Aotearoa Rugby Pod

Recent episodes

1. Stolen Buses, a Series Win & Marc Ellis’s Party Trick | South Africa ’96 from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Aug 4, 202637 min

   Thirty years after the All Blacks made history in South Africa, former All Blacks winger and master story teller Eric Rush takes us back to one of the wildest and most significant tours in New Zealand rugby history. He shares brilliant stories from the 1996 tour: hostile crowds, sleepless hotels, a mysteriously missing kicking tee, Nelson Mandela’s powerful message to the team, Jonah Lomu and the unforgettable off-field antics of Mark Ellis. Oh yeh .. and the rugby! What is your greatest memory of the 1996 All Blacks tour? Let us know in the comments. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. What Critics Miss About Ardie’s Rest | How Beauden Gets Back from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Aug 3, 202648 min

   What are critics overlooking about Ardie Savea’s delayed arrival in South Africa — and how can Beauden Barrett force his way back into the All Blacks’ test team. Ross Karl, Bryn Hall and James Parsons examine the decision to rest the captain and how it actually effects the inner workings of the team. They also look at a rare challenge for Beauden Barrett. After more than a decade as a near-automatic test selection, the All Blacks great now has to prove himself against the Stormers. Plus, what really happens inside the opposition training team, whether Leroy Carter could provide emergency halfback cover, the need for another lock against the Springboks, who has more to lose in the series, Richie Mo’unga’s return and the opening weekend of the NPC. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. Greatest Rivalry Debate - ARP x Behind the Ruck from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Jul 30, 20261 hr 25 min

   In this special collab, Aotearoa Rugby Pod and South Africa's Behind the Ruck podcast debate the Greatest Rivalry Tour! Who will win, how will they win, who makes a combined team? Join Bryn, Ross and former Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh as they banter about the tour to come! And please give the BTR a follow! Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4. BOKS WATCH: Depth Creates Brutal Selection Calls from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Jul 29, 202612 min

   In this week's Boks Watch, Ross and Jip take a look at the Boks squad. We focus on the tough calls Rassie will have to make, considering their outrageous depth that has grown. Will some massive stars miss the 23 for the first Greatest Rivalry test? They also deep dive into the success of the flyhallf options, digging into their success against the major nations - New Zealand, France and Ireland. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5. Why the All Blacks Turned to Their Past to Win in South Africa from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Jul 28, 202617 min

   All Blacks assistant coach and selector Neil Barnes joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod to explain how New Zealand will manage an unusually demanding tour of South Africa. Barnes discusses the challenge of preparing separate teams for Test and midweek matches, why every player will remain in contention for the top side and how the selectors constructed a squad capable of handling the physical demands of the tour. He also reveals that the coaching group has sought advice from experienced All Blacks figures, including Sir Graham Henry and John Hart, as it prepares for a style of touring rarely seen in the modern game. The ARP panel then examines the thinking behind the new selections, whether the squad has enough locking cover, which players could emerge during the tour and why Damian McKenzie may finally have found his long-term position at fullback. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6. The All Blacks Squad Pick Everyone’s Debating | 44 men to tour South Africa from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Jul 27, 202634 min

   Dave Rennie has named his latest All Blacks squad — and one selection is certain to divide opinion. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Josh Jacomb and Siale Lauaki have earned their first call-ups, while Ethan Blackadder returns. But Du’Plessis Kirifi’s omission raises the biggest question: has Rennie found the right balance between form, specialist roles and the physical profile he wants? Ross Karl and James Parsons break down the new faces, the players who missed out and what the squad reveals about Rennie’s priorities. They also examine whether the squad is short of a lock and how the All Blacks can balance their Test combinations with opportunities in the midweek games. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7. Boks Watch: How South Africa Dictates Play—and How to Stop It from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Jul 22, 202615 min

   The Greatest Rivalry is almost here—but are the All Blacks genuinely ready to beat the Springboks in South Africa? Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall compare the two sides after the July internationals and ask whether the contest is now as close as 50–50. They examine South Africa’s remarkable depth, the return of New Zealand’s attacking DNA and the tactical areas that could decide the series. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8. SHORT: Picking the All Blacks’ XV for South Africa Just Got Brutal from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Jul 21, 202616 min

