Bookacoe. I commentated this game for
gold Sport and iHeartRadio. It was a very odd game
of rugby nil with forty minutes up on the clock
at Pookacoe. Corey Tool scores for the Brumbies just four
half time, so it was five nil. We did have
some half time highlights to play at the break and
(35:48):
then the Brumbi just kicked on after halftime. Mulwana missed
some opportunities before halftime. They had five men line outs
in the first spell that were closed to the line.
Just couldn't take their opportunities. And for the team that
has scored the most points in Super Rugby this year
to be kept scoreless, the Brumbis again made a lot
of errors themselves. They were well behind on the penalty
(36:08):
count at one stage I think it was twelve to
three or something like that, but they just hung tough
and they waited for Maia essentially to lose the game
rather than the Brumbi's rolling over and win it, which
I think it probably sounds unfeair the Brumbies. I don't
mean that as a criticism, but they gave him one
to plenty of chances and White didn't take them. So
the Brumbies, we'll just go roll down the field and
(36:29):
do our job.
Speaker 5 (36:30):
Yeah, Brumbies did what they had to do, tightened it up, efficient, effective,
uninspiring to a degree, but very challenging. Conditions, it must
be said. And the point you made about Mayana scoring
so many points, that's the concern, isn't it just rarely
struggled to get something going. And there's a few factors there.
(36:50):
Maybe there's a bit of a come down trying to
sustain that level. They are a team on the rise,
but they are not there yet and they don't have
the same quality of roster as their Kiwi capec companions.
And also I think they've been a lot better at Alvin.
I don't know the logistics around having to move these
(37:11):
home games, but having one clear home base does help,
and you know, rather than having to go all the
ads and Pokey trying to cultivate a bit of atmosphere
there hasn't got the same feel for them.
Speaker 3 (37:24):
No, And this was the second game they took to
Pokey this year. They had to be the Chiefs game
which was ritally in Tonga. But I think you're right
that's North Harbor Stadium is a ground they like playing at.
It's a training base as well. It's familiar to them
and maybe used to listen there for some of the
wider staff. Just let's just make this our home and
make sure it's the place we play it more often
(37:45):
than not. Yeah, no Ardea either, that's right, and that
I mean that is becoming an issue for them to
an extent that when Ardie's not there, they're not.
Speaker 4 (37:53):
There and he's not there all next year, which.
Speaker 3 (37:57):
Is again you know, worrying for it for Moana. So
that's an intriguing old question. Friday Night, Crusaders and Blues
twenty five to twenty two. James O'Connor wins it late
for the Crusaders. They take the points. This was a
ding dong battle in many ways. What the Crusaders are
getting on top at nineteen seven? The Blues come back
a couple of moments, began to get the ascendency fella.
(38:18):
They were rolling over the Crusaders for a point. But
Crusaders do what they did best and just roll the
sleeves up, work a couple of scrum penalties and get
the victory.
Speaker 2 (38:28):
What did you make of that game?
Speaker 5 (38:29):
It's felt like a game that the Blues lost more
than the Crusaders won. The heads the Blues heads. Crusaders
had to make at least double the amount of tackles.
The Blues dominated territory position. They were hammering away Crusaders
line number of different eras. I didn't think it was
Nick Berry's best refereeing performance across the board. No, but
(38:49):
look the Blues ample opportunity and it was the late
scrum substitutions that won it for the Crusaders. James O'Connor
steps up to keep the match winner. And now the
suggestions out of cross shit he's the best recruit in
Super rugby history.
Speaker 2 (39:05):
Well hard to argue, really, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (39:09):
Look he's proving a quality finisher and I know there's been
a lot of calls for him to start games chrussead
actually lost the only game he did start this season.
But what a player to have, you know, kicking a
winning peny goal right at the end of the game.
Your tag is goal kicking leaves a lot to be desired.
Still at this point in his career, James O'Connor, you know,
(39:31):
clutch player comes in and clutch moments, and you know,
let's send out a bit of a facetious tweet suggesting
that maybe you could be in the All Blacks mix
come August when he's eligible. Turns out he's actually not
eligible for next year's played for Australia A in twenty
twenty three. But Whilab he's wise. He's got to be
in the mix of the lines, doesn't he. Yeah, there's
a lot of chatter about that at the moment, and
(39:54):
almost more from a squad perspective, just having a guy
like that who can cover so many positions. I think
you've you've heard the influence he's had on Takimra behind
the scenes, how he's been competitive, pushing for the jersey,
but still mature, were enough to know his role to
nurture those guys through. And you're right to catch twenty
two for the Crusaders because when O'Connor started against Moana,
(40:18):
and admittedly the whole team Crusaders team was off that day,
but he wasn't as effective as he has been coming
off the bench. And to have a guy like you
say to come on composed slower match when I like
that brilliant. So yeah, look, the Crusaders will banquet, but
I think.
Speaker 5 (40:37):
They got out of jail with it there. Just on
the Blues, Boden Barrett very good again. Goal kick he
missed a couple but he was very good and hoskinstitut
to his best performance of the year. Not just a fleckball,
but just highly involved, very combative. Yeah, I thought he
really stood out for the Blues.
Speaker 2 (40:54):
Yeah, I thought he was very, very good.
Speaker 3 (40:57):
And look that pass was something you know, no advantage
being played, nothing like that. Just picked it up, throws
it out the back, saw the mismatch, trusted that a
j lamb was going to be there. I thought it
was a moment of brilliant from Hoskins to too to.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
The Blues.
Speaker 3 (41:12):
You know, you mentioned being close to drawing a line
through the Hurricanes are close to drawing a line through
the Blues. They are one point for the behind was
just three wins and six losses. They are fifteen points
off the top of the ladder, four points outside the playoffs.
Speaker 5 (41:25):
No, I'm not because their roster Dalton Puppa lee is
you know, was a ankle in jury sides. They've got
depth in their loose forwards. Their roster is largely better
than it has been for most of the year. They
should should have could have won this game, and they've
got the game for the finals if they can sneak in.
(41:47):
They've got a very favorable draw compared to some even
their trip to I think it's suba that's a night game.
The Reds is a very difficult proposition in Brisbane, but
they are all winnable games on the run home for
the Blues. So I'm still thinking they make the top six.
Speaker 3 (42:05):
Just on the Crusaders run home. It's actually quite tricky.
They've got the Highlanders twice, who again will have nothing
to lose. They've got them this weekend under the roof
in Dunedin and then the back time the Chiefs in
christ Church. They have the Wartas away where they lost
the Warhorse twice last year. The Brumbie is away to finish,
so it's a tricky run home for the Crusaders. And
(42:26):
I don't think suggestions of being the top two lockedow
in Chrestry Say is final. I think it's far too
premature because I think the team, like the Brumbies, is
going to have a lot to say about that, and
maybe some of those other teams that around the outside
looking in.
