The 85s Poddy: Recent Episodes
Dave & Smurf
Hosted by washed-up coaches Dave Hutchens and Nathan Lawrence, we’re joined by weekly guests to discuss the ins and outs and Auckland under 85kg footy on the official, un-official Auckland 85s Pod. It’s about the action on the field as much as the yarns off it.
Proudly sponsored by JW Project, this week Smurf and Logs chew the fat on the 85s competition so far. With the sad news of Waiheke pulling out from the competition, how has that shaken up the table? We preview this weekend's games and brainstorm on the future makeup of the Auckland competition.
Proudly sponsored by JW Projects, this week Logs and Hutch chat to Jason "Horse" Harris who is coming up to 15 years of 85s footy. We get the oil on why Supercoach has banned social media in Orakei, and what keeps him coming back year after year. We review the weekend games with the Hussies getting their first win, and find out why a trip to the rock put one Squid's relationship with his mother on thin ice? Finally, we preview Friday Night Lights as teams take aim on Smurf's magic number of 24 to play finals footy.
Proudly brought to you by JW Projects, this week Log and Hutch are joined by the longest legs in 85s footy, Rikki McGregor. We get the inside oil on the Panthers and the start to their redemption season. We update the race for the Poddy M, and ask some burning questions; Will Super Coach kick the u9's off the 9am Orakei slot? Does Jonny Neary suit up against the Squids? And where the hell is the Shoey Vuitton?
Brought to you by JW Projects, this week on the 85s Poddy Dave and Smurf catch up with the king of the Waiheke aftermatch, Nat Upchurch. A stalwart of Waiheke rugby and the man responsible for the post-match aphrodisiacs on the rock. We cover the first 2 weeks of the comp, including the Pirates big win over the Hustlers and we preview week ahead. Can Old Boys get revenge for last year’s semi-final, and are Hutch's Squids contenders or pretenders?
We're back!This week Hutch, Smurf and Logs jump into the 2024 season preview. Down to 9 teams but there's no shortage of oil as we get the comings and goings from each team. Is Jonny Neary about to return to the 85s fold? Is Rhys's dad next up on the pod? How many prezzy cards are flying around at GTec?We preview the first round with alot of silverware on the line, and the Hussies finally get a trip to Waiheke.
Proudly sponsored by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf are joined on the final pod of the season by the two Skippers from the National Cup finalists - Jared Percival from the HSOB Light Bears and Matt O'Brien from the Takapuna Bombers. We see how their prep is going for the final, and what they have enjoyed about the competition so far.
Proudly brought to you by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf are joined by HSOB Light Bear’s flanker,and former Squid, Brad Gordon. We get the intel on 85s footy in the South Island as they get ready for their big trip to Auckland to take on Grammar TEC. We preview both semis; Can the Bombers stay away from the temptations of Mish Mosh and Courtney place on Friday night? And will the Light Bears get Supercoach’d?
This episode of the podcast deals with topics that some people may find difficult to process. If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. Please see the bottom of the description for other available resources
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by OBU Scallywag, Matt ‘Unit’ Fowler. He offers some insightful chat about 85s footy, the adversity faced by him and the team this year, and why it’s more than just a game. We review last weekend’s Nat Cup fixtures, and chat through the mouth-watering quarter final match-ups.
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Proudly supported by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf are joined by Takapuna Bombers Specialist Bench and Recruiter, Dante Mitchell. We talk the going ons in the Harbour comp, including winning back to back championships, and the "Endless Possibilities" that start after a few sips of brown fizzy post an 85s game. We also review the National Cup games this week as teams hunt a quarter final spot.
Proudly sponsored by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf host Logan and Eamon from the Panthers and Hustlers as we preview the final. We get the low down on the semi final clashes, and how prep has started for Finals Week.
Proudly sponsored by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf are joined by Logs to preview the business end of the season. Can the Lizards break the Semi-Final curse, and will Super Coach be able to get past security to watch the Old Boys?
Proudly sponsored by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf chat with Hussies Speedster Tom Racehorse Rance. He chats about his time with the Bushies in National Cup, and now the Hussies up in the Super City. Finally we learn the origins of the famous Cowboy hat, and preview the final round. Is your team in line for a Semi or Plate footy?
