Took a stab at articulating why the new scrum loophole is poephole + I took less time than a flyhalf kicking at poles. Let me know if I’m right or just a scrum-loving doos wearing new headphones.

Episode 14 is in the can. NZ comms legend Tony Johnson joined us + we lost track of time because he sort of lulls you into forgetting your list of questions. Also, we have a cool new stinger from the Mouth of Manly: Sean Maloney !

Can’t wait to hear this one!

Tight-lipped, rock-shouldered, no-nonsense, Tauranga tackle tyro will be missed on the Test pitch. The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast Brett McKay

This is the authoritative look at the bru-tah-hah on jersey-gate at the leaky saucy Allianz, by my highly detailed cohost Brett McKay

Please consider this worthy essay by my friend and expert (on many things, including pairs of rutting rhinos) ⁦Geoff Parkes⁩ theroar.com.au/2024/05/13/the…

The gist of the Andy Goode Doctrine is:

1/ Your scrum demise worries are well-founded
2/ But refs will intuit intent + fans will love that
3/ Weak scrum teams will game the system
4/ But refs won't be tricked; just you wait + see

If new laws in place in 2023 SF: Genge just…

Jeremy Ward, guardian angel of Stade Francais:

'In Paris, he has become an indisputable starter, the darling of the supporters, and, more recently, the captain of the Pink Soldiers.'

lefigaro.fr/sports/rugby/t…

The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast

Wallabies No. 10 Rugby Report Card ?

This is my impression of the Tahs-Brumbies uniform uniformity .

Good luck Sean Maloney !

The All Blacks’ 8-9 combo?

Eden Park: Blues (9–1) versus Hurricanes (9-1) commentated by the peerless Tony Johnson on comms with smart Mils Muliaina. Game of the Week!

He du Plessied the fok outta that ball hey!

A reminder of how there is no need to halve the number of scrums: that's already been done. With a concomitant rise in carries, tackles, and rucks. Let the game breathe; we do not need wholesale changes in each cycle. Tweaks (no more marks, no more held up drop out, no more…

And for emerging nations, you can build a strong scrum “easier” than an elaborate attacking phase platform. Every country has wrestlers, lifters + bouncers.

🏉X: tell World Rugby why you love the scrum, why you’re willing to wait on it, the reason scrum jeopardy is beautiful, and how vital it is to the sport.

The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast

The scrum needs love.

Demoting one really cool option. Coaches will coach the mark and that’s a pause in the contest and a trudge to the LO. Both teams: safety first.

The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast