Rugby Unity – Details, episodes & analysis

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Rugby Unity

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Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 160

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.

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Greatest Rivalry Test 4: Boks Beat All Blacks in Baltimore – Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie react

Season 2 · Episode 148

Monday, September 14, 2026 • Duration 01:05:44

Baltimore delivered a classic as the Springboks beat the All Blacks 43-28 to seal the series 3-1, and David Pembroke is joined by Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie to pull apart what swung it. The panel praises South Africa’s basics, defence, scramble, high-ball dominance and ruthless lineout-maul strike, while picking through where New Zealand can close the gap, from ball into contact, breakdown speed and scrum pressure on Springbok ball to stopping the maul and finding more direct options. There’s also real heat on refereeing interpretations, “brake foot” scrum calls, and a TMO comms mess that stalled momentum and left everyone looking silly. Away from the Test, Hansen explains his new high performance director role at Manly-Warringah in the NRL, plus quick hits on the Pacific Nations Cup semis (and Eddie Jones on Canada), and standout results from the Mitsubishi Electric WXV Global Series.

Also in this episode:

● Steve Hansen joins Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles as high performance director

● Springboks win 43-28, claim series 3-1 in Baltimore

● All Blacks work-ons: maul defence, scrum pressure, high ball

● Refereeing debates: break foot calls and Northern Hemisphere interpretations

● TMO communication breakdown and frustrations with stoppages

● Pacific Nations Cup and WXV results, key players praised

PLUS: Big-picture chat on pathways, club rugby connection, agents, and funding pressures.

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

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

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Greatest Rivalry Test 4: Springboks v All Blacks in Baltimore USA + WXV Launch

Season 2 · Episode 147

Friday, September 11, 2026 • Duration 01:04:24

World Rugby’s strategic plan gets a real-time test this weekend, with the All Blacks and Springboks taking their rivalry to Baltimore, and the WXV Global Series and Challenger Series launching across Europe and Hong Kong. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down why the USA push matters, what rugby can learn from the NFL’s Melbourne event, and how travel could shape the fourth match of the series. The big question: can the All Blacks’ heavily changed side find enough against a Springboks team that’s largely unchanged, and can New Zealand fix a lineout that’s been sliding under South African pressure? The panel digs into maul defence, tempo, breakdown interpretations, and the refereeing profile of Karl Dickson. Then it’s full focus on WXV: England v Australia in Salford, Scotland v Canada, and France v New Zealand in Lyon, plus Pacific Nations Cup fixtures and Hall of Fame news.

Also in this episode:

● World Rugby strategic plan activated: USA and women’s rugby

● All Blacks team changes explained: injuries, rotation, Richie Mo’unga

● Springboks selection continuity and what it signals for the series

● Lineout fixes: tempo, two-pod defence, and pressure on Marx

● WXV openers previewed: England v Australia, France v New Zealand

● Listener questions: referee coaching, diving acts, and breakdown grey areas

PLUS: How big events, crowds, and economics can drive rugby’s global growth.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

Greatest Rivalry Test 3: South Africa’s scrum, maul, and mindset break New Zealand

Season 2 · Episode 146

Monday, September 7, 2026 • Duration 01:15:45

Springboks 29, All Blacks 24 in Soweto, and it’s the classic story: power, precision, and tiny moments. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen, and Ewen McKenzie break down how South Africa’s scrum and maul delivered when it mattered, while New Zealand’s attack was downright sublime in patches, but couldn’t quite get the set piece parity they needed. The panel digs into the turning points: missed tackles on Kriel and de Allende, key penalties, a missed shot at goal, and why the All Blacks’ composure slipped in the last 10 minutes under scoreboard pressure. There’s also a sharp look at bench impact, leadership after Ardie Savea went off, and what the All Blacks might change for Baltimore with Savea, Luke Jacobson, and Quinn Tupaea out. Plus, the women’s Test, officiating concerns, the upcoming World XV Global Series, and Australia’s flat draw with Argentina in Mendoza.

Also in this episode:

● Springboks scrum and maul decide decisive moments

● All Blacks attack sparks, but lineout ball messy

● Steve Hansen on process versus scoreboard pressure

● Bench impact: Holland, Roigard, Malcolm Marx influence

● Women’s Test: scrum, maul, and officiating debate

● Australia v Argentina draw and yellow card frustration

PLUS: Baltimore looms as rugby leans into its global advantage.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

Greatest Rivalry: WHO WINS IN SOWETO? Springboks v All Blacks + Wallabies 2 from 2 in Argentina?

Season 2 · Episode 145

Friday, September 4, 2026 • Duration 01:03:46

The All Blacks and Springboks are locked at 1-1, but the noise is everywhere: the “walking around” scrum controversy, Rassie’s late team change, and what altitude at FNB Stadium really does to game plans. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down the All Blacks changes (Codie Taylor out, Lakai in, Darry starting), why the Boks’ selections feel rock-solid, and what has to improve for New Zealand at the breakdown and in the aerial contest, with Malcolm Marx and Kriel central to the threat. Eddie Jones’ comments on refereeing and global “tiers” spark a wider debate, before the panel turns to Wallabies v Argentina and the impact of missing Argentine players due to Top 14. Plus: the Black Ferns v Springbok women curtain-raiser, Swys de Bruin’s resignation, and why double-headers (and even sevens) might be rugby’s smartest play.

Also in this episode:

● Scrum “walking around” debate: storm in a teacup

● All Blacks selections: Lakai, Darry, hooker rotation explained

● Springboks late team switch labelled a “debacle”

● Altitude tactics: kick-off decisions and maul prevention

● Breakdown contest and Malcolm Marx threat under Nika Amushakeli

● Wallabies v Argentina: changes, missing stars, rankings impact

PLUS: A bigger conversation on promoting rugby via double-headers, sevens add-ons, and growing women’s rugby audiences.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

👈👈

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

Season 2 · Episode 144

Monday, August 31, 2026 • Duration 01:00:43

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.

Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones anything! Fill out the form below 👇

👈👈

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

Season 2 · Episode 143

Friday, August 28, 2026 • Duration 01:04:20

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.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

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

Season 2 · Episode 142

Monday, August 24, 2026 • Duration 01:13:20

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.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

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

Season 2 · Episode 141

Friday, August 21, 2026 • Duration 01:11:25

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.

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

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

Season 2 · Episode 140

Monday, August 17, 2026 • Duration 01:21:55

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.

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:

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

Season 2 · Episode 139

Friday, August 14, 2026 • Duration 01:08:56

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.

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:

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