Oops it happened again – Cards killed the contest

The Wallabies stand at a crossroads — and with a home Rugby World Cup approaching in 2027, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode, David Pembroke and former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie take a clear-eyed look at where Australia really sits in the world game.From the selection volatility of 2024–25 to the strengths and weaknesses in each positional group, Ewen explains the structural changes needed for the Wallabies to compete with South Africa, England, Ireland and a fast-improving northern hemisphere. He also unpacks what Les Kiss will bring as national coach and why Australia must build a game plan that can survive high-ball pressure, tactical variety, and tournament intensity.David and Ewen then broaden the lens — analysing England’s off-field rise, South Africa’s sustained dominance, rugby’s financial realities, and the global opportunities emerging through the new World Rugby Nations Cup and revamped sevens calendar.Also in this episode·      Why consistency in selection still separates good teams from great ones·      What Les Kiss must prioritise from day one as Wallabies coach·      England’s new personality-driven approach to communication·      How social media is reshaping rugby’s global fanbase·      Australia’s pathway to success at a home World Cup·      The growing importance of emerging nations and expanded competitionsPLUS: insights on squad costs, leadership expectations, sevens pathways, and why world rugby must communicate in real time to stay relevant.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The red/yellow card crisis and the terminal TMO delays intervened with another huge weekend of international rugby —this episode goes deep into the consequences. David Pembroke is joined by Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unpack Ireland v South Africa, the match that sparked global outrage and renewed calls for World Rugby to overhaul officiating and TMO protocols.Eddie details Japan’s gritty 25–23 win over Georgia in Tbilisi, shedding light on set-piece growth, discipline under pressure, and what he’s learned from a demanding 2025 campaign. Ewen breaks down New Zealand’s inconsistent year, the cultural shift inside the All Blacks, and why the top three Northern Hemisphere teams — Ireland, France, England — are on a collision course in the 2026 Six Nations.A fast, honest, and global roundup of the game’s biggest stories.Japan vs Georgia highlights: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqOYh45d2pUAlso in this episode• South Africa’s season: power, depth and why they’re still the benchmark• Ireland’s early-season resilience and their road to 2027• Why red cards are distorting Test matches — and the fix Eddie wants• Japan’s finishing, support play and next steps toward the World Cup• England v Argentina analysed — are both teams top-four threats?• Italy rising & Chile’s impressive performance against the AzzurriPLUS: Record-breaking forward play, the modern coaching workload, player data obsession, and questions from the Rugby Unity Third Voice community.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Red-card chaos, judicial backflips, and one of the biggest Autumn Nations weekends of the year — this episode has everything.David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie open with the fallout from Franco Mostert’s and Harry Hockings’ overturned red cards, and what the mess reveals about World Rugby’s decision-making. Eddie explains the real-world disruption caused by mid-week hearings, the strain on staff, and why coaching preparation gets derailed.From there, the team dives into a stacked global fixture list: Wales v New Zealand, Ireland v South Africa, France v Australia, England v Argentina, Scotland v Tonga, Italy v Chile and more. Ewen breaks down tactical matchups across the board — from aerial contests to set-piece pressure — while Eddie reflects on Japan’s preparation ahead of their crucial test against Georgia.The Third Voice returns with listener questions on coaching futures, simplifying the laws, and the rise of Japan and Fiji in the new Nations Championship.Also in this episode• Wales v New Zealand — pressure on Robertson and a refreshed XV• Ireland v South Africa — Prendergast, Hansen, Etzebeth and a true heavyweight clash• France v Australia — Gordon returns as the Wallabies face a lethal French back three• England v Argentina — Borthwick’s rotation v Los Pumas’ quiet momentum• Italy v Chile — rising nations and World Cup pathways• Player of the Year + breakthrough player nominees for 2024PLUS: Why governance needs an overhaul, the rise of kicking-based attacking strategies, audience shoutouts, Japan’s tour insights, and positive financial news across major unions. 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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Game altering red and yellow cards continued to be flashed across the Rugby fields of Europe at the weekend with evidence piling up that these officiating decisions are playing a major role in determining results. Across the weekend, yellow and red cards swung key matches, from Japan v Wales to Scotland v Argentina. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie lay out why the current approach isn’t working, what’s changed in modern contact situations, and how World Rugby could fix the problem without compromising player safety.They also wrap England’s breakthrough performance against the All Blacks, Ireland’s dominance over the Wallabies, and Japan’s near-miss in Cardiff — plus a look at other International results and listener comments and questions.Also in this episodeSouth Africa v Italy — bench impact, scrum power and late momentum• England v All Blacks — George Ford, drop-goals and aerial control• Wallabies v Ireland — selection rotation, confidence and high-ball issues• Japan v Wales — the yellow-card turning points• Scotland v Argentina — how a 21–0 lead evaporated• France v Fiji, USA v Romania, Portugal, Georgia and morePLUS: The growing pressure on World Rugby to communicate clearly and act decisively on officiating, card reviews and player safety.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England v New Zealand at Twickenham headlines a massive weekend of international rugby — and Eddie Jones believes this could be England’s breakthrough game. David Pembroke, Eddie Jones, and Ewen McKenzie unpack every major storyline, from selection surprises to tactical battles and referee influence.They break down why England may now be 12 months ahead of the All Blacks in their development, what Scott Robertson’s side must fix, and how both benches could decide the final 20 minutes.The episode then shifts to Australia v Ireland, as James O’Connor returns at 10 and Sam Prendergast takes over Ireland’s attack. Plus: South Africa rotate 11 players, Italy push for another major scalp, and Japan eye their own breakthrough moment against Wales.Also in this episodeEngland v All Blacks — selection calls, matchups, and the psychological barrier• Wallabies v Ireland — O’Connor’s return, breakdown warfare, and key referee factors• South Africa v Italy — Rassie’s rotation gamble + Italy’s improvement• Scotland v Argentina — consistency v creativity• Japan v Wales — can Japan breakthrough in Cardiff?