Rugby Direct

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's All Blacks commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald chief sports writer) discuss the All Blacks 42-19 win over Ireland to go 1-nil up in the series heading to Dunedin this week.We breakdown the ways the All Blacks were able to attack, offering Ireland something unexpected with their play with ball in hand that they didn't see last November and also showing some committed goalline defence.They also ponder what it will take for Ireland to level the series this week, how that might be achieved and whether the All Blacks will look to blood any further new players 'under the roof'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's All Blacks commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald rugby writer) react to a hectic 48 hours of news from the All Blacks camp - with six down with Covid including three members of the coaching staff.We discuss how that might affect the planning for Saturday's match and the make-up of the side, while Joe Schmidt has been called in as an extra voice for the All Blacks in the absence of Foster, John Plumtree and Scott McLeod. What Irish state secrets will be able to provide an insight into?Elliott and Liam also discuss Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and whether Havili and Goodhue's absence means he will get a call-up for the first test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (Chief Sports Writer at the NZ Herald) break down the Crusaders' emphatic Super Rugby Pacific grand final win over the Blues at Eden Park.The guys discuss the Crusaders' ability to play grand final footy, to suffocate the Blues and turn the hosts' lineout inside out with incredible regularity.For this final time this season, the guys dish out their MVP points and crown the highly prestigious and inaugural Rugby Direct Medal.In addition, the guys give their thumbs up or down to the Super Rugby season as a whole, review the Black Ferns Pac4 series and look ahead to the All Blacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, we go one-on-one with All Blacks coach Ian Foster about the 36-man squad named for the three-test series against Ireland and discuss the key talking points of his squad including the six new caps, the exclusion of TJ Perenara and Brad Weber at halfback and other key discussion points with Ireland on the horizon.Liam Napier joins to dissect the squad and where the strengths and weaknesses lie, as well as look ahead to a small matter of a Blues and Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct:Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals that went exactly to the formbook, at least on the scoreboard but who impressed and who left the guys a bit cold even in progressing through to the last four.With the Highlanders and Hurricanes signing off for the year, we also review where it went wrong (and right in some areas) for them this year and where both sides need to improve if they're to be contenders for next year.We also outline what we want to see from the Black Ferns as they return to the park for the Pac-Four series against Australia, Canada and the USA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier debate the final round of Super Rugby Pacific before the playoffs, including the race for the eighth spot eventually won by the Highlanders.We wave farewell to the Drua and Moana Pasifika (as well as the Rebels and Force) and assess the two maiden campaigns from the Pacific expansion sides and where they need to improve on next year.The guys debate what the Blues need to fix as they try and convert their top seeding into a title, while also ponder a controversial non-red card from the weekend and ask whether Pablo Matera got away with one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this weekend’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith is joined by Liam Napier, who returns from watching the other code in Brisbane to help analyse week 14 of Super Rugby Pacific, the penultimate round before the playoffs which saw big wins for three kiwi-based sides and a narrow win and narrow losses for a couple of others.Elliott and Liam dish out the usual MVP points and tipping, as well as ponder the merits of the current playoff structure, whether an Australian side is capable of going all the way and winning the competition and also assess the first seasons of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika as they prepare to wrap their inaugural seasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and special guest Christopher Reive from the New Zealand Herald (@ChrisReive) break down the weekend of rugby that was from Super Rugby Pacific, as the Kiwi sides went 5-nil over their Australian opponents, along with a feisty Pacific derby in Sydney.Elliott and Christopher also discuss the growing reputation of Stephen Perofeta and whether an All Blacks jersey awaits him in the July series against Ireland, as well as pondering on the back of a kiwi sweep over the weekend whether the Australians have really closed the gap or if it was all bluster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review week 12 of Super Rugby - as the Brumbies continued on their merry way against New Zealand sides with a win over the Chiefs in Hamilton, while the Highlanders sneaked a close one against the Reds.There were comprehensive wins for the other New Zealand sides, so we debate whether the chatter about the gap closing was misguided last week.Stephen Perofeta continues to look classy in the Blues line-up whether at 10/15 so we debate how far away he might be from an All Blacks jersey this year, and also consider what the Highlanders should be looking for in a new head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam discuss what amounted to a poor round for the New Zealand sides - even the ones that banked full competition points. A one-off or have Australia found their mojo in Super Rugby Pacific?The guys debate whether the Crusaders empire is crumbling after a recent-record of three defeats this year, while the fortunes and selections of the Hurricanes continue to confound - will they settle on a first choice squad at any point this year?Elliott and Liam also find a way to dish out some MVP points from a round where it was much easier to spot top Australian performers than Kiwis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier evaluate the Super Round in Melbourne and ask if it was really Super or if it was shoddy, with the scoreline at 4-1 after the weekend.The Highlanders lose to the Brumbies and while they're still in the mix for the playoffs, Elliott and Liam debate where this team is going and whether Tony Brown is the right man to take the team forward.Liam and Elliott also discuss what Roger Tuivasa-Sheck needs to do to make the All Blacks this year and whether time is running out...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this weekend’s edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier take the temperature of Super Rugby after the last round of all-New Zealand matches, with the Blues finally winning in Christchurch for the first time since 2004 in a thriller against the Crusaders, while the Hurricanes hold on in a bit of controversy against the Highlanders. Elliott and Liam discuss the red-cards issued over the weekend and ask whether the subsequent punishments from the judiciary are too lenient, as well as whether there’s any chance of an Australian victor in Super Rugby Pacific.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam debate the weekend’s big rugby issues – primarily the closing moments of the Hurricanes v Crusaders game, which saw a chance at golden point turned down... and a penalty denied by the referee. Were the ‘Canes in the right by taking the kick for the corner? The guys also debate the Blues’ crushing win over the Chiefs and the Highlanders finally get on the board, but is it too little to late in the playoff run?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the weekend’s rugby issues and debate the red cards that were dished out including the most contentious one – supposedly – to Caleb Clarke. The Crusaders ensure it’s another winless week for the Highlanders, but only just and debate whether Jordie Barrett’s switch to 12 has long-term merit after his return to the role in the Hurricanes’ loss to the Chiefs. Oh and Tiger Woods gets a mention too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.