The Ruck

Epizode

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  Rugby’s Greatest Rivals| Episode 6: The Incomparables and a rivalry reimagined 20.08.2026 25min

  In episode 6 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the sport is hurtling into the professional era.South Africa are world champions after 1995 but New Zealand are on the verge of one of their greatest moments. We hear from John Hart, who led the All Blacks on their 1996 tour of South Africa, as well as former players Sean Fitzpatrick, Ian Jones and Josh Kronfeld. Was theirs the greatest New Zealand side of all time? Plus, former Springbok Joel Stransky describes the team’s struggle to replicate the dizzying heights of ‘95. This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Rob Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Clips: DSPN Rugby (John Hart interview)Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 5: Readmission for a Rainbow Nation 19.08.2026 24min

  In episode 5 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, Nelson Mandela walks free, apartheid crumbles and South Africa becomes a new country.The Springboks and the All Blacks face off once more, with Mandela seizing the opportunity to help heal a wounded nation. With the 1995 World Cup reaching its final, two of the players - former Springbok Joel Stransky and All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick - describe being part of one of the greatest moments in sporting history.This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Clips: World Rugby (1995 World Cup final)Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 4: Rebellion to isolation 18.08.2026 20min

  In episode 4 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we focus on the most controversial rugby tour in history: the 1986 New Zealand Cavaliers.Despite the global boycott, a group of rebel Kiwi players agree to tour South Africa. Former Springbok Schalk Burger Sr describes how he found out about the deal before any of his teammates - and why it opened a door to the players being paid. The chair of New Zealand Rugby and former World Cup-winning All Black captain David Kirk also explains his decision not to tour, and the fierce reaction amongst the NZ public when the tour went ahead.This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 3: The Flour Bomb test 17.08.2026 15min

  In episode 3 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we are into the 1980s - a decade defined by rebellion.The 1981 Springbok tour to New Zealand goes ahead despite an international agreement to stop sporting contact with apartheid South Africa. Unrest culminates in flour bombs being thrown out of aircraft at the players. Former Springbok Rob Louw reflects on matters on and off the pitch.This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 2: Racial lines drawn, and blurred 16.08.2026 25min

  In episode 2 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the former Springbok Morne du Plessis talks about the sheer, violent ferocity of test matches between South Africa and New Zealand. For decades, these matches continue to be played among the shadows of race tensions in both countries. The introduction of apartheid adds pressure, boiling over in a boycott of the 1976 Montreal Olympics.This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 1: Consider your country at war 15.08.2026 12min

  The Springboks and All Blacks share a rivalry like no other - and it’s about so much more than just the rugby itself. The real story goes back over a century of racism, rebel tours, politics and protest, fuelling fierce confrontations on the field. With South Africa and New Zealand about to kick-off a four test series branded 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry', Alex, Will and Elgan bring you a special podcast series charting the history of battles between rugby’s superpowers. Our story starts over a century ago, in a world recovering from war, where tension over race is sparked by the infamous 'Blackett telegram'.This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Nations Championship Round 3: Are Ireland still a top side? Plus, a new Springbok captain? 20.07.2026 53min

  The 3rd round of the Nations Championship saw New Zealand hammer Ireland, England hold on to win against Argentina and South Africa destroy Wales.Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all the action and Mark Palmer joins to reflect on Scotland's summer.Could it be the end of Siya Kolisi as the Springbok captain? Are Ireland no longer one of the best sides in the world? And, did the officials get the big decision right at the end of Argentina vs England?Can Scotland now compete with the top teams? What do Wales take away from defeat in South Africa? And, can England kick on in November? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Borthwick slams the "Negativity Committee" as England dodge disaster 19.07.2026 54min

  England finished their Nations Championship matches this summer by beating Argentina 24-31!Steve Borthwick's side produced some of their best rugby of 2026 but also suffered the same disciplinary issues which saw them almost collapse to draw.The TMO saved England when Argentina thought they had scored a try with the final play of the match. So, after a mad match Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are back in Buenos Aires to reflect on the game, Steve Borthwick's punchy post-match comments and the Nations Championship as a whole.They discuss whether the competition has been more successful than they expected, why Borthwick hit back despite the obvious discipline problems and where this leaves the team heading into November. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can Los Pumas inflict another Argentine defeat on England? 16.07.2026 52min

  Argentina host England in the Nations Championship this weekend!Can Los Pumas make it another Argentine win following the football World Cup semi-final?Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are in Buenos Aires to reflect on an incredible night in the capital and to look ahead to the weekend. They explain why Henry Pollock has been named on the bench by Steve Borthwick, why this is England's biggest test of the summer and the advantage of having Marcus Smith at full-back.Plus, can Ireland be the first side to win at Eden Park in the professional era? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How can anyone stop the Springboks? 13.07.2026 52min

  After the second round of the Nations Championship Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all of the action.They ask which nation might be able to compete with South Africa at the next World Cup and what style of rugby could cause them problems. That's after a weakened Springboks team beat Scotland despite an impressive display from Gregor Townsend's men.Plus, are the All Blacks under Dave Rennie once again playing to their strengths? Should Henry Pollock start for England away in Argentina? And, Peter O'Reilly looks ahead to Ireland's trip to Eden Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  England back to winning ways: But did we learn anything? 11.07.2026 33min

