In this episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by rugby legends Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unravel the chaos surrounding the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. With controversy swirling over quarterfinal matchups, player safety, and team seedings, they break down the real story behind the brackets, travel logistics, and the rising dark horses like Zimbabwe and Argentina. Plus, catch insights on Rassie Erasmus’s long-term South African tenure, Eben Etzebeth’s suspension, and the evolving landscape of European rugby — all set against the backdrop of global rugby’s future. Whether it's strategic predictions, coaching philosophies, or behind-the-scenes politics, this is the edge-of-your-seat discussion every rugby fan needs.

Also in this episode:

- World Cup draw controversy: South Africa vs. All Blacks in quarterfinals?

- The future of seedings versus bandings in World Cup draws

- Rassie Erasmus’s long South African contract: what it means

- Eben Etzebeth’s suspension and its impact

- Zimbabwe’s surprising potential at 2027 Rugby World Cup

- Travel challenges and tournament logistics in Australia

- European Cup struggles: player availability and competition quality

PLUS: emerging dark horses, coaching secrets, the impact of travel on strategy, and what the future holds for global rugby.

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The 2027 Rugby World Cup draw has sent ripples through the rugby community, with top-tier teams and emerging nations locked in a fierce contest for knockout glory. From Pool A's blockbuster Australia vs. New Zealand opener to the drama of potential upsets in Pools B and C, this episode unpacks the tactical battles, referee influences, and the strategic play for third-place thrillers. David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie, and special guest Eddie Jones analyze every angle of this epic tournament—who'll survive the storm, and who will rise to claim rugby's ultimate prize?

In this bold, energetic episode, we dive into the implications of the expanded field, the importance of match scheduling, and the underdog stories that could shake the foundations of rugby’s world order. Ready yourself for cutting-edge insights, key match predictions, and the passion that only the Rugby World Cup can inspire.

• Why the New Zealand v Australia opener could define the whole tournament

• The hidden tactical battle for third-place qualification in every pool

• Eddie Jones’ early blueprint for Japan’s clash with France

• Fiji’s rise and which emerging nation has the highest World Cup ceiling

• The Six Nations mindset vs World Cup mindset — who it helps and hurts

• England, Wales and Tonga: the Pool F power struggle

PLUS: record-breaking crowds, global growth of rugby, and the future of fan engagement in the sport

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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The Rugby World Cup is changing — and the stakes have never been higher.

This week, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack a huge weekend in world rugby: South Africa’s demolition of Wales, the Etzebeth eye-gouge incident, and the breaking news that R360 has been pushed back to 2028.

Eddie and Ewen give a candid, insider view on Wales’ deep structural problems, how South Africa keep winning with ruthless simplicity, and why the new 24-team World Cup with a Round of 16 will create a more intense, more tactical tournament than ever before.

They also reflect on their own World Cup journeys — from the 1987 and 1991 memories to the 2003 classic, England 2019, the Brighton Miracle, and the pressure only a World Cup can create.

Also in this episode

• South Africa v Wales — dominance, discipline and what really happened

• Why Wales’ development system is failing — and how to fix it

• R360 delayed: player managers, contracts, and the talent drain

• The brutal logic of a 33-man World Cup squad

• How selection balance will change in 2027 (props, hookers, utilities)

• Australia’s path to winning back casual fans in 2027

PLUS: venue breakdowns, squad-build strategy, player load, and how the new compressed 43-day World Cup will change everything.

Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.