The Nations Pod

Are South Africa the best team ever? Did Wales offer a glimpse of optimism? And is Gregor Townsend still the man for Scotland? Chris, Tom and Gareth reconvene for the final time this year to unpack the Autumn Internationals. Tom wants Ireland to reset an ageing squad, while Gareth remains positive about Wales. And Chris brings up the substitutions debate, asking whether the game now relies on too many replacements.

Who were the big winners and losers this autumn? Ugo, Danny and Chris reflect on what we’ve learnt this November. Who has progressed and who has regressed? The Springboks have cemented their place at the top of the world game but who would win between them and the great All Blacks team from 2015? The officiating has been a huge talking point over the past four weeks, particularly after events in Dublin this weekend. How do we get the balance right between collision and evasion in the modern game as we strive for player safety? We reflect on Malcolm Marx being crowned World Player of the Year and pick our players of the autumn.

England completed their first four-Test autumn clean sweep since 2016 with a nervy win over Argentina. Chris, Ashy and Paul Grayson praise England for battling past a spirited Pumas team on a scrappy afternoon at Twickenham. Max Ojomoh impressed on only his second cap with a try and two assists. Could he become England’s long-term 12 moving forward? He’s on the pod along with head coach Steve Borthwick. What should the expectations be for England now heading into the six nations? But are there still players who they haven’t figured out how to get the best from?

It's Nations Pod time and for the second week in a row Tom is reeling from another painful defeat for Scotland. After the capitulation against Argentina he believes now is the time for a new head coach. Wales are off the mark under Steve Tandy, but their issues were still laid bare despite the narrow win over Japan. GRO gives us the lowdown on darts-loving uncapped flanker Harri Deaves who is part of the Wales team tasked with facing the All Blacks. Ireland and South Africa renew their rivalry, England go in search of an 11th successive win and Tom gives reveals his favourite drinking spot in Dublin.

Are England now ready to win silverware? Why do Scotland keep choking on the big stage? Does the new Nations Championship devalue the World Cup? There is loads to discuss following another eventful weekend and the launch of World Rugby's long-awaited tournament. Ugo, Danny and Ashy debate how far England have come under Steve Borthwick as their winning streak continues. Scotland have another afternoon to forget at Murrayfield. Wales are off the mark under Steve Tandy and Mack Hansen takes centre stage in Dublin after his hat-trick and choice of footwear. Plus, Henry Pollock catches the eye once again for some unusual antics during the haka.

Chris is with Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson to bring you reaction to England's first victory over the All Blacks at home in 13 years. We chat to the superb George Ford who dropped two goals and scored a crucial penalty to help extend their winning run to 10 matches. Is he playing the best rugby of his career? We also hear from Scott Robertson after their Grand Slam hopes were ended and ask where it went wrong for New Zealand. And after only a ninth victory over the All Blacks in 120 years, is this the best win of the Steve Borthwick era?

It’s Nations Pod time ahead of the third weekend of the autumn internationals. Tom is still reeling from Scotland’s narrow defeat by New Zealand, calling it the greatest missed opportunity in Scottish rugby history. But can they respond against the dangerous Pumas? After losing to Argentina in Steve Tandy’s first match in charge, Wales now host Japan in a must-win game, with Gareth not even prepared to countenance a Welsh defeat. We also tackle the latest rugby jargon and ask whether England’s stacked bench will make the difference against the All Blacks.

Are England capable of beating the All Blacks for the first time since 2019? And is this side ready to take a big scalp? Ashy and Chris head to the England team hotel and chat to Steve Borthwick about his selection which sees George Ford return at fly-half and Fin Smith drop out of the 23-man squad. They also catch up with Freddie Steward who gives a fascinating insight into dealing with the high ball under the new laws and he gives us a detailed account of how he dislocated his finger against Australia. Chris has also been to see the New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson who wants to deliver a Grand Slam this autumn.

Chris, Ugo and Danny unpick a jam-packed weekend of autumn rugby. The Springboks storm Paris with 14 men for another statement win. Are they the clear World Cup favourites two years out? Scotland fluff their lines yet again, will they ever end their All Blacks hoodoo under Gregor Townsend? England want to make 10 Test wins in a row but have injury concerns to deal with ahead of New Zealand's trip to Twickenham. What did we learn about Steve Tandy's Wales after they were humbled by Argentina? Plus, there was a big win for Italian rugby and more bold predictions for week three.

England have now won nine Test matches in a row after they finished strongly to beat Fiji 38-18 in Twickenham and set up a huge meeting with New Zealand next weekend. Chris, Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson react on-the-whistle from the Allianz Stadium, and we are also joined by England’s Jamie George and Fiji boss Mick Byrne. How much have England progressed over the past twelve months, and what areas will they need to improve on before next weekend? And who has presented Steve Borthwick with a selection dilemma? We also discuss Scotland’s heartbreaking defeat by the All Blacks and ask what lessons Gregor Townend’s side can take going forward.