About this episode

The episode discusses the opening weekend of the Nations Championship, highlighting key matches and performances.

The opening weekend of the Nations Championship (and the Nations Cup) delivered exactly what rugby needed: high quality, plenty of tries, and no shortage of arguments. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down a cracking All Blacks v France in the new Christchurch stadium, with a clear shift towards pace, ball in hand, and a young 10 taking charge. Japan’s historic win over Italy gets the spotlight it deserves, with Eddie Jones building a side around tempo, connection and new depth. In Sydney, Ireland edged Australia 33-31 in a 10-try thriller, but the post-match oxygen went straight into TMO and TV producer interference. South Africa’s 45-21 win over England raised bigger questions: discipline, aerial contests, and whether England even know how they want to play. Plus, the Nations Cup lit up North and South America with 59 tries and real World Cup 2027 talent emerging. Also in this episode: ● Nations Championship format excitement, but info hard to find ● All Blacks v France: pace, tries, lead changes ● TMO and TV producer influence sparks big frustration ● Japan beat Italy: Dearns, Leitch, Eddie Jones’ build ● Ireland v Wallabies: 10 tries, lineout pressure…

More episodes of Rugby Unity

• How the ABs will beat the Springboks + Wallabies v Italy, New Zealand v Ireland, South Africa v Wales & England v Argentina drama! · July 20, 2026 · 1h 28m
• 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
• 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.