Podcasts about super rugby aotearoa

The Crusaders take on the Chiefs in the Super Rugby final held in Christchurch tomorrow night. With nearly half the games decided by 7 points or less, the recent games have been tight and entertaining, leading to a boost in viewer numbers. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says, 'law innovation' and ‘close games and unexpected results' have helped Super Rugby gain its recent boost in audience. Crowd numbers are also up by 6% this year, despite fewer games. This increase is expected to continue next year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes will play The Blues tomorrow night at Eden Park.  The Hurricanes lead the competition on 42 points, followed by the Blues (41). The Hurricanes beat the Blues 29-21 on March 9. Sports Contributor Jason Pine told Heather du Plessis Allan “I've had a quick check on the odds: the Blues has favourites, according to the TAB.  Pines said “I think that's to do with home advantage. It's a hard place to win rugby if you're not from there.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widely known as one of the top strength & conditioning Directors in the world, Simon Thomas curated his success at Super Rugby's most successful team, The Crusaders under head coach Scott “Razor” Robertson (now the All Blacks coach). Simon led the performance department at the Crusaders for four years resulting in three Super Rugby titles in 2017, 2018, 2019 & a Super Rugby Aotearoa title in 2020. While experiencing success with the Crusaders he was also working with Maori All Blacks in the International windows & consulted in Japan, Brazil & Argentina throughout.He left NZ to go to the US and build a new rugby environment in the MLR based on Austin Texas in 2021 and 2022. This was another valuable experience & Simon loved it in the US & the  exposure to the bigger US sporting environments as this was a big driver of wanting to leave his success behind him at New Zealand Rugby & take on a new challenge. He then came to Perth to work as Head of Performance with the Western Force Rugby team based in Western Australia under Simon Cron, and this is where this interview with JD podcast curator & host Andrew was held. Simon shares many fascinating stories from inside his time working in professional sport, the narratives that led to success at the Crusaders under the driving force of Razor, the athletes, and a mentor that influenced Simon greatly with her words, “live to create opportunities for others”.This podcast interview with Simon is a rare gem for coaches, athletes and leaders wanting to take some inspiration from a leader in the industry who has worked consistently with other leaders!Show sponsor Muvitality Medicinal Mushrooms for modern day health and wellness | Mu …Go to muvitality.com use code JD10 to receive a 10% discount on your purchase of Mu Functional mushrooms Here are some useful links for this podcastIG @westernforce   Linked In - https://au.linkedin.com/in/simon-thomas-5656b540Relevant episodesEpisode 91 - Becoming a “Mindset monster” with Super Rugby Human Performance & Mindset coach Davie Gray - https://podcasts.apple.com/hk/podcast/episode-91-becoming-a-mindset-monster-with-super/id1527374894?i=1000640880513Episode 88 - Damian Browne on The Power of Process and The Pain Cave - https://podcasts.apple.com/hk/podcast/episode-88-damian-browne-on-the-power-of-process/id1527374894?i=1000636640784JOINT DYNAMICS links:Joint Dynamics Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JointDynamicsHongKong/Joint Dynamics Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/jointdynamics/Joint Dynamics Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQZplKxZMSvtc6LxM5WckwJoint Dynamics Website - www.jointdynamics.com.hk Host - Andrew Cox - https://www.jointdynamics.com.hk/the-team/trainers/andrew-cox