Proudly sponsored by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf are joined by "Super Coach" Bruce West. He covers off his coaching journey that has led him to re-uniting with the Gows at Grammar TEC. He lifts the lid on Prezzy Card Gate, and shares his thoughts on the 85s grade. We then preview the penultimate round of 85s; How bang on is Smurfs predictor? And who’s jumping through the transfer window?
Proudly sponsored by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf are joined by the Waiheke Pirates playmaker Mase Hughes. We hear about what has been going down on the rock, as well as his footy journey that has lead him to play with two of rugby icons in Stephen Donald and James Mclelvie. We catch up on the fall out from Field days, and preview some big clashes which will have a big bearing on the Semi Final make up.
Proudly sponsored by Better Beer, this week Hutch and Smurf are joined by Gulls head coach Logan O'Connell to chew the fat over the season so far, and the upcoming rep season. We also chat through the chances of your team making semi's, the DC's heading for a merger, and which team has the best merch.
Brought to you by Better Beer, this week Dave and Smurf are joined by Legends prop Liam Nicholson who is on cloud 9 after tipping over the reigning premier Debts on the weekend. He gives us a detailed account of the big game, and their new 55 metre penalty kicking lock who is putting ill disciplined teams on notice. The boys review last weekend with some upsets and Smurf gives his annual semi finals magic number, does your team make it?
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by former NZ and England 7's representative, and current New Plymouth Old Boys Half Pints Hooker, Wizz Lahmert. Wizz gives a great account of his rugby history from being told he was too small to play 1st XV, to winning the IRB sevens circuit at Twickenham. We also find out what is was like growing up with Dane Coles, and what he loves about U85kgs Rugby. We also review the previous weekend's games and preview the fixtures to watch this week with the National Cup knockout competition.
This week Hutch chats to Eden Lizard’s Irish recruit Alex Rafferty, we get an insight into how 85kg rugby compares with back in Dublin as well as the big decision to choose the Lizards over Hutch's Squids. The boys then preview the upcoming week with some spicy encounters; Can the Slugs take the Shield? Will the Hussies get redemption over the Bombers? And will the Panthers make it to Waiheke?
This week on the Pod, Hutch and Logs are joined by NZ Feijoa eating champion and Manager of the Bombers George Manning. He gives us the inside word on Bombers season, and how Rosco has become a focal point of the team. The boys then answer some of the big questions; How much rugby gear can you fit into a Suzuki Swift? Has the Debts bending of the Shoey rules gone too far? Do we need a midseason Draft to solve the defaults issues?
This week Hutch and Logs chat with the Debt’s Head of Social Committee Matt McCormack. He talks through his involvement with the Debts, including how he coped looking after silverware for the first time last year. He gives an update on the Shoey success as well lighting a few fires under the competition. The boys then go round the grounds; Are the old boys back? and can anyone topple the Hussies?
Brought to you by Better Beer, this week Hutch is joined by one of the characters of Auckland 85s - the Prince of Ponsonby and 2023 GTEC Old Boys skipper Theo Gow. Theo talks through his 6-7 years in the grade, the glory years with the Gulls, and rebuilding the Old boys in 2023 with Super Coach. Plenty of stories and life lessons to talk through and then the lads preview Friday night lights Super Round.
Brought to you by Better Beer, this week Smurf and Hutch are joined by Scott Day one of the masterminds of the "Sly Foxes" - the new U85 National cup team from the Thames Valley. He gives us the oil on the state of footy in the Valley, and their journey getting a National Cup Team together. We review last week’s local results, check in on some scrum porn, and preview the Nat Cup games this week
Brought to you by Better Beer, this week Smurf and Hutch are joined by Pakuranga Stalwart player/coach Brodyn Bevan. We find out more about his journey from 85s, to Prems, back as a Coach, but also a player nearing 100 caps. He lifts the lid on how the Panthers manage to sneak those close wins, and also shows his sensitive side saying there is nothing wrong with a sideline cuddle with the Mrs. Elsewhere we go round the grounds, where the Rock is still pumping after a big win and we preview the week’s big games and the Shoey.
