Rugby Direct

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.

Rugby Direct is a sports podcast hosted by Newstalk ZB, with 263 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Newstalk ZB hosts Rugby Direct, a sports show with 263 episodes published.

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  Rugby Direct

  Rugby Direct Episode 251: Bulls Beaten, Boks Await, Picking Rennie's First Test Team

  Aug 16, 202647 min

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' emphatic 50-19 victory over the Bulls as preparations ramp up for the opening test against South Africa. The boys reveal their picks for Dave Rennie's matchday 23, debate the biggest selection headaches facing the All Blacks coach, and identify the key battles that could shape the first test at Ellis Park on Sunday morning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Rugby Direct

  Rugby Direct Episode 250: Mo'unga recalled as All Blacks finalise first test plans

  Aug 13, 202635 min

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Johannesburg to break down the shock recall of Richie Mo'unga to the All Blacks squad. Is he the right man to replace Billy Proctor, or does the move raise more questions than answers?  The team also counts down to the All Blacks' final tour match before next Sunday's first test, dissecting the latest team naming and debating whether Dave Rennie has selected the right side to get the series off to the perfect start.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Rugby Direct

  Rugby Direct Episode 249: Stormers Review, Proctor Blow & Sharks Changes

  Aug 9, 202632 min

  The All Blacks are up and running in South Africa, but was their win over the Stormers convincing enough? On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier join us from Durban to break down the tour opener, unpack the sweeping changes for the Sharks match, and discuss the growing injury toll after Billy Proctor became the second All Black to head home. Plus, is it finally time to pick up the phone and call Richie Mo'unga? The boys tackle all the big talking points. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Rugby Direct

  Rugby Direct Episode 114: Tour launch - The first team is in

  Aug 5, 202640 min

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier touch down in Cape Town and waste no time diving into the first team naming of the All Blacks' South African tour.   What can we read into Dave Rennie's selections to face the Stormers on Saturday morning? The boys break down the key talking points, potential selection clues, and what this side could tell us about the weeks ahead as the All Blacks face their latest challenge in one of rugby's toughest environments.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Rugby Direct

  Rugby Direct Episode 247: Rugby's greatest rivalry tour: The squad is set

  Jul 26, 202621 min

  Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' 44-man squad named for South Africa and the United States on the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie and selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes have retained all 34 players from the Nations Championship Southern Series squad, while adding a further 10 players for the demanding seven-week campaign. With opportunities rewarded and tough calls made, who are the unlucky names to miss out? The boys dissect the selections, debate the biggest talking points, and look at what the expanded squad means for the All Blacks' ambitions abroad. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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