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The first name on the team sheet is... | Pick & Go | Episode 5

March 10, 2026·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

Jeff Wilson challenges the consensus by suggesting Tupo Vai, not Adi Sarvea, should be Dave Rennie's first pick for the All Blacks.

This episode of the Pick & Go Rugby Podcast focuses on the appointment of Dave Rennie as the new All Blacks head coach and includes a Super Rugby draft segment. Hosts Paulie, Piri Weepu, Ben "Surly" Searle, and Jeff "Goldie" Wilson analyze the coaching decision and its implications. Dave Rennie secured the role over Jamie Joseph, who is described as bitterly disappointed for the second time. The panel notes the appointment is for an 18-month term leading to the next Rugby World Cup. Rennie's history of immediate success with teams like the Wellington Lions and the Chiefs is cited as a key factor. Players like Sean Stevenson and Anton Lienert-Brown praise Rennie for fostering team culture, connection, and care for his players. The discussion turns to who Rennie's first selected player and potential captain might be. Surly and Piri both believe it will be Ardie Savea, who is currently coaching in Japan. Jeff Wilson suggests Tupou Vai'i or Codie Taylor as strong leadership options, questioning whether Savea wants the captaincy. The panel agrees Rennie will approach selection with no prior bias, making Super Rugby form critically important. Piri Weepu explains the mental preparation required for players on the bench in test matches, using a personal example from a Tri-Nations game in South Africa. Jeff Wilson emphasizes the value of experienced impact players like Patrick Tuipulotu coming off the bench. The hosts conduct a chaotic Super Rugby draft to build hypothetical squads, with selections including Caleb Clarke, Cortez Ratima, and Scott Barrett. The episode also previews the final round of the Six Nations, assigning each panelist a contending team. Jeff Wilson argues Scotland can win because of Finn Russell's match-winning ability. Ben Searle backs Ireland, noting their improved selections and form. Piri Weepu predicts a French victory over England, whose coach Steve Borthwick is under pressure. The panel briefly reviews Super Rugby results, praising the Chiefs' bounce-back win and the Hurricanes' crisp performance against the Waratahs. A surprising claim is that Finn Russell is labeled a favorite player in the world by one host, despite acknowledged inconsistency. The panel finds humor in the idea of spending a week in Canberra being worse than supporting the French rugby team. The chaotic draft segment reveals competitive banter, such as a host attempting to select a player already chosen. Jeff Wilson provocatively suggests picking players who are injured or leaving New Zealand, arguing for their short-term value. The discussion on England's coaching future speculates about replacements like Jamie Joseph, Scott Robertson, or even promoting from within with John Mitchell. The tone is highly conversational and informal, filled with insider rugby banter and friendly ribbing among the hosts. The style blends analytical sports discussion with loose, humorous segments like the AI-judged draft. Rugby union fans interested in detailed All Blacks analysis and coaching speculation will enjoy this episode. Listeners who prefer structured, serious sports commentary might find the informal draft segment and chaotic banter less appealing.

As heard by us

A lively Six Nations panel with real rugby questions and enough banter to keep it loose.

Pick & Go Rugby Podcast keeps its Six Nations discussion lively, opinionated, and just unruly enough to feel alive. The hosts work through England under pressure, France as the home favorite, Scotland against Ireland, and the possibility that the title race ends up being decided…

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Why you'd press play

If you want Six Nations talk with a bit of heat, start here.

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