This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess another All Blacks' defeat to the Springboks, this time in Cape Town as opportunities go begging. We ask what are the reasons for the All Blacks being unable to put away the 'Boks and what is missing from the side at the moment.

We also dig into further information around a 2026 tour of South Africa by the All Blacks, the possible ANZAC Day match against the Wallabies and chat the Ranfurly Shield changing hands.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess another All Blacks' defeat to the Springboks, this time in Cape Town as opportunities go begging. We ask what are the reasons for the All Blacks being unable to put away the 'Boks and what is missing from the side at the moment.
We also dig into further information around a 2026 tour of South Africa by the All Blacks, the possible ANZAC Day match against the Wallabies and chat the Ranfurly Shield changing hands.

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.

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.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Powered by Newstalk ZB and iHeartRadio

Rugby Direct

Rugby Direct - Episode 138

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6a5afad3-ed7c-4d92-9a8a-b1e6002f8da3/transcript

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 

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&nbsp;

Rugby Direct Episode 257:  Beaten by the Boks or Beaten by Themselves?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/373a1c80-a544-4a14-995f-b4bd015afbac/transcript

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 

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. &nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
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?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct Episode 256: Taylor axed, Lakai starts - have the All Blacks got it right?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b918f4dd-2f1b-4eb3-9aef-b4ba01896b4d/transcript

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 ABOVE

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 ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 255: Cape Town Crisis? How the All Blacks Can Fight Back

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/14e7e56e-97e8-44b8-9a3a-b4b601672766/transcript

Rugby Direct - Episode 138

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