Springboks v All Blacks predictions + Wallabies v Japan, Bulls game & Argentina Tour!

The Wallabies finally gave fans a reason to feel upbeat, but the real exam is coming fast: Argentina away. After a strong Townsville finish against Japan, Rugby Unity asks what’s actually improved, and what will hold up when the hits get heavier.

David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down Australia’s second-half momentum shift, Carter Gordon’s control (and flawless kicking), plus the impact of Isaac Henry, Tupou, Charlie Cale and Lachlan Shaw. Then it’s on to Eddie Jones’ Japan and how tempo can mask a size disadvantage, before the focus swings to the “greatest rivalry” opener: All Blacks v Springboks at Ellis Park. Who starts at 10 for South Africa: Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard or Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu? And what did New Zealand show against the Bulls at Loftus? We also answer Third Voice questions on scrum parity, contestable kicks, rush defence, rigid pod structures, and rugby’s stop-start problem, plus a World Rugby referee guidance document now on the Rugby Unity Substack.

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In this episode:
00:00 🏉 Wallabies v Japan reaction with David Pembroke
01:05 🔥 Breakdown turnovers swing Wallabies momentum v Japan
02:10 💪 Tupou tries and Wallabies 10-metre attack efficiency
03:05 🎯 Carter Gordon at 10 praised by Steve Hansen
04:05 🧱 Isaac Henry impact at outside centre for Wallabies
05:05 🧠 Carter Gordon confidence, defence, and leadership talk
07:05 ⚡ Ryan Lonergan service at 9 helps Wallabies shape
08:05 🥅 Goal-kicking debate: Carter Gordon nine-from-nine
10:55 🎬 Dan Carter, Piri Weepu, and pressure goal-kicking stories
12:10 🪂 Charlie Cale lineout steals and Lachlan Shaw tackles
15:05 🇯🇵 Eddie Jones and Japan development for Pacific Nations Cup
17:10 🇦🇷 Wallabies to Argentina: Los Pumas physical challenge
22:10 🏟️ All Blacks v Bulls at Loftus, Ellis Park preview
26:10 🚀 Will Jordan, Roigard, and All Blacks selection options
30:05 🧑‍🏫 Graham Henry role and All Blacks squad management
43:55 🇿🇦 Springboks selection: Libbok, Pollard, Mngomezulu at 10
53:05 📄 World Rugby referee guidance document on Substack
56:05 🧱 Third Voice: scrum, kicks, rush defence v Springboks
59:05 🧩 Rigid pod structures, Japan, and playing “free ball”
01:01:05 ⏱️ Bench size debate and rugby’s stop-start tempo
01:06:05 💰 NRL Pacific funding, talent drain, and rugby pathways
01:19:05 🌍 USA win, Portugal Super 15, and women’s Tests

Call to action:
📌 Who wins the Ellis Park Test, and which Springboks flyhalf should start at 10?

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