Speaker 5 (42:41):
Yeah, I think this Crusaders still have a lot to
prove this year. They've been a wee bit Rocks and
Diamonds had some good wins, but as Rob Penny said,
they've been a bit schizophrenic at times as well, and
I agree, I don't think that top two is locked in.
And I also think that a team like the Blues,
if they sneak in that top six, you do not
(43:02):
want to be playing the Blues in the finals.
Speaker 2 (43:04):
No you don't. So even if you do have home advantage.
Speaker 5 (43:07):
That's a long way from a foregone conclusion. This COLMP
and we've seen that throughout the whole year.
Speaker 3 (43:12):
Certainly have right Thet's take a quick break here on
rugby to come back and wrap up the podcast after this.
Speaker 1 (43:17):
This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fares.
Speaker 2 (43:24):
Every try try tends sixty sec. Every tackle tackle Get
up again, I take him afore time.
Speaker 4 (43:32):
It's Rugby Direct.
Speaker 3 (43:35):
You're back with Rugby Direct, power by friend zad Habit
Health time out to get into our tipping and look,
you've gained a point on me Liam this week.
Speaker 2 (43:45):
This is next Step City Man.
Speaker 3 (43:47):
Yeah, de pick the Force, but luckily for you, half
a point from that one because it was a drawer.
He also picked the drawer Crusaders Chiefs. We both miss
out on Moana. I had the Crusaders, the Tars, mo
Wana Chiefs and Caine. So I lead thirty two and
a half to twenty six.
Speaker 2 (44:03):
And a half.
Speaker 5 (44:04):
Plenty of time left yet, mate, is there? I've always
been a long distance.
Speaker 3 (44:11):
Well should us what you've got, Sam Ruth, because this
is the Anzac round Chiefs and Force in Mount mong
and Nui on Friday nights.
Speaker 5 (44:22):
Well, I love the last post, Elliott. So this is
where I really come to. The four Chiefs won that.
Speaker 3 (44:28):
Yeah, I can't see the Chiefs not winning that Red
toasting the Blues. The tap has them at a dol
already seven each looks about right. Blues Ire and the
Reds are gonna tip them up there and get the win.
Speaker 2 (44:41):
Moana against the drawer.
Speaker 4 (44:43):
Albany Rd be back for that Mona.
Speaker 2 (44:46):
Yeah, I think ma Wana as well.
Speaker 3 (44:48):
Highland is hosting the Crusaders in Dunedin Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (44:53):
Lucky you have to go the Staters, don't you.
Speaker 2 (44:55):
I think so. I think the game could be trickier
than it looks on paper. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (44:58):
Southern Derby inspies typically the best Jamie Joseph will be
have some stirring renditions and words and tails, and I'm
sure they'll get a few former legends and those sorts
of things.
Speaker 3 (45:10):
Hardie Tony Brown's plays like No. Nine with the Crusaders
beat them in the final. Bring back Mitch Hunt for
a game for which side? For which side? For the
team he put the forty one meter drop goal against.
Speaker 4 (45:22):
Yeah, he's done it both.
Speaker 2 (45:24):
He is.
Speaker 3 (45:25):
Brumbies Hurricanes rounds us out in Canberra on Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (45:30):
I think you're probably yeah Brumbies.
Speaker 3 (45:33):
Yeah, the Brumbies as well. I think too good at
home behind Hurricanes have a great record there.
Speaker 2 (45:39):
In recent times.
Speaker 4 (45:40):
N it's a tough place to go.
Speaker 3 (45:41):
It is indeed right time for our three two ones
this weekend. Christian Leo Willie gets my three points, very
very good for the Crusaders on Friday night and just
putting himself further there all that conversation, calm down, he was,
he trained with them last year.
Speaker 5 (45:56):
We had enough of this Crusaders by top Reggie in
a minute two points quins a fire good for the
Chiefs again and one goes Flitch and you'll not often
you see prop go eighty minutes integral right at the
end as they smash the blue scrum.
Speaker 2 (46:14):
He gets my one point, Liam Ews.
Speaker 5 (46:16):
Please the point is actually I think Angus Tarval went
seventy five.
Speaker 4 (46:20):
Yeah, it's a big shift for a.
Speaker 3 (46:22):
Couple of rookie props coming on at the end and
need to cost them and the injuries can't help. But
he didn't help the Blues.
Speaker 4 (46:27):
Yes, I'm going to give three to Hoskins.
Speaker 2 (46:30):
Okay, just as the pass or and just.
Speaker 5 (46:33):
No, no, no, he was highly involved and just to
keep Christian Leo really cancels it out right, I'll give
him two, but you know, just just pop down, pop down.
And I'm going to give one to came Roy Gaz.
I thought he snipe, tried hard for the Hurricanes. He's
still not playing as not at his best, no, but
(46:57):
doing his best in a struggling team.
Speaker 3 (46:59):
We'll see how they get on this week in Camberley.
I think he was always welcome. Great to having back
on the podcast. We were back again next week. We're
our friends at Habit Health Techling well your aches and
pains from sport and work out.
Speaker 2 (47:08):
Thanks to Last and Bars English, and we'll see you
next week.
Speaker 1 (47:14):
For more from News Talk sed 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 ed B.
Follow this and our Wide Ranger podcasts now on iHeartRadio,
Straight down the middle of dry.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Dick sc try these pocket.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Inside the game from every angle. It's Rugby Direct with
Elliot Smith and Leam Napier powered by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Welcome into Rugby Direct, powered by Habit Health, tackling all
your aches and pains from sports and work. Elliott Smith
back again for another week and returning this week after
a week sabbatical, Liam Napier, Liam, welcome back into the podcast.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
Great to be here, Elliott, Thank you.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Is it true you couldn't face last week after the
Hurricanes loss of the Crusaders who are clearly on a roll.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Look I've been in hiding and lights come out and
firmly dispatch such rumors off the bats. No, I head
my sister's So I didn't see a lot of rugby
that weekend. There were the odd there was the odd
skygo floating around, but not enough to enhance our listeners.
So stepped out for Nick Buley and listened to the
(01:19):
part and it was probably an improvement.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Yes, certainly it was an interesting toss up this week
to consider whether next stade or you came back, but
we've gone with you back, welcome back. It's been a
busy week in rugby, hasn't it. And I think we're
going to flip things around from what we usually do
on the podcast this week and get in some of
the key issues around player movements. And one of those
key player movements is this morning before we recorded portion
(01:46):
woodwen Wickliffe now the saying that she is going to
play at a Rugby World Cup this year or at
least be available for selection. I'm sure she will be
selected barring injury. Big boost for the Black Fans campaign.
The whispers have been around for a few weeks around
whether she's going to make herself available. Was very very
impressive during Super Rugby or Picky, But to have a
(02:06):
player of her come back and play at a World
Cup I think is big for the Black fans.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
It's massive, yeah.
