The Rugby Paper Podcast

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Rugby’s greatest rivalry is in full swing as New Zealand and South Africa continue their blockbuster series — and the All Blacks have started in style with two wins from two.
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Kiwi podcaster Gareth Williams from the Super Smack podcast to break down the latest chapter of the All Blacks-Springboks rivalry, starting with one of the most talked-about moments of the tour: Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka response against the All Blacks.
Gareth explains the cultural significance of the moment in New Zealand, why it resonated so strongly, and how it was received back home.
We also analyse the All Blacks’ dominant 54-0 victory over the Sharks, including a standout performance from Jordie Barrett. 
We discuss:
•⁠  ⁠Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka and its cultural significance•⁠  ⁠Jordie Barrett’s claim to being the best inside centre in world rugby•⁠  ⁠The Hurricanes influence running through the All Blacks backline•⁠  ⁠How much confidence New Zealand should take into the Bulls fixture
🔥 Does the All Blacks aura still exist?
We also take a wider look at rugby’s place in New Zealand culture.
Has rugby lost some of its grip on the country? Are the Warriors and rugby league now the trendier ticket? Is Super Rugby really struggling — or are rising TV audiences and sell-out crowds telling a very different story?
Gareth gives us the view from New Zealand on:
•⁠  ⁠How much this South Africa series has gripped the public•⁠  ⁠The historical importance of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry•⁠  ⁠Whether the All Blacks remain New Zealand’s biggest sporting brand•⁠  ⁠The health of grassroots and Super Rugby•⁠  ⁠Frustration around constant law changes•⁠  ⁠Why the picture may be healthier than some headlines suggest
🏆 How will the Test series finish?
With former All Blacks suggesting one Test victory should be the minimum expectation on such a brutal tour, we ask whether a 2-2 split would actually be considered a success — or whether New Zealand still expects to win the series outright.
Plus, Gareth gives his series prediction, thoughts on England and his verdict on Henry Pollock.
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Today’s guest on TQL Rugby Podcast is club and country legend of Irish Rugby, Shane Byrne!
 
With 41 international caps to his name, one British & Irish Lions Tour and a staggering 115 for Leinster and 49 for Saracens, Shane’s record is hard to match and speaks for itself.
 
In one of the most insightful interviews I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in, Shane dove deep into what training was like when he first laced up his boots to how well drilled and professional the coaching and training is now and that the whole process deserves more recognition praise.
 
With over a decade of experience in the front row from scrums to throw-ins, Shane has plied his trade across many countries and clubs and undoubtably set the benchmark for future generations of hookers to follow.
 
Since retiring in 2007, Shane is now the Director of Arklow Waste Disposal, however, he has also been welcomed with open arms in the world of television with regular appearances as a captain on “Know The Score” to his first film appearance in “Mrs Brown’s Boys D’movie”.
 
We discuss Shane’s standout moments, life after rugby, becoming a TV panellist and film star, wonderful praise and opinions on the current game, player development and ideas for Leinster’s next head coach!
 
Thank you so much Shane for your time today!
 
Remember to like, share and subscribe and you can also listen to this episode wherever you stream your podcasts!
 
Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!
 
#rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland #blackrock #dublin #legend #sportsshow #sports #film
 

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to review a fascinating opening chapter, with the Springboks finishing top after a perfect three-from-three record, the All Blacks rediscovering their swagger, England ending the window on a high, and the road to November already taking shape.

In my final video about the summer leg of the Nations Championship, I break down what has been an exceptionally action-packed tournament that, with thanks to the new format, has revolutionized the Summer and Autumn Internationals!
 
From edge-of-seat thrillers to one-sided bulldozing performances, the first three games for every team had it all.
 
I'll go over the scores, moments that caught my eye, analysis of the six home nations along with where I think they will go from here, what we can expect in the second leg of the competition along with final standings for the summer series!
 
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In the penultimate round of The Nations Championship summer tour, Ireland face off against their old nemesis New Zealand at the All Blacks’ “mecca” Eden Park!
Since 1994 when France shocked the world with a 22-8 victory over the All Blacks, in the following 31 years and 52 matches the All Blacks remain undefeated at Kingsland.
It’ll be a return for Ireland who last set foot at Eden Park in 2022 in which they suffered a 41-19 loss at the hands of the All Blacks before going on to win their first ever Summer Tour of New Zealand and climbed the World Rugby Rankings to No1.
In this video I break down the history between these two international heavyweights, discuss the key players who will be integral to a legendary win at Eden Park, and give my thoughts, analysis and predictions on Ireland’s huge challenge, plus every other game in the final round of the Nations Championship.
Feel free to like, share and subscribe and don’t forget to find me wherever you stream your podcasts!
Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!

Debutants Delight Down Under! TQL Rugby Podcast – Nations Championship Round Two Review
 
Man of the match Sean Jansen made his mark with a standout performance against Japan along with landing a vital try on his first international cap!
 
In a game I found myself having flashbacks to the 2019 World Cup Pool stages, in which Ireland lost to the host nation, I’ve thrown together my thoughts, analysis and opinions on a cracking game in which Japan showed their impressive talent and Ireland, with nine changes, bedded in the debutants and got the job done!
 
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In this week's episode I break down Andy Farrell's Ireland selection, from individual player analysis and opinion to a throwback to when Japan got the better of Ireland during the 2019 World Cup! Four lucky debutants take to the field for this game: Connacht's Sam Illo, Billy Bohan and Sean Jansen who makes his test start at eight, alongside Ulster's Bryn Ward who will undoubtably make his debut of the bench! Squad rotation, fly-half debate and predictions covered, as well as a look at the other remaining fixtures in The Nations Championship 👍 Feel free to like, share and subscribe for more! You can find me at
 @TheRugbyPaperPodcast 
and TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts! #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinsterrugby #munsterrugby #connachtrugby #ulsterrugby #international #australia #japan #japanrugby #eddiejones #worldrugby #podcast #podcasting

In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to assess the mounting pressure on England head coach Steve Borthwick after a fifth consecutive Test defeat.
Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in the opening round of the Nations Championship, England's discipline, tactics and direction are all under the microscope.
With Fiji next up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before a trip to Argentina, is this already a defining fortnight for Borthwick's tenure? We discuss:
•⁠ ⁠Why England's form has collapsed since the Six Nations
•⁠ ⁠The growing indiscipline problem and its impact on results
•⁠ ⁠Whether England's kick-heavy game plan has become outdated
•⁠ ⁠Why Steve Borthwick is coming under increasing pressure
•⁠ ⁠Can England turn things around against Fiji?
•⁠ ⁠Why Josua Tuisova and Fiji will fancy their chances
•⁠ ⁠Should the RFU do everything possible to bring Shaun Edwards back to England?
🏉 Wales' Revival
Attention also turns to Wales, who have rediscovered confidence under Steve Tandy.
We discuss:
•⁠ ⁠What's changed since Tandy's arrival?
•⁠ ⁠Why Wales suddenly look like a different side
We also chat:
🌍 Nations Championship
🏆 World Rugby U20 Championship
You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

After a thoroughly thrilling and dynamic first round I couldn't wait to do a quick video highlighting my favourite moments, opinions on teams and results and share my positive experience watching as may of the games as I could! Feel free to like, share and subscribe and listen out for me on Spotify/Amazon and wherever you get your podcasts! Just search for
 @TheRugbyPaperPodcast  & TQL Rugby Podcast 🍀👍 #irfu #rugby #rugbyunion #internationals #ireland #australia #fiji #wales #wru #allblacks #newzealand #france #japan #redroses #italy #springboks #englandrugby #england #southafrica #argentina #pumas #scotland #irishrugby #wallabies #nationscup #nationschampionships #worldcup #podcasting #podcast 

With Andy Farrell naming his squad to face the Wallabies at a startling 4:30am UK time I take a quick dive into his selection and an overview of round one of the newly reformatted Nations Championship!
Thoughts, facts, opinions and predictions covered! Hope you all enjoy.
Remember to like, share and subscribe to The Rugby Paper Podcast/ TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts!