Ep.55 – Controlling the Volume with Tony Johnson

Legendary Sky Sport NZ commentator Tony Johnson joined Brett McKay & Harry Jones on The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast this week, as they try to get to the bottom of just why 2025 has been the best start to a Super Rugby season in living memory. And it’s not an easy question with one simple answer. It’s not just that all the Australian team are competitive. It’s not just that anyone can beat anyone on any give weekend. It’s not just that the demise of the Melbourne Rebels has boosted depth in other squads. It might be the do with it being a Lions Tour year, and the extra jeopardy that brings. It might be weather-related, and the fact that it’s been a nice summer on both sides of the Tasman. It’s quite likely all of the above.   Whatever the reason or reasons, it has been a wonderful start to the Super Rugby Pacific season.   Games of the Week: SRP Rd.7: Hurricanes v Waratahs, Wellington URC Rd.14: Ulster v Stormers, Belfast Premiership Rd.13: Bath v Harlequins, the Rec Top 14 Rd.20: Clermont v La Rochelle, Clermont League One Week 15: Canon Eagles v Toyota Verblitz, Tokyo MLR Rd.6: Houston SaberCats v San Diego Legion, Houston   #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Combo #SuperRugbyPacific #UnitedRugbyChampionship #Premiership #Top14 #JapanRugbyLeagueOne #MajorLeagueRugby   Find us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@8-9Combo?sub_confirmation=1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1BcKhb24YOtwQhKc0S3sDm Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-8-9-combo-rugby-podcast/id1729575866   Social media: #89Combo Twitter: https://twitter.com/89combo BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/89combo.bsky.social   Find Brett and Harry on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport + @HaribaldiJones   Music: "Stalling" by Topher Mohr & Alex Elena (via YouTube Creator Studio)   Voiceovers by Chookman + Sean Maloney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices