Rugby Direct

Elliott and Liam are back for another week of rugby discussion - with the big win for Moana Pasifika dominating discussion - the win no-one saw coming, while the Crusaders underline their title credentials with a bounce-back win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.The guys also update the MVP race, while we debate Beauden Barrett's latest head knock, whether the crowds were good for two days notice or not and the addition of some star power to the Black Ferns staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam debate the key talking points from the weekend – including the completion of the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki competition, as well as France winning the Six Nations but Italy almost stealing the limelight and the guys dish out their MVP points for the weekend just been of Super Rugby Pacific, after a making an urgent rewrite to the competition rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New frontrunners?Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald chiefs sports writer) review the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific, with the Blues coming from behind to beat the Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium and the Chiefs make a real statement in knocking off the Crusaders in Christchurch.They also review the opening game of Super Rugby Aupiki and cram in plenty of rugby discussion on the Six Nations, Gayle Broughton's shock retirement and how Covid might continue to impact the NZ Rugby scene.In addition, a health of dose of MVP table updates - with one name on the charge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of NZME's rugby podcast, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald rugby writer) debate the third round of Super Rugby Pacific and give some much deserved plaudits to Moana Pasifika and eat a little bit of humble pie while doing so.The Blues escape against the Chiefs and the Hurricanes get the job done against the Highlanders who are still searching for their first win.Elliott and Liam also update the race for the Rugby Direct MVP voting - Will Jordan had the week off and a new contender has emerged for the throne, while the tipping race has also been - tipped - on its head.And the guys debate who'll win Super Rugby Aupiki and whether Mark Robinson's pilgrimage north will result in a global nations championship and a world club championship or if it's still pie-in-the-sky stuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week two of Super Rugby Pacific is in the books, the Crusaders have two wins and the Blues should have had one but they don't and the Hurricanes do instead.Elliott and Liam discuss how on earth the Blues blew it and what the Hurricanes did to spark themselves back into life.Plus we reflect on the two sad deaths in NZ rugby last week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific - with a big look at the opening run-arounds for the Kiwi sides.The Chiefs were too good for the Highlanders and the Crusaders dodged the Hurricanes under the roof in Dunedin.The guys also offer their votes for the Rugby Direct MVP and ask what can we expect from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in his season debut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the late-breaking news of the Silver Lake deal with NZR, as well as take a look at how it might change New Zealand Rugby. And on the doorstep to the new Super Rugby season, we assess the fortunes of the sides in action this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott catches up with the man behind the Raeburn and Utrecht Shields - mythical rugby trophies that don't exist but perhaps should.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith catches up with Michelle Hooper, tournament director of the 2021 Rugby World Cup - to be played in 2022 - and discusses her vision for the tournament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith catches up with Liam Napier to wrap the 2021 year of rugbySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk the eligibility changes to World Rugby and preview Heartland XV v New Zealand Baabaas, with the man who'll be going up against Warren Gatland in the coaching booth - Nigel Walsh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Napier and Elliott discuss the All Blacks' poor run to finish the 2021 season and ask if it's a blip or something more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast:Former All Blacks halfback Ant Strachan discusses the loss to Ireland and what can be fixed in time for France, while Ross Filipo joins us to discuss the homecoming for Waikato ahead of the Bunnings NPC final this weekend against Tasman and Moana Pasifika's Kevin Senio reacts to the Super Rugby Pacific draw for 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast:Honey Hireme-Smiler, aka the women's rugby GOAT, joins us to discuss the Black Ferns wallopings at the hands of England and we ask, what can be done to fix it.Beauden Barrett joins us to discuss the All Blacks v Ireland, Johnny Sexton, the party after his 100th at his folks' place and his verdict on Taranaki's Bunnings NPC form.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chat the All Blacks' big win over Wales and the Black Ferns' big defeat to England with Sky's Tony Johnson, while German-born Anton Segner joins us to discuss his signing with the Blues.Tasman's form in the Bunnings' NPC this year and his hopes of becoming an All Black.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of the podcast, we review the 104-14 mauling dished out by the All Blacks to the United States and try to get some benefit from it.Aaron Mauger coach of Moana Pasifika joins us for an extended interview on his vision for the team and Elliott laments Canterbury's fall from grace in the NPC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We pay tribute to Sean Wainui after his tragic passing, while former Crusaders playmaker Steve Brett - now USA Eagles assistant coach - joins the podcast to talk us through his journey and preview the All Blacks test this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this weeks podcast, Waikato Farah Palmer Cup coach James Semple and the lofty goals for his coaching future and it's a busy week (again!) of NPC news and matches.Newstalk ZB commentator Malcolm Jordan opines on why Hawke's Bay's have been able to hold onto the Ranfurly ShieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast we break down all the rugby over the weekend, including the close loss to the Springboks.We talk to All Blacks coach Ian Foster about his decision to name Josh Lord for the All Blacks end of year tour, we also get an opinion from Taranaki coach Neil Barnes, and lastly we get Josh's thoughts first hand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith gives you everything you need to know for the weekend of rugby including the latest out of the All Blacks camp ahead of the 100th test against South Africa, as well as a look at some intriguing new rugby rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast we analyse all the rugby that happened over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast we preview everything you need to know ahead of this weekend of rugby - the second All Blacks test v Argentina, and domestic rugby restarting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of the podcast, we chat with All Blacks number eight Luke Jacobson and analyse the 39-nil win over Argentina and ask where to this week for the All Blacks?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this weeks podcast, we hear from All Blacks coach Ian Foster, returning All Black Joe Moody and Argentina captain Julian Montoya on this week's show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this second 'emergency' episode of Rugby Direct, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith talks with Ian Foster on his 2 year contract with the All Blacks.Also questions to Mark Robinson and SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this emergency episode of Rugby Direct, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith discusses the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand and the impact it has on the All Blacks moving forward.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode six of Rugby Direct, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith catches up with NZ Herald sports journalist Liam Napier about the upcoming Bledisloe cup clash.All Black Jordie Barrett shares his expectations of the Wallabies this weekend and touches on the All Blacks previous Bledisloe performance.With the first Ranfurly Shield challenge looming Otago coach Tom Donnelly talks his teams long term goals for the season.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode five of Rugby Direct, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith sits down with All Blacks Dane Coles and Aaron Smith ahead of 2021's first battle for the Bledisloe.Wallabies captain Michael Hooper discusses his views on the decision to drop some of his team mates from the test match due to drinking past their curfew.Former All Black and Auckland assistant coach Steve Bates talks the final game of the Bunnings NPC: Auckland vs Canterbury.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode four of Rugby Direct, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith sits down with Blues and All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu after re-signing with NZ Rugby; former All Black Waisake Naholo has signed on with Canterbury for the Bunnings NPC; the All Blacks 7s team are on their way to the Olympics and we preview the first test between the Lions and Springboks.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode three of Rugby Direct, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith looks at what the All Blacks need to improve on for game two against Fiji with commentator Willie Lose; we hear from rising All Blacks star Will Jordan and talk to Canterbury captain Alana Bremner ahead of the opening round of Farah Palmer Cup.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode two of our brand new rugby podcast, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith previews the All Blacks' first test against Fiji with former All Black Paul Miller, we hear from All Black coach Ian Foster and take a look at the shambles that is the Lions tour of South Africa.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode one of our brand new rugby podcast, Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith is joined by NZ Herald rugby writer Liam Napier as they look at the first test of the All Blacks 2021 season against Tonga, and Elliott sits down with new All Black Quinn Tupaea.Listen to commentary of every All Blacks test in 2021 on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM or via iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world.Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion. Rugby Direct - powered by Newstalk ZBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.