Aotearoa Rugby Pod

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Ross Karl, Bryn Hall and James Parsons host a weekly chat about all things New Zealand rugby, from Super Rugby Pacific, the All Blacks, Bunnings NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, and Super Rugby Aupiki, the team have you covered with unique insight from current pros still in the game.

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46 episodes
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S7 · E36
Yesterday · 1 hr 1 min
Has Beauden Barrett Just Secured His World Cup Place?
Beauden Barrett has reminded everyone what he's capable of, but has he done enough to secure his place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup? Ross Karl, Bryn Hall and James Parsons break down the All Blacks' remarkable first half against Australia, the second-half struggles and the selection headaches facing Dave Rennie. From Timoci Tavatavanawai's starting audition to the fierce competition in the loose forwards and lock, some big decisions are looming. Plus, can Northland upset Canterbury in the NPC final? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:00 – All Blacks v Wallabies: A game of two halves 10:43 – Can Rennie's attacking style win a World Cup? 17:30 – Why aren't the Wallabies using Suaalii's aerial threat? 21:13 – Tavatavanawai's World Cup audition at 12 26:18 – Fabian Holland's massive performance 29:00 – Who starts alongside Scott Barrett at the World Cup? 31:22 – The All Blacks' loose forward selection dilemma 38:12 – Cody Taylor's captaincy resurgence 40:25 – Has the TMO system gone too far? 47:18 – Has Beauden Barrett secured his World Cup place? 53:17 – NPC final preview: Canterbury v Northland Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 50 min
REACTION: Tavatavanawai in for Bledisloe 2
The ARP crew goes Live on Youtube to discuss the sides named for Bledisloe 2, including the recall of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Du'Plessis Kirifi. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 13 · 20 min
What Rugby Fans Don't See: Ben O'Keeffe on Life Under Pressure
What happens when the pressure of rugby’s biggest matches follows you home? Ben O’Keeffe joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod for a deeply personal conversation about the moments that have tested him, the toll criticism has taken and the people who have helped him through his toughest times. From World Cup pressure to the fallout surrounding Rassie Erasmus’ infamous Lions tour video, Ben opens up about the human side of refereeing that fans rarely get to see. For tools to help with your mental health:: https://www.mindsetengage.co.nz/ Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E35
October 12 · 50 min
What Did the All Blacks’ Big Win Prove?
The All Blacks ran away from the Wallabies at Eden Park—but how many of their biggest questions did that performance answer? James Parsons and Ross Karl break down what changed after halftime and ask if the All Blacks produce the same game when they aren’t winning the collisions. Plus, did Australia really test their aerial defence, Josh Lord’s unseen work and the case for giving Timoci Tavatavanawai an opportunity. The boys also answer your lineout questions, debate rugby’s hip-drop tackle crackdown, and join Karl Tily for the TAB Match Centre. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 8 · 32 min
REACTION: Bledisloe Cup 1 team namings
The ARP crew reacts to the teams named for Bledisloe Cup 1. From DMac at 10 to the bench makeup, plenty to talk here! Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E34
October 5 · 27 min
The All Blacks Need an Answer. Is It Kyren Taumoefolau?
The All Blacks still have questions to answer — and could Kyren Taumoefolau provide one of them? We look at where the athletic Mako and Chiefs winger could fit, what he could offer heading towards the end-of-year tour and the World Cup, and the competition already building for places in the All Blacks back three. Plus, with the Bledisloe Cup heading to Eden Park, we assess the Wallabies threat, the big selection decisions facing both sides, and what New Zealand still needs to improve after the South Africa series. A few audio issues meant we had to keep this episode shorter than usual, but there’s plenty more ARP coming this week. Keep an eye out for our live shows and more Bledisloe Cup coverage across the Aotearoa Rugby Pod channels. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 30 · 7 min
Why Bryn Chose the Canes for His Super Rugby Return
Bryn Hall is heading back to Super Rugby — and in 2027 he’ll be wearing Hurricanes colours. Bryn explains why the Canes became the right destination, what attracted him to the way they play, and why returning to New Zealand rugby appealed after his time in Japan. Chapters (00:00) Bryn Hall is a Hurricane (00:33) Why Bryn chose the Canes (01:16) What attracted him to Wellington (01:35) The Hurricanes coaching group (02:19) Bryn’s role in the squad (03:33) Why his body feels ready for Super Rugby (04:51) When does he start learning the attack? (05:35) Who Bryn spoke to before signing (06:31) Moving to Wellington (07:19) A message for Canes fans Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 30 · 30 min
The Big Problem If the Boks Are Gaming Concussion Rules
Did South Africa find a loophole in rugby’s HIA rules — or did something go badly wrong with the replacement process? The Springboks’ chaotic finish against the Wallabies raised bigger questions about how concussion replacements are supposed to work and who controls the process. Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall also break down what Australia did so well for most of the test, plus four yellow cards, referees on phones, and one of the strangest ends to a test in recent memory. Warning: Audio quality is varied because of online recording. (00:00) Boks Watch: Wallabies v Springboks (00:49) How strong was this Springboks team? (02:43) What really happened at scrum time (05:50) Taniela Tupou causes the Boks problems (08:22) How scrum angles actually work (11:29) Australia’s front-row weapons (13:39) The Springbok back who caught our eye (15:59) What Australia did differently to the All Blacks (17:37) How the Wallabies attacked the breakdown (19:09) Why Australia kept things simple (20:31) Are the Wallabies building real belief? (21:50) Four yellow cards and complete chaos (23:25) Did the officials lose control? (24:12) The referee phone call explained (26:11) The Boks’ HIA replacement controversy (27:12) Can the HIA system be manipulated? (29:13) Why this could become a much bigger problem Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 29 · 41 min
REACTION: No Leicester & Frizell returns to All Blacks Bledisloe squad
ARP goes live on YouTube to discuss the All Blacks squad for the Bledisloe. Hookers: Codie Taylor (capt), Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi Locks: Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa'i Loose forwards: Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston First five-eighths: Richie Mo'unga, Josh Jacomb Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane Outside backs: Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E33
September 28 · 57 min
Does Rennie Dare Pick Leicester AND Timoci?
