Aotearoa Rugby Pod

Anton Segner is making a serious push for the All Blacks.

The Blues openside has emerged as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s form loose forwards, combining breakdown menace, defensive work-rate and strong carrying to put himself firmly in Dave Rennie’s selection frame.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates whether Segner deserves an All Blacks call-up, alongside Ardie Savea, and whether his all-round game now makes him impossible to ignore.

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Havili is back in the All Blacks conversation.

Dropped by Scott Robertson in 2024 and largely forgotten in the midfield debate, the Crusaders captain reminded everyone of his quality with a match-winning display against the Chiefs.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod asks whether the 30-test veteran could force his way back into national selection this season.

The crew also dives into:
Super Rugby Pacific’s tightening top six race
The teams most likely to surge late
And one of the toughest selection calls imaginable:

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is B.I.G.G.A — and why does Dave Rennie value it so highly?

Bryn Hall and James Parsons explain “Back In Game, Go Again,” a Dave Rennie work-rate metric that shapes his selections.

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Their attack is electric, their defence has tightened, and they’re winning games in multiple ways.

So the big question is: who can actually stop the Hurricanes, now they most likely have home advantage through the playoffs?

There appears to be one major contender and one dark horse.

The ARP crew also breaks down the top six contenders with two rounds to go until the playoffs.

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod team debates whether Richie Mo'unga should return from Japan and immediately into the All Blacks.

Would changing overseas eligibility policies strengthen New Zealand rugby or undermine the system?

The crew also unpack B.I.G.G.A, the Dave Rennie work-rate metric and how it could shape future All Blacks selections. Could it make Lucas Casey a great option?

Plus, the Hurricanes beating the Blues and James Parsons' tense post-match exchange with Vern Cotter.
Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.