Aotearoa Rugby Pod

Listen to second of our weekly All Blacks team naming reaction Youtube Lives. This week it's Ross talking the All Blacks v Italy team, including the midfield switch-up and two debutants, as well as answering the questions from the Live comments section. Keep an eye out for the scheduled lives each week. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

With the Greatest Rivalry Tour coming in August, ARP brings you Boks watch, a regular segment dedicating to understanding the All Blacks' greatest foe! This week we talk where England went wrong, whether anyone is better than Damian Willemse, Rassie Erasmus' effect on the maul laws and how halfbacks are running the game worldwide. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hos...

The All Blacks have their attacking identity back. Dave Rennie's first Test in charge delivered a clear shift in philosophy against France. New Zealand played with more tempo, kept the ball alive and attacked with an optimism that supporters have been craving. Is this the blueprint to beat the Springboks? We also wrap up all the biggest talking points from the opening weekend of the All Nations Ch...

What is the best way for the All Blacks to use Beauden Barrett and Quinn Tupaea? This week we're answering two of the biggest viewer questions following the first Test squad selection. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tana Umaga On How Ardie Inspires & Building Rennie’s All Blacks All Blacks legend Tana Umaga joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod after returning to the national team as defence coach. Tana explains what makes Ardie Savea such an influential leader and how he inspires those around him during the toughest moments.  He also takes us behind the scenes of Dave Rennie’s first camp,...

Few in New Zealand know all the French players and Dave Rennie as well as Brad Weber. Aotearoa Rugby Pod brings in the former All Blacks, Stade Francais and Chiefs halfback to give us the lowdown on both teams before Saturday's first test!. He explains how French rugby thinks, why Bordeaux's systems are likely to shape France's attack this week, and whether the absence of Toulouse's stars—includin...

Yes, it was only the Barbarians. But the performance reinforced a feeling many rugby fans already have: the Springboks' depth of talent is becoming frightening. Ross Karl, Bryn Hall and James Parsons discuss South Africa's 80-31 win over the Barbarians. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh off the press - the ARP crew breaks down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad! The 34 man squad, captained by Ardie Savea, includes four new caps, one eyebrow raising inclusion at halfback and the return of a veteran from Japan. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hurricanes didn't just beat the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final — they dismantled them. Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall break down why the Hurricanes tore apart the Chiefs and why the visitors couldn't find a way back into the contest. Have the Canes changed the All Blacks selection conversation? Does their style offer a blueprint for the All Blacks? Plus, reaction to South Afri...

Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi are surely a lock when the All Blacks are named next week. But, our deep dive into the loose forward stats reveal a couple of surprises could be come Monday. Using ARP's Super Rugby Form Statistics Index, which feeds into our Test Selection Index, we assessed every major contender for Dave Rennie's side. Some names will surprise you. Catch all our content across @aot...

Two different styles. One showdown for the Super Rugby title. The Hurricanes have lit up Super Rugby with their width and strike power. The Chiefs have built their season on territory, set-piece and ruthless counter-attack. In this episode, we break down the their philosophies, stats and key match-ups. Plus, don't miss two signed jersey giveaways and a chance to watch the final with us at Sky City...

Why do the Hurricanes click? Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod ahead of the team's Super Rugby semifinal against the Blues to explain the foundations of their success. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryn Hall reveals how Kubota Spears prepared for the Japan Rugby League One final against Dave Rennie's Kobe Steelers. From opposition analysis and tactical trends to identifying weaknesses, Bryn explains the detail that goes into building a game plan against one of rugby's most respected coaches. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

Who replaces Scott Barrett? That's the question dominating this week's ARP. With Barrett and Fabian Holland injured, the race for All Blacks locking spots is wide open. Jamie Hannah has emerged as a genuine contender and Sam Darry is pushing hard. Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall debate who should be in Dave Rennie's squad and whether the lock hierarchy has shifted. The team also previews th...

The All Blacks front row suddenly isn't as straightforward as it looked a month ago. Fletcher Newell's injury and Tamaiti Williams' absence have opened the door for a new wave of contenders. Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot are sure things, Aotearoa Rugby Pod assess the leading candidates, including top and comers like Xavier Numia. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hos...

Anton Segner joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod for an in-depth conversation about transforming from a prospect into one of Super Rugby's most influential loose forwards. The Blues flanker discusses bulking up, earning a starting role, his relentless drive for improvement, lessons from Richie McCaw and Kieran Read, his friendship with Crusaders star Leicester Fainga'anuku and the challenge awaiting the...

The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs have arrived, amidst final round chaos. The Hurricanes are top qualifiers despite a heavy loss to the Crusaders, the Chiefs are confident after dismantling the Blues, and the Brumbies are under pressure from a shock defeat to Moana Pasifika.  ARP's Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall look at who will win and why. We also get into who should be the All Black...

The final round of Super Rugby Pacific has plenty to play for. The Hurricanes and Chiefs have secured home finals, but the battle between the Blues, Crusaders and Brumbies for the remaining home playoff spot will help define the finals series.  The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew breakdown how it could play out. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Anton Segner is making a serious push for the All Blacks. The Blues openside has emerged as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s form loose forwards, combining breakdown menace, defensive work-rate and strong carrying to put himself firmly in Dave Rennie’s selection frame.  Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates whether Segner deserves an All Blacks call-up, alongside Ardie Savea, and whether his all-round game...

David Havili is back in the All Blacks conversation. Dropped by Scott Robertson in 2024 and largely forgotten in the midfield debate, the Crusaders captain reminded everyone of his quality with a match-winning display against the Chiefs. The Aotearoa Rugby Pod asks whether the 30-test veteran could force his way back into national selection this season. The crew also dives into: Super Rugby P...

What is B.I.G.G.A — and why does Dave Rennie value it so highly? Bryn Hall and James Parsons explain “Back In Game, Go Again,” a Dave Rennie work-rate metric that shapes his selections. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Their attack is electric, their defence has tightened, and they’re winning games in multiple ways. So the big question is: who can actually stop the Hurricanes, now they most likely have home advantage through the playoffs? There appears to be one major contender and one dark horse. The ARP crew also breaks down the top six contenders with two rounds to go until the playoffs. Catch all our content...

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod team debates whether Richie Mo'unga should return from Japan and immediately into the All Blacks. Would changing overseas eligibility policies strengthen New Zealand rugby or undermine the system? The crew also unpack B.I.G.G.A, the Dave Rennie work-rate metric and how it could shape future All Blacks selections. Could it make Lucas Casey a great option? Plus, the&...

Black Ferns and Blues co-captain Ruahei Demant has experienced the other side! A sabbatical to English club Bristol has taught her plenty about rugby in the home of the World Cup champions. She has returned home with new knowledge and a desire to use it to help the Blues defend their Aupiki title. She chats with Aotearoa Rugby Pod about... What she learnt playing for Bristol Bears W...

Why didn’t New Zealand win the Under 20 Rugby Championship — and why did the Baby Boks look so dominant throughout the tournament? The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down how South Africa built such a powerful U20 side and discusses NZ prioritising different goals at age-grade level. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...