270 episodes
- On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast for one final dispatch from South Africa as the All Blacks' hopes of a series victory come to an end.
After slipping to a 2-1 series defeat against the Springboks, the boys break down where it all went wrong.
Were the All Blacks undone by their own mistakes, or were South Africa simply a class above?
From key moments and selection decisions to the bigger picture under Dave Rennie, they reflect on a tough series, the lessons learned, and what it means for the All Blacks moving forward.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Rugby Direct Episode 256: Taylor axed, Lakai starts - have the All Blacks got it right?
2026/09/04 | 30 mins.On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Johannesburg as the All Blacks unveil a bold new look for the third test against South Africa.
With veteran hooker Cody Taylor omitted from the matchday 23, Sam Darry promoted into the second row in place of Fabian Holland, and Peter Lakai handed a starting berth at blindside flanker, the selectors have made some major calls.
Are they the right ones? What do the changes reveal about how the All Blacks want to play? And can this reshaped side respond after last week's loss to the Springboks?
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.- On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Cape Town to dissect the All Blacks' second Test defeat to South Africa.
Where did it all go wrong for Dave Rennie's side?
The pair break down the key moments that shaped the result, assess the selection calls, and debate whether tactical changes are needed ahead of the next test. With the All Blacks now searching for answers, Elliott and Liam look at the personnel and game-plan adjustments required to bounce back in the third Test at Johannesburg's FNB Stadium.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. - On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Cape Town ahead of a massive second test between the All Blacks and Springboks.
With New Zealand chasing a series-clinching 2-0 lead and South Africa desperate to square the ledger, the boys break down the key battles that will decide the contest.
What must the All Blacks do to back up their Ellis Park triumph, and how will the Boks respond under pressure? Elliott and Liam debate it all.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. - On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' historic 17-point victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, one of the country's greatest results on South African soil.
What does the statement win mean for the remainder of the series, and have the All Blacks established themselves as clear favourites? The boys break down the key performances, the tactical trends that defined the contest, and what South Africa must do to respond.
They also react to Dave Rennie's team naming for Wednesday morning's clash against the Lions, with Richie Mo'unga set to wear the No.10 jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
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About Rugby Direct
Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.
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