Podcasts about super rugby pacific

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad - who's in, who's new, and who can feel unlucky to miss out. The boys also reflect on a one-sided Super Rugby Pacific final, with the Hurricanes delivering a dominant performance to claim the title. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes didn't just beat the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final — they dismantled them.Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall break down why the Hurricanes tore apart the Chiefs and why the visitors couldn't find a way back into the contest.Have the Canes changed the All Blacks selection conversation? Does their style offer a blueprint for the All Blacks?Plus, reaction to South Africa's demolition of the Barbarians and what it tells us about the Springboks ahead of the international season.Don't miss our All Blacks squad announcement special.. dropping 12:15 Monday 22.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a weekend for Wellington! The Hurricanes obliterated the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final 60-5 in a packed Hnry Stadium. To celebrate and share the story behind the success Hurricanes Flanker Brad Shields joins Nick Mills on the show this morning. Brad talks about his decision to sign on for another year, and how it feels to be the only Hurricane with two championship titles. How do we keep this momentum going and growing the sport in NZ? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes are atop the table ahead of tonight's Grand Final against the Chiefs. They're clashing tonight at Hnry Stadium, both teams eager to take home the Super Rugby Pacific title. Japanese International Warner Dearns has arguably been the Hurricanes' best player this season, but his sabbatical comes to an end after tonight's clash. He joined Piney to reflect on his time in the capital and the team's success throughout the season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Super Rugby Pacific teams desperate for a taste of silverware are ready for a final full of expectations tonight in Wellington. The Hurricanes want a second title in their trophy cabinet a decade on from their first, while the Chiefs head to the capital eager to convert lessons from a threepeat of finals defeats into a first title since 2013. Chiefs Halfback Cortez Ratima told Piney they're pretty determined, and excited to have given themselves another opportunity to win the final. He says they've given themselves a chance to learn from the past, and they feel like they're doing a good job so far, but there's one more to go. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the two rugby franchises will hold the Super Rugby Pacific title for the first time in a decade after tomorrow's final in Wellington. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Super Rugby Pacific final is here, and the excitement is already at fever pitch. Tickets for the decider on Saturday sold out in just 15 minutes, as the Hurricanes and Chiefs prepare to meet in Wellington in what shapes as one of the biggest rugby nights of the year. So what makes this matchup so compelling? Which team has the edge, which players could define the contest, and what does the huge demand for tickets say about the state of rugby in New Zealand right now? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Rugby Direct podcast co-hosts the Herald’s Liam Napier and NewstalkZB’s Elliott Smith to break down the final, the key storylines, and why this game has captured so much attention. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the weekends rugby from a betting angle

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the Super Rugby Pacific final – the teams are locked in, but who's lifting the trophy on Saturday night? The boys also give their predictions for the All Blacks squad ahead of Monday's announcement... who will make the cut under Dave Rennie? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend's Super Rugby Pacific Final is shaping up to be a blockbuster. The Hurricanes are hosting the Chiefs at a sold-out Hnry Stadium. The Chiefs are chasing their first title in thirteen years, but the Hurricanes are hungry to lift the trophy again, a decade after their only win. CEO Tony Philp told Andrew Dickens they know the Chiefs are going to come down and play an epic game. He says it's the two best teams, and they're super excited about taking that challenge on and doing it in front of what's set to be a loud and boisterous home crowd. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The two best teams in Super Rugby Pacific will play in this weekend's Grand Final. And though the Hurricanes and Chiefs got there as expected, the way they both navigated their Semi Finals was quite unexpected. The great Tony Johnson from Sky Sport TV and Sport Nation radio in NZ joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby this week to work back through both Semi Finals, and ponder the relative strengths and opportunities as both the Hurricanes and Chiefs contemplate a first title in more than a decade. #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 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

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Los equipos de Hurricanes y Chiefs, para la final del Super Rugby Pacific 2026 que se disputará el sábado en el HNRY Stadium de Wellington. Con Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://www.gulagalega.com/estilo-de-cerveza-artesana/1821-sinduena-drop-w-hablemos-de-rugby-lata-44-cl.html.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

Excitement is mounting in Wellington as the clash between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final draws near. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a pair of one-sided Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals and what they mean heading into the big dance. With both the Hurricanes and Chiefs dominant in their respective match-ups, the boys assess where the final might be won and lost — and crucially, who deserves to go in as favourites. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes are urging fans to help them 'Fill the Tin' as they face the Chiefs at home in the Super Rugby Pacific final. Hurricanes Chief Executive Tony Philp spoke to John Campbell.

