Pick & Go Rugby Podcast | TAB · TAB Podcasts

Rennie reveals his new coaching line up | Pick & Go 2026 | Ep7

March 24, 2026·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

AI forecasts Surly's fantasy team will win a tight grand final thanks to Damian McKenzie's clutch composure.

This episode of the Pick & Go Rugby Podcast focuses on the announcement of Dave Rennie's new All Blacks coaching team and reviews the latest Super Rugby Pacific action. Host Paul is joined by regular Piriwipu and guest Ben "Surly" Searle from Surly Talk Sports, both offering player and analyst perspectives. The hosts first dissect the newly confirmed assistant coaches: Tana Umaga, Neil Barnes, Mike Blair, and Jace Ryan. Surly expresses particular excitement about Umaga's inclusion, noting his cultural significance and the expected blend of attacking rugby and ruthless mindset under Rennie and Barnes. Piriwipu, having played with Umaga, confirms the difficulty of keeping the appointment secret in their small hometown. The conversation shifts to the impact on Moana Pasifika, with Surly noting Umaga's departure is another significant blow for the team's stability and culture. The hosts also discuss the fate of outgoing assistants like Scott Hansen, Bryn Evans, and Tamati Ellison, speculating on their next roles in the coaching carousel. The episode features a humorous segment where AI is used to simulate outcomes of a fantasy draft competition between the hosts, predicting specific scores and key players like Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie. A full round review covers the Hurricanes' 50-point statement win over the Highlanders, highlighting Cam Roigard's control and Ruben Love's return. The Brumbies' comeback win against the Chiefs, fueled by Charlie Cale, and the Reds' surprising shutout of the Fijian Drua are analyzed. The Crusaders' second-half surge against Moana Pasifika and the Blues' powerful performance over the Waratahs, led by Beauden Barrett and AJ Lam, round out the recap. In a lighter "Trading Places" segment, the hosts nominate rugby players who would excel in MMA, with suggestions including Buck Shelford, Tana Umaga, and Samisoni Taukei'aho. The episode concludes with betting previews for the upcoming round, including the Highlanders seeking redemption against Moana Pasifika and the Hurricanes hosting a refreshed Reds side. The tone is casual and conversational, blending insider rugby analysis with friendly banter and humor. Listeners who enjoy detailed coaching speculation, thorough match breakdowns, and lighthearted rugby chatter will appreciate this episode. Those seeking only hard news or in-depth tactical dissection might find the informal digressions less engaging.

As heard by us

A relaxed rugby roundup that turns coaching news and Super Rugby results into useful conversation.

Dave Rennie's new All Blacks coaching team gives the episode its clearest hook, but the broader appeal is how the hosts fold that development into a wider Super Rugby conversation.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want rugby chat that moves from the new All Blacks assistant-coach news to a big Super Rugby weekend?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Pick & Go Rugby Podcast | TAB