Episodes

  • Is the Six Nations the Best Rugby Competition on the Planet?

    Is the Six Nations the Best Rugby Competition on the Planet?
    Mar 16 2026
    The Six Nations is done. And if you watched it, you'll know it was something special. JK, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble are back to break down what was one of the most compelling Six Nations in recent memory, and ask the question that's going to rile a few people in the southern hemisphere: is the Six Nations now the best rugby competition on the planet? Whether you're a diehard northern hemisphere fan or a Springbok supporter ready to fight back in the comments... this one's for you. Subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode!
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    35 mins
  • England and France need more South Africans ?!

    England and France need more South Africans ?!
    Mar 10 2026
    France and England were supposed to be the heavyweights of this year's Six Nations... so what on earth happened this weekend? Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield react to the shock results, break down what went wrong for two of Europe's biggest rugby nations, and give their take on what it means for the rest of the tournament. Subscribe to Rugby Rivals so you never miss an episode!
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    24 mins
  • JK & Victor REACT to Dave Rennie as New All Blacks Coach!

    JK & Victor REACT to Dave Rennie as New All Blacks Coach!
    Mar 4 2026
    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. Subscribe to Rugby Rivals for weekly insights into the biggest stories in rugby.
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    27 mins
  • Ireland back on top! Should Someone Be Relegated?!

    Ireland back on top! Should Someone Be Relegated?!
    Feb 24 2026
    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? Subscribe to us wherever you get podcasts, so you never miss an episode!
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    41 mins
  • England Exposed? Scotland Run Riot | Six Nations Verdict

    England Exposed? Scotland Run Riot | Six Nations Verdict
    Feb 16 2026
    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?
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    26 mins
  • Ireland’s 'Golden Era' Ending? France Delivers a Reality Check - Rugby Rivals

    Ireland’s 'Golden Era' Ending? France Delivers a Reality Check - Rugby Rivals
    Feb 10 2026
    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.
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    27 mins
  • Who’s the Next All Blacks Coach? JK & Victor Debate! (Special Episode)

    Who’s the Next All Blacks Coach? JK & Victor Debate! (Special Episode)
    Jan 20 2026
    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.
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    21 mins
  • The Rivals Awards Show: Best, Worst & Most WTF Moments of 2025

    The Rivals Awards Show: Best, Worst & Most WTF Moments of 2025
    Nov 26 2025
    It’s our final episode of the year, and we’re sending 2025 off with The Rivals Awards Show, breaking down the Best, Worst and Most WTF Moments from a massive season of rugby.We’re handing out our end-of-year awards, including:🏆 Player of the Year🟥 Worst Red Card of the Year🌍 Team of the Year🚀 Future Superstar Award⏪ Team in Reverse Award🤯 Moment of the Year🔧 The One Thing Rugby MUST Change Next Year🧠 Coach of the YearPlus a full recap of the weekend’s international action and all the chaos, controversy and brilliance that defined rugby in 2025.Join our Facebook Group to get closer to the show: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SfVayzoi/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    39 mins