Episodes

  • Rennie's New All Blacks & Rassie's Ruthless Springboks | Nations Championship Reaction

    Rennie's New All Blacks & Rassie's Ruthless Springboks | Nations Championship Reaction
    Jul 6 2026
    Is this the new age of rugby? Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield react to the opening weekend of the inaugural Nations Championship. The All Blacks edged France 34-32 in a Christchurch thriller in Dave Rennie's first Test in charge, with Ardie Savea leading the side as captain and a new-look backline featuring Ruben Love. Meanwhile, the Springboks dismantled England 45-21, running in seven tries and reminding the world why they're champions. JK breaks down what Rennie's selections tell us about where this All Blacks team is heading, Victor explains why the Boks' depth is scarier than ever, and the boys debate the big one: is the gap between these two rivals growing or closing? New episodes of Rugby Rivals every week, thank you to Klipdrift for supporting the show!
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    36 mins
  • "Sir John Kirwan REACTS: Dave Rennie's FIRST All Blacks Team Named! | Rivals Special"

    "Sir John Kirwan REACTS: Dave Rennie's FIRST All Blacks Team Named! | Rivals Special"
    Jul 2 2026
    Dave Rennie has named his first ever All Blacks squad, and it's a massive one — the test against France kicks off this Saturday. Sir John Kirwan joins Rivals to break down every selection, the big calls, the surprises, and what it means for the new coach's tenure. Subscribe for more Rivals specials and expert reaction as the All Blacks season unfolds. #AllBlacks #DaveRennie #SirJohnKirwan #Rugby #Rivals #AllBlacksvFrance
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    14 mins
  • The Weekend That Decides #1 in World Rugby?

    The Weekend That Decides #1 in World Rugby?
    Jun 29 2026
    This weekend, world rugby gets serious. The All Blacks face France and the Springboks take on England - and with the world rankings tighter than ever, both results matter. Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield go head to head on both matchups: who wins, who surprises, and who's genuinely the best team on the planet right now. Subscribe to Rugby Rivals and make sure you never miss an episode. Thank you to Klipdrift for supporting the show.
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    28 mins
  • All Blacks Squad Shock! Bulls Disappointment & Boks Season Begins

    All Blacks Squad Shock! Bulls Disappointment & Boks Season Begins
    Jun 22 2026
    The All Blacks squad has been named... and JK and Victor have some thoughts. Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down the selections, debate who deserved to be in and who got left out, and ask whether the Hurricanes are the best club side on the planet right now. Plus - the URC Final and the Bulls' defeat, and the Springboks kick off their season, Victor weighs in on what to expect from his former side! 🎙️ Rugby Rivals is proudly sponsored by Klipdrift - Legendary Taste. Legendary Times.
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    29 mins
  • Rugby Finals Week: URC & Super Rugby Predictions

    Rugby Finals Week: URC & Super Rugby Predictions
    Jun 16 2026
    Finals week is here - and Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan are breaking down both the URC Final and the Super Rugby Pacific Final with their picks, predictions, and tactics. Victor makes the case for the Bulls to strangle Leinster up front - scrum dominance, a physical maul game, and keeping the ball off their dangerous backs. JK sees Leinster's quality in the backs as the difference. Then it's the Chiefs - can they finally get over the line and claim the Super Rugby Pacific title they've been knocking on? Rugby Rivals is proudly sponsored by Klipdrift.
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    39 mins
  • JK and Victor Clash Over Tony Brown’s All Blacks Return

    JK and Victor Clash Over Tony Brown’s All Blacks Return
    Jun 8 2026
    Tony Brown is BACK with the All Blacks… but should New Zealand rugby be looking wider than just coaches? In this week’s Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor Matfield go head-to-head over Tony Brown’s return and ask a provocative question: if rugby is happy to bring in overseas coaches, why not overseas players? The boys also break down a huge weekend of rugby as the Bulls charge into the final, while JK’s Blues somehow sneak their way into the Super Rugby semi-finals. Then there’s the Nations Cup… once JK and Victor finally work out what it actually is. Plus: Will Rassie Erasmus use the upcoming Rugby Championship and Rivals tour to experiment? What does it really mean for an All Black to tour South Africa? And has New Zealand Rugby missed a massive opportunity by letting one of its brightest talents shine offshore? Big opinions. Strong disagreement. Plenty of laughs.
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    35 mins
  • John Kirwan & Victor Matfield Reveal The Greatest Game They Ever Played

    John Kirwan & Victor Matfield Reveal The Greatest Game They Ever Played
    Jun 8 2026
    What happens when two rugby legends reveal the one game they’ll never forget? In this special bonus episode of Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield look back on the greatest game they ever played — and the choices may surprise you. From epic All Blacks vs Springboks battles to unforgettable clashes involving Auckland and the Bulls, JK and Victor relive the pressure, the moments that changed everything, and the memories that still stay with them today. But this goes deeper than the final score. You’ll hear untold stories from inside the dressing room, what really happened after the final whistle, and how those defining moments shaped their lives long after rugby. If you love rugby history, rivalry, and the stories fans never normally hear — this one is special.
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    16 mins
  • Sacha OUT for the Boks?! URC Semis + Super Rugby Playoffs | Remembering Jonah

    Sacha OUT for the Boks?! URC Semis + Super Rugby Playoffs | Remembering Jonah
    Jun 1 2026
    JK and Victor are back to break down a massive week in world rugby. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu limps off scoring a try against Cardiff — and the prognosis isn't good. Is the Boks' brightest young playmaker about to miss a chunk of the season just weeks out from the England Test? Rassie's injury list is getting ugly. Plus: the URC semis are locked in, the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are heating up across both sides of the Tasman, and the boys dig into the legacy of Jonah Lomu — including a special interview you won't want to miss.
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    35 mins