Episode 20: I Can't Believe It's Not Kiwi

Round 1 is done and dusted — and Chloe Pearse is back, fresh off an AIL semi-final POTM, to help us make sense of it all. France beat Italy, but don't let the scoreline fool you — their breakdown was an absolute shambles and Italy had them rattled for long stretches. Chloe still thinks France are beatable, and honestly, after watching that, it's hard to argue. Wales and Scotland served up the kind of thriller that reminds you why you love this sport, and then there was Twickenham. 77,120 people. The biggest crowd in the history of women's rugby. Ireland were 21-0 down at half time, came out for the second half, and matched the world champions score for score. It's not a win. But something is very much happening here, and we're not done talking about it. Butter wouldn't melt. But it might get cut right up. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Episode 20 — we're still here 00:56 France v Italy: messy breakdown, ruthless finish 10:44 Is France actually beatable? Chloe still thinks so 12:51 Wales v Scotland: the thriller no one expected 20:14 England v Ireland: the first half we'd rather forget 28:30 The breakdown battle — and what it means for France away 33:10 21 missed tackles and the stats that hurt 37:15 78 → 44 → 21: is this serious progress? 39:30 77,120 people. Let that sink in. 41:05 Eilish Cahill arrives and immediately terrorises everyone 44:30 Changes for Italy — Chloe's teamsheet 48:15 Predictions for Galway