This week, Hutch and Logs check-in with the new kids on the block, The Varsity Slugs. Their two head coaches, Jack and Sam, talk through how the Slugs evolved from a dusty Sunday in Dunedin to having a roster 50 players deep. We go round the grounds to see who stood out in round 1, before previewing some more juicy encounters this coming weekend.
We're back! Brought to you by Better Beer, this week Smurf and Hutch are joined by 2022 Gulls head coach Logan O'Connell to preview the up and coming 85s Season. We dive into the big questions; Are Pakuranga the team to beat this year? Has James Oliver finally gone on his OE? And with a new Super Coach at the helm, are the Old Boys back?
This week Smurf and Hutch preview the National Cup final and are joined by both captains - Jack Laity from the Debts, and Wilson Driver from the Bushies. We also hear from Sam Kruetzer from NZR who has been involved with all the planning and admin side of the competition, who lets us know what is in store for the fellas in a historic curtain raiser to the AB's!
This week Dave and Smurf are joined by Counties and Karaka 85's stalwart Lee Ter Huurne. We get an insight into Counties 85s and also the Karaka run to semi finals of the National Cup. Lee explains how the Razzlers have been the stepping stone to the NPC for a few players, and shares some good war stories from over the years. We review the Debts maiden title and then preview the Semi Finals in National Cup.
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by management from our finalists. Guy from the Debts and Ben from the Hustlers. We find out from them what were the keys to getting to then final and how they think the game will play out. Do the Debts have champagne on ice already, and can the Hussies find another gear over the minor premiers?
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by Hamilton Marist coach RG, a passionate advocate for 85s in the Waikato. We find out how he got involved, his journey, and get the inside oil on the Waikato teams ahead of the Pikeys and Bombers travelling down SH1. We preview the championship semi-finals and pick who we think will be off to the big dance.
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by backs coach of the Legends, Shaun Oliver. We find out more about the Legends 2022 season and how he got back into rugby after a few years off. We also find out more around the mystery - ‘where is Big Jim?’ We preview the last round robin games of the year. Will Pak win 6 in a row to make a semi? Can the Pikeys take the Shield? Can Dave salvage his season against the Debts? And who progresses into the next round of National Cup between Whas and MOB?
This week Smurf and Hutch get into the details of Smurf's big banner win in the Naki. We then go through the maths on who can make finals footy and cover the recent National Cup results and upcoming fixtures. Finally, we discuss the big questions; Is it ok for Management to shower nude with players? Will Hutch still have a job next year?
This week Hutch is joined by Stu Tudor from the Eden Lizards as they celebrate there 50 year Jubilee this weekend. We get an insight into what weight restricted looked like in the 70's and too where we are now in the grade from a true legend of 85's.
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by the "King" of the Taniwhas Nick Laracy. We get the low down on the rise from outcasts to the top team at GTec as they hunt a Finals Footy spot. Smurf lifts the lid on the magic number to make Semi Finals as we preview some must win games coming up this weekend.
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by Pakuranga stalwart Logan Kinnear as he embarks on his 150th Game this weekend. We get the oil on what is happening at the Panthers to have them sniffing around a Semi Final spot for the first time, and the secret post match beverage that lads can tuck into next time they are in the Pak club rooms. We go around the grounds as Hutch finally picks up a win and Smurf's Hussies lick their wounds after being tipped out of the National Cup.
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by one of the hardest hitters in the grade Jared Martinovich or "Stacey McStacey" we discuss he rugby journey from struggling to put on weight to taking up afternoon jogging to stay under for Saturdays. He gives us the inside word on why the debts are running hot and the boys discuss some big games coming up that might decide who is playing finals footy.
This week Hutch chews the fat with Big Josh coach of the MOB, we get the down low on those new jerseys and how the Marist club is transitioning guys into Premier rugby from 85s. We cover the "Magic Round" at Colin Maiden and preview another big round of 85s footy with some tasty encounters!
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by Mike Hester from NZR to discuss the big news around the National Cup Final and other developments in the grade. We see how far off the "85 to survive" Netflix series is and work through results both locally and nationally before previewing the Auckland 85s field day.
