Rugby Direct

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review week 12 of Super Rugby - as the Brumbies continued on their merry way against New Zealand sides with a win over the Chiefs in Hamilton, while the Highlanders sneaked a close one against the Reds.
There were comprehensive wins for the other New Zealand sides, so we debate whether the chatter about the gap closing was misguided last week.
Stephen Perofeta continues to look classy in the Blues line-up whether at 10/15 so we debate how far away he might be from an All Blacks jersey this year, and also consider what the Highlanders should be looking for in a new head coach.

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On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam discuss what amounted to a poor round for the New Zealand sides - even the ones that banked full competition points. A one-off or have Australia found their mojo in Super Rugby Pacific?
The guys debate whether the Crusaders empire is crumbling after a recent-record of three defeats this year, while the fortunes and selections of the Hurricanes continue to confound - will they settle on a first choice squad at any point this year?
Elliott and Liam also find a way to dish out some MVP points from a round where it was much easier to spot top Australian performers than Kiwis.

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On this week’s edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier evaluate the Super Round in Melbourne and ask if it was really Super or if it was shoddy, with the scoreline at 4-1 after the weekend.

The Highlanders lose to the Brumbies and while they're still in the mix for the playoffs, Elliott and Liam debate where this team is going and whether Tony Brown is the right man to take the team forward.

Liam and Elliott also discuss what Roger Tuivasa-Sheck needs to do to make the All Blacks this year and whether time is running out...

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On this weekend’s edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier take the temperature of Super Rugby after the last round of all-New Zealand matches, with the Blues finally winning in Christchurch for the first time since 2004 in a thriller against the Crusaders, while the Hurricanes hold on in a bit of controversy against the Highlanders. 


Elliott and Liam discuss the red-cards issued over the weekend and ask whether the subsequent punishments from the judiciary are too lenient, as well as whether there’s any chance of an Australian victor in Super Rugby Pacific.

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On this week’s edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam debate the weekend’s big rugby issues – primarily the closing moments of the Hurricanes v Crusaders game, which saw a chance at golden point turned down... and a penalty denied by the referee.
Were the ‘Canes in the right by taking the kick for the corner? The guys also debate the Blues’ crushing win over the Chiefs and the Highlanders finally get on the board, but is it too little to late in the playoff run?

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On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the weekend’s rugby issues and debate the red cards that were dished out including the most contentious one – supposedly – to Caleb Clarke. 


The Crusaders ensure it’s another winless week for the Highlanders, but only just and debate whether Jordie Barrett’s switch to 12 has long-term merit after his return to the role in the Hurricanes’ loss to the Chiefs. 


Oh and Tiger Woods gets a mention too.

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Elliott and Liam are back for another week of rugby discussion - with the big win for Moana Pasifika dominating discussion - the win no-one saw coming, while the Crusaders underline their title credentials with a bounce-back win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.

The guys also update the MVP race, while we debate Beauden Barrett's latest head knock, whether the crowds were good for two days notice or not and the addition of some star power to the Black Ferns staff.

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This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam debate the key talking points from the weekend – including the completion of the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki competition, as well as France winning the Six Nations but Italy almost stealing the limelight and the guys dish out their MVP points for the weekend just been of Super Rugby Pacific, after a making an urgent rewrite to the competition rules.

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New frontrunners?

Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald chiefs sports writer) review the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific, with the Blues coming from behind to beat the Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium and the Chiefs make a real statement in knocking off the Crusaders in Christchurch.

They also review the opening game of Super Rugby Aupiki and cram in plenty of rugby discussion on the Six Nations, Gayle Broughton's shock retirement and how Covid might continue to impact the NZ Rugby scene.

In addition, a health of dose of MVP table updates - with one name on the charge.

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On this week's edition of NZME's rugby podcast, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (NZ Herald rugby writer) debate the third round of Super Rugby Pacific and give some much deserved plaudits to Moana Pasifika and eat a little bit of humble pie while doing so.
The Blues escape against the Chiefs and the Hurricanes get the job done against the Highlanders who are still searching for their first win.

Elliott and Liam also update the race for the Rugby Direct MVP voting - Will Jordan had the week off and a new contender has emerged for the throne, while the tipping race has also been - tipped - on its head.

And the guys debate who'll win Super Rugby Aupiki and whether Mark Robinson's pilgrimage north will result in a global nations championship and a world club championship or if it's still pie-in-the-sky stuff.

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