Springboks v All Blacks in Baltimore USA + WXV Launch

All Blacks v Springboks in Baltimore closes the Greatest Rivalry series, and World Rugby’s big USA push is on the line. The All Blacks have rolled the dice with major changes, while South Africa largely sticks, so what gives first: New Zealand’s new energy, or the Springboks’ control?

David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie unpack the selection calls, Richie Mo’unga’s return, and why lineout ball and maul defence could decide it. There’s also a sharp look at travel fatigue, Karl Dickson’s refereeing profile, and why the TMO influence is a hot topic. Then it’s onto the launch of WXV: England v Australia in Salford, Scotland v Canada, and France v New Zealand in Lyon, plus the WXV Challenger Series in Hong Kong and Pacific Nations Cup match-ups.

SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈

Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie & Eddie Jones anything! Fill out the form below 👇
tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? .substack.com/

In this episode:
00:00 🎙️ David Pembroke on World Rugby strategic plan weekend
01:05 🌎 All Blacks v Springboks Baltimore boosts USA rugby growth
02:16 🧠 Ewen McKenzie on converting World Rugby policy into action
03:08 🏟️ NFL Melbourne crowd and what rugby can learn
05:10 💷 Steve Hansen on sport, events, and economic impact
06:12 🇺🇸 Rugby World Cup 2031 host city demand across USA
07:06 🧩 All Blacks team changes vs Springboks preview
08:05 🔁 Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett, and All Blacks rotation logic
10:07 🧱 Ewen McKenzie on Carter, Moorby, and midfield experience
13:06 🟩 Rassie Erasmus sticks with Springboks selections
15:01 ✈️ Travel impact: 20 hours flying for both teams
15:52 📊 All Blacks lineout problems and set-piece quality
21:22 🪜 Maul defence debate: contesting Marx and sacking strategy
26:43 🔮 Predictions: Hansen and McKenzie tip All Blacks
27:23 🧑‍⚖️ Karl Dickson, TMO influence, and breakdown consistency
31:07 🏉 WXV launch: England v Australia, Scotland v Canada, France v NZ
36:32 🍁 Canada strengths, Sophie de Goede, and Scotland benchmark
41:39 🇫🇷 France v Black Ferns in Lyon and travel disadvantage
45:20 🌺 WXV Challenger Series Hong Kong and Pacific Nations Cup fixtures
47:12 ❓ Listener questions: referee coaching players in rugby
56:26 🎭 Cam Roigard diving act and stoppages slowing rugby
01:01:03 🏅 Hall of Fame news and Steve Borthwick contract extension
01:03:05 ✅ Wrap: Baltimore, WXV, Hong Kong, and global rugby weekend

📌 Will the All Blacks’ big selection changes beat the Springboks in Baltimore?

📩 Got a question? Email us: info@rugbyunity.com.au
🔔 !
📲 Follow us on socials → TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook & LinkedIn @RugbyUnityPodcast