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Kiwi pundits reveal their World Cup brackets | The Breakdown

Kiwi pundits reveal their World Cup brackets | The Breakdown

Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina and Ricki Swannell deliver their Rugby World Cup predictions with mixed news for each of the top contending nations.

Kiwi pundits reveal their World Cup brackets | The Breakdown

Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina and Ricki Swannell deliver their Rugby World Cup predictions with mixed news for each of the top contending nations.

Mark Telea will be the next World Cup star | The Breakdown

Israel Dagg in 2011 and Nehe Milner-Skudder in 2015 set the Rugby World Cup alight with their special form and ability to create something out of nothing. If the All Blacks are to win in 2023, they need someone to bring that X-factor.

Richie Mo'unga is the key to the All Blacks' World Cup | The Breakdown

Every team needs a guiding star to remain composed in the most fiery of battles and make plays under the most burdensome pressure and for the All Blacks, Jeff Wilson says Richie Mo'unga is that man.

Ian Foster World Cup interview with John Kirwin | The Breakdown

All Blacks coach Ian Foster sits down with All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwin to discuss key reflections of the World Cup cycle and how the coach hopes to be remembered.

Jeff Wilson's verdict on Ireland's RWC chances | The Breakdown

The quarter-final voodoo hanging over World No 1 ranked Ireland may finally be swept aside in 2023. Andy Farrell's team are branded a different beast by Kiwi pundits and former All Blacks in Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina.

Fiji make history with win over England | The Breakdown

The final weekend of Rugby World Cup warm-up matches saw a monumental achievement take place as Fiji took down England at Twickenham.

We're forgetting the main ingredients of the game | The Breakdown

Sir Steve Hansen drops his analysis on the way teams are playing heading into the World Cup and shares his belief that teams are so focused on structure they're overlooking the opportunities in front of them.

How Cam Roigard changed the All Blacks' game | The Breakdown

Cam Roigard may be just 23 but his impact on the All Blacks in his two appearances has been immense, the young halfback scoring his side's only try in a hefty loss to the Springboks.

A blunt reaction to the All Blacks' annihilation | The Breakdown

New Zealand journalist Patrick Gower gives his reaction to the All Blacks' historic loss to the Springboks, summing up what it feels like to suffer such a destructive defeat just two weeks out from a World Cup.

All Blacks v Springboks had 74 minutes of dead ball | The Breakdown

Former All Blacks John Kirwin, Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina as well as Patrick Gower reflect on an arm wrestle of a game between the Springboks and All Blacks at Twickenham and the heavy influence of the bunker.

Recapping the Springboks' big win | The Breakdown

South Africa and New Zealand hit Twickenham for their final Rugby World Cup warm-up match, what unfolded was historic and jolted the World Cup favourites conversation.

Sir Steve Hansen discusses his week with the Wallabies | The Breakdown

Eddie Jones' recruitment of Sir Steve Hansen may not have been successful in the first or second instance, but the Wallabies coach did manage to wrangle the World champion coach in for a week prior to the World Cup, much to the surprise of NZ.

Predicting Pool B's winner | The Breakdown

Former All Blacks Jeff Wilson and Sir John Kirwin deliver their predictions for the Rugby World Cup's ultra-competitive Pool B, evaluating Scotland's chances of beating The Springboks and Ireland.

Analyzing Antoine Dupont's game | The Breakdown

Widely considered the best player in the world, Antoine Dupont's performance against Scotland is highlighted by former All Black Sir John Kirwin who breaks down the impact of the scrumhalf's attacking threat.

Kiwi pundits react to Owen Farrell's red | The Breakdown

England captain Owen Farrell has again earned himself a date with a judiciary committee after a high tackle against Wales. Kiwi pundits Jeff Wilson and Sir John Kirwin offer their thoughts on an appropriate punishment.

NPC and FPC Highlights | The Breakdown

New Zealand's top provincial tournament is in full swing and the country's finest talent outside of the All Blacks is on display, with plenty of highlight reel moments in the recent round.

Mark Robinson interview | The Breakdown

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson joins The Breakdown to answer Jeff Wilson and Sir John Kirwin's questions about the state and direction of the game in New Zealand.

Jamie Joseph's return puts everyone on notice | The Breakdown

Former All Black and Highlanders devotee Jeff Wilson shares his enthusiasm for the return of Jamie Joseph to the club an what it means for the landscape of Super Rugby Pacific.

Kiwi pundits react to Springboks WC squad | The Breakdown

Former All Blacks Sir John Kirwin and Jeff Wilson react to South Africa's World Cup squad and share their thoughts on the status of stars Handré Pollard and Lukhanyo Am.

NPC and FPC highlights | The Breakdown

The best of New Zealand's domestic rugby talent are back in their provincial colours for NPC and FPC. Week one of the tournaments provided plenty of action.

What Sam Whitelock told his struggling All Blacks team | The Breakdown

Sam Whitelock talks to Joey Wheeler and Karl Te Nana after a tight Bledisloe 2 contest and discusses the many narratives and emotions around the match.

Richie Mo'unga now owns the All Blacks No 10 | The Breakdown

After years of debate and different selections, Richie Mo'unga has finally made the All Blacks No 10 jersey his own and the team looks to be profiting well from it.

World Cup warm up highlights | The Breakdown

The Rugby World Cup is just over a month away and while Southern Hemisphere tournaments are wrapping up, Northern Hemisphere nations are starting their run-up which means there is plenty of action to recap from a busy weekend.

The Wallabies selections are starting to click | The Breakdown

Eddie Jones has made progress in his selections and is finally seeing some reward with players hitting fine international form and making plays despite falling short again in Bledisloe 2.

Eddie Jones dissapointed by heckling Dunedin fans | The Breakdown

Australia coach Eddie Jones joined Jeff Wilson after Bledisloe 2 and offered some honest reflections on the match and the attitude of some of the fans in attendance.

All Blacks v South Africa recap | The Breakdown

The Breakdown brings you a highlights package from the round two match between South Africa and New Zealand in Auckland.

Jack Goodhue putting his hand up for a World Cup spot | The Breakdown

Having started both of the All Blacks XV games in Japan, Jack Goodhue has proven himself to be in world-class form once again, putting pressure on the All Blacks midfield selections.

Jason Ryan dissects the All Blacks' big win | The Breakdown

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan joins The Breakdown to discuss his team's statement Rugby Championship win over the Springboks in Auckland.

Jeff Wilson analyses Will Jordan's attack | The Breakdown

Former All Black winger Jeff Wilson breaks down film of Will Jordan finding gaps in the Springbok defence and compares it to similar game-breaking plays.

Time is running out for Leicester Fainga'anuku | The Breakdown

After displaying destructive form throughout Super Rugby Pacific in recent seasons, Leicester Fainga'anuku is yet to take the field for the All Blacks in 2023 as he nurses a calf injury.

The All Blacks' kicking game is dangerous | The Breakdown

The All Blacks possess kicking threats across the park, their multiple playmakers were at their best against the Springboks in Auckland, impressing former All Blacks on The Breakdown.

Schalk Burger praises Shannon Frizell | The Breakdown

Shannon Frizell only improved on his fine performance in round one of The Rugby Championship in round two, punishing the Springboks' defence and set piece and finishing a spectacular try.

When will Cam Roigard get his shot | The Breakdown

After selecting Cam Roigard over the likes of Brad Weber and Folau Kakatava, Ian Foster has yet to hand the young halfback his debut. With only two matches remaining in The Rugby Championship, pundits are concerned he won't get a fair crack.

Will Jordan has solidified himself as a winger | The Breakdown

While he wears the No 15 jersey for the Crusaders, Will Jordan is yet to don that jersey for the All Blacks but The Breakdown's pundits suggest that's not such a bad thing.

Black Ferns v Wallaroos highlights | The Breakdown

The Breakdown brings you highlights from the opening match of the Pacific Four tournament, where the Black Ferns dismissed the Wallaroos in Brisbane.

Kieran Crowley previews the World Cup | The Breakdown

Italy head coach Kieran Crowley catches up with former All Blacks teammate Sir John Kirwin to discuss the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Sean Fitzpatrick previews the World Cup | The Breakdown

All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick joins Sir John Kirwin in Italy for an interview where the two discuss what's separating the Northern and Southern hemispheres ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Kiwi pundits react to the global competition | The Breakdown

The BReakdown panel reacts to World Rugby's announcement of the progress that has been made in replacing the current international season schedule with a more streamlined global competition.

The All Black fullback conundrum | The Breakdown

With the form of Beauden Barrett being uncharacteristically inconsistent in 2023 and Will Jordan's injury concerns, The Breakdown panel evaluate the All Blacks' option at fullback.

