Rivals

The pressure is mounting on the All Blacks as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup — with fans and critics questioning whether they can deliver when it matters most. At the same time, women’s rugby is set for a historic showdown with the Rugby World Cup Final promising to be one of the biggest spectacles the sport has ever seen.

Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield bring their expert insights and hard-hitting opinions on:

The Rugby Championship has been blown wide open after the Springboks stunned the All Blacks in dramatic fashion. On this week’s Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down how South Africa’s victory has shifted the momentum - and whether it has derailed New Zealand’s hopes of taking control of the competition.

We’ll unpack what Razor Robertson’s next move needs to be, how the All Black...

The Rugby Championship is heating up, and who better to break it down than All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok great Victor Matfield?

In this week’s episode of Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor dive into:

• The All Blacks’ gritty 24–17 win over South Africa at Eden Park

• Standout performances from Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, and Quinn Tupaea

• Ardie Savea’s 100th Test milestone and game-saving...

The stage is set for one of the biggest rugby clashes since the World Cup Final, the All Blacks vs Springboks at Eden Park.

In this week’s Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor break down the test preview, with the Boks chasing history and the All Blacks desperate to defend their fortress. Eden Park has been unbeaten for 50 games since 1994, but South Africa arrive on a four-match winning stre...

Round 2 of The Rugby Championship 2025 delivered absolute drama. Argentina stunned the All Blacks 29–23 in Buenos Aires, claiming their first ever home win over New Zealand. Despite leading early, the All Blacks unraveled with three yellow cards and poor discipline — and the Pumas took full advantage to make history.

Meanwhile, the Springboks survived a scare of their own against Australia, grinding out a narrow win to ...

Springboks are stunned by the Wallabies, the All Blacks rise to World #1, and the Rugby Championship is blown wide open. In Rivals Episode 13, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan react to the Springboks’ shock loss to the Wallabies, the All Blacks’ big win over Argentina, and what it all means for the Bomb Squad, Rassie Erasmus, and Razor.

From lineouts to maul tries, Fabian Holland’s potential, and if the Rugby C...

The Rugby Championship is here, and opening weekend is shaping up to be HUGE. 🏉

In this episode of Rugby Rivals, JK & Victor break down:

• Rugby Championship Round 1 Preview

• South Africa vs Australia in Johannesburg... Can the Wallabies upset the defending champs?
• Argentina vs New Zealand in Córdoba... Are the All Blacks ready for a fast start away from home?
...

In this episode of Rugby Rivals, we break down the new-look All Blacks squad ahead of tjeor Rugby Championship campaign. Can this team topple the Springboks, outpace the often-underrated Pumas, and hold off a resurgent Australia?

We also dissect the Lions' tour, and ask... were they overrated? And while the Wallabies might not be back yet, there's finally genuine hope for the future. Young talent, clearer systems, and bel...

In this episode of Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor Matfield break down why the real issues facing the Wallabies run deeper than refereeing decisions, and what needs to change ahead of the final Lions test.

We also unpack the Springboks’ latest squad omissions, key selections, and what they signal for the Rugby Championship. Plus, concern is growing for the All Blacks, with a mounting injury list threatening their momentum.

�...

JK, Victor, and Andrew Trimble say the Wallabies have no chance against the Lions, and raise serious concerns about the future of union in Australia.

We also ask the big question: is Finn Russell the best player in the world right now?

Plus, we break down the growing resentment toward Ireland, and why all great teams eventually feel the heat the Irish are facing.

Plenty of big calls, sharp analysis, and classic Rugby Riva...

Are the Springboks in winning form - or are they proving disappointing vs Italy? Will the All Blacks be able to maintain their form against sides like Ireland and South Africa?

JK and Victor Matfield go head to head over the biggest stories in rugby, joined by former Irish international Andrew Trimble, to cover:

• The headbutt incident dividing fans
• Are the Lions set to dominate the Wallabies?
• The pre-game nerves they all faced ...

Debate: The TMO debacle has the rugby world fuming, and JK & Victor are leading the charge. 

We unpack all the action over the weekend - All Blacks vs. France, Springboks vs. Italy, Australia vs. Fiji and the Lions' showing against Australia's club teams.

We also discuss why Codie Taylor is underrated, the rise of Japan's national team, and how Northern Hemisphere club rugby might be better preparing players for tests...

We dive deep into the rise of 20-year-old flanker Henry Pollock, and ask is it fair to compare his skill-set to Ardie Savea? Jim gives his take on whether he’s ready for a starting position in the Lions jersey, while JK and Victor clash over whether hybrid players are ruining rugby.

From bomb squad blow-ups to Finn Russell vs. Johnny Sexton, and whether there should be a 'Golden Poin...

The Wallabies refusing to release their top players for the British & Irish Lions’ tour games against Super Rugby teams... smart long game or a mistake?

This week on Rugby Rivals, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan go head-to-head on:
– Joe Schmidt and Wallabies’ strategy
– Argentina's form vs. the Lions
– Damian McKenzie’s form, still world class or slipping?
– Razor&...

In this episode of Rivals, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan talk about the Bulls taking the win over the Sharks, JK gives his views on whether the Chiefs know how to get the job done at the back end of the season and JK and Victor debate whether France are ready to take the world cup out, or if they just don't want it. Irish legend Andrew Trimble joins us to talk about the Lions tour, and what Andy Farrell has planned for the Au...