Rugby Direct

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier take a look at the All Blacks' 31-27 win over France in Dunedin to open the year and discuss whether it was underwhelming or whether France's so-called 'B-team' deserve more respect than they'd been given. We discuss the big key moments of the game, where it was won and what changes, both personnel and tactically wise, are required for game two in Wellington. We also sweep up the world of rugby news and returning All Blacks second-five Jordie Barrett chats with Liam about his time in Leinster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the opening All Blacks test of 2025 against France in Dunedin and speculate on what a couple of injury withdrawals might mean for the make up of the first test side. We also assess what to expect from France across the series and if you can really prepare for a side with so few international caps between them. We also dig into the opening British and Irish Lions game, the Maori All Blacks big win over Japan and Moana Pasifika's funding woes and how that might affect their future in Super RugbySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend we've got a bonus episode for you in the Rugby Direct feed - The new podcast 'Rivals' from Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield. Episodes are released every Thursday, and a perfect complement for Rugby Direct. Follow the podcast on iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts: Rivals | iHeart The Wallabies refusing to release their top players for the British & Irish Lions’ tour games against Super Rugby teams... smart long game or a mistake? This week on Rugby Rivals, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan go head-to-head on:– Joe Schmidt and Wallabies’ strategy– Argentina's form vs. the Lions– Damian McKenzie’s form, still world class or slipping?– Razor’s All Blacks picks, and who missed out!– Rassie’s bold youth call for the Springboks New episodes weekly with top-tier rugby analysis from both sides of the globe. Hit subscribe for more, find the audio-only episodes on all podcast apps by searching for 'Rugby Rivals'!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, it's a bumper edition of the podcast as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the first All Blacks squad of 2025 - who's in and who's out - and who should be there that isn't. Rugby Direct speaks to All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and forwards coach Jason Ryan to dive into the key selections and their plans for 2025. We also review the Super Rugby final as the Crusaders hoisted the trophy again and ask why the Chiefs are unable to convert their bridesmaid tag into a title. And we look at former coach Ian Foster's new book - and Liam responds to being written about in the autobiography. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the Super Rugby semi-finals and assess the way the Crusaders and Chiefs were able to get there in contrasting fashion. We look ahead to this week's final and discuss who has more to gain or lose by winning this weekend. We also select our prospective 35-man squads for the All Blacks test series against France, a week out from the real squad being named and drill down into who the new faces might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to the breaking news of Mark Robinson's impending departure as the chief executive of New Zealand and reflect on how he will be remembered and where to next. We also wrap the week that was in a dramatic Super Rugby playoff round, with the Hurricanes gone and the Blues keeping their season alive but flipping the run to the trophy on its head. We also examine the mooted R360 franchise concept and pay our respects to All Blacks great Stu Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the last round of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season and assess the top 6 sides left standing. We review Moana Pasifika's breakout season and look over to Japan as Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell taste further success over there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap up the penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific - as the Chiefs make a statement against Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes and Crusaders take contrasting wins with eight teams left standing in the playoff race. We also dissect the Black Ferns' big win over the USA and assess the impact of the Sevens stars, offer some thoughts on the All Blacks mix and dish out some MVP votes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier reflect on Ardie Savea's standout game that inspired Moana Pasifika to their first victory over the Blues in a compelling Super Rugby Round 14 fixture and whether the man should be All Blacks skipper, along with wrapping the rest of the round. We also discuss the Black Ferns against Canada, the state of world sevens and we're also joined by injured Blues lock Sam Darry for a feature chat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review a big weekend of Super Rugby with the Chiefs storming back to beat the Crusaders in Christchurch to move clear at the top of the table, while the Blues continue their playoff charge with a win over the Drua in Fiji. We also recap a bumper week for rugby news, with the Black Ferns and New Zealand Under-20 sides taking big wins, the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia is named and NZR post a big financial loss. And recently retired Blues midfielder Bryce Heem joins the podcast for an extended chat to look back at his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley wrap up round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific, in which the Hurricanes made a major statement and the Blues and Moana Pasifika kept on the tail of the playoff chase. We also discuss some major changes to the World Sevens Series and some big omissions from the first Black Ferns playing squad of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the week in Super Rugby and ask the vital questions, like whether the 'Cane Train' is back on the tracks with a win over the Brumbies in Canberra, whether the Blues have run their race in 2025 and can anyone stop a Chiefs-Crusaders final. We also delve into Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's return to the Black Ferns and whether she can be the catalyst for World Cup success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith is joined by Gold Sport's Crusaders commentator Nick Bewley with Liam on sabbatical to dissect a busy weekend of action. We discuss the Super Rugby Aupiki final, with the Blues defending their title before digging into the weekend of Super Rugby men's action that leaves the Crusaders top of the table and the Blues beginning to find some form. We also discuss whether Joey Manu will land in Super Rugby and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into the big topics of the week in rugby, beginning with Liam's quick trip to Suva to experience his first Drua home game and the Crusaders' drought-breaking win there, along with the other games in round 8 that included another win for Moana Pasifika and the Chiefs and Blues picking up victories. We also discuss how the talent in NZ Rugby can be spread more widely, the Super Rugby Aupiki final this weekend and the doomed ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup test concept in Perth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to the breaking news around Damian McKenzie's re-signing and what the deal means for both himself and the All Blacks over the coming years. We also look back at round seven of Super Rugby Pacific as Moana Pasifika pull off the upset of the season against the Crusaders, while the Hurricanes give the Waratahs a reality check and put the competition on notice. We also delve into the thorny stadium saga in Auckland and the impact on rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to the breaking news around Damian McKenzie's re-signing and what the deal means for both himself and the All Blacks over the coming years. We also look back at round seven of Super Rugby Pacific as Moana Pasifika pull off the upset of the season against the Crusaders, while the Hurricanes give the Waratahs a reality check and put the competition on notice. We also delve into the thorny stadium saga in Auckland and the impact on rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the Crusaders' big win over the Blues - and dig further into just why the latter are struggling so bad in their title defence. We wrap the rest of round 6 in Super Rugby and also pose a few questions around international eligibility as well as the prospect of who Ian Foster might pick for the combined Australia-NZ team he's picking to face the British and Irish Lions in July.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are joined by NZR CEO Mark Robinson and All Blacks head coach Scott 'Razor' Robertson for an exclusive and extended interview. They update us on all the big rugby issues and state of the game, including their stance on eligibility, broadcast and sponsorship, the upcoming international rugby calendar and what success looks like in 2025. Plus, what talent are catching their eyes in Super Rugby.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into round five of Super Rugby as the Blues lose again and the Chiefs continue their position at the top of the table. We debate Du'Plessis Kirifi's incredible form and discuss where he is in the All Blacks pecking order, as well as the Six Nations wash-up from the end of the competition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap another compelling round of Super Rugby - and ask if it's time to panic at the Blues after another defeat in their title defence. We celebrate Moana Pasifika's stunning win over the Hurricanes, and are the Crusaders here to rescue New Zealand rugby again? Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley checks in for an update on the opening month - we also dig into the Dupont drama in the Six Nations, the Fijian Drua treatment while in New Zealand - and while their men's team may be in trouble, the Blues women are making a compelling case in Super Rugby Aupiki. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the latest round of Super Rugby as the Blues finally get on the board, the Chiefs continue their form and Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders play out an odd game in Albany. We also look at the latest in broadcast negotiations for New Zealand Rugby, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan's pending departure and who should replace him and the men's Sevens programme floundering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, with Liam away in Saudi Arabia, Elliott Smith is joined by Nick Bewley standing in to look back at week two of Super Rugby as the Chiefs assert their title favourites tag with a thumping win over the Crusaders and the Highlanders consign the defending champion Blues to another loss - we chat all of that and everything in between in Super Rugby. We also preview Super Rugby Aupiki starting this weekend with Black Ferns legend Kendra Cocksedge, pay tribute to Michaela Brake after she claimed the