Episode 35 - Louis Rees-Zammit Joins The Pod + Champions Cup Make or Break with Dan Biggar

We’re back with a packed episode! Jim and Goodey dissect Ireland’s final Autumn Nations match against the Wallabies, Caelan Doris’ Lions captaincy credentials, and Schmidt’s revivied Wallabies. Stephen Ferris joins to rate Ireland’s performances, chat about rising star Sam Prendergast, and debate the Lions back row for 2025. Plus, Champions Cup dark horses, RFU bonuses, and your listeners' questions—Yorkshire puddings, best tours, and pre-Lions selection matches.Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we recap all the winners from the World Rugby Awards from Monaco including player of the year, Coach of the year and the XV Dream Team. On the pitch, England snapped their losing streak with a commanding win over Japan and some bright shoots, but defensive woes remain under scrutiny. Scotland set a record nine wins this year with a lot of players setting down a marker for Lions selection against Australia. South Africa’s stock keeps rising after their perfect tour with a hammering of Wales in Cardiff. Plus, TJ Perenara’s farewell, Ireland’s dominant win over Fiji, and Predergast's performance at fly-half. Lots more in a packed episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim and Bigs are joined in studio by Aussie legends Matt Gitaeu and Drew Mitchell to chat about their Northern Tour on and off the pitch. The lads give some great insight into the Aussie revival, where it's come from and what it means for the Lions Tour. Plus the lads share some cracking stories on dodgy physios in France, playing in the US, and a punch-up last week in Cardiff. Bigs gives us his thoughts on another disastrous Welsh performance and what it means for Gats and Welsh fans, plus we look forward to this weekend's action with the Aussies looking to keep the slam dreams alive against Scotland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads are feeling inspired after an epic cross-code weekend for the MND charity game in Leeds, before crashing back down to earth with another England loss. We break down all the weekend’s matches including Ireland’s patchy win over Argentina, England’s defensive frailties against South Africa, and Wales’ drubbing by Australia. The lads discuss who England and Wales might be approaching as their potential saviour. Plus, we look at the hype and the off-field drama from France’s thriller against the All Blacks. We also cover the latest rumour around a potential global franchise competition set to shake up rugby by 2026 and what it potentially means for the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off another loss to the Boks, Steve Borthwick and Jamie George face some tough questions from the media with pressure piling on. Is England’s rebuild on track, or are they running out of excuses? Rassie Erasmus also chats to the press and credits South Africa’s victory to their experience and cohesion, and also offers some advice to Borthwick and England moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices