Podcasts about former all blacks

Former All Blacks captain and newly appointed New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk says maintaining player numbers remains the sports biggest challenge.

Former All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga has been invited by former All Blacks coach Ian Foster to play for the ANZAC team against the British and Irish Lions in Australia.

Former All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga has been invited by former All Blacks coach Ian Foster to play for the ANZAC team against the British and Irish Lions in Australia later this year.

Rugby is mourning the passing of former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew. Mayhew has passed away after heart complications, at the age of 70. He served as the All Blacks doctor between 1988 and 2004 before moving to the Warriors for 15 years. Former All Black Captain Sean Fitzpatrick told Mike Hosking Mayhew was very much part of the team, both on and off the field. He says he was a lovely man, a confidant, very calm, and managed to bring humour to very tense situations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man who treated countless numbers of All Blacks and Warriors players over more than a 30 year period has died. Dr John Mayhew has died at the age of 70, after recent heart complications. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks his legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks and Warriors doctor John Mayhew has died. North Harbour Rugby have announced his passing after recent heart complications. He was 70. Dr Mayhew served as North Harbour's inaugural doctor from 1986, before being appointed as the All Blacks doctor from 1988 to 2004 - a period encompassing more than 200 matches and later moving to the Warriors. In 2016, Dr. Mayhew was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to sports medicine. North Harbour Rugby chief executive Adrian Donald says it's devastating news for the rugby community. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tributes are flowing for one of the most well-known coaches in All Blacks history. Past president of the Canterbury Rugby Supporters' Club Dick Tayler spoke to Corin Dann.

The Chiefs have been fined after a member of their medical team interfered with play by kicking the ball away. The staff member booted the ball after two Blues tries on Saturday night. In addition to the fine, the Chiefs are getting sanctioned from Super Rugby officials. Former All Blacks team doctor Dr John Mayhew talks to D'Arcy Waldegrave about the controversy. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of New Zealand Golf Open ambassadors have been taking part in the Pro-Am. Double World Cup winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is one of them! "My golf is certainly nothing to write home about, but, it's a pretty cool event and, yeah very, very privileged to be involved." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for the 2nd of February 2025, Former All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan joined Piney to talk about his departure from Sky. The Six Nations season is well underway - and rugby commentator Martin Gillingham joined Piney to recap this week's highlights. Plus, Canterbury Kings coach Peter Fulton joined Piney ahead of today's Super Smash final. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan has revealed he'll be parting ways with Sky TV. After his time in the black jersey came to an end, he pivoted over to a commentator role with Sky - but his time with the broadcaster has come to an end. He joined Piney to discuss this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot will soon be reunited with of one his most treasured possessions. Rugby reporter Joe Porter has more.

Former All Blacks midfielder Pita Alatini catches up with Smithy to talk All Blacks v Italy, team selected, Northern Tour results, Razor's first season in charge, state of the game & more  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former All Blacks Halfback Steve Devine catches up with Smithy to review the All Blacks loss to France over the weekend, game changing moments, stand out players, substitutions & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former All Blacks captain Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford joins us for this week's Sporting History. Sir Wayne's career in Rugby Union includes joining the New Zealand Cavaliers on their controversial tour of apartheid South Africa and winning the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup. He then captained the All Blacks for a three year, 14 game unbeaten streak Buck is also credited with revitalising the Ka Mate haka the All Blacks perform before matched. Teaching the team the correct tikanga. Oh and there's also the infamous "Battle of Nantes" which resulted in Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford being knocked out, losing several teeth and a testicle!

