Share
))
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
…
continue reading
Manage episode 517785549 series 3653499
Content provided by Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls and Oval Balls. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls and Oval Balls or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
England put on a clinic. We break down how a sharp kicking plan, relentless two‑man tackles, and a late “Pom Squad” surge turned Australia’s momentum to dust, with Alex Mitchell’s box kicking and Tom Roebuck’s aerial work setting the tone. We get into the selection debates too: Tommy Freeman’s smart decision‑making at 13, a three‑way race at 10, and why Freddie Steward’s tough takes under targeted kicks deserved more credit than criticism.
Then we head to Chicago, where Ireland and New Zealand promised fireworks but delivered a stop‑start showcase marred by Tadhg Beirne’s early red card and endless delays. We talk undercooked stars, how central contract protection can overshoot, and why the All Blacks’ clearest path is to lean into power with Clarke, Fainga’anuku, and a bruising back row. There are bright spots for Ireland—Crowley’s control, Gibson‑Park’s tempo, Baird’s range—but rhythm takes minutes, not theory.
Zooming out, we challenge the idea of exporting Six Nations games to the USA. Chasing headlines won’t build roots. If rugby wants American growth, it needs coaching in schools, scholarships in second‑tier colleges, and a real bridge from campus to MLR. In the meantime, stronger bets lie in South America, Europe’s next tier, Africa, and Asia, where interest is already real. We also air frustrations with the Premiership Rugby Cup’s invisibility and salute the PWR’s fast start, with Gloucester‑Hartpury composed, Saracens ruthless, and Bristol blazing.
We wrap with fearless predictions for Ireland–Japan, Scotland–New Zealand, England–Fiji, Italy–Australia, France–South Africa, and Wales–Argentina, plus our plan to be at the England A vs New Zealand XV game in Bath. Enjoyed the show? Follow, share with a rugby friend, and leave a quick review—what would you change for England against Fiji?
🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast!
📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates:
- Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs
- Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby
- TikTok: @rmob_rugby
- YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast
📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form?
Email us at: [email protected]
Chapters
1. Banter, Grassroots Wins, Silverware (00:00:00)
2. Plan For The Show And Key Topics (00:06:30)
3. Six Nations In The USA Debate (00:06:59)
4. England A Squad And The Bath Trip (00:13:20)
5. England vs Australia: First Impressions (00:16:30)
6. Kicking, Defence, And Roebuck’s Aerial Edge (00:22:00)
7. Freeman At 13 And Selection Battles (00:27:00)
8. The Pom Squad Bench Impact (00:31:30)
9. Ford, Stewart, And The 10 Shirt Debate (00:36:00)
10. Australia’s Bright Spots And Issues (00:41:00)
11. Ireland vs New Zealand: Scrappy And Stop-Start (00:45:10)
12. The Tadhg Beirne Red Card Furore (00:49:30)
13. Under‑Cooked Ireland And Central Contracts (00:54:30)
14. All Blacks’ Power Picks And Adjustments (00:59:20)
15. Scotland–USA And South Africa–Japan Blowouts (01:03:40)
16. Why US Rugby Keeps Struggling (01:08:00)
17. Autumn Predictions Across The Card (01:15:00)
42 episodes