The All Blacks squad is named tomorrow — and one of the biggest questions is whether Dave Rennie can find room for Leicester Fainga’anuku AND Timoci Tavatavanawai. With injuries reshaping the Bledisloe Cup picture, Bryn Hall, James Parsons and Ross Karl discuss whether Shannon Frizell has done enough to force his way back into the mix — and if this is the moment for the All Blacks to take a few risks. The boys also discuss Ardie Savea’s Super Rugby future and what the All Blacks loose forward mix could look like without him. NOTE: This episode was recorded before Australia v South Africa. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E32
September 14 · 44 min
How the Boks Stay a Step Ahead of the All Blacks
The All Blacks showed progress — so why do the Boks still seem one step ahead? Ross, James and Bryn unpack a revealing series, the moments that mattered and the questions New Zealand must answer before these rivals meet again. Plus, the players pushing their claims, a listener’s bold scrum idea and North Harbour’s big NPC win. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 11 · 36 min
REACTION: All Blacks & Boks final test teams | The Battle of Baltimore
ARP goes live to discuss the All Blacks and Springboks teams for the third Greatest Rivalry test in Soweto 🇳🇿 ALL BLACKS 🇿🇦 SPRINGBOKS 1. Ethan de Groot 1. Ox Nche 2. Codie Taylor (c) 2. Malcolm Marx 3. Fletcher Newell 3. Wilco Louw 4. Patrick Tuipulotu 4. Eben Etzebeth 5. Sam Darry 5. Ruan Nortje 6. Tupou Vaa’i 6. Siya Kolisi (c) 7. Ethan Blackadder 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit 8. Peter Lakai 8. Jasper Wiese 9. Cam Roigard 9. Morne van den Berg 10. Richie Mo'unga 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 11. Josh Moorby 11. Ethan Hooker 12. Jordie Barrett 12. Damian de Allende 13. Anton Lienert-Brown 13. Jesse Kriel 14. Will Jordan 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse 15. Damian McKenzie 15. Damian Willemse RESERVES 16. Asafo Aumua 16. Deon Fourie 17. Xavier Numia 17. Gerhard Steenekamp 18. Tyrell Lomax. 18. Thomas du Toit 19. Josh Lord 19. Lood de Jager 20. Wallace Sititi 20. Andre Esterhuizen 21. Kyle Preston 21. Cameron Hanekom 22. Rieko Ioane. 22. Cobus Reinach 23. Beauden Barrett 23. Manie Libbok Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E31
September 7 · 51 min
Why the All Blacks Have a Springbok Problem
The All Blacks showed they can hurt South Africa. So why do the Springboks still keep finding a way to take control? After the Boks moved 2–1 ahead in the Greatest Rivalry series, James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl break down the areas that keep swinging these contests South Africa’s way — and what New Zealand has to change. There are genuine reasons for optimism in the way the All Blacks are playing. But there are also problems that will matter far beyond this series. So, can they solve their Springbok problem before the World Cup? Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 4 · 33 min
REACTION: All Blacks & Boks 3rd test teams | How to win in Soweto
ARP goes live to discuss the All Blacks and Springboks teams for the third Greatest Rivalry test in Soweto 🇳🇿 ALL BLACKS 🇿🇦 SPRINGBOKS 1. George Bower 1. Ox Nche 2. Asafo Aumua 2. Malcolm Marx 3. Tyrel Lomax 3. Wilco Louw 4. Tupou Vaa’i 4. Eben Etzebeth 5. Sam Darry 5. Ruan Nortje 6. Peter Lakai 6. Siya Kolisi (c) 7. Luke Jacobson 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit 8. Ardie Savea (c) 8. Jasper Wiese 9. Cam Roigard 9. Cobus Reinach 10. Ruben Love 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 11. Leroy Carter 11. Ethan Hooker 12. Jordie Barrett 12. Damian de Allende 13. Quinn Tupaea 13. Jesse Kriel 14. Will Jordan 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse 15. Damian McKenzie 15. Cheslin Kolbe RESERVES 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho 16. Deon Fourie 17. Xavier Numia 17. Gerhard Steenekamp 18. Fletcher Newell 18. Thomas du Toit 19. Fabian Holland. 19. Lood de Jager 20. Wallace Sititi 20. Andre Esterhuizen 21. Kyle Preston 21. Cameron Hanekom 22. Anton Lienert-Brown 22. Morne van den Berg 23. Josh Moorby 23. Manie Libbok Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 1 · 53 min