So Jordie Barrett is staying, but also going. Staying till 2028 but leaving next year for a sabbatical. This sabbatical is slightly different. Going to Leinster. United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster, European Rugby Champions Cup favourites Leinster. Bit different to going over to Japan for a pay check. Yes he'll be getting a sizeable pay check from Leinster but I believe Jordie when he says it's about becoming a better player. I believe when he says he wants to learn about different refereeing, coaching and styles of play. That can only be a good thing. Learning how to break down different defences, adapting to different coaching and refereeing. Immersing yourself in their style. Right in the peak of his career. Sabbaticals are a fact of life now in New Zealand.  Mo, I don't particularly like that the Hurricanes are without Ardie Savea this year and Jordie Barrett next year. That's not good for Super Rugby. But I don't think we'll ever get the answer or solution to that. It does make the competition weaker, but the horse hasn't just bolted on that it's almost died of old age. Dan Carter was the first ‘sabbatical' in 2009 and that was 15 years ago. It could be worse with Jordie, he could have left entirely. So often we talk of New Zealand losing Rugby IP abroad – this time Jordie is heading over to learn some of Ireland and Leinster's. It feels to me it's more about OE, than money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have slumped to their worst start in Super Rugby history, suffering a fourth consecutive loss for the first time in the franchise' history.   Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge tells Mike Hosking the team is disappointed. The team were short through injury and availability, and alongside changes in personnel this had an impact on play.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes are facing the Blues tonight in the marquee match of this round of Super Rugby.  Ahead of the match, Piney decided to catch up with Blues midfielder Rieko Ioane to get a feel for how the game may play out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier sit down with New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson to discuss a wide range of issues facing rugby, including the Shape of the Game, Super Rugby's future, NRL rivalry, the provincial unions, Rugby Championship's future, women's rugby and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott 'Razor' Robertson is under no illusion about the pressures he faces in his new job. While Robertson is the most successful Super Rugby coach of all time, having hoisted a record seventh consecutive title with the Crusaders, he knows the extra stakes within international rugby. Scott Robertson joined the D'Arcy on Sportstalk for his first radio interview since taking the All Blacks head coaching role.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues have found their home for the next two years.  Eden Park has been confirmed as the Blues' home venue for the 2024 and 2025 Super Rugby seasons.  Eden Park CEO, Nick Sautner, told Mike Hosking that they're confident the contract will be extended in the future.  He said that sport and entertainment are evolving, and fans' experience is critical on game day.  Sautner said that they've invested $33 million into infrastructure over the last three years to ensure they can continue to provide great experiences to fans.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott and Liam recap a busy week of rugby news with Will Jordan re-signing with NZR top of the list, before offering their thoughts on Wayne Smith's new performance coach role and the Ruby Tui-Weetbix card saga. Super Rugby comes to the pointy end of the regular season with 11 teams to go into eight playoff spots after this weekend, we review the penultimate round of the competition and figure out who will be in the quarter-finals and where.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Piney catches up with Newstalk ZB's voice of Rugby, Elliott Smith, to discuss the benefits and downfalls of the idea of a Super Rugby draft.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to NZR re-signing Damian McKenzie and Ruby Tui for a couple more years each. They also assess the Chiefs v Crusaders match and other games from the latest round of Super Rugby, before contemplating the debate around All Blacks players being selected from offshore after it cropped up again in recent days. We also ponder what would possess the Hurricanes to get rid of their iconic song/chant from their match-day experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss the Black Caps going up against England at the Basin Reserve, Super Rugby kicking off and the Phoenix men v Central Coast. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Super Rugby Pacific season will introduce an in-game off-field review system to determine a yellow or red card threshold for all foul play incidents. Time limits at scrums, lineouts and kicks for goal aimed at reducing stoppages will also be adopted. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave says these rule changes will speed up the matches, as viewers won't have to watch endless replays to see if any foul play standards were breached.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (chief Sports writer at the New Zealand Herald) were poised to head off into summer but before the boys don the speedos, fire up the BBQ and grab a pool noodle they've been summoned for one last podcast to review what was a mammoth year for rugby in New Zealand. In this bumper podcast, they get stuck into the highs and lows of Super Rugby, the All Blacks, the Black Ferns while remembering some of their favourite media conference moments. Elliott and Liam dish up some awards, as well as ponder a few existential questions about rugby and where it is going ahead of 2023. Amidst all of that, the guys take a look at the coaching sagas up north and the domino effect they might have on New Zealand. Rugby Direct returns in 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Super Rugby and European Cup star Isa Nacewa believes Ian Foster's survival as All Blacks coach wasn't all about victory over South Africa, it was also about the rise and rise of Joe Schmidt. New Zealand Rugby's announcement that Ian Foster will lead the All Blacks through to the next World Cup came with an important footnote: that Schmidt would progress from being an analyst and selector, to a hands-on role as the side's attack coach. It's a move that Nacewa, who played three incredibly successful seasons under Schmidt at Irish side Leinster between 2010 and 2013, is calling a masterstroke. "I know how much impact Joe Schmidt will have now that he's physically on the field, it will be immense," Nacewa told Newstalk ZB's D'Arcy Waldegrave on Thursday. "I've seen it first hand as a player and I'm seeing it again from a distance." As a player, Nacewa enjoyed the most successful seasons of his career under Schmidt as Leinster romped to 77 wins from 99 matches under his guidance; including three European Cup titles and a Pro12 title. Isa Nacewa (L) Joe Schmidt (C) and Jonathan Sexton (R) celebrate Leinster's Pro12 title victory in 2013. Photo / Photosport Nacewa believes Schmidt's new All Blacks position was a crucial factor in giving the NZR board the confidence to retain Foster as the leader of the coaching setup."The win in South Africa played a part in Fozzie being reinstated; but to me the masterstroke was the appointment of Joe Schmidt. "I am a big Joe Schmidt fan. This is a coach that knows what he wants, knows how to lift players to the level and will take the responsibility on his shoulders to get them there. "He won't say 'hey, I haven't got the players', he'll go 'these players are good enough, give them to me, I'll make a difference' and that is the masterstroke in what Fozzie has done; I believe that will get the All Blacks to a new level." Isa Nacewa believes having Joe Schmidt on the training field with the All Blacks will have an immense impact on the team. Photo / Photosport Schmidt's elevation has not only given Nacewa more faith in the coaching setup, but also boosted his belief in the playing squad. "Prior to all these changes I would have questioned whether they had the players to win the next World Cup - I still think there's a lot of development in the players that is needed - but when you've got someone like Joe Schmidt, hands-on, on the training field making a difference, that's a real wild card." Another example of the impact Schmidt is capable of having on a side can be seen in the performance of the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2022, where he helped Leon MacDonald guide the side to its first Super Rugby final since 2003. Schmidt, a former deputy principal of Tauranga Boys College, has a reputation as a no-nonsense leader that has often been unpopular with players due to his hard-nosed approach to fitness, training and game strategy. However, that approach helped Leinster to unprecedented European dominance, it turned around a middling Ireland national team in 2013 and lifted the Blues to success in 2022. NZR and Ian Foster will be hoping Schmidt has the same effect on the All Blacks over the coming World Cup campaign. - Albie Redmore, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Jordan has been one of the most talked about rugby players in 2021, with his natural flair and x-factor making him an international superstar.  A product of Christchurch Boy's High School, he was a member of the 2017 New Zealand Under 20 side that went on to win the World Championship. His eye-catching form in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season saw him help Tasman to their first ever premiership title, and in 2020 he finished the Super Rugby Aotearoa season with the most tries, defenders beaten and metres gained. He made his debut for the All Blacks in late 2020, and this year scored a record 15 tries in 11 tests. This week he won World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year award, and was also named in World Rugby's dream First 15.  Will Jordan was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week's Six and a Song.LISTEN ABOVE

