Rugby World Magazine's One Game at a Time Sam Roberts

As the most capped Brumbie in Super Rugby, and having spent 72 games in the front row for the Wallabies, Ben Alexander knows his rugby. In this episode of 'One Game at a Time' from Rugby World Magazine, Ben talks to Sam Roberts about life in the front row, starting his career in England's second tier with Dan Cole, playing against the Springboks, losing against the British and Irish Lions and even, taking on a completely different trio every day. It's a wonderful insight into a fascinating rugby journey and his outlook on life and rugby can only make you smile.
At one point in the interview, we discuss the tragic suicide of Dan Vickerman, one of Ben's former Wallaby teammates. It's a tough but important listen and goes to show how important it is to talk to and look after each other. If you are affected by anything you hear in the podcast, please do speak to someone. You can 'phone 116 123, 24 hours a day or visit the Mental Health Matters website - www.mhm.org.uk
The youtube clips we use to look at the game from the Rugby World Cup in 2011 are here:
First half https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u5kAUKUaos&t=1907s
Second half https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AurzdlF_ayY
You can watch along with us by following the timecodes given.
Ben's internet connection wasn't the best but we made it through (with some clever editing) and I do hope you enjoy listening to Ben as much as we did.

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Having recently announced a move to North America's Major League Rugby, it seemed a perfect time to speak to Chris Robshaw and reflect on a quite incredible career. As well as examining the Aviva Premiership Final from 2012, we talk about playing his first game in the RFU Championship, the difference between backs and forwards, loyalty to 'Quins, preparing in the sun, letting go of games and even, how to look after everyone's mental health. He has been a superb servant to the English game and this discussion is a wonderful insight into his experiences.
We watch clips from this full match replay on youtube and by following the time codes given, you can watch along too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9fjvE3Rr3o
If you like this podcast, please leave us a review and let people know. If you have any requests of matches and players you'd like us to talk to, get in touch.

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Many people can remember watching European Cup semi final between Cardiff and Leicester in 2009, mainly because it was decided by a rugby rarity: a penalty shootout. Jordan Crane had the difficult role of taking the match winning kick and he talks us through not only the game, but the anxiety of the shootout itself. It's an enlightening discussion and sheds some light on a punishing rugby schedule, a dominant Leicester Tigers side and how nerves can affect us all.
Match highlights - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8yIxQsEv_E&t=305s
Full replay of the penalty shootout - press play with 10 seconds on the clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmIzYvh9Dys
If you like this podcast, please leave us a review and let people know. If you have any requests of matches and players you'd like us to talk to, get in touch.

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In this episode, Sam Roberts speaks to Jimmy Gopperth. Regarded by many as one of the finest playmakers in Premiership history, Jimmy talks about what it was like playing for Wasps in 2016, his stellar matches against Exeter, kicking at goal, retiring, and even what it felt like to miss out on All Black selection. There is some superb insight for everyone, but young players especially will learn a lot from listening to him.
We watch these highlights on Youtube and you can watch along too - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s1TqaqzFHc
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Schalk Brits was a rare entity, a player who seemed to make every fan smile, regardless of which team they supported. In this episode, Sam Roberts talks to him about Saracens' first Premiership Final win in 2011 but we also look in detail at how he played the game; what it was like playing for the famous North London club; and perhaps most importantly, how he now feels with the 'Salary Cap Scandal' having cast its shadow. We also hear how he responded to a Rassie Erasmus text message about the World Cup in 2019, his eventual retirement, and we even get confirmation about an embarrassing incident detailed in the Karl Dickson episode from earlier in the series!
The clip we watch is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMwEmaB7TeM - you can watch along too.
Do leave a review if you like what we are doing, and if you have any ideas as to which rugby player you'd like to hear interviewed, get in touch with us.

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In this episode, Sam Roberts speaks to Katherine Merchant, the England winger who played 58 times for the Red Roses over a nine year period, scoring 44 tries. We look back at the critical semi-final from the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup against Ireland, the scene of Kat's final international try. We discuss try scoring, handoffs, being beaten in finals and having stadiums boo you.
We watch the highlights of the game from the World Rugby YouTube channel and you can watch along too by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYo5Nahgir4&t=176s
Kat shines a great light on top level sport, performing under pressure and women's rugby as a whole. It was lovely to hear her story and how England went on to lift the World Cup trophy.

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