Rugby Direct

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• Rugby Direct Episode 244: The team is in - Rennie’s big calls 16.07.2026 20Min.

  Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland. Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 243: All Blacks Win Big, But Are They Getting Better? 12.07.2026 33Min.

  Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' far-from-convincing 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington. Despite the comfortable scoreline, questions remain about the performance, selections, and overall direction of the side after two tests under Dave Rennie. The boys also debate one of the biggest talking points heading into this weekend: can the All Blacks extend their remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park when they face Ireland, or are the visitors primed to snap one of rugby's most iconic streaks? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 242: Five changes and a fresh look ABs 09.07.2026 17Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' five changes for Saturday's test against Italy and ask the big question: has Dave Rennie gone too far with his selections?  The boys also look ahead to the second test of 2026, discussing what the changes mean for the All Blacks and what fans can expect when they take the field this weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 241: A Winning Start, Rennie’s All Blacks Era Begins 05.07.2026 28Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' winning start to the Dave Rennie era after their victory over France in Christchurch. What impressed most? Where are the areas for improvement?  Plus, the lads cast an eye around the rugby world to break down the biggest results, standout performers and key talking points from a blockbuster weekend of international action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 240: Rennie's first big calls: Right or wrong? 02.07.2026 25Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks team naming ahead of the test against France. Has Rennie got the big calls right? With Ruben Love at No. 10, Luke Jacobson wearing the seven jersey, and Damian McKenzie at fullback, the boys debate the key selections, the biggest surprises, and what it all means for the All Blacks moving forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 239: Rennie’s first roll of the dice - who makes the 23? 29.06.2026 28Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, the boys are in Christchurch counting down to the first All Blacks test under Dave Rennie.   Who will make his first 23? Plus the ANZAC Day Bledisloe is locked in, is this a good thing for rugby or not?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 238: In, out, and unlucky - breaking down Rennie’s first squad 22.06.2026 37Min.

  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.
• Rugby Direct Episode 237: Finals Fever and All Blacks Picks 18.06.2026 44Min.

  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.
• Rugby Direct Episode 236: Blowouts Before the Big Dance 15.06.2026 38Min.

  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.
• Rugby Direct Episode 235: Semi-final showdowns - who's making the big dance? 11.06.2026 21Min.

  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.
• Rugby Direct Episode 234: Cane train charging: Semis loom and ABs coaching coup 08.06.2026 32Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to a major coaching coup for New Zealand Rugby, with Tony Brown signing on as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2028. The boys also turn their attention to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals - can anyone stop the Cane train as the business end of the season heats up? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 233: Breaking down the key matchups of the Super Rugby playoffs 05.06.2026 29Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, breaking down all the key matchups as the playoffs get underway.  Plus, Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about the future of the competition.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Episode 232: All eyes on the title - looking ahead to the Super Rugby Pacific finals 02.06.2026 30Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a blockbuster playoff weekend as the race for the title heats up.   With the finals now locked in, who are the genuine favourites and which side could swoop in late and steal the win?   Plus, they dig into the latest on rising star Fehi Fineanganofo – is he staying put?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct - Bruce Sharrock tackles the biggest issues facing rugby 28.05.2026 43Min.

  A big-name guest on Rugby Direct this week, as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined in studio by the highly influential player agent Bruce Sharrock.   The trio tackle the biggest issues facing New Zealand rugby – the fight against league, where the game is heading, and what must change if rugby is to remain king.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 230 28.05.2026 22Min.

  Big news on Rugby Direct!  Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the news the Crusaders are set to usher in a new head coach for 2027 – a story broken by Napier himself.  Plus, it’s the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, so the lads run the ruler over every matchup, including the headline debate: resting the stars – smart management or a buzzkill for fans?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Ep 229 25.05.2026 36Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Crusaders keeping their hopes of a home playoff alive, while the Hurricanes lock up top spot and secure home advantage throughout the postseason. Plus, the boys look ahead to the future of Super Rugby — could a return to the conference system be on the cards in 2027?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 228 22.05.2026 22Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier look ahead to the penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific — can we expect any upsets as the playoffs loom?   The boys also dive into the latest confirmed departures among Kiwi Super Rugby players and ask the big question: is New Zealand rugby’s middle tier starting to be exposed?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 227 18.05.2026 30Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Super Rugby run home — with the top two all but locked in, can anyone stop the red-hot Hurricanes? Plus, the future of rising star Fehi Fineanganofo — is there a genuine chance he stays in New Zealand and pushes for All Blacks honours? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 226 14.05.2026 15Min.

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to Dave Rennie fronting the media for the first time since he took charge of the All Blacks.  They also unpack the surprise return of Sir Graham Henry as a selector, and look ahead to a crucial round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct - Steve Lancaster talks challenges shaping rugby in Aotearoa 13.05.2026 42Min.

  In this special episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are joined in studio by the new New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster. The trio dive into the game’s biggest talking points - from governance and the future of Super Rugby to player pathways and the challenges shaping rugby in Aotearoa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.