This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier digest and dissect the All Blacks' Rugby Championship squad with three new faces in an extended squad to travel to Argentina and beyond - we dig into the surprise selections, the recalls and everything in between. We also wrap up the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia and whether the Wallabies have taken a step forward, while we take a keen eye at the NPC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the third test against France and review the series as a whole - what did we learn and which players were the big movers across the three matches? We also look ahead to the Rugby Championship and where the All Blacks must improve. We also dig into the latest on the R360 saga, the opening test of the Lions series and plenty more in the rugby world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap up the All Blacks' big win over France in Wellington and analyse who stood out for the home team, before looking ahead to the third and final test in Hamilton. We also ask whether the current Lions tour of Australia could be the worst in history, what David Kidwell might add to the Highlanders' coaching staff and assess the final Black Ferns hit out before the Rugby World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier take a look at the All Blacks' 31-27 win over France in Dunedin to open the year and discuss whether it was underwhelming or whether France's so-called 'B-team' deserve more respect than they'd been given. We discuss the big key moments of the game, where it was won and what changes, both personnel and tactically wise, are required for game two in Wellington. We also sweep up the world of rugby news and returning All Blacks second-five Jordie Barrett chats with Liam about his time in Leinster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the opening All Blacks test of 2025 against France in Dunedin and speculate on what a couple of injury withdrawals might mean for the make up of the first test side. We also assess what to expect from France across the series and if you can really prepare for a side with so few international caps between them. We also dig into the opening British and Irish Lions game, the Maori All Blacks big win over Japan and Moana Pasifika's funding woes and how that might affect their future in Super RugbySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend we've got a bonus episode for you in the Rugby Direct feed - The new podcast 'Rivals' from Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield. Episodes are released every Thursday, and a perfect complement for Rugby Direct. Follow the podcast on iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts: Rivals | iHeart The Wallabies refusing to release their top players for the British & Irish Lions’ tour games against Super Rugby teams... smart long game or a mistake? This week on Rugby Rivals, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan go head-to-head on:– Joe Schmidt and Wallabies’ strategy– Argentina's form vs. the Lions– Damian McKenzie’s form, still world class or slipping?– Razor’s All Blacks picks, and who missed out!– Rassie’s bold youth call for the Springboks New episodes weekly with top-tier rugby analysis from both sides of the globe. Hit subscribe for more, find the audio-only episodes on all podcast apps by searching for 'Rugby Rivals'!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, it's a bumper edition of the podcast as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the first All Blacks squad of 2025 - who's in and who's out - and who should be there that isn't. Rugby Direct speaks to All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and forwards coach Jason Ryan to dive into the key selections and their plans for 2025. We also review the Super Rugby final as the Crusaders hoisted the trophy again and ask why the Chiefs are unable to convert their bridesmaid tag into a title. And we look at former coach Ian Foster's new book - and Liam responds to being written about in the autobiography. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap the Super Rugby semi-finals and assess the way the Crusaders and Chiefs were able to get there in contrasting fashion. We look ahead to this week's final and discuss who has more to gain or lose by winning this weekend. We also select our prospective 35-man squads for the All Blacks test series against France, a week out from the real squad being named and drill down into who the new faces might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to the breaking news of Mark Robinson's impending departure as the chief executive of New Zealand and reflect on how he will be remembered and where to next. We also wrap the week that was in a dramatic Super Rugby playoff round, with the Hurricanes gone and the Blues keeping their season alive but flipping the run to the trophy on its head. We also examine the mooted R360 franchise concept and pay our respects to All Blacks great Stu Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review the last round of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season and assess the top 6 sides left standing. We review Moana Pasifika's breakout season and look over to Japan as Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell taste further success over there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.