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Rugby Direct

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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 club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby.

Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.

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41 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

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Yesterday · 34 min
Rugby Direct Episode 267: Rennie names side for Scotland showdown
In the latest Rugby Direct from Edinburgh, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie’s team set to face Scotland as the All Blacks chase Nations Championship glory. The pair analyse the key selection calls, discuss where the match could be won and lost, and assess what's at stake in a pivotal test. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
October 28 · 31 min
Rugby Direct Episode 266: All Blacks selection winners and losers
The All Blacks squad for the end-of-year tour has been named, and the selection debate is already heating up. On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the winners and losers from the squad announcement, debating who’s fortunate to be on the plane and who can count themselves unlucky to miss out. They also discuss the significance of the northern tour for first-year All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, with a demanding schedule set to provide a major test of his tenure so far. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 18 · 31 min
Rugby Direct Episode 265: What We Learned From The Bledisloe Series
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney after the All Blacks' commanding victory over Australia, highlighted by a devastating first-half blitz at Accor Stadium. With the Bledisloe Cup campaign complete, what did we learn from the final two tests across the Tasman? And with the end-of-year tour looming, just how prepared are Dave Rennie's side for the next tour? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
October 15 · 29 min
Rugby Direct Episode 264: All Blacks ring the changes
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney as attention turns to the second Bledisloe Cup test. The All Blacks side has been named and coach Dave Rennie has made several notable changes to his starting XV. The boys break down the key selection calls, what they reveal about the All Blacks' direction, and whether Rennie has gone far enough ahead of another crucial clash with the Wallabies. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 11 · 32 min
Rugby Direct Episode 263: Fortress Eden delivers again
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down another dominant All Blacks performance at Eden Park, as New Zealand extended its incredible winning streak at the fortress and kept the Bledisloe Cup safely locked away for another year. What were the key factors behind the victory? Which players stood out? And what changes, if any, should Dave Rennie make ahead of the second test? The boys debate all the big talking points from the opening clash and look ahead to what's next for the All Blacks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 8 · 23 min
Rugby Direct Episode 263: Bledisloe questions as injury toll mounts
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack a growing crisis at first five for the All Blacks, with Richie Mo'unga the latest star playmaker to join the injury casualty ward. The boys break down the All Blacks squad named for the opening Bledisloe Cup test against Australia, debating the key selection calls and where the pressure points lie heading into Saturday night. With the Wallabies showing signs of resurgence, they also tackle the big question: are the All Blacks there for the taking, or will New Zealand remind Australia who's boss when the Bledisloe Cup kicks off? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
October 5 · 34 min
Rugby Direct Episode 262: One last home test for 2026
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier look ahead to the All Blacks' final home test of 2026 as they prepare to welcome a confident Wallabies side fresh off a statement victory over South Africa. Can New Zealand finish their home campaign on a high, or are Australia poised to spoil the party? The podcast also dives into one of the biggest Super Rugby moves in recent memory, with Ardie Savea confirming he will join the Blues for the 2027 season. What does the blockbuster switch mean for the Blues, and the future landscape of New Zealand rugby? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 30 · 37 min
Rugby Direct Episode 261: Bledisloe pressure builds as Wallabies fire a warning shot
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ 34-man squad for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series. With Ruben Love sidelined by an ankle injury, they assess Richie Mo’unga’s opportunity at first five, where Beauden Barrett fits, and the selection calls facing the All Blacks. The pair also discuss the returns of Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell, Leicester Fainga’anuku’s omission, Codie Taylor’s appointment as captain, and the All Blacks’ continuing problems under the high ball. Plus, after beating South Africa in Perth, can the Wallabies carry that confidence into Eden Park and threaten New Zealand’s long unbeaten record at the venue? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 25 · 35 min
Rugby Direct Episode 260: Lessons from South Africa, questions for NZ Rugby
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier revisit the All Blacks' tour of South Africa with the benefit of hindsight. A few weeks on from the series defeat, the boys unpack what really went wrong, what positives can be taken forward, and what it revealed about the state of the All Blacks under Dave Rennie. They also break down the outcomes of New Zealand rugby's recent summit, asking the big questions: what was actually achieved, what still needs to change, and where does the game go from here? From governance and participation to the future of the professional game, no topic is off-limits as the boys tackle the biggest issues facing rugby in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 17 · 13 min
Rugby Direct Episode 259: The South African reality check
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith reflects on the All Blacks’ challenging tour of South Africa and the key factors behind the 3-1 series defeat. Where did it unravel for Dave Rennie side, what lessons can be taken from the campaign, and what needs to change as attention turns to the remainder of the 2026 international season? Elliott breaks down the biggest talking points and looks ahead to what comes next for the All Blacks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 11 · 19 min
