This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), tackle how professional rugby players should handlecoaching changes. Drawing from their European rugby careers, the hosts sharepersonal stories about adapting to new coaches, maintaining professionalismduring transitions, and staying ready when opportunities arise.

Segment 1: Da Latest Scoop
Starts at (1:30)

The hosts review their new tipping competition results fromthe Champions Cup and Challenge Cup final pool stages. ofahelotu leads 39-33after correctly tipping 20 of 27 matches. Highlights include Glasgow Warriors'victories over Saracens and Toulouse, player spotlights on Ellis Genge andRuben Love, and the emergence of Pacific Island legends' children in European rugby.All scores and tables now posted weekly on Instagram and TikTok(@talkingabout.acarpool).

Segment 2: Da Kuleana – Responsibility (Handling CoachChanges)
Starts at (27:00)

Personal stories and lessons on navigating coachingtransitions:

Semisi's Story: Adapting from old-school coach ChristianLanta to modern approach under Mathieu Blin during his club's relegation fromTop 14 to Pro D2—new systems, leadership, and complete cultural shift.

ofahelotu's Story: Signing with Worcester underRichard Hill, arriving to find new coach Dean Ryan who told him he "wasn'tgood enough." This became the catalyst for his best physicaltransformation and eventual starting position.

Key Takeaways:

• Show empathy—coaches are people with families losing their jobs

• Stay professional—train hard and remain coachable regardless of selection status

• Avoid politics and changing room gossip

• Focus on performance—your value is on-field; stay ready for your chance

• Adapt quickly to new systems and earn respect

• Leave on good terms—rugby is a small world

Segment 3: Da Big Wave – All Blacks Coaching Drama
Starts at (1:35:00)

Analysis of Scott "Razor" Robertson stepping downas All Blacks coach after less than two years despite seven consecutive SuperRugby titles with the Crusaders. Discussion covers assistant coaches departing,player buy-in challenges, the contrast with the Graham Henry/Steve Hansen/IanFoster era consistency (2000-2023), potential replacements (Jamie Joseph, TanaUmaga), and the importance of coaching continuity. The hosts emphasize empathyfor Robertson while reflecting on how even elite-level rugby requiresalignment, culture, and performance.

OutroQuestions: talkingaboutacarpool@gmail.comFollow: @talkingabout.acarpool (Instagram/TikTok)Music: Wesley Winn - I B U (All my life)