Show Notes
In this episode of Inside Line, Michael Atkinson (Stan Sport) and Iain Payten (SMH) dive deep into the "geopolitics" of global rugby following explosive reports from the Northern Hemisphere. The boys peel back the layers on rumors that Australia and New Zealand are conspiring to "depower" the scrum, exploring why nations like South Africa and France are so quick to believe the Aussies are out to turn Union into League. The discussion shifts from boardroom battles to the latest scandals and safety trials: The Springbok Cloud: Digging into the UK Telegraph’s report on the six-fold decrease in drug testing in South Africa and what it means for their recent World Cup triumphs.
The Ben Donaldson HIA: A look at the new pre-game concussion protocols that saw the Force fly-half pulled just minutes before kickoff due to a "mouthguard ping."
The Zach Lomax Lockdown: With the NRL courts ruling that Lomax can't play for a rival until 2028, could a move to the Brumbies or the Force be back on the table? Payto breaks down the "price point" reality of luring League stars to Union.
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More from Inside Line
In case the Trans-Tasman torment on the field wasn’t enough, we dive into a post mortem of another Bledisloe defeat for the Wallabies. Plus - who will make the Wallabies Nations championship squad and say farewell to a legend in Gold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Atko and Payto discuss the return to rugby union for superstar winger, Mark Nawaqanitawase and his future with the Wallabies. Also on the agenda: a festival of rugby, who’s who left out of the Aus A squad and a touching tribute by Rugby Australia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Payto and Atko return with news of a Suaalii positional switch, NZ Rugby looking at breakaway options and private investment circling the Waratahs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Boks and All Blacks blow ups and backlash; Wallabies changes; and we call Tom Decent about his golf game See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.