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Rugby Direct: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Newstalk ZB
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 5 days ago37 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.
- 1 weeks ago35 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.
- 2 weeks ago13 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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago19 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.
- 4 weeks ago32 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.
- Sep 4, 202630 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.
- Aug 30, 202638 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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Aug 27, 202630 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.
About Rugby Direct
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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