In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to assess the mounting pressure on England head coach Steve Borthwick after a fifth consecutive Test defeat.

Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in the opening round of the Nations Championship, England's discipline, tactics and direction are all under the microscope.

With Fiji next up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before a trip to Argentina, is this already a defining fortnight for Borthwick's tenure? We discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Why England's form has collapsed since the Six Nations

•⁠ ⁠The growing indiscipline problem and its impact on results

•⁠ ⁠Whether England's kick-heavy game plan has become outdated

•⁠ ⁠Why Steve Borthwick is coming under increasing pressure

•⁠ ⁠Can England turn things around against Fiji?

•⁠ ⁠Why Josua Tuisova and Fiji will fancy their chances

•⁠ ⁠Should the RFU do everything possible to bring Shaun Edwards back to England?

🏉 Wales' Revival

Attention also turns to Wales, who have rediscovered confidence under Steve Tandy.

We discuss:

•⁠ ⁠What's changed since Tandy's arrival?

•⁠ ⁠Why Wales suddenly look like a different side

We also chat:

🌍 Nations Championship

🏆 World Rugby U20 Championship

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In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to preview the headline fixture of the Nations Championship this weekend as England take on the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park.

Shockingly, one of rugby's most iconic stadiums could be less than half full, with media reports suggesting only around 21,000 tickets have been sold for the 62,500-capacity venue, leaving the prospect of more than 40,000 empty seats for one of Test rugby's biggest rivalries.

We ask why ticket sales have been so slow and what it says about the launch of the new competition. Ben also makes the case for an England upset, while Avuyile brings exclusive insight from Johannesburg on the mood around the Springboks camp and why England's rising star Henry Pollock has quickly become one of South Africa's most talked-about – and unpopular – opponents.

We also discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Rassie Erasmus' team selection and the strengths of the Springboks XV

•⁠ ⁠Ben Earl's fascinating mindset heading into one of rugby's toughest away trips

•⁠ ⁠The atmosphere in Johannesburg ahead of the Nations Championship opener

•⁠ ⁠The biggest tactical battles that could decide the match

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Overjoyed to have my first Leinster and Ireland superstar on the show, Devin Toner! Four European Championships, seven Pro 14 titles, three Six nations victories and a Grand Slam the stalwart back row has seen and done it all! From lineout masterclasses to tightly contested scrums Devin's influence has been essential to Leinster and Ireland. After a remarkable career and amassing an astonishing 70 caps for Ireland and a staggering 280 for Leinster Devin now supports rugby players and fans alike in the world of finance. Massive thanks to Devin for taking time out of his day for me and all the best!

#rugby #ireland #leinster #internationalrugby #legend #club #country #sixnations #irishrugby #rugbyunion #lock #backrow #riseofrugby #irfu #leinsterrugby #podcast #podcasting #new #inspiration #champion

Chris Collyer spoke to Irish Journalist, Sportswriter & Producer, Author and Playwright; Pat McCarry! The pair spoke about podcasts, press conferences, post and pre matches as well as writing and directing a rugby stage play, in which he honours the life of Munster legend Anthony Foley. There is nobody more passionate about Irish rugby than Pat McCarry!

You can follow Pat McCarry on all social media platforms and Substack, search for ‪@patrickmccarry9489‬ or Dirt Trackers rugby on Instagram and X.

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by She’s The Champ podcast host and The Rugby Paper writer Bluebell Nicholls to preview a fascinating showdown between the competition’s established giants and its newest disruptors.

We also discuss Bluebell’s rugby journey, the growth of the women’s game in Canada and her involvement with Toronto Nomads.

🏆 The Big Picture •⁠ ⁠Does this final feel like a watershed moment for the PWR? •⁠ ⁠Is Trailfinders’ rise proof that investment is broadening the league’s competitive landscape? •⁠ ⁠Has Gloucester-Hartpury’s semi-final exit changed perceptions of what clubs can achieve? •⁠ ⁠Is the PWR becoming genuinely unpredictable?

🔴 Saracens – Experience and Pedigree •⁠ ⁠Sixth PWR final appearance and another shot at silverware •⁠ ⁠How Jess Breach’s late winner against Exeter underlined Saracens’ big-game mentality •⁠ ⁠Marlie Packer’s emotional final game for the club •⁠ ⁠Why Zoe Harrison, Sophie de Goede, Olivia Apps and Jess Breach keep Saracens as the benchmark

🟢 Trailfinders – The Disruptors •⁠ ⁠First-ever final in just their third season in the league •⁠ ⁠Barney Maddison’s role in transforming the club •⁠ ⁠Why Meg Jones is the creative heartbeat of this side •⁠ ⁠Can Trailfinders play with freedom and no fear?

⚔️ The Match-Up •⁠ ⁠Structure and control versus creativity and chaos •⁠ ⁠Does the head-to-head record matter in finals? •⁠ ⁠Where will the game be won and lost? •⁠ ⁠Set-piece, breakdown and the first 20 minutes •⁠ ⁠Which style of game favours each team?

⚡ Quickfire with Bluebell •⁠ ⁠One under-the-radar player who could decide the final •⁠ ⁠One player you'd pay to watch •⁠ ⁠Which team has more X-factor? •⁠ ⁠Which team has more power? •⁠ ⁠Which team has the better bench? •⁠ ⁠Score prediction

🎧 Sunday’s PWR Final kicks off at 3pm from The Stoop, live on TNT Sports. Will Saracens add another title to their collection, or can Trailfinders complete one of the great underdog stories in recent domestic rugby history?

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