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We Solved Rugby's Biggest Problem... and League Won't Like it! · Cut The Kak

• Byron: Welcome back to Cut the Cuck, the show where we talk about the sport we absolutely love and know very little about. That's Chad over there in the 2011 jersey and my name is Byron. And Chad, let's cut the cuck. Chad: Let's do it. I know and I say this every single start of the part. Yeah, let's go. The obvious, I reckon. Byron: I don't even know what we're gonna talk about. Start with the Six Nations. Chad: start with the Six Nations. Byron: What a great Six Nations. From start to finish, ⁓ we did a little prediction before the show, before the Six Nations started, ⁓ where we went through every game and how we thought it was gonna end up. We were wrong in pretty much every single way, ⁓ except we did say France wins. So we got that right from the beginning, but how we got there was completely wrong. We thought it was gonna be a... Chad: Two beef. I was gonna say yes. Byron: France England final showdown for first place. That wasn't the case. England was ⁓ sitting down at the bottom there with Wales. Chad: and I don't think it was just us that got it wrong. feel like it was everybody. They got that. Byron: Yeah, because how do you make some of those predictions? Some of those games you just... Chad: The way Italy performed in the whole tournament was... no one saw that coming. Byron: ⁓ I didn't want to have this to be my first point, but you just mentioned Italy. So do you want to start with the Italy-Wales game? Chad: How could you not? Yeah. Are we talking about just this round? This round? Or the whole tournament? Byron: Okay, so... both, I guess. ⁓ If we talk in the whole tournament, Italy and Scotland for me were the best performers. Obviously France won the competition. They, you know, they deserved it. We saw that from the very first game against Ireland. ⁓ But the Wales performance, excuse me, the Italy performance from start to finish was fantastic. Their first win against England. ⁓ Chad: Yeah. Byron: It just that last game against Wales, the 31-17, I've got ⁓ a bit of a bone to pick ⁓ with the referee. Chad: Of course you do. You wouldn't be South African if you didn't. Byron: Yeah, well, the thing, I don't know if you noticed this, in the game there were a lot of Welsh turnovers ⁓ and a lot of penalties against Italy at the breakdown and I don't know if this is just the referee's style of play because I didn't see it the opposite way. I only saw it in Wales' favour, but usually the guy making the steal there was no daylight shown. So he was the tackler and you're to show daylight and then go in. And the other one, in the woods, there was more than one that was clear and obvious where the defender had his hands on the ground first and then scraped back to grab the ball. And the Italian captain was trying to tell the referee this and the referee wanted, he was like, I didn't see it that way. playing on. And I was like, okay, but now look for it the next time. And then like the very next breakdown that happened again. Chad: Yeah. Byron: And the Italian captain went up to the referee and he's like, it just happened again. He's like, I don't see it that way. And I'm just like, it was so hard for Italy to play rugby because at every breakdown, well, not every breakdown, I'm mostly being euphemistic, but there were so many breakdowns where it should have been Italy penalty that they landed up giving the penalty to Wales. And it just, was impossible for Italy to get anything going. because the ref was misseeing those rucks. I thought they would have spoken to him at half time, like that's how bad it was. And they kinda did, but he only really had one arm when it came to the rucks, and I think it really ruined the game. Chad: Yeah, misinterpreting. Yeah, it is, ⁓ I did notice how when you have a different referee, how the game can play out. I've never really seen it or noticed it or appreciated it, but, I can definitely tell the difference between a Southern Hemisphere referee, like an Angus Gardner who doesn't call anything until the TMO comes in and lets the game. But I mean, in saying that, Byron: Hahaha! Chad: The games do flow and there's a lot more. like freedom in those games until he scored trying it's called back because he missed a knock on that was obvious but ⁓ and then you go watch the like the french referee ⁓ i think that Byron: I su- Yeah, he's very much to the rules. You break a rule, he's blowing the whistle. There's no if buts or maybe about it. As I said, the thing that I care about the most though is, you know, obviously reps have different ways of viewing the game, which is okay. But I think it just needs to be consistent. So if you're going to not call a player not supporting his weight and then stealing the ball and you're calling that a fair steal, Chad: Yeah, which I can appreciate too. Byron: It's not, but if that's the way you're going to ref the breakdown, then you have to ref the breakdown the same way for both sides. Chad: I have a fix for it. Byron: That's all it is. Chad: get Holly, clone her and just get her to play Riff every game. Byron: ⁓ Also, we need Holly to ref the game and be the TMO. She needs to do both jobs if that's possible. Yeah. Chad: Yeah, give her an iPad, can put on her back, can whip her ass. Byron: Just whip it out. Yeah, I don't know that. She's pretty much sure anyway, and she's always right. Yeah. Yeah, I don't know that that ref really ruined that game for me because I don't think Wales were the better side. I think Wales might have played their best game, the Six Nations, but I just think. Yeah, and I still don't think that they were better than Italy. I just think that the ref Chad: Yeah, and it's only if she's unsure because she's very... she's right. Yeah. Dude that was the best game in three years Yeah. Byron: handcuffed them basically. was almost as if there was like a directive to let Wales win that game at any cost. But that's my opinion. That doesn't, you it is. Chad: doesn't mean it much. Byron: No, and then you got it wrong again. Chad: you Byron: Ireland, Scotland. Chad: Yep. Byron: You were so sure over and over again. Every time we spoke about it, you were like, Byron? Byron? Chad: Social I still in that World Cup game, the World Cup game Scotland are going to to win that game. Beat the Ireland, yeah, they're gonna beat the Ireland. Byron: Beat Alan. Okay? Beat the island he says. Chad: Scotland will be put 20 points on them in the World Cup game. Byron: Well they put 20 points on them on Saturday except Ireland put 43 points on them as well. That was a bit of a problem. Chad: It's a mess, yeah. Byron: What do you think was the difference in that game? Why do you think Ireland was just so much better than Scotland? What do think it was? Chad: I think they didn't want, I just think they wanted it more to be honest. Byron: And as we called it, the home team, this whole tournament. Chad: Yeah. Besides Wales. Yeah. Byron: Well, Wales got it in the final week, but all the other weeks, yes, I agree with you. ⁓ Except for that Ireland win ⁓ in England and borrowing all the Wales games, the home teams won every round. Chad: Yeah. Yep. Who is your... who you most impressed with in the Six Nations? From... what am I trying to say here? Byron: Cool. I think I know what you're trying to say. For me the answer is... Chad: Like, who made the most progress? Byron: Made the most progress from the start of the competition to the end of the competition or just as a team in general? Chad: Let's go to the competition. Byron: Wales because they lost four games and then won the last one. So that you would consider most improved. Chad: I wonder what happens on the next video. Yeah, well, well, I'll say wish Byron: But I who knows? Like I said, I still don't think they should have won that game. I think the referee made it impossible for Italy to win that game. ⁓ I think the Italian team as a whole is a lot more frightening than they used to be. ⁓ And I think we saw flashes of brilliance from Scotland. Chad: Yeah. Yeah. Byron: ⁓ Ireland pulled themselves together after they had lost to France. ⁓ Pretty impressively. And then France, they had the hiccup against Scotland. But if you watch the last 20-30 minutes of that Scotland-France game, France dominated Scotland. So I think we spoke about it last week. France... Chad: Yeah. Byron: messed up at the beginning of that game. None of the kicks were working out for them. And I think they just fell too far behind before it clicked. But I still think from start to finish, France was the best side of the competition. Chad: You didn't say a single thing about England. Byron: Well, that's because beer beerie is better than... Anyway, ⁓ England. Fuck, what is there to say? Let's put something together for them. Chad: That was rough. One win. They got the same amount of wins as Wales. Byron: ⁓ Look, think England still have the quality and the class. The problem that I'm seeing from my non-professional eye is I think that once a team knows how to play against England, so that's using their tall wingers and their tall fullback with the high ball, once a team counters that or defends that well, They don't have another plan. They don't have ⁓ a different strategy. ⁓ And I think that now they've got some time before they play the spring box. I think that they've got enough time to fix it. And I think that that game against the spring box is going to be a banger because they have to bring something new. They were shown now in the Six Nations that once someone knows what they're doing, it's very easy to stop them. ⁓ I think they showed a lot more creativity in the France game, final game of the Six Nations. ⁓ But yeah, I think they just need to work on that mental side as well. Chad: I think it's more the mental side. That whole one dimension raghemite to talk about that is very much the spring box. You know what you're to get. You just have to stop at it. We're just so good at it. Byron: Yeah, but we also adapt on the fly because Russia is not afraid to make 20 minute substitutions when things aren't going our way. Where I felt like the England side was just like, well, it's got to work, right? And then they'll do it again. And then it didn't work. And they're like, well, maybe the next time it will work and then they'll do it again. And then they're like, you know, we should do is try it one more time. Chad: Yeah. you Yeah, just... Yeah, sepens time's the charm! Byron: ⁓ Don't worry, this 42nd up and under will be the one that we catch. Yeah, no, it's... No, I think the Bucks have enough ⁓ creativity and the ability to adapt on the fly. And I think England will learn from this competition and I think they'll be more creative and more adaptable ⁓ come the next round of games. Chad: They kind of have to learn from it. can't. Byron: Yeah, they've lost five in a row. So they went on what? 11? Chad: Yeah, which is crazy. And you know, I haven't seen that many, because before this competition there was English fans all over the place. It was... Byron: I know it was hard to be anyway and that's Chad: And now they're Byron: Well, you know what? This I didn't know before we started the podcast, right? I would always hear people complaining about Springbok fans being obnoxious and whine, blah, blah, blah. And I was like, not looking at this again, this is before the pod. I was just looking at myself and I was like, we're not that bad. I don't understand why everyone's got a problem with us. There's obviously people that are way worse than us. And now that we've started the pod and I've been reading comments and looking at other shows and other people's narratives and stuff. I understand why some people complain about Springbok fans. I'll just put it that way. But the English fans were unbearable before the start of the Six Nations. They were. And they got humbled, humbled, very. Chad: I don't know what you're talking about. ⁓ yeah, no. Yeah, very handled, very quickly. Byron: Five games in a row is ridiculous. It's a Walsh run. Chad: That is crazy. And that ⁓ it is Wild Strike Me. That's, actually I had a question of that France game, France England game. The penalty at the end, high tackle. How did you see that one? Byron: ⁓ It's tough when the ref makes the call on the 80th minute. but you also have to give respect to the referee. So I think it does suck when a ref gives a call on a, I wouldn't say 50-50, but like a difficult call at that point, given what the score is. But at the same time, you have to respect the referee in that moment because it's not the ref's job to look at the clock and look at the score and then consider the rule. If there was a high tackle, which there was, the ref gives the high tackle, regardless of the score, regardless of the time on the clock. So some people will go, oh, how can you make a last minute decision like that? And you go, well, if it's the 20th minute and he makes that call, does anyone get upset? And if you say no, then fuck you, the rules are the rules, then he's supposed to do it at the 80th minute as well. So yeah, I think that's fair. I think it was a high tackle. And that's it, that's rules of the game, regardless of the time on the clock or the score. Chad: I agree with you. I just think that there was a whole bunch of those throughout the game that didn't get called. Byron: Yeah, which is the complaint that you and I have from like in the dawn of time, which is just be consistent. That's all it is. Even if it's the wrong call from the first whatever, then just make sure you always get that call wrong for the rest of the game. That's some. Chad: Yeah. Yeah. Byron: But I do think England got done dirty, dead dirty, ⁓ for the France trial that was on the 60th minute. I don't know if you recall how it happened, but I think the ref got, he didn't get it wrong, but I think he did shaft England pretty aggressively. So what had happened was, ⁓ Chad: Just commit to being wrong. Byron: there was a knock-on from the French player and the ref called deliberate knock-on penalty advantage to England. So England were playing the ball and then the ref said penalty advantage so they kicked possession away. seconds, I'm talking like, while the ball was in midair from Scrumhoff to Flyhoff, the referee got the call from the bunker, well from the TMO. Chad: ⁓ yes, seconds. Byron: And it wasn't a deliberate knock on, it was a regular knock on. So it's not penalty advantage, it's knock on advantage. So once the kick is made, knock on advantage would go away and penalty advantage, they would have got the ball back for the penalty. So like while the ball was being passed, a referee called not penalty advantage, knock on advantage, then he kicks it, they lose advantage, Frans get the ball, come back and score a try. Chad: Yeah, I got it up here. Yeah. Byron: If you've got the sound on and you're listening to the referee talk to the TMO, man, I thought that was harsh on England because obviously he only did the chip kick because they had penalty advantage. If he knew they had knock on advantage, he wouldn't have tried that kick. Chad: Yeah. Yeah. Byron: So that one I thought was a little harsh for England, but also, you know, what do I care? Chad: Definitely. Byron: Six Nations as a whole, I thought it was one of the best ones I've watched. And this is one of your firsts, so it's super exciting for you as well. Chad: 100 % of so No, not one of them, but one of the first I've been invested in. I've watched heaps of it before, never been... Like, I've never woken up to watch the Six Nations games. But I did for this one. Byron: Yes. involved. Fair enough. At least I won, we did the random draw. You came first, I came first. Chad: I didn't want... I wanted nothing to do with England. Yeah. Byron: Well, from the start, you were kind of on the back foot, I guess you had that win in week one. Did you win in week one? Yeah, you beat Wales and then, Chad: That was this. Crickets after that. Byron: Yeah, yeah. I mean, look, they did put up a great game. The game against France was great. I mean, 48-46 for a final score. I mean... Chad: Yeah, wild. Insane. Yeah, you don't see that. That's probably one of the best games of rugby. Like, most exciting games of rugby, just back and forth, and constant, and being close, and then winning by two points is just in the, in the, like, 80 second minute. Yeah. Byron: Well, sir. and a last minute penalty, two points. Imagine, I was thinking about it, how epic and amazing it must have been to be a French supporter in that stadium for that game. Like I wouldn't have showed up to work on, I would have taken like the week off just to recover. I don't know if it Saturday night, but I wouldn't have been ready Monday morning to go to work. Chad: Yeah. Yeah, that's what I kind of felt like when I went to Warrington and we beat the All Blacks there. Byron: That adrenaline dump is ridiculous, and