Michael Cheika on the World Cup draw | The Breakdown

Los Pumas coach Michael Cheika isn't getting ahead of himself when looking forward to the Rugby World Cup, despite his side facing what could be considered a weaker side of the draw.

How Cheika elevates Los Pumas | The Breakdown

Having played against passionate Argentinian players as well as Michael Cheika-led teams, Angus Ta'avao knows how the two complement each other and will again make life difficult for the All Blacks in 2023.

How the global competition impacts the World Cup | The Breakdown

Kiwi pundits give their initial reactions to the news of a global competition being in the works and discuss what it means for not just the top teams, but tier-two nations as well.

Former All Blacks react to the new jersey | The Breakdown

Three Former All Blacks react to the 2023 jersey that was unveiled this week ahead of the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup.

Alana Bremner on the Black Ferns' identity | The Breakdown

Black Ferns blindside flanker Alana Bremner tells the Breakdown what the team is focussing on under new leadership and with a bunch of new players.

Former All Blacks react to the Baby Blacks' struggles | The Breakdown

Jeff Wilson, Angus Ta'avao and Karl Te Nana react to the U20 New Zealand team's loss to France and discuss what has influenced the decline in New Zealand's competitiveness at the age-grade level.

Super Rugby Pacific form XV vs potential All Black starters | The Breakdown

Jeff Wilson selects his form XV of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season and The Breakdown panel compares it to Mils Muliaina's predicted All Blacks staring XV for their first Test of the season.

What's next for Anton Lienert-Brown | The Breakdown

After being cited for an illegal hit on Dallas Mcleod in the Super Rugby Pacific final, All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown faces three weeks on the sideline. The breakdown panel discuss his options.

Can Scott Barrett break up Retallick and Whitelock | The Breakdown

Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett have racked up an impressive and record-breaking partnership for the All Blacks but will the form of Scott Barrett threaten to break the iconic duo up?

Emoni Narawa should start for the All Blacks | The Breakdown

The Breakdown panel award Emoni Narawa with the final's performance of the match, discussing his incredible form and all-around skillset before endorsing him for an All Black start in Mark Telea's absence.

Relive the Super Rugby Pacific final | The Breakdown

The Breakdown brings you a package of highlights and lowlights to relive all the drama from the Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and Crusaders.

Predicting the Crusaders' 2024 season | The Breakdown

Former All Black Jeff Wilson delivers his prediction of how the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season will play out for the Crusaders after the departure of their influential coach as well as players such as Richie Mo'unga and Sam Whitelock.

Why a Super Rugby draft isn't the answer | The Breakdown

Jeff Wilson breaks down the reasons why a Super Rugby draft won't address the issues facing the competition and proposes instead that the Suoer Rugby Commission should focus on implementing a fairer salary cap.

Ardie Savea to the bench?! | The Breakdown

Jeff Wilson comes out with a hot take on The Breakdown, saying Luke Jacobson should replace Ardie Savea in the No 8 jersey for the All Blacks, moving the reigning All Blacks player of the year to the bench for impact.

Tamaiti Williams is ready to change the game | The Breakdown

The Breakdown panel praise the performance of Crusaders prop and newly selected All Black Tamaiti Williams in the Super Rugby Pacific final, saying he showed all the skills and physicality to excel at the next level.

The Crusaders baited the Chiefs | The Breakdown

Karl Te Nana describes the Crusaders' mental tactics and how the Chiefs fell for them hook, line and sinker en route to an ill-disciplined finals loss.

The Crusaders mean more than the All Blacks | The Breakdown

The Breakdown panel reflect on players' comments about the Crusaders being more important to them than the All Blacks and Sam Whitelock's decision to play in the final despite being advised by medical staff not to.

Eddie Jones and the 'big name' league stars | The Breakdown

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones drops a bombshell saying there are 'three or four' rugby league stars ready to sign with Rugby Australia, and while he's not yet able to reveal who they are, he says the drama is good for the sport.

Richie Mo'unga v Damian McKenzie | The Breakdown

The Breakdown panel discuss the performance of Richie Mo'unga in the Super Rugby Pacific final, praising the playmaker's influence on the game and analyzing what needs to happen for his success to be emulated at the international level.

What Shaun Stevenson has to do | The Breakdown

Ian Foster shocked New Zealand on Sunday by naming Shaun Stevenson only as injury cover in the All Blacks, the coach talked to The Breakdown to provide some insight into what went into the decision.

