On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier recap the opening weekend of the World Cup - leading with a big focus on the All Blacks' 27-13 loss to France and how they were defeated...and why.

We delve into where to from here for the All Blacks and if they simply just don't have a seat at the top table currently in the sport.

We also review the other big games of the first week - including whether Fiji can feel hard done by losing to Wales in the final game of the opening weekend.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier recap the opening weekend of the World Cup - leading with a big focus on the All Blacks' 27-13 loss to France and how they were defeated...and why.
We delve into where to from here for the All Blacks and if they simply just don't have a seat at the top table currently in the sport.
We also review the other big games of the first week - including whether Fiji can feel hard done by losing to Wales in the final game of the opening weekend.

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 91

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 91

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