This week on The Rugby Scoop Pod: Stormers loose forward Ruan Ackermann has been suspended for a dangerous cleanout against Leinster (3 match ban)The Stormers have ended their pursuit of Argentina lock Tomás Lavanini. - “We would rather put our faith in the local guys like Connor Evans, [Junior Boks captain] Riley Norton and Gary Porter, who are full-blooded Stormers,” - DobsonHurricanes scrumhalf Cam Roigard has come under fire for his actions during Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Blues.Rassie Erasmus has revealed the objectives for the South Africa A game against Zimbabwe next weekend as SA Rugby looks to ‘capture' top Junior Springboks talents.Also, Vickers are you happy with the squad? We know Bulls players will join after this coming weekendCongratulations to Mzwandile Stick on leading the SA A sideNZR announce Tony Brown as Allblacks assistant coach for 2028 and beyond - who can replace Tony? We know some wanted him to leaveLalakai Foketi joins the OspreysRassie says flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, ‌would be ready six weeks before the first of four tests against New Zealand on August 22, as would be his ‌usual halfback partner Cobus Reinach.Congratulations to the Knicks, winning the NBA after 53 loooooooong and grilling years. Spike Lee & Ben Stiller must be so happyFarrell said he expected Lowe and centre Bundee Aki to sign new contracts.But while Aki agreed a new one-year deal to stay with Connacht, Lowe is set to leave when his contract expires this summer and has been strongly linked with a move to Japan's Suntory Sungoliath.Moving to Japan would halt his Ireland career a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia given the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)'s policy of not selecting players based outside of Ireland.So James Lowe is retiring from International RugbyLast topic before we jump on the games: Hurricanes have scored 100 tries this season. And they've done it in 16 games - is Super Rugby the T20 of rugby?Topics:Premiership: Joseph Dweba will be in the Premiership finalsBath choked this season? With everything they did last season, everyone expected more from them. This season they finish with 0 silverwareOn Bath - 4 mins 29 seconds ball in play 40+ phases and to be held up over the goal lineSuper Rugby Semifinals: Chiefs rip through the CrusadersHurricanes second half performance - all this talk about Segner, he was absent last nightBulls / Leinster Preview: Last Dance for James Lowe. Do we genuinely believe Bulls can upset Leinster in front of 60k Irish fans

The Voice of Rugby Grant Nisbett joins the show to chat about the Super Rugby Pacific Semi Finals, The Chiefs demolishing of the Crusaders, Hurricanes beating Blues, how both teams look going into the finals, reviewing the season, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs have secured their spot in the Grand Final. They demolished the defending champion Crusaders 42-12 to advance to the final stage of Super Rugby Pacific. Kyren Taumoefolau started the Chiefs off strong with two early tries, and told Piney everyone was on the same page – every time they had an opportunity to attack, they did. And in the second half, he says, they couldn't get complacent, as they knew the Crusaders were going to come out firing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Hurricanes y Chiefs, disputarán la final del Super Rugby Pacific 2026. Los dos mejores equipos de la temporada regular, han conseguido certificar su superioridad. Con Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://www.gulagalega.com/estilo-de-cerveza-artesana/1821-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

The Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals are well underway – the Chiefs have claimed their spot in the big dance, but the clash to decide their opponents is still yet to come. The Blues have limped their way to the finish line after losing four straight games, and are now tasked with a massive challenge – taking on the title-favoured Hurricanes at home. Assistant coach Greg Feek joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific ends in Australia for 2026, not with a bang but a whimper. Nick W and Nath rip the band aid off and sit on the cuck chair to discuss the Reds and Brumbies, before exorcising the bad news by talking Super Rugby Women's and the Aussie 7s win in France. WARNING: bad metaphors and explanationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deck is stacked with Kiwi teams rolling into the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals. The Chiefs are taking on the Crusaders in Hamilton tonight, followed by the Hurricanes and “lucky loser” Blues' clash in Wellington tomorrow. Though many believe the outcome of the tournament is predictable, NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster is pushing back against the sentiment. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan this is the first time in thirty years four New Zealand teams have been in the semi-finals. “Every year it throws us something new, and this year, I actually, as an All Blacks fan, I feel pretty excited that we've got four teams in the semis.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, previewing the upcoming semi-finals and breaking down who's best positioned to book a spot in the big dance. They run the ruler over each matchup, analyse the key battles across the park, and assess the form, fitness, and firepower that could decide who moves that one step closer to the title. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the weekends rugby from a betting angle

Super Rugby Pacific ends in Australia for 2026, not with a bang but a whimper. Nick W and Nath rip the band aid off and sit on the cuck chair to discuss the Reds and Brumbies, before exorcising the bad news by talking Super Rugby Women's and the Aussie 7s win in France. WARNING: bad metaphors and explanationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Rugby Pacific semi-finalists have been found. In an historic low for the Australian teams, not a single one will feature after both hopes were bungled out at the weekend. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Crusaders have marched past the Blues in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final, running out winners 52 to 31. While he's wary of getting too comfortable, coach Rob Penney says his players are loving life playing under the Te Kaha roof, just as much as their fans are. Crusaders fullback Johnny McNicholl joined Piney to break down the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs have begun. The Hurricanes delivered a statement performance in their qualifying final against the Brumbies, advancing them to the semi finals and firmly establishing them as favourites for the title. This afternoon the other four teams will battle it out for the remaining playoff spots, with the Crusaders taking on the Blues this afternoon, and the Chiefs and Reds following this evening. While an overall Hurricanes victory seems likely, former All Black Jeff Wilson told Piney you can't rule a Crusaders win out of the realm of possibility. He says at the moment, it's all uphill for a number of teams. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes have breezed into the Super Rugby semi finals after rolling the Brumbies 66-12 in Wellington. Ngane Punivai grabbed a hat-trick off the bench as the Hurricanes scored nine converted tries with Ruben Love finishing 100 percent off the kicking tee. He told Piney he was pretty lucky the boys did all the hard work in the first half so they had a lead by the time he entered the pitch. “I was able to come on and just have a bit of fun and express myself.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's qualifying time in Super Rugby Pacific. The top six sides will scrap for a spot in the semifinals this weekend. A controversial competition quirk means one of the teams can lose, and still progress. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs have arrived. Christchurch is a sellout, with tickets going in twenty minutes for the Crusaders v Blues clash at One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha. Four Kiwi sides make up the top six —the Hurricanes, the Blues, Crusaders, and Chiefs— with officials deciding to stick with the controversial “lucky loser” format. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while some might see the outcome of the finals as predictable, he doesn't think that's the case. He says last year saw the 6th placed Blues knock off the 1st placed Chiefs in the qualifying final, and they went within a whisker of beating the Crusaders in the semi-final, so he's not sure it's quite as done and dusted as some people might be commenting. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Friday 5th of June, Former US Army Major General Randy Manner dives into the supposed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joined for a chat ahead of playoffs kicking off tonight. And Tim Wilson and Kerre Woodham discuss the NZ Radio and Podcast Awards, kids ruining couches in cafes, and whether you'd live in a house with your parents as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Worthington from Stan Sport and nine.com.au joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, as things start getting serious with Super Rugby Pacific reaching the knockout stage, starting with this weekend's Qualifying Finals. The Australian record in New Zealand in finals matches is well known, but what better time for a bit of history? The QFs start with the Hurricanes-ACT Brumbies in Wellington on Friday night, before the Crusaders host the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon, followed by the Chiefs-Queensland Reds in Hamilton that evening. #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 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

The All Whites are facing midfield injury setbacks with Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell ruled out of their upcoming warm-up matches. Across other sports, the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are locked in following a final-round ladder shake-up, the Warriors narrowly lost 20-18 to the Panthers in a top-of-the-table NRL clash, and pole vaulter Imogen Ayris secured a career-best Diamond League silver in Rabat.

