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 ABOVE

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 ABOVE

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 236: Blowouts Before the Big Dance

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e9058f79-f026-44b0-bc4a-b46a000b9059/transcript

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 ABOVE

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?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 244: The team is in - Rennie’s big calls

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f633a1e1-fae5-483c-9dbe-b489008df21b/transcript

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 ABOVE

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 ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 243: All Blacks Win Big, But Are They Getting Better?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f9c0fd87-d6e2-4692-a92c-b485015c781b/transcript

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 ABOVE

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?&nbsp;
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 ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 242: Five changes and a fresh look ABs

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8c4ae91d-b92d-4a86-a616-b48200949a17/transcript

Rugby Direct Episode 236: Blowouts Before the Big Dance

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