The Bledisloe Cup is back for 2026, and David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie lay out why this one feels bigger than usual: Australia have stacked wins, interest is spiking again, and Eden Park is waiting. The lads break down the teams and the key battlegrounds, from set piece and lineout pressure to the aerial contest around Sua’ali’i and the impact of Scott Barrett returning. Hansen explains why New Zealand cherish the trophy and why nobody wants to be the team that hands it back, while McKenzie details what Australia must do at the breakdown and on the advantage line to stay in the fight. There’s also a sharp chat on refereeing, TMO risk, the nines battle (Roigard vs Lonergan), and a fiery debate on RUPA’s World Cup hosting-fee comments.
Also in this episode:
● What the Bledisloe Cup means in Australia and NZ
● Wallabies selection: bench depth concerns without Tupou, Hooper
● All Blacks selection: Scott Barrett start and lineout calling
● Tactical focus: aerial contest targeting McKenzie, Jordan, Carter
● Bigger picture: Australian rugby momentum and bandwagon risk
● RUPA dispute and World Rugby’s global season roadblocks
PLUS: The panel answers audience questions on Jorgensen at 10 and why World Rugby is pushing into the USA market.
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