Rugby Direct

On today’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and producer Mark Kelly break down the newly released 2026 NPC schedule.

The duo also preview Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, before Elliott sits down with Blues fullback Peyton Spencer for an in‑depth chat.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return for an emergency episode breaking down the major news out of New Zealand Rugby. 

They discuss the newly unveiled coaching team of All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, which features All Blacks great and current Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga, and Jason Ryan as the only member carried over from Scott Robertson’s tenure. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley discuss how the cream is rising to the top of Super Rugby Pacific.

With two months still to play, they debate whether any teams outside the top six can mount a genuine challenge, before reviewing all the action from Round Six.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return on the latest Rugby Direct to preview Round 6 of Super Rugby Pacific.

The boys dive into Clark Laidlaw’s re-signing with the Hurricanes through to the end of next season and wrap up the Six Nations with a look back at the final round.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss suggestions Tana Umaga is a contender for an All Blacks coaching role under Dave Rennie.

They also delve into the reports of punches being thrown at a Crusaders training session, and check out the mailbag to answer questions from listeners. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a dramatic Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific — a weekend where the Crusaders were the only Kiwi side to fall. Are the Chiefs and Hurricanes emerging as the teams to beat? Plus, we bring you the latest on who Dave Rennie is eyeing for his All Blacks assistant coaching group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby direct Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the announcement of the new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie. Liam shares new details on the potential make up of the coaching group and Elliott believes its time to move on from Scott Barrett as the captain. Also, where to now for Jamie Joseph. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith breaks down the breaking news that Dave Rennie has been confirmed as All Blacks coach, succeeding Scott Robertson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round three of Super Rugby pacific, with only one New Zealand side winning over the weekend, what went wrong for the rest of them. We dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of it all. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview the third round of Super Rugby Pacific. 

They also discuss the latest changes to the NZ Rugby high performance environment and how it could change the game across New Zealand. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round two of Super Rugby Pacific, The Brumbies thump the Crusaders, What's going wrong for the defending champs?

Also, the boys review the latest matches out of the 6 nations, and could Stephen Larkham be a smokey to be part of the next All Black coaching staff? 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview round two of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss Dalton Papali’i’s move to the French Top 14 side Castres Olympique and Leicester Fainga'anuku being dropped to the bench. 

And for the first time, the boys dive into the mailbag. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review round one of Super Rugby Pacific who shone who didn't and who has the most to work on as we head into round two of the competition. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the team lineups for the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific.

They also discuss their Super Rugby fantasy lineups for the opening weekend and take a look at the latest developments in the Blues replacement coach saga. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier preview the Super Rugby season - who will be the big movers and who is likely to be spat out the back? We give our predictions for winners and circle a few players who might have a breakout season.

We also cover the latest in the All Blacks coaching race, the Six Nations underway and cast an eye over the Rugby World Cup schedule for 2027.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the fallout around Scott Robertson's departure from the All Blacks, the criteria NZ Rugby has set for coaching applicants, and who the contenders are in what looks to be a small-field race.

We also discuss Vern Cotter being ruled out of said race by taking on the Queensland Reds job from next year.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed the news they have parted ways with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson just 2 years in to his 4-year contract.

Following an in-depth review of the 2025 season, NZR Chair David Kirk confirmed the trajectory of the team is not where it needs to be in the current Rugby World Cup cycle and the search for a new head coach will start immediately.

Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith and New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul unpack today's announcement.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com...

In the wake of a scathing internal review on the All Blacks coaching squad, pressure is mounting on NZR to make changes as players revolt.

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the breaking news.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the final Rugby Direct for the year, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return from Europe and some time away to review the All Blacks' season - what needs work, what went right and what are the big fixes required ahead of 2026.

We also look at the Rugby World Cup draw for 2027, assess the state of New Zealand Rugby as a whole and the big issues confronting the game over the Christmas break.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess the All Blacks side named to face Wales and whether it's a missed opportunity on the selection front or if banking a win is the most important thing for Scott Robertson's men.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier check in from Cardiff for a post-mortem to the All Blacks' humbling defeat to England - where is this All Blacks side at, are they stagnant or going backwards and does there need to be a re-assessment of the side's coaching make-up in the wake of the third defeat of the year.

We also check in on the other results of the weekend, as well as predict how the All Blacks might line-up against Wales this weekend in Cardiff.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

On the latest Rugby Direct from London, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the two sides named for Sunday morning's test between the All Blacks and England.

We discuss the key selections including moving Wallace Sititi to the bench and whether it will be enough to counter the 'Pom Squad' named by Steve Borthwick.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier have moved on to London but first they need to assess the win over Scotland through both a glass half full and glass half empty approach. 

We investigate what changes could be made for the test against England and also look ahead to Twickenham - is the hosts' 9 game winning streak something to fear?

