Rugby Direct

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier look ahead to the All Blacks' final home test of 2026 as they prepare to welcome a confident Wallabies side fresh off a statement victory over South Africa.
Can New Zealand finish their home campaign on a high, or are Australia poised to spoil the party?
The podcast also dives into one of the biggest Super Rugby moves in recent memory, with Ardie Savea confirming he will join the Blues for the 2027 season.
What does the blockbuster switch mean for the Blues, and the future landscape of New Zealand rugby?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ 34-man squad for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series. With Ruben Love sidelined by an ankle injury, they assess Richie Mo’unga’s opportunity at first five, where Beauden Barrett fits, and the selection calls facing the All Blacks.
The pair also discuss the returns of Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell, Leicester Fainga’anuku’s omission, Codie Taylor’s appointment as captain, and the All Blacks’ continuing problems under the high ball.
Plus, after beating South Africa in Perth, can the Wallabies carry that confidence into Eden Park and threaten New Zealand’s long unbeaten record at the venue?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier revisit the All Blacks' tour of South Africa with the benefit of hindsight. A few weeks on from the series defeat, the boys unpack what really went wrong, what positives can be taken forward, and what it revealed about the state of the All Blacks under Dave Rennie.
They also break down the outcomes of New Zealand rugby's recent summit, asking the big questions: what was actually achieved, what still needs to change, and where does the game go from here?
From governance and participation to the future of the professional game, no topic is off-limits as the boys tackle the biggest issues facing rugby in New Zealand.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith reflects on the All Blacks’ challenging tour of South Africa and the key factors behind the 3-1 series defeat.
Where did it unravel for Dave Rennie side, what lessons can be taken from the campaign, and what needs to change as attention turns to the remainder of the 2026 international season?
Elliott breaks down the biggest talking points and looks ahead to what comes next for the All Blacks.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith dials in from Baltimore as the All Blacks unveil their side for the fourth and final test of The Greatest Rivalry tour.
Richie Mo'unga returns to the No. 10 jersey, while Codie Taylor captains the All Blacks in a test for the first time.
Is this the combination that can level the series against South Africa and ensure New Zealand leaves with a share of the trophy?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.