Rugby Direct

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napierdiscuss the All Blacks' comeback victory over Argentina at Eden Park - and whether or not the team is ready to face off against South Africa.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the crunch governance vote that will shape New Zealand Rugby, assess the fortunes of the Black Ferns and wrap up the penultimate round of Super Rugby.

We also dive into the new reports around the Springboks-All Blacks tours from 2026 and look back at a wild week for Rob Penney.

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Elliott and Liam catch up with legendary All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith on a range of topics after the completion of his first season playing for Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.

We reflect on Aaron's All Blacks career, his first season in Japan, the successors to him at halfback for the All Blacks, the continuing eligibility saga in New Zealand Rugby and the special plan he has for some of his jersey collection.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the news around Sam Cane's departure from New Zealand Rugby after this year and who leads the race to be both captain and openside flanker for the All Blacks in 2024.

We dig into the weekend that was in Super Rugby, with the Blues taking another step towards top seeding and we analyse a shock Black Ferns defeat to Canada.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier run through the reaction from their interview with Chris Lendrum, specifically the desire to bring Richie Mo'unga back to new Zealand Rugby sooner rather than later.

We dig into the Blues going top of the ladder after denying the Hurricanes at Eden Park, as well as more questions on the Crusaders front after the Highlanders taught them a lesson or two under the roof in Dunedin.

We also dig into the Black Ferns and New Zealand under-20s posting impressive victories.

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On a special edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier catch up with New Zealand Rugby's general manager - professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum, canvassing a range of rugby topics.

We delve into how his job has changed over time, sabbaticals and whether contracting is working the right way for New Zealand rugby, whether players will be selected from offshore in the next while, the future of Super Rugby and NPC, the Olympics and plenty more across nearly an hour.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam discuss the latest in Super Rugby as the Hurricanes bounce back, the Blues find their way late against the Rebels and the Crusaders sink again, this time to the Reds.

We also dig into talk of the Qataris investing into rugby's new Nations Cup and ponder the future of the Melbourne Rebels following another twist in the sorry saga.

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On Rugby Direct this week, Elliott and Liam debate whether the Hurricanes are still the Super Rugby favourites after their loss to the Brumbies, or whether the Blues now have claims to that title.

The Crusaders are back... or so Elliott claims, while we dive in-depth to talk about the Highlanders vs Force.

Liam also breaks some news around the Melbourne Rebels' future and debate whether an ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup test would work.

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This week on Rugby Direct, we review the round that was in Super Rugby as the Hurricanes and Blues continue to soar and the Crusaders and Highlanders flop towards the bottom of the ladder after heavy defeats.

Liam and Elliott put their selection hats on and pick 33-man All Blacks squads for the July tests, if they were to be named this week.

We also dig a little deeper on the Crusaders' recruitment and future proofing, as well as discussing the union switch of Joey Manu and if he'll find success in the 15-man game.

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On the latest episode, Elliott and Liam ask... can anyone stop the Hurricanes this year? They review their win over the Chiefs as well as the other sometimes confounding results of week eight of Super Rugby Pacific.

We also dive into the Super Rugby Aupiki final and ask about the future of the competition, as well as a whip around of the week's other big news including the Club World Cup on the verge of confirmation, coaching movements abound and the news of Blues forward Cameron Suafoa's cancer battle.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam review big wins for the Blues and Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific, discuss the impending departures of Fergus Burky and possibly Josh Moorby and hail the success of the All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens after winning the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens.

We also catch up with Black Ferns 15s assistant coach Steve Jackson to talk the Aupiki season to date and what he and the fellow coaches are looking for ahead of their first squad being named later this month.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam discuss the big breaking news that former All Blacks scrum doctor Mike Cron is joining Joe Schmidt's Wallabies coach and ask whether NZ Rugby should be worried.

We dig into Cam Roigard's likely lengthy sidelining through a knee injury and ask whether the Crusaders are back.

And we break down the governance issues plaguing NZR.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into round five of Super Rugby Pacific as the Hurricanes continue to surge, the Chiefs and Blues bank important wins and the Crusaders continue to crumble.

All Blacks legend Jeff Wilson also stops by for a chat to review the opening month and a half while we also talk the prospect of Sam Whitelock returning to the All Blacks in 2024 out of France.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the fourth round of Super Rugby Pacific, which has seen the Hurricanes continue their unbeaten run and the Crusaders continue their winless streak.