This week Hutch and Smurf are joined by ex Squid now Waiheke Pirate James Mckelvie, we find out what living on the rock is like and his journey through 85s including how to drop 25kgs over summer. We catch up on last weeks games including the shield changing hands and the return of the triple dummy cut! We preview this weekend including the arch rivals Squids and Hussies going hammer and tongs.
This week Hutch is solo with Raiders winger Xavier McCluskey, we touch on the last minute win over the Bombers and the last second loss in the Shooey. Xavier also explains the challenges with hosting a court session with a flat inspection the next day. We go round the grounds and pick some winners for the weekend.
This week Hutch and Smurf chat to George Witana from the new Rifles Bombers team, we find out how they put the team together, as well as some "admin" learnings off the field. We go around the grounds and catch up on the infamous "Whas Wags" pre game winery tour and humbling of the Pikeys by Eden.
This week Rhodders and Hutch catch up with the new kids on the block as Freddie Cashmore from the Ponsonby Pikeys gives us an insight into the newest team into the Auckland 85s Grade. It's clear the Pikeys aren't here to take part they are here to take over and not afraid to step on a few toes in the meantime. The boys also review round 1 and make some picks for the upcoming weekend.
This week Hutch and Smurf preview the teams for the year, and cover some of the burning questions...Who are the new kids on the block? Is a bird bath still ok at a Courty? The boys then make some predictions for the year and have a crack at finding some winners in week 1.
This week the lads are joined from the deep south by pioneers of the Carisbrook Bush Pigs, Manager AJ and Coach Wheels. We discuss how they managed to get started creating 85s in Otago and building a culture within the mighty Bush Pigs and how their campaign is going. We review the previous rounds national cup and gear up for a big round upcoming.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined by ex All Black Scott Waldrom, we focus on his involvement in the club game and his journey to playing 85s for Avalon and plenty of yarns along the way. We preview the upcoming rounds of the national cup and get the inside oil on the teams involved
This week the boys are joined by Corka and AI the skips from the Debt Collectors and Squids as we preview the upcoming final at Colin Maiden, we talk through the prep, the players and most importantly what Sunday may bring for each team.
This week Smurf is joined by special guest hosts James Hackett and Jamie Whalley as we host Dezzy Larsen who is running the cutter with the Debt Collectors. We preview the upcoming Semi Finals while debating the big issues like does Drum N Bass fizz you up pre game or do you prefer a few lyrics and Dezzy makes a case for Speedos in the post game showers.
This week the boys are joined by Waiheke skip Ben Kara, he gives us an insight into footy on the island, and Waiheke's entry back into the grade and behind the scenes look at the best footy day out in Auckland from "The Rock". We keep up to date with latest results as we head into the final round and get the calculator out for Rhodders to see how his Old Boys can make the Semi's.
This week the boys catch up with Jon Neary, ex Squids player and now Legends Coach. We get to know his rugby journey from Prems to 85s and back again, get some tips on shredding for 85s and differences between the grades. The usual review and preview of the week, and we discuss 85s Wrestlemania, aphrodisiacs and the perfect night out after a game.
This week the lads are joined by Eden's halfback Tom Barker, he talks through his journey round the world, from London Irish to the Eden Lizards. He gives some insight into what it takes to win a National Cup. We review the previous round full of last minute wins, boat races and court sessions before previewing this weeks games including the Calamari Cup & Speights shield game between Hustlers and Squids.
This week the lads are joined by MOB coach and proud Marist man Josh Fisiiahi. We chat about his rugby journey and his part in revitalizing the 85s culture at Marist. We go around the grounds, and preview the coming week. With 80% of the teams still vying for a Semi Final spot it's all on for young and old this week.
This week Dave n Smurf are joined by stalwart of the grade Sam Knowles, with over 250 games in the grade and 2 championships and still flying the flag for West Auckland we get an insight into the glory days of the grade and what still gets him turning up to footy. We review the Speights field day and preview the up coming week.
This week the lads are joined by Rory Cavanagh from the Pak Taipians, we hear about his time playing in the states, signed out of school and then his journey to the big time of 85s. A quick recap of last week including Rhodders nude lap and then a preview of the 85s Field day at Colin Maiden this weekend.