I'm joined this week by Chiefs and NZ Maori All Blacks Coach Clayton McMillan. Prior to his coaching he played for one club, Whakarewarewa and one province in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty, for whom he played 113 games.Clayton has enjoyed a lot of success over a number of years with different teams, from Wellington U19 team that won the first Jock Hobbs Trophy through to a successful year this year with the Chiefs making the final of Super Rugby Aotearoa and has enjoyed success leading the Maori All Blacks.I love his take on culture and how he brings that to life in the teams he works with, particularly the Maori All Blacks, it sounds like an environment I would love to be part of.If you like the podcast please share it with your friends and it would be great if you could leave a rating on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen as we would love to grow our community.

 Mitch Hunt is a professional New Zealand rugby player. Hunt was among the top 10 lead point scorers for the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament and the top 3 lead point scorers in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.    Hunt has already managed to play over 70 games of Super Rugby with the Crusaders and Highlanders combined. He is currently about to begin the Bunnings NPC season with the Tasman Makos where he has already notched up 56 games for the club and has won back to back championships.   Since high school Hunt has been a stand out first five and fullback and has was involved in representative grade rugby coming through the ranks, including New Zealand Under 20s. His ability to read the game and break open a defensive line has earned him the opportunity to play at the Super Rugby level and most likely higher honours in future years.    In this episode, we learn what it takes to become a world-class game driver and how leadership is also about your actions on the field, not just what is said in the sheds. We dive into:   How Aaron Smith has instilled confidence in his players to make the right decisions and back themselves to execute when called upon.    The importance of creating strategies to beat teams that are stronger and more physical, but still being able to command the game with kicking tactics and having the team buy into the game plan.    The process Mitch takes when going through his kicking routine and basing his overall performance on the feel rather than technical issues.   How the Tasman Makos have created strong values and culture within the team environment which saw them become back to back champions in the 2019, 2020 NPC competition.    Mitch's thoughts around playing for the Crusaders and the lessons and learnings he took from the franchise and how it grew him as a player leading into his Highlanders career.     If you're someone who is looking to understand the skills, communication and tactics of a world-class first five and fullback. This episode is about taking the reins as the game driver and being confident in your decision making ability and having the freedom from the coaches to back yourself. It gives insights into a professional rugby environment and how they prepare differently for each team and being able to figure out strategies to dominate whilst being a smaller and less physical team. 

