Afleveringen
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The European Champions Cup quarter-finals have delivered a stark verdict on the current balance of power in northern hemisphere rugby. Leinster continue their relentless march through the tournament, securing their second consecutive knockout match without conceding a single point. Their systematic dismantling of Glasgow Warriors demonstrated why they remain overwhelming favorites, combining Jacques Nienaber's defensive masterclass with explosive attacking talent.
Young Henry Pollock stole the spotlight in Northampton's impressive victory over Castres – not just with his performance, but with a showboating try celebration that sparked debate across rugby circles. His emergence symbolizes a new generation bringing much-needed personality to the sport, with Northampton now facing the daunting task of a semi-final against Leinster.
The all-French quarter-final between Toulouse and Toulon provided the weekend's only genuinely close contest, while Bordeaux's explosive backline proved too much for a battling Munster. The semi-final matchups now present intriguing tactical battles – can Northampton's free-flowing style upset Leinster's machine-like efficiency? Will Bordeaux's inconsistency cost them against the European pedigree of Toulouse?
Meanwhile, the Women's Six Nations reveals encouraging signs as Ireland, Wales, Italy and Scotland close the gap with England and France in terms of first-team quality, though bench strength remains the defining difference. Italy's surprise victory over Scotland creates an unexpected battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Join us as we dissect these fascinating contests, debate selection dilemmas, and explore what makes Ben Tamifuna the perfect pantomime villain that rugby needs. Whether you're following club or international rugby, this episode captures the current pulse of the northern hemisphere game. -
Has the Champions Cup lost its magic? When 62-0 and 72-42 scorelines dominate the round of 16, something fundamental has changed in European rugby's premier club competition. We dive deep into why the current format is failing fans and teams alike.
The evidence is damning - what was once an elite competition now feels diluted and predictable. We examine why English clubs are struggling so badly against their continental counterparts, looking beyond the obvious salary cap limitations to squad depth issues and scheduling challenges. While Northampton Saints provide a glimmer of hope for Premiership representation, the gulf between the top seeds and everyone else raises serious questions about the competition's future.
Could returning to the original Heineken Cup format save European rugby? Fewer teams, traditional pool stages, and direct progression to quarter-finals might restore what's been lost. We debate whether Leinster are destined to finally claim the trophy this year or if Toulouse, Bordeaux, or Toulon might have something to say about it.
For those seeking more competitive rugby, we preview this weekend's Women's Six Nations fixtures, highlighting Ireland vs England as the must-watch clash where genuine jeopardy exists. Plus, we celebrate Joel Merkler, the 23-year-old Spanish prop who looks nothing like you'd expect, and examine what's gone wrong for Harlequins and Marcus Smith this season.
Join us for a passionate, unfiltered look at the state of rugby across Europe and beyond. Get in touch via our social channels or email - we'd love to hear your thoughts on how to restore elite European club competition to its former glory. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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This weeks podcast features Dave & Rory discussing;
Gallagher Premiership Round 13 ResultsThe vacuum of information around the future of Tier 2 rugby and the ominous position for Newcastle FalconsThe strength of the Bath squad and their increasing Title chancesRory once again gushes over another glorious Gloucester performanceAn interview with Karl White (ManvFAT Rugby Lead) around the Man v Fat Rugby programmeA summary of the Womens Six Nations and how it is all going by the book so far...The latest instalment from the DPRFRA probing Q&A section where Dave & Rory discuss the run in for the teams in contention for the premiership and how Premiership Rugby may miss an open goal marketing opportunity for the gameIf you feel inspired to join ManvFat Rugby after listening to this podcast. Please use our referral code MVFRUCKS to get £5 off of your registration fee.
Dont forget to follow us on our social media accounts on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube. You can also contact us directly at [email protected]
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Rugby's return after the Six Nations brings fresh energy to the Premiership as title races intensify and new storylines emerge across both men's and women's competitions.
The weekend delivered a mixture of stunning try-fests and tactical chess matches that have dramatically reshaped the league table. Bath continue their dominance at the summit, now six points clear of Bristol in second, while just six points separate positions three through seven with six rounds remaining. Every match now carries playoff implications.
Leicester Tigers' emphatic 33-0 victory at Franklin's Gardens exposed a rusty Northampton Saints side that conceded an astonishing 29 turnovers. Sale Sharks, reinvigorated by George Ford's return, demonstrated championship credentials with a composed 39-15 win against Newcastle, while Harlequins stunned Saracens 23-12 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to Jamie Benson's game-changing introduction at fly-half.
The undoubted highlight came at Ashton Gate where Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs delivered 90 points of entertainment in a 52-38 thriller featuring six tries in the opening 15 minutes alone. Meanwhile, Bath's extraordinary squad depth proved decisive yet again as they overcame Gloucester 42-26 with Finn Russell orchestrating proceedings masterfully.
The Women's Six Nations also kicked off with France defeating a spirited Ireland 27-15, Scotland narrowly overcoming Wales 24-21, and England demonstrating their impressive depth in a 38-5 victory against Italy. Standout performers included Ireland's Aoife Wafer, Scotland's electric back three, and England's emerging talents Mia Venner and Emma Sing.
With European competition temporarily interrupting domestic action next weekend, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season. Will anyone catch Bath, or are they destined for their first Premiership title since 1996? Subscribe now to follow our analysis of rugby's most exciting storylines as they unfold! -
We break down the Six Nations tournament with detailed analysis of the key matches and standout performers from the thrilling final weekend.
• Italy showed incredible promise against Ireland despite injuries and a red card
• England produced a record-breaking performance at the Principality Stadium against Wales
• France seized the Six Nations crown after their convincing win over Scotland
• Our team of the tournament includes Menoncello, Curry, Dupont, and Freeman
• Premiership Rugby returns with exciting derby matchups this weekend
• Gloucester Hartbury claimed the PWR title with a comeback win against Saracens
• Two new inductees welcomed to the DPRFR – Neve Jones and Maud Muir
• Financial concerns continue with Newcastle Falcons requiring a £4m loan
Join us next week as we dive into the Women's Six Nations and return of Premiership Rugby! -
The drama of Six Nations Round 4 unfolded with breathtaking twists that have completely reshaped the tournament narrative and set up what promises to be an unforgettable Super Saturday finale.
England's evolution under Borthwick continued with a convincing 47-24 victory over Italy, showcasing a more fluid attacking approach with forwards willingly moving the ball and backs finding space. Fraser Dingwall established himself as England's midfield conductor while questions remain about Marcus Smith's long-term future at fullback despite his attacking contributions. The performance provided genuine optimism for England supporters, yet revealed concerning defensive patterns for an Italian side that seems to have regressed as the tournament has progressed.
Scotland's rollercoaster 35-29 victory over Wales perfectly encapsulated the Jekyll and Hyde nature of modern test rugby. From Scotland's first-half dominance to Wales' remarkable second-half resurgence sparked by Jared Evans and a revitalized forward pack, the contest delivered moments of brilliance interspersed with controversy—particularly around Blair Murray's disallowed try for jumping into contact, sparking debate about refereeing consistency and rugby's sometimes confusing application of laws.
The weekend's defining moment came in Dublin, where France produced a tactical masterclass to dismantle Ireland 42-27 in their own backyard. Deploying their "seven-one" bench split to devastating effect, the French overwhelmed Ireland physically and tactically while playing a brand of rugby so fluid that Oscar Jegou slotted seamlessly at center for 35 minutes without anyone noticing. The victory came at a cost with Antoine Dupont's knee injury casting a shadow over the performance, but firmly established France as the team to beat heading into the final weekend.
With three teams still in championship contention, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. Will England overcome Wales at a hostile Principality Stadium? Can France complete their resurgence against Scotland? Or might Ireland produce a statement performance against Italy and hope results go their way? Join us next week as we unpack all the drama from what promises to be an electric Super Saturday. -
Join us for a lively discussion about rugby where we cover everything from personal anecdotes, serious gameplay analysis, to the controversies that stir the rugby community. This episode captures the essence of our love for the sport, beginning with our signature mundane banter. We touch on the latest happenings and share our weekly highlights as we delve into the Power Women’s Rugby (PWR) semi-finals, discussing the potential for influencing the future of women's rugby.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as we explore the complexities surrounding the Premiership Rugby Cup and the exclusion of championship clubs. Together, we contemplate the far-reaching implications of this decision for the rugby landscape. We look ahead to the electrifying Six Nations matches, make predictions, and even go into detail about individual player performances that have caught our attention.