The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs have arrived, amidst final round chaos.The Hurricanes are top qualifiers despite a heavy loss to the Crusaders, the Chiefs are confident after dismantling the Blues, and the Brumbies are under pressure from a shock defeat to Moana Pasifika. ARP's Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall look at who will win and why.We also get into who should be the All Blacks props and who you'd have with the squad as an apprentice.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Returning after the long weekend, Jason Pine and Andrew Saville joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to recap this weekend's sporting events. On today's agenda: The Warriors fell short against the Panthers, the game ending with a tight 20-18 score in favour of the Australian team. Is it a good idea to rest your star players? The decision saw the Hurricanes lose to the Crusaders, but the Chiefs still claimed victory over the Blues. NZ Rugby is denying claims they're blocking Fehi Fineanganofo's move to the UK to instead have him join Dave Rennie's All Blacks squad. And Tim Payne has overtaken the All Blacks in terms of Instagram followers after an endorsement from an Argentine influencer saw his fame skyrocket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders put a rotated Hurricanes side to the sword in Christchurch yesterday, running out 47-14 winners. Newly capped centurion Sevu Reece dotted down for two tries and was handed the kicking tee from the sideline by first five Taha Kemara after his second. The week leading up to the game was very emotional and full on, Reece told Piney, full of reflecting on the journey that led him to this game. He says it feels pretty cool to be able to say that he's converted a try. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final round of Super Rugby Pacific has plenty to play for.The Hurricanes and Chiefs have secured home finals, but the battle between the Blues, Crusaders and Brumbies for the remaining home playoff spot will help define the finals series. The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew breakdown how it could play out.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of The Agenda, Finn Caddie joins ACC Head G Lane to take a quick trip down memory lane to the Video Ezy and hire a new release (00:00)...Then, the fellas discuss the hugely concerning news for Crusaders and All Blacks fans that Will Jordan is out for at least weeks with a reaggravated calf injury (07:55). Also, the news that Super Rugby Pacific winning coach Rob Penny is leaving (09:15), and the Wahs picked Luke Metcalf for this weekend against the Panthers. Kinda (15:35)...Plus, Karl from the TAB joins us to preview Game 1 of the State of Origin tonight and tell us the good oil on punting opportunities (18:35)... Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (22:45)... 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.

Is there a lifeline for Moana Pasifika? Foreign Minister Winston Peters has hinted at “good news” for the embattled club, and is reportedly instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to look into proposals. Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol told Mike Hosking that from a player's perspective, the team hasn't been set up for success, but they remain optimistic it can happen. He says there's two to three key areas that need to be nailed for Moana Pasifika to be successful – it needs to be true to purpose, there needs to be a sense that it is owned by Pacific people, for Pacific people, and it has unique opportunities for commercialisation that need to be utilised well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TV's Michael Atkinson joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, making time in his busy morning TV and Stan Sport Rugby schedule, to take a look at final round permutations for Super Rugby Pacific. Despite the top six being set, and even despite the top six being set back in March essentially, the final finishing positions for four of those six teams are still a long way from set, and with plenty of options still in play this weekend. But how will they play out? And how many equations are still valid now teams have been named? #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 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

