Rugby Direct

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier pore over the All Blacks' defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires and contemplate what went wrong and whether the issues in the All Blacks are now systemic - and how to fix them as the prospect of South Africa bears down on the All Blacks next week at Eden Park.

We also discuss the Black Ferns' opening World Cup, New Zealand Rugby renewing its broadcast partnership with Sky and a check-in on the NPC as the Ranfurly Shield changes hands.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' Rugby Championship opener against Argentina and their ascension to the top of the world rankings despite an at times imperfect showing, and ask why the forwards are clicking but the back play appears clunky and whether changes might be in the offing for the second test.

And as the All Blacks move on to Buenos Aires for the second test, Liam catches up with All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland to wrap up the first test and look ahead to the second.

We also delve into the Wallabies' shock win over South Africa in Johannesburg and cast an eye to the women's World Cup starting later this week.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss Richie Mo'unga's impending return to New Zealand Rugby in 11 months time and what it means for the All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury.

We also preview the Rugby Championship starting this weekend, with a specific eye to the All Blacks and Argentina this weekend in Cordoba. We ask what success looks like in the Rugby Championship for the All Blacks this year and discuss the future of the Rugby Championship as it prepares to undergo some changes.

And we also hear from Argentina's Kiwi attack coach Kendrick Lynn ahead of the All Blacks test.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier digest and dissect the All Blacks' Rugby Championship squad with three new faces in an extended squad to travel to Argentina and beyond - we dig into the surprise selections, the recalls and everything in between.

We also wrap up the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia and whether the Wallabies have taken a step forward, while we take a keen eye at the NPC.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the third test against France and review the series as a whole - what did we learn and which players were the big movers across the three matches? We also look ahead to the Rugby Championship and where the All Blacks must improve.

We also dig into the latest on the R360 saga, the opening test of the Lions series and plenty more in the rugby world.

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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.

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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.

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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 Rugby

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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'!

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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.

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