you're just a fan. Imagine being a player. Chad: Yeah, yeah I know. But we've got ⁓ 100 odd days and then it's box her back baby. Byron: Is that when we play England? Chad: We play the barbarians first. Byron: ⁓ yeah, we've gone through the warm-up games. But when is the first game of the Nations Championship? Chad: Yeah. The 5th of July? Well, my 5th of July. I think it's your fourth. Byron: Isn't that American Independence Day? Let's go. Yeah, 4th of July at Ellis Park. Let's go. Chad: It's going be tough for them. You reckon they're going, do you think England's going to be able to break their curse of five in a row? Byron: Well, I think they're going to show up and give their absolute best because that's what everyone does when they play South Africa. ⁓ We'll have to see what kind of form we're in as well. mean, ⁓ the way we ended the autumn tour, I don't know if we can pick up at that level again, because we were on a different level come the end of that tour. We were unstoppable. Chad: Yeah. Yeah, everyone else just... Byron: You could have put two teams on the same field against us because we didn't play with 15 men. Chad: Bye! We just spoke about... ignorant... not ignorant... arrogant... Springbok supporters. Byron: But let me finish, Oslo. I don't know what sort of form will be in come the start of the Nation Championship. So we were at what I would say some of the best rugby I've ever seen the Springboks play at that time. But I don't you can't just like turn it off and turn it on. ⁓ So we'll see what happens there. Chad: Yeah. Byron: You rocked. You're awesome. Chad: I'm excited though. 110 days to be exact. We get our first dabble, first taste, ⁓ against the barbarians on the 21st June. That'll be against Razor. It'll be fun and exciting. Byron: Fourth of July. against the bar bars. ⁓ just wanted to check one last thing. Yeah, Wales get the wooden spoon by two points. Again, Italy, they should have gotten more out of that. still think they got shafted. All right, that's the Six Nations then, Chad. Anything else on it before we move on? Great competition, loved every game. Every game was worth watching, even the Welsh ones. Yeah, 100%, 100%. Chad: No, I am. Yeah, Italy's got a new fan. ⁓ Incredible. I'm excited to see. Byron: I just hope they can keep it going. I'd love for them to get ⁓ more positive results come. It's just, you know, the nation's championship is so hard because, okay, we know the six sides from the Northern Hemisphere, the six sides from the Southern Hemisphere. could obviously, Japan would be the weakest of the six, even though they're in the Northern Hemisphere, but they consider the Southern Hemisphere for the competition. Japan would be the weakest of the six. Chad: Yeah. Byron: I think Fiji, as good as they are playing, are definitely fifth if we had to play a tournament with those six in the Southern Hemisphere. ⁓ But it's going to be very interesting to see the level that Argentina, Australia ⁓ show up at, because we know that even if things aren't going good, the Springboks and New Zealand are always a tough game. So it's curious to see where those other four show up. That's not the sense. Chad: I think if we go off of how the Australian teams are playing in Super Ragby, I reckon they'll be a lot stronger than they were last year. Byron: Yeah, but if you look at the rugby championship from last season, they beat the Springboks opening day. We expected miracles from them. They beat Argentina and then both games that played against New Zealand, they weren't in them. So, you you've always got to take Australia with a pinch of salt at the moment. You just don't know. Chad: Yeah, no. But I'm just saying, I mean, if you looked at the Super Ragby that they played last year, it was in need of. Byron: I mean, yeah, we spoke about it. We spoke about it like for Super rugby, the like the Aussie teams and then the Samoan and the Fijian side, they shouldn't, they don't compete against the New Zealand teams going off the results from 2025 Super rugby Pacifica. But then going into this season, I've been wrong over and over and over again, because the Aussie sides are showing up and then Fiji at home also shows up. But by Chad: Yeah. Byron: Yeah, the New Zealand side, I'm not saying they're playing bad. I just think the Aussie side have been playing well. Yeah. Chad: But that's what I'm saying. That, ⁓ hopefully they can put something together. There's also been a weird spot where they've got a coach that they know is not going to be their coach for much longer and the Reds coach is going in. It's kind of weird. Yeah. old mate, ⁓ what's the Aussie coach's name? Byron: ⁓ I didn't even know that. Chad: see his face. ⁓ He's not there for much longer. He's heading out and the Reds coach is going in. Byron: Roe Smith. Difficulties balancing life and home life in New Zealand. That's why he's leaving. Chad: Yeah, well he wasn't supposed to be there because he said he was gone judgment. Byron: Yeah, that's why I Joe Smith already. Chad: Yeah, well, I don't listen to you. You talk so much c***. ⁓ Byron: Yeah, I wouldn't listen to me either. Chad: Yeah, he wasn't supposed to be there now, he was supposed to leave ages ago and they must... they convinced him to stay for a little bit longer. But he's going to quit. Let's kiss. Byron: So Les Kiss takes over at the end of the Super rugby season. Chad: think so. Byron: Alright. Chad: I don't even know. I actually think it's before this. I don't I'll have to check. don't... I haven't been following it that much. Byron: It says that it's got a two year deal starting mid 2026. But when the super eggby season ends, that's