Did the Springboks Find the Formula? | ARP x Behind the Ruck
The Greatest Rivalry is locked at 1–1 — so it’s time to take some receipts. 🇳🇿🇿🇦 Aotearoa Rugby Pod and Behind the Ruck reunite to break down the Springboks’ response in test two and ask the big question: have South Africa found the formula to beat the All Blacks? James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl go head-to-head with Rudi Paige and Juan de Jongh over what changed, where the two teams now sit, and what each side needs to do in test three. Plus, we revisit our combined All Blacks-Springboks XVs, debate the selection changes that could swing the decider, and finish with some very different predictions. The rivalry continues. 🏉 Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E30
August 31 · 1 hr 7 min
Why Is Rennie Under Rassie’s Skin?
Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie’s off-field battle is becoming as fascinating as the tests matches. After South Africa levelled the Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks, Aotearoa Rugby Pod unpacks the gamesmanship, late selection changes and increasingly heated debate over the scrum. Plus, what the Springboks changed to win Test 2, why their aerial game caused New Zealand so many problems, where the All Blacks attack still threatened, and what needs to change before a huge third Test. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 27 · 43 min
LIVE REACTION: All Blacks & Boks 2nd test teams | What changes in Cape Town?
ARP goes live to discuss the All Blacks and Springboks teams for the Greatest Rivalry test in Cape Town. 🇳🇿 ALL BLACKS 🇿🇦 SPRINGBOKS 1. George Bower 1. Ox Nche 2. Codie Taylor 2. Malcolm Marx 3. Tyrel Lomax 3. Wilco Louw 4. Fabian Holland 4. Eben Etzebeth 5. Tupou Vaa’i 5. Ruan Nortje 6. Simon Parker 6. Siya Kolisi (c) 7. Luke Jacobson 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit 8. Ardie Savea (c) 8. Jasper Wiese 9. Cam Roigard 9. Cobus Reinach 10. Ruben Love 10. Handre Pollard 11. Leroy Carter 11. Ethan Hooker 12. Jordie Barrett 12. Damian de Allende 13. Quinn Tupaea 13. Jesse Kriel 14. Will Jordan 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse 15. Damian McKenzie 15. Damian Willemse RESERVES 16. Asafo Aumua 16. Deon Fourie 17. Xavier Numia 17. Gerhard Steenekamp 18. Fletcher Newell 18. Thomas du Toit 19. Patrick Tuipulotu 19. Lood de Jager 20. Peter Lakai 20. Andre Esterhuizen 21. Kyle Preston 21. Cameron Hanekom 22. Anton Lienert-Brown 22. Morne van den Berg 23. Josh Moorby 23. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 25 · 41 min
Aaron Smith: Roigard, Faf & How You Beat the Springboks
All Blacks great Aaron Smith joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod for a deep dive into what it takes to beat the Springboks in South Africa. Smith breaks down the evolution of halfback play and why Cam Roigard impresses him so much, playing against Faf De Klerk, the challenge of the Boks’ line speed and where the All Blacks can find attacking opportunities, Plus, memories of playing at Ellis Park and what changes as the rivalry heads to Cape Town. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E29
August 24 · 44 min
Can the All Blacks Stop the Boks Striking Back?
The All Blacks are 1-0 up after Ellis Park – but the biggest questions may be ahead of them. Bryn Hall and James Parsons break down how New Zealand can fix the scrum and aerial issues exposed in the first test, what needs to change in Cape Town, and how Rassie Erasmus might respond as the Springboks look to level the Greatest Rivalry series. Plus, could mass changes be coming for the Boks – and will they stick with their evolving style or return to the rugby that has made them World Champions? Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 21 · 50 min
ARP LIVE REACTION: All Blacks & Boks teams for test 1 | Who looks strongest?
ARP goes live to discuss the All Blacks and Springboks teams for the opening Greatest Rivalry clash at Ellis Park. Apologies for the audio quality on this one. What are the surprises? Which squad looks strongest? Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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