Talking About A Carpool: Episode 40 – Finals Season Wrap, All Blacks & Wallabies Named

This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), wrap up a massive finals weekend across four major competitions — URC, Premiership Rugby, Super Rugby, and the Top 14 semifinals — before breaking down the freshly named All Blacks and Wallabies squads. It's a big one for the Pacific rugby community, with new faces earning their first call-ups and familiar names making their returns. Segment 1: Talk StoryStarts at (0:29)Ofa kicks things off with a check-in on a hectic personal week — balancing family commitments, club coaching at Barker, and life beyond the rugby pitch. The boys set the tone for a lighter, conversation-heavy episode before diving straight into the highlights. Segment 2: Da Latest ScoopStarts at (2:10)The biggest segment of the episode. Leinster claim the URC title over the Bulls (36–7), with the boys breaking down how Ireland's layered attack shapes proved too much. Northampton Saints win the Premiership Rugby Grand Final over Exeter Chiefs (26–17), with Pollock taking Man of the Match. The Hurricanes dominate the Super Rugby Pacific Final against the Chiefs (65–5) in Wellington, and the Top 14 semifinals see Toulouse demolish Racing 92 (71–17) and Montpellier edge Stade Français to set up an all-southern-French final at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Ofa and Semisi also discuss what Europe's expanding club scene means for Pacific players looking for opportunities overseas. Segment 3: Da Big WaveStarts at (29:42)Dave Rennie names his first-ever All Blacks squad, and the boys go through it name by name — fresh from this morning's announcement. New call-ups from the Hurricanes include prop Xavier Numia and loosehead Pasileo Tosi, with Anton Senio (Blues) earning his maiden nod, and Reuben Love (Hurricanes) in the mix at first five-eighth alongside Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie. Ardie Savea is confirmed as captain. The boys also work through Les Kiss' first Wallabies squad, talking through the return of Brandon Paenga-Amosa, the new overseas eligibility rule that brings Daniel Tupou into the fold, and the notable absence of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. Both squads face France, Italy, and Ireland in July — World Cup year is coming fast. OutroStarts at (42:42)The boys wrap their final regular episode of the 2025/26 season, with one more episode to come next week. Expect a look back at the season and a preview of what's next for the podcast — including standalone Kuleana drops and Big Wave episodes timed around the Nations Championship Tests. Got a question for the boys? Send it through. Follow us:IG & TikTok: @talkingabouta.carpoolYouTube: @talkingaboutacarpoolEmail your questions: talkingaboutacarpool@gmail.com