crazy. Chad: So yeah, it'll be after SuperAmy. so so close to ⁓ world cups i'm pretty sure they were they working really close together because it's not like schmidt's getting sacked and doesn't want to be there yeah it's probably already started going on about what they want to do where they want to go Byron: Exactly. Yeah, there'll be like a proper conclusion. I think. Yeah. Yeah. who needs to play, who doesn't need to play, who need to keep an eye on, all those sort of things. Chad: Yeah because when everyone forgets it when a coach like a head coach comes in the assistant coaches and stuff also all change because it's the head coach that needs these boys to be in there so it's tough that's even what's happening with the ⁓ the All Blacks all the head coaches that got fired when Razor came in are now Byron: Mm-hmm. Chad: Also, on the way out, there's going to be new ones coming in. I think we spoke about it last week. Byron: I just think it's such an interesting strategy, I guess Australia is in it for a different reason, New Zealand is also having different reasons for it, but to change coaches a year away, a year and a half away. Chad: It's wild. Yeah. I'm trying to do what's left of getting 29T. Byron: and then go ahead and, what's the, yeah, 2019, and then go win two in a row. Well, not everyone's rusty though. He's a mad scientist. You can have your opinions on him, but he's a mad scientist. Nothing matters more than rugby as far as I see it when that man comes to the game. I think his brain must be a nightmare. Chad: yeah but it'll be tough because yeah not really Yeah, right, we can eat any. Yeah. Yeah, like fantastic. I would love like if there was a competition and Springboks, please make this a thing. I'll enter whatever I have to do. Just to spend like a weekend with the management team. Byron: because it's definitely never gonna happen because you're a spa for New Zealand rugby. ⁓ Chad: There's no chance. I've got strong allegiance to to Russie and... Byron: All they're going to do see where you live and they go, ⁓ well no one's going to trust us so. Chad: I'd still enter. How sick would that be though? Can you imagine you get to go and spend a long weekend on Uum Dan's farm with all of them? Byron: And then. No, I want to do it around the Barbarians game. I want to be sitting in the back of the coaches box. I want to be there for warm-up. want to be there for captain's run that week. Yeah. Yeah. Chad: Yeah, okay, yeah, I like it. There we go. Byron: Yeah, and then for the barbarians, it's not an international game, like an official international test match. ⁓ I think that would be fantastic, but never going to happen. Let's be real. Chad: Well, you never know. Worst that could happen is they say no. Best they could do is say, fire in Chad. Come along and see what it's like. Byron: Fuck no. Please piss off and never see us again. Chad: Stop talking about us. Byron: Jesus, Yanks, don't shut up. Chad: Hahaha Byron: ⁓ I guess that transitions us quite nicely into Super Rugby if you want to go there. Chad: Mm-hmm. Byron: So we had all of our predictions correct. Then I'd like to call out the game where you said I was an idiot and I was right and I was red-beat in Waratahs. All the home teams won again. It's exactly like the Six Nations. Chad: Yeah. Oh what are? Truth. I didn't even notice that. Yep. Byron: So, Keynes beat the Force. To be fair, I talk shit about the Force. I give them a lot of shit. They played brilliantly. Chad: Yeah. I was shocked that first half because what was a dumb halftime was such a low scored halftime. Byron: I don't, I can't recall. You can check it up. Chad: Uhhh... Byron: But I always say force can't finish a cheeseburger. They still didn't win, but definitely, definitely gave the Canes a bit of a scare. Chad: Five eight. Yeah, it was code brown for them for a bit. And Barrett's missing conversions. I think both Barrett's had a terrible week off the boot, even for the Blues. Bodie. I do my Super rugby team at one point he was negative two. I was like, yeah, it was rough. Byron: That's all first half, yeah. That was Yep. He was your captain as well, wasn't he? ⁓ Good game though. Drewer Brumbies. Chad: Yeah. Did you see that game? Before the game it was so hot there that they almost postponed the game. Byron: And then did you see the storm during the game? Chad: Yeah, at half time it was like torrential downpour and de-hectic. Byron: So I wrote, I had something written down here and even the commentators were talking about it. The most dangerous combo in Super Rugby Pacific is for G and Druer at home when it's raining. ⁓ The commentator said there's no better combo in Pacific, ⁓ rugby, Super Rugby Pacific. And I was watching them and I noticed one thing as well. And I think not only Druer rugby, but I think it's Fiji rugby as a whole. Chad: Yeah. Byron: They do a lot of one-off crash balls where it's, know, scrum-half to the forward pack and they crash ball, crash ball over and over and over again. But then out of nowhere, you can be anywhere on the field and Fiji or Druer can score because they'll go from doing, you know, hook a crash ball, lock crash ball, prop crash ball, prop crash ball, then all of a sudden Chad: Yeah. Byron: There's 13 offloads, two chip kicks, ⁓ behind the back pass, ⁓ a basketball pass, seven side steps, another chip kick, and there hasn't even been a ruck. And then all of a sudden they've gone from their own 22 and they're scoring a try and there's no rucks in between. It's amazing. I love watching it. Chad: Yeah. And the balls being, yeah. I think that's what also makes it a bit tricky to play against because you don't actually