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

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 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 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 ABOVE

&nbsp;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 ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 259:  The South African reality check

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3bfa22e6-19e7-4e4f-a357-b4c800183a92/transcript

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 

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?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct Episode 258: One Last Shot at the Springboks

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/11231a33-b020-4795-a85b-b4c2002b1b53/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

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

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