We review the Six Nations and cast an eye to the England tour of New Zealand later this year and where their strengths might lie.

And we discuss the news of the late Billy Guyton's CTE diagnosis and ask... where to for rugby?

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier take a look at the Hurricanes being unbeaten in Super Rugby Pacific and the Crusaders yet to nab a win, Ireland lose in the Six Nations and Italy wins away at home for the first time in a long time.

We also stick our oar into the Hurricanes Poua haka saga which has dominated headlines for the past week.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam review Super Round in Melbourne, with three teams still unbeaten after the opening two weeks of the competition.

We ask if the Crusaders decline is anything other than to be expected and also discuss the news the Jaguares may be returning to Super Rugby Pacific after a five-year absence.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific and discuss the so-called mouth-guard controversy which has become a major talking point from the first weekend.

We also take a look at the Six Nations.

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On this special edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier sit down with New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson to discuss a wide range of issues facing rugby, including the Shape of the Game, Super Rugby's future, NRL rivalry, the provincial unions, Rugby Championship's future, women's rugby and more.

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On the first Rugby Direct for 2024, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier begin by looking back at a mega off-season of rugby news - from Joe Schmidt's appointment to the Wallabies to the glut of rugby documentaries and the start of Six Nations.

We also look ahead to the Super Rugby Pacific season starting Friday with a deep dive into every New Zealand side.

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In the final edition of Rugby Direct for 2023, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier reflect on Ian Foster's tenure as All Blacks coach, with the benefit of a few weeks having passed since the World Cup finishing.

We also look ahead to 2024 and Scott Robertson's first year in charge and what his biggest challenges will be in what could be up to 15 test matches in total.

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On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier reconvene three weeks on from the World Cup final - to talk the latest in rugby news including Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan being dumped, a new specialist coach joins the Blues staff, Sam Cane takes an overseas sabbatical and Beauden Barrett eyes an earlier than expected return to New Zealand Rugby among others.

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On the latest (and final) Rugby Direct from Paris, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the Rugby World Cup final, won by South Africa 12-11 in Paris.

We break down the decider from the yellow and red cards, to TMO intervention to the actual rugby itself and whether it was a "good"final and showpiece for the game.

We break down Ian Foster's somewhat complicated legacy in charge of the All Blacks and where to next for him, as well as touch on the news out of Australia that Eddie Jones is out at Wallabies coach.

All that and an ode to the things we've lost/had stolen on tour, on Rugby Direct.

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On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, the scene is set for the World Cup final and Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into the two sides named by the All Blacks and South Africa for the big dance.

We talk the make-up of the sides and how we expect them to play as well as the emotion of the match, as well as the new World Rugby Awards nominations and some form of conclusion to the racism saga in the sport this week.

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On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the contrasting ways the All Blacks and Springboks punched their tickets to the Rugby World Cup final - the All Blacks comfortably, South Africa less so.

We talk about the wider media reaction to both games and whether it was fair, while we also discuss the impending departures of several key All Blacks players and staff and if that will have a role in RWC final week.

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On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier check in from Paris after the All Blacks name their team to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, we review the changes and offer some predictions on how the two semis might play out.

We also chat about the latest in "Jones Gate", or "Eddie Gate" (take your pick) from Australia.

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On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, it's bonjour once against from Paris as we say Au Revoir to the Irish and the hosts France on a big 100th episode of Rugby Direct

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the most astonishing quarter-final weekend in Rugby World Cup history with the All Blacks marching into the semi-finals with a stunning win over Ireland.

We also take in the other three quarter-finals and ponder what the defeat for France might do for the interest levels here on the ground.

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On the midweek edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB ) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald) discuss the breaking news out of Paris that Mark Tele'a has been stood down for a breach of team protocol and won't appear in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Ireland.

We also analyse the team named by Ian Foster and his selectors and cast an eye over the other 3 RWC quarter-finals.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier convene post midnight to discuss Portugal's historic win over Fiji at the Rugby World Cup, before branching out into the All Blacks and Ireland quarter-final this weekend and where both teams are placed heading into it and if the All Blacks can stop a seemingly unstoppable Ireland.

Elliott and Liam each pick a combined All Blacks-Ireland XV, as well as discuss where the truth lies on the Scott Robertson saga.

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Elliott Smith and Liam Napier check in from Lyon to review the All Blacks side named to face Uruguay in their final RWC pool match (Live on Gold Sport and iHeart Radio). 

We also take stock of the games to come this weekend and update French captain Antoine Dupont's superhuman return from injury.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Lyon and assess the All Blacks' big win over Italy and how it reshapes the Rugby World Cup - if at all.

We also take stock of the Ranfurly Shield damage scandal story from back home, wonder if the Rugby World Cup should expand and discuss potential changes for the All Blacks' final pool game against Uruguay Friday morning.

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On this midweek edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess the All Blacks side named to face Italy in their crunch World Cup Pool A match in Lyon, as well as run the rule over the other major news of the World Cup in the week to date.

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Elliott Smith and Liam Napier jump on for Rugby Direct from Lyon, as the All Blacks take a backseat for a few days with the Rugby World Cup ramping up with two big pool games with major ramifications.

First we review the Wallabies almost certain pool play exit and where the sport goes to in Australia after their dismal showing, before jumping into the Ireland-South Africa blockbuster and discussing how the Irish were able to quell the reigning World Cup champions.

We also take a look at New Zealand's next match against Italy and make more possibly disastrous tipping predictions.

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On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam check in from Bordeaux - to discuss and update the midweek happenings at the tournament in France.

We review Ethan de Groot's suspension, the All Blacks finding a useful stat to guide them in their week off, the Springboks opting for a 7-1 bench against Ireland this week and Drew Mitchell coming off the long run against Eddie Jones.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam are in Toulouse to review the second week of the Rugby World Cup, including the All Blacks' win over Namibia, Ethan de Groot's red card and where it leaves New Zealand after two games.

We also review Fiji's impressive win over the Wallabies and wonder whether this is a death knell for Australian rugby.

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On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier recap the opening weekend of the World Cup - leading with a big focus on the All Blacks' 27-13 loss to France and how they were defeated...and why.

We delve into where to from here for the All Blacks and if they simply just don't have a seat at the top table currently in the sport.

We also review the other big games of the first week - including whether Fiji can feel hard done by losing to Wales in the final game of the opening weekend.

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Elliott and Liam react to the All Blacks' 23 selected for the tournament opener against France Saturday morning NZT and react to the news that Emoni Narawa is out of the tournament.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the opening weekend of the 2023 Rugby World Cup - looking at the All Blacks pool as well as the other three pools and picking who is likely to emerge from there into the quarters.

We also touch on our earliest and favourite Rugby World Cup memories and pick who will win the tournament.

Elliott and Liam also comb through NZR's governance review and what it means for the sport in the future and what tangible change might take place.

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Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are again in London for this week's Rugby Direct podcast, reviewing the All Blacks' worst-ever defeat in the Qatar Airways Cup match against South Africa.

What does this mean ahead of the World Cup and is it panic stations? We also update the Scott Barrett saga and review some of the weekend's other big warm-up matches including the Flying Fijians beating England at Twickenham.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam are in London - as the All Blacks count down to their final World Cup warm-up match against the Springboks.

We debate that match, the likely selections as well as what is being gained from the warm-up fixtures.

We talk the Owen Farrell saga, as well as the latest Eddie Jones and Rugby Australia hijinks as well as the ongoing question of the NPC.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Hawke's Bay - reflecting on the Rugby World Cup squad announcement the night before as we debate the inclusions, the exclusions and the balance of the squad named by Ian Foster and his selectors to head to France.

We also look back at the second Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Dunedin, with the All Blacks mounting a major fightback to remain unbeaten in season 2023.

Elliott and Liam also touch on the NPC getting underway, the return of Warrenball (should we be worried) and much to Liam's annoyance, Elliott finds a reason to mention Canterbury schoolboy rugby.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Christchurch after returning from Melbourne where the All Blacks decimated the Wallabies 38-7 to retain the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship.

The boys review that game and how the All Blacks were forced to win differently than the last two performances, as well as look at Scott Barrett's performance and how the changes might fall for the Dunedin test on Saturday.

We then take a look at the Rugby World Cup squad announcement on August 7th and how this weekend might affect that, as well as which positions and players are the most likely to be still debated by the selectors.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam look ahead to the first Bledisloe Cup meeting of the year on Saturday and debate the selection conundrums facing the All Blacks selectors as well as gauging the possibilities of an Australian boil-over in Melbourne.