As we celebrate the spirit of rugby through the DPRFR segment, our hearts are warmed by stories that ensure even as the sport evolves, its values remain steadfast. Tune in and embrace the thrill of each episode – we promise engaging discussions that both entertain and provoke thought. Don't forget to engage with us! Share your feedback and be part of our rugby-loving community! -
The latest episode of our podcast takes a deep dive into the ongoing Six Nations Championship, where the fierce clash between historic rivals is heating up. England's narrow victory against Scotland ignites enthusiasm as the team grapples with shifting perceptions of style versus substance. A spirited performance from Wales against a strong Irish side showcases their resurgence and potential growth, bringing hope to fans who have long awaited a revival. Meanwhile, Italian struggles continue, but the good performances remain in sight as they face a dominant French team.
In this episode, we explore critical moments from each match and the narratives surrounding pivotal players. We also discuss younger talents having their moments to shine, including insights from the latest England A match. Engaging conversations on player development alongside potential frameworks for lower-tier competitions add an extra layer to our thought-provoking dialogue.
Join us for compelling insights, fresh analyses, and the testimony of rugby’s evolving landscape. This episode serves not only as a recap of thrilling games but also as an exploration of what the future holds. Be part of our journey—engage, share, and support us for the upcoming matches! -
This week on Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls the boys use the fallow week in the Six Nations to discuss some of the talking points in English Rugby regarding the future of the game. They discuss the growth of the PWR, the Premiership Rugby Cup, The Under 18's Academy Finals Day as well as discussing the future of the Premiership and the reported second tier of Premiership Rugby. We also see the return of Name Pending with our first guest competitor and as always, an address from El Presidente of the DPRFR.
Please do look for us on our social media sites on Instagram and TikTok. We also have a Discord Server you can join to talk with a community of Rugby fans and as always you can contact us at [email protected]
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This week the Rucks, Mauls and Oval Balls lads have a deep dive in to this weeks Six Nations fixtures. They asses the England performance against France, really delve in to the impact of Warren Gatland leaving his post as Wales Head Coach & discuss the power of Ireland and growing selection headaches for Scotland. We also get the latest address from El Presidente of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Front Rows and the boys answer their first ever question regarding Minestrone Soup.
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In this weeks episode, the Rucks, Mauls and Oval Balls boys get straight into the Six Nations action. They analyse and discuss the fixtures over the week. There is also the latest from the DPRFR as well as a brief look at how the U20 Six Nations started. Filled with the usual insight, rugby intellect and nonsense as usual! Any questions for the podcast email: [email protected]
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This week, The Rucks, Mauls and Oval Balls chaps take on Round 11 of the Gallagher Premiership. Rory proposes his plan for fixing Newcastle Falcons. A new game is debuted 'Name Pending', a lookahead to Ireland vs England in the Six Nations, the latest from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Front Rows, a nod to the U20 Six Nations as well as a few questions and answers. This is a jam packed episode you really don't want to miss.
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In this weeks bumper episode, the RMOB boys discuss a very busy week of rugby. Six Nations, Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby all needed to be discussed as well as the latest from the RFU and the DPRFR (Democratic Peoples Republic of Front Rows). RMOB also hosts their first ever guest interview with George Coote (Head of S&C at Stowe School and Stowe Performance) who has been coaching Henry Pollock from U13 age group and gave an insight in to the making of Henry Pollock.
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In episode 2 of the debut podcast of Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls, Dave and Rory discuss the fixtures in the 3rd round of the European Champions Cup and how that tournament is shaping up. They also then tackle the Six Nations Squad announced by Steve Borthwick for England in the upcoming tournament. This is followed by a Q&A section. Any questions for the host, email [email protected] or search them up on social media.
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In the first ever episode of the Rucks, Mauls and Oval Balls podcast. Dave and Rory run through Round 10 of the Gallagher Premiership, the first ever review of stats and vibes in rugby side by side. Play a stat based game as well as reviewing the upcoming European fixtures.
