England begin their November internationals this weekend by welcoming Australia to Twickenham.Alfie and Alex are at the England training base to preview the match. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold matchday squad and explain why the England head coach is under-appreciated for the brave selection decisions he makes. They chat about Tommy Freeman starting at outside centre, the back-row balance and what would constitute success for England this coming month.They also chat about the Wallabies who aren't at full strength, how they have developed since the British & Irish Lions tour and the battle at the set-piece. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:59
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32:59
Warburton on Welsh rugby's future & Freeman the centre
It's the start of the November internationals so Alfie and Will look ahead to the matches this weekend, including England's game against Australia. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold selection of moving Tommy Freeman to outside centre, which means no Ollie Lawrence, as well as George Ford starting at fly-half. Sam Warburton chats to Will about the WRU's plans to cut the number of regional sides from four to three and he also explains why despite their current poor form Wales should be capable of having a competitive national side again. And, the boys round up the Prem rugby action by asking who has impressed them the most following the first block of fixtures? Plus, which countries will have a successful Autumn campaign and who will be left disappointed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57:06
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57:06
Caluori's surprise inclusion, Willis' shock departure - England's November squad!
Alfie, Alex and Will are at England's training base after Steve Borthwick announced his training squad ahead of the November internationals. Teenage sensation Noah Caluori has been fast-tracked into the set-up, could he genuinely play a role next month? Owen Farrell isn't a part of this squad but will he return to international duty in the future? And, what does Tom Willis' move to Bordeaux next year, which makes him ineligible for England, tell us?Plus, the boys look back on the PREM action over the weekend including brutal defeats for Harlequins, Gloucester and Sale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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47:31
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47:31
Does rugby want R360?
Alfie, Alex and Will question whether the rugby establishment wants to see R360 - the new global franchise competition - be successful. It follows last week's announcement by eight of the world's top unions that players who sign-up will be banned from international selection. So they ask how much of a setback is this for the organisers? What questions do they need to come out and answer? And, could the disruption actually be a good thing for the game!?Plus, they discuss what England's backline could look like for the November internationals, in particular does Owen Farrell return and who starts at fly-half? And, give their view on what the big talking points in the sport will be come the end of 2025. Will the Springboks have asserted their dominance? Will Ireland have dropped off? And where on earth will Wales be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:01:03
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1:01:03
Two Lions on the pod: Fin Smith staying at Saints & Tommy Freeman’s positional switch.
Ahead of 'Derby Weekend' in the Gallagher PREM, Will Kelleher heads to the midlands to chat to Northampton Saints. He speaks with Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, plus two of the clubs British & Irish Lions in Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman. Fin explains that wanting to earn more caps for England was a big motivation for signing a contract extension, despite the lure of R360. And find out why he was disappointed with his performances on the Lions tour. Tommy Freeman brings up his 100th Saints appearance on the weekend so he reflects on the journey to this point and discusses what the future might hold. Will he be a 13 going forward?Plus, Phil Dowson looks ahead to a big East Midlands derby against Leicester Tigers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Ruck is the journalists rugby podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times. Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big name interviews and forthright analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brasil