know what's coming. Byron: No. Because it's crash ball and you're like, okay, we just got to defend, you know, the two and three channel. And then all of a sudden there's chaos. And you've got a flanker running down the wing, popping the ball to a wing. And then the wings popping it to a prop who's doing a behind the back pass. And then someone does a chip kick. And then because it's wet, it doesn't bounce. And then they collect it. And it's just, I don't know, I love watching it. It's so exciting. Chad: Yeah. Yeah, I did notice that when it was pissing out that it rained, the ball would go and just go donk, like almost float. Byron: Yes. Great, great. And that was, I don't know where they played in Fiji, but it was the first time playing at that stadium they were talking about. Something was a B. ⁓ Chad: Yeah, I don't know the name of it, but that was pretty cool. Byron: And that the play at Govind Park, which is in... I can't remember the name of the area, but anyway, Ba. That's where they played, Ba. I loved watching it. It was great fun. And to do that against Brumbies, to score 42 points... Chad: I I was not, was ex- Yeah, I was expecting the Brummies to really make that game a lot closer. I wasn't expecting to be 42 points between both teams during that game. Byron: Yeah. Yeah. And then what else we had that weekend, Crusaders beat the Highlanders, so a rematch from week one. I texted you about this and it pisses me off because it wasn't only against the Highlanders. I've seen this against the Crusaders over and over and over again. I don't know how they can be defending on their five meter line. Chad: Great game that one. I know exactly what you're going to say. Byron: 17 times in a game and not concede a try. And then within the next three minutes, they're in the opposition's 22. Chad: Yes, because they've defend, defend, defend. They've got some man, Ethan Blackhead had such a great game. I really hope that he can be injury free until the All Blacks play us. I really want to see him against the Springboks. Byron: Well, I mean, we don't want to see him against them, but we don't want him to be injured. Chad: No, I want to see what somebody can do against the box. I think it'll be fun. There's so many matchups that I'm keen for for this year. I want to see from the Highlanders, Taupata and Ngawe, the inside center against really any of them. But Esther Hazen, I'm really keen to see that battle. ⁓ Yeah, both of them. Byron: We are lender. Chad: The wings, the younger wings, I don't know who will get picked, I would like to kind of see but Reese first, Colby or even Kirtley will be fun. And then obviously Will Jordan vs. will be a fun one. Byron: Well Jordan is so good. It's not, it's not fair. He shouldn't be allowed to be as good as he is. Chad: And wonder if Cody Taylor, your boy, will get picked. Can you watch him? Byron: You know what made me smile in that game? He didn't even do anything wrong for me like throughout the whole game. I don't think he was as much of an asshole as he usually is. But when he got the yellow card, for no reason I was happy. I was like, I've got no skin in the game. ⁓ He hasn't really done anything wrong to anybody. Chad: ⁓ my god. You Byron: But when he got the yellow card, I was like, yes. Chad: I hope one day you can actually come here to New Zealand and we can go watch a Crusaders game. Byron: I'd be terrified. Yeah. Chad: Yeah, because you can go in the field and stuff after the game too and go say how's it will be like Yeah Byron: Hi, so it's me. Please don't hurt me. Chad: Yeah. But I'm keen for a whole bunch of the matchups for... both sides for us. Byron: I was trying to bring something up but... ⁓ But anyway. Chad: Yeah, Ethan Blackadder. Who's your number one flank? Or it'll be seven because I switched them around here. ⁓ Number seven for the Springboks. Byron: ⁓ that's a wild question. ⁓ Peter Stiff. Chad: Peter Steff? Yeah. Peter Steff vs ⁓ Ethan Blackett will be unreal because they're both just absolute engines that just go go go go go all the time. Byron: I mean, how did you not go Peter Steph? I know he hasn't really been getting much game time for his club, but... Chad: was injured, just had shoulder surgery. Byron: Yeah, but even before that, was 500 days before without a game for his club. Chad: ⁓ yeah. Yeah but then he came back and absolutely ripped it up like he'd never lived. Byron: Yeah. I'm ⁓ distracted. I'm trying to bring something up, but I can't do it. I don't know why my computer's being this way. Yes. Chad: I'll just keep talking then. Another one I'm keen for is... I don't know who the number 9 for the All Blacks is to be. Either Cortez, Rathammer or Noah Hoth, American. Or Fanny, Christine... No, probably not. Noah Hoth. Byron: But funny, Christie hasn't been playing much. Chad: Peace. Byron: Yeah, but I believe he's injured. Anyways. Chad: Noah Hoham or... Yeah, I'd like to Noah Hoham play against Grant Williams because they're both small, quick, fast. Not our top one, but I'm keen to see that match up between the two of because they're both young. I don't even think Noah Hoham will be the All Blacks top nine, but I reckon that little battle will be fun. Byron: Do you think Grant Williams is gonna be our top nine? None. then the final two games of the week Reds beat the Warratars like I said they would. Chad: Yep, you called it. You're such after that call. Byron: And then, ⁓ so happy with that one. Because even when the game started, I saw a bunch of people going, I really don't know who's going to win this one. And I was like, well, it's the Reds. Close game, but it be the Reds. And then Blues dominated