Speaker 5 (02:12):
And just watching her throughout Alpacky and in the crossover
match last weekend last Thursday night against the waratas Man,
she's still got it and it just seemed like such
a waste for her to not be available for the
Black Friends. She was already going over there in ambassador
oil role, So to have her sitting in the stands
(02:35):
when she's been so commanding for the Blues, it's great. Look,
maybe this wouldn't have happened if her move to the
n rl W the Nights I think she was joining
didn't get blocked. So serendipitous, Maybe fates having some role
in the backgrounds, but it really is a massive boost
(02:56):
to the Blackfriand's World Cup campaign.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
It is.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
And hearing her or seeing some quotes from her today
certainly sounded like, you know, she got to the middle
of a campaign and thought she could probably do it
and go to the World Cup. And I guess if
you're weighing that up, and also the issues that were
going on around the NRLW contract, which are been well documented,
I suppose you go, let's go with the sport. I know,
let's go with the one that I am beginning to
(03:19):
feel a desire to go for the World Cup again.
So in terms of that World Cup makes for the
Black fans now, I think anunity presents a real opportunity
to you know, put her at midfield. She was plagued
center there during the Opeki season. They're probably going to
get obviously some other players from the Sevens as well,
who are going to add something so on the shape
of it, you know, Black fans are quite disappointing last
(03:41):
year lost to Ireland of course, and that the WXV.
But you add in Portia, wood and Wickliffe, you add
in some of those Sevens players like a Georgia Miller,
who is the reigning Musial one Player of the Year
across both codes and across both genders, all of a
sudden changes the complexion of things a little bit. As
they hid into World Cup year.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
It does I think you would love someone like said
Hardy still be involved. I think she was the big
obvious missing name. But having those seven as players crossover
as massive. They were huge in the success that they
had on New Zealand soil was it three years ago
now because that World Cup was shifted and yeah, Porusia
(04:21):
Woodman Whitcliffe now coming back is another massive And I agree.
I think I would like to see the more ball
you get her the better, the closer to the action
she is, the more influenced she can have. It's not
just with ball and ham, it's not just without. It's
her skill over the ball in the tackle to get turnovers,
her voice in the midfield. You know, though the playing
(04:45):
sevens really does expose your skill brief you've got to
be able to do it all. She's got so much experience,
She's been there, done that. So look, I'm sure Alan
Bunting would have been in her ear as soon as
there was a possibility that she wasn't going to go
to Australia, as soon as he knew that she was
going to be in the UK for the World Cup anyway,
that there would have been people working on her throughout
(05:06):
the year and clearly they've sparked her interests and why not.
He's a World Cup there, it's on the horizon. She's
your a long time retired.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
You are indeed, and she was going to be a
master Card ambassador. So master Card have now got their
ambassador turning into an actual play at the tournament, which
is exciting for I think for the sport as a
whole to have a player of her, one of the greatest,
even do it back in the sport. So great news
for the Black fans in that World Cup. But some
of the news last week Rico Yowani announcing that he
(05:37):
is going on sabbatical to Leinster. I think we knew
that he had a contract or an element in his
contract that he could go and have a sabbatical overseas.
It had been relatively quiet. There had been mentioned of
Japan that he was going to go over there, obviously
his brother's playing over there, and a few years ago
there was talk of Rico black Rams potentially he was
(05:58):
going there. Didn't quite eventuate, but I don't think many
people would have expected Leinster, even despite Jordi Barrett being there,
given the history that Riko Yowanni has had with Island
and the people of Ireland over the last couple of years.
But what a move, certainly one that shocked the rugby
world last week when that broke.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Yeah, it did.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
I guess this is a bit of an inside about
how some of these things play out for our listeners.
You and I are in my luxury vehicle mcghinni Blambo
the William Lamba on the way back from Blues training
on Wednesday, I think it was afternoon and making a
few calls. This had been bubbling away for a couple
(06:41):
of days about Ricco's is going to take a sabbatic
call and having these conversations just sitting beside me and
then Rico Lenster, and I saw your eyebrows race in
the front seat of the car as it happened. Rico,
he's his own man, He runs his own race and
head it all sort of ready to go the following
(07:02):
morning and he puts out a post on Instagram as
he's fully entitled to and it breaks.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
But just taught me through your inner sure reaction.
Speaker 5 (07:12):
We're in the car eyebrows raised when Rico and Leinster,
like you say, it's not something that was widely expected
by anyone in terms of the destination.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
No, it certainly wasn't.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
And when you repeated that from your contact, I was like, really,
like they're trying to put it all together in my
head and going the Rico Yuani is going to Leinster,
the club that Johnny Sixton played for, and I mean
I thought that would be the last place he would
want to go.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
But I was genuinely shocked.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
And it takes a lot to shock us sort of
in the business these days, but for Rico Juanna to
go to Ireland was a genuine shock and I admire
it in many ways because he's sort of going to
front up. He'll have to front media. You would think
at some point over there he's going to have to
talk about this. He's going to wear the Lynster jersey,
the colors that Johnny Sixton wore, the man that he
(08:06):
gave the send off to after the twenty twenty three
World Cup quarter final, the man that Johnny Sixton wrote
about in his book in detail, the gobfool that he
got from Rico u Wan. All of that element comes
into it. And so yeah, I gingly couldn't believe it's
sitting on the other side of the vehicle and going.
Rico Won is going to Leinster. So what do you
(08:29):
make of the moves? Look, I really like it for
both him as a player and also like a just
a getting out of the comfort zone sort of thing.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
I suppose.
Speaker 5 (08:38):
Yeah, I think before we touch on unpacked the move
as such, I just wanted to go through the announcement.
So Rico makes the announcements, then there's media reports, and
then a few hours later Lenster, you know, finally confirm
the move. And this is from their Twitter accounts. They say,
not sure if you've heard Leinster are delighted to announce
the signing of Rico one eighty one times kept all
(08:59):
black will join the club. I just want to read
a few of the replies on this, just to you know,
get a wee flavor. And you know, obviously this is
not a cross section of Irish rugby media, but I
did have an Irish friend get in touch and you know,
talking about the move, and they made the point that
the Irish aren't typically very forgiving people, or certainly immediately.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
So so okay, look.
Speaker 5 (09:26):
Ricco, this is from Jay. Ricco will be staying at
Johnny's house during his time at Leinster.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
I was from Simon.
Speaker 5 (09:32):
I want a handwritten apology before he gets a minute
for us. That's good, A fantastic signing. It says a
lot about Leinster rugby that they are these world class
players are happy to sign for us. If you want
the best, you have to train with the best. Rich
getting richer. I thought you had a know dickheads rule.
