Rugby Unity

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. 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

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

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 

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

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 growthPLUS: 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.auTikTok | Instagram | YouTube

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 SubstackPLUS: 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.auThanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube