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.
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