JK and Victor are back — and this week's Champions Cup served up chaos. Bordeaux dismantled Leinster, and we're breaking down exactly why defensive structure can be the difference between glory and embarrassment. Plus: New Zealand's overseas player eligibility debate — where do JK and Victor stand? We name the form players in both NZ and South Africa right now, and make our calls on who's winning the URC quarter-finals. And Victor Matfield — a man who scored some of the most outrageous tries in ...
May 25, 2026•33 min
We are back for a brand new season of Rugby Rivals, with Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield. JK and Victor open with a personal tribute to Scott Hastings, the legendary Scottish midfielder who passed away this week. Then we're straight into Champions Cup final predictions, the Springboks alignment camp ahead of this year's All Blacks tour, and why Richie Mo'Unga WILL be in South Africa... JK is certain. Subscribe wherever you watch or listen to make sure you never miss an episode!...
May 19, 2026•44 min
The Six Nations is done. And if you watched it, you'll know it was something special. JK, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble are back to break down what was one of the most compelling Six Nations in recent memory, and ask the question that's going to rile a few people in the southern hemisphere: is the Six Nations now the best rugby competition on the planet? Whether you're a diehard northern hemisphere fan or a Springbok supporter ready to fight back in the comments... this one's for you. Subsc...
Mar 16, 2026•35 min
France and England were supposed to be the heavyweights of this year's Six Nations... so what on earth happened this weekend? Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield react to the shock results, break down what went wrong for two of Europe's biggest rugby nations, and give their take on what it means for the rest of the tournament. Subscribe to Rugby Rivals so you never miss an episode!
Mar 10, 2026•24 min
Dave Rennie is the new All Blacks head coach — and the rugby world is reacting. On this episode of Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan (All Blacks legend) and Victor Matfield (Springboks legend) give their immediate reaction to the appointment of Dave Rennie as the next All Blacks coach. What does Rennie bring to the role? How will his coaching style shape the next era of the All Blacks? And what challenges will he face leading one of the most scrutinised teams in world sport? JK and Victor break down...
Mar 04, 2026•27 min
Ireland go to Twickenham… and suddenly everything changes. Just weeks after talk of “crisis,” Ireland deliver a world-class performance against England. So, are they back on top of the world? Or was it just one emotional afternoon? This week on Rugby Rivals: Ireland’s statement win at Twickenham - turning point or overreaction? The promotion and relegation debate — should the Six Nations introduce jeopardy? Henry Pollock: impact weapon or future starter? Italy’s rise - best scrum in the Six Nati...
Feb 24, 2026•41 min
Was this just a loss — or a reality check? Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan dissect a Six Nations weekend that sent shockwaves through the tournament: Scotland overpower England. France look unstoppable. Ireland bounce back. Super Rugby begins. JK admits he misses South Africa from Super Rugby. Are England regressing? Is France already in a different tier? And what does this mean heading toward the business end of the tournament?
Feb 16, 2026•26 min
Rugby Rivals is BACK - with a recap for all the Six Nations action over the weekend. Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield, Andrew Trimble and producer Ric Salizzo break down all the biggest stories - and ask the question... Is this the end of Ireland’s golden era? Are France the best team in the world right now? England’s huge statement win after crushing Wales Italy’s rise continues with an upset 18–15 victory over Scotland . A massive opening round of the Six Nations - and the tournament already f...
Feb 10, 2026•27 min
In this special episode of Rugby Rivals , JK and Victor break down the shock decision to move on from Scott “Razor” Robertson as All Blacks coach - what went wrong, whether it was inevitable, and what it says about the pressure of leading New Zealand rugby. They discuss who’s next in line for the All Blacks job, whether Tony Brown could be tempted away from the Springboks setup, and the other international coaches who could be in line for a call up. We cast an eye ahead to the Six Nations and pr...
Jan 20, 2026•21 min•Season 2Ep. 1
It’s our final episode of the year, and we’re sending 2025 off with The Rivals Awards Show, breaking down the Best, Worst and Most WTF Moments from a massive season of rugby. We’re handing out our end-of-year awards, including: 🏆 Player of the Year 🟥 Worst Red Card of the Year 🌍 Team of the Year 🚀 Future Superstar Award ⏪ Team in Reverse Award 🤯 Moment of the Year 🔧 The One Thing Rugby MUST Change Next Year 🧠 Coach of the Year Plus a full recap of the weekend’s international action and al...
Nov 26, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 25
We're back for another big episode of Rugby Rivals. John Kirwan tries to make sense of the All Blacks’ latest stumble… Victor can’t get through 80 minutes without seeing red, and Trimby relishes in Ireland's whalloping of Australia. In this episode we cover: – What’s REALLY going on with the All Blacks right now – The Springboks’ red-card problem and how it’s costing them – Why Australia can’t catch a break – The biggest performances, turning points and tactical shifts from the weekend Watch, co...
Nov 17, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 24
The Springboks reminded everyone why they’re the best in the world - overcoming France in Paris with only 14 men. Meanwhile, Damian McKenzie delivers another clutch moment to save the All Blacks in a thriller that had fans on edge till the final whistle in Scotland. Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield, and Andrew Trimble break down all the big moments from action packed weekend in world rugby. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts 📺 Subscribe to Rugby Rivals on YouTube for weekly episodes 💬 Jo...
Nov 10, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 23
The Northern Tour served up another weekend of drama - starting with Tadhg Beirne's red card. Did the call ruin the match, or was it the right decision? JK, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble dig into all the big talking points, including the Springboks–France rivalry and why Victor is worried about what the French are building. We also chat Scotland - are they finally turning the corner, could they beat the All Blacks? If you’ve got a take on the red card, drop it in the comments – we want to h...
Nov 04, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 22
The Northern Hemisphere tour has officially kicked off, and the North vs. South rivalry is alive and well. Australia opened their campaign with a narrow win over Japan, and now the rest of the Southern giants head north. Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble go head-to-head as they break down what’s ahead, who’s in form, and which hemisphere really holds the power in world rugby right now. 👉 Subscribe for weekly rugby chat with two of the game’s greats — insight, banter, and bold ...
Oct 27, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 21
The Rugby Championship is done and dusted - and the Springboks have gone back-to-back In this episode, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down all the key moments from the tournament, what set the Boks apart, and how the All Blacks, Wallabies, and Pumas will be feeling heading into the next phase of the international season. The guys also look ahead to upcoming fixtures, coaching moves, and what each side needs to do before the end-of-year tours. 👉 Subscribe for weekly rugby chat with tw...
Oct 07, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this week’s Rugby Rivals, JK, Victor Matfield, and Ric Salizzo return with a hard-hitting unpack of the latest Rugby Championship drama. They cast a critical eye over South Africa’s masterclass against Argentina, and dissect how the All Blacks scraped through against a determined Wallabies side. 📱 Follow Rugby Rivals: Instagram: @rugby.rivals TikTok: @rugbyrivals See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 29, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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 coach...
Sep 22, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 t...
Sep 15, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 17
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 t...
Sep 08, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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...
Sep 01, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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 eac...
Aug 25, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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 th...
Aug 18, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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 shap...
Aug 11, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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...
Aug 04, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode of Rugby Rivals , JK and Victor Matfield break down why the real issues facing the Wallabies run deeper than refereeing decisions, and what needs to change ahead of the final Lions test. We also unpack the Springboks’ latest squad omissions, key selections, and what they signal for the Rugby Championship. Plus, concern is growing for the All Blacks, with a mounting injury list threatening their momentum. 👇 Got thoughts? Let us know in the comments! 📱 Follow Rugby Rivals: Instag...
Jul 29, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 10
JK, Victor, and Andrew Trimble say the Wallabies have no chance against the Lions, and raise serious concerns about the future of union in Australia. We also ask the big question: is Finn Russell the best player in the world right now? Plus, we break down the growing resentment toward Ireland, and why all great teams eventually feel the heat the Irish are facing. Plenty of big calls, sharp analysis, and classic Rugby Rivals energy. 👇 Got thoughts? Let us know in the comments! 📱 Follow Rugby Ri...
Jul 24, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Are the Springboks in winning form - or are they proving disappointing vs Italy? Will the All Blacks be able to maintain their form against sides like Ireland and South Africa? JK and Victor Matfield go head to head over the biggest stories in rugby, joined by former Irish international Andrew Trimble, to cover: The headbutt incident dividing fans Are the Lions set to dominate the Wallabies? The pre-game nerves they all faced in their playing careers JK asks if Northern Hemisphere rugby has over...
Jul 17, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Debate: The TMO debacle has the rugby world fuming, and JK & Victor are leading the charge. We unpack all the action over the weekend - All Blacks vs. France, Springboks vs. Italy, Australia vs. Fiji and the Lions' showing against Australia's club teams. We also discuss why Codie Taylor is underrated, the rise of Japan's national team, and how Northern Hemisphere club rugby might be better preparing players for tests compared to Super Rugby. Tune in wherever you get podcasts! Follow Rugby Ri...
Jul 10, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 7
We dive deep into the rise of 20-year-old flanker Henry Pollock, and ask is it fair to compare his skill-set to Ardie Savea? Jim gives his take on whether he’s ready for a starting position in the Lions jersey, while JK and Victor clash over whether hybrid players are ruining rugby. From bomb squad blow-ups to Finn Russell vs. Johnny Sexton, and whether there should be a 'Golden Point' rule in the Lions series - this episode is packed with strong opinions and passionate debates about the hottest...
Jul 03, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 6
The Wallabies refusing to release their top players for the British & Irish Lions’ tour games against Super Rugby teams ... smart long game or a mistake? This week on Rugby Rivals , Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan go head-to-head on: – Joe Schmidt and Wallabies’ strategy – Argentina's form vs. the Lions – Damian McKenzie’s form, still world class or slipping? – Razor’s All Blacks picks, and who missed out! – Rassie’s bold youth call for the Springboks New episodes weekly with top-tier ru...
Jun 26, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 5
