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How to tune into Sport NationAlex Chapman: Rugby’s issues (again), Katoa concerns, Kane’s retirement
Alex Chapman • November 3rd, 2025 1:54 pm
Jeepers, rugby really doesn’t do itself favours sometimes, does it?
You would think when you’re trying to sell the game to a new audience, everything would be aligned, surely? Like perhaps the several in-stadium big screens working so that everyone can see incidents? Like a yellow card?
Instead, the referees had to huddle around an iPad as if gathering for warmth. And it wasn’t just the initial decision, it was how long it took to get there.
Perhaps they were trying to cater to local audiences with the stop-start nature and the need to let you know about the new burger from a fast food joint, imported car from your local friendly dealership, or the latest insert super necessary and all-curing over-the-counter drug, through advertising.
The irony is that the review of Tadhg Beirne’s yellow card and subsequent upgrade to a red, was able to be viewed as many times as possible by foul play review official Dan Jones, and yet still the decision made is perceived by many to be wrong. Including Beauden Barrett, the “victim” in the incident.
Given refs have sometimes become the self-appointed stars of the show, it’s no wonder that after a game at the Chicago Bears' home ground, fans are grizzled.
B. Barrett’s involvement in that incident was one of three involving the brothers inside the first 12 minutes, a Barrett’s dozen, if you will. Scott and Jordie appear unlikely to play in Edinburgh, while Beauden, to his credit, has said he’ll go in to bat for Beirne.
In good news, it’s a third consecutive win over Ireland, and the previously problematic final quarter proved to be a positive.
That was aided by the impact of their bench, while those who came off the pine and needed to play extended minutes, slotted seamlessly. The most-notable of those being Josh Lord, who many, including this writer, questioned the inclusion of.
They also missed just 10 tackles, the scrum showed up though still needs some polish, as does the improving backline movements.
Their lineout will be the biggest concern. Completing at 75% simply isn’t good enough, though is somewhat offset by the Irish winning just 69% of theirs.
Across the Atlantic they now go, hopefully without any extended stops.
Rugby refs are bigger than the game now | Scotty & Izzy
Kiwis Part The Red Sea
Historically, the Red Sea is a no-go zone. And yet, the Kiwis managed to not only swim, but at times parted it in methods that would rival Moses.
The 17-point margin was always going to be an ask for Tonga, though proved increasingly out of reach with New Zealand’s relentless approach on both sides of the ball.
The hosts made 63 tackle breaks (Tonga missed 63 tackles) and forced the visitors to complete at just 60 percent.
So, surely, the sold out and celebratory nature of the match proved there should be more of it?
You’d think their biggest challenge is to prove to Peter V’landys and co that it’s financially viable and sustainable. In simple terms, if it makes money, they’ll listen. But didn’t both yesterday, and the Pacific Championships as a whole, shows it fulfills the basics of third form economics? Supply and demand.
It has though and will continue to overshadowed by whether Eli Katoa should’ve played.
It has though and will continue to overshadowed by whether Eli Katoa should’ve played.
Questions will be asked if a player who cops a head knock in warm-ups should be allowed to play a full game. If they cop a second, well, regardless of HIA result, the outcome should in fact be to withdraw the player. For Katoa to suffer a third, and therefore need to be loaded onto a medicab and administered oxygen, is reprehensible.
In an era where player safety, particularly around the head, is at an all-time high across seemingly every sport, it just isn’t good enough. And international rugby league suffers as a result.
Greg Peters on how rugby league could add mid-season Tests | Scotty & Izzy
Williamson’s Retirement
It’s a real shame seeing Kane Williamson announce his retirement from T20I’s, and I hope it’s for the right reasons.
There was a lot of speculation and discussion as to whether Williamson would be in the squad for next year’s World Cup. There’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions, discussions are what makes the world and Sport Nation, go around.
At the end of the day though, you can’t tell me that having him in the squad, whether playing or not, wouldn’t have been of value.
It’s unfair to ever guarantee a player a spot, especially when, as is the case with Williamson, they don’t always play in the format. At least on the international stage. But it’s still Kane. You know what he can do, and you know what he brings.
The ear and support he’d offer Mitch Santner, and influence he’d have on and help he’d give the less-experienced players, surely is reason in itself to have him there. That’s without even mentioning what he can do with the bat, particularly in tough circumstances, that he’s New Zealand’s best player of spin, and without doubt a top-15 player in the country for the format.
If Kane simply just is done with international T20’s, all good, fair enough, move on.
But hopefully it doesn’t come from a place of him feeling devalued or without purpose.
Regardless of the reason for it, the timing of the release stunk. For NZC to make such a sizeable announcement on a Sunday morning when an All Blacks Test is on, honestly, is a real shame.
Wonderful World Series
Epic series, insane game seven, how bloody good. Like cricket, baseball has the ability to create heroes in fairytales or with sinking feelings and scarring moments.
The young boy crying in the stands exemplified that.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.
