On this week's podcast Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald's chief sports writer) discuss Ireland's first ever win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil and examine how they were able to win in such convincing fashion and set up a series decider this weekend in the capital.Elliott and Liam debate the chaotic substitution rules over Ardie Savea and Dalton Papalii as well as look at the Angus Ta'avao situation and ask what World Rugby is exactly trying to achieve in how they classify incidents like that.The elephant in the room is also discussed - what is the future for the All Blacks coaching staff and how do they fix the issues immediately for Saturday night's decider?

On this week's podcast Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald's chief sports writer) discuss Ireland's first ever win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil and examine how they were able to win in such convincing fashion and set up a series decider this weekend in the capital. Elliott and Liam debate the chaotic substitution rules over Ardie Savea and Dalton Papalii as well as look at the Angus Ta'avao situation and ask what World Rugby is exactly trying to achieve in how they classify incidents like that. The elephant in the room is also discussed - what is the future for the All Blacks coaching staff and how do they fix the issues immediately for Saturday night's decider?

Rugby Direct - Episode 42

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'.

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'.

Rugby Direct - Episode 41

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 40

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 39

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 38

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 37

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 36

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 35

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 34

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 33

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.

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 32

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...

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...

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 31

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?

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?

Rugby Direct - Episode 30

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 29

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 28

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 27

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 26

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 25

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.

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.

Rugby Direct - Episode 24

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

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