Aotearoa Rugby Pod

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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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