Anton Segner is making a serious push for the All Blacks.The Blues openside has emerged as one of Super Rugby Pacific's form loose forwards, combining breakdown menace, defensive work-rate and strong carrying to put himself firmly in Dave Rennie's selection frame. Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates whether Segner deserves an All Blacks call-up, alongside Ardie Savea, and whether his all-round game now makes him impossible to ignore.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let this be a lesson to all those who argue against the simple truism that the market, most of the time, tends to be right. Moana Pasifika are in liquidation, the vote was held and the story ends here. The trouble is the taxpayer footed a lot of the bill and the money is gone, flushed down an ideological toilet. If the idea was such a sensational one, someone actually using their own money would have thought of it and further put it into practice. But the idea wasn't a sensational one. It was an artificial one propped up with other people's money. The most immediate alarm bells should be ringing in the NRL with their PNG venture. Having been handed millions by the Australian Government, players will live in a compound because it's too unsafe not to, and their pay will be artificially jacked up by tax treatment. Otherwise, if it wasn't, no one would want to play in PNG. Gosh I wonder why. The fact this harebrained idea has got as far as it has actually defies what is going on elsewhere in the sport, which is good. And what else it defies is belief. But back to Moana Pasifika, it was taxpayers' money through a series of very, very loosely connected organisations to sport i.e. a medical group who, if you join some dots, you can argue if you run around you might be a bit fitter and then not end up dying young. That sort of logic. Anyway, a medical group who ended up in charge of a professional sports team who didn't really attract a crowd and didn't really turn out to be that good. Which is one of the great ironies – young Pacific kids were supposed to see their heroes and be inspired to be fit and play sport. You know what inspires kids? Winners. You've got to win. And those kids could see their heroes anyway in the Crusaders, the Chiefs, the Hurricanes, the Highlanders, and the Blues. No one ever watched Lomu or Jones and wondered aloud to themselves, "wouldn't it be cool if they had their own, local team?" So it ends in liquidation, a bad idea, with easy money, not properly executed and ending in the poor house. In a world where successful sport is all around us, why would you try and gerrymander it in such an amateurish fashion? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Havili is back in the All Blacks conversation.Dropped by Scott Robertson in 2024 and largely forgotten in the midfield debate, the Crusaders captain reminded everyone of his quality with a match-winning display against the Chiefs.The Aotearoa Rugby Pod asks whether the 30-test veteran could force his way back into national selection this season.The crew also dives into:Super Rugby Pacific's tightening top six raceThe teams most likely to surge lateAnd one of the toughest selection calls imaginable:Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another season over for the NSW Waratahs and Western Force without playing any finals footy. The Reds and Brumbies seasons continue on, but for how long? The Brumbies (5th) took down the Waratahs (7th) 21-14 in Sydney on Friday night before the Reds (6th) nearly slipped up against Moana (11th) 31-33 on Saturday afternoon. The Western Force (8th) held off a determined Fiji Drua (10th) on Saturday evening but failed to claim a vital wining bonus point to keep their season goingWill the Reds and Brumbies rest players for Round 16 of Super Rugby Pacific? Did the Waratahs and Force deserve to play finals in 2026?All this and more in this week's podcast!Join Mitch and Lachie to unpack all of Round 15 of Super Rugby Pacific Patreon - https://patreon.com/ScrumbagsRugbyWallaby Shop - https://wallaby.sjv.io/WyRyVGLinktree - https://linktr.ee/Scrumbags_rugbyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/scrumbagsrugby/Twitter/X - @scrumbagsrugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commentator, presenter, and former Sunwolves lock Sam Wykes joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, to peer into the dangers of the final two rounds of Super Rugby Pacific. Looking resplendent in his old Mighty Moondogs team kit, Sam gave some great first-hand insights into the anxiety around the final games for Moana Pasifika, and the impediments stopping the Fijian Drua becoming the finals team we think they can become, as well as working through the games that matter this weekend and next. #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 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 Pacific Waves today: Mathew Wale is Solomon Islands new prime minister; Experts warn against proposed changes to NZ climate law; Rotuma language week ends on a high in Aotearoa; Drua aiming for a top six finish in Super Rugby Pacific. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

All kiwi sides, apart from Moana Pasifika, remain in the hunt, while the defending champions appear to be peaking at the perfect time. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The scrap for playoff spots is well and truly on in Super Rugby Pacific. The top four is occupied by kiwi sides with a diet of derbies on the menu in the coming month. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Blockbuster semi-final weekend in the European Rugby Champions Cup, and things got spicy.Leinster Rugby nearly pulled off an all-time choke job but somehow held on in a proper squeaky-bum finish—thanks in no small part to the unlikely Irish saviour Rieko Ioane, who shut the gate on a last-gasp attack that would've sent Dublin into meltdown.Over in the other semi, Union Bordeaux Bègles got the job done against Bath Rugby in a cracking contest… though you'd be forgiven for missing parts of it while Andy Goode carried on like the ref had personally wronged him. Maybe he had a point—but mate, we get it.Back home, Super Rugby Pacific rolls on:The Hurricanes keep humming, with Ruben Love making a serious case as the next All Blacks 10