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Rugby Direct: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Newstalk ZB
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago13 min
Rugby Direct Episode 259: The South African reality check
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith reflects on the All Blacks’ challenging tour of South Africa and the key factors behind the 3-1 series defeat. Where did it unravel for Dave Rennie side, what lessons can be taken from the campaign, and what needs to change as attention turns to the remainder of the 2026 international season? Elliott breaks down the biggest talking points and looks ahead to what comes next for the All Blacks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 1 weeks ago19 min
Rugby Direct Episode 258: One Last Shot at the Springboks
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith dials in from Baltimore as the All Blacks unveil their side for the fourth and final test of The Greatest Rivalry tour. Richie Mo'unga returns to the No. 10 jersey, while Codie Taylor captains the All Blacks in a test for the first time. Is this the combination that can level the series against South Africa and ensure New Zealand leaves with a share of the trophy? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 2 weeks ago32 min
Rugby Direct Episode 257: Beaten by the Boks or Beaten by Themselves?
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. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 2 weeks ago30 min
Rugby Direct Episode 256: Taylor axed, Lakai starts - have the All Blacks got it right?
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? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago38 min
Rugby Direct Episode 255: Cape Town Crisis? How the All Blacks Can Fight Back
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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago30 min
Rugby Direct Episode 254: Knockout blow or Bok fightback?
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. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 4 weeks ago38 min
Rugby Direct Episode 253: Boks Blown Away: The Ellis Park Upset
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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Aug 20, 202634 min
Rugby Direct Episode 252: All Blacks v Springboks - The Great Rivalry Returns
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the team lists ahead of the opening test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. Who were the biggest selection surprises? Which side holds the early advantage? The boys leave no stone unturned as they analyse the key matchups and storylines heading into a blockbuster clash in Johannesburg. Plus, All Blacks first five Ruben Love joins the podcast after being handed the No. 10 jersey for the series opener. He discusses the opportunity of a lifetime, the challenge of taking on the defending world champions in their own backyard, and what the All Blacks are expecting when they run out on Sunday morning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
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