We also tackle the Farah Palmer Cup, the Rugby Championship's other match this weekend and whether rugby has managed to get the TMO sorted or not.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the All Blacks' big win over South Africa in what was somewhat of a statement performance from them ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

We discuss whether the blindside flanker debate is over in the wake of Shannon Frizell's form and how the second half performance might have told more of a story than the first.

We also review the Black Ferns' Pacific Four win, Johnny Sexton's three match ban and ponder what Eddie Jones meant when he said "Look out" to the All Blacks.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the first All Blacks' test of season 2023, the big win over Argentina in Mendoza, while we also touch on the controversial pitch invader saga post match and offer some thoughts around that.

We ask what's gone wrong with the under-20 programme, take a look at the Black Ferns' win over Canada and look ahead to the next assignment for the All Blacks - the Springboks on Saturday.

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This week on Rugby Direct, we're in wine country in Mendoza counting down to the first test of Rugby World Cup year for the All Blacks - an assignment against Argentina.

Elliott and Liam debate the likely starting side for the ABs and how the bench might look for the test as well.

Before we get to that though, we need to discuss the new Blues coaching appointment and world rugby's new competition, which is not being run by World Rugby.
We also cast our eyes over the Black Ferns and the New Zealand under-20s as well.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the Super Rugby final as the Crusaders ascended to Seventh Heaven with their seventh title in as many years.

We talk the major moments and controversies of the final, as well as how the narrative of the match has unfolded since fulltime.

Elliott and Liam also crown the prestigious second annual Rugby Direct Medal winner for Super Rugby.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam beam in from Te Awamutu to discuss the 36-man All Blacks squad named by head coach Ian Foster, who also drops by the podcast to offer his reasoning on some of the key selections, along with forwards coach Jason Ryan.

We discuss the Super Rugby semi-final match-up that has left us with a blockbuster grand final this week and we discuss the Hamish McLennan edition of the podcast which created a bit of controversy and our takeaways from how it's played out.

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On this special edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are joined by Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan for a feature-length interview covering plenty of issues around the game on both sides of the Tasman.

We talk about McLennan's idea for a Super Rugby draft, whether he's willing for Super Rugby to be run by an independent commission and if there's a real chance of the Rugby Championship moving. We also ask McLennan to assess his relationship with NZ Rugby powerbrokers, Eddie Jones and future Super Rugby expansion.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the Super Rugby quarter-finals and debate whether Ardie Savea scored that try and whether the referee made the right call.

We also zero in on the Chiefs' close-run game against the Reds and the Blues and Crusaders comfortable wins.

It's nearly time for the first All Blacks selection of the year as well and we pick the spots where the selectors will likely be spending their final days discussing ahead of the announcement on Sunday.

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This week on Rugby Direct, it's a bumper episode as we look at the Super Rugby regular season, a new rugby Knight and a couple of new coaches for the local franchises.

The Crusaders have appointed Rob Penney as head coach and the 'Canes Clark Laidlaw, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the appointments and how they might fit with each franchise from 2024.

Sir Wayne Smith has been knighted for services to rugby and he speaks with the podcast about the honour and we're joined by Sky Sport commentator and All Blacks great Jeff Wilson to discuss the Super Rugby playoffs and his prospective All Blacks squad with just a couple of weeks until it's announced.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam recap a busy week of rugby news with Will Jordan re-signing with NZR top of the list, before offering their thoughts on Wayne Smith's new performance coach role and the Ruby Tui-Weetbix card saga.

Super Rugby comes to the pointy end of the regular season with 11 teams to go into eight playoff spots after this weekend, we review the penultimate round of the competition and figure out who will be in the quarter-finals and where.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam discuss the breaking news out of Moana Pasifika that coach Aaron Mauger has resigned as head coach and won't be back in 2024. We contemplate the different options to take on the job and where it leaves the franchise.

In addition, we cast our eyes over the European domestic final, debate the resting of players and whether anything can be done about it as well as the technological innovations about to sweep rugby by storm.

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On this week's Rugby Direct, we review the Chiefs fall to their first defeat of the Super Rugby season while the Crusaders have the better of the Blues in a highly-anticipated local derby... we discuss the implications for the playoffs.

We also pick apart New Zealand Rugby's memorandum of understanding with Japan and whether Roger Tuivasa-Sheck should stay or go if he's on the outer at the Blues.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the Fijian Drua's win over the Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika's close loss to the Blues and what these sides need to do to take the next step as they continue to build.

