In this episode, we break down a massive weekend of Super Rugby filled with upsets, tactical shifts, and standout performances.

We dive into the Chiefs knocking off the Hurricanes in a top-of-the-table clash, including where the game turned tactically and how Wallace Sititi made a huge statement on return from injury. We also get into the All Blacks back row debate and where Sititi fits in a stacked field.

Plus, we cover the Fijian Drua’s impressive away win, the Western Force upsetting the Crusaders (and the rise of Zach Lomax), and a Waratahs side starting to build momentum at the right time.

We also kick things off with a special segment from Japan, sharing the experience of attending Black Rams vs Honda Heat in Tokyo and why rugby truly feels like a global community no matter where you are.

Chapters:

• Japan rugby experience 🇯🇵

• Chiefs vs Hurricanes analysis

• Wallace Sititi & All Blacks selection talk

• Fijian Drua away win

• Force vs Crusaders upset

• Waratahs form check

If you’re into rugby analysis, Super Rugby breakdowns, and global rugby stories, this one’s for you.

Dave Rennie’s All Blacks era begins, and we’re diving straight into the deep end.In this episode of The Bonus Point (recorded live at Three Weavers Brewing Company in Inglewood CA), Tj is joined by Alfonso Horomia (Pig Athletic - Rugby Heads Podcast) to break down one of the biggest coaching storylines in New Zealand rugby: Dave Rennie replacing Scott “Razor” Robertson as All Blacks head coach. We unpack how Robertson’s tenure unraveled, what Rennie’s Māori and Cook Islands background and coaching journey (Chiefs, Wallabies, Glasgow, Kobe) bring back to the black jersey, and why current and former players are so bullish on his ability to rebuild culture, clarity and edge. We also look ahead to the brutal “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour of South Africa and ask what a long, old-school tour against the Springboks could do for this new-look All Blacks side.In the second half, we shift into Super Rugby Pacific mode. After four rounds, we talk through who’s actually setting the pace: the Brumbies’ consistency, the Chiefs’ attacking fireworks, the Hurricanes’ statement win, and what Beauden Barrett’s return means for the Blues. We pick out early-season standouts, surprise performers, and a few red flags for the traditional powerhouses.To finish, we hit our Bonus Point segment with some fast-paced, rugby-themed questions and predictions to tie everything together—Rennie, the Boks tour, and the Super Rugby race.

Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 delivered upsets galore—Highlanders shock Crusaders, Moana Pasifika conquer Drua in Lautoka, Chiefs steal one at Eden Park, plus big Aussie wins. We break down the key moments, a new segment "3, 2, 1's" for standout players, my Round 2 fantasy squad and tipping for round 2. Don't miss it! #SuperRugbyPacific