(09:53):
So wow, there's there's a there's a there's a real
blend there.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
Isn't there There is a blend there.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
And look, I know Leinster are the most popular with
the rest of the Irish rugby population. Give him the
players they've got at their disposal and they're bringing in
Jordi Barrett followed by Rico Yuandi. So there's all sorts
of issues there, but there are some bridges that are
probably going to need to be meant. Meanted at some
point between Rico Uanni and the Irish people, maybe sort
(10:21):
of come to Jesus moment, maybe he goes on National
TV or something like that. I don't know, but I
think ultimately it's one of those things that, you know,
I think is good for the sport in a way
like it's a it's.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
A headline grabber.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
People are going to want to watch Rico Yuandi's first
game for Linza to see how it goes. They want
to know who he's playing with, who's playing against, who
is going to be that Irish team, and in the
lead up to that test in Chicago in November, that's
another element on top of it that you know, three
weeks beforehand is going to be playing against some of
these people. So I don't think it's a great story
(10:58):
for rugby. In all honesty, it is.
Speaker 5 (11:00):
Rugby needs these narratives, it needs characters, It needs talking
points and controversy. And look, whether you love or low
with Rico, you've got to respect him. For having the
confidence in himself to cultivate this sort of thing right
like he took on, he gave it to Johnny and
(11:21):
then was a year later the All Blacks go back
to Dublin. He leads the All Blacks hucker there after
being painted as the public enemy number one the whole week,
and then after the game, after the All Blacks beat
Irelands their first home defeat in nineteen matches, Rico goes
on Instagram and say he's put that in the book.
(11:43):
So just absolutely doubles down, has another crack. So this
really was the last place you'd expect him to go.
My understanding is he's completely unfazed by the reception. He
might get any of that stuff. I think it's a
great move for his rugby career because, like Jordie, it
(12:05):
will expose him to a different culture. It'll get them
away from home. He's been in the Auckland rugby bubble
for the best part of a decade. Longer he'll go
over there with his partner, experienced different culture, be exposed
to a different style of rugby, different conditions, different atmosphere.
He'll contest European glory. Those are very very special things
(12:26):
that not every rugby player gets to experience. And I
think we're seeing the benefits of Jordan now he's the
are enamored with him over there and they are very
different players. But who does benefit more from this? Is
it Leinster? Is it the All Blacks? Isn't usual rugby?
Is it the individual players here? Because there's all sorts
(12:50):
of theories you could.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
Espouse about.
Speaker 5 (12:54):
Ireland's tapping into these guys and storing away intellectual property
and using that to their benefit when Ireland play the
All Blacks? So who is it that benefit if it's
most from this move, well these moves because it's not one.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
Off the twofold.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
Yeah, I think rugby benefits as a whole, as we've discussed,
but I think the player and exposing them to different
styles of rugby can only be a good thing. If
your Rica, Yuani, you're going to play a different style
than you've had at club level for probably since South
Africa left. It's gonna be it's gonna be way more physical,
it's going to be a lot different to what you
(13:32):
get at blues level. They're going to be different things
asked of you as a center up north than perhaps
what you're doing in the Blues system and you come
back with that knowledge as a hopefully a better rugby player,
more well rounded rugby player. We know that Rica Yuani
has been criticized through his distribution skills as center since
he moved in from the wing. That's going to put
(13:53):
on them under the microscope. Not that it hasn't here
in New Zealand, but you know, lenks are going to
be asking different things of them than what perhaps the
Blues are this season and what the All Blacks have done.
So my hope is he comes back a more well
rounded play and that he on the road to twenty
twenty seven. If he is going to be the All
Blacks first choice number thirteen, then he improves as a player.
(14:15):
From then the team I don't think it benefits is
the Blues, and I think that's the issue here is
that they're going to lose Mark t Lea, which we'll
get to in a moment or two, and Rico Uani
in one season. Two of their back line stars, Harry
Plumber is also going on an offstal contract, so it's
a lot of talent the Blues are going to have
to replace in a short space of time. So I
(14:40):
don't think the Super rugby teams win. Yes, they might
get some benefit from Rico in twenty twenty seven once
he's back in the mix, but I think the Super
rugby teams don't benefit.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
One hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (14:50):
And that's where the sabbatical argument falls down, is that
you're prioritizing the All Blacks over Super Rugby. And we've
seen it with the Hurricanes. They lost Artie Severe and
then lost them for goods. They were without Jordi Barrett
this year and that's a a hole for a largely
(15:11):
an experienced back line, the back three. I've seen the
Hurricane struggle and Jordie's absence, and yeah, while the Blues
have a lot of depth, a lot more than most,
they will struggle to fill Rico's absence for that season. Yeah,
sabbaticals are great for keeping players long term, but they
don't prioritize Super rugby. Just one other question here is
(15:36):
obviously Jordi Barrett paved the way for this move. Nobody
since d C I think I'm right and saying, has
gone away on sabbatical to Europe. It had always been Japan.
Rico had offers to go to Japan knock those back,
but In an interview over the weekend with Jason Pine,
(15:56):
Geordie talked about the fact that Rico sounded him out.
Of course he would for advice about how it's been.
Jordie's clearly set in a bloody high ceiling here ken
ricco match and live up to that.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Well, they're different players, aren't they, And in a way,
you know he's going to have to try and live
up to that expectation because they've got a player that's
playing some great rugby at the moment and Jordie Barrett
playing exceptional rugby fit for Leinster, and the natural expectation
is that the next New Zealand bloke that comes over
will slott in and do that. But they're different players,
(16:32):
They're playing different positions and I think they need to
be realistic about what they can expect from from both
of those players. And so I think the pressure will
be on Rico Yuani because Georgie's, as you said, pave
the way. He's going to have to live up to
some of those expectations, whether their fear or not. When
he slots in to Leinster. Do you think that he's
(16:53):
going to be able to match what is probably going
to be a fairly lofty expectation from the Leinster fan base.
Speaker 5 (17:00):
Yeah, it's going to be interesting. And he doesn't just
walk into that team either. Because you've got Gary Ringrose
and Robbie Henshaw what eighty odds capped Irish midfielders. It
does allow them to rotate that that midfield dynamic. Maybe
we see we saw Jordie Barrett has gone to fullback.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
In the earlier part of this lens stint.
Speaker 5 (17:24):
Maybe we see Rico start on the wing and then
transition into the midfield.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
I think.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
That lends the team to a degree would make most
elite level rouge players look good. You know, if you
think about the Great Crusaders teams or even that you know, Dave's,
Dave Rennie's Chiefs, when you brought someone into that team,
they would invariably look the part or all they have
to do is do their role because they've got so
(17:54):
many good players around them. Leinster this season in particular,
looks so far ahead of anyone else. They smashed Glasgow
fifty two. Now in the Champions Cup quarterfinal. You know
that's a quarterfinal stage, so I think in some ways
it's easier to slot into a really good team like that.
But as you mentioned, Rico and Jordie are very different players.
(18:17):
Rico's sorry, Jordie's got a big boots, you know, probably
more rounded skill where I hope this move for Rico
ignites his attacking game because I think that's where the
criticism in terms of where he's been the last few
years has You know, he doesn't make great scything breaks
(18:38):
that we used to see from him, and the distribution
you mentioned there. Partly that's to do with the Blues style,
but even for the All Blacks, I don't think we've
seen his best on attack, so that's where you'd want
to see the improvement in his game.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
Look wouldn't be good if they could go the other way.
