Aotearoa Rugby Pod

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.