Rugby Unity

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 growth
PLUS: A full tactical chat on tempo, kicking, and game-day adjustments under pressure. No emojis.

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Optimism is back for the Wallabies after Townsville, with David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie liking the clarity, breakdown pressure and second-half surge against Japan, plus big ticks for Carter Gordon’s control (and nine-from-nine goal-kicking), Isaac Henry’s impact, and front-row power close to the line. The chat then pivots to the next test of progress: a two-match tour in Argentina, with Los Pumas’ style, physical edge and selection unknowns setting up a proper measuring stick. On Japan, the Eddie Jones lens is clear: pace, skill and tempo can make them a nightmare, even with size limitations. From there it’s straight into the “greatest rivalry” build-up, as the All Blacks sharpen at Loftus ahead of Ellis Park and the Springboks’ selection squeeze at 10. Plus World Rugby’s referee guidance is on the Rugby Unity Substack, and the Third Voice questions go hard.

Also in this episode:

● Wallabies breakdown turnovers flipped momentum after 51 minutes
● Carter Gordon’s game management and defence get big praise
● Isaac Henry compared to Daniel Herbert at outside centre
● All Blacks combos, scrum fixes, and Ellis Park preview
● Springboks flyhalf dilemma: Libbok, Pollard or Mngomezulu
● World Rugby referee guidance document shared via Substack

PLUS: Selection disappointment, squad culture, and speeding up rugby’s stop-start tempo.

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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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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.

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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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.