  England absolutely dismantled Fiji 73-8 to return to winning ways on the second weekend of the Nations Championship.Fiji were ill disciplined and lacking accuracy as Steve Borthwick's side put them to the sword.From Merseyside Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher reflect on a bizarre and messy match. They ask what can England take away from the victory given that Fiji were so poor? Does this ease the pressure on Steve Borthwick? Or is the real test how they get on next week against Argentina? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Full strength England face 'must win' Fiji test 09.07.2026 40min

  It's the second round of the Nations Championship with England taking on Fiji in Liverpool.How much pressure are Steve Borthwick's team under after their defeat to South Africa?Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match and focus on the growing frustration among England fans. They chat about the need for both a result and a performance against a very dangerous Fijian side. Plus, could the success of the England football team at the World Cup distract attention from the under-pressure head coach? They also ask why there is such a disconnect between how the team views its performances and how the supporters view them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Nations Championship starts with a bang. Is captain Pollock the answer for England? 06.07.2026 56min

  The opening weekend of the Nations Championship produced some brilliant matches!Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action, including a tight victory for New Zealand against France, an important win for Wales versus Fiji and Scotland beating Argentina away.Peter O'Reilly chats about Ireland's narrow win against Australia where the hosts missed a penalty kick on the last play to win it. Plus, the boys ask how much pressure England and Steve Borthwick are under after they were hammered by South Africa? Barnsey explains why he's made the drastic suggestion that Henry Pollock should be made England captain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  England 'obliterated' by ruthless South Africa 04.07.2026 49min

  England's opening match in the Nations Championship saw them hammered 45-21 by South Africa at Ellis Park.From the stadium Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan reflect on the match. They ask how much pressure this piles onto England ahead of games against Fiji and Argentina? What does it mean for Steve Borthwick? And, can anyone stop the Springboks winning a third straight World Cup next year?Nobody expected England to win, but even so, how alarming was the performance? Did the way they rallied at the end of the second half do enough to ease concerns? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Can England stun the Springboks? 02.07.2026 54min

  What are the odds that England beat South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday?From South Africa, Will Kelleher is joined by Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan to look ahead to England’s massive opening clash in the Nations Championship at Ellis Park. The panel debates whether Steve Borthwick's side can pull off a monumental upset on South African soil. Is this team stronger than anything they selected in the 6 Nations? How will Henry Pollock perform as he faces the Springboks for the first time? And, how will England play, following their dismal 6 Nations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Does rugby need the Nations Championship? 29.06.2026 52min

  The inaugural Nations Championship starts this weekend but does rugby need it? Do fans even know or care what it is?Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan are in South Africa ahead of England's match in Johannesburg on Saturday. They ask whether the re-vamped format will be successful or if it will struggle to breakthrough during a busy summer of sport.Could it be a good thing long term? Or is it an unnecessary innovation?They also look ahead to the opening weekend of fixtures and discuss the incredibly strong Springboks team named on Monday morning by Rassie Erasmus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs in compelling final 20.06.2026 38min

  Northampton Saints are the champions of England!They beat Exeter Chiefs 26-17 in the final to be crowned champions for the second time in three years.Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan look back on the match and ask what does it mean for Northampton? Does this cement them as the latest dynasty in English rugby?Will Exeter be able to bounce back from this defeat? And, why is it that the Prem final always delivers such a great occasion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can Exeter upset Saints to win the Prem? 18.06.2026 42min

  Northampton Saints will play Exeter Chiefs in the Prem final on Saturday.Alfie and Will are at Sandy Park in Devon as they look ahead to the match and chat to Exeter's Director of Rugby Rob Baxter and winger Olly Woodburn.They discuss whether Northampton Saints will win a second title in three years or whether Exeter are about to finish a remarkable run to the title.Baxter chats about his pride in getting the club back to the final and what they have learnt from their previous trips to Twickenham. Whilst Olly Woodburn discusses last minute drop goals and celebratory ski goggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Prem semi-final drama! Why didn't Bath kick a drop goal? 14.06.2026 50min

  Northampton will face Exeter in the Prem final!Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on the semi-final weekend which produced two excellent matches as Northampton beat rivals Leicester and Exeter produced a comeback to win away against Bath.Despite all their success under Rob Baxter, was this one of Exeter's great days? They became only the 7th team in Prem history to win away from home in a semi-final.Have they played their final already? Or can they produce another remarkable result?Northampton will look to cement themselves as the dominant side in England when they make the trip to Twickenham next weekend. How impressive is it for them to be back in the final again?Plus, could Maro Itoje really miss England's matches this summer?***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Are these the most evenly matched Prem semi-finals ever? 08.06.2026 47min

  The Prem rugby semi-final line-up is confirmed: Northampton hosts rivals Leicester and Bath play Exeter.Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan preview the semi-finals and ask is this the hardest season to predict who will make the final?Could an away side get a rare victory? They also discuss the teams near the bottom of the league. Who had the most disappointing campaign? And who has reasons to be optimistic?Plus, Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension to remain Ireland head coach until 2031. How big a blow is that to England and the RFU? And what does it say about the appeal of the England head coach job? ***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.