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After two rounds of Super Rugby Pacific, the Aussies are leading the pack. The Brumbies and Waratahs are setting the pace with New Zealand-based sides occupying spots three to eight on the table and another blockbuster weekend ahead. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview the third round of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss the latest changes to the NZ Rugby high performance environment and how it could change the game across New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TV's Michael Atkinson, from Stan Sport and the Nine Network joins Brett McKay on our brand new offering, the AUS Rugby scene, for a look back on another round of Super Rugby Pacific dominated by the form of the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies. Somethings are hard to keep a lid on, right? The Brumbies just put 50 on the Crusaders in Christchurch, and the Waratahs won well over Drua despite leaving a similar scoreline on the field. And it all makes for an interesting view on the Queensland Reds this weekend, who are still theoretically the best team in Australia. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and we're doing more on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Liquor licensing mayhem for Christchurch bar owners as the opening of the new stadium nears. Super Rugby's Super Round games will be played at One NZ Stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Anzac weekend. But alcohol laws mean bars must close at midnight on Friday and can't serve alcohol without a meal before 1pm on Saturday. Hospitality NZ's Canterbury President Jeremy Stevens told Ryan Bridge they've been hoping to get an exemption. But he says despite the council and Mayor Phil Mauger being on board, current legislation won't allow it LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Pacific Waves today: Former Fiji journalist faces charges from FICAC; Adapting to climate change a matter of survival - expert; New football program offers inmates a 'second chance'; Heartache for Moana Pasifika and Fiji Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran dive in Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific, lauding one of the finest Brumbies' performances ever. They react to a report linking coach Stephen Larkham with the All Blacks and discuss whether it is a reality, before turning their attention to the contrasting fortunes of the Waratahs and Force. They they discuss the upcoming World Rugby meetings and whether a global season could be made a reality, all while answering your questions from a busy week of rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Giddy up nerds - these Brumbies are the real deal.Who else is flying high after watching the ACT pile 50 points on the Crusaders in Christchurch to mark James Slipper's 200th with a 50-24 win?Join Mitch and Lachie to dissect an incredible Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific that saw the Brumbies and Waratahs keep their top-two ladder rankings while the Force slipped to the bottom after a tough loss to the Blues.26-year hoodoos broken, more Jorgensen and Cale highlights - it's a juicy episode and Lachie's had a few cans before hitting record.Wallaby Shop - https://wallaby.sjv.io/WyRyVGLinktree - https://linktr.ee/Scrumbags_rugbyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/scrumbagsrugby/Twitter/X - @scrumbagsrugbyPatreon - https://patreon.com/ScrumbagsRugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round two of Super Rugby Pacific, The Brumbies thump the Crusaders, What's going wrong for the defending champs? Also, the boys review the latest matches out of the 6 nations, and could Stephen Larkham be a smokey to be part of the next All Black coaching staff? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rugby News Magazine editor Campbell Burnes joins Riccardo Ball to review the second round of Super Rugby Pacific. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hurricanes returnee Josh Moorby has celebrated his first game back in Super Rugby in style. The utility back bagged a hat-trick in their campaign-opening 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika in Wellington. Moorby told Piney it was awesome to get a result like that after a good preseason. “Yeah, just, happy with how we performed last night.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're rolling into the second week of Super Rugby with a blockbuster New Zealand derby. The Chiefs are heading down to Dunedin to face off against the Highlanders this evening. The Highlanders will be aiming to keep their momentum going, after last weekend's victory over the defending champion, the Crusaders. Attack coach Cory Brown joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's episode of The Agenda, James McOnie joins ACC Head G Lane to discuss being caught on the Bongo Cam at the Breakers (00:00)...WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Next, the fellas get into the latest in the T20 World Cup with Zimbabwe beating the hosts Sri Lanka overnight (06:20)... Plus, there's a wolf on the loose at the Winter Olympics (13:00)! Then, the fellas preview and make their predictions for Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific (16:05).Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (31:15)... Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji ex-Prime Minister charged with mutiny; More Māori and Pacific bone marrow donors needed; Super Rugby Pacific enters second roundGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