Moana. Moana are not having a good season. Chad: Yep. No. Byron: They unfortunately losing ID was huge for them. Chad: Yeah, that is tough, ⁓ It shows you how important he is and how much impact he actually has. Because they weren't great without him. He came in last season and they did... Yeah, well, much better than they... Yeah. And now they're in struggle town again. Byron: Fantastic. In comparison, yeah. Yeah, they beat Drew in the first week, but I think that was a bit of a fluke and then since then it's just been downhill. Chad: Yeah. Byron: ⁓ Then next week, end in Super Rugby. Since I called it last week, do you want to give your predictions for the games? Chad: Sure, all the home teams. Byron: ⁓ Okay fair enough so you think Pacifica will beat Crusaders I like it. Chad: ⁓ Yeah, I it. Where they're playing that one? They're playing in Auckland. Byron: Okay, so here we go. we got Friday. Wait, let's an order before you get excited. Okay, so Highlanders play the canes. Chad: So yeah, I'll go in order. Okay, here we go. ⁓ god damn, that's gonna be good. I think the canes win that one. Byron: That would be crazy, but there goes your theory, first game out the window. ⁓ Chad: And the second one, because I reckon the Chiefs are beating the Brumbies. Byron: think I agree with you too. I agree with you on both accounts. ⁓ Chad: And then I reckon the Reds are being the... ⁓ I think the Druer will... Where's the swimming played? In... Yeah, okay, well, Druer's winning that one. Crusaders are beating Moana. And then Blues vs Waratahs in New South Wales, in Sydney. Wheeee! Let's have a look here. Byron: It's in Fiji. Okay, then we have, okay, last time. Chad: I don't see them beating the blues. I don't know, I'm undecided that one. Byron: I'm going blues. So we got an away win, an away win, a home win, an away win, an away win. So your theory is completely bottled. All right. Let's see what happens. ⁓ Chad: Yeah. Yeah. Completely wrong, yeah. So I'll run through it quickly again so we can make a clip of it. So this week's predictions by yours truly. Hurricanes, Chiefs, Drawer, Crusaders Blues. Byron: Okay. Chad: Easy. Byron: I agree with you, which is weird. Chad: Yeah, I don't like it. Byron: I think the biggest upset I'd want from this weekend coming would be Pacifica. Chad: It's not gonna happen. They're not gonna happen, Jesus. I don't know why you're such a, like a, I don't even know what it is. Unwarranted hate. Byron: There is an entire history of reasons why we hate, well at least why I hate the Crusaders in Super rugby. And that's because no matter which South African side we fucking sent there, they beat us. Chad: Yeah, but they did that with every side, not just the Serapican side, any side they sent it. Byron: Hahaha That's why I hate them, okay? ⁓ Then you know what we didn't talk about last week that happened? ⁓ yeah, from last episode, we didn't talk about the three USC catch-up games. Chad: Yeah. Yep, okay. Byron: Um, so there was. Chad: I haven't watched the UFC. I watched the Stormers game and I watched Andre Pollard keep tackled in the balls. Byron: That's fine, I'll give a quick recap. Perfect. If you want to bring up that clip just to put in here just so we can share that pain with the viewers. Chad: not Mario fan. I'll put a picture up. Actually, you'll fine. Byron: ⁓ so ⁓ I'll talk about the games quickly while you're looking it up. So Friday night, my time would have been Saturday morning for you. ⁓ Ulster absolutely crushed Edinburgh 1419. This is a catch up game from week two because of the ice storms that happened. then Connach beat Starlet Scarlet, Starlet Scarlet 3114. And then there was a catch up game from week eight. where the Bulls hosted the Stormers and the Stormers beat them 32-19. ⁓ While you're looking that up, that did kind of shake up the table a little bit because now we've got finally everyone's played 12 games, so everyone's caught up, there's no more games in hand. ⁓ Glasgow Warriors are on top with 45. Stormers, Ulster and Leinster, which is second, third and fourth. are all even on points on 41 points that are separated by points difference. So you got Stormers in second, Alstom in third, Lentz in fourth. Then Cardiff fifth with 40 points, Munster sixth with 39 points and then a bit of a drop off. You got the Lions on 33, Bulls on 30, Connacht on 30, Ospreys on 29. So there's a big race for the final eight between seventh and eighth. and then a massive place for home semi-finals and quarterfinals between Stormers, Ulster and Leinster and Cardiff. So the URC is so close at the moment. ⁓ Chad: Yeah. Byron: Do you want to do... To have this... Yeah, to have Super rugby on and the URC on and then obviously we just had six, well five games, but six weeks of six nations, which was amazing. Super spoiled. Yep. Chad: It is exciting. It's, we so spoiled for rugby at the moment, like just the amount of... Yeah, no, it's It is tough. It's tough to watch all of them. It's such a personal problem to have, but you literally have to stay awake. I know. It just... I can't fit enough beers. And yeah, I've got to choose between family and rugby. And unfortunately... Byron: Oh my god, there's so much rugby! rugby. Rugby wins. Chad: Right. So I must have felt sometimes that they're Byron: Let's go quickly. I won't go over all the games but there's the South African fixtures. Bulls host Cardiff on Friday for me. Chad: Bulls went, yep. Byron: Do want to call them all or just the South African Games? Chad: Okay, yeah, while I'm looking for this, I still can't find it, you read them out. I will call them. Byron: Okay, Bulls host Cardiff. Chad: Thanks Byron: That would be