About this episode
The Rugby World Cup is changing — and the stakes have never been higher. This week, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack a huge weekend in world rugby: South Africa’s demolition of Wales, the Etzebeth eye-gouge incident, and the breaking news that R360 has been pushed back to 2028 . Eddie and Ewen give a candid, insider view on Wales’ deep structural problems, how South Africa keep winning with ruthless simplicity, and why the new 24-team World Cup with a Round of 16 will create a more intense, more tactical tournament than ever before. They also reflect on their own World Cup journeys — from the 1987 and 1991 memories to the 2003 classic, England 2019, the Brighton Miracle, and the pressure only a World Cup can create. Also in this episode • South Africa v Wales — dominance, discipline and what really happened • Why Wales’ development system is failing — and how to fix it • R360 delayed: player managers, contracts, and the talent drain • The brutal logic of a 33-man World Cup squad • How selection balance will change in 2027 (props, hookers, utilities) • Australia’s path to winning back casual fans in 2027 PLUS: venue breakdowns, squad-build strategy, player load, and how the new compressed 43-day World Cup will change everything. 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.