ESPN Scrum Reset

The Six Nations should thank Super Rugby

ESPN Scrum Reset

Show Notes

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran dive into the gripping conclusion to an extraordinary Six Nations, picking apart a classic France-England clash and reflecting on the tournament as a whole. They then look at England's woes and ponder whether Michael Cheika could be a shock candidate to replace Steve Borthwick, before shifting attention to Super Rugby Pacific Round 5; the Reds-Waratahs derby, the TMO controversy, the Brumbies' defeat in Fiji, and a dangerous tackle that should have seen red. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Oct 19, 2026

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran dive into Bledisloe II, won by the All Blacks 43-21. They lament the poor skill execution and decision-making from the Wallabies inside the first quarter, before marvelling at the All Blacks' first-half try-scoring blitz. They then turn their attention to Australia's defensive structure and attacking "DNA" and discuss whether a new game plan is required after a 13thr straight loss. They also discuss Mark Nawaqanitawase's international future, the Australia A tour, and the Wallaroos' big win over Scotland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 12, 2026

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran reflect on some misplaced optimism as they pick apart the All Blacks crushing victory in Bledisloe I. They look at where it went wrong for the Wallabies -- including one key moment after halftime -- how New Zealand turned their Springboks blueprint against them, and dominated the key fundamentals of rugby. They also lament the Test match's timing, look ahead to Game II in Sydney, and ponder what changes Australia can and should make. They also discuss Rob Valetini's hip-drop tackle, and why it went unsanctioned, before turning their attention to the stalled CBA negotiations and the Australia A squad named to tour the U.S.

Oct 6, 2026

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran preview Bledisloe I, including news that Len Ikitau is firming to take his place in the Wallabies backline, albeit in a rejigged midfield pairing. They ponder the Springboks' series win over New Zealand and what lessons Australia can take from it, and then discuss some of the key storylines including some All Blacks' absences, the return of Richie Mo'unga and Dave Rennie's first Bledisloe as New Zealand coach. They then mark the one-year countdown to Rugby World Cup 2027 and play a game of "Cup or Nup? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 2026

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down one of the most extraordinary Test matches ever seen, with Australia defeating South Africa 42-38. They analyse some sparkling Wallabies play, ponder the Springboks' much-changed lineup, but not before they tear shreds off the TMO shambles for which the game will be remembered. They also look ahead to the Bledisloe Cup, discuss the Wallaroos' win over Scotland, and then update the latest Super Rugby news after New Zealand's "Rugby summit".

Sep 22, 2026

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran discuss a seismic period for New Zealand and Australian rugby, as further reports emerge about a potential move away from Super Rugby by the Kiwis. They address the looming rugby summit in New Zealand, Australia's CBA negotiations and how the game in this part of the world could be shaped over the coming weeks. They also preview the Wallabies-Springboks clash, and review a wild Wallaroos-France game and the second round of Super Rugby Aus.

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