This week the fellas are joined by Raiders stalwart Jono Willis, we find out what it takes to win three banners and pick the scabs off some of the 85s war stories from College Rifles. We hear about the big upset in the Shoey Vuitton and Rhod and Hutch lay some big bets on the line ahead of their clash this weekend.
This week the lads are lucky enough to be joined by pioneer of the National Cup from the NZR Mike Hester, we hear the insights of how the competition was born, plans for the future and some of the learnings from year one! We go around the grounds and review last weeks games and preview some big match ups as we gear up for Friday night lights.
This week the lads are joined by Skip of the Debts Cory Rakich. We hear about his journey through the grade and how such a clean cut guy ended up at the DC's and cover off winning the Speights Shield in the weekend. We review the weekends games and then get into previewing some of the big match ups including the inter varsity game between the DC's and the Squids.
This week the lads are joined by 2020 cult hero "The Pilot" we cover his rise to fame and journey in the grade before reviewing the first round, learning a very valuable lesson around bringing the trophies to games. We finish off with a preview for the weekend and some rapid fire.
This week Smurf and Dave are joined by new fulltime Pod member Rhodders to preview the season ahead, the comings and goings of each team and the current state of the nation. We also cover off gambling controversies, the Shoeey Vuitton and Taniwha G Bangers.
Finals week! This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by the respective skippers of the Eden Lizards and Varsity Squids, Joel Taylor and Andy Ireland. We chat about what its taken to get to this point and fizz levels ahead of the final at Eden Park.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by Eastbourne player and national semi finalist Matt Jack. We chat about his time in the grade, recap the weeks code and look ahead to the two semi finals.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by Lizards prop "Snapper". We chat about his time in the grade, recap the weeks code and look ahead to the knockout comp.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by Old Boys stalwart Jimmy Kidd. We chat about his time in the grade, recap the weeks code and look ahead to the knockout cup.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by one of the pioneers of Counties U85s rugby, Brad Healy. We chat about his time in the grade, announce the poddy awards and have a look at the upcoming national comp.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by Legends coach Jim Kerins. We chat about his time in the grade, Legends history, and introduce the upcoming under 85kg awards.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry. As well as chatting about his role as an ambassador for the National 85 Cup, we chat all things club rugby and his view for the future.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by Debts skip Herschel Barker and code enthusiast Brad Davis. We chat Debts history, off field antics and the boys have a crack at pairing up our 85s teams with NRL Clubs.
Lockdown Special! This week Dave and Smurf are joined the pod by Herne Bay Hustler Tim Cotton. We chat about his time in the grade, speculate on the impact of the latest lockdown, share out 85kg form XVs and finish with the Speight's Rapid Quick Fire.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by College Rifles Raiders coach and inspirational mentor Logan O'Connell. We chat about his time in the grade, Raiders code and go around the grounds for the latest in 85s Footy.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by injured Varsity Squids player Tom Pavletich. We chat about his time in the grade, some
of the personalities, and go around the grounds for the latest in 85s footy.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined by proud Marist Mob captain TJ Peterson. We chat about the resurrection of Marist 85 footy, this weekend’s field day and go around the grounds for the latest in 85s results.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the Pod by former Taipans player and now coach, Yuki Seko. We get the low down on his time with the Pakuranga Taipans, the development of 1R rugby and go around the grounds for the latest in 85s footy.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the Pod by passionate Gtec Taniwhas man Liam "Chunk" Hughes. We get the low down on his time with the "Whas", the big result from the weekend against the Squids and get his thoughts on how the competition is shaping up
This week Dave and Smurf are joined by Eden Lizards skip Joel Taylor. He explains the Lizards history as probably the oldest team in the grade, curry backflips and shit shirts. Finishing off with the Speights Rapid Quick Fire segment. We check in on the weekends results before picking some winners for this week.
This week Dave and Smurf are joined on the pod by industrious Old Boys number 8 Rhod Davies. He talks us through the G-Tec Old Boys environment, shares a few yarns and answers some quick fire questions on the grade. In recent news we talk milestones and results from the weekend, as well as tipping the upcoming round in the Auckland 85kgs comp.