This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap up the All Blacks' big win over France in Wellington and analyse who stood out for the home team, before looking ahead to the third and final test in Hamilton. We also ask whether the current Lions tour of Australia could be the worst in history, what David Kidwell might add to the Highlanders' coaching staff and assess the final Black Ferns hit out before the Rugby World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rugby Direct - Episode 170
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier take a look at the All Blacks' 31-27 win over France in Dunedin to open the year and discuss whether it was underwhelming or whether France's so-called 'B-team' deserve more respect than they'd been given. We discuss the big key moments of the game, where it was won and what changes, both personnel and tactically wise, are required for game two in Wellington. We also sweep up the world of rugby news and returning All Blacks second-five Jordie Barrett chats with Liam about his time in Leinster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rugby Direct - Episode 169
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the opening All Blacks test of 2025 against France in Dunedin and speculate on what a couple of injury withdrawals might mean for the make up of the first test side. We also assess what to expect from France across the series and if you can really prepare for a side with so few international caps between them. We also dig into the opening British and Irish Lions game, the Maori All Blacks big win over Japan and Moana Pasifika's funding woes and how that might affect their future in Super RugbySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Bonus Episode - Rivals with Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield
This weekend we've got a bonus episode for you in the Rugby Direct feed - The new podcast 'Rivals' from Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield. Episodes are released every Thursday, and a perfect complement for Rugby Direct. Follow the podcast on iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts: Rivals | iHeart The Wallabies refusing to release their top players for the British & Irish Lions’ tour games against Super Rugby teams... smart long game or a mistake? This week on Rugby Rivals, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan go head-to-head on:– Joe Schmidt and Wallabies’ strategy– Argentina's form vs. the Lions– Damian McKenzie’s form, still world class or slipping?– Razor’s All Blacks picks, and who missed out!– Rassie’s bold youth call for the Springboks New episodes weekly with top-tier rugby analysis from both sides of the globe. Hit subscribe for more, find the audio-only episodes on all podcast apps by searching for 'Rugby Rivals'!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rugby Direct - Episode 168
This week on Rugby Direct, it's a bumper edition of the podcast as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the first All Blacks squad of 2025 - who's in and who's out - and who should be there that isn't. Rugby Direct speaks to All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and forwards coach Jason Ryan to dive into the key selections and their plans for 2025. We also review the Super Rugby final as the Crusaders hoisted the trophy again and ask why the Chiefs are unable to convert their bridesmaid tag into a title. And we look at former coach Ian Foster's new book - and Liam responds to being written about in the autobiography. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
New Zealand