Episode 47 - Summer Series - Fine Margins, England's Identity & Loftus Battle

We're back for a bonus episode to preview England’s massive showdown with South Africa. Can England handle the Bok bomb squad and hold steady in the scrum? What’s the ideal bench strategy and has Borthwick made the right changes? We’re also joined by Mark Mapletoft to discuss England's upcoming stars from the Under 20s and England A ahead of their clash with Australia. Plus we preview Wales vs. Australia, Ireland vs. Argentina, and France vs. New Zealand. Don’t miss our live show at the Ed Slater game with rugby legends coming together to fight MND. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim and Goodey dissect a tough weekend for Northern Hemisphere rugby. England’s defeat to Australia raises big questions, including their defensive woes, midfield struggles and coaching frailties. The lads give their take on what's going wrong behind the scenes and some potential fixes. Scotland fell to the Boks despite some standout moments, while Ireland’s unbeaten home run ended against the All Blacks on a damp night in Dublin, who look to be rebuilding a terrifying squad. Plus, listener questions: Should England poach NRL stars? Is the 20-minute red card working? And does Owen Farrell change England’s fortunes? All this and lots more—subscribe now on Spotify to get notified as soon as it's released. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin Healy joins the lads for a bonus episode this week to chat about the Autumn Nations Series and how rugby is promoted and packaged from a commentary and insights perspective. Austin is one of the most respected pundits in the game and gives some insight into what it's like behind the mic, how he sees the media landscape changing, dealing with social media abuse, and what he thinks of the rule changes. He also gives his take on England's performances and looks forward to Ireland v All Blacks and Australia coming to Twickenham. The lads also reminisce about their Leicester days, we get to the bottom of Goodey and Austin's punch-up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bigs joins the lads in studio this week as we break down England’s narrow 22-24 loss to New Zealand, marking their third straight defeat to the All Blacks despite leading into the final quarter each time. We chat about England's struggles to close out games, Steve Borthwick’s massive decision to sub out Marcus Smith and Ben Spencer early, and standout performances from Marcus Smith, and Feyi-Waboso and Wallace Sititi. We also cover Scotland’s impressive 57-17 win over Fiji, where Darcy Graham returned in style with four tries, and look forward to massive Friday night lights in Dublin as Ireland take on the All Blacks in rugby's newest grudge match. Plus we look Wales vs Fiji, while also tackling listener questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England fell painfully close to a massive win against the All Blacks. Post-game, we hear from both coaches and captains, and they're asked some tough questions about where the game was won and lost, the big decision to take Marcus Smith off, and what both sides can take away from England's first game and New Zealand's second of the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You asked for it, so we're back for a bonus episode during the November internationals. We preview the two opening fixtures of the November series, with the Al Blacks coming to Twickenham, and Fiji visiting Scotland. The lads give their thoughts on Borthwick's early team announcement, the 6-2 bench, Marler's comments around the Haka, and where the game will be won. Meanwhile, Scotland has a tough test against a flying Fijian squad coming off the back of some big wins. The lads give their thoughts on Gregor's tactics, Scotland's new captain Sione Tuipulotu, and predict the outcome of both big games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lots to cover this week across the Prem and URC. Jim gives some insight into Michael Cheika's culture-building at Leicester, while Goodey is frothing over Argentine star Marcos Kremer Isgro and his moustache. We chat EPS and how England is trying to avoid more situations like Jack Willis. The lads reminisce on their best team talks from legends like Lawrence Dallaglio and Greig Laidlaw. Plus, we're joined by Rugby League Hall of Famer Jamie Peacock, who gives his take on Andy Farrell and Kevin Sinfield, his retribution list, and what he has planned for Rob during the Lions Tour in Australia. You don't want to miss this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was an inspiring and emotional weekend with the Slater Cup, where Leicester pulled off a thrilling comeback, beating Gloucester 29-26, thanks to a halftime spray from Cheika. The big news of the week, though, is Newcastle breaking their 25-match losing streak with a 24-18 win over Exeter, can Steve Diamond keep the momentum? We’re joined by Bath’s rising star, Guy Pepper, to talk about his comparison to Richie McCaw, what it’s like training with the stacked Bath back row, and how he's adjusting to life at the club after moving from Newcastle. Elsewhere, Siya Kolisi marked his second debut for the Sharks with a try, and Saracens pulled off a hell of comeback to beat Bristol 37-35 in an action-packed game at Ashton Gate. And we dive into the latest on 20-minute red cards, as they're set to be trialled during the Autumn Nations Series. Ireland and France are opposed, but Southern Hemisphere teams are all in. What impact will it have on the biggest stage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a weekend of massive rivalries, with Leinster taking on Munster in front of a sell-out crowd in Croke Park, Quins taking on Sarries, Saints playing Leicester and few other big grudge matches. We'll cover all the action, but we're also taking a deep dive into the Irish rugby system this week, chatting with one of the masterminds behind their successful schools program and how it supports the professional game. Oh, and we're coming to Dublin! So, settle back and enjoy another packed episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bigs is back with Jim & Goodey this week lifting the lid on some of the major goings on in Welsh rugby over the last decade. The lads also discuss the bubbling beef between Ireland and the All Blacks and reminisce over the best sledging they’ve ever dished out on a rugby pitch. We’re also joined by the Welsh half back pairing that’s been tearing up the prem for Gloucester, Tomos Williams & Gareth Anscombe chat with the lads about the new Cherry & Whites all out attack and take a trip down memory lane with their old mate Bigs. Combine that with your usual dose of Prem & URC analysis & review and you’ve got one hell of a show so sit back, enjoy and make sure you’ve subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices