About this episode
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 2024 PLUS: 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 | Substack One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks 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.