RuggaMatrix – Show 065 – The Big Comeback
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The pressure is building on France as the chasing pack waits for them to fall over.
Ireland are still in the hunt for the Triple Crown and remain hopeful that the door will open for a title defence.
Lote Tuqiri says goodbye to rugby union with his head held high, we discuss his contribution and chances of success going back to rugby league in just a few days time.
The Italians are coming! The Magners League will welcome Italian clubs next season, good or bad?
The Super 14 reaches round 5 this week and we catch up with Lions Number 8 Todd Clever, the USA Eagles Captain.
Our In-Depth Analysis this week looks at The Big Comeback.
Inspired by the Queensland Reds comeback to beat the Chiefs last week and Wales’ efforts against Scotland in the 6 Nations.
Les Kiss and Ewen McKenzie give us another masterclass session.
RuggaMatrix – Show 064 – 6 Nations State of Play
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France is in the box seat for 6 Nations glory but we talk about what happens if the French choke and the door opens again for the others. It could be a mad dash for the title.
Les Kiss takes us through that epic win by Ireland over England at Twickenham.
We look at the Magners League and touch on the Guinness Premiership.
The Super 14 is up to round 4 and we look at the progress of the Bulls and Waratahs plus we discuss the troubles the Sharks are going through.
Our In-Depth Analysis this week looks at Two Referees.
Boy did this cause some drama. Mark Cashman’s never been so animated when Djuro suggested that two referees could help our men in the middle cope with the increasing workload at the breakdown.
You don’t have to agree but at least we can talk about it.
RuggaMatrix – Show 063 – Culture Shock
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Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is our special guest on RuggaMatrix 063 – Culture Shock.
We continue to debate the new law interpretations at the breakdown and we once again go in-depth on the subject.
Our expert panel includes Robbie and Sydney Morning Herald Chief Rugby Correspondent Greg Growden.
Les Kiss fires back from a Northern point of view as Robbie Deans makes the argument for change.
It’s another great discussion and we guarantee that you won’t agree with at least someone but that’s what it’s all about.
Of course 6 Nations with Southern Hemisphere referees involved this weekend could make things really interesting with the competition on a knife’s edge.
So from 6 Nations to Super Rugby – we have it covered on Show 063 – Culture Shock.
RuggaMatrix – Show 062 – Jonny Be Good
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Les Kiss is in vintage form for this week as he expresses firm views over the southern hemisphere’s law interpretation to promote more attacking rugby.
While fans, players and commentators speak in glowing terms about week one of super rugby we flesh out the issue a little deeper with one of the best thinkers in the game.
Let’s just say he’s not a fan!
Our In-Depth Analysis is ROLL AWAY TACKLER.
The new law interpretation at the tackle has definitely improved the quality of attacking ball in Super Rugby but will it come at a cost?
We also cover the Six Nations which is critically placed after two weeks.
Looming large is the Ireland v England clash at Twickenham and we look ahead to that match and back at the France v Ireland encounter.
England has copped some criticism for their dour win over Italy and we stand up for Jonny Wilkinson in the face of that barrage.
The Six Nations is well and truly alive so there’s plenty to discuss.
RuggaMatrix – Show 059 – The Dark Side of the Scrum
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RuggaMatrix looks at a controversial round of Heineken Cup .. another replacement blunder has marred the quarter-finals make up.
Top 14 ploughed on while most other comps have a rest heading into the 6 Nations.
Les Kiss joins us from Ireland’s camp and he gives an up to date form guide on this year’s combatants.
Super Rugby trials continue and Ewen McKenzie details how the refereeing of the breakdown will open the game up in 2010.
We also hear from Justin Harrison. He plays his first match for the Brumbies this weekend after completing an 8 month suspension for drug use.
It’s a fascinating chat with a man who is now trying to resurrect his rugby career.
IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS – LOOSEHEAD PROP
We’ve covered Tighthead, now the expert RuggaMatrix panel looks at the other side of the scrum. With thousands of scrum engagements between them .. Ewen McKenzie and Mark Cashman tear into this subject with gusto.
Scrum talk never sounded so good!
RuggaMatrix – Show 056 – The Christmas Show
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This is our Christmas Show with special guest Lote Tuqiri and Peter Hewat like you’ve never heard them before. It’s our last show for 2009 but we’ll be back in two weeks to tackle the all the big issues of 2010.
Ewen McKenzie and Les Kiss take a well earned rest while we engage in some serious but mostly light-hearted banter between Lote and Pete.
It’s Lote’s most extensive interview since taking up his contract with Leicester so hear what he has to say about playing for the Tigers, eye gouging, his future and a host of other subjects.
The last quarter of the show is really a bar chat between a couple of good friends. (This is a disclaimer I guess)
And don’t forget it’s your last chance before December 25 to get 20% off your associate membership when you buy a coaching manual from bobwyerrugby.com.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all.
Team RuggaMatrix.
RuggaMatrix – Show 055 – The Anniversary Show
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Well this is it .. our anniversary show. RuggaMatrix turns 1 this week and we have a special guest to celebrate it with us. Former Wallabies lock Daniel Vickerman, fresh from leading Cambridge to victory over Oxford in the annual varsity match, gives us a special insight into that game and his life post test rugby.
Is it all over? Well not quite, Dan hasn’t closed the door yet on once again playing for Australia.
It might be our anniversary show but we still get down to business and the Heineken Cup is at the top of that list.
Eye gouging is again in the news and we discuss that too.
We look back at our big moments from the year past.
Our In-Depth Analysis is BORN TO PLAY.
Brought to you by bobwyerrugby.com (purchase an associate membership and use the code ‘ruggamatrix’ and you will receive 20% off. Offer valid until December 25th 2009)
Should kids and professional players have a rugby ball at arms reach at all times? Does handling the footy make you a better player?
We take another in-depth look at what it takes to be a highly skilled player.
Once again it’s a coaching masterclass from Ewen McKenzie and Les Kiss.
So join in the fun and listen to our anniversary show – it’s a year to remember.
RuggaMatrix – Show 054 – Tall Tales
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The Heineken Cup is back and we have a full expert preview with our panel. Our special guest star is All Blacks lock Ali Williams.
Ali has just released a pretty funny book about life as a touring All Black. It’s called Ali’s Book of Tall Tales. Ali’s website is aliwilliams.com.
He’s also on the comeback trail from injury and has resumed training with the Auckland Blues. You can hear his thoughts on the All Blacks plus current and future trends in the game.
IN DEPTH ANALYSIS – INSIDE SHOULDER
Brought to you by bobwyerrugby.com (purchase an associate membership and use the code ‘ruggamatrix’ and you will receive 20% off. Offer valid until December 25th 2009)
When players run at each other they often aim for an inside or outside shoulder. Today we discuss what this really means in the dynamics of attack and defence. Once again it’s a rugby masterclass of the highest calibre.
