Rugby Scoop · Scoop, Vuyo, Huw, Jade

Heartbreak For England As Allblacks Clinch Thriller At Twickenham

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Wales Rugby Union threatened to pull their women's team from the World Cup if players didn't sign contracts.

This episode of the Rugby Scoop podcast analyzes the All Blacks' narrow victory over England at Twickenham. Hosts and analysts Jade, Vickers, and Hugh Griffin dissect the match and surrounding rugby headlines. The panel brings diverse perspectives from South Africa, the UK, and the sevens circuit. The episode opens with news of Joe Marler's sudden retirement from England duty, with Griffin outlining the curious timeline of events. They discuss Jake White comparing Cameron Hanekom to Duane Vermeulen and a reported post-match booze ban for French clubs. The potential signing of winger Duhan van der Merwe by the Stormers is debated, with Vickers arguing it addresses a luxury, not a necessity, given the team's forward pack needs. Griffin shares an exclusive about the Welsh Rugby Union threatening to withdraw its women's team from next year's World Cup over contract disputes. The main analysis focuses on the All Blacks' 24-21 win, where England's only try came from an intercept. Jade notes the All Blacks left 14 points on the field but were bailed out by impactful substitutes like Patrick Tuipulotu and Damian McKenzie. Vickers highlights Mark Telea's two solo tries and criticizes New Zealand's tendency to run from too deep in their own half. Griffin presents data showing England attempted three drop goals and had only 28% of their rucks under three seconds. A key insight is Griffin's frustration with narratives that England have evolved their attack, arguing they remain the slowest and most conservative team. Jade points out England had just six entries into the All Blacks' 22 and scored primarily from penalties gifted by New Zealand's ill-discipline. The panel agrees removing Marcus Smith was a critical error, stifling England's late attacking spark. Wallace Sititi earns high praise from Jade, who compares the young flanker to Siya Kolisi for his all-around game and composure. For the upcoming Ireland match, Griffin advises the All Blacks to embrace a counter-attacking strategy, leveraging transition play. Vickers suggests New Zealand must improve their tactical kicking, using contestable bombs instead of long kicks to negate dangerous back-threes. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending passionate fan perspectives with statistical breakdowns. The style is informal, featuring banter between the hosts before diving into detailed technical and tactical discussions. Rugby enthusiasts who enjoy deep dives into game strategy, selection debates, and behind-the-scenes news will appreciate this episode. Listeners seeking only short highlights or those with no interest in the nuanced failures of England's attack might find the detailed analysis less engaging.

As heard by us

A stats-heavy discussion that questions England's attacking evolution.

Rugby Scoop frames Sunday’s discussion as a stats-led case against the idea that England’s attack has truly moved on. It keeps coming back to the same markers -- three drop-goal attempts, 85 carries, 69 rucks, 28 percent of rucks under three seconds, five offloads, and four…

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Why you'd press play

Want a fiery England take with the numbers to back it up?

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