World Series try-scoring record and run the rule over the Fantasy landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier run their eye over the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific - is the competition officially 'back'. We assess the Blues' surprise capitulation against the Chiefs and address the Crusaders' come from behind effort to dismiss the Hurricanes in Christchurch, as well as the other games in the opening round. We also delve into the NZR/INEOS situation and look at the possible replacements for Warren Gatland as Wales' coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back in the studio for 2025 and not a moment too soon as we reflect on the major rugby issues over the summer break including Joe Schmidt's confirmed impending departure as Wallabies coach, Richie Mo'unga not returning to New Zealand Rugby as early as hoped, the Six Nations in full swing and the TJ Perenara haka developments. We also preview the Super Rugby season, the likely contenders for the title and the big improvers ahead of Friday night's season start, as well as speak to competition CEO Jack Mesley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap up the 2024 All Blacks season and hand out some awards from the campaign and get out their red pens and mark the season that was. We dig into the eligibility saga as it continues to rage around New Zealand rugby, ask whether Joe Schmidt will stay in charge of the Wallabies beyond the Lions series and also flag a potential job he could take up if not and give our thoughts on the Sevu Reece saga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (in Turin) and Liam Napier review the All Blacks' 1-point loss to France in Paris and how the defeat changes the complexion of the end of year tour. We also look ahead to the final test of the year against Italy and consider the likely make-up of the 23. We also talk the news of Harry Plummer's impending departure from New Zealand Rugby, the continued noise about a F1/LIV Golf style rugby breakaway tournament and World Rugby Award nominees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith in Paris and Liam Napier discuss the All Blacks' win over (now former) world number ones Ireland in Dublin - what it means in both the context of the tour and the year and how they managed to wear down Ireland. We also look ahead to the penultimate test of 2024 against France this weekend and ponder some selection headaches for the selectors. We also wrap up the rest of the weekend in the end of year internationals and dive into the Super Rugby squads revealed today - the big surprises and transfers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith in Dublin is joined by Liam Napier to reflect on the All Blacks' tight win over England at Twickenham and we break down the performance - the good and the bad. We also look ahead to Ireland and the remainder of this weekend's test matches as the end of year internationals ramp up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the All Blacks win over Japan in Yokohama and look ahead to Sunday morning's big test against England, we also review the NPC final and sit down with New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson in London to chat some of the burning issues in the sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith dials in from Tokyo to run through with Liam Napier the All Blacks team named for Saturday's test against Japan in Yokohama and what it means for the rest of the tour. We also preview the NPC final, discuss Rugby Sevens being given the heave-ho from the pared-back 2026 Commonwealth Games and big moves in the commercial arm of NZ Rugby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier recap all the big news of the rugby world from the last fortnight - beginning with the All Blacks and All Blacks XV squads selected for tours north - who were the unlucky ones that missed out and who can count themselves lucky to be there? We review the Black Ferns' WXV1 campaign and assess their stocks a year out from the Rugby World Cup in England, as well as look at the NPC with the final four now set.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the second Bledisloe Cup test in Wellington with the All Blacks beating Australia and ending the 'Capital Curse'. We review the Rugby Championship as a whole, dish up some awards and look ahead to the end of year tour and what big calls the ABs selectors will have to make. We also ask if there is a Crusaders bias in the All Blacks and cover off some interesting news out of Johnny Sexton's new book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney - and how the All Blacks nearly let what was heading for a comfortable win turn into a nervy defeat. We again try to answer what is going wrong in the last 20 minutes of test matches and what changes might be in the offing for Wellington. We run through a controversial ANZAC rugby side of the professional era, as well as look back at Sam Cane's test career ahead of his probable 100th match this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Sydney this week for the opening Bledisloe Cup and in a crossover special, stopped by the ESPN Scrum Reset podcast studios to count down to Saturday’s match with Aussie rugby journos Sam Bruce and Christy Doran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Sydney and celebrate touching down by jumping straight into a podcast. They discuss the Bledisloe Cup test this weekend between the Wallabies and All Blacks and whether the Australians have a show, and what the All Blacks strategy is around blooding new talent. Also on the podcast, a look