If you are a Crusaders fan, then you have cause to celebrate over the weekend with them taking out Super Rugby Aotearoa....agaaaain! If you're a Chiefs fan however...ooof! Do we have some news for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karl, Richard and Fisky review a wild opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa and ask whether the Australian teams are the real deal or not. They finish it off by giving their bets for the weekend.

Fresh from winning the Super Rugby Aotearoa title with the Crusaders, All Blacks outside back Will Jordan joins the All Blacks Podcast to talk about the season so far and his journey through the rugby ranks.

Jordan signs off Super Rugby Aotearoa talking about his favourite team winning, again, with Dominic Roe.

The DrivingMaul Show S1E50 Our Super Rugby Aotearoa XV with Paul, Ashwin and StevenWe talk about the latest rugby news and Club Rugby.Become a Supporter of New Zealand Sport Radio via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/NZSportRadio Get bonus content on Patreon as a Supporter of New Zealand Sport RadioSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/new-zealand-sport-radio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a bonus episode, I chat with all-round rugby expert Brett McKay to cover: The Super Rugby Aotearoa and AU finals The Law Variations kept for the Trans-Tasman Trans-Tasman predictions and expectations The success of Stan Sport Had an absolute blast with this, we hope you enjoy! Find us on Twitter @RugbyFixation

The panel discusses the Super Rugby Aotearoa final and look ahead to the trans-Tasman clashes set to start this week. They also discuss Warren Gatland's Lions tour selections and ponder whether the French canthe Wallabies on home soil. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Death, taxes and the Crusaders winning Super Rugby titles. The inevitable unfolded on Saturday night when coach Scott Robertson's Crusaders clinched their fifth straight crown and the 12th in total for the all-conquering Christchurch based franchise. After beating the Chiefs 24-13 coach Scott Robertson said his team were "intensely disliked" by many in the rugby fraternity because of their success, but he hopes they're also respected. Former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne, who was part of multiple Crusaders titles, and Dick Tayler, a long time president of the Canterbury Rugby Supporters club, spoke to Corin Dann.

Death, taxes and the Crusaders winning Super Rugby titles. The inevitable unfolded on Saturday night when coach Scott Robertson's Crusaders clinched their fifth straight crown and the 12th in total for the all-conquering Christchurch based franchise. After beating the Chiefs 24-13 coach Scott Robertson said his team were "intensely disliked" by many in the rugby fraternity because of their success, but he hopes they're also respected. Former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne, who was part of multiple Crusaders titles, and Dick Tayler, a long time president of the Canterbury Rugby Supporters club, spoke to Corin Dann.

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Quinto título consecutivo para la franquicia de Christchurch, el equipo de Scott Robertson dominó a unos Chiefs que realizaron un partido notable. Crusaders primó el juego colectivo frente al protagonismo de Damian McKenzie. Con Eugenio Astesiano, Phil, José Antonio Vera y Javier Señarís.Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

In Extra Time this week - there's a dire warning that if the Tokyo Olympics go ahead people will die. A top epidemiologist is urging the International Olympic Committee it's not too late to call the Games off while we hear from Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker on why the Games must go ahead. And can the Chiefs topple the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final? Join Stephen Hewson on RNZ's Extra Time - in association with Stuff and LockerRoom

Crusaders assistant coach Andrew Goodman spoke with Lesley Murdoch on the All Sport Breakfast Canterbury this morning ahead of his teams Super Rugby Aotearoa final against the Chiefs.LISTEN ABOVE

Ahead of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final Crusaders v Chiefs Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford spoke to All Black Great and Sky Sport Commentator Jeff Wilson.LISTEN ABOVE

In Extra Time this week - there's a dire warning that if the Tokyo Olympics go ahead people will die. A top epidemiologist is urging the International Olympic Committee it's not too late to call the Games off while we hear from Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker on why the Games must go ahead. And can the Chiefs topple the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final? Join Stephen Hewson on RNZ's Extra Time - in association with Stuff and LockerRoom

Super Rugby Aotearoa will come to a dramatic conclusion tomorrow evening as the top-seeds Crusaders take on second-placed Chiefs. The final is being played at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch. All Black Braydon Ennor has been named on the Crusaders bench, despite not having played since last October in the North v South game. Meanwhile the Chiefs have opted for Bryn Gatland at number 10, and Damian McKenzie starting at fullback. Crusaders defensive coach, Tamati Ellison, and Chiefs head coach, Clayton McMillan, spoke to Corin Dann.