• France v Fiji — redemption after a frustrating weekPLUS: The state of refereeing, yellow-card impact, global development, and why illegal streaming could threaten rugby’s financial future.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddie Jones says South Africa’s 32–17 win over France, achieved with 14 men in the second half was a masterclass in adaptability. Eddie breaks down the Springboks’ bench strength, tactical flexibility, and the controversial red card that changed everything.After a hard-fought 41–10 loss to Ireland, Japan’s improvement under Eddie Jones is clear — but the coach says there’s still plenty to fix before facing Wales. Eddie joins David Pembroke to discuss the lessons from a brutal three-week schedule against Australia, South Africa and Ireland, and how the Brave Blossoms must turn effort into wins.They unpack Italy’s win over Australia, England’s unbeaten run and the return of the post-match function — this episode dives deep into what’s working, what’s not, and where the global game is heading.Also in this episode·      Japan’s learning curve – consistency, mindset, and composure·      South Africa v France – red card debate and Rassie’s tactics·      Italy v Wallabies – Eddie’s positive take on Australia’s struggles·      All Blacks v Scotland – depth, rotation and recovery·      2003 World Cup memories and lessons from building great teams·      Wales preview – Japan’s next big testPLUS: Inside rugby’s evolving rituals, the power of the bench, and why emotional control could decide the next big upset.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe’s rugby calendar explodes this weekend — and David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie are here to guide you through every major test match.From France’s emotional rematch with South Africa at Stade de France, to New Zealand’s century-long dominance over Scotland at Murrayfield, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Eddie Jones’ Japan face Ireland, the Wallabies return to Italy seeking redemption, and Argentina take on Wales in Cardiff — all while rugby fever sweeps across the continent.Ewen dissects team tactics, key match-ups, and coaching philosophies — while David brings the global context, showcasing just how much rugby is being played around the world this weekend.Also in this episode·      France v South Africa — revenge or repeat in Paris?·       All Blacks v Scotland — can history finally be broken at Murrayfield?·      Ireland v Japan — Eddie Jones’ third-week test·      Wallabies v Italy — Carter Gordon’s comeback and Joe Schmidt’s strategy·      Argentina v Wales — can Los Pumas keep their hot streak alive?·      Plus: more on Ewen’s menageriePLUS: The global scale of rugby this weekend — from Bristol to Bucharest — and why the sport’s future lies in celebrating its international diversity.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s structure, South Africa’s power, and Japan’s painful lessons headline another massive week of international rugby.Host David Pembroke is joined by Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unpack the Wallabies’ 25–7 defeat at Twickenham, Japan’s heavy loss to the Springboks, and the chaotic All Blacks v Ireland clash in Chicago.From Eddie’s insights on South Africa’s evolution to McKenzie’s sharp critique of Australia’s attack, this episode dives deep into what’s shaping rugby’s November series — and what’s next for the world’s best.Also in this episode:• England’s balanced back row and perfect bench timing• Australia’s attritional attack — why it’s costing energy and excitement• South Africa v Japan — lessons from the world champions• New Zealand v Ireland — a missed showcase opportunity• Refereeing standards and the 20-minute red card debate• Global rugby’s communication problem — and how to fix itPLUS: How Eddie’s Japan are learning fast against the world’s toughest sides.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Springboks are at full strength — and Eddie Jones’ Japan are the next to face them.This week, David Pembroke catches up with Eddie from London ahead of a colossal clash at Wembley, while Ewen McKenzie joins from Australia to preview England v Australia, Ireland v New Zealand, and the biggest weekend of international rugby this year.Eddie reflects on South Africa’s power, Japan’s preparation, and why he’s embracing the “Rumble in the Jungle” mindset. Ewen analyses the Wallabies’ selection, England’s tactics, and shares how coaches use data, discipline, and dialogue with referees to shape modern rugby.Also in this episode:South Africa v Japan – respect shown with a full-strength sideEddie Jones on Japan’s mindset and travel challengeHybrid players – the evolution of rugby rolesEngland v Australia – Ford’s experience vs fresh Wallabies energyThe referee-laptop story explainedThe future of global rugby calendars and competitionsPLUS: How rugby is growing across Europe and Asia, from Spain to Sri Lanka, and why accessible broadcasting is key to the sport’s future. 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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November rugby is here — and it started with a statement in Tokyo. Japan pushed Australia all the way, proving they’re closing the gap and ready for regular clashes with Tier 1 teams. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down what it means for both nations and where this rivalry goes next.With huge tests in London and Chicago — South Africa, England, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand all in action — the stakes rise fast. Who can manage travel, cohesion and selection pressure through rugby’s biggest month?Eddie Jones joins to share his insights from inside the Japanese camp and how they plan to keep accelerating.Also in this episode:Japan’s set-piece, defence and young stars stepping upWhy structured November fixtures are crucial for growthEngland’s No.10 debate and Wallabies’ cohesionChicago test hype — are Ireland or the All Blacks slipping?Why Europe’s lower tiers are more important than everPLUS: The business and cultural opportunities rugby is missing in Japan.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.