   Picking the All Blacks’ match-day 23 for South Africa just got seriously difficult. In this excerpt from the podcast, the panel examines Tupou Vaa’i’s impact at blindside flanker, the fight for places in the loose forwards and whether a 6–2 bench could help New Zealand match the Springboks’ physicality. They also assess the All Blacks’ depth across the field, the growing reliance on Cam Roigard and Ruben Love’s remarkably assured start at Test level. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. The All Blacks Have Changed — Will It Work in South Africa? from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

   Jul 20, 20261 hr 5 min

   Unbeaten in the Nations Championship, the All Blacks and Springboks are now on a collision course for the Greatest Rivalry Tour. Aotearoa Rugby Pod unpacks the All Blacks’ impressive 40-21 victory over Ireland and the attacking identity emerging under Dave Rennie. What does “continuity plus brutality” mean, why has New Zealand’s ball retention improved, and can its high-tempo approach succeed in South Africa? Plus, the panel analyses the rise of Tupou Vaa’i at blindside, Ardie Savea’s captaincy, the All Blacks’ improving aerial game and the growing influence of Cam Roigard and Ruben Love. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10. REACTION: All Blacks team naming v Ireland on Youtube Live from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 16, 202645 min

    Audio of ARP's Youtube Live after Dave Rennie's press conference for his team naming v Ireland. Please excuse the audio. We'll upgrade our home microphones soon. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11. The All Blacks’ Menace | Tupou Vaa’i on Sledging, Irish trick plays and Rennie's Fitness Demands from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 15, 202614 min

    All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod ahead of the clash with Ireland at Eden Park. Tupou opens up about becoming one of the All Blacks’ biggest on-field menaces and how Brodie Retallick inspired it. He also explains why there is “no hiding anymore” in the new All Blacks regime and how Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan inspired one of his Super Rugby tries. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12. BOKS WATCH: Rusty But Their Depth Is Frightening from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 14, 202618 min

    In our weekly Boks Watch segment, as we gear up for the Greatest Rivalry Tour: The Springboks were scratchy but the depth of talent coming through should worry the rest of world rugby. . Did Scotland also uncover genuine flaws in the Boks’ defensive system or were they able to exploit a few moments of poor execution? Plus, we break down Boan Venter’s ridiculous strong-man carry and ask how anyone was supposed to stop it. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13. Jordan vs Kolbe | Who Is Rugby’s Best Right Winger? from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 13, 20261 hr 11 min

    Is Will Jordan already rugby’s greatest-ever right winger? With 50 tries from his first 56 tests, the All Blacks finisher is producing unprecedented numbers. We compare Jordan with New Zealand greats John Kirwan, Jeff Wilson and Doug Howlett, along with modern stars Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Penaud. We also break down the latest Nations Championship, including the struggles of the All Blacks and Springboks, France’s emphatic win over Australia and the major trends emerging across the competition. Finally, we look ahead to the All Blacks against Ireland at Eden Park and discuss what New Zealand must sharpen up on. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14. REACTION: All Blacks team naming Youtube Live from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 9, 202650 min

    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/privacy for more information.

15. BOKS WATCH: Is Willemse the world's best? from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 7, 202616 min

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16. All Blacks Attack Is Back | Rennie's Blueprint to Beat the Boks? from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 6, 20261 hr 5 min

    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 Championship, including: • 🇿🇦 South Africa v England • 🇦🇺 Australia v Ireland • 🇦🇷 Argentina v Wales 🔔 Subscribe for weekly All Blacks analysis, expert insight and rugby discussion. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17. SHORT: How to use Beauden Barrett and Quinn Tupaea? from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jul 1, 202613 min

    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.

18. Tana Umaga On How Ardie Inspires & Building Rennie’s All Blacks from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jun 30, 202616 min

    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, discussing the challenge of bringing a coaching group together from different parts of the world, preparing a Test side in a short timeframe, building relationships with players and developing a game plan to stop France. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19. Inside France & Rennie's All Blacks | What Decides The Test from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jun 29, 20261 hr 24 min

    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—including Antoine Dupont—really changes the contest. The crew also debates the All Blacks midfield combination, Beauden Barrett's role under Rennie, South Africa v England and Australia v Ireland. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20. SHORT: Springboks Run Riot: The Potential Is Scary from Aotearoa Rugby Pod

    Jun 23, 20264 min

    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.