Episode 312 - Italy and Scotland Prevail Against the Odds

The lads unpack a massive rugby weekend featuring Super Rugby chaos, Blitzboks success, and one of the most entertaining Six Nations rounds in years. We start down south with a Super Rugby check-in after four rounds: the Chiefs quietly looking strong, the Brumbies stumbling late against the Reds, the Crusaders flirting with panic mode, and the Force discovering that scoring points is easy… defending them is not. We also touch on Rugby Australia’s latest league convert and what the looming World Cup might mean for player movement. A quick pit stop through Sevens (with the Blitzboks topping the standings) leads into the big news from New Zealand: Dave Rennie vs Jamie Joseph for the All Blacks job and what each candidate could bring to a slightly messy Kiwi setup. A special word for the Lions - 25/26 South African Shield Champions! What an achievement. Then it’s time for the main course: Six Nations madness. • Italy shock England for the first time as selection roulette, brain-dead penalties, and general chaos sink Borthwick’s men. • Scotland produce one of their best performances in years to hammer France before a late French fightback. • Ireland grind past Wales while Wales continue their slow rebuild. Along the way we discuss the brilliance of Menoncello, the resurgence of Kyle Steyn, whether Ireland have quietly regressed to “occasionally good” territory, and why England’s selection decisions might have cost them the tournament. Finally, we preview a wild final weekend where France, Ireland, and Scotland can all still win the Six Nations—and we ask the real question: is there still a way England could somehow end up with the wooden spoon? Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.