Ethan de Groot has been left out of the All Blacks side to play England at Twickenham on Sunday for failing to uphold team standards. The first-choice loosehead prop misses the 23 due to an unspecified breach – Tamaiti Williams starts in his place. Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a start again after the victory over Japan in Yokohama - Beauden Barrett will play at first-five. Former All Blacks Captain Reuben Thorne joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the test. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed debate about the haka's purpose after Joe Marler suggested it should be banned. The English prop labelled it 'ridiculous' in a post on social media ahead of this week's rugby test at Twickenham. Former All Blacks head coach Laurie Mains says the haka is a long-standing rugby tradition within the team - and Marler wouldn't understand its significance. "Who would want to take any offence at what Joe Marler says? After all, he's a front-row prop and he wouldn't have a clue where the haka stands in New Zealand rugby." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 30 October 2024, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have delivered their closing arguments ahead of next week's US election. Jack Tame was at Kamala Harris' rally in Washington. Associate Education Minister David Seymour reveals what we need to do to improve chronic absenteeism for our school kids. Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains reacts to England prop Joe Marler calling for the haka to be binned. Plus the Huddle debates whether another $100,000 catering bill for a Health NZ conference is completely out of order. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One former All Blacks captain claims Scott Robertson will want to try out new combinations in future matches. The side set to play against the Wallabies in Wellington has been revealed - with Beauden Barrett taking on the No 10 jersey, Anton Lienert-Brown replacing Jordie Barrett and TJ Perenara starting his final match in the No 9 jersey. Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford says Damian McKenzie - who got dropped down to the bench - hasn't lost his chance just yet. "Take test match rugby - you just don't have as much time. He has time when he plays for the Chiefs - he's just got to get used to reacting fast enough." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks skipper Sam Cane concedes he never thought he'd bring up a century of tests.

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The All Blacks are coming up to a big test this weekend, facing off against Australia in the first match of the Bledisloe Cup.   It's been almost two weeks since their back-to-back losses against South Africa, so what went wrong and do they have the time to fix it?  Former All Blacks captain Ian Fitzpatrick told Ryan Bridge that if the All Blacks can start like they did against the Springboks in Johannesburg, then they've got a good chance.  He said you can say what you like about the previous games, but this is a different beast altogether.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teams struggling to unearth their best form will square off in Sydney on Saturday in the first Bledisloe Cup Test. Former All Blacks halfback and Sky Sport comments man Justin Marshall spoke to Corin Dann.

Former All Blacks No.8 Richard Turner catches up with Smithy to chat Rugby Championship 2024 All Blacks second test loss v Springboks in Cape Town, game-changing moments, bench impact, Razors 4 - 3 record to start & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filling in for D'Arcy Waldegrave, Craig Cumming recaps the week in the wonderful world of sport.  On tonight's agenda: Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains on last weekend's test against South Africa.  Talkback - Rugby. NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink on the imminent start of the summer (spring?) of cricket.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are preparing for a fierce match at Ellis Park.  They're facing South Africa in their next Rugby Championship game, playing in one of the most intimidating stadiums in the game.  Sean Fitzpatrick was the captain of the first ever All Blacks side to win a test series in South Africa.   He joins Piney ahead of the test to discuss the chances of Scott Roberston's team, and dig into how tough it is to play in South Africa.  “The fans are relentless, day in, day out, morning, nighttime, they're telling you how the Springboks are going to beat you.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson's clearly on a hot streak, having won 3 straight test matches in a row. The team beat Fiji 47-5 in San Diego last night, with six new faces making their All Blacks debut. Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains joined Piney to discuss Robertson's prowess. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 21st July 2024. The All Blacks have won their first three tests under Scott Robertson, after a convincing win over Fiji in San Diego. Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains joins the show to assess how Razor has started his All Blacks coaching tenure. The White Ferns are in complete disarray. They return from their tour to England with zero wins and eight losses. NZCs head of high-performance Bryan Stronach joins Piney to discuss where the team goes from here. And Sarah Walker is our final guest on our Road to Paris feature, just one week out from the Olympics. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains is touting the late Norm Hewitt as one of New Zealand rugby's greats. The nine-test hooker has died aged 55 after a battle with motor neurone disease, having played 23 games for New Zealand between 1993 and 1998. After issues with alcohol abuse, Hewitt became an anti-violence ambassador and public speaker. Mains says when he first selected Hewitt he was a bit of a 'larrikin'. "I'd have to speak to him quite sternly - and he took that on board and into the team. Immediately, he showed not only good performance on the rugby field, but also he took a real turn in his personal behaviour." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday,16 July 2024, Donald Trump has been officially confirmed as the Republican Presidential nominee, while also confirming J.D. Vance as his VP pick - US Correspondent Lauren Tomasi talks to Jack Tame about the latest from the states. David Seymour has written an open letter to Pharmac around expectations for improved medicines access. Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains reflects on the life of Norm Hewitt. Plus, The Huddle debates whether or not their should be warning signs before speed cameras. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a lot at stake tonight.  The All Blacks haven't lost a match at Eden Park in 30 years, and England hasn't beaten the All Blacks on New Zealand soil for 21 years.   Both of those records are on the line tonight after last week's 16-15 win in Dunedin.   Former All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina joined Piney to discuss how both teams will be feeling heading into tonight's test.  He told him that England's narrow loss last weekend in Dunedin would've pumped the team up, as there is an opportunity to break the 30 year streak.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 30 years since the All Blacks last lost at Eden Park.  Could England be the ones to bring an end to the streak after their narrow loss in Dunedin?  Former All Blacks Coach John Hart told Andrew Dickens that last week was a great test in terms of the proximity of the scores and this will be England's last game of the season, so they'll be really fired up.  He says the difference is that England showed what they've got last week, but the All Blacks have space to improve and adjust accordingly.  Hart thinks they'll improve sufficiently to make sure we maintain the unbeaten record at Eden Park.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Scott Robertson All Blacks era is under way. The new coach unveiled a 32-man squad featuring five new caps at a ceremony in Christchurch last night. They'll begin preparing for two Tests against England in July. Former All Blacks halfback Ant Strachan spoke to Corin Dann.