And we take a look around the rest of the rugby world with a big weekend of matches in the bank.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier check in from Edinburgh to review the All Blacks side named to face Scotland on Sunday morning and their predictions for how the match will unfold

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap up the All Blacks win over Ireland at Soldier Field and analyse the efforts of the All Blacks' bench in sealing the victory, while also pondering the success of the venture overall. 

We also look ahead to this weekend's match at Murrayfield and what to expect.

Also, we look at the other games of the weekend and update the search for the new NZR CEO. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Rugby Direct this week, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Chicago as they analyse the All Blacks side named to face Ireland on Sunday morning and how they might look to diffuse the Irish - and vice-versa.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley discuss the impending NPC final between Canterbury and Otago and determine where it might be won and lost, as well as contend with the fact the sides won't be able to call on All Blacks players for the big dance.

We also chat changes to the Super Rugby squad structure for next year and reveal where one of the country's most promising young talents will land at Super Rugby level, while we also discuss confirmation of the return of South Africa-New Zealand tours.

LISTEN ABOVE<...

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the All Blacks' end of year tour squad and the companion All Blacks XV squad for their own tour north and recap the breaking news around Patrick Tuipulotu being withdrawn through injury.

We also dig into the NPC quarter-finals, the latest out of R360 and Josh Jacomb's switch to the Highlanders - from 2027.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier mop up the All Blacks-Wallabies test in Perth and debate what can be read into the win and performance, and if certain players have solidified their selections as a result.

We also look ahead to the possible end of year tour squad and ask what is going on with secondary schools rugby in NZ?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are in Perth and react to the All Black and Wallabies sides named for Saturday night's Rugby Championship test in the city, as well as the latest news out of the R360 breakaway league.

Elliott and Liam also chat to All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland ahead of Saturday's match.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the opening Bledisloe Cup test for the All Blacks and assess what went right and wrong as well as whether criticism of referee Andrea Piardi is justified. 

We also review the Black Ferns’ bronze medal win at the World Cup and assess where to next for the women’s programme and game. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier assess the All Blacks' side named for the first Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park, featuring the returns of Codie Taylor, Cam Roigard and Caleb Clarke to the run-on side.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Newstalk ZB's Canterbury rugby commentator Nick Bewley reflect on the Black Ferns being knocked out of the Women's World Cup in England at the hands of Canada and ask how it happened and whether the Black Ferns were prepared for what they were facing.

We also count down to the opening Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies as the All Blacks look to bounce back from the horror defeat to South Africa and we talk the Ranfurly Shield changing hands once again in the NPC.

See omnystudio...

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into the All Blacks' worst ever defeat - 43-10 to South Africa in Wellington - and ask what went wrong and perhaps more importantly, why lessons aren't being learned.

We debate everything from whether the coaching set-up is right to whether the All Blacks gave up in the last quarter against the Springboks.

We also wrap the Black Ferns' World Cup quarter-final win against a daring South Africa.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the All Blacks' win over the Springboks at Eden Park and pull apart how they managed to deny the Springboks and how they might approach the rematch in Wellington.

We also laud the Black Ferns' demolition of Ireland and celebrate - well, one of the hosts does - Canterbury winning the Ranfurly Shield off Southland.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to the All Blacks side named for South Africa at Eden Park on Saturday and offer a prediction on how the match will play out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier get stuck into the big All Blacks-Springboks test at Eden Park this weekend, with the 'Boks aiming to end the All Blacks 50-match unbeaten record at Eden Park. We discuss the possible make-up of the All Blacks side and whether Leicester Fainga'anuku will make it in.

We also mark the sad passing of Shane Christie and whether rugby is doing enough around head contact, while we reflect another move for the Ranfurly Shield.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier pore over the All Blacks' defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires and contemplate what went wrong and whether the issues in the All Blacks are now systemic - and how to fix them as the prospect of South Africa bears down on the All Blacks next week at Eden Park.

We also discuss the Black Ferns' opening World Cup, New Zealand Rugby renewing its broadcast partnership with Sky and a check-in on the NPC as the Ranfurly Shield changes hands.

See omnystudio.com/listener for...

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' Rugby Championship opener against Argentina and their ascension to the top of the world rankings despite an at times imperfect showing, and ask why the forwards are clicking but the back play appears clunky and whether changes might be in the offing for the second test.

And as the All Blacks move on to Buenos Aires for the second test, Liam catches up with All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland to wrap up the first test and look ahead to the second.<...

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss Richie Mo'unga's impending return to New Zealand Rugby in 11 months time and what it means for the All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury.

We also preview the Rugby Championship starting this weekend, with a specific eye to the All Blacks and Argentina this weekend in Cordoba. We ask what success looks like in the Rugby Championship for the All Blacks this year and discuss the future of the Rugby Championship as it prepares to undergo some changes.

And we also hear from Argentina's Kiwi attack...