Rugby Direct Episode 258: One Last Shot at the Springboks
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith dials in from Baltimore as the All Blacks unveil their side for the fourth and final test of The Greatest Rivalry tour. Richie Mo'unga returns to the No. 10 jersey, while Codie Taylor captains the All Blacks in a test for the first time. Is this the combination that can level the series against South Africa and ensure New Zealand leaves with a share of the trophy? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 6 · 32 min
Rugby Direct Episode 257: Beaten by the Boks or Beaten by Themselves?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast for one final dispatch from South Africa as the All Blacks' hopes of a series victory come to an end. After slipping to a 2-1 series defeat against the Springboks, the boys break down where it all went wrong. Were the All Blacks undone by their own mistakes, or were South Africa simply a class above? From key moments and selection decisions to the bigger picture under Dave Rennie, they reflect on a tough series, the lessons learned, and what it means for the All Blacks moving forward. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
September 4 · 30 min
Rugby Direct Episode 256: Taylor axed, Lakai starts - have the All Blacks got it right?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Johannesburg as the All Blacks unveil a bold new look for the third test against South Africa. With veteran hooker Cody Taylor omitted from the matchday 23, Sam Darry promoted into the second row in place of Fabian Holland, and Peter Lakai handed a starting berth at blindside flanker, the selectors have made some major calls. Are they the right ones? What do the changes reveal about how the All Blacks want to play? And can this reshaped side respond after last week's loss to the Springboks? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 30 · 38 min
Rugby Direct Episode 255: Cape Town Crisis? How the All Blacks Can Fight Back
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Cape Town to dissect the All Blacks' second Test defeat to South Africa. Where did it all go wrong for Dave Rennie's side? The pair break down the key moments that shaped the result, assess the selection calls, and debate whether tactical changes are needed ahead of the next test. With the All Blacks now searching for answers, Elliott and Liam look at the personnel and game-plan adjustments required to bounce back in the third Test at Johannesburg's FNB Stadium. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 27 · 30 min
Rugby Direct Episode 254: Knockout blow or Bok fightback?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Cape Town ahead of a massive second test between the All Blacks and Springboks. With New Zealand chasing a series-clinching 2-0 lead and South Africa desperate to square the ledger, the boys break down the key battles that will decide the contest. What must the All Blacks do to back up their Ellis Park triumph, and how will the Boks respond under pressure? Elliott and Liam debate it all. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 23 · 38 min
Rugby Direct Episode 253: Boks Blown Away: The Ellis Park Upset
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' historic 17-point victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, one of the country's greatest results on South African soil. What does the statement win mean for the remainder of the series, and have the All Blacks established themselves as clear favourites? The boys break down the key performances, the tactical trends that defined the contest, and what South Africa must do to respond. They also react to Dave Rennie's team naming for Wednesday morning's clash against the Lions, with Richie Mo'unga set to wear the No.10 jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
August 20 · 34 min
Rugby Direct Episode 252: All Blacks v Springboks - The Great Rivalry Returns
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the team lists ahead of the opening test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. Who were the biggest selection surprises? Which side holds the early advantage? The boys leave no stone unturned as they analyse the key matchups and storylines heading into a blockbuster clash in Johannesburg. Plus, All Blacks first five Ruben Love joins the podcast after being handed the No. 10 jersey for the series opener. He discusses the opportunity of a lifetime, the challenge of taking on the defending world champions in their own backyard, and what the All Blacks are expecting when they run out on Sunday morning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
August 16 · 46 min
Rugby Direct Episode 251: Bulls Beaten, Boks Await, Picking Rennie's First Test Team
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' emphatic 50-19 victory over the Bulls as preparations ramp up for the opening test against South Africa. The boys reveal their picks for Dave Rennie's matchday 23, debate the biggest selection headaches facing the All Blacks coach, and identify the key battles that could shape the first test at Ellis Park on Sunday morning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
August 13 · 35 min
Rugby Direct Episode 250: Mo'unga recalled as All Blacks finalise first test plans
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Johannesburg to break down the shock recall of Richie Mo'unga to the All Blacks squad. Is he the right man to replace Billy Proctor, or does the move raise more questions than answers? The team also counts down to the All Blacks' final tour match before next Sunday's first test, dissecting the latest team naming and debating whether Dave Rennie has selected the right side to get the series off to the perfect start. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 9 · 31 min
Rugby Direct Episode 249: Stormers Review, Proctor Blow & Sharks Changes
The All Blacks are up and running in South Africa, but was their win over the Stormers convincing enough? On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Durban to break down the tour opener, unpack the sweeping changes for the Sharks match, and discuss the growing injury toll after Billy Proctor became the second All Black to head home. Plus, is it finally time to pick up the phone and call Richie Mo'unga? The boys tackle all the big talking points. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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