Super Rugby Aotearoa will come to a dramatic conclusion tomorrow evening as the top-seeds Crusaders take on second-placed Chiefs. The final is being played at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch. All Black Braydon Ennor has been named on the Crusaders bench, despite not having played since last October in the North v South game. Meanwhile the Chiefs have opted for Bryn Gatland at number 10, and Damian McKenzie starting at fullback. Crusaders defensive coach, Tamati Ellison, and Chiefs head coach, Clayton McMillan, spoke to Corin Dann.

Chelsea Alley's back to reality after experiencing the high of the first women's Super Rugby Aotearoa match.The Black Fern was part of Waikato's historic 39-13 win over the Blues last weekend.Alley took to Instagram on Tuesday, saying she's physically and mentally struggling, juggling three jobs and playing rugby semi-professionally.She told D'Arcy Waldegrave it got to a point where she needed to get her feelings out of her system."What that goes to show is it was probably time someone stood up and said something along those lines." She says they're expected to train as if they are full time professional athletes."You're not getting the same kind of resources as a fully professional player, so kind of living a double life."Alley says it was bold of her to stand up for other female players, because there could've been serious repercussions.But she's relieved after receiving plenty of support."My teammates, members from NZRU, members from my management time, a lot of members from the All Blacks even, have been messaging me, just checking in to see if there is anything they can do to help, not just me but other players who are in my position."LISTEN ABOVE

We're trying something new for this one, I've got 3 absolute lads on who have all been on before, Marty Banks, Jackson Garden Bachop and Tom Marshall as we try to pick an NRL side out of 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa players. Switching codes has been a hot topic lately and it's always interested me to think which players would make a successful transition. How we did it was, we all picked our own team and with out comparing sides until the podcast we tried to come up with a side. Not an easy task but it does make for some interesting debates. If you think you can pick a better side head over to the What a Lad instagram page and give it a go! The person with the best team will win a very juicy prize! Also make sure you share this podcast, it helps out massively. Also we will be getting jerseys made for this team, only one in each position so if you're interested in owning a WRL personalised jersey stay right on and the info will be out soon! Side not- if you haven't heard the full What a Lad episodes with either of these 3 lads, go back through the archives and check them out!  

Jordan lucks out with Dom Roe agreeing to jump on a preview the Super Rugby Aotearoa final.

This week, our usual “Verdictors” (is that even a word?), Goran and Ravinder, are joined by All Blacks great Stephen “Beaver” Donald. No surprises as to which team the Chiefs legend is picking in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final, while Goran has no doubt the Crusaders will add another trophy to their cabinet. The panel also debates whether New Zealand rugby needs the Trans-Tasman competition with Australia.

Jordan dials up Fritz Rayasi to recap the tenth and final regular season round of Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2021.

This week on the Sporting Rumble the guys have a chat with 2011 Rugby World Cup winner and Chiefs legend Stephen Donald and get his thoughts on the Super Rugby Aotearoa final this weekend, Mull's Multi has finally struck gold! - But he needs your help this week, and after seeing the big IndyCar crash that almost took out Dixon & Mclaughlin, Nick Rado shares his biggest work disaster he survived from See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week it's to the reliable workhorses of the pod to guide the good ship Elite rugby Banter through the calm waters of the latest week of rugby news and results, including Super Rugby AU, Super Rugby Aotearoa, and the Pro 14 Rainbow Cup. Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

The crew of James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl chat through all the action from round 10 of Super Rugby Aotearoa and look ahead to the final between the Chiefs and the Crusaders. They also discuss the upcoming Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition and the news that Pablo Matera will join the Crusaders in 2022. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! La temporada regular de Super Rugby Aotearoa ha terminado con buenas sensaciones para Hurricanes y con la confirmación del mal momento de Blues en el final de campeonato. Brumbies dominó la final contra Western Force y se enfrentará a Reds en la final. Con José Antonio Vera, Julen Sarasola y Javier Señarís.Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

