Rugby Unity

contentRFC
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Rugby
  • Updated Semiweekly

Hosted by Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, and David Pembroke, Rugby Unity is the global rugby podcast that tackles the game’s biggest issues — on and off the field. This is where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie bring decades of international coaching experience at the very top level, while David Pembroke draws on 35 years as a rugby journalist and strategist. Together, they cut through the noise with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Rugby Unity is more than a podcast. It’s a community of fans, players, coaches, and leaders committed to securing rugby’s future prosperity worldwide. One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Have your question answered on the show: Rugby Unity Survey Get FREE exclusive content: Substack Dive into the world of rugby: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 16h ago

    Greatest Rivalry Test 2: BOKS BOUNCE BACK! Scrums, steals, selections + Wallabies beat Argentina

    Springboks 33, All Blacks 26 in Cape Town, and Ewen McKenzie reckons it came down to tiny moments that swung everything: a Kolbe intercept, Malcolm Marx turnovers, and South Africa banking every shot at goal while New Zealand didn’t. David Pembroke and Ewen also dig into the selection subterfuge around Rassie naming one side and running out another, plus the scrum chat around Ox Nche “walking around” and how Angus Gardner managed the contest compared to Matthew Carley. There’s plenty for the All Blacks to fix too: lineout quality, aerial control, and whether their second-half front row deserves a start. Then it’s north to Jujuy as the Wallabies beat Argentina 27-21 in a messy one, with a forward-centric Australian attack, box-kick debates, and the importance of building a winning habit. Plus Eddie Jones’ huge call on Pieter-Steph du Toit after his 100th Test.   Also in this episode: ● Rassie names one team, fields a different one ● Kolbe intercept and Malcolm Marx turnovers decide key moments ● All Blacks lineout problems and missed chances near the line ● Angus Gardner’s breakdown calls and scrum management debate ● Wallabies 27-21 Argentina in Jujuy, scrappy and physical ● Jack Bowen leaving Waratahs for Leicester and Japan   PLUS: What ball-carry stats reveal about South Africa, New Zealand and Australia game styles.   SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈   Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones 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   TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 3d ago

    Springboks v All Blacks: Rassie reacts in Cape Town + Eddie Jones & Argentina v Wallabies

    Cape Town is set for a backlash. The Springboks are wounded, the All Blacks are rolling, and the second Test of the greatest rivalry could swing on discipline, scrum pressure, and who handles the opening 20 minutes.   David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down the Lions’ midweek push of the All Blacks, then go selection-by-selection for Springboks v All Blacks: Handre Pollard’s return, Cobus Reinach’s impact, the Kolisi fitness question, and what Ethan Hooker adds out wide. The All Blacks changes get a full run too, including Bower starting, Tupuo Vaa’i at lock, and Leroy Carter coming in with Moorby to the bench. Plus: Wallabies v Argentina in Jujuy, the Reg 9 availability mess, and a straight-shooting discussion on TMO process, replays, and post-match sighting. Also in this episode: ● Lions nearly upset All Blacks in midweek thriller ● Rassie Erasmus looks calmer after Springboks loss ● Pollard and Reinach strengthen Springboks’ spine ● All Blacks tweaks: Bower starts, Carter in, Moorby bench ● Wallabies v Argentina preview amid Reg 9 absences ● TMO and sighting process debate after Springboks v All Blacks   PLUS: A look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2027 excitement in Sydney, plus Eddie Jones’ NPC viewing tip.   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   TikTok | Instagram | YouTube   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Aug 24

    Greatest Rivalry Test 1: Steve Hansen on the All Blacks beating South Africa

    New Zealand 1, South Africa 0, and Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and David Pembroke pull apart a Test that felt on a knife-edge until the scrum flipped the night. The All Blacks’ 33–16 win (five tries to one) looks comfortable, but the big moment was South Africa turning down points for repeated scrum shots and watching momentum swing hard. The panel digs into why the Springboks couldn’t convert 22 entries, the All Blacks’ goal-line effort and ball-stripping pressure, and the fallout from injuries and HIAs. There’s plenty on bench splits, the bomb squad not firing, and what Rassie Erasmus might do at 9 and 10 next week in Cape Town. Plus: Matthew Carley’s refereeing, TMO pushback, and yellow card debates, the Black Ferns’ 66–19 win over the Wallaroos, and major updates on the UK concussion legal battle.   Also in this episode:   ● Scrum dominance swung All Blacks vs Springboks momentum ● Why South Africa wasted key 22 entries ● Jordie Barrett’s big plays and leadership praise ● Rassie Erasmus’ selection dilemmas at 9 and 10 ● Matthew Carley, TMO moments, and yellow card debate ● Black Ferns thrash Wallaroos, plus concussion court update   PLUS: The panel weighs depth vs experience across a brutal four-Test series.   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   TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Aug 21

    Springboks v All Blacks - The Greatest Rivalry Test 1: Rassie, refs, and the chess match

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

  5. Aug 17

    Springboks v All Blacks predictions + Wallabies v Japan, Bulls game & Argentina Tour!

    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. 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.

  6. Aug 14

    Steve Hansen & Ewen McKenzie: Bulls v All Blacks, Wallabies v Japan + Mo'unga news!

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

  7. Aug 10

    The Greatest Rivalry: All Blacks impress, Wallabies edge Japan and Springboks get pushed by Los Pumas!

    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.

  8. Aug 7

    Steve Hansen on Stormers v All Blacks, Japan v Wallabies + Argentina v Springboks! Greatest Rivalry Tour kicks off!

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

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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Hosted by Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, and David Pembroke, Rugby Unity is the global rugby podcast that tackles the game’s biggest issues — on and off the field. This is where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie bring decades of international coaching experience at the very top level, while David Pembroke draws on 35 years as a rugby journalist and strategist. Together, they cut through the noise with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Rugby Unity is more than a podcast. It’s a community of fans, players, coaches, and leaders committed to securing rugby’s future prosperity worldwide. One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Have your question answered on the show: Rugby Unity Survey Get FREE exclusive content: Substack Dive into the world of rugby: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    contentRFC
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © contentRFC
  • Show Website
    Rugby Unity