Rugby Direct

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down another dominant All Blacks performance at Eden Park, as New Zealand extended its incredible winning streak at the fortress and kept the Bledisloe Cup safely locked away for another year.
What were the key factors behind the victory? Which players stood out? And what changes, if any, should Dave Rennie make ahead of the second test?
The boys debate all the big talking points from the opening clash and look ahead to what's next for the All Blacks.
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On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack a growing crisis at first five for the All Blacks, with Richie Mo'unga the latest star playmaker to join the injury casualty ward.
The boys break down the All Blacks squad named for the opening Bledisloe Cup test against Australia, debating the key selection calls and where the pressure points lie heading into Saturday night.
With the Wallabies showing signs of resurgence, they also tackle the big question: are the All Blacks there for the taking, or will New Zealand remind Australia who's boss when the Bledisloe Cup kicks off?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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