This week on Rugby Direct,

Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (Chief sports writer - NZ Herald) debate the key issues from Super Round in Melbourne.

The guys discuss Ardie Savea's throat-slitting gesture, the Highlanders copping a second straight heavy defeat and the Blues losing to the Brumbies in a fascinating match.

We also look at Aupiki - can anyone stop the Chiefs Manawa? - and the All Blacks coaching appointment takes another twist as more certainty emerges.

This week on Rugby Direct,
Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (Chief sports writer - NZ Herald) debate the key issues from Super Round in Melbourne.
The guys discuss Ardie Savea's throat-slitting gesture, the Highlanders copping a second straight heavy defeat and the Blues losing to the Brumbies in a fascinating match.
We also look at Aupiki - can anyone stop the Chiefs Manawa? - and the All Blacks coaching appointment takes another twist as more certainty emerges.

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 63

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined by Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies for a wide-ranging chat about Super Rugby Pacific, including the growing challenges surround team ownership in the competition. 

The boys also look ahead to the highly anticipated Super Round, set to play out this weekend at Christchurch’s brand new One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined by Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies for a wide-ranging chat about Super Rugby Pacific, including the growing challenges surround team ownership in the competition.&nbsp;
The boys also look ahead to the highly anticipated Super Round, set to play out this weekend at Christchurch’s brand new One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct: Episode 220

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/39a60678-698e-4752-a3b0-b434017d9708/transcript

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier rip into a massive Round 10.

The Hurricanes’ title charge takes a serious hit after a stumbling loss to the Chiefs, the Black Ferns flex their muscle with a statement win over Canada, and there’s no shortage of other talking points across the rugby landscape.

Don’t miss the latest episode of Rugby Direct.

LISTEN ABOVE 

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier rip into a massive Round 10.
The Hurricanes’ title charge takes a serious hit after a stumbling loss to the Chiefs, the Black Ferns flex their muscle with a statement win over Canada, and there’s no shortage of other talking points across the rugby landscape.
Don’t miss the latest episode of Rugby Direct.
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct: Episode 219

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e36e3828-c6e7-4452-9694-b432002e9a8b/transcript

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;

Rugby Direct: Episode 218

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

Rugby Direct - Episode 63

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