Two massive clashes. Four powerhouse teams.

The Rugby Championship 2025 explodes into action with Wallabies v Springboks at Ellis Park and All Blacks v Argentina in Córdoba. David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones bring sharp analysis, bold predictions and behind-the-scenes insight ahead of Round 1.

This week, your co-hosts cover:

• James O’Connor’s shock recall at fly-half — and what it means for the Wallabies
• Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok selections and the tactics to break down Australia
• Playing at altitude in Johannesburg — how it changes the game
• Referee Ben O’Keefe, the TMO and the discipline factor
• Scrum power, aerial battles and the impact of the bench
• Missed opportunities to promote the Rugby Championship to a global audience
• Predictions for Wallabies v Springboks and All Blacks v Argentina

Who’s your pick for Round 1 — Wallabies, Springboks, All Blacks or Argentina?

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They’ve named their team early. They’re brimming with confidence. And they’ve got Rassie Erasmus pulling the strings.

Host David Pembroke is joined by former Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie to remember his earliest experiences in South Africa before breaking down the South Africa team selection and what it means for the Wallabies’ chances at altitude.

Ewen takes us inside the Springboks’ mindset from why Rassie named his team on Monday to the subtle shifts in the makeup of their forward pack. He explains why Malcolm Marx starting changes the contest, what the Kolisi-at-eight call says about Rassie’s approach, and how the ‘Bomb Squad’ can still detonate with a 5–3 bench split.

We go deep on the match-ups – from Skelton vs Etzebeth, to the defensive steel of Jesse Kriel, to the threat of Grant Williams’ pace around the ruck. Ewen outlines how South Africa might try to run Australia’s big men ragged, and why discipline and post-tackle metres will decide the physical battle.

Beyond Saturday night, the conversation shifts to the women’s game. With the Rugby World Cup in England on the horizon, David and Ewen explore how to capture momentum, build sustainable growth, and make the 15-a-side game a true global force.

It’s honest. It’s global. And it’s for fans who want more than the headlines.

So… can the Wallabies land the first blow – or will Ellis Park stay a fortress?

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

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On the eve of the Rugby Championship, host David Pembroke is joined by former Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie and coaching veteran Eddie Jones for a broad discussion about the challenges of high performance and on field battles ahead.

From the high-speed precision of Formula One pit crews to the brutal grind of Ellis Park, they unpack what “alignment” means in elite sport – and why it’s so hard to achieve. Ewen relives the home-and-away mindset in French rugby, Eddie compares cultural quirks from Japan to South Africa, and both share what it takes to win in the most hostile Rugby stadium on earth.

The focus sharpens on the Wallabies’ trip to Johannesburg. Selection gambles. Set-piece warfare. The Springboks’ predictable-yet-devastating blueprint. Can Australia’s big men – Skelton, Tupou, Valetini – go the distance? And will referee sensitivities to social media change the way the contest is called?

The conversation ranges across the rugby globe:

· The All Blacks’ challenge in Córdoba against an unpredictable Argentina.

· The fight to restore Welsh rugby’s pride and the Scarlets’ bold new backers.

· The looming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, and the gulf in investment between northern and southern hemispheres.

It’s insight, history, tactics, and hard truths – from three men who’ve been there and done it at the highest level.

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

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What does it take to coach a team to the brink of a Rugby World Cup final? How do you spot a future Wallaby in club footy? And what happens now that the Giteau Law is gone?

In this special ‘You Ask, We Answer’ edition of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke is joined by Ewen McKenzie to tackle your questions. With Eddie off visiting the Haas F1 team in Japan, nothing is off-limits as they dive into the past, present, and future of the game.

From coaching alongside Eddie Jones and Rod Macqueen to the end of the Giteau Law, Ewen shares sharp insights on Super Rugby, overseas selection, Argentina’s rise, and the All Blacks’ coaching shift. He also reflects on standout players like Stephen Larkham and George Smith, how to spot hidden talent, and why the middle of the squad often makes the biggest difference.

