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.
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Rugby Direct - Episode 167
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the Super Rugby semi-finals and assess the way the Crusaders and Chiefs were able to get there in contrasting fashion. We look ahead to this week's final and discuss who has more to gain or lose by winning this weekend. We also select our prospective 35-man squads for the All Blacks test series against France, a week out from the real squad being named and drill down into who the new faces might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rugby Direct - Episode 166
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to the breaking news of Mark Robinson's impending departure as the chief executive of New Zealand and reflect on how he will be remembered and where to next. We also wrap the week that was in a dramatic Super Rugby playoff round, with the Hurricanes gone and the Blues keeping their season alive but flipping the run to the trophy on its head. We also examine the mooted R360 franchise concept and pay our respects to All Blacks great Stu Wilson.See 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.
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