You know, how good would be to see James Low
play for the Chiefs for example.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
That's a joke.
Speaker 3 (19:04):
But no seriousness like you know he was seeing like
his Publima play for the Crusaders a few years ago
and he was in his in his prime in that season.
But we really haven't seen it too often. You know,
Joe marsh And came over from Harlequin's I think it
was in England to Super Rugby. But James O'Connor, James O'Connor,
(19:25):
but yeah, he's probably in the twide of his career.
Speaker 5 (19:27):
But there was Ciprouni, yeah, Rubles, Yeah, there was a
couple of other It was the Welsh number ten who
came out for the Highlanders, Petrol Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
Yeah, very short lived one with the Crusaders whose name
escapes me.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
It'll come to me.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
Joe Payne.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
He didn't get a game, No, no, yeah, I think Look,
I think it comes down to cash, doesn't It leans
to very well set up and Rico is going to
make him. I assume he's making half a meal, at
least going going there half a meal?
Speaker 3 (20:07):
You're you're halfpenny was the name I was thinking, ill
though I couldn't quite get to right.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
So New Zealands of rugby clubs don't have the cash
to bring these guys down in their problem. The guys,
you do, see I generate the end of their careers,
or they've had a few off field issues and they
need another start. Public Maneterea probably the exception. He was
still in his prime. Essentially, Yeah, I look, I'd love
to see it. Obviously the cash just doesn't add up.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
But if you're a player in an iron team that
is wanting to improve, that is wanting to be better.
Surely it works both ways and be interesting to see
whether you know the door has been opened one way,
whether potentially there'll be interest from players up on that
part of the world to come back, come down in
their prime and play in Super rugby.
Speaker 5 (20:53):
Oh look, wouldn't you love to see it? As a
fan of the game, I think it would generate massive
interest and as a pure marketing exercise, imagine how much
interest there is going to be in Dublin when Lenster.
You know, when Reco first plays for for Alinstone. You
know the narrative that they you could spin the Yeah
(21:14):
it's endless, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Yeah, we shry and get there for that.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
Mark Talia news breaking last week that he is off
to Japan. We understand it's tword of a blitz. He's
joining on a three year deal. He hasn't confirmed that.
The club have not confirmed that, but he is off
to Japan after the season. A few things around that
one in some ways of surprise, in some ways not
And that sounds like me sitting on the fence. But
if you look at you know, his age profile in
(21:41):
terms of All Blacks wings and how they age and
where they get to selection wise, he is twenty eight,
twenty nine later this year All Blacks Wings. You've written
pieces on it for the Herald. Twenty seven is about
when they age out. So he's had a lot. Even
for a late bloomer, he's had probably an extra year
or so, but he is. He was in good form
(22:01):
on the Endia Tours, great against England, very very good
last year, I thought. And so in that way it
comes a bit of a surprise that he is a
first choice all Blacks play at the moment. But not
for a second do I blame him for taking the
money and departing up North. I think it's a smart
move for Mark t Lea, and as I said before,
(22:23):
it leaves a hole in the Blues for next season.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
It does, yeah, and I think he's probably a bigger
loss than maybe some people would grasp. I think he
is still in good form, you know, despite the age,
despite everything pointing to decline and wingers as they get older.
And if there is one position where you can get
usurped overnight, it is on the wing. We've seen bolters
(22:48):
come through, particularly in World Cup years for the All BLACKSNMNA,
scatder Wi sucking the hole low. You know, these guys
are picked when they're hot, when they're on form. And
there's another change George Bridge as well, and Severe who
came through to push out Julian Severe and others. So
the changes, the late changes tend to happen on the edge.
(23:11):
So I agree with you that it's a smart move
from Tallaire to take the cash. My understanding as he's
doubling his New Zealand salary go to Japan, have that
security of a three year contract. But it does still
feel like he's got a lot more to give. And
he's an exceptional finisher. We've seen that twicking him against
England last year. For the Blues this season, despite very
(23:34):
limited chances, he goes roaming off his wing. He's deceptively strong,
great feats, good in the air. I think he's improved
a lot. But this is also a guy that's emerged
from west Auckland. He spent three years at North Harbor
before he even cracked the Blues. And then there's this
massive money contract on the table. You take the money
(23:56):
and run, don't you.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
You have to?
Speaker 3 (23:57):
I think, and look, as I said, late bloomer. For me,
he was a player. Even when he was named in
the All Blacks. I was like, really, and he's obviously
made him repost Winno since that debut in Scotland and
Inner twenty two, but.
Speaker 5 (24:11):
Well yeah he was after the twenty twenty three will
cut well breakthrough player.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
Yeah yeah to me, it didn't like it. Obviously been
a good super ruggie player, but he didn't strike me
as an international player. But Ian Foster and the All
Blacks staff saw something in him in twenty twenty two.
He was in the camp before that and then made
his debut that clearly they found an international player there
and so look, your one injury away, aren't you as
(24:36):
a winger in that sort of age of your career
from plunging down the pecking orders. So smart move for him.
The question being though Limb, would you select them for
the All Blacks this year? He's not going into November?
Would you select them for the All Blacks?
Speaker 5 (24:51):
Just before I get to that last year, I think
another selection of failure to start the year that the
All Black should have picked him earlier. I thought they
showed too much faith in sev Reese and mark Talia
was is a better player, and I think that was
part of the between Leo McDonald and Scott Robertson as well,
(25:11):
until I should have more than nineteen tests. He finished
the year starting four of the five tests on that
Northern Tour and the one test at seven arrested play
got badly gassed.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
Yeah, by Louis Bell's in Paris.
Speaker 5 (25:25):
So look, he will be a big loss and we'll
talk about who is potential replacement.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
So what was your question again?
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Would you select him for the All Blacks this year?
Speaker 5 (25:34):
No?
Speaker 3 (25:34):
No, So he's notible, so he is eligible until he
goes and you wouldn't pick.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
Him until, Yeah, he's eligible, No, I wouldn't. I think.
Speaker 5 (25:42):
You've got to invest in the guys that are staying
now that and look that's case by case basis, but
I think two years out from a World Cup you've
got to start solidifying that back three build, combinations, cohesion. Yeah,
I think it's time to move on you.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
I probably would select them up until I probably see
the RUGA Championship and then look to move on. I think, yes,
lead them until the end of the RAGA Championship, then
not take him on the end of year tour. I
think would be the way I'll go probably half and
half approach from me, But I honestly think that he's
still got something to give for the All Blacks and
(26:27):
with end of year tour coming plus two years after
that before a World Cup, you can build talent and
depth here. He is still one of the best wingers
in the country. He is going after the season. If
he happened to not announce it until later on in
the year, then he probably still would be selected, So
I'd stick with him for at least the first half
(26:49):
of the year.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
One other question before we go onto successors or alternatives,
do we have any issue with Steve Hanson then Ian
Foster recruiting players out in New Zealand All Blacks on
three year contracts for more Black coaches clearly leveraging relationships
or is it just part and pass or professional.
