Men’s Six Nations: France vs Ireland recap + Rugby World Cup 2027 Fixtures

France 36 Ireland 14 in Paris: Les Bleus delivered a first half masterclass and the Six Nations explodes into life.
Can Ireland recover, will lineout law trends and new TMO limits reshape the tournament, and what does France’s depth mean for Eddie Jones as he prepares Japan for Rugby World Cup 2027?

David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack the big talking points: contestable kicks, the contested lineout debate, Super Rugby law trials including TMO changes and the 50 22, Top 14 selection depth, plus assessments of England under Steve Borthwick, Wales and Italy, and Eddie’s reaction to Japan’s RWC 2027 draw with Samoa in Newcastle, France in Brisbane and the USA in Adelaide.

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In this episode:
00:00 🇫🇷 France Dominate Ireland: First Reactions
02:00 🎯 Contestable Kicks, Flow & French Momentum
04:00 🧠 Tactical Trends: Lineouts, Forwards & Width
06:00 🚨 Is the Lineout Still a Contest?
08:00 📊 France’s Depth, Top 14 Pathway & Selection
11:00 🇮🇪 Ireland’s Challenges: Youth, Injuries & Transition
14:00 🏴 Six Nations Snapshot: Italy & Scotland
16:00 🏴 England vs Wales: Settled vs Rebuilding
19:00 🔄 Bench Impact, Front Row Depth & Game Finish
21:00 📜 Law Trials, TMO Changes & Game Flow
24:00 🌏 RWC 2027 Draw: Romance vs Revenue
28:00 ✈️ Travel, Turnarounds & Lost Local Connection
33:00 🗣️ Third Voice: Fan Reactions & Debate
41:00 🏉 Welsh Rugby: Governance, Identity & Decline
52:00 👋 Weekend Ahead & Closing Reflections

📌 Who will rise to the challenge in the Six Nations — England or Wales? Share your prediction below!

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