Rugby Direct

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Rugby Direct episodes

June 15 Rugby Direct Episode 236: Blowouts Before the Big Dance
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a pair of one-sided Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals and what they mean heading into the big dance.

With both the Hurricanes and Chiefs dominant in their respective match-ups, the boys assess where the final might be won and lost — and crucially, who deserves to go in as favourites.

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39 min
June 11 Rugby Direct Episode 235: Semi-final showdowns - who's making the big dance?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, previewing the upcoming semi-finals and breaking down who’s best positioned to book a spot in the big dance.

They run the ruler over each matchup, analyse the key battles across the park, and assess the form, fitness, and firepower that could decide who moves that one step closer to the title.

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22 min
June 08 Rugby Direct Episode 234: Cane train charging: Semis loom and ABs coaching coup
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to a major coaching coup for New Zealand Rugby, with Tony Brown signing on as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2028.

The boys also turn their attention to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals - can anyone stop the Cane train as the business end of the season heats up?

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33 min
June 05 Rugby Direct Episode 233: Breaking down the key matchups of the Super Rugby playoffs
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, breaking down all the key matchups as the playoffs get underway.

Plus, Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about the future of the competition.

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30 min
June 02 Rugby Direct Episode 232: All eyes on the title - looking ahead to the Super Rugby Pacific finals
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a blockbuster playoff weekend as the race for the title heats up.

With the finals now locked in, who are the genuine favourites and which side could swoop in late and steal the win?

Plus, they dig into the latest on rising star Fehi Fineanganofo – is he staying put?

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31 min
May 28 Rugby Direct - Bruce Sharrock tackles the biggest issues facing rugby
A big-name guest on Rugby Direct this week, as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined in studio by the highly influential player agent Bruce Sharrock.

The trio tackle the biggest issues facing New Zealand rugby – the fight against league, where the game is heading, and what must change if rugby is to remain king.

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44 min
May 28 Rugby Direct: Episode 230
Big news on Rugby Direct!

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the news the Crusaders are set to usher in a new head coach for 2027 – a story broken by Napier himself.

Plus, it’s the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, so the lads run the ruler over every matchup, including the headline debate: resting the stars – smart management or a buzzkill for fans?

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23 min
May 25 Rugby Direct Ep 229
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Crusaders keeping their hopes of a home playoff alive, while the Hurricanes lock up top spot and secure home advantage throughout the postseason.

Plus, the boys look ahead to the future of Super Rugby — could a return to the conference system be on the cards in 2027?

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37 min
May 22 Rugby Direct: Episode 228
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier look ahead to the penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific — can we expect any upsets as the playoffs loom?

The boys also dive into the latest confirmed departures among Kiwi Super Rugby players and ask the big question: is New Zealand rugby’s middle tier starting to be exposed?

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23 min
May 18 Rugby Direct: Episode 227
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Super Rugby run home — with the top two all but locked in, can anyone stop the red-hot Hurricanes?

Plus, the future of rising star Fehi Fineanganofo — is there a genuine chance he stays in New Zealand and pushes for All Blacks honours?

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31 min

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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…