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Aotearoa Rugby Pod
Is Du’Plessis Kirifi the All Blacks 7? Plus, Solomon Alaimalo on surviving torrid NRL pre-seasons
Season 6, Ep. 6
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Is Du'Plessis Kirifi is the man to wear the All Blacks 7s jersey? James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl compare Kirifi with the other contenders, deep dive on why the Crusaders attack is humming and ask whether the Blues are close to finding form.
Plus, Moana Pasifika winger Solomon Alaimalo talks switching codes and torrid NRL pre-seasons.
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9. The Fainga’anuku debate: Where Does He Fit for the All Blacks?
01:05:30||Season 7, Ep. 9Where 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
8.2. Exclusive: Mike Blair on taking over All Blacks Attack
25:46||Season 7, Ep. 8.2Scotsman 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.
8. All Blacks bolters: Who Could Force Their Way In Under Rennie?
01:04:37||Season 8, Ep. 8Midway 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 timeTo 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.
7.4. Joel Lam: Famous family produces another star
15:26||Season 7, Ep. 7.4The 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 nameWhy he left rugby for league — and why he came backHow he finally earned his Super Rugby opportunityThis 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
7.3. SHORT: Who is Mike Blair, the new All Blacks attack coach?
04:41||Season 7, Ep. 7.3Former 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?
7.2. SHORT: Inside Tana Umaga’s Coaching
04:34||Season 7, Ep. 7.2What 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.
7. Who Should Be All Blacks Attack Coach?
01:02:13||Season 7, Ep. 7Who 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.
6.3. SHORT: Devan Flanders for All Blacks?
08:25||Season 7, Ep. 6.3Is 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 HurricanesHow he compares to established All Blacks loose forwardsWhere he fits in the national setup
6.2. How France Won the Six Nations
25:07||Season 7, Ep. 6.2The 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.