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The Wallabies wear another heavy loss to New Zealand, and David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie and Steve Hansen don’t sugar-coat it: a brutal first half, too much aimless kicking, and not enough composure when Australia finally had phases to build pressure. Hansen loves what he’s seeing from the All Blacks attack, offloads, line running, and forwards playing into space, while McKenzie highlights key moments like Harry Wilson’s grubber into touch as a snapshot of game management and leadership under pressure. The TMO becomes its own storyline too, especially the Roigard incident, with all three questioning what “foul play” even means now. They also get into the deeper Wallabies problems, the missing world class 10 and a ball-playing 12, and why New Zealand fans want Australia strong again. Then it’s WXV: Black Ferns smash France 81-12, Canada pinch it late against England 24-21 to end England’s unbeaten run, and the USA keep building momentum.Also in this episode:● All Blacks offloads and handling under extreme pressure ● Wallabies leadership, huddles, and “stay steady Eddie” moments ● Meredith at 10: rocks and diamonds, but a crack ● TMO involvement and the Roigard-Meredith controversy ● WXV: Canada upset England in front of 18,600 ● Future comps: Nations Championship talks and Super Rugby formats SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie and Steve Hansen break down the All Blacks’ 50-19 win over Australia at Eden Park, and why the match swung hard after Australia’s strong opening. They dig into what New Zealand fixed fast: high ball catches, maul defence, breakdown support, and a second-half lineout lift, plus how Australia’s plan to target McKenzie and use Sua'ali'i early simply evaporated. The big talking point: the Wallabies’ box kicking and lack of plan B, and what changes before Sydney with the Bledisloe already gone. The chat widens to deeper issues in Australian rugby: pathways, depth, contracts, competition structure, and the ongoing problem at 10, with Carter Gordon central to the future. Plus: refereeing boundaries, TMO stoppages, laws that need simplifying, and how World Rugby can better grow the game beyond the Nations Cup tiers.Also in this episode:● All Blacks high ball improvements punish Australia’s tactic● Wallabies lose momentum after McKenzie sparks first try● Australia’s box kicking hands New Zealand easy counterattack● Depth and bench quality gap exposed between squads● Refereeing, TMO stoppages, and law simplification debate● Nations Cup growth, fixtures for emerging unions, Brazil supportPLUS: A look at the Raeburn Shield, Argentina hiring Sean Edwards, and Fiji’s reported Jake White move.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With one year to go until Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, David Pembroke sits down with Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie to talk hype, tickets, fan energy, and what teams should actually be doing 12 months out. The chat gets practical fast: hotels, training bases, travel, preparation windows, and why there’s no single World Cup formula. Then it’s onto the Bledisloe Cup with both squads named, key ins and outs, and the depth questions that still hang over certain positions. The crew also tackles the Paisami ban and what it says about post-match judiciary versus in-game disruption, before widening the lens to refereeing transparency, law complexity, and World Rugby communication. Eddie Jones gets a mention for how tours get used to fill every spare minute, and there’s plenty on what good selection really looks like beyond a weekend highlight reel.Also in this episode:● Rugby World Cup 2027 ticket numbers and overseas demand● Steve Hansen on one-year-out squad planning and mindset● Ewen McKenzie on World Cup logistics, venues, and travel● Bledisloe Cup squads: Frizell in, Love out, Taylor captaincy● Paisami ban debate and the role of the judiciary● Refereeing transparency, law complexity, and World Rugby commsPLUS: What it takes to build a stronger top 20 and why Nations Cup-style competitions matter.