Rugby Direct

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier revisit the All Blacks' tour of South Africa with the benefit of hindsight. A few weeks on from the series defeat, the boys unpack what really went wrong, what positives can be taken forward, and what it revealed about the state of the All Blacks under Dave Rennie.
They also break down the outcomes of New Zealand rugby's recent summit, asking the big questions: what was actually achieved, what still needs to change, and where does the game go from here?
From governance and participation to the future of the professional game, no topic is off-limits as the boys tackle the biggest issues facing rugby in New Zealand.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join the podcast from Johannesburg as the All Blacks unveil a bold new look for the third test against South Africa.
With veteran hooker Cody Taylor omitted from the matchday 23, Sam Darry promoted into the second row in place of Fabian Holland, and Peter Lakai handed a starting berth at blindside flanker, the selectors have made some major calls.
Are they the right ones? What do the changes reveal about how the All Blacks want to play? And can this reshaped side respond after last week's loss to the Springboks?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.