Aotearoa Rugby Pod

In August, the All Blacks heading back into one of rugby’s toughest challenges - a full tour of South Africa.

But this isn’t just about Test matches, for the first time in decades, New Zealand will face the unique grind of touring:

• Midweek matches
• Travel and squad rotation
• Adapting to South African conditions
• Managing physical and mental fatigue

So do the modern All Blacks actually have the know-how to handle it?

We break down what makes South Africa tours so difficult, why history matters, and whether this current group is ready for the challenge.

📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube

#AllBlacks #Springboks #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #SouthAfricaTour #RugbyDebate #AotearoaRugbyPod

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Could Codie Taylor be the next All Blacks captain?

We deep dive into what makes Taylor such a great player, leader and team mate, then ask whether he's the man for the job

It’s one of the biggest off-field questions in New Zealand rugby right now — and we want your take. Email us on [email protected]

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#AllBlacks #CodieTaylor #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #CaptaincyDebate #RugbyUnion #AotearoaRugbyPod

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Where should Leicester Fainga’anuku fit in the All Blacks?

It’s one of the most fascinating selection questions right now — and there’s no obvious answer.

We also dive into your suggestions for All Blacks bolters/moneyball players from last week's episode, plus talk Samipeni Finau's epic showing for the Chiefs.

📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube, where you can enter the draw for six seats for the Blues v Highlanders on April 17, thanks to Barfoot and Thompson

#AllBlacks #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #LeicesterFaingaanuku #RugbyDebate #SuperRugby #AotearoaRugbyPod

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Scotsman Mike Blair is the man Dave Rennie has tasked with rebuilding what used to be the most feared attack in world rugby — the All Blacks.

In this exclusive Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, the former Scotland captain opens up on how Mike Blair got the call from Dave Rennie, why Rennie trusts him with the All Blacks attack, and the pressure that comes with taking over such a famous rugby identity.

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Midway through Super Rugby's round robin, who are the bolters or "moneyball" players Dave Rennie simply can’t ignore?

We give a preview of our exclusive interview with new All Blacks attack coach Mike Blair, which drops later this week, as well as a breakdown of everything Super Rugby.

Giveaway time

To get six pitch side tickets to the Blues v Highlanders game at Eden Park on April 17, courtesy of Barfoot & Thompson.

To enter:👇 

Subscribe, follow, like and comment "Blues" on the latest ARP posts on @aotearoarugbypodofficial Youtube and social channels.

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The Lam name means something in rugby — and Joel Lam is carving his own path within it.

After struggling to break into the professional game, Joel stepped away from rugby and switched to league to keep chasing the dream. Now, he’s back — and rising with Moana Pasifika.

In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Joel opens up on:

• What it’s really like carrying the Lam family name
• Why he left rugby for league — and why he came back
• How he finally earned his Super Rugby opportunity

This is more than a comeback story — it’s about identity, legacy, and proving you belong.

🎧 Full episodes on YouTube & all podcast platforms

#AotearoaRugbyPod #MoanaPasifika #SuperRugby #RugbyUnion

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Former Scotland halfback Mike Blair has been named All Blacks attack coach — but for many New Zealand fans, he’s still an unknown.

So who is he, and why does Dave Rennie trust him with one of the most important roles in world rugby?

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What will Tana Umaga bring as the All Blacks defence coach?

In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Jip and Bryn bring first-hand insight from inside a Tana Umaga environment, breaking down his coaching style, standards and the impact he could have on the All Blacks defence.

New episodes, analysis and interviews every week covering the biggest stories in rugby.

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Who should be the next All Blacks attack coach?

With Dave Rennie's deputies due to be named soon, we analyse leading contenders Mike Blair and Scott Hansen, while asking whether Chiefs attack guru Roger Randle should also be considered.

The ARP boys give the inside word what makes Tana Umaga a great fit at defence coach, then get into the big issues this week in Super Rugby.

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Is Canes loose Devan Flanders set to be an All Black?

The Hurricanes loose forward is in red-hot form in Super Rugby, putting himself firmly in the frame for national selection. But with fierce competition in the loose forwards, does he force his way into the squad — or is he still on the outside looking in?

In this episode, Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down:

• Flanders’ current form and impact for the Hurricanes
• How he compares to established All Blacks loose forwards
• Where he fits in the national setup

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