About this episode

The episode analyzes recent rugby matches and discusses team performances and coaching strategies in the Nations Championship.

The Nations Championship wraps its first stanza with a mixed final round, and Rugby Unity picks through what mattered and what didn’t. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down the All Blacks’ 40-21 win over Ireland, why New Zealand suddenly look connected again, and what Ireland are missing post-Sexton. France edge Japan in front of 53,000 in Tokyo, but Japan’s next step under Eddie Jones is clear: fix the scrum, tidy the errors, keep the effort. The Wallabies hammer a flat Italy in Perth, and the panel gives Joe Schmidt’s reign a blunt report card while sizing up Dave Rennie’s early surge. Scotland’s strong Nations Championship run continues against Fiji, while South Africa smash Wales 43-0 and the boys swap real coaching notes on how you actually challenge the Springboks. Then Argentina v England explodes into a record card-fest, with Angus Gardner targeted and the debate raging about deliberate knockdowns, TMO interference, and what World Rugby must simplify. Also in this episode: ● All Blacks clarity, triple threat game, Ireland questions ● Tuipulotu standout, New Zealand straightening and line speed variation ● France v Japan: scrum dominance, yellow cards…

More episodes of Rugby Unity

• Steve Hansen on why Ireland won't beat the All Blacks at Eden Park + South Africa v Wales, Australia v Italy & Argentina v England · July 16, 2026 · 1h 17m
• Steve Hansen on What’s Wrong with the Wallabies, All Blacks under Dave Rennie + Springbok’s depth flex! · July 13, 2026 · 1h 12m
• LIVE in Newcastle – Gary Gold on why Japan beating South Africa in 2015 will become more regular | Rugby Unity x Hunter Rugby · July 10, 2026 · 1h 18m
• Steve Hansen on Nations Championship: All Blacks squeeze by France, Springboks power over England + Wallabies & Ireland chaos! · July 6, 2026 · 1h 19m
• Springboks v England, All Blacks v France headlines Nations Championship opening round + can the Wallabies upset Ireland? · July 3, 2026 · 1h 6m
• Nations Championship is here – plus ANZAC Day Bledisloe + U-20 Championship · June 29, 2026 · 1h 8m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Rugby Unity podcast page.