260 episodes
- 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.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Rugby Direct Episode 246: Cameron Suafoa on rugby, life and his terminal cancer diagnosis
22/07/2026 | 39 mins.Rugby Direct is back with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, joined in studio by Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa for an inspiring and candid conversation.
Suafoa opens up on one of the toughest periods of his life and career after being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, detailing the battle that followed, the support that helped him through, and the perspective he has gained from the experience.
He also reflects on his return to professional rugby, his journey back to the Blues, and living with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.- Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ emphatic 40-21 win over Ireland, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The boys review a perfect opening block of the Nations Championship, with the All Blacks going three from three, and assess the key performances, talking points, and big takeaways from the series.
They also look ahead to the next major milestone on the road to South Africa, analysing what changes Dave Rennie could make when he names his 44-man squad on Monday. Who’s played their way in, who’s under pressure, and what does the next chapter of the All Blacks’ campaign look like? It’s all covered on the latest episode of Rugby Direct.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. - Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland.
Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection?
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. - Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' far-from-convincing 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington. Despite the comfortable scoreline, questions remain about the performance, selections, and overall direction of the side after two tests under Dave Rennie.
The boys also debate one of the biggest talking points heading into this weekend: can the All Blacks extend their remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park when they face Ireland, or are the visitors primed to snap one of rugby's most iconic streaks?
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About 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.
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