Aotearoa Rugby Pod

Fandom Media

Ross Karl, Bryn Hall and James Parsons host a weekly chat about all things New Zealand rugby, from Super Rugby Pacific, the All Blacks, Bunnings NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, and Super Rugby Aupiki, the team have you covered with unique insight from current pros still in the game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

294 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes294

Newest first

Thursday · 1 hr 25 min
Greatest Rivalry Debate - ARP x Behind the Ruck
In this special collab, Aotearoa Rugby Pod and South Africa's Behind the Ruck podcast debate the Greatest Rivalry Tour! Who will win, how will they win, who makes a combined team? Join Bryn, Ross and former Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh as they banter about the tour to come! And please give the BTR a follow! Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wednesday · 12 min
BOKS WATCH: Depth Creates Brutal Selection Calls
In this week's Boks Watch, Ross and Jip take a look at the Boks squad. We focus on the tough calls Rassie will have to make, considering their outrageous depth that has grown. Will some massive stars miss the 23 for the first Greatest Rivalry test? They also deep dive into the success of the flyhallf options, digging into their success against the major nations - New Zealand, France and Ireland. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tuesday · 17 min
Why the All Blacks Turned to Their Past to Win in South Africa
All Blacks assistant coach and selector Neil Barnes joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod to explain how New Zealand will manage an unusually demanding tour of South Africa. Barnes discusses the challenge of preparing separate teams for Test and midweek matches, why every player will remain in contention for the top side and how the selectors constructed a squad capable of handling the physical demands of the tour. He also reveals that the coaching group has sought advice from experienced All Blacks figures, including Sir Graham Henry and John Hart, as it prepares for a style of touring rarely seen in the modern game. The ARP panel then examines the thinking behind the new selections, whether the squad has enough locking cover, which players could emerge during the tour and why Damian McKenzie may finally have found his long-term position at fullback. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monday · 34 min
The All Blacks Squad Pick Everyone’s Debating | 44 men to tour South Africa
Dave Rennie has named his latest All Blacks squad — and one selection is certain to divide opinion. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Josh Jacomb and Siale Lauaki have earned their first call-ups, while Ethan Blackadder returns. But Du’Plessis Kirifi’s omission raises the biggest question: has Rennie found the right balance between form, specialist roles and the physical profile he wants? Ross Karl and James Parsons break down the new faces, the players who missed out and what the squad reveals about Rennie’s priorities. They also examine whether the squad is short of a lock and how the All Blacks can balance their Test combinations with opportunities in the midweek games. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 22 · 15 min
Boks Watch: How South Africa Dictates Play—and How to Stop It
The Greatest Rivalry is almost here—but are the All Blacks genuinely ready to beat the Springboks in South Africa? Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall compare the two sides after the July internationals and ask whether the contest is now as close as 50–50. They examine South Africa’s remarkable depth, the return of New Zealand’s attacking DNA and the tactical areas that could decide the series. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 21 · 16 min
SHORT: Picking the All Blacks’ XV for South Africa Just Got Brutal
Picking the All Blacks’ match-day 23 for South Africa just got seriously difficult. In this excerpt from the podcast, the panel examines Tupou Vaa’i’s impact at blindside flanker, the fight for places in the loose forwards and whether a 6–2 bench could help New Zealand match the Springboks’ physicality. They also assess the All Blacks’ depth across the field, the growing reliance on Cam Roigard and Ruben Love’s remarkably assured start at Test level. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 20 · 1 hr 5 min
The All Blacks Have Changed — Will It Work in South Africa?
Unbeaten in the Nations Championship, the All Blacks and Springboks are now on a collision course for the Greatest Rivalry Tour. Aotearoa Rugby Pod unpacks the All Blacks’ impressive 40-21 victory over Ireland and the attacking identity emerging under Dave Rennie. What does “continuity plus brutality” mean, why has New Zealand’s ball retention improved, and can its high-tempo approach succeed in South Africa? Plus, the panel analyses the rise of Tupou Vaa’i at blindside, Ardie Savea’s captaincy, the All Blacks’ improving aerial game and the growing influence of Cam Roigard and Ruben Love. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 16 · 45 min
REACTION: All Blacks team naming v Ireland on Youtube Live
Audio of ARP's Youtube Live after Dave Rennie's press conference for his team naming v Ireland. Please excuse the audio. We'll upgrade our home microphones soon. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 15 · 14 min
The All Blacks’ Menace | Tupou Vaa’i on Sledging, Irish trick plays and Rennie's Fitness Demands
All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod ahead of the clash with Ireland at Eden Park. Tupou opens up about becoming one of the All Blacks’ biggest on-field menaces and how Brodie Retallick inspired it. He also explains why there is “no hiding anymore” in the new All Blacks regime and how Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan inspired one of his Super Rugby tries. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 14 · 18 min
BOKS WATCH: Rusty But Their Depth Is Frightening
In our weekly Boks Watch segment, as we gear up for the Greatest Rivalry Tour: The Springboks were scratchy but the depth of talent coming through should worry the rest of world rugby. . Did Scotland also uncover genuine flaws in the Boks’ defensive system or were they able to exploit a few moments of poor execution? Plus, we break down Boan Venter’s ridiculous strong-man carry and ask how anyone was supposed to stop it. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 13 · 1 hr 11 min
Jordan vs Kolbe | Who Is Rugby’s Best Right Winger?
Is Will Jordan already rugby’s greatest-ever right winger? With 50 tries from his first 56 tests, the All Blacks finisher is producing unprecedented numbers. We compare Jordan with New Zealand greats John Kirwan, Jeff Wilson and Doug Howlett, along with modern stars Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Penaud. We also break down the latest Nations Championship, including the struggles of the All Blacks and Springboks, France’s emphatic win over Australia and the major trends emerging across the competition. Finally, we look ahead to the All Blacks against Ireland at Eden Park and discuss what New Zealand must sharpen up on. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9 · 50 min
REACTION: All Blacks team naming Youtube Live
Listen to second of our weekly All Blacks team naming reaction Youtube Lives. This week it's Ross talking the All Blacks v Italy team, including the midfield switch-up and two debutants, as well as answering the questions from the Live comments section. Keep an eye out for the scheduled lives each week. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 7 · 16 min
BOKS WATCH: Is Willemse the world's best?
With the Greatest Rivalry Tour coming in August, ARP brings you Boks watch, a regular segment dedicating to understanding the All Blacks' greatest foe! This week we talk where England went wrong, whether anyone is better than Damian Willemse, Rassie Erasmus' effect on the maul laws and how halfbacks are running the game worldwide. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 6 · 1 hr 5 min
All Blacks Attack Is Back | Rennie's Blueprint to Beat the Boks?
The All Blacks have their attacking identity back. Dave Rennie's first Test in charge delivered a clear shift in philosophy against France. New Zealand played with more tempo, kept the ball alive and attacked with an optimism that supporters have been craving. Is this the blueprint to beat the Springboks? We also wrap up all the biggest talking points from the opening weekend of the All Nations Championship, including: • 🇿🇦 South Africa v England • 🇦🇺 Australia v Ireland • 🇦🇷 Argentina v Wales 🔔 Subscribe for weekly All Blacks analysis, expert insight and rugby discussion. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 1 · 13 min
SHORT: How to use Beauden Barrett and Quinn Tupaea?
What is the best way for the All Blacks to use Beauden Barrett and Quinn Tupaea? This week we're answering two of the biggest viewer questions following the first Test squad selection. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 30 · 16 min
Tana Umaga On How Ardie Inspires & Building Rennie’s All Blacks
Tana Umaga On How Ardie Inspires & Building Rennie’s All Blacks All Blacks legend Tana Umaga joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod after returning to the national team as defence coach. Tana explains what makes Ardie Savea such an influential leader and how he inspires those around him during the toughest moments. He also takes us behind the scenes of Dave Rennie’s first camp, discussing the challenge of bringing a coaching group together from different parts of the world, preparing a Test side in a short timeframe, building relationships with players and developing a game plan to stop France. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 29 · 1 hr 24 min
Inside France & Rennie's All Blacks | What Decides The Test
Few in New Zealand know all the French players and Dave Rennie as well as Brad Weber. Aotearoa Rugby Pod brings in the former All Blacks, Stade Francais and Chiefs halfback to give us the lowdown on both teams before Saturday's first test!. He explains how French rugby thinks, why Bordeaux's systems are likely to shape France's attack this week, and whether the absence of Toulouse's stars—including Antoine Dupont—really changes the contest. The crew also debates the All Blacks midfield combination, Beauden Barrett's role under Rennie, South Africa v England and Australia v Ireland. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 23 · 4 min
SHORT: Springboks Run Riot: The Potential Is Scary
Yes, it was only the Barbarians. But the performance reinforced a feeling many rugby fans already have: the Springboks' depth of talent is becoming frightening. Ross Karl, Bryn Hall and James Parsons discuss South Africa's 80-31 win over the Barbarians. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 22 · 26 min
All Blacks Squad Revealed: Why Rennie Picked These Players
Fresh off the press - the ARP crew breaks down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad! The 34 man squad, captained by Ardie Savea, includes four new caps, one eyebrow raising inclusion at halfback and the return of a veteran from Japan. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 21 · 31 min
Will The Final Pick The All Blacks?
The Hurricanes didn't just beat the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final — they dismantled them. Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall break down why the Hurricanes tore apart the Chiefs and why the visitors couldn't find a way back into the contest. Have the Canes changed the All Blacks selection conversation? Does their style offer a blueprint for the All Blacks? Plus, reaction to South Africa's demolition of the Barbarians and what it tells us about the Springboks ahead of the international season. Don't miss our All Blacks squad announcement special.. dropping 12:15 Monday 22. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod

Greatest Rivalry Debate - ARP x Behind the Ruck

BOKS WATCH: Depth Creates Brutal Selection Calls

Why the All Blacks Turned to Their Past to Win in South Africa

The All Blacks Squad Pick Everyone’s Debating | 44 men to tour South Africa

Boks Watch: How South Africa Dictates Play—and How to Stop It

SHORT: Picking the All Blacks’ XV for South Africa Just Got Brutal

The All Blacks Have Changed — Will It Work in South Africa?

REACTION: All Blacks team naming v Ireland on Youtube Live

The All Blacks’ Menace | Tupou Vaa’i on Sledging, Irish trick plays and Rennie's Fitness Demands

BOKS WATCH: Rusty But Their Depth Is Frightening

Jordan vs Kolbe | Who Is Rugby’s Best Right Winger?

REACTION: All Blacks team naming Youtube Live

BOKS WATCH: Is Willemse the world's best?

All Blacks Attack Is Back | Rennie's Blueprint to Beat the Boks?

SHORT: How to use Beauden Barrett and Quinn Tupaea?

Tana Umaga On How Ardie Inspires & Building Rennie’s All Blacks

Inside France & Rennie's All Blacks | What Decides The Test

SHORT: Springboks Run Riot: The Potential Is Scary

All Blacks Squad Revealed: Why Rennie Picked These Players

Will The Final Pick The All Blacks?