Home Discover Scores Watch Listen

Sign In

Loading episode…

Spot Sports

Everything worth following in sports

Content

Videos
Podcasts
Channels
Blog

Company

About
Support

Legal

Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Affiliate Disclosure
YouTube Terms

Spot Sports may earn a commission from links to streaming services and retailers. See our affiliate disclosure. Not affiliated with any league, team, or streaming service.

© 2026 Spot Sports. All rights reserved.

Episode 145: Franco Smith on Italy’s Evolution, Scotland Under Pressure and Top-Level Coaching | Lekker Rugby Pod

Rugby

Episode 145: Franco Smith on Italy’s Evolution, Scotland Under Pressure and Top-Level Coaching | Lekker Rugby Pod

The Lekker Rugby Pod!›

Feb 12, 202658:00

Next listen

Episode 216: Should Rassie's Perth Team Have Alarm Bells Ringing? | Brett McKay on Lekker

4 days ago40:37

Episode 215: "It's the Only Question": Charlie Morgan on How You Actually Beat the Boks | Lekker Rugby Pod

6 days ago39:16

Episode 214: Why The Springboks' Ageing Squad Isn't A Crisis | Jon Cardinelli

Sep 16, 202652:32

All from The Lekker Rugby Pod!→

Episode context

Listen

Keep going with The Lekker Rugby Pod!.

Listen here or keep browsing the show and related sport coverage from here.

The Lekker Rugby Pod! show Rugby podcasts

Mentioned in this episode

SScotland IItaly

Episode Notes

Franco Smith has coached Italy in the Six Nations and now leads Glasgow in the URC. In this episode he explains what has changed in Italy’s structure, why Scotland enter the Calcutta Cup under pressure, and how coaches analyse games beyond surface reaction.We go into tight-five development, lineout mechanics, aerial contest adjustments, kick-chase organisation and the difference between club preparation and Test-week execution. This is a detailed look at how elite rugby is built, how small margins shape outcomes, and how scoreboard pressure forces tactical decisions at the top level.

Next listen

All from The Lekker Rugby Pod! →

Episode 216: Should Rassie's Perth Team Have Alarm Bells Ringing? | Brett McKay on Lekker

Next listen

Episode 216: Should Rassie's Perth Team Have Alarm Bells Ringing? | Brett McKay on Lekker

4 days ago40:37

Related Podcasts

Rugby Union Weekly

BBC Radio 5 Live

The Rugby Pod

The Ringer

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

Platform Media

For The Love Of Rugby

Crowd Network

Kick Offs and Kick Ons

SHTN Enterprises

Listen guide

How do I listen to this episode of The Lekker Rugby Pod!?

"Episode 145: Franco Smith on Italy’s Evolution, Scotland Under Pressure and Top-Level Coaching | Lekker Rugby Pod" is an episode of The Lekker Rugby Pod!. Runtime 58 min. Published February 12, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.

Step by step

Open Spot Sports. Get the free Spot Sports app for background play, lock-screen controls, and offline downloads.
Or stream right here. Tap play on the episode card above. No app needed.
Browse the full podcast. Jump to the The Lekker Rugby Pod! page for the rest of the catalog.
Or subscribe in any podcast app. The Lekker Rugby Pod! ships on a standard RSS feed, so Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts all work too.

Quick FAQ

When was this episode published?: February 12, 2026.
How long is this episode?: 58 min.
What podcast is this from?: The Lekker Rugby Pod!. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
What does this episode cover?: The Lekker Rugby Pod! covers rugby. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.

Sources

Get the Spot Sports app
Episode 145: Franco Smith on Italy’s Evolution, Scotland Under Pressure and Top-Level Coaching | Lekker Rugby Pod
The Lekker Rugby Pod!