Former All Blacks captains Richie McCaw and Ian Kirkpatrick have urged New Zealand Rugby to change their governance structure.  Meanwhile, nearly 1.59 million New Zealanders have watched NRL matches on Sky Sport and free to air on Sky Open, a lift of 14 per cent from last season.  Sports Journalist Lavina Good told Heather du Plessis Allan “The Warriors don't even have to win for people to love it.”  Good says “The game [rugby union] is in disarray. Everyone is watching rugby league.”  Sports Journalist Jim Kayes says “Rugby is still rating as well as it has done in the past – there's no reason why you can't watch both codes.”  LISTEN ABOVE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richie McCaw is urging New Zealand Rugby to change the way they're governed based on an independent review - emphasising long-term benefits over short-term interests.  McCaw has warned that New Zealand rugby may lose the unity that has historically strengthened the sport from grassroots, to the professional level.  Former All Blacks Captain Ian Kirkpatrick told Heather du Plessis Allan “It's time for change. Changing administration will change the game too, we hope.”  Kirkpatrick said “The game has become so gladiatorial, that mothers don't want their kids to play.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mastering the mental game, the bumpy road to success, learning from failure, and coming to terms with the 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to England. Former All Blacks Captain, Kieran Read joins On The Mark founder, Mark Zimmermann to share his experience capping the New Zealand team, lessons learned from rugby that help him in all aspects of life, the importance of being a good listener, quickly recovering from frustration and disappointment, and more. This episode's special guest, Kieran Read, has had a legendary rugby career. Having accrued 127 tests, 52 games as captain of the All Blacks, four Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, and two Rugby World Cup wins with the All Blacks. His experience as a captain has helped him learn vital lessons around teamwork, leadership, and communication. It has given him the mental fitness required to operate under the intense pressure of an international stage, as well as the fortitude to recover from the most crushing disappointments. On The Mark host, Mark Zimmermann is the owner of On The Mark Coaching, co-author of the Amazon #1 best seller “Winner's Mindset,” international keynote speaker, and high performance motivational coach in both sport and business. Key LinksAttend a high performance workshop from the legendary Keiran Read himself:https://kieranread.co.nz/ Take your mental game to the next level with On The Mark coaching:https://otmcoaching.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Whitelock, the most capped All Black of all time, is retiring from professional rugby. He will hang up his boots in June at the end of the 2024 season in France where he is currently playing. Whitelock played with the All Blacks for 13 years, earning 153 caps, starting in two World Cup final wins in 2011 and 2015. Former All Blacks lock Ian Jones spoke to Corin Dann.