Also in this episode:

• Coaching creative talents like Quade Cooper — without killing their flair
• Could Tom Wright become a No.10?
• Does Australia have the depth to match top-tier nations?
• The case for bringing back old-school rugby tours
• What makes a great assistant coach — and how that job really works
• Can the Springboks finally break New Zealand’s Eden Park streak?
• The unsung heroes of championship teams — and why they matter
• Ewen’s proudest rugby memories, from club footy to the world stage

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

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As the dust settles on the British & Irish Lions Tour, David Pembroke and Ben Alexander unpack what it all meant — for the Wallabies, for Australian rugby, and for the global game.

From the financial windfall and unforgettable second Test to missed opportunities and selection regrets, they reflect on what could’ve been and what must come next. They also debate whether the Lions should tour France, how Australia can better support the fan experience, and why the Lions Tour remains a critical piece of rugby’s future.

The conversation shifts to the Wallabies’ upcoming tests against South Africa, including what it’s like to play at altitude and why the Springboks are more dangerous than ever. Plus, they preview Argentina vs. the All Blacks and look ahead to a landmark Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Also in this episode:

• Stadium logistics, fan culture, and the nighttime economy
• Rassie Erasmus’s influence and South Africa’s rising stars
• Why the future of rugby depends on investing in the women’s game
• John Eales and the Rugby Future Fund
• Retirements, shoutouts, and your chance to get involved in our next show

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

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Thanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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After a hard-fought third Test, the Wallabies come away with the win – but is this the start of something bigger or just a brief high?

In this episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack the Wallabies’ victory over the British & Irish Lions and explore what it means for the future of Australian rugby.

They break down the key performances from Skelton, McReight, Hooper and more, and discuss how tactical discipline and selection finally paid off. But the conversation quickly widens — touching on overseas eligibility, the loss of young talent, and the need for clearer national pathways.

Eddie offers insights into the South African system, Ewen shares how his views on overseas selection are shifting, and David pitches a bold idea for rugby’s future in the US involving the NFL and flag football.

Also in this episode:

• What really made the difference in the third Test
• The challenge of playing South Africa at altitude
• Why Aussie rugby is losing players too early
• Can the US be rugby’s next big frontier?

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

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Thanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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With a sold-out series decider looming in Sydney, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie. They break down the Wallabies’ selection shake-up, tactical tweaks, and the mental battle ahead.

The trio question whether Australia’s fitness is holding them back, debate the role of a national playing style, and dive deep into why skill development – particularly at 10 and 12 – could be the key to long-term success.

With the Lions looking to seal a historic 3–0 series win, the trio examine how Andy Farrell has managed his squad, and what’s driving their on-field cohesion and off-field culture.

Also in this episode:

• What does the Wallabies’ revolving selection say to players?
• Are we fit enough – and if not, who’s to blame?
• The importance of skill over power in Australia’s DNA
• Why cohesion and clarity are setting the Lions apart
• What the Wallabies must do to stay in the fight

And—David has big news. Stay tuned until the end to find out.

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

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Thanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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After an emotional second Test at the MCG, David Pembroke is joined by former Wallaby Ben Alexander to unpack a match full of heart, controversy and missed opportunities.

They relive the electrifying moment Tom Wright crossed the line, debate the legality of Jack Morgan’s clean-out, and question where it all went wrong after a dominant opening 30 minutes.

With the third Test in Sydney looming, the pair discuss how the Wallabies can bounce back – and whether they will. Plus, they take a step back to look at the future of Australian rugby: from squad depth and selection headaches to the road toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Also in this episode:

• The fan experience that’s missing in Aussie rugby
• How to fix the disconnect between players and supporters
• Why women’s rugby might lead the way on culture and connection
• World Rugby’s global mission with “Pass It Back”

Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, tour guides, 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

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Thanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.