The pressure is mounting on the All Blacks as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup — with fans and critics questioning whether they can deliver when it matters most. At the same time, women’s rugby is set for a historic showdown with the Rugby World Cup Final promising to be one of the biggest spectacles the sport has ever seen.

Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield bring their expert insights and hard-hitting opinions on:

• Why the Bledisloe clash is make-or-break for the ABs

• What Razor and the coaching staff need to get right

• The key storylines heading into the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final

• The impact these matches could have on the future of New Zealand rugby

Don’t miss JK and Victor’s breakdown of one of the biggest rugby weekends of the year.

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The Rugby Championship has been blown wide open after the Springboks stunned the All Blacks in dramatic fashion. On this week’s Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down how South Africa’s victory has shifted the momentum - and whether it has derailed New Zealand’s hopes of taking control of the competition.

We’ll unpack what Razor Robertson’s next move needs to be, how the All Blacks can respond, and why every team still has a shot at the title. With the table locked up and the stakes higher than ever, the road to Rugby Championship glory is anyone’s to win.

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The Rugby Championship is heating up, and who better to break it down than All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok great Victor Matfield?

In this week’s episode of Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor dive into:

• The All Blacks’ gritty 24–17 win over South Africa at Eden Park

• Standout performances from Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, and Quinn Tupaea

• Ardie Savea’s 100th Test milestone and game-saving turnover

• The Springboks’ fightback through Malcolm Marx and Cobus Reinach

• What this result means for the Rugby Championship table

• Can South Africa rally in next weekend’s rematch in Wellington?

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The stage is set for one of the biggest rugby clashes since the World Cup Final, the All Blacks vs Springboks at Eden Park.

In this week’s Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor break down the test preview, with the Boks chasing history and the All Blacks desperate to defend their fortress. Eden Park has been unbeaten for 50 games since 1994, but South Africa arrive on a four-match winning streak over New Zealand... Can they finally crack the code in Auckland?

We also dive into all the action happening at the Women’s Rugby World Cup and answer questions directly from you, our viewers!

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Round 2 of The Rugby Championship 2025 delivered absolute drama. Argentina stunned the All Blacks 29–23 in Buenos Aires, claiming their first ever home win over New Zealand. Despite leading early, the All Blacks unraveled with three yellow cards and poor discipline — and the Pumas took full advantage to make history.

Meanwhile, the Springboks survived a scare of their own against Australia, grinding out a narrow win to keep the title race wide open. After two rounds, every nation has one win each — setting up an unpredictable Championship.

In this episode of Rivals, Victor Matfield and John Kirwan break down:

• What went wrong for the All Blacks in Argentina

• How the Pumas delivered on the biggest stage

• Why the Springboks still have questions to answer

• What these results mean for the rest of the tournament

Looking ahead: the All Blacks return home to face the Springboks in back-to-back Tests at Eden Park, while Argentina travel to Australia for two tough clashes against the Wallabies.

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Springboks are stunned by the Wallabies, the All Blacks rise to World #1, and the Rugby Championship is blown wide open. In Rivals Episode 13, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan react to the Springboks’ shock loss to the Wallabies, the All Blacks’ big win over Argentina, and what it all means for the Bomb Squad, Rassie Erasmus, and Razor.

From lineouts to maul tries, Fabian Holland’s potential, and if the Rugby Championship is really a two-horse race — Victor and JK break down every angle of the weekend’s action.

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The Rugby Championship is here, and opening weekend is shaping up to be HUGE. 🏉

In this episode of Rugby Rivals, JK & Victor break down:

• Rugby Championship Round 1 Preview

• • South Africa vs Australia in Johannesburg... Can the Wallabies upset the defending champs?
  • Argentina vs New Zealand in Córdoba... Are the All Blacks ready for a fast start away from home?

• The latest from the Women’s Rugby World Cup and who’s looking like the team to beat.
• What’s happening inside R360 and why it could shape the future of the game.
• The big questions around USA Rugby and their international ambitions.

Let us know in the comments, who’s taking home The Rugby Championship this year?

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In this episode of Rugby Rivals, we break down the new-look All Blacks squad ahead of tjeor Rugby Championship campaign. Can this team topple the Springboks, outpace the often-underrated Pumas, and hold off a resurgent Australia?

We also dissect the Lions' tour, and ask... were they overrated? And while the Wallabies might not be back yet, there's finally genuine hope for the future. Young talent, clearer systems, and belief - is Australian rugby turning the corner?

Plenty to debate. Plenty to get excited about.

👇 Got thoughts? Let us know in the comments!

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