Aotearoa Rugby Pod

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.

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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 Hurricanes beating the Blues and James Parsons' tense post-match exchange with Vern Cotter.

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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 Women in England’s PWR
• How overseas rugby challenged and improved her game
• The secrets she learnt about Canada's success
• What’s already changed under new Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen
• Young stars Amarante Sititi and Braxton Sorenson-McGee
• The stacked Blues Women squad ahead of their Super Rugby Aupiki defence

A great insight into the growth of the women’s game globally and where New Zealand rugby is heading next.

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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.

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The All Blacks are stacked with midfield options.

Quinn Tupaea is in outstanding form, Billy Proctor is excelling, Timoci Tavatavanawai's becoming impossible to ignore and Leicester Fainga’anuku's causing havoc wherever he plays.

So does Jordie Barrett have to shift from 12 back to fullback?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates the balance of the All Blacks backline, including Josh Moorby's chances, before getting into who will make the Super Rugby top 6.

Later this week .. Under 20s Rugby Championship review + Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant on how English rugby opened her eyes to a different way.

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The Highlanders keep finding themselves in the fight against top Super Rugby sides — but too often they leave with nothing to show for it.

So why does the same story keep repeating for Jamie Joseph's men?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why the Highlanders are competitive for long stretches, yet continue to lose tight games.

Right now, the Highlanders might be Super Rugby’s most frustrating team: good enough to push anyone… but unable to consistently finish the job.

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The All Blacks back three is a big debate heading into the international season.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod dives into why Caleb Clarke, Caleb Tangitau and Will Jordan could be the most balanced option — combining power, speed and elite game awareness.

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The All Blacks selection picture is tightening and some big calls will need to be made.

This episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod focuses on the key positional battles at halfback, centre and lock, with Scott Barrett, Noah Hotham and Billy Proctor in the spotlight.

The team also breaks down Super Rugby Pacific Round 12, identifying the performances and trends shaping national selection, before discussing the significance of Gilbert Enoka’s return to the All Blacks management group.

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This isn’t just about rugby — it’s about raising better young people.

New Zealand Under 20s and pathways coach Kane Jury joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod to explain how NZ develops its young athletes — and why parents and coaches play such a critical role in that journey.

From preparing for the Rugby Championship and World Championship to teaching life skills off the field, Jury shares why success at the highest level starts long before professional rugby.

This is a must-watch for anyone involved in youth sport.

In this episode:

• Why coaching the person matters as much as the player
• What parents get right — and wrong — in youth sport
• How NZ aligns schools, U20s and the All Blacks
• Preparing young athletes for pressure and setbacks

#Rugby #YouthSport #AllBlacks #Parenting #Coaching #NZRugby

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Leicester Fainga’anuku’s man of the match performance for the Crusaders at open side has everyone talking. But is it the best way to use the hybrid centre/winger?

He’s an elite player but will it work for the Crusaders against elite Super Rugby opposition, never mind the All Blacks versus the Springboks?

This is less about the player, and more about whether the role stacks up under pressure.

We also talk Super Round, whether the losers of Golden Point get ripped off on the table and the Black Ferns' first title under Whitney Hansen.

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Caleb Tangitau and Anton Segner are two names building serious hype.

We break down their form and skillsets, then break down the problems with the Blues defence and the Crusaders.

👇 Let us know: Who’s the next All Black you’re watching?

Email: ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify & Apple

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Rugby is evolving — on the field, in the stadium and how fans experience the game.

In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley explains how the sport is taking its next step — from faster, more engaging play to a match day experience that goes beyond the 80 minutes.

We get into:

• Evolution of the on-field product
• The shift towards a bigger in-stadium experience
• Why rugby needs to think differently about entertainment
• And how fans play a role in what comes next
• The latest on Moana Pasifika's future

Rugby’s core is strong — but the next level is about how everything around it continues to grow.

What would you add to take rugby to the next level?

Email your ideas to ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz — we’ll take the best ones forward to the powers that be.

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Moana Pasifika is searching for new financial backing — and it could have major implications for Super Rugby.

If they can’t secure support, what does that mean for the number of teams, the competition format, and the future of Pacific rugby in the professional game?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why this moment matters, and why the ripple effects could be felt across the entire competition.

Later this week, we speak with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley to get answers from inside the game.

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Since leaving the All Blacks, Jason Holland has helped shape Super Rugby's most potent attack at the Hurricanes.

In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Holland breaks down:

• The key principles behind the Hurricanes’ attacking success
• The lessons he took from the All Blacks environment
• Why clarity and simplicity are central to performance
• And how those ideas will carry into his role as Blues head coach

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#Hurricanes #AllBlacks #SuperRugby #Blues #RugbyAnalysis #JasonHolland

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Leinster is starting to get the best out of Rieko Ioane’ — at centre or wing.

After some early noise around his arrival — from the Johnny Sexton spat to adjustmenting to a new system — it’s starting to click.

In recent performances against Edinburgh and Sale, Ioane has made a real impact — bringing speed, power, footwork and distribution that can break games open.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down Ioane’s form, why perceptions are shifting, and what it means for Leinster heading into the business end of the season.

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Did Highlander Henry Bell get headbutted by Nick Frost … and still get penalised?

A controversial Super Rugby moment has rugby fans split, after the tackler saw yellow and it's not the first time!

So was this the right call — or does rugby has a problem?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks it down, as well as asking if the Canes can be stopped and whether Damian McKenzie is in the Chiefs' top five players of all time.

Follow @aotearoarugbypodoffical channels for more breakdowns on the biggest talking points in world rugby.

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In August, the All Blacks heading back into one of rugby’s toughest challenges - a full tour of South Africa.

But this isn’t just about Test matches, for the first time in decades, New Zealand will face the unique grind of touring:

• Midweek matches
• Travel and squad rotation
• Adapting to South African conditions
• Managing physical and mental fatigue

So do the modern All Blacks actually have the know-how to handle it?

We break down what makes South Africa tours so difficult, why history matters, and whether this current group is ready for the challenge.

📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube

#AllBlacks #Springboks #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #SouthAfricaTour #RugbyDebate #AotearoaRugbyPod

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Could Codie Taylor be the next All Blacks captain?

We deep dive into what makes Taylor such a great player, leader and team mate, then ask whether he's the man for the job

It’s one of the biggest off-field questions in New Zealand rugby right now — and we want your take. Email us on ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

#AllBlacks #CodieTaylor #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #CaptaincyDebate #RugbyUnion #AotearoaRugbyPod

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Where should Leicester Fainga’anuku fit in the All Blacks?

It’s one of the most fascinating selection questions right now — and there’s no obvious answer.

We also dive into your suggestions for All Blacks bolters/moneyball players from last week's episode, plus talk Samipeni Finau's epic showing for the Chiefs.

📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube, where you can enter the draw for six seats for the Blues v Highlanders on April 17, thanks to Barfoot and Thompson

#AllBlacks #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #LeicesterFaingaanuku #RugbyDebate #SuperRugby #AotearoaRugbyPod

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Scotsman Mike Blair is the man Dave Rennie has tasked with rebuilding what used to be the most feared attack in world rugby — the All Blacks.

In this exclusive Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, the former Scotland captain opens up on how Mike Blair got the call from Dave Rennie, why Rennie trusts him with the All Blacks attack, and the pressure that comes with taking over such a famous rugby identity.

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Midway through Super Rugby's round robin, who are the bolters or "moneyball" players Dave Rennie simply can’t ignore?

We give a preview of our exclusive interview with new All Blacks attack coach Mike Blair, which drops later this week, as well as a breakdown of everything Super Rugby.

Giveaway time

To get six pitch side tickets to the Blues v Highlanders game at Eden Park on April 17, courtesy of Barfoot & Thompson.

To enter:👇 

Subscribe, follow, like and comment "Blues" on the latest ARP posts on @aotearoarugbypodofficial Youtube and social channels.

