The Ruck

Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Stuart Barnes look back on the latest from the November internationals. They're joined by Mark Palmer to reflect on an agonising defeat for Scotland against New Zealand and ask will they ever beat the All Blacks? They also chat about South Africa's stunning performance away to France in Paris on Saturday night and Steve Tandy's Wales tenure starting with defeat to Argentina.Plus, they look ahead to the matches coming up this weekend, including England's game against New Zealand as Stuart explains why he thinks George Ford should start at fly-half and whether England should be the favorites to win the match.

Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher look back on England's victory over Fiji at Twickenham. For the second week in a row Steve Borthwick's side managed to win the match comfortably despite not being at their best. Plus, Fiji gave further evidence that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with at international level.With New Zealand next up for England, they ask how well the first two weekends of November have prepared them to take on the All Blacks. And, question who should play at fly-half, George Ford or Fin Smith.

It's the second weekend of November internationals so Alfie, Alex and Elgan look ahead to the action.They are at the England training base so discuss another very interesting squad selection from Steve Borthwick. Including Chandler Cunningham-South getting the opportunity at number 8, Maro Itoje dropping to the bench and Marcus Smith being deployed at full-back.Plus, they look ahead to the other matches at the weekend, especially Wales v Argentina, France v South Africa and Scotland hosting New Zealand.

Alfie, Will and Owen Slot are back to review all the November internationals over the weekend and preview the upcoming round of fixtures.They are joined by double world champion Springbok, Steven Kitshoff, who looks back on that epic world cup quarter-final in 2023 between France and South Africa and looks ahead to the sides meeting again in Paris on Saturday. He also chats about his life threatening and career ending neck injury which forced him to retire earlier this year and his new business ventures which includes bomb squad beer, named after the famous Springbok replacements. He gives his view on England's own attempt at the bomb squad and the rise of Henry Pollock.Plus, will Scotland's autumn be defined by how they get on against New Zealand? Could we really see Ben Earl start at centre against Fiji? And will that clash in Paris determine who is the best side in the world?

Alfie, Alex and Will react to England's victory over Australia at Twickenham as Steve Borthwick's side started their November campaign with a 25-7 win.They chat about the impact of the England bench, Henry Pollock (of course!) and how they got over the line.Alfie makes the case for the match being an example of how England have progressed over the last 12 months but Alex & Will are more measured in their assessment of the result against an under-strength Wallabies side.

England begin their November internationals this weekend by welcoming Australia to Twickenham.Alfie and Alex are at the England training base to preview the match. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold matchday squad and explain why the England head coach is under-appreciated for the brave selection decisions he makes. They chat about Tommy Freeman starting at outside centre, the back-row balance and what would constitute success for England this coming month.They also chat about the Wallabies who aren't at full strength, how they have developed since the British & Irish Lions tour and the battle at the set-piece.

It's the start of the November internationals so Alfie and Will look ahead to the matches this weekend, including England's game against Australia. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold selection of moving Tommy Freeman to outside centre, which means no Ollie Lawrence, as well as George Ford starting at fly-half. Sam Warburton chats to Will about the WRU's plans to cut the number of regional sides from four to three and he also explains why despite their current poor form Wales should be capable of having a competitive national side again. And, the boys round up the Prem rugby action by asking who has impressed them the most following the first block of fixtures? Plus, which countries will have a successful Autumn campaign and who will be left disappointed?

Alfie, Alex and Will are at England's training base after Steve Borthwick announced his training squad ahead of the November internationals. Teenage sensation Noah Caluori has been fast-tracked into the set-up, could he genuinely play a role next month? Owen Farrell isn't a part of this squad but will he return to international duty in the future? And, what does Tom Willis' move to Bordeaux next year, which makes him ineligible for England, tell us?Plus, the boys look back on the PREM action over the weekend including brutal defeats for Harlequins, Gloucester and Sale.

Alfie, Alex and Will question whether the rugby establishment wants to see R360 - the new global franchise competition - be successful. It follows last week's announcement by eight of the world's top unions that players who sign-up will be banned from international selection. So they ask how much of a setback is this for the organisers? What questions do they need to come out and answer? And, could the disruption actually be a good thing for the game!?Plus, they discuss what England's backline could look like for the November internationals, in particular does Owen Farrell return and who starts at fly-half? And, give their view on what the big talking points in the sport will be come the end of 2025. Will the Springboks have asserted their dominance? Will Ireland have dropped off? And where on earth will Wales be?