Rugby Rivals - Sir John Kirwan & Victor Matfield

Dave Rennie is the new All Blacks head coach — and the rugby world is reacting.
On this episode of Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan (All Blacks legend) and Victor Matfield (Springboks legend) give their immediate reaction to the appointment of Dave Rennie as the next All Blacks coach.

What does Rennie bring to the role? How will his coaching style shape the next era of the All Blacks? And what challenges will he face leading one of the most scrutinised teams in world sport?

JK and Victor break down Rennie’s track record, what his appointment means for New Zealand rugby, and how the rest of the rugby world — especially South Africa — will be viewing the decision.

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Ireland go to Twickenham… and suddenly everything changes.
Just weeks after talk of “crisis,” Ireland deliver a world-class performance against England. So, are they back on top of the world? Or was it just one emotional afternoon?

This week on Rugby Rivals:

Ireland’s statement win at Twickenham - turning point or overreaction?

The promotion and relegation debate — should the Six Nations introduce jeopardy?

Henry Pollock: impact weapon or future starter?

Italy’s rise - best scrum in the Six Nations?

All Blacks coaching update... what’s really happening behind the scenes?

And finally… are South Africa still the best team in the world?

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Was this just a loss — or a reality check?

Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan dissect a Six Nations weekend that sent shockwaves through the tournament:

Scotland overpower England.
France look unstoppable.
Ireland bounce back.
Super Rugby begins.
JK admits he misses South Africa from Super Rugby.

Are England regressing?
Is France already in a different tier?
And what does this mean heading toward the business end of the tournament?

Rugby Rivals is BACK - with a recap for all the Six Nations action over the weekend. Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield, Andrew Trimble and producer Ric Salizzo break down all the biggest stories - and ask the question... Is this the end of Ireland’s golden era? Are France the best team in the world right now? England’s huge statement win after crushing Wales Italy’s rise continues with an upset 18–15 victory over Scotland . A massive opening round of the Six Nations - and the tournament already feels wide open.

In this special episode of Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor break down the shock decision to move on from Scott “Razor” Robertson as All Blacks coach - what went wrong, whether it was inevitable, and what it says about the pressure of leading New Zealand rugby. They discuss who’s next in line for the All Blacks job, whether Tony Brown could be tempted away from the Springboks setup, and the other international coaches who could be in line for a call up. We cast an eye ahead to the Six Nations and preview the All Blacks vs Springboks tour at the end of the year, and Victor's got a bold take... Get closer to the show and have your voice heard in our private community, The Rivals Rugby Club - join here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17nhQTangN/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.