Aotearoa Rugby Pod

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?Chapters00:00 – Introduction03:00 – All Blacks v Wallabies: A game of two halves10:43 – 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 1226:18 – Fabian Holland's massive performance29:00 – Who starts alongside Scott Barrett at the World Cup?31:22 – The All Blacks' loose forward selection dilemma38:12 – Cody Taylor's captaincy resurgence40:25 – 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

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.

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/

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.

The ARP crew reacts to the teams named for Bledisloe Cup 1.From DMac at 10 to the bench makeup, plenty to talk here!

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.

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

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

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.