Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Bonus Point

In Episode 80, Tj is joined by Dane Sherratt from Kick On Rugby to break down New Zealand’s strong tour start, including the win over the Stormers and the 54–0 result against the Sharks, before the final pre-Test audition against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

TJ and Dane also unpack the Springbok challenge: scrum pressure, the aerial battle, competing fly-half options, New Zealand’s outstanding lock and loose-forward depth, and whether the All Blacks can impose enough tempo to disrupt South Africa across a four-Test series.

In this episode:

• All Blacks tour takeaways from the Stormers and Sharks matches
• Bulls v All Blacks: the final Springboks Test audition
• Richie Mo’unga’s return and the No. 10 debate
• All Blacks injury and selection watch
• Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston and the scrum-half race
• How the All Blacks match the Springbok scrum and kicking game
• Springbok fly-half options: Libbok, Pollard or Feinberg-Mngomezulu
• Is the northern hemisphere finally closing the gap on the south?
• First-Test selection calls and series predictions

Subscribe to The Bonus Point Podcast, follow Kick On Rugby, and let us know: Who starts at 10 for the All Blacks in the first Test against South Africa?

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour is officially underway as the All Blacks open their South African campaign against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

In Episode 79, I break down the Stormers team and the biggest storylines heading into the match — including senior Stormers debutant Yaqeen Ahmed at fly-half, his huge matchup opposite Beauden Barrett, and why Hacjivah Dayimani is one of the most exciting hybrid loose forwards in rugby right now.

I also look at the All Blacks’ two potential debutants, the major selection calls shaping Dave Rennie’s squad, and the looming Springbok challenge. South Africa’s rotated front rows have continued to deliver dominant scrum production through the opening Nations Championship rounds, making set piece one of the defining battles of this tour.

In this episode:

• What Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour is
• Stormers v All Blacks preview
• Yaqeen Ahmed’s senior Stormers debut
• Why Hacjivah Dayimani is a hybrid-forward threat
• All Blacks selection and debutant watch
• The Springboks’ scrum depth and rotation
• The biggest questions before the All Blacks face South Africa

Who makes the biggest statement in the opening match: Yaqeen Ahmed, Hacjivah Dayimani, Beauden Barrett, or one of the new All Blacks?

#Rugby #AllBlacks #Stormers #Springboks #RugbysGreatestRivalry #RugbyPodcast #RugbyAnalysis

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season wrapped with a statement as the Hurricanes crushed the Chiefs in a record-breaking final, and we break down exactly why they were the best team in the competition. From the key stats and standout performers to the breakout stars forcing their way into the All Blacks conversation, we dig into the numbers, the tactics, and the selection battles that are shaping the next era of New Zealand rugby.

In Episode 77, we break down a massive week in rugby, starting with the Super Rugby semi-finals, the big selection calls, and how the Australian teams have fared across the season. We also look at the launch of Super Rugby Aupiki and the exciting wave of new talent coming into the competition.

In the second half, we shift to the All Blacks, with Tony Brown joining the setup and Kieran Read raising questions about whether New Zealand still has the same edge and belief that defines South Africa. To finish, we get into the Barbarians squad announcement, including TJ Perenara, Duhan van der Merwe, and Kyle Sinckler, plus what it means to see Scott Robertson back in that space.

A big episode on finals rugby, national identity, and the players and teams shaping the next few weeks.

In Episode 76, we’re diving deep into the state of USA Rugby with Rob “The Hammer” Hammerschmidt and Scott “The Big Guy” Ferrara from the Rugby Rant podcast. With the Eagles set for a huge summer of Test rugby, we break down the upcoming Nations Cup fixtures, talk through who should be in the 23 for the first match against Portugal in Denver, and look ahead to what this stretch means for the future of the national team.

We also get into the current Major League Rugby season, including the latest standings, the teams building momentum down the stretch, and the ongoing challenges around viewing access and league growth in the U.S. From there, we zoom out to ask the bigger questions: is USA Rugby on track for 2031

If you’ve ever yelled at a ref… this episode might change your perspective. Or probably not as its a regular occurance amongst rugby fans. In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Greaves, a referee with 12 years of experience across five different associations and a current official in the North Harbour Premier Men’s competition Auckland, NZ. Caleb shares stories from the field, how referees manage chaos in real time, and why it might be one of the toughest jobs in sport. We also unpack his viral approach to recruiting new referees, including the now-infamous “do something dumb until someone signs up” challenge, + how the North Harbour Referees Instagram page is changing the perception of officiating. In the second half, we shift into Super Rugby — breaking down the state of officiating, the chaos at the breakdown, TMO influence, and how players are getting smarter at pushing the limits of the game. Our Bonus Point segment is a new segment we like to call “Whistle Blower” - Some quick fire questions and sure to be a doozy

Episode 69 of the podcast features an insightful conversation with rugby journalist Jamie Wall, renowned for his deep knowledge and years covering the All Blacks and global rugby. Jamie shares his journey into rugby journalism, highlighting his work covering the All Blacks since 2017 and dives into the All Blacks’ complex and often scrutinized 2025 season, analyzing coaching challenges, standout players, and pivotal tactical decisions.

We also unpack the debates around the World Rugby Player of the Year awards, examining fairness in selection and overlooked players.

Lastly with the 2027 Rugby World Cup pools announced just yesterday, Jamie provides expert analysis on New Zealand’s draw, the expanded 24-team format, and the strategic path the All Blacks must follow to win the tournament. This episode offers a compelling mix of career insights, current rugby analysis, and forward-looking World Cup preview that any rugby fan will appreciate.

We catch up with Rob "The Hammer" Hammerschmidt (The Rugby Rant) to discuss the EOY tour squads for:

• All Blacks
• Wallabies
• All Blacks XV

We have included a sneak peak into the Rugby Rant's Podcast where we spoke about R360...a new and bold competition full of innovation. Is this new competition promising or a pipe dream??

Jason Emery (Maori All Blacks, Old Glory DC) joins the show to chat about USA Rugby qualifying for the RWC in 2027, The upcoming Bledisloe Cup tests in the Rugby Championship & the Women's RWC finals.

This episode is dedicated to the passing of my dad Steve. We are chatting about all the cups that are up for grabs:

1. Pacific Nations Cup
2. The Rugby Championship
3. Women's Rugby World Cup

This weeks episode were chatting about:

• All Blacks vs France
• British & Irish Lions vs Wallabies
• Kalyn Ponga to union!??

We unpack a lot on this weeks podcast.

1. Super Rugby Pacific Finals (Chiefs vs Crusaders)
2. British & Irish Lions vs Argentina
3. Wallabies Squad
4. Ardie Savea off to Japan in 2026
5. Premiership vs Super Rugby

You wont wanna miss this one!!

We are back to chat all about playoff footy!! On this episode, here is what is on the cards:

First Half Segment - Super Rugby Quarter & Semi Final Picture

Second Half Segment - Ngani Laumape signs with Moana

Bonus Point Segment - Who should be the Wallabies captain for the B&IL Tour??

On this weeks episode we are joined by Samantha Lovett (@samloverugby) who is a a freelance digital content creator specializing in enhancing the global appeal of rugby through engaging and innovative content. She has worked with World Rugby, Guinness Six Nations, LA Sevens, etc and she is taking her talents to the Women's Rugby World Cup. We pick her brain about content creation with rugby, everything thats going on in the 7's world and hope to make the game more appealing to the traditional US sports fan.

On this weeks episode, Jeremy Lardner (Dua Moana Podcast) joins us to chat about:

• Moana Pasifika
• The Pacific Nations Cup
• The British & Irish Lions Squad

Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific did not disappoint...and we have a lot of things to chat about!! Our show will feature:

• Lightning Quick Recap - Round 1

Tj & Guest James Tesoriero (Rugby Director for St Aloysius'​ College & former Randwick Colts Program and Pathways Manager) chat about:

• 1st half segment - Aussie team clean sweep in RD1
• 2nd half segment - Player of the year award
• Bonus Point segment - How the bench is used in the modern game.

Super Rugby Pacific has returned and so has TBP for 2025. We chat with Joe Basser (former Melbourne Rebels Academy, Rugby New York & Anthem RC player) and got his opinion on:

1. Biggest signings in the offseason
2. Our top 4 teams for this season
3. Super Rugby Fantasy picks for round 1

The Razor Era is officially here!! I catch up with Tevita in Santa Barbara so we can chat about:

1. All Blacks in 2024 & the pecking order
2. Missing Players (Snubs OR Valid??)
3. Upcoming Games

On this weeks episode, we catch up with Jason Emery who brings a wealth of experience skill. We get to learn about Jason's career, his move to LA and his thoughts about the double header game this weekend:

1. USA vs Canada (Womens)
2. RFCLA vs Freejacks

Welcome to the first episode of the RFCLA (Major League Rugby) Fan Podcast. This segment is to bring more news & local content for the passionate LA Rugby fans as well as bring more awareness about our professional team. Tune in and we catch up with Dane Zander (formerly w/ Queensland Reds) to chat about his career, moving to LA & their first home game as an organization (following the HSBC 7's LA stop at Dignity Health).

We are back for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season and starting the year off strong. We get to catch up with 2 time Best Pacific R&B/Soul Artist winner (Pacific Music Awards) & die hard Hurricanes fan - Sam V. We get Sam's thoughts on the kiwi teams in the upcoming season as well as who he thinks the big bolters of season are going to be.

On this weeks episode we got to catch up with Head Coach of the New York Iron Workers (Major League Rugby) - James Semple. James has both a strong playing (Counties Manukau, North Harbour, Utah Warriors) & coaching background (Waikato Women, Auckland Blues, Utah Warriors, New York) & he's taken on the challenge of leading this New York team to back to back championship glory. We got to chat to James about how he got started in coaching, his experience in the MLR, Super Rugby & who he thinks should be given the #10 jersey for the All Blacks.

Ok everyone, strap yourselves in because on this week's episode we chat all about:

- Brad Thorne leaving the QLD Reds

- RTS heading back to the Warriors (NRL)

- The Chiefs remaining undefeated

- Super W Semi Finals

On this weeks episode we got to catch up with current Black Ferns & Waitomo Chiefs Manawa player - Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu. Arihiana is one of the few players lucky enough to be contracted with the NZR for the 2023 season and she gave us an amazing insight into:

• Counties Manukau Heat (Farah Palmer Cup)
• Super Rugby Aupiki (2022 champions)
• Black Ferns (2022 World Cup Winners)

If you love women's rugby, definitely want to check out this episode.

This week we're lucky to be joined by 03 Super Rugby champion, 05 IRB 7's player of the year & true legend of game...Orene Ai'i. Rens got to chatting all about his recent reunion with the 03 Blues championship team, what he thinks about Super Rugby over the past couple of rounds & also NZR appointing Scott "Razor" Robertson as the new All Blacks coach. You don't want to miss this one.

The Bonus Point Rugby Podcast is back and we're PACKED TO THE BRIM with some amazing special guests!! Check out our first episode of the year including:

• Michael Mau'u (Moana Pasifika)
• Sione Helu (Pig Athletic Club)
• Josh Hyde (Northland Rugby Club)
• Darryl Keith (Dallas Jackals - President of the JAKL DEN)

We're coming out of the gates strong for the first pod of the year...and you don't wanna miss it. 

On this weeks episode, the crew are back at "Since 86" Studios to chat all about the passing of Sean Wainui, the upcoming tours for the All Blacks/Wallabies + the recent signings for the Moana Pasifika & Fijian Drua teams. 

The All Blacks were the victors of the Rugby Championship....but who had the most successful campaign? Tune in to hear our thoughts. 

After a long hiatus, the crew is back and we're ready to talk all about the MLR, the Waratahs fate under new coach Darren Coleman, the LA Giltinis & the Bledisloe Cup. Tune in at 6pm PST to listen/watch us live as we dive into all those topics.

This week Tj, Hala & James are back to break down all the action in Super Rugby AU/Aotearoa & also talk about the first ever Super Rugby women's match between the Blues & Chiefs. What does this do to the landscape of women's rugby in New Zealand? Tune it to find out. 

The boys are back after a week off to chat everything MLR. We break down all the action from:

• ATL vs NOLA
• LA vs SD
• UTAH vs HOU

We also chat about the former Irish captain Rory Best joining the Seawolves coaching staff. Don't miss out on this one!! 

The boys are back to talk all about Super Rugby AU/Super Rugby Aotearoa, the firing of Rob Penney (Waratahs), Chiefs first back to back win in a while & what we think of the Wallabies squad named yesterday. 

The boys are back to talk all about Super Rugby AU & Super Rugby Aotearoa. 

Week 1 of the MLR season is in the books and we get to talking about all the action over the weekend. Plus we talk about former 7's player & Super Bowl champion Nate Ebner on his return to rugby and trying to compete for an olympic jersey. 

The Bonus Point is back with its MLR Rugby series talking all about the rugby in North America. We talk all about the return of the MLR in it's 4th season + the coaches and teams we like this season!! 

This week the crew is back to talk everything Super Rugby. We talk First Nations Week (Super Rugby AU), the Chiefs losing streak & breakdown all the gameplay from both Super Rugby AU & Super Rugby Aotearoa. Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Youtube for our livestreams. 