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rassie Erasmus has named a Springboks side with 13 changes for Perth, and it’s sparked the big question: is this a golden Wallabies opportunity, or just another Springbok test of depth? David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie go straight to selection, match plan, and where Australia can realistically hurt South Africa, from scrum and lineout pressure to the aerial contest with Sua'ali'i moved to the wing. There’s plenty on Les Kiss’ first big selection call, Donaldson’s chance at 10, and why both Hansen and McKenzie see a path to an Australian win, while Pembroke backs the Boks’ depth, Pollard’s control, and bench impact. The episode also shifts to the women’s game with WXV: England v New Zealand at Twickenham, France v Canada, Scotland v Australia, and why governance and speed of decision-making are now make-or-break for rugby.Also in this episode:● Steve Hansen explains how coaches think about selection ● Ewen McKenzie on charting selections to avoid emotion ● Wallabies tactics: attack Springboks strengths at set-piece ● Sua'ali'i wing move: aerial threats and roaming licence ● WXV preview: England v New Zealand at Twickenham ● Rugby governance debate: faster decisions, simpler product PLUS: What rugby can learn from the NBA, NRL and AFL on agility, marketing, and keeping fans.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Zealand Rugby has fired a serious warning shot: forecast losses of $66 million over five years, and a structure they say is unsustainable, even after banking $9 million from Baltimore. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie argue the game cannot keep operating in fragments, and ask what comes next: more All Blacks tests offshore, a Miami Rugby Championship match, or even a radical 2029 Lions series across Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles and New York. They also preview the Ashi Super Dry Pacific Nations Championship final in Tokyo, tipping Japan to beat Fiji, plus USA v Canada in the double header. Then it’s a massive weekend for women’s rugby: England v Canada at Sandy Park, Australia backing up against France, Black Ferns v Scotland, and more, with World XV matches in Hong Kong feeding into 2029 Rugby World Cup qualification. Also in this episode: ● Steve Hansen absent with new Manly Sea Eagles role ● World Rugby’s role questioned in NZR talks ● Ireland and Six Nations USA match speculation discussed ● Top 14 notes: Toulouse big win, La Rochelle form ● Wallabies squad picked by Les Kiss, flyhalf debate ● Refereeing, TMO momentum, and law interpretations debated  PLUS: The panel weighs tradition, fan connection, and commercial realities as rugby’s global calendar keeps shifting. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World Rugby’s strategic plan gets a real-time test this weekend, with the All Blacks and Springboks taking their rivalry to Baltimore, and the WXV Global Series and Challenger Series launching across Europe and Hong Kong. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down why the USA push matters, what rugby can learn from the NFL’s Melbourne event, and how travel could shape the fourth match of the series. The big question: can the All Blacks’ heavily changed side find enough against a Springboks team that’s largely unchanged, and can New Zealand fix a lineout that’s been sliding under South African pressure? The panel digs into maul defence, tempo, breakdown interpretations, and the refereeing profile of Karl Dickson. Then it’s full focus on WXV: England v Australia in Salford, Scotland v Canada, and France v New Zealand in Lyon, plus Pacific Nations Cup fixtures and Hall of Fame news. Also in this episode:● World Rugby strategic plan activated: USA and women’s rugby● All Blacks team changes explained: injuries, rotation, Richie Mo’unga● Springboks selection continuity and what it signals for the series● Lineout fixes: tempo, two-pod defence, and pressure on Marx● WXV openers previewed: England v Australia, France v New Zealand● Listener questions: referee coaching, diving acts, and breakdown grey areasPLUS: How big events, crowds, and economics can drive rugby’s global growth. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All Blacks and Springboks are locked at 1-1, but the noise is everywhere: the “walking around” scrum controversy, Rassie’s late team change, and what altitude at FNB Stadium really does to game plans. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down the All Blacks changes (Codie Taylor out, Lakai in, Darry starting), why the Boks’ selections feel rock-solid, and what has to improve for New Zealand at the breakdown and in the aerial contest, with Malcolm Marx and Kriel central to the threat. Eddie Jones’ comments on refereeing and global “tiers” spark a wider debate, before the panel turns to Wallabies v Argentina and the impact of missing Argentine players due to Top 14. Plus: the Black Ferns v Springbok women curtain-raiser, Swys de Bruin’s resignation, and why double-headers (and even sevens) might be rugby’s smartest play. Also in this episode: ● Scrum “walking around” debate: storm in a teacup ● All Blacks selections: Lakai, Darry, hooker rotation explained ● Springboks late team switch labelled a “debacle” ● Altitude tactics: kick-off decisions and maul prevention ● Breakdown contest and Malcolm Marx threat under Nika Amushakeli ● Wallabies v Argentina: changes, missing stars, rankings impact  PLUS: A bigger conversation on promoting rugby via double-headers, sevens add-ons, and growing women’s rugby audiences. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cape Town is set for a backlash. The Springboks are wounded, the All Blacks are rolling, and the second Test of the greatest rivalry could swing on discipline, scrum pressure, and who handles the opening 20 minutes. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down the Lions’ midweek push of the All Blacks, then go selection-by-selection for Springboks v All Blacks: Handre Pollard’s return, Cobus Reinach’s impact, the Kolisi fitness question, and what Ethan Hooker adds out wide. The All Blacks changes get a full run too, including Bower starting, Tupuo Vaa’i at lock, and Leroy Carter coming in with Moorby to the bench. Plus: Wallabies v Argentina in Jujuy, the Reg 9 availability mess, and a straight-shooting discussion on TMO process, replays, and post-match sighting.Also in this episode:● Lions nearly upset All Blacks in midweek thriller● Rassie Erasmus looks calmer after Springboks loss● Pollard and Reinach strengthen Springboks’ spine● All Blacks tweaks: Bower starts, Carter in, Moorby bench● Wallabies v Argentina preview amid Reg 9 absences● TMO and sighting process debate after Springboks v All Blacks PLUS: A look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2027 excitement in Sydney, plus Eddie Jones’ NPC viewing tip. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Greatest Rivalry first test is on! Springboks v All Blacks in Johannesburg, with Matthew Carley in the middle and plenty of noise in the build-up. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie dig into Rassie Erasmus’ focus on referee protocols and the breakdown narrative, and what that pressure might mean once the whistle goes. They run the selections, the bench balance, and the key tactical battlegrounds: tempo changes, advantage line wins, kick-off variations, lineout pressure on Malcolm Marx, and the discipline trap when frustration hits. There’s also a big sidebar on decision-making, why it cannot all sit on the 10, and how leaders adjust when Plan A collides with reality. Plus listener questions on Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, tour fatigue, and what really beats elite scramble defence. Finish with a look at Black Ferns v Wallaroos, Whitney Hansen’s coaching, and the growth of the women’s game.Also in this episode:● Rassie Erasmus and the referee protocol controversy● Steve Hansen on All Blacks selections and injury returns● Ewen McKenzie’s kick-off and advantage line game plan● Breakdown, discipline, and how frustration creates penalties● Richie McCaw and Dan Carter: mental skills and work ethic● Black Ferns v Wallaroos preview and women’s rugby growthPLUS: A full tactical chat on tempo, kicking, and game-day adjustments under pressure. No emojis.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity  👈👈Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions  👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ewen McKenzie is back and joins Steve Hansen and David Pembroke with a packed weekend: the All Blacks’ South Africa Greatest Rivalry tour rolls on, the Bulls load up for Loftus Versfeld, and Ma’a Nonu delivers a spine-tingling haka moment in Durban. The panel break down what stood out against the Sharks, why discipline and scrum “technicalities” are suddenly front and centre, and how the high-ball battle shapes selection for the looming Springboks Tests. Off the field, David reveals World Rugby’s new protocol for coach-referee meetings and tighter TMO involvement, including the new “If it’s gray, stay away” message. Then it’s Townsville: Les Kiss swings the axe with eight Wallabies changes ahead of Japan, coached by Eddie Jones, and the boys talk tempo control, set-piece pressure and what those new combinations mean. Plus, big-picture nerves around Super Rugby after a grim Deloitte warning.Also in this episode:● Ma’a Nonu answers the haka with Kapa O Pango● All Blacks v Sharks takeaways: handling, intent, discipline● Bulls pick stronger side for Loftus Versfeld challenge● World Rugby ref access protocol: both coaches, five clips● Wallabies eight changes for Japan rematch in Townsville● Deloitte report warns Super Rugby model can’t continuePLUS: Scrum contests, TMO boundaries, and the fight for tempo dominate selection talk.