Chiefs 39Blues 12Blues captain Eloise Blackwell says her side's defeat to the Chiefs in the maiden New Zealand women's Super Rugby match at Eden Park proves the female game deserves proper investment.The Chiefs comfortably upstaged the Blues, putting away their neighbours 39-12, but in many ways the result was secondary to giving women in this country a Super Rugby platform to aspire to."It's been pretty surreal, such a special occasion, and definitely long overdue," Blackwell said."You would have seen the calibre of players, the matchups across both teams, people want to see that. There's a lot of growth in our game and people are really getting behind us so it was an awesome occasion to showcase our abilities and put a stake in the ground and say that we are worthy of investing in, and we can produce good rugby."In an historic, competitive contest featuring seven tries, big hits and plenty of feeling, the Chiefs emerged deserved victors to claim the Waipuea Women's Rugby Taonga for the first time.Chiefs captain Les Elder scored one of her side's five tries and beamed with pride after the team's families presented their jerseys in the morning."Just to be here playing a Super game on Eden Park is pretty special," Elder said. "It's something some of us girls who have been around a long time have been wanting and pushing for so to see that happen was pretty cool."We made a goal we didn't just want to be in history we wanted to create it so I'm proud of the effort the girls put out there. It just shows what we could create if we were resourced."A match that brought together 16 Black Ferns, eight on each team, drew a healthy crowd on Saturday evening prior to the men's dead-rubber fixture in the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.The occasion was a long time coming for New Zealand rugby's female athletes, one they will remember fondly for many years to come. The hope and expectation now is this landmark moment will build momentum through to the creation of a fully-fledged women's Super Rugby competition from next year, though Elder cautioned against compromising the established provincial Farah Palmer Cup which promotes a greater talent pool."We don't want to rush into something and have it effect Farah Palmer Cup," Elder said. "It is something that needs to be tabled properly and all scenarios laid out."We've got an opportunity to not have to mimic the men's game and we can be quite innovative in that space. How we do that I'm not too sure but I hope the people at the table who are making the decisions are considering that."A convincing Chiefs victory will vindicate the many sacrifices players and coaches made, with some travelling up to seven hours on return trips for trainings, which were fitted around day-job commitments.The Chiefs led 18-12 at halftime and pushed further clear following their second rolling maul try to hooker Luka Connor.Elder finished the job, stretching out to score after linking round the front of the lineout, and powerful centre Ngatokotoru Arakua bagged the Chiefs' fifth try to seal the blowout.After starting well, the Blues will be disappointed after being held scoreless in the second half.Counties playmaker Hazel Tubic proved influential in controlling the match for the Chiefs. Tubic kicked superbly, too, slotting 14 points which included three sideline conversions.Conversely young Blues first five-eighth Patricia Maliepo didn't have a happy night off the tee – missing three of her four strikes - but she can always lay claim to scoring New Zealand's first women's Super Rugby try after regathering her grubber kick to crash over within the opening 10 minutes.The Chiefs quickly responded, however, with a seriously slick try. Chiefs No 8 Kennedy Simon, one of the game's standouts, sparked the counter attack from 60 meters out. Simon challenged the line and offloaded to wing Langi Vaeinu, who skinned Maleipo who was defending in the backfield.Chiefs blindside Kendra Reynolds str...

Brent Graham is joined by a team of rugby betting experts to discuss the weekends action from a betting angle on The Handicap. The show airs every Thursday night at 21h00 and this week’s show will focus on the Super Rugby Australia play-off, Super Rugby Aotearoa, the South Africa Rainbow Cup matches and the Heineken Champions Cup Semi-Finals with some Varsity Cup thrown in as well Here is the link to subscribe to the free weekly Goodforthegame betting mailer http://bit.ly/bettingmail Here is the link to this week’s Rugby forum thread where punters share bets and information https://bit.ly/3etcNqV

Patrick, Paul and Richard break down last weekend's action from Super Rugby Aotearoa, discuss some potential bolters for the All Blacks and make a few bets for the upcoming weekend of Super Rugby on both sides of the Tasman.

John Day is back in high spirits after the Crusaders booked a home Super Rugby Aotearoa final, Rog flies by the Sporting Rumble in his Cessna, and the guys surprise Nick Rado with a special guest. Who could it be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Josh Kronfeld joins the guys to debrief all the action from Super Rugby Aotearoa, Marc Peard returns with even hotter knives than last week, and Mull's shares an epic podcast review from a passionate Crusaders fan! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie Jones is the head coach of England. He has also coached Australia, South Africa, Japan, and the Brumbies to success. In this episode, we discuss his coaching journey, the RWC, his autobiography, tactical periodisation, and the Law interpretations being seen in Super Rugby Aotearoa.This episode is sponsored by Ruckie Analytics. If you contact them via coach@ruckie.com and mention the podcast, you'll receive a 40% discount on analysis for next season! For more information, visit https://ruckie.com/