The door is open for All Black rejects | The Breakdown

All Blacks coach Ian Foster tells The Breakdown that there is plenty of opportunity for players who missed initial selection to crack the World Cup squad.

Sam Cane on his third World Cup squad | The Breakdown

All Blacks captain Sam Cane knows of both the glory and heartbreak a World Cup can bring. The Breakdown asked him what he's learnt from 2015 and 2019's efforts ahead of this year's event.

Newest All Blacks' highlights | The Breakdown

Five new All Blacks have been named in New Zealand's Rugby Championship squad, The Breakdown takes a look at some of their best moments in 2023.

Deadline changes to All Blacks squad | The Breakdown

Ian Foster reveals that there were last-minute changes to the All Blacks squad after the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals. The coach leaves details to the imagination.

This All Blacks squad is a potent mix | The Breakdown

Ian Foster tells The Breakdown what makes this newly announced All Blacks squad so exciting ahead of the Rugby Championship and World Cup.

All Blacks selections: Dallas McLeod | The Breakdown

The Breakdown reacts to the shock announcement of Dallas McLeod's inclusion in the All Blacks' Rugby Championship squad, analysing the Crusaders' utility back's form in 2023.

Foster on the All Blacks' strengths | The Breakdown

Ian Foster discusses the All Blacks' standing after a shaky 2022 and what the newly announced squad will bring in 2023.

All Black selections: Braydon Ennor | The Breakdown

The Breakdown takes a look at Braydon Ennor's form in 2023 after his selection in the first All Blacks squad of the year.

Luke Jacobson earned his recall | The Breakdown

Chiefs No 8 Luke Jacobson has been a workhorse on both sides of the ball in 2023, storming his way back into the All Blacks squad after missing selection in 2022.

All Black selections: Weber v Roigard | The Breakdown

Brad Weber has served as a trustworthy servant of the All Blacks jersey in each of the seasons he's donned it but, his place in the team this year has been taken by the young and impressive Cam Roigard.

Hoskins Sotutu has fallen out of favour | The Breakdown

The Breakdown discusses the form of Hoskins Sotutu after the No 8 left out of both the All Blacks and All Blacks XV squads.

Sam Whitelock recalls his most clutch play | The Breakdown

All Blacks legend Sam Whitelock sits down with fellow legend Kieran Read, the two reminisce over their most famous battles and one play in particular that helped ensure the All Blacks' 2015 World Cup victory.

Who is the next man up in the All Blacks midfield | The Breakdown

With the injury to David Havili, The Breakdown panel discuss who's the next player in line for an All Blacks call-up and how getting selected in the Rugby Championship squad is a great opportunity with the World Cup around the corner.

When Dane Coles almost switched codes | The Breakdown

Dane Coles sits down with Joey Wheeler to reminisce on a legendary career and share some never heard before stories, one, in particular, would have had All Black fans nervous.

U20 Highlights AUS vs NZL | The Breakdown

The Baby Blacks hosted the Junior Wallabies at Sky Stadium in a curtain-raiser for the Hurricanes vs Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific match on Saturday, The Breakdown brings you highlights from the close contest.

Where is Cam Roigard in the All Black pecking order | The Breakdown

After another exceptional performance for the Hurricanes, this time in a winning effort against the Crusaders, The Breakdown panel discuss whether Cam Roigard has done enough to earn an All Blacks call-up.

The fringe All Blacks under pressure in the playofffs | The Breakdown

With the first All Blacks squad of the year being announced on Sunday, June 18, certain players will have to prove their worth in the few remaining weeks of Super Rugby Pacific's playoffs.

Previewing the Baby Blacks' World Champs chances | The Breakdown

After splitting a warm-up series against the Junior Wallabies in unconvincing fashion, Jeff Wilson discusses where the Baby Blacks will have to improve to take out the 2023 U20 World Championships.

The preparation behind Sam Whitelock's greatness | The Breakdown

Sam Whitelock may well finish 2023 as the most capped All Black of all time, having played in his fourth World Cup and amassing over 350 professional matches. Angus Ta'avao discusses the great lock's methods.

Why New Zealand Rugby need Wayne Smith | The Breakdown

The Breakdown panel have each had the pleasure of working with 'The Professor' Wayne Smith and each had huge praise for the announcement of his new role within New Zealand Rugby.

Mark Telea doing super human things again | The Breakdown

Blues winger Mark Telea was back to his best against the Hurricanes, scoring four tries and beating defenders with ease.

