On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the uncertain future of Moana Pasifika and what their potential exit could mean for Super Rugby as a whole. How would the competition be reshaped if they were to walk away? 

The boys also preview Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, before opening the mailbag to pick their first All Blacks XV of the 2026 season. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the uncertain future of Moana Pasifika and what their potential exit could mean for Super Rugby as a whole. How would the competition be reshaped if they were to walk away?&nbsp;
The boys also preview Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, before opening the mailbag to pick their first All Blacks XV of the 2026 season.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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 218

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/042f384f-e059-4893-bceb-b42e000b58a8/transcript

The All Blacks squad for the end-of-year tour has been named, and the selection debate is already heating up.  

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the winners and losers from the squad announcement, debating who’s fortunate to be on the plane and who can count themselves unlucky to miss out.  

They also discuss the significance of the northern tour for first-year All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, with a demanding schedule set to provide a major test of his tenure so far. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The All Blacks squad for the end-of-year tour has been named, and the selection debate is already heating up. &nbsp;
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the winners and losers from the squad announcement, debating who’s fortunate to be on the plane and who can count themselves unlucky to miss out. &nbsp;
They also discuss the significance of the northern tour for first-year All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, with a demanding schedule set to provide a major test of his tenure so far.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct Episode 266: All Blacks selection winners and losers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/251b38fd-f376-4c92-8a3f-b4f1016c0dd9/transcript

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney after the All Blacks' commanding victory over Australia, highlighted by a devastating first-half blitz at Accor Stadium.

With the Bledisloe Cup campaign complete, what did we learn from the final two tests across the Tasman?

And with the end-of-year tour looming, just how prepared are Dave Rennie's side for the next tour? 

LISTEN ABOVE 

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney after the All Blacks' commanding victory over Australia, highlighted by a devastating first-half blitz at Accor Stadium.
With the Bledisloe Cup campaign complete, what did we learn from the final two tests across the Tasman?
And with the end-of-year tour looming, just how prepared are Dave Rennie's side for the next tour?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 265: What We Learned From The Bledisloe Series

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/51299088-25d6-47d0-af91-b4e7012927d7/transcript

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney as attention turns to the second Bledisloe Cup test.  

The All Blacks side has been named and coach Dave Rennie has made several notable changes to his starting XV.  

The boys break down the key selection calls, what they reveal about the All Blacks' direction, and whether Rennie has gone far enough ahead of another crucial clash with the Wallabies. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Sydney as attention turns to the second Bledisloe Cup test. &nbsp;
The All Blacks side has been named and coach Dave Rennie has made several notable changes to his starting XV. &nbsp;
The boys break down the key selection calls, what they reveal about the All Blacks' direction, and whether Rennie has gone far enough ahead of another crucial clash with the Wallabies.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct Episode 264: All Blacks ring the changes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7214a419-a312-48af-b555-b4e401700550/transcript

Rugby Direct: Episode 218

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