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The Lam name means something in rugby — and Joel Lam is carving his own path within it.

After struggling to break into the professional game, Joel stepped away from rugby and switched to league to keep chasing the dream. Now, he’s back — and rising with Moana Pasifika.

In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Joel opens up on:

• What it’s really like carrying the Lam family name
• Why he left rugby for league — and why he came back
• How he finally earned his Super Rugby opportunity

This is more than a comeback story — it’s about identity, legacy, and proving you belong.

🎧 Full episodes on YouTube & all podcast platforms

#AotearoaRugbyPod #MoanaPasifika #SuperRugby #RugbyUnion

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Former Scotland halfback Mike Blair has been named All Blacks attack coach — but for many New Zealand fans, he’s still an unknown.

So who is he, and why does Dave Rennie trust him with one of the most important roles in world rugby?

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What will Tana Umaga bring as the All Blacks defence coach?

In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Jip and Bryn bring first-hand insight from inside a Tana Umaga environment, breaking down his coaching style, standards and the impact he could have on the All Blacks defence.

New episodes, analysis and interviews every week covering the biggest stories in rugby.

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Who should be the next All Blacks attack coach?

With Dave Rennie's deputies due to be named soon, we analyse leading contenders Mike Blair and Scott Hansen, while asking whether Chiefs attack guru Roger Randle should also be considered.

The ARP boys give the inside word what makes Tana Umaga a great fit at defence coach, then get into the big issues this week in Super Rugby.

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Is Canes loose Devan Flanders set to be an All Black?

The Hurricanes loose forward is in red-hot form in Super Rugby, putting himself firmly in the frame for national selection. But with fierce competition in the loose forwards, does he force his way into the squad — or is he still on the outside looking in?

In this episode, Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down:

• Flanders’ current form and impact for the Hurricanes
• How he compares to established All Blacks loose forwards
• Where he fits in the national setup

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew break down why France won the Six Nations, analysing the tactics, players and key moments that made them the best team in Europe.

We look at England's performance and why it was a move forward, Ireland's classy win over Scotland and how the Welsh pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

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After an incredible Six Nations tournament, we ask whether France, Ireland and the best of the North can knock over the Boks or All Blacks in the inaugural Nations Championship.

We deep dive into Super Rugby's latest crazy results, ask if Devan Flanders should be the All Blacks number eight and discuss if World Rugby should introduce the 3+ try bonus point.

As requested by a viewer .. here's a link to our Springboks scrum analysis from last year... https://youtu.be/n3C_55JcqzI?si=VpFvnod297spsOQY

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We catch up with Hurricanes and All Blacks open side Du'Plessis Kirifi to talk the ruthless Hurricanes attack, Asafo Aumua's 300kg squats and Dave Rennie's selection criteria.

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The ARP crew break down whether Scotland can beat Ireland and win the Six Nations, plus what on earth is happening with England?

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod team dig deep into New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie's methods with former Chiefs and All Blacks prop Ben Afeaki, while also getting reaction from current All Black Du'Plessis Kirifi.

From team hitch-hikes to the incredible detail Rennie brings to tactics and selection, we give you the inside word.

We also break down the crazy weekend, with unpredictable Super Rugby and Six Nations results!

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Dave Rennie's now has the most pressured job in rugby.

Here's the Rennie supercut from the ARP deep dive into his preferred approach to coaching, including former Wallaby Justin Harrison on Rennie's legacy as coach of Australia.

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The ARP crew quiz one of NZ Sport's great innovators, new Blues CEO Karl Budge, about taking the lessons he learnt in tennis and applying them to rugby.

Budge brought superstars like Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova to Auckland's small tennis event, and the fans clocked, so what can he do with rugby at Eden Park?

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The ARP crew deep dive into All Blacks coaching candidates Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph as a decision draws nearer. What styles do they coach and which suits the All Blacks best?

We're joined by former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison to talk about Dave Rennie's legacy in Australia, as well as the Aussie teams topping Super Rugby.

Plus, we look at round four of the Six Nations. Can Scotland upset France and throw the tournament wide open?

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After playing his 100th test for England, the ARP crew debates whether Maro Itoje is an all-time great.

Is he on the modern Mt Rushmore?

Catch ARP full episodes, extra content and short clips on all audio podcast networks.

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew break down the latest round of the Six Nations, as England fall apart at the hands of an Ireland team rekindling its form.

Plus, why the Scots almost got pipped by the Welsh.

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Jip, Bryn and Ross break down how the Crusaders capitulated and what the Brumbies' form means for the title race.

They look at whether the Chiefs have reached their potential, the Hurricanes' epic start, why the Landers defence is superb and whether Caleb Tangitau has all the pieces to be a test winger.

Oh yeh .. and the Blues can get up against the Brumbies this week!

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After Caleb Tangitau reportedly clocked 43 kilometres an hour, the ARP crew asks who the fastest player is in Super Rugby.

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew break down Ireland's escape against Italy and England's ongoing Scotland problems.

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew break down the difficulties side have integrating their All Blacks returning to Super Rugby.

We also look at the big statements made by the likes of Highlanders, Chiefs, Waratahs and Brumbies in week 1, as well as the players that made the biggest impacts.

The team examines this weekend's Six Nations. Can England bounce back?

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All Blacks and Blues playmaker Stephen Perofeta's latest injury layoff descended into darkness, as he isolated himself from family and friends.

Back, and with a new lease on life, Perofeta tells Aotearoa Rugby Pod his story.

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Referee Angus Mabey answers viewer questions about the laws that hack you off!

He also delves into how he balances epilepsy with pro reffing.

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France and England looked slick in the opening round of the Six Nations. Are they the Boks' biggest threats at RWC2027?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew analyse round 1 and look ahead to this weekend's action.

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Scott Robertson’s a man in pain, after losing his Dream job.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod’s Bryn Hall won six Super Rugby titles under Razor and explains what will be hurting him most.

The ARP team then examine why hiring the right assistants is as important as the head coach.

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Aotearoa Rugby Pod brings you the lowdown on the Super Rugby new season, with James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl.

Plus, we break down the effect of the new laws Boks management don’t like with referee Angus Mabey.

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The ARP rates the All Blacks progress and who the top contenders are two years from the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

We decide whether the Boks scrum is possibly rugby's greatest weapon, weigh-in on the great Dublin card game and celebrate Malcolm Marx finally getting Player of the Year.

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The ARP crew ask what the fallout will be from the All Blacks' loss to England. Will there be coaching changes and is the game plan fit for purpose?

Grand Slam winning Welsh midfielder Hadleigh Parkes joins the crew to talk about NZ's last test of the year and they break down the one that got away for Italy against South Africa.

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The ARP crew break down how the All Blacks got out of jail against Scotland and how England's young stars pose a big threat this weekend.

Former England player Brad Shields spins a yarn about Eddie Jones creating life-size card board cutouts of All Blacks before the 2018 test.

We get into whether De Jager deserved a full red card and how the Boks scrum dismantled France on their ball.

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The ARP crew dive into Tadgh Beirne’s red card, whether Tupaea and Fainga’anuku could be the future All Blacks midfield pairing band what that would mean for Jordie Barrett.

They break down whether Scotland will finally knock over the All Blacks, after a couple of close calls, and how the Springboks continue to innovate before their massive showdown against France.

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It’s time for the All Blacks and Ireland to go at it again!

The ARP crew breakdown where the game will be won and lost. We catch up with Ireland’s kiwi attack coach Andrew Goodman about the Chicago clash, Andy Farrell, Joe Schmidt and Jamison Gibson-Park.

In the wake of Jason Holland’s announced departure from the All Blacks attack job, who should replace him and what do teams actually need from an assistant coach? How does coaching instability affect the players?

Plus, we talk Bryn’s old flat mate Tom Christie and how he led Canterbury to its 15th NPC title.

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