Former All-Blacks Stephen Donald and John Afoa from SENZ join the Summer Run Home with James Magnussen and Mark Bosnich to chat the new Wallaby coach, branding players and Ronald Volkmans injury compensation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 new faces feature in the Moana Pasifika squad for the next Super Rugby Pacific season. They include English lock Tom Savage, who has earned 179 caps for Premiership team Gloucester. Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea has joined from the Hurricanes, while flanker Sione Havili Talitui  comes in from the Crusaders. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recaps today's picks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Departing All Blacks coach Ian Foster has condemned the growing abuse professional sportspeople and officials are encountering.  His comments came after news Wayne Barnes is retiring from refereeing following an international career spanning 17 years and a record 111 tests across five World Cups.  The Englishman was reportedly the subject of death threats in the aftermath of the World Cup final.  Foster told told Mike Hosking that some of the feedback is unacceptable.  Meanwhile, Foster maintains he's spoken to nobody about future coaching opportunities but isn't ruling out any avenues yet.    Revealed: Foster spurned job talks on eve of World Cup -NZ Herald Departing All Blacks coach Ian Foster has revealed he was approached about coaching jobs on the eve of the Rugby World Cup but refused to discuss further so he could be fully focussed on the side's campaign.  Foster's side fell just short of claiming a fourth World Cup title after going down 12-11 to the Springboks in Paris. Scott Robertson now takes over as All Blacks coach.  Talking to Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking Breakfast, Foster said he wants to continue coaching but said he hasn't talked to anyone including Rugby Australia after the departure of Eddie Jones.  “I'm not saying anything about my future at the moment, but all I'd say is I haven't spoken to anyone about anything and I've done that deliberately,” he told the Mike Hosking Breakfast.  “I had a couple of options before the World Cup that I basically said, if you want to talk to me, you have to wait till after the World Cup.  “Because I don't want this team or in fact, this country, thinking that I was busy trying to sort myself out before the biggest event.  “And for me, I wanted my team to know that I was 100 percent focused on the team. I'd like to think that everyone saw that and now I'll take my time and figure out what's next. The timing is not perfect because a lot of jobs have all gone, but that's ok. I was willing to take that risk.”  Foster joined the All Blacks as an assistant coach in 2012 and was part of the coaching staff when the side won the World Cup title in 2015. He took the reins from Steve Hansen following the 2019 World Cup. Under Foster, the All Blacks won four Rugby Championship titles and retained both the Freedom Cup and Bledisloe Cup. He has the third most wins as an All Black coach (32 from 46 tests).  Foster was asked whether he wanted to continue coaching at the highest level.  “Well, I think that's one of the options. You consider two things. You got the club stuff in Europe. You've got Japan, and then there's the international game.  “But it's immensely difficult to talk about trying to coach another country when you've just had 12 years with the best team in the world and who's so close to my heart and quite frankly I just need to breathe a little bit before I go down that path,” he revealed.  Ian Foster at peace with coaching era  Hosking asked Foster whether he was at peace with his time as All Blacks coach.  “I think I am but I'm still going over everything.  “We went into a World Cup that everyone thought, we all knew, was going to be probably one of the toughest ever and nearly nailed it.  “So, I'm at peace that we did everything we could that we gave it everything we got but still there's always a massive disappointment we couldn't get across the line.  “It's been interesting four years. It started with the board and players fighting at each other over Silver Lake and that took about 12 months to get resolved. It set a sort of a platform of a niggly relationship between the players and the board, which wasn't actually anything to do with me. But that was the paradigm that we came into.  “We then went through Covid and the way we structured our seasons became very different. For example, I think we only played South Africa once in New Zealand in the four years.  “But everything settled down and I feel we got ourselves into a really good position going into that World Cup and ultimately that was the goal. I'm pretty proud of the effort that my coaching group, my management team put through and knowing that that things were over at the end of the campaign, but we were able to keep our focus singular on what we needed to do.  “And for that, I'm really proud of that group.”  “When I got the job, it always seemed to be under a condition, didn't it? It was the two year contract. They had another candidate that half the people wanted and from then on it was the leaves that they looked at everything that we did.  “And so once people fix their minds on an opinion, it's very hard to move them and to be fair, I'm relaxed with that.  “I'd like to think that now they realise that I lead a group that was highly motivated that could really produce a team that can win a World Cup. And the support that I've had has been phenomenal.”    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both the All Blacks and the Springboks are seeking to become the first side to win a fourth Rugby World Cup title. Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains coached the side at the 1995 World Cup final, which was the Springboks first. Mains spoke to Corin Dann.

The All Blacks have made it to the Rugby World Cup final for the fifth time.   They're set to face the Springboks Sunday morning in an epic clash for the cup.  Former All Blacks Captain, John Hart, told Mike Hosking that the combination of youth and experience is really working for the team.  He said they've got the team they want, and they've gone in injury free, and are prepared to put in a first-class performance against South Africa.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Wayne Smith is well known within the rugby world.  With two All Blacks World Cup Wins as assistant coach under his belt and one with the Black Ferns as head coach, he was the first coach to win both.   But there are lows amongst the highs; losing his position as head coach in 2001, and the backlash from the 2007 Rugby World Cup loss.  Smith covers it all in his new book Smithy, co-authored with longtime rugby journalist and commentator Phil Gifford.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen caused a bit of a stir when he joined the Wallabies a few weeks ago, now he's back in familiar territory. Hansen is in the All Blacks camp in Lyon, at the request of coach Ian Foster, as they prepare for their second Rugby World Cup game on Saturday. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6337057926112

Not the way the All Blacks wanted to kick off the Rugby World Cup. But the pool games aren't the problem - it's the knockout round where there are more sides as good as France waiting. Former All Blacks coach Alex Wyllie joined Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Rugby World Cup in France fast approaching, two former All Blacks took it upon themselves to give kiwis a taste of what the host country has to offer. ‘Izzy and Beaver's French Connection' follows Israel Dagg and Stephen Donald on an action-packed tour through France, taking in the sights and scenery, meeting new people, and, of course, causing a bit of mischief. The French have a bit of a reputation when it comes to tourists, English-speaking tourists in particular. However, Dagg and Donald told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking that as soon as they found out that they were Kiwis they were perfectly welcoming. “If they think you've got any resemblance with England they don't want a bar of ya,” Dagg told Hosking. “But as soon as you tell them you're from New Zealand, they jump straight into the All Blacks chat.” Throughout the show, Dagg's love of food, wine, and culture is on display, while Donald indulges his love of history, taking the lead on planning, though not on driving. “I was driving,” Dagg joked with the Newstalk ZB host. “I was driving and he would sleep the whole time.” While the pair visited all sorts of places on their trip, they developed a fondness for the little pieces of history. The pair visited Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct in Nîmes, and the Sénanque Abbey in Gordes. “It's the places we never would've gone to,” Stephen said. “They blew our minds.” But even if you take the boys out of New Zealand, you can't take New Zealand out of the boys, and Saint-Tropez was a favourite as well. “Once we hit the coastline? It was awesome,” Donald told Mike Hosking. France is known for its cheese and wine, and according to the pair, it lived up to the hype: “we came back about 28 kilos heavier than we left,” Dagg joked with Hosking. And as for the World Cup itself, both boys are backing the All Blacks, despite their disastrous showing against South Africa. “I feel like it was a mindset thing, they were on different spectrums.” Dagg said of the South Africa loss. “Dump that one and move on,” Donald agreed. Another thing they agreed on was Ireland, giving them “no chance.” “I know people are saying they're ranked number one in the world, but I think World Cups are different.” Where they disagreed was the final - Dagg's betting on the All Blacks and France battling it out again, “like in 2011.” But Donald thinks it'll be South Africa taking on the All Blacks. “The South African-All Black final hasn't happened for a while. I reckon we're long overdue it,” he told Newstalk ZB. ‘Izzy and Beaver's French Connection' premieres Sunday 10th of September at 6:30pm on Bravo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Rugby World Cup winning coach Steve Hansen has hosed down some initial shock at news he's helping out the Wallabies. Hansen has agreed to offer some guidance to the Australian side ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France, linking up with coach Eddie Jones. Veteran All Black hooker Dane Coles didn't initially believe it. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joined Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6335174214112

Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read believes the All Blacks have a "great" chance of winning this year's World Cup, but he says they're not the favourites to take the title in France. The All Blacks take on Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup test in Dunedin this weekend, though the match is a dead rubber with the hosts having already retained the title and the Rugby Championship following three straight wins to start 2023. It is however the last chance for players to impress before coach Ian Foster names his Rugby World Cup squad on Monday in Napier. Read spoke to RNZ's rugby reporter Joe Porter about his picks for the squad, who he thinks will win the World Cup and what he's made of the All Blacks early season form.

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has come to the defence of controversial star Israel Folau saying he "can't be punished" forever. Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for making anti-gay social media posts. He scored a try for Hansen's World 15 against the Barbarians on the weekend, but was jeered each time he touched the ball at Twickenham. Hansen says while he doesn't agree with Folau's views, he believes he should be given an opportunity to change. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6328407726112

Former All Blacks and Wallabies skills coach and current Drua head coach Mick Byrne joins Ross Karl and James Parsons this week to discuss the evolution of skills in rugby and his legendary career. The lads also discuss the Crusaders' big win over the Blues and the Chiefs falling to the Reds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.