We're top of the ladder! Who saw that coming? Not me! Nick W and Nath catch up on the latest in the world or rugby, including Super Rugby Pacific, RWC 2027 fixtures, law changes, the Sevens, the Six Nations and some good old fantasy news. WARNING: naughty boys say naughty things like naughty words. Only proceed if you're naughty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Novelist and weekly author of The Wrap Geoff Parkes joins Brett McKay for a look back at first round of Super Rugby Pacific and all the surprises that came with it, on the latest episode of a brand new offering from 8/9 Rugby: the AUS Rugby scene. And it wasn't without blemish, with the powers that be declaring on Monday morning a try should not have been awarded that was. In Round 2 this weekend, there is bounce-back factor in several games, while the teams that did win now have to back that performance up. Also, Brett and Geoff run you through what to expect on 8/9 Rugby on Substack, the new publishing venture they set up over the Australian summer. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific #89RugbyonSubstack Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and we're doing more on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview round two of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss Dalton Papali'i's move to the French Top 14 side Castres Olympique and Leicester Fainga'anuku being dropped to the bench. And for the first time, the boys dive into the mailbag. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're top of the ladder! Who saw that coming? Not me! Nick W and Nath catch up on the latest in the world or rugby, including Super Rugby Pacific, RWC 2027 fixtures, law changes, the Sevens, the Six Nations and some good old fantasy news. WARNING: naughty boys say naughty things like naughty words. Only proceed if you're naughty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran dive into a big opening round of Super Rugby Pacific, answering the fans' questions from two contrasting Australian derbies. They look at the standout performances of Max Jorgensen and Charlie Cale, break down the differences in the Waratahs' game, examine the Reds and Force's woes, then react to the overturned try in the Chiefs-Blues game, talk the All Blacks coaching job and then dive into the Six Nations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Another Super Rugby season has begun for 2026. The Chiefs beat the Blues 19-15 in Auckland and the Brumbies have trampled the Force 56-24 in Perth. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review round one of Super Rugby Pacific who shone who didn't and who has the most to work on as we head into round two of the competition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Racing 92 & Hacjivah Dayimani part waysRacing 92 and Hacjivah Dayimani have mutually agreed to end their collaboration. The decision is reportedly for personal reasons, allowing the South African loose forward to return home and be closer to family. Blues coaching succession talkReports suggest Ian Foster and Tony Brown (often linked through All Blacks structures) are being discussed as potential candidates for the Blues head coach role when Vern Cotter departs at the end of the season. Fabian Holland injury blowHighlanders and All Blacks lock Fabian Holland is set to miss the Super Rugby Pacific season and the July Test window through injury — a major loss for both franchise and national depth in the second row.Was this a warning sign for Ireland?Italy pushed Ireland far harder than many expected. It took Ireland 17 minutes to score their first try, which is notable given how dominant and fast-starting they've been in recent seasons.Talking points:Italy's defensive structure and breakdown work slowed Ireland significantly.Ireland looked less intense and less sharp early on.Are we seeing a slight drop in tempo compared to the Ireland of 2022–2023?Italy robbed?Debate around key decisions late in the game — Italy arguably deserved more from the contest. The bigger takeaway though: this Italian side is no longer a bonus-point opponent.How good are Italy now?Better game management.Improved physicality.Confidence to stay in systems for 80 minutes.Did we hype England too early?After early optimism, England looked blunt against a Scotland side that simply outmuscled them up front.Key discussion points:Scotland's forwards dominated collisions and gainline.England struggled to adapt once Plan A stalled.Is England's attack still too predictable?Gregor Townsend's milestoneTownsend's 100th Test as Scotland coach, and remarkably he has now beaten England six times in ten meetings. That consistency in this fixture says a lot about Scotland's preparation and clarity of approach.Game plan too rigid?Heavy reliance on one-off runners.Lack of variation once Scotland slowed the breakdown.Limited attacking width until late in the game.Finn Russell — prime timeGame control, kicking variation, and decision-making at its best. When Russell plays flat and challenges the line, Scotland look like a genuine Tier 1 threat.Henry Arundell red card — correct call?Big debate point. Technically correct under current framework, but again raises the question about intent vs outcome in red card decisions.Super Rugby Round 1Moana PasifikaPicking up right where they left off — confidence, physicality, and attacking ambition. They're becoming one of the competition's most entertaining sides.Fijian DruaCould be a tougher season ahead after losing key personnel. Depth and consistency away from home remain concerns.Chiefs vs BluesTight, high-quality contest — finals intensity already. The Chiefs' structure vs the Blues' physical edge makes this one of the best matchups in Super Rugby right now.Highlanders vs CrusadersCrusaders beginning to find rhythm again, while the Highlanders will feel the absence of Fabian Holland in the pack.
What an incredible weekend of sport, with the T20 Cricket World Cup, Super Rugby Pacific, and SailGP sweeping into Auckland – more on that in a minute - some of the world's best trail runners hit Rotorua for the Tarawera Premier Ultra-trail Marathon and the Winter Olympics continues to provide stunning performances, triumphs and disappointments, scandals and feel good moments. I've been interested in the chat around the Winter Olympics over the last week. The Winter Olympic Games is often criticised for being filled with elite, niche sports that struggle to capture broad public appeal. Unlike the Summer edition, which features globally accessible competitions like athletics, swimming and football, the Winter Games is based on disciplines which require specific climates, facilities, and funding. Sports such as biathlon (cross-country skiing and shooting), snowboard cross (kind of BMX racing for snowboarders), and curling are unfamiliar to many viewers outside Europe and North America. They demand snow tracks, ice rinks, and mountain ranges - resources unavailable in much of the world. As a result, participation is concentrated among a relatively small group of nations, reinforcing the perception that these are rarefied pursuits rather than widely played global sports. But for me, this exclusivity underscores why these athletes deserve celebration. Winter Olympians dedicate their lives to mastering extraordinarily demanding disciplines under harsh conditions. They train for years in sub-zero temperatures and in many cases risk injury at high speeds as they refine their skills in sports where success is often decided by fractions of a second or points. The limited global infrastructure for many of these sports makes reaching elite level even more impressive; pathways are narrower, funding scarcer, and margins for error smaller. That they are largely broadcast on pay tv in New Zealand also fuels the idea these sports aren't hugely common. But uncommon or not, if you've been watching over the last week, surely you'll agree the camera work has been spectacular and the events have been incredible to watch. My whole family have become obsessed with ice dancing and figure skating - and there have been some serious controversies and sides taken during the week, even though none of us could get ourselves around an ice rink. And really, isn't all sport at the top-end of competition elite - or as we like to call it ‘high performance sport'? On the global stage, rugby is niche. So is netball. The America's Cup is an elite sport, and the coast to coast this weekend attracts a small number of super athletes who will traverse the South Island. Doesn't make their accomplishments any less impressive. The Olympics exists not merely to platform the most popular sports, but to honour excellence at the highest level. That some of those sports are not broadly accessible does not diminish the skill required to compete. In the last week we've seen human resilience, sportsmanship, courage, and technical mastery - all done in what can be very challenging environments. So niche or not, our Kiwi athletes and their fellow competitors represent the pinnacle of their disciplines - and that alone warrants recognition and celebration. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Super Rugby Pacific kicks off tomorrow night in Dunedin, where the bruised Highlanders are facing the Crusaders. That's just one of a number of interesting clashes in the first round. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.
Super Rugby Pacific kicks off tonight and the Crusaders are once again defending champions after winning a record extending 13th title in 2025. Rugby reporter Joe Porter has more.
In Pacific Waves today: PNG drops in corruption index rankings; Salvation Army NZ calls on govt to increase food aid; Anticipation building for new Super Rugby Pacific season. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Super Rugby Pacific is back this weekend as Season 30 kicks off. Round one is full of derbies, as the Highlanders host the Crusaders tonight, then the Blues take on the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley told Mike Hosking that there's a focus on improving the pace of play to maintain viewer interest. 'We want to see close matches, we want to see fast games, and we want to continue to see a reduction in static time.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sean Maloney from Stan Sport joins Brett McKay to finalise preparations for the first round of Super Rugby Pacific which starts this weekend, on the latest episode of a brand new offering from 8/9 Rugby: the AUS Rugby scene. And they have declared that surely 2026 has to be the year an Australian team goes all the way through to the Super Rugby Final! ‘A long time between drinks' only tells part of the story. The new season does shape as an intriguing one, however, with five match-ups in this weekend's opening round that could be anything. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific #ACTBrumbies, #NSWWaratahs #QueenslandReds #WesternForce Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and we're doing more on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by the king of rugby compilations, Andrew Forde, to break down the biggest stories heading into Round Two of the Six Nations. The pair react to England's team news ahead of Saturday — with Maro Itoje returning, Luke Cowan-Dickie coming in for Jamie George, and Fin Smith handed the No.10 shirt — before making their Round Two predictions, including whether Italy can cause another shock in Dublin. Andrew also discusses the viral rise of his YouTube channel, how he got started producing rugby compilations, and why highlight culture is playing a growing role in the sport's digital reach. We also dive into the “Henry Pollock effect” — why the young back row is generating so much buzz — and Andrew builds a dream XV made up entirely of players he's created highlight reels on. Plus, with the U20 Six Nations underway, we discuss emerging stars like Tom Bowen and Kalvin Gourgues, and whether early highlight exposure accelerates hype around young players. The show rounds off with a look at Super Rugby Pacific's return, including new law tweaks designed to speed the game up — from quicker taps to breakdown changes — and what they could mean for the global game. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier: https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the team lineups for the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss their Super Rugby fantasy lineups for the opening weekend and take a look at the latest developments in the Blues replacement coach saga. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Las convocatorias para la fecha inaugural del Super Rugby Pacific 2026: Highlanders vs Crusaders. Waratahs vs Queensland Reds. Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika. Blues vs Chiefs. Western Force vs Brumbies. Con Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://www.gulagalega.com/estilo-de-cerveza-artesana/1820-sinduena-drop-w-hablemos-de-rugby-lata-44-cl.htmlEscucha 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
This afternoon the team lists were released for the first round of Super Rugby Pacific. There is two New Zealand derby's to open the competition this weekend. The Crusaders are heading under the roof to take on the Highlanders on Friday night followed by another massive clash between the Blues and the Chiefs. Tony Johnson is a rugby commentator and he joined D'Arcy to discuss the squads named for the matches as well as look at some players who may be able to fight their way into the All Blacks as a new head coaching appointment lingers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Line Season 4 starts NOW. The team recaps a chaotic summer: the Miles Amatosero training ground incident, Angus Crichton’s shock Waratahs signing, and the All Blacks' coaching bombshell. Plus, we preview Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific and answer your questions on the 2027 RWC schedule, the Women’s game, and the Western Force’s chances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the KOKO Show the lads are over in the Golden West all thanks to Tourism Western Australia, sampling everything that Perth has to offer from its natural beauty, to the food and all its groundbreaking entertainment. In this episode the boys glowingly recount their time at Rottnest Island, their dinner and tour at Gage Roads Brewery, climbing Optus Stadium and all the action from the HSBC SVNS at HBF Park. Plus, the fellas do a full rugby round up as they preview week one of the Super Rugby Pacific with their tips, tricks and everything in between, as well as a full recap of round one in the Guinness Six Nations for all our NHL's.In the Second half of the episode brought to you by HSBC we are joined by two legitimate Aussie greats Alicia Lucas and Michael Hooper to talk all things HSBC, SVNS and the Global Rugby Player Foundation. With our two red polo clad legends in tow the KOKO show takes a turn as we delve into the world of life after rugby, Swoop's Temu addiction and just how excited everyone is about the 2027 Rugby World Cup. So buckle up your chin straps and remember to slip, slop, slap, slurp and slide; this episode is an absolute scorcher in the wild wild west. It is time for an all new episode of Kick Offs and Kick Ons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Big news out of the Blues today ahead of the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season this week. Reliable blindside flanker Anton Segner penned an extension with the club that will see him remain in Auckland through to the end of the 2027 Super Rugby season. Anton Segner joined D'Arcy to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former All Blacks Midfielder Pita Alatini catches up with Riccardo to preview Moana Pasifika's 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, continuing what Ardie Savea started last season, squad additions, expectations & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chiefs Great Liam Messam catches up with Riccardo to preview the Chiefs Super Rugby 2026 season, coaching team, squad, round 1 v Blues at Eden Park, expectations & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Las franquicias neozelandesas (a excepción de Crusaders), tienen bajas de mayor relevancia que las incorporaciones. Los equipos australianos intercambian y recuperan jugadores exiliados, con un criterio difícil de explicar en muchos casos. Con Urbano Nuviala y Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://sinduena.es/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
Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific is less than a week away!Mitch is up and about after the Tahs go 2-0 in trials, the Brums and Force have flipped the pre-season pecking order, and Lachie still has no idea who'll wear the Reds #10Join the lads for a thoroughly biased QLD-NSW preview, a more nuanced look at Force v ACT and a cursory glance across the ditch.Wallaby Shop - https://wallaby.sjv.io/WyRyVGLinktree - https://linktr.ee/Scrumbags_rugbyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/scrumbagsrugby/Twitter/X - @scrumbagsrugbyPatreon - https://patreon.com/ScrumbagsRugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Super Rugby Pacific is set to return for another year, but things will look different this time round. The new law changes are designed to reduce stoppages, inspire positive play and - most importantly - simplify the viewing experience. Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I sit down with Ella Ferguson, content creator and journalist to talk about her journey into the world of rugby media and storytelling. Ella shares how she turned a passion for the game into a career capturing its modern side — from working with players and building digital content, to shaping how fans connect with rugby today.We also dive into the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, players and teams to watch as well as what's next for Ella as she continues to elevate the voice of women in sports media.A must-listen if you love rugby, content creation, or just want a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to tell the stories that define the game.
It was a breakthrough season for Moana Pasifika in 2025. With six victories, including wins over the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Blues, and Crusaders, the team ended up finishing 7th – just shy of the playoffs. They're kicking off their 2026 season next Saturday, with a clash against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka. Coach Tana Umaga joined Piney ahead of the season to discuss their plans to keep momentum rolling, and the difficulty of losing their players during the offseason. He told Piney that no one person can fill the gap left by Ardie Savea, but the leaders within the team are stepping up to the plate. “It's still a big shadow to have hanging over us, but our boys, they embrace that.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Blues are looking down the barrel of an interesting start to the Super Rugby season. They were the 2024 Champions, but a rough season saw them slip down the ranks, before they were felled by the Crusaders in the semi-finals. Now they're having to replace several key players ahead of their season kicking off next Saturday with a clash against the Chiefs. Assistant Coach Jason O'Halloran told Piney that you don't replace someone like Reiko Ioane overnight, but they have good cover and are comfortable with their ranks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Super Rugby Pacific is just over one week a way and fans have a few new law changes to look forward to. Officials say they are designed to make for a better viewing experience. RNZ's Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about how some of the players have reacted to the changes.
We look at the weekends rugby from a betting angle
Ben Darwin from Gain Line Analytics joins Brett McKay for a Super Rugby Pacific preview, launching the brand new offering from 8/9 Rugby: the AUS Rugby scene. And with pre-season predictions a mug's game at the best of time, Ben's ability to dig into and find meaning in the numbers is a great insight. So with Round 1 just over a week away, it's interesting to look at the squads in terms of experience – with perhaps some surprising results – and to look closer at everyone's draw and see who really does have a good draw this season. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific #ACTBrumbies, #NSWWaratahs #QueenslandReds #WesternForce Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and we're doing more on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Several new laws will take affect in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, including reducing the influence of the much-maligned TMO. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.
Super Rugby Pacific is less than two weeks away and we've already locked in a Force v Waratahs decider.NSW fans - especially Mitch - are up and about after flogging the Reds at Ballymore while the Force faithful are already buying their finals tickets after pasting the Brumbies in Perth and going 2-0 in their trials.Are Queensland already cooked? Did the Tahs look suspiciously polished? What's doing in Brumbyland? And are the Force finally the real deal?There's also big signing news on both the player and coaching fronts plus a few sevens and international updates - join Mitch and Lachie to break it all down on the Scrumbags Rugby Podcast!OUR LINKSWallaby Shop - https://wallaby.sjv.io/WyRyVGLinktree - https://linktr.ee/Scrumbags_rugbyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/scrumbagsrugby/Twitter/X - @scrumbagsrugbyPatreon - https://patreon.com/ScrumbagsRugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It seems timing continues to rule out potential All Blacks coaching candidates. Coach Vern Cotter will leave the Blues at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season to move to the Queensland Reds next year, therefore removing himself from the All Black coaching conversation. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.
Welcome to Extra Time - Scrumbags' new subscriber offering!This week on Extra Time, Mitch and Lachie break down each of Australia's Super Rugby Pacific squads and their draws to see who's best placed in 2026! The boys also offer their (somewhat) informed take on where each side will finish on the SRP ladder and the risers and fallers in the Aussie standings.OUR LINKSWallaby Shop - https://wallaby.sjv.io/WyRyVGLinktree - https://linktr.ee/Scrumbags_rugbyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/scrumbagsrugby/Twitter/X - @scrumbagsrugbyPatreon - https://patreon.com/ScrumbagsRugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome back to the Scrumbags Rugby Podcast!Stay tuned as Mitch and Lachie prepare for the 2026 season ahead - this is just a little teaser to whet the appetite, remind you all rugby's back on the airwaves and get excited for Super Rugby Pacific, SVNS and more coming up! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.