ABs Selection Heats Up: Scott Barrett, Proctor and Hotham Under the Microscope
episodePreviously titled “ABs Selection Heats Up: Halfbacks, Centres & Locks Under the Microscope” — renamed by the publisher on Aug 3, 2026
Transcript
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Coming to you from rugby's greatest fortress, New Zealand's national stadium, Eden Park, is the Aotearoa Rugby Park. Kia ora and welcome to the Aotearoa Rugby Pod. Once again, plenty to chat this week. With only four rounds of the regular season and a few rounds of the playoffs left before Test Footy, let's chat about which of the contentious positions heading into the All Blacks selections from Dave Rennie.
What key positional battles are shaping the All Blacks selection?
Where could people really make a play over the next seven weeks to get into that team? Gilbert Anoka's return as well is something that we've been asked about via email. What does that mean for the All Blacks? Of course, player retention is always a big topic. We've had a few emails about that and there's been a change in Japan that could well affect New Zealand rugby somewhat as well. Of course, the Hurricanes got up against the Crusaders. We'll chat all about Super Rugby and what's going on there. And if you want to catch all of our content, please do so at Aotearoa Rugby Pod official channels. You can also go to stuff.co.nz, go to the website, catch clips, catch written articles, the full podcast.
same goes for rugby pass as well we can catch videos on their website plus you can get the full podcast on the app as well and please catch their stats while you're there of course the man off to my right is james parsons jipper big night for you last night it's a big day lakers got up which was good i know we're not a basketball pod but that was a good start blues had a great second half
I fell a little bit short with the Broncos, but two out of three is not too bad.
You know what I find really funny about the Lakers? I feel like every single game is a goat debate. My social media lights up every game because it's like, does this game prove that the Broncos isn't the goat?
Surely it's over. The stats are just ridiculous. But anyway, we won't get into it.
That'll light up the comments section. That'll light up the comments section. Of course, over in Japan, we've got Bryn Hall here in the big screen. Bryn, you were on game day today.
We are. We've got Rico Rams. We're playing them just outside of Tokyo about three, four hours. So a nice bit of travel. Been out in a bit of the rural part of Japan. But yeah, we've got our game today and then we've got Corbin next week and then going into the semi-final stage. So yeah, looking forward to it. Big game against Rico today.
How does Gilbert Enoka's return impact the All Blacks management?
We've had actually some good feedback about how you're playing during the week. Secured the win for Kubota. This is last week.
which he must be very, very nice. But no, it was just more of a kind of just back into the game and closing out the game. So, yeah, I can't say I did too much, if I'm being honest, Ross. It was more so just closing out the game in the last couple of minutes. But lovely to see that I've been watched from fans in our podcast here in Japan.
How is player retention affecting New Zealand rugby?
So, yeah, it's a good way to shut out the game.
It sounds like you're doing a bit of coaching of the refs again, bro.
certainly not jiffy if anything i'm probably at a detriment to my team if i talk to riffs over here and they don't speak a lot of english so no definitely not manipulated or influencing that's for sure brenna that came out of the youtube comments section came from rugby analyst one who had a question regarding the number nines obviously cam roy guard is the top dog but what does it look like who is the best person under pressure to come off the bench and secure games What does the number nine set up look like right now? What do you think? If you were going to take three guys into a squad, given the form that's happened right now, Bryn, who would you take?
What performances from Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 are noteworthy?
I think Cam Roygaard is definitely number one. I really think Noah Hotham in the last couple of weeks, I think has solidified, whether it be number two or number three, I definitely reckon with the way that he is playing and the game style that he is playing with the Crusaders, it definitely marries up, I think, being able to shut out a game, gain game management, kicking game is a big part of that Crusader setup, which you have to think at the international level and closing out a game, you need to have that part.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:28
2
What key positional battles are shaping the All Blacks selection?
0:28–2:11
3
How does Gilbert Enoka's return impact the All Blacks management?
2:11–2:33
4
How is player retention affecting New Zealand rugby?
2:33–3:12
5
What performances from Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 are noteworthy?
3:12–16:06
6
Who are the top contenders for the halfback position in the All Blacks?
16:06–40:56
7
What factors are influencing the selection of centres for the All Blacks?
40:56–1:10:38
Speakers
4 identifiedMore from Aotearoa Rugby Pod
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Did the Springboks Find the Formula? | ARP x Behind the Ruck
Why Is Rennie Under Rassie’s Skin?