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Eddie Jones, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke and Steve Hansen run the ruler over a massive weekend of international rugby. The All Blacks tour begins in South Africa with Stormers v All Blacks, and the chat zooms in on why Beauden Barrett looks refreshed, how opportunity really works inside a big touring squad, and what Dave Rennie will actually measure beyond the scoreboard. World Rugby’s push towards a faster, more attacking game gets a hard look, alongside fresh tension around referees, law clarity, and the reported end of pre-match coach-ref meetings. The focus then swings to Osaka where Eddie Jones’ Japan face Les Kiss’ Wallabies in brutal heat and humidity, with selections, tactics, and defence shaping the debate. There’s also South Africa v Argentina with major Pumas unavailability, plus Sevens scheduling and the cost of under-20 pathways.Also in this episode:● Ewen McKenzie recovering in hospital, Steve Hansen’s injuries● Beauden Barrett’s role, mindset, and All Blacks selection pressure● Stormers v All Blacks: young Yaqeen Ahmed and Khan threat● World Rugby and coaches tension over pre-match referee meetings● Eddie Jones’ Japan v Les Kiss’ Wallabies in humid Osaka● Argentina v South Africa, plus Sevens and under-20 funding debatePLUS: A bigger argument on how rugby balances attack, contest, and community foundations.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Eddie Jones, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie take stock after the first phase of the Nations Championship and Nations Cup, and the big takeaway is simple: the calendar finally has purpose. The numbers back it up too, with more tries, fewer penalties against attack, and a clear shift towards rewarding ball-in-hand rugby, while the contestable kick and maul still matter if you can get into the 22 and stay there. The conversation then swings to Australia’s two-Test series against Japan, and what life might look like under new Wallabies coach Les Kiss, including the challenge of aligning a fresh coaching group fast. And looming over everything is the main event: All Blacks v Springboks, four Tests, contrasting styles, and even Eddie Jones calling a potential 2–2 split.Also in this episode:● Nations Championship and Nations Cup judged a big win● Stats show tries up, penalties down for attack● All Blacks v Springboks: contrasting styles, four-Test series● Les Kiss profile: collaborative, width, harmony and alignment● Wallabies pathway debate: Super Rugby teams and depth● Third Voice Qs: Jordie Barrett, Tupaea, Brodie RetallickPLUS: The panel debates cohesion, selection messaging, and what makes Test rugby harder than Super Rugby.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eden Park. 32 years. 52 matches. The All Blacks’ fortress is on the line as Ireland roll into Auckland with a full-strength mindset, and David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie lay out exactly where this Test will be won: set piece, breakdown chaos, aerial contests and whether New Zealand’s timing and depth can beat Ireland’s line speed and ruck dark arts. There’s also a big refereeing focus with Nic Berry in the middle, plus a frank debate on scrums, quick-ball interpretations, and whether the game has made it too easy to go straight to free kicks. Off the field, World Rugby’s TMO “centre of excellence” trial sparks a proper rethink of who runs the game: the referee, the TMO, or everyone at once. Then it’s across the weekend: Japan v France in Tokyo, Wallabies v Italy in Perth, Fiji v Scotland, Springboks v Wales, and Argentina v England.Also in this episode:● Can Ireland break the Eden Park streak?● New Zealand and Ireland selections, benches, and lineout clues● Nic Berry’s refereeing style and breakdown expectations● Scrums, free kicks, and the missing contest for possession● World Rugby’s remote TMO trial and bunker debate● Nations Championship previews: Japan-France, Argentina-England, Springboks-WalesPLUS: The episode tackles travel, player welfare, and what “all in” really means for new World Rugby competitions.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.