Speaker 3 (27:12):
Part and parcel of professional sport. I don't have a
huge issue I think with it. I think if marx
Ley didn't want to go, he wouldn't have gone, you know,
if the offer had come from another club, like clearly
potentially there's obviously you know, Ian Foster knows him well,
sleeped up.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
First lifted him in the All Blacks, but.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
Could have come from Suntory, Sunkle Life, could come from anyone.
And I don't think that plays a huge part and
haven't got a major issue with it, do you.
Speaker 4 (27:41):
I don't think so.
Speaker 5 (27:43):
Ok, maybe he wouldn't have got that kind of enticing
deal if it hadn't come from those guys. They know
his talent really well and they know what he can offer.
He'll rip it up.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
In Japan totally and he's going to suit their game.
You know.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
Look at Joey Mardhu who has been on the right
wing essentially is replaced Marxley is essentially replacing Joey Mardho
mart who's had a number of good finishes as a
player that hasn't really played much union. And the way
the Japanese top league game is structured, a lot of
the Wings get a lot of ball and we're seeking
to Vita League out there and had huge success. Wings
(28:17):
earned their dime up there, they scored a lot of tries.
So I think it was slot and.
Speaker 5 (28:22):
Will yeah, big upgrade on joe Marno in terms of experience,
proven talent on the on the international scene in rugby
union context. Anyway, successes Sevarice is the obvious guy to
benefit your boys shave Fi Hackey probably moves up another
rung after being called in as injury cover last year.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
You've got what you got to say.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
I would just say he was badly left out on
the weekend and that a j Lamb try, which is
only one instance.
Speaker 2 (28:51):
But when Hoskins are two do through that. No.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Look past that we'll get to in a minute. Fee
Hockey was no able to be seeing a j Lamb
schools that try. So there's a few defensive deficiencies there
for mister Hackey.
Speaker 5 (29:03):
Yeah, defensively in particular. I think he has been exposed
a couple of times. Yeah, I remember the Fijian Durua
as well, had a bit of a field day there.
You've got Caleb Tonguey towel, guys like Kennin the Hoolo
Tava Tavanawa for you're looking for an out and ou empowering. Obviously,
Caleb Clark's the incumbent on the left given the Crusader's
(29:27):
bias and the all Blacks is as simple as seven
in shaefee hockey come in.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Yeah, it might be that simple.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
Actually, No, I think there are actually a number of
wingers there that maybe aren't quite at the top of
the game.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Just ye.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Caleb Tungu Tow has had an excellent season for the
Honders and he was impressive and SEVENS continues to build
quite nicely. Yeah, he's another one. Another player as well
that I thought was quite good for the Hurricanes on
the weekend. Is he fineng and awful who was again
out of the SEVENS program, big player body presence on
the park. He to me seems like someone that could
(29:59):
be in the All Blacks mix before not too long
as well.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
So I don't think there's any shortage of players.
Speaker 3 (30:03):
It can be interesting to see whether they go to
I think if I was gonna pick one right now,
Caleb Tonguytown.
Speaker 5 (30:09):
Yeah, I think it's probably between given them, you're looking
at thirty two players in July. Maybe in eighteen what's
that fourteen splits. It could come down to a Ruben
Love against the Shaeffie Hockey Ruben Love had spent a
little bit of time on the wing for the All Blacks.
To actually see him playing there, not too sure, but yeah,
(30:32):
I would not be shocked to see fear Hacke get
the call.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
Up exciting times.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
We will get into now the weekend that was, and
let's start with that Force Hurricanes game on Saturday night.
Where do you begin? This was not a great game
of rugby in all honesty. Hurricanes had chance to win
it in super Point with Ruben Love's drop goal. The
Force had a penalty goal on a drop goal and
(30:58):
at a time. To be honest, the draw seems pretty
fair on the basis of that ninety minutes of rugby.
Speaker 5 (31:04):
Yeah, two teams that didn't take their chances essentially as
you meant, and they both had cracksit it late in
the match. Cullum Harkin, who I did thought does some
really good things from fallback, went through the line and
all had men inside and out. He went the inside
ball and completely missed cam Roy guards. So that was
a blown opportunity for the Hurricanes to win with twenty
(31:26):
odd minutes remaining. Yeah, it's not been a great season
for the Canes and that was a game they really
really had to win. They're still in the mix, but
the way they're playing, they're not I would not cast
them as any form of contender.
Speaker 3 (31:41):
We've got a tricky trip to the Brumbies this weekend
where they do not traditionally play that well. We've lost
a number of quarter finals there in the last few
years or knockout games I probably should say not at
a ground they tend to play it well, and they
just seem to be lacking up things this season. You know,
they've changed ten a little bit. We saw rubin love
and there on the weekend. I don't think they're getting
(32:03):
enough out of their pack and all honestly, there's a
lot of names in that pack that are you know,
All Blacks contenders or have been mentioned in All Blacks contenders.
I don't think they're getting enough out of that. They've
changed the front row a number of times. And this
is what happens, and we saw it with the Crusaders
last year, is that when you're not winning, you begin
to tinker and you have injuries of course, which the
Hurricanes have had. But consistency is so key in Super
(32:25):
rugby and the Hurricanes just don't have it and haven't
had it with the selections I've had this year.
Speaker 5 (32:30):
That's a good point, isn't it That selection consistency does
is massive in terms of building some form of cohesion.
And you're right, they haven't got enough from their pack.
They had some late starts with Tyrorolomax and are more
coming back that hurt them. But more is on record
that he's not playing the way he wants. Xavier Numa
is another All Black contender you'd want to be stamping
(32:53):
his authority. Guys like Peter Lukeye haven't really kicked on
the season as you'd expect. Having been called into the
All Blacks. Turuben Loves struggled to assert his authority obviously
thrust into the ten jersey, very different for him. You've
got guys like Belly Proctor making his comeback off the bench.
So yeah, a lot of chopping and changing and it has.
Speaker 4 (33:17):
Effected them, affected them.
Speaker 5 (33:19):
They've lost a couple of really close games against the
Blues that have tipped the season the wrong way. And yeah,
very close to drawing a line through the Canes at
this point.
Speaker 2 (33:29):
Which is remarkable given they are three points outside the.
Speaker 5 (33:32):
Top six and they topped the log last year, which was,
you know, well exceeded expectations, I think in Clark Ladler's
first year at the Helm.
Speaker 3 (33:40):
Yeah, that's right. The Chiefs beating the hind Is forty
sixteen Earlier in that night. I can't remember. We went
to this a few weeks ago where you had drawn
a line through the Hinders, but thirteen ten they trailed.