back at the Black Ferns v England, Super Rugby format changes and the Ranfurly Shield stays in Tasman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess another All Blacks' defeat to the Springboks, this time in Cape Town as opportunities go begging. We ask what are the reasons for the All Blacks being unable to put away the 'Boks and what is missing from the side at the moment. We also dig into further information around a 2026 tour of South Africa by the All Blacks, the possible ANZAC Day match against the Wallabies and chat the Ranfurly Shield changing hands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, ZB's own Elliott Smith reviews the first All Blacks v Springboks test and unpacks what went wrong towards the second half the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott's landed in Johannesburg and he and Liam assess the stunning news that Leon MacDonald has quit the All Blacks coaching staff after just five tests. Elliott and Liam also offer some thoughts on where the first test between the All Blacks and Springboks will be won and lost, as well as the latest in the NPC and FPC. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the All Blacks' comeback victory over Argentina at Eden Park - and whether or not the team is ready to face off against South Africa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the All Blacks' stunning defeat against Argentina in Wellington and dig into how it happened and what needs to be changed for the rematch against Los Pumas at Eden Park this weekend. We also put some perspective into the reason behind so many empty seats at Sky Stadium. We also pick through the highlights of the opening round of the NPC and Farah Palmer Cup, the Springboks win over the Wallabies and Twickenham's surprising name change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return from a week off to talk the Black Ferns Sevens' gold medal in Paris and how to try and solve the men's Sevens issues at the Olympics. We dig into the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship ahead of this weekend's test against Argentina, debate some contract news for the All Blacks and ask the question... is Antoine Dupont the GOAT? Plus plenty more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss Ardie Savea's bombshell Super Rugby switch from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika and the implications for him as well as both franchises before we dig into the All Blacks third test of the year against Fiji in San Diego. We also rank the All Blacks halfbacks, discuss the chances of gold medals for the sevens sides at the Olympics and whether the NZ U20s finishing third is a positive result, as well as an assessment of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and Japan coach Eddie Jones' starts to their tenures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the second test against England and discuss the All Blacks' game plan - or seeming lack thereof, as well as the impact of Beauden Barrett, line-out struggles and how they might line up against Fiji in San Diego.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess the first All Blacks' test of the 'new era' and a tight win over England under the roof in Dunedin. We assess who stood out and where the improvements will need to be made for the second test in Auckland on Saturday. We also run the rule over the other test matches around the globe over the weekend and reveal some battle scars of our own from Dunedin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier put forward their arguments for the first All Blacks team of the year and how the first test against England will be won and lost. We also hear from England coach Steve Borthwick and assess the standouts from the Maori All Blacks first hitout under new coach Ross Filipo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Christchurch following the All Blacks squad announcement and reflect on the five new names in the squad of 32, as well as the big omissions from the group including Hoskins Sotutu and Ruben Love. We also hear from All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan and uncapped prop Pasilio Tosi. We also dig into a dominant Blues performance in the Super Rugby final against the Chiefs, that ended their 24 year drought.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the Super Rugby semi-finals as the Blues and Chiefs advance to Saturday night's decider, at the expense of the Brumbies and top-seeded Hurricanes. We also chat with Kevin Malloy, the Super Rugby Pacific board chair to review the season and discuss the future shape of the competition. And with the All Blacks squad days away from being named, we give our respective 32-man squads we think will be named next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess the four Super Rugby quarter-finals from the weekend and say farewell to the Rebels (for good) and the Highlanders, Drua and Reds for this season. We also look ahead to the semis and assess what Patrick Tuipulotu's injury means for the All Blacks this year, as well as reflect on the departure of Akira Ioane to Japan after this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap a big week of rugby, beginning with the final round of the Super Rugby regular season and the quarter-finalists being set and the Crusaders missing the top 8 for the first time since 2015. We also dig deep into the news the Melbourne Rebels will be axed at the conclusion of their current campaign, while NZR's governance has come and gone and there are still a lot of questions left unanswered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.