Super Rugby Pacific round 14 highlights | The Breakdown

the Breakdown brings you highlights of the penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific's regular season.

Why Will Jordan is staying put | The Breakdown

Crusaders and All Blacks outside back Will Jordan announces and explains his new contract which will see him remain in New Zealand for another full World Cup cycle.

Patrick Tuipolotu is stepping up | The Breakdown

All Black Patrick Tuipolotu has had his injury troubles in 2023 but looks to be hitting some fine form heading into the elimination stages of Super Rugby Pacific.

John Afoa's return to Super Rugby | The Breakdown

Former All Black prop John Afoa tells the tale of his hungover journey to New Zealand ahead of an unexpected Super Rugby return at 39 years old.

Tim Horan's form XV of round 14 | The Breakdown

Wallaby legend Tim Horan is this week's special guest selector of the form XV, selecting a side with a heavy Chiefs presence after their win over the Brumbies.

Will Jordan says '15 is the dream' | The Breakdown

Upon announcing the new contract that will see him remain in Crusaders and All Black colours until the 2027 World Cup, Will Jordan sat down with Jeff Wilson to discuss his future and priorities.

The Highlanders celebrate Aaron Smith | The Breakdown

In the final home game of his Highlanders career, there was plenty of emotion for and from Aaron Smith. The Southland team showed their respect to the club legend postgame.

Form XV of Super Rugby Pacific round 12 | The Breakdown

Joey Wheeler is this week's guest form XV selector, admitting that his selection of Ethan de Groot was entirely based on de Groot's form during the week's duck shooting rather than rugby performance.

Jason Ryan analyzes the Northern Hemisphere's forwards play | The Breakdown

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan discusses his experience at the 2023 Six Nations, revealing some of his observations of Europe's powerhouse nations.

Samipeni Finau's All Blacks future | The Breakdown

The Breakdown panel look at the remarkable performance of Chiefs forward Samipeni Finau in a losing effort to the Reds, discussing his potential at the international level.

An update on the global club competition | The Breakdown

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson delivers an update on the potential global club competition that could see the best of the world's club teams face off in annual fixtures.

Rememebering Bruce Robertson | The Breakdown

The Breakdown compiles a highlight reel of the late, great Bruce Robertson, celebrating the life of one of the great All Blacks and a wonderful person.

What it will take to win the World Cup | The Breakdown

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan looks ahead to the Rugby World Cup and projects the areas where the tournament will be won or lost.

Leicester Fainga'anuku's workrate | The Breakdown

Another standout performance by Crusaders power-winger Leicester Fainga'anuku, the Breakdown panel debate the pecking order for the All Blacks no 11 jersey.

Previewing Crusaders v Blues | The Breakdown

Round 12 offers Kiwi fans a mouthwatering matchup between old rivals as the Blues visit the Crusaders in a rematch of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific final. The Breakdown panel discuss where the game will be won and lost.

How referees and coaches are collaborating for the World Cup | The Breakdown

International referee Ben O'Keefe offered The Breakdown some insights into the discussions that are going on behind closed doors between referees and coaches ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Super Rugby Pacific round 11 highlights | The Breakdown

The Breakdown brings you some of the best moments from Super Rugby Pacific's slate of games in round 11.

What Anton Lienert-Brown brings to his team | The Breakdown

The return of Chiefs midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown yet again sparks the All Black selection debate, so Sir John Kirwin broke down exactly what Super Rugby's most recent centurion brings to his teams.

The impact of Will Jordan's return | The Breakdown

Crusaders fullback Will Jordan made an outstanding return to rugby over the weekend after eight months on the sideline, The Breakdown panel discussed his form and what it means for both the Crusaders and All Blacks.

Super Rugby Pacific team of week 11 | The Breakdown

This week's Super Rugby Pacific form XV is brought to you by The Crowd Goes Wild's biggest Chiefs fan, James McOnie.

The Breakdown on RugbyPass

Join the Sky Sport NZ's expert rugby team including Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina, Honey Hireme, John Kirwan and more as they run a comb through the game of rugby in New Zealand with weekly episodes featuring player and coach interviews, top level rugby analysis, and rugby insight from some of the game's best ever players.

Regular guests on Sky Sports NZ's The Breakdown include the biggest rugby names in New Zealand, including both current and former players and coaches from the All Blacks, and the domestic Super Rugby Pacific teams, the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders, and Highlanders.

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