The final round of Super Rugby Pacific has plenty to play for.

The Hurricanes and Chiefs have secured home finals, but the battle between the Blues, Crusaders and Brumbies for the remaining home playoff spot will help define the finals series. 

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew breakdown how it could play out.

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Anton Segner is making a serious push for the All Blacks.

The Blues openside has emerged as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s form loose forwards, combining breakdown menace, defensive work-rate and strong carrying to put himself firmly in Dave Rennie’s selection frame. 

Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates whether Segner deserves an All Blacks call-up, alongside Ardie Savea, and whether his all-round game now makes him impossible to ignore.

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David Havili is back in the All Blacks conversation.

Dropped by Scott Robertson in 2024 and largely forgotten in the midfield debate, the Crusaders captain reminded everyone of his quality with a match-winning display against the Chiefs.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod asks whether the 30-test veteran could force his way back into national selection this season.

The crew also dives into:

• Super Rugby Pacific’s tightening top six race
• The teams most likely to surge late
• And one of the toughest selection calls imaginable:

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What is B.I.G.G.A — and why does Dave Rennie value it so highly?

Bryn Hall and James Parsons explain “Back In Game, Go Again,” a Dave Rennie work-rate metric that shapes his selections.

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Their attack is electric, their defence has tightened, and they’re winning games in multiple ways.

So the big question is: who can actually stop the Hurricanes, now they most likely have home advantage through the playoffs?

There appears to be one major contender and one dark horse.

The ARP crew also breaks down the top six contenders with two rounds to go until the playoffs.

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod team debates whether Richie Mo'unga should return from Japan and immediately into the All Blacks.

Would changing overseas eligibility policies strengthen New Zealand rugby or undermine the system?

The crew also unpack B.I.G.G.A, the Dave Rennie work-rate metric and how it could shape future All Blacks selections. Could it make Lucas Casey a great option?

Plus, the Hurricanes beating the Blues and James Parsons' tense post-match exchange with Vern Cotter.

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Black Ferns and Blues co-captain Ruahei Demant has experienced the other side!

A sabbatical to English club Bristol has taught her plenty about rugby in the home of the World Cup champions. She has returned home with new knowledge and a desire to use it to help the Blues defend their Aupiki title.

She chats with Aotearoa Rugby Pod about...

• What she learnt playing for Bristol Bears Women in England’s PWR
• How overseas rugby challenged and improved her game
• The secrets she learnt about Canada's success
• What’s already changed under new Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen
• Young stars Amarante Sititi and Braxton Sorenson-McGee
• The stacked Blues Women squad ahead of their Super Rugby Aupiki defence

A great insight into the growth of the women’s game globally and where New Zealand rugby is heading next.

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Why didn’t New Zealand win the Under 20 Rugby Championship — and why did the Baby Boks look so dominant throughout the tournament?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down how South Africa built such a powerful U20 side and discusses NZ prioritising different goals at age-grade level.

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The All Blacks are stacked with midfield options.

Quinn Tupaea is in outstanding form, Billy Proctor is excelling, Timoci Tavatavanawai's becoming impossible to ignore and Leicester Fainga’anuku's causing havoc wherever he plays.

So does Jordie Barrett have to shift from 12 back to fullback?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates the balance of the All Blacks backline, including Josh Moorby's chances, before getting into who will make the Super Rugby top 6.

Later this week .. Under 20s Rugby Championship review + Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant on how English rugby opened her eyes to a different way.

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The Highlanders keep finding themselves in the fight against top Super Rugby sides — but too often they leave with nothing to show for it.

So why does the same story keep repeating for Jamie Joseph's men?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why the Highlanders are competitive for long stretches, yet continue to lose tight games.

Right now, the Highlanders might be Super Rugby’s most frustrating team: good enough to push anyone… but unable to consistently finish the job.

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The All Blacks back three is a big debate heading into the international season.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod dives into why Caleb Clarke, Caleb Tangitau and Will Jordan could be the most balanced option — combining power, speed and elite game awareness.

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