Join Tj & Hala as they recap Both Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby AU. Plus talk about potential dark horses in the women's world cup now that it has been postponed to March 2022. 

Super Rugby AU 2021 is now in the history books and there was some amazing action played in round. Join Tj, Hala & James for a breakdown on everything that happened in round 1 and everything to look forward to with Super Rugby Aotearoa kicking off next week!! 

We are back and our first episode of 2021 was recorded live in front of a live studio audience (aka social media). We started off with a bang talking about the MLR (ft. The Rugby Index), Super Aotearoa & Super Rugby AU. Plus our Bonus Point segment involved us selecting who we thought should be in a Rugby Championship XV if they were to face the British & Irish Lions!! Great to be back and some great content coming in 2021...

This is our last episode of 2020!! On this weeks episode we have new Maori All Blacks player Matt Skipwith Garland join us to talk about the epic Māori All Blacks vs Moana Pasifika game. We also talk about the conclusion of the Tri-Nations series...and close out the year by talking about what we think about the Team of the Decade. We will see you all in 2021!!! 

This is our second last episode for 2020!! On this weeks episode we talk about the Conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup, the final match up between the All Blacks & The Pumas & the impact Tier 2 rugby Nations could have on the game with some little changes. 

The Bonus Point is back again and we've got a lot to talk about!! Check out this weeks episode as we analyze the Australia vs Argentina match, who we think is going to win the Mitre 10 Cup and a great double Bonus Point segment you don't want to miss out on - - - - Maori AB's vs Moana Pasifika & Autumn Nations. 

Not only did we get breakdown/analyze the Puma's vs All Blacks game + The Mitre 10 Cup...It's Women's Rugby Week here in the US!!  We're honoring all the women involved in the game of rugby and in our Bonus Point topic, we chat about the potential of the women's game here in the US as they gear up for the 2021 World Cup. You don't want to miss out on this one!! 

This week the dream team is back and they're all ready to talk about the rugby over the past weekend + all the breaking news regarding Super Rugby. Join our host Tj Olsen as he picks the brains of James & Hala about the Mitre 10 Cup, The final All Blacks vs Wallabies test & how much impact the red cards really have on the sport...

On this weeks episode we catch up with back to back Gallaher Shield (2018, 2019) coaches from Ponsonby rugby club in New Zealand - Peter Leulusoo & Jeff Ierome. Our host Tj Olsen get's their analysis on the Mitre 10 Cup (Auckland vs Waikato), The Bledisloe Cup decider (New Zealand vs Australia) & what it takes to coach for a club that has produced the most All Blacks in the history of New Zealand. 

On this weeks episode of our #MLRupdate series, our host Tj Olsen + regular analysts Cam & Walker Tice (The Rugby Index) have the privilege of interviewing the new General Manager for the LA Giltinis team - Adam Freier. Adam is a former Wallabies & Super Rugby player who has been working as an executive with the Australian Rugby Union for the better part of a decade. Tune in to hear all about Adam's plans for the new LA franchise beginning this season in the MLR and what he think of the upcoming World 10's tournament starting this weekend!! 

We're officially in the DIRTY 30'S as this is our 30th episode of the Bonus Point. On this weeks episode, Tj is joined by our regular analysts Knovell Capote & James Tesoriero plus special guest Woods Howe (N.R.L Development Officer) to talk about all the Rugby over the weekend. Tune in to hear in depth analysis about the 2nd Bledisloe Test Match (NZ vs AUS), Rapid Recap of the Mitre 10 Cup (NZ) and a great perspective on the development pathway systems + how they differ between Rugby Union & Rugby League. 

On this weeks #LastWeekInRugby episode, our host Tj Olsen is joined by rapper Knovell Capote and James Tesoriero (Head Coach of the Cal Poly Rugby Program) to break down all the rugby action over the weekend. Don't miss out on the analysis of the first Bledisloe test match (All Blacks vs Wallabies),  the Mitre 10 Cup (New Zealand) & the potential of the Springboks (South Africa) not participating in the Rugby Championship!!??

With the 2021 Major League Rugby season so far away from starting, a lot of fans are having rugby withdrawals. But don't fear MLR fans, The Bonus Point is here to bring you all the latest MLR news!! Tune into our latest episode where we're joined by our friends from The Rugby Index to talk about Kanaloa's (Hawaii) status in the MLR, a potential midwest franchise, why the LA Giltinis have been so quiet & who we'd pick if we had to draft players from the newest MLR athletes!!