I think it was at halftime and just didn't turn
up for the second spell. The game was done essentially
in a ten minute burst after halftime or fifteen minute burst.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
It might have been.
Speaker 3 (34:02):
If your light came back from the second half and
you would have flicked them TV on. God, wasn't it
thirteen ten at half times? Thirty fourteen? The blink of
an eye? I mean, that's on one side what the
Chiefs are capable of doing, and they can do that
to teams on the other side. Really poured from the Honders,
you know, not letting it slip necessarily because you know
there's no shame in losing to the Chiefs. But the
way they lost I thought was really disappointing from the Honders.
Speaker 5 (34:26):
A bit of a double edged swordeers a reaction from the Chiefs,
and particularly they're senior players, guys like McKenzie and Luke
Jacobson and others who went to Sydney the previous week
and you know had a chakra against the Tars, So
part reaction from the Chiefs and they're always much better
in Hamilton, and they're always much better when they I
don't know mentally dialed in fully, but yeah, probably a
(34:49):
real stark reality check about where the Landers sit as well.
Has been a season of near misses for them, but
they weren't even close in that one.
Speaker 3 (34:57):
No, they And they've got a tough run home as well.
I think they've got all Kiwi derbies to finish form
re member, got Moana next week and got Crusaders twice
still to come, so they've got a really rocky run
in again. Similar to the Hurricanes. There are only four
points outside the top six, but it's just hard to
see them getting enough points to crack their way in
(35:18):
there and stay there.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (35:19):
No, everyone can make can they? And there's going to
be a bit of cannibalization, particularly among the Kiwi teams
in the coming weeks.
Speaker 3 (35:26):
There is in Deeds Brumby's beating one in Pacific at
twenty four nil in Bookacoe. I commentated this game for
gold Sport and iHeartRadio. It was a very odd game
of rugby nil with forty minutes up on the clock
at Pookacoe. Corey Tool scores for the Brumbies just four
half time, so it was five nil. We did have
some half time highlights to play at the break and
(35:48):
then the Brumbi just kicked on after halftime. Mulwana missed
some opportunities before halftime. They had five men line outs
in the first spell that were closed to the line.
Just couldn't take their opportunities. And for the team that
has scored the most points in Super Rugby this year
to be kept scoreless, the Brumbis again made a lot
of errors themselves. They were well behind on the penalty
(36:08):
count at one stage I think it was twelve to
three or something like that, but they just hung tough
and they waited for Maia essentially to lose the game
rather than the Brumbi's rolling over and win it, which
I think it probably sounds unfeair the Brumbies. I don't
mean that as a criticism, but they gave him one
to plenty of chances and White didn't take them. So
the Brumbies, we'll just go roll down the field and
(36:29):
do our job.
Speaker 5 (36:30):
Yeah, Brumbies did what they had to do, tightened it up, efficient, effective,
uninspiring to a degree, but very challenging. Conditions, it must
be said. And the point you made about Mayana scoring
so many points, that's the concern, isn't it just rarely
struggled to get something going. And there's a few factors there.
(36:50):
Maybe there's a bit of a come down trying to
sustain that level. They are a team on the rise,
but they are not there yet and they don't have
the same quality of roster as their Kiwi capec companions.
And also I think they've been a lot better at Alvin.
I don't know the logistics around having to move these
(37:11):
home games, but having one clear home base does help,
and you know, rather than having to go all the
ads and Pokey trying to cultivate a bit of atmosphere
there hasn't got the same feel for them.
Speaker 3 (37:24):
No, And this was the second game they took to
Pokey this year. They had to be the Chiefs game
which was ritally in Tonga. But I think you're right
that's North Harbor Stadium is a ground they like playing at.
It's a training base as well. It's familiar to them
and maybe used to listen there for some of the
wider staff. Just let's just make this our home and
make sure it's the place we play it more often
(37:45):
than not. Yeah, no Ardea either, that's right, and that
I mean that is becoming an issue for them to
an extent that when Ardie's not there, they're not.
Speaker 4 (37:53):
There and he's not there all next year, which.
Speaker 3 (37:57):
Is again you know, worrying for it for Moana. So
that's an intriguing old question. Friday Night, Crusaders and Blues
twenty five to twenty two. James O'Connor wins it late
for the Crusaders. They take the points. This was a
ding dong battle in many ways. What the Crusaders are
getting on top at nineteen seven? The Blues come back
a couple of moments, began to get the ascendency fella.
(38:18):
They were rolling over the Crusaders for a point. But
Crusaders do what they did best and just roll the
sleeves up, work a couple of scrum penalties and get
the victory.
Speaker 2 (38:28):
What did you make of that game?
Speaker 5 (38:29):
It's felt like a game that the Blues lost more
than the Crusaders won. The heads the Blues heads. Crusaders
had to make at least double the amount of tackles.
The Blues dominated territory position. They were hammering away Crusaders
line number of different eras. I didn't think it was
Nick Berry's best refereeing performance across the board. No, but
(38:49):
look the Blues ample opportunity and it was the late
scrum substitutions that won it for the Crusaders. James O'Connor
steps up to keep the match winner. And now the
suggestions out of cross shit he's the best recruit in
Super rugby history.
Speaker 2 (39:05):
Well hard to argue, really, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (39:09):
Look he's proving a quality finisher and I know there's been
a lot of calls for him to start games chrussead
actually lost the only game he did start this season.
But what a player to have, you know, kicking a
winning peny goal right at the end of the game.
Your tag is goal kicking leaves a lot to be desired.
Still at this point in his career, James O'Connor, you know,
(39:31):
clutch player comes in and clutch moments, and you know,
let's send out a bit of a facetious tweet suggesting
that maybe you could be in the All Blacks mix
come August when he's eligible. Turns out he's actually not
eligible for next year's played for Australia A in twenty
twenty three. But Whilab he's wise. He's got to be
in the mix of the lines, doesn't he. Yeah, there's
a lot of chatter about that at the moment, and
(39:54):
almost more from a squad perspective, just having a guy
like that who can cover so many positions. I think
you've you've heard the influence he's had on Takimra behind
the scenes, how he's been competitive, pushing for the jersey,
but still mature, were enough to know his role to
nurture those guys through. And you're right to catch twenty
two for the Crusaders because when O'Connor started against Moana,
(40:18):
and admittedly the whole team Crusaders team was off that day,
but he wasn't as effective as he has been coming
off the bench. And to have a guy like you
say to come on composed slower match when I like
that brilliant. So yeah, look, the Crusaders will banquet, but
I think.
Speaker 5 (40:37):
They got out of jail with it there. Just on
the Blues, Boden Barrett very good again. Goal kick he
missed a couple but he was very good and hoskinstitut
to his best performance of the year. Not just a fleckball,
but just highly involved, very combative. Yeah, I thought he
really stood out for the Blues.
Speaker 2 (40:54):
Yeah, I thought he was very, very good.
