Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (chief Sports writer at the New Zealand Herald) were poised to head off into summer but before the boys don the speedos, fire up the BBQ and grab a pool noodle they've been summoned for one last podcast to review what was a mammoth year for rugby in New Zealand.

In this bumper podcast, they get stuck into the highs and lows of Super Rugby, the All Blacks, the Black Ferns while remembering some of their favourite media conference moments.

Elliott and Liam dish up some awards, as well as ponder a few existential questions about rugby and where it is going ahead of 2023.

Amidst all of that, the guys take a look at the coaching sagas up north and the domino effect they might have on New Zealand.

Rugby Direct returns in 2023.