Rugby Unity

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 continue

PLUS: Scrum contests, TMO boundaries, and the fight for tempo dominate selection talk.

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Ewen McKenzie is back to join Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie as The All Blacks’ South Africa tour rolls on from the Sharks match to a far bigger ask at Loftus Versfeld against a strengthened Bulls side, with the panel unpacking discipline, high-ball technique, scrum technicalities, and what the selection says about the coming Springboks test. There’s also a brilliant moment of rugby respect as Ma’a Nonu answers the haka. Over in Townsville, Les Kiss rings the changes for the Wallabies, while Eddie Jones tweaks Japan after that 35–32 loss, setting up a week where tempo control and basics could decide everything. Off-field, World Rugby’s new ref-access protocol lands, TMO involvement gets tightened, Super Rugby’s future looks shaky, and David drops strong mail on the next NSW Waratahs coach.

Also in this episode:
● Ma’a Nonu’s haka response creates a special moment
● All Blacks discipline and high-ball work in wet Durban
● Bulls at Loftus: stronger selection, tougher test clues
● World Rugby new referee meeting protocol and clip limits
● Wallabies v Japan: Les Kiss makes eight changes
● Super Rugby Deloitte report warns competition could collapse

PLUS: Selection pressure, referee influence, and tempo control dominate the weekend’s biggest tests.

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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: info@rugbyunity.com.au
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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Cape Town kicks off the Greatest Rivalry series and David Pembroke and Steve Hansen get straight into what mattered: rust, discipline, and whether the TMO is overreaching when referees have already made the call. The All Blacks’ maul defence, scrum penalties, and a tough yellow for Anton Lienert-Brown all come under the microscope, alongside the risks of South Africa’s 6–2 bench split. Selection chat follows, including Billy Proctor’s broken shoulder blade, what it means for squad cover, and why Mo'unga talk is really about the 2027 Rugby World Cup. There’s also a look ahead to Durban v the Sharks, with Ma'a Nonu the feel-good storyline. In Part 2, the Wallabies edge Japan 35–32 in Osaka and the red card debate fires up, plus big calls on Meredith, Carter Gordon, and Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i at 13. Finally, Argentina push South Africa to the line in Buenos Aires, the Raeburn Shield gets a run, and the episode closes with condolences for Simoni Vuinalagi.

Also in this episode:

● All Blacks rust, timing, and maul defence priorities
● TMO frustrations: truck and trailer and penalty try calls
● Billy Proctor injury forces changes and squad thinking
● 6–2 bench split risks for South Africa explained
● Wallabies v Japan: red card debate and No.10 options
● Argentina v South Africa: depth, kicking plan, Kolisi injury

PLUS: The 2027 Rugby World Cup lens shapes selection, style, and development.

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: info@rugbyunity.com.au
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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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 debate

PLUS: 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: info@rugbyunity.com.au
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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A hero’s welcome for the All Blacks in Cape Town kicks off a big conversation about why touring still matters, and why the New Zealand–South Africa clash has always felt like the sport’s true “World Championship”. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie unpack the build-up to the opener against the Stormers, the brutal reality of midweek games, and the All Blacks’ smart approach to PR, preparation and switching on at training. There’s also a close look at Rassie Erasmus taking a 26-man Springbok squad to Argentina, plus a preview of Japan v Wallabies in Osaka in serious heat and what Eddie Jones might spring to unsettle Australia under Les Kiss. Listener questions bring a straight-shooting chat on Zac Lomax leaving after a season and a half at the Force, plus a wider look at Samoa’s governance tensions and why Pacific rugby stability matters.

Also in this episode:
● All Blacks get a huge Cape Town welcome
● Touring returns, with midweek games back on
● Greatest rivalry history: All Blacks v Springboks roots
● Stormers preview and All Blacks weekly preparation plan
● Japan v Wallabies in Osaka heat, Eddie Jones tactics
● Zac Lomax, Western Force fallout, and Wallabies selection debate
PLUS: The panel also weighs Pacific rugby funding, accountability, and Samoa’s World Rugby tensions.

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: info@rugbyunity.com.au

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