We contemplate the All Blacks back three situation as crunch time for selection nears with a couple of Chiefs players continuing to put their hands up and ask whether the draft idea put up by Rugby Australia is really what Super Rugby needs.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to NZR re-signing Damian McKenzie and Ruby Tui for a couple more years each.

They also assess the Chiefs v Crusaders match and other games from the latest round of Super Rugby, before contemplating the debate around All Blacks players being selected from offshore after it cropped up again in recent days.

We also ponder what would possess the Hurricanes to get rid of their iconic song/chant from their match-day experience.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Scott Robertson has announced his All Blacks coaching team for when he takes over after the World Cup.

So what do Elliott and Liam make of it?

We also debate round nine of Super Rugby, whether Anzac Day is appropriately marked in Super Rugby and evaluate Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's decision to head back to league after this year.

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This week on Rugby Direct,

Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's Blues/All Blacks commentator) is joined by Nick Bewley (Crusaders commentator) standing in for Liam Napier.

We discuss the Chiefs v Hurricanes top of the table match-up in the sun in Wellington, assess Moana Pasifika's first 'real' home game in Apia and assess Rieko Ioane's re-signing with NZR until 2027.

Elliott and Nick also cast an eye at the Black Ferns assistant announcement and ask whether the lack of females in the staff was a legitimate discussion or storm-in-a-teacup.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam discuss the latter's exclusive around the probable make up of Scott Robertson's coaching team for the All Blacks next year and beyond.

We also review round seven of Super Rugby, look ahead to round eight and try and figure out why rugby executives can't seem to see what the rest of us do around scheduling of games on long weekends.

In addition, two players are big movers on the MVP rankings.

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In this episode, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier run the rule over the Chiefs beating the Blues and continuing their unbeaten start to season 2023.

We also check in on the Kiwi sides and give a big round of applause to the New Zealand Sevens sides for their victories in Hong Kong.

Elliott and Liam also ponder Moana Pasifika and ask where their next win is coming from and if we really need a Wallabies squad to be named in April.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam review the Super Rugby Aupiki decider which saw a shock win for Matatu.

We also examine the latest in the race for the All Blacks assistants jobs and review a round five of Super Rugby Pacific in which it felt like half the competition's players - okay maybe an exaggeration - were being rested.

Elliott and Liam also cast an eye on Rugby Australia's big spending over the weekend.

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On a special edition of the Rugby Direct podcast, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the appointment of Scott Robertson as the new All Blacks head coach.

We analyse what it means for Robertson himself, take a look at his prospective team and how it might play out this year now for both the current and future All Blacks coaching staffs.

We also hear from Robertson as well as NZR chief executive Mark Robinson in interviews from on the ground.

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This week on Rugby Direct,

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the Crusaders' bouncing back with a win over the Blues at Eden Park, while the Highlanders are also in the winners' circle for the first time this year.

Ireland wrap up the grand slam and Six Nations in dominant fashion overall, so what will it take to stop them in France.

And we assess the latest twists and turns of the All Blacks coaching race and dish out some MVP points.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier analyse the state of the All Blacks coaching race after Joe Schmidt's withdrawal and whether it's just going to remain a two-horse race while also pondering if the early season wobbles of the Crusaders will have any impact.

Elliott and Liam assess the Six Nations with a round left, wonder whether there's a better format for Super Rugby Aupiki and hand one player all the points in the Rugby Direct medal race.

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This week on Rugby Direct,

Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (Chief sports writer - NZ Herald) debate the key issues from Super Round in Melbourne.

The guys discuss Ardie Savea's throat-slitting gesture, the Highlanders copping a second straight heavy defeat and the Blues losing to the Brumbies in a fascinating match.

We also look at Aupiki - can anyone stop the Chiefs Manawa? - and the All Blacks coaching appointment takes another twist as more certainty emerges.

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Elliott and Liam are back to review the opening round of Super Rugby, as the Crusaders crumbled against the Chiefs, the Blues powered past the Highlanders and the Hurricanes swept past the Reds.

We also review round one of Super Rugby Aupiki, the latest Six Nations games and debate the All Blacks coaching saga, which has taken another (!) turn in recent days.

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Elliot Smith & Liam Napier kick off 2023 by looking ahead at the busy year of rugby.

