World Rugby’s attacking trend, Greatest Rivalry selections + Wallabies Les Kiss era begins!

All Blacks v Springboks is almost here, and this series has everything: four Tests, two top squads, and two styles about to collide at full force.

David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie unpack what the Nations Championship has already changed, why attacking rugby is getting rewarded, and what still wins in the red zone. Then it’s Wallabies v Japan under new coach Les Kiss, the realities of selection and pathways in Australian Super Rugby, and listener questions on Jordie Barrett at 12, Tupaea at 13, and why Brodie Retallick isn’t in the All Blacks mix. Plus: Eddie Jones’ early call on how the series might finish.

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In this episode:
00:00 🧭 David Pembroke apologies and Ryan Fox correction
01:33 🏌️ Steve Hansen on Ryan Fox grit and support
04:58 🗓️ Ewen McKenzie on Nations Championship purpose and pause
07:12 🔥 Steve Hansen: fans finally have something to chase
08:58 📊 David Pembroke stats: tries up, penalties down, attack rewarded
11:33 🏉 All Blacks, Japan and France using ball more
15:10 🧮 Ewen McKenzie: possession points, 22 entries, camping in zone
18:28 🦵 Contestable kicks: South Africa value and 50% regain
21:25 🧱 Maul returns: winning teams using it more
23:20 🧑‍⚖️ Refereeing and reducing TMO involvement for flow
24:55 🎯 Lineout defence debate: straight throws and real contest
29:40 🧾 Tables: Nations Championship and Nations Cup standings
33:20 🇦🇺 Les Kiss era: collaborative, width, harmony for Wallabies
38:15 🧠 Steve Hansen on non-negotiables and alignment for Les Kiss
41:20 🧑‍💼 Wallabies assistants: Scott MacLeod, Tom Donnelly, Jonny Fisher
44:35 🇯🇵 Japan v Australia: rankings, danger game, Osaka and Townsville
49:25 💬 Third Voice Qs: Super Rugby teams, pathways, overseas pull
58:10 🧱 Brodie Retallick eligibility and messaging for All Blacks depth
01:05:10 🦌 All Blacks v Springboks squads, cohesion, and 2–2 predictions

Call to action:
📌 Will All Blacks flair beat Springboks power across four Tests, or does it finish 2–2?

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