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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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32 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

Episodes 32

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Thursday · 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.
- Transcript
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.
- Transcript
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.
- Transcript
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.
- Transcript
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.
- Transcript
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.
- Transcript
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.
- Transcript
August 5 · 39 min
Rugby Direct Episode 248: Tour launch - The first team is in
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier touch down in Cape Town and waste no time diving into the first team naming of the All Blacks' South African tour. What can we read into Dave Rennie's selections to face the Stormers on Saturday morning? The boys break down the key talking points, potential selection clues, and what this side could tell us about the weeks ahead as the All Blacks face their latest challenge in one of rugby's toughest environments. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 27 · 21 min
Rugby Direct Episode 247: Rugby's greatest rivalry tour: The squad is set
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' 44-man squad named for South Africa and the United States on the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie and selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes have retained all 34 players from the Nations Championship Southern Series squad, while adding a further 10 players for the demanding seven-week campaign. With opportunities rewarded and tough calls made, who are the unlucky names to miss out? The boys dissect the selections, debate the biggest talking points, and look at what the expanded squad means for the All Blacks' ambitions abroad. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 22 · 39 min
Rugby Direct Episode 246: Cameron Suafoa on rugby, life and his terminal cancer diagnosis
Rugby Direct is back with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, joined in studio by Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa for an inspiring and candid conversation. Suafoa opens up on one of the toughest periods of his life and career after being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, detailing the battle that followed, the support that helped him through, and the perspective he has gained from the experience. He also reflects on his return to professional rugby, his journey back to the Blues, and living with a terminal cancer diagnosis. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 20 · 41 min
Rugby Direct Episode 245: Ireland Beaten, South Africa Beckons
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ emphatic 40-21 win over Ireland, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The boys review a perfect opening block of the Nations Championship, with the All Blacks going three from three, and assess the key performances, talking points, and big takeaways from the series. They also look ahead to the next major milestone on the road to South Africa, analysing what changes Dave Rennie could make when he names his 44-man squad on Monday. Who’s played their way in, who’s under pressure, and what does the next chapter of the All Blacks’ campaign look like? It’s all covered on the latest episode of Rugby Direct. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 16 · 20 min
Rugby Direct Episode 244: The team is in - Rennie’s big calls
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland. Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 12 · 33 min
Rugby Direct Episode 243: All Blacks Win Big, But Are They Getting Better?
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' far-from-convincing 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington. Despite the comfortable scoreline, questions remain about the performance, selections, and overall direction of the side after two tests under Dave Rennie. The boys also debate one of the biggest talking points heading into this weekend: can the All Blacks extend their remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park when they face Ireland, or are the visitors primed to snap one of rugby's most iconic streaks? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 9 · 17 min
Rugby Direct Episode 242: Five changes and a fresh look ABs
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' five changes for Saturday's test against Italy and ask the big question: has Dave Rennie gone too far with his selections? The boys also look ahead to the second test of 2026, discussing what the changes mean for the All Blacks and what fans can expect when they take the field this weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 5 · 28 min
Rugby Direct Episode 241: A Winning Start, Rennie’s All Blacks Era Begins
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' winning start to the Dave Rennie era after their victory over France in Christchurch. What impressed most? Where are the areas for improvement? Plus, the lads cast an eye around the rugby world to break down the biggest results, standout performers and key talking points from a blockbuster weekend of international action. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript
July 2 · 25 min
Rugby Direct Episode 240: Rennie's first big calls: Right or wrong?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks team naming ahead of the test against France. Has Rennie got the big calls right? With Ruben Love at No. 10, Luke Jacobson wearing the seven jersey, and Damian McKenzie at fullback, the boys debate the key selections, the biggest surprises, and what it all means for the All Blacks moving forward. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 32 episodes