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Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (chief Sports writer at the New Zealand Herald) were poised to head off into summer but before the boys don the speedos, fire up the BBQ and grab a pool noodle they've been summoned for one last podcast to review what was a mammoth year for rugby in New Zealand.

In this bumper podcast, they get stuck into the highs and lows of Super Rugby, the All Blacks, the Black Ferns while remembering some of their favourite media conference moments.

Elliott and Liam dish up some awards, as well as ponder a few existential questions about rugby and where it is going ahead of 2023.

Amidst all of that, the guys take a look at the coaching sagas up north and the domino effect they might have on New Zealand.

Rugby Direct returns in 2023.

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On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Black's drawn test against England. Was it their best performance of the year or did it sum up season 2022 for the men in black?

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On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier have moved from Edinburgh to London ahead of the final All Blacks test of the year, but before they discuss the All Blacks' win over Scotland, they convene to discuss the Black Ferns' almighty World Cup win and what it might mean for women's rugby in New Zealand and assess the interesting nominee's list for World Rugby's Awards.

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On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the All Blacks' victory over Wales, the Black Ferns' road to World Cup glory continues and big bad Brodie Retallick sits down for a chat.

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On this week's podcast, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the All Blacks' scratchy win over Japan in Tokyo and the Black Ferns thumping of Wales in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final and look ahead to both NZ sides' respective next games.

Popular Wales rugby broadcaster Lauren Jenkins joins the pod to give her assessment on what to expect from the hosts this week.

And, Elliott and Liam debate where to from here for Dane Coles after another injury.

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On this week's Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's All Blacks commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald chief sports writer) review the Black Fern's latest win at the Women's Rugby World Cup ahead of their quarter-final match against Wales.

Elliott is in Tokyo with the All Blacks ahead of their opening match of the end-of-year tour against Japan.

All that and more on the latest edition of Rugby Direct thanks to Employment Hero.

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On this week's Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's All Blacks commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald chief sports writer) return from activating the sabbatical clauses in their respective contracts and assess the Black Ferns' Rugby World Cup campaign through the first two games and also cast an eye to England and France's progress.

Canterbury and Wellington have booked spots in the Bunnings NPC final, with the men from the capital looking in fine form as they try and go down to beat the red and black machine.

We also look at Ardie Savea's 2024 stint playing in Japan, as well as cast a look over the All Blacks XV.

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On this week's Rugby Direct, Kate Wells (Newstalk ZB sport journalist) is joined by former Black Ferns captain and New Zealand Rugby board member Dr Farah Palmer to analyse the opening of the women's Rugby World Cup which kicked off in Auckland last weekend. They discuss the Black Ferns' spine chilling haka, the sold out Eden Park crowd and who can win the tournament.

We delve into how this tournament compares to Dr Palmer's experience, playing three Rugby World Cup's herself.

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On this week's Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's All Blacks commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald chief sports writer) look ahead to the Rugby World Cup 2021 (being played in 2022) kicking off this weekend at Eden Park and ask whether the Black Ferns are a realistic chance of winning it at this point in their rebuild against the likes of England and France.

We chat Jordie Barrett's re-signing with NZR and the Hurricanes through to 2025 and the fortunes of the NPC sides as we approach the business end of the side.

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On this week's Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's All Blacks commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald chief sports writer) reflect on the All Blacks' 40-14 win over Australia that captured the Rugby Championship for another year.

We ask whether Jordie Barrett is now the ABs man at 12, who the top 3 All Blacks are to this point in 2022 and give our marks for the year to date.

We also ponder what was learned from the Black Ferns' romp against Japan, as we close in on the Rugby World Cup.

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On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (chief sports writer - NZ Herald) review the All Blacks and Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup test at Marvel Stadium and the shock decision of referee Mathieu Raynal at the end.

We discuss the make up of the side for Eden Park and whether the Wallabies can take some positives from the fact they probably should have won.

We also talk Ranfurly Shield being on the move to Wellington and the Black Ferns' test against Japan this weekend.

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On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (chief sports writer - NZ Herald) are in Melbourne ahead of the All Blacks and Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup test at Marvel Stadium on Thursday (which you can hear live on NewstalkZB and Gold Sport).

We debate the likely team to be announced by Ian Foster for the match, the challenges the Wallabies might pose the All Blacks and whether the All Blacks can snap their win/loss pattern of recent times.

The guys also debate the other big issues in the Rugby world, including whether player names should be on the back of jerseys.

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