Speaker 3 (40:57):
And look that pass was something you know, no advantage
being played, nothing like that. Just picked it up, throws
it out the back, saw the mismatch, trusted that a
j lamb was going to be there. I thought it
was a moment of brilliant from Hoskins to too to.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
The Blues.
Speaker 3 (41:12):
You know, you mentioned being close to drawing a line
through the Hurricanes are close to drawing a line through
the Blues. They are one point for the behind was
just three wins and six losses. They are fifteen points
off the top of the ladder, four points outside the playoffs.
Speaker 5 (41:25):
No, I'm not because their roster Dalton Puppa lee is
you know, was a ankle in jury sides. They've got
depth in their loose forwards. Their roster is largely better
than it has been for most of the year. They
should should have could have won this game, and they've
got the game for the finals if they can sneak in.
(41:47):
They've got a very favorable draw compared to some even
their trip to I think it's suba that's a night game.
The Reds is a very difficult proposition in Brisbane, but
they are all winnable games on the run home for
the Blues. So I'm still thinking they make the top six.
Speaker 3 (42:05):
Just on the Crusaders run home. It's actually quite tricky.
They've got the Highlanders twice, who again will have nothing
to lose. They've got them this weekend under the roof
in Dunedin and then the back time the Chiefs in
christ Church. They have the Wartas away where they lost
the Warhorse twice last year. The Brumbie is away to finish,
so it's a tricky run home for the Crusaders. And
(42:26):
I don't think suggestions of being the top two lockedow
in Chrestry Say is final. I think it's far too
premature because I think the team, like the Brumbies, is
going to have a lot to say about that, and
maybe some of those other teams that around the outside
looking in.
Speaker 5 (42:41):
Yeah, I think this Crusaders still have a lot to
prove this year. They've been a wee bit Rocks and
Diamonds had some good wins, but as Rob Penny said,
they've been a bit schizophrenic at times as well, and
I agree, I don't think that top two is locked in.
And I also think that a team like the Blues,
if they sneak in that top six, you do not
(43:02):
want to be playing the Blues in the finals.
Speaker 2 (43:04):
No you don't. So even if you do have home advantage.
Speaker 5 (43:07):
That's a long way from a foregone conclusion. This COLMP
and we've seen that throughout the whole year.
Speaker 3 (43:12):
Certainly have right Thet's take a quick break here on
rugby to come back and wrap up the podcast after this.
Speaker 1 (43:17):
This is Rugby Direct, a podcast for real rugby fares.
Speaker 2 (43:24):
Every try try tends sixty sec. Every tackle tackle Get
up again, I take him afore time.
Speaker 4 (43:32):
It's Rugby Direct.
Speaker 3 (43:35):
You're back with Rugby Direct, power by friend zad Habit
Health time out to get into our tipping and look,
you've gained a point on me Liam this week.
Speaker 2 (43:45):
This is next Step City Man.
Speaker 3 (43:47):
Yeah, de pick the Force, but luckily for you, half
a point from that one because it was a drawer.
He also picked the drawer Crusaders Chiefs. We both miss
out on Moana. I had the Crusaders, the Tars, mo
Wana Chiefs and Caine. So I lead thirty two and
a half to twenty six.
Speaker 2 (44:03):
And a half.
Speaker 5 (44:04):
Plenty of time left yet, mate, is there? I've always
been a long distance.
Speaker 3 (44:11):
Well should us what you've got, Sam Ruth, because this
is the Anzac round Chiefs and Force in Mount mong
and Nui on Friday nights.
Speaker 5 (44:22):
Well, I love the last post, Elliott. So this is
where I really come to. The four Chiefs won that.
Speaker 3 (44:28):
Yeah, I can't see the Chiefs not winning that Red
toasting the Blues. The tap has them at a dol
already seven each looks about right. Blues Ire and the
Reds are gonna tip them up there and get the win.
Speaker 2 (44:41):
Moana against the drawer.
Speaker 4 (44:43):
Albany Rd be back for that Mona.
Speaker 2 (44:46):
Yeah, I think ma Wana as well.
Speaker 3 (44:48):
Highland is hosting the Crusaders in Dunedin Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (44:53):
Lucky you have to go the Staters, don't you.
Speaker 2 (44:55):
I think so. I think the game could be trickier
than it looks on paper. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (44:58):
Southern Derby inspies typically the best Jamie Joseph will be
have some stirring renditions and words and tails, and I'm
sure they'll get a few former legends and those sorts
of things.
Speaker 3 (45:10):
Hardie Tony Brown's plays like No. Nine with the Crusaders
beat them in the final. Bring back Mitch Hunt for
a game for which side? For which side? For the
team he put the forty one meter drop goal against.
Speaker 4 (45:22):
Yeah, he's done it both.
Speaker 2 (45:24):
He is.
Speaker 3 (45:25):
Brumbies Hurricanes rounds us out in Canberra on Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (45:30):
I think you're probably yeah Brumbies.
Speaker 3 (45:33):
Yeah, the Brumbies as well. I think too good at
home behind Hurricanes have a great record there.
Speaker 2 (45:39):
In recent times.
Speaker 4 (45:40):
N it's a tough place to go.
Speaker 3 (45:41):
It is indeed right time for our three two ones
this weekend. Christian Leo Willie gets my three points, very
very good for the Crusaders on Friday night and just
putting himself further there all that conversation, calm down, he was,
he trained with them last year.
Speaker 5 (45:56):
We had enough of this Crusaders by top Reggie in
a minute two points quins a fire good for the
Chiefs again and one goes Flitch and you'll not often
you see prop go eighty minutes integral right at the
end as they smash the blue scrum.
Speaker 2 (46:14):
He gets my one point, Liam Ews.
Speaker 5 (46:16):
Please the point is actually I think Angus Tarval went
seventy five.
Speaker 4 (46:20):
Yeah, it's a big shift for a.
Speaker 3 (46:22):
Couple of rookie props coming on at the end and
need to cost them and the injuries can't help. But
he didn't help the Blues.
Speaker 4 (46:27):
Yes, I'm going to give three to Hoskins.
Speaker 2 (46:30):
Okay, just as the pass or and just.
Speaker 5 (46:33):
No, no, no, he was highly involved and just to
keep Christian Leo really cancels it out right, I'll give
him two, but you know, just just pop down, pop down.
And I'm going to give one to came Roy Gaz.
I thought he snipe, tried hard for the Hurricanes. He's
still not playing as not at his best, no, but
(46:57):
doing his best in a struggling team.
Speaker 3 (46:59):
We'll see how they get on this week in Camberley.
I think he was always welcome. Great to having back
on the podcast. We were back again next week. We're
our friends at Habit Health Techling well your aches and
pains from sport and work out.
Speaker 2 (47:08):
Thanks to Last and Bars English, and we'll see you
next week.
Speaker 1 (47:14):
For more from News Talk sed B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
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