huge for the log. If Bulls can beat Cardiff, woohoo! All right, Ulster Connacht. It's impratorious, I'd love to. Okay, Ulster Host Connacht. Chad: Full Hope, Pete Cardiff. It's in, it's, where is it? Yeah, both. Also has been doing really good. Byron: Now what's this third on the log? Chad: Yeah. Okay, let's go. I'll start. We'll end. We'll have um, what's his name, score two tries. Vernon. Yep. Byron: Okay. Vernecock. Then we have a bottom of the table clash with Scarlett Hozebre. Chad: Does it matter? It's scarlet. Byron: To be fair, doesn't. Chad: It doesn't, it really doesn't. Byron: ⁓ Then, ⁓ I mean, obviously I got my own reasons for this, but I think it's a big game for the season. Lions will host Edinburgh. Chad: Kaden Brown winning. Byron: God, I hope not. Edinburgh are 12th on the log. I really hope the Lions get to win that one at home. Okay, then we have Benetton Ospreys. Chad: in them. Byron: I hope so too, because that would take some pressure off the Lions and the Bulls if Ospreys don't win that. ⁓ Sharks host Munster. Chad: Yeah. The sharks are like, how many of they? They've won four. Is that four? Byron: MONSTER F1 8. Ha ha. I'd love a shark's win if that helps you in any way, or form. Chad: Have they announced the teams yet? Okay, so sharks are losing that one. Byron: Alright, okay so let's recap we got Chad: Actually no, Sharks are winning that one. They're coming back. They're Byron: Okay, so all the home teams are winning so far. Then I think the best game of the weekend is Glasgow Leinster. It's in Scotland. Chad: There will be a good one. That is gonna be a cracker game. I wonder if all the internationals will be back. Not all of them, but most of them. You reckon all of them? Byron: I think so. I think so. Yeah. Chad: How's Monster been? Where's Monster at again? Byron: You mean Lensstar? Chad: And then sir. Byron: Leinster's fourth, Glasgow's first. Only separated by four points though. Chad: with the home team. ⁓ the ⁓ thing that's got me choosing. Byron: Yeah, it's a bit of bit of revenge for the past weekend. I think it's going to be an absolute cracker of a game. 6.30 Sunday morning for you. Yeah, you can be awake for that one. And then you'll miss the final game of the week, Stormer's Dragons, because there'll be Monday 2 a.m. for you. I don't think you'll be up to watch that. Chad: What time is that one for me? 6.38. How good. Yeah. Storm is no one said or home Byron: All home teams called by Chad himself. You've heard it your first kids. Um...then... The Blood Sparks are the regular season 7's champions. Chad: The best. But two points. Byron: Well, I mean, unless sports is written by somebody else and they just act it out on the field, how much better can you get that the two teams enter the final week, even on points, and they're also the same two teams that meet in the final. So the whole season was determined in that one last game. Chad: No. Yeah. Yeah, incredible. ⁓ Well, maybe that's how this new format was designed. Byron: I mean, what I find crazy is when Fiji lost their opening game to Argentina, I was like, okay, all they need to do is not make it out of the group stages and South Africa makes it out of the group stages and we win. And then we landed up losing ⁓ to Australia, I believe it was. Yeah. And I thought, ⁓ fuck. Chad: Or maybe it was Fluk, who knows? We would. Australia Byron: Because then we would have then, if we didn't, I almost wondered, did we lose to Australia on purpose? Because then we would have played Fiji in the semifinals, which would have been, and then, you know, anyway, then we beat ⁓ Argentina, Fiji beat Australia, and then we met in the final. And what a final. The defense, the defense from the Blitz Box was the highlight to that game because Chad: I don't think we lost on purpose. So, so close. Yeah. Byron: Yeah, we scored the two trials. didn't convert either of them. Fiji scored a converted trial, but it was the defense that made that game so spectacular. What a good game. So yes, Blitz Box take the regular season. And now there's the way I think I understand it is the top four teams from seventh to would join the top eight. We'll make it the final week will be 12 teams. in the final three weeks that will play off ⁓ for the next eight spots to go through for next season's top eight. Chad: Yeah. Byron: What I did find out from one of the commentators though, is because South Africa won the regular season, they're immune to being knocked out in the final three weeks. So basically, even if the Bucs don't win a game in the next three competitions, they're still gonna be in the top eight for next season. Chad: What? I don't know how I feel about that. Byron: I think it's fair, you earned it. You can't be the regular season champion and then not be there next year. Chad: Yeah, I I like that. Yeah, I guess so. Byron: If you're interested, top 14 would be from We're have to wait and see. It's not updated on their website. I wanna see where the top four teams are coming from seventh to ⁓ into the championship. Chad: What are you looking for there? don't know how many points I have. ⁓ yeah, I've done that one. I can see on Super Sports website they've got... Yeah, the top four. But not the... of number two. Byron: Let's see here what they got. What? What you got uncle? Chad: I got the picture of old Pollard. Byron: ⁓ yes, show us the pain. Chad: And we're out. Byron: Share your screen, I guess. What do I know? Chad: That is... Byron: ⁓ it hurts just looking at it. Chad: Yeah, not... not fun. Would not recommend official rating one star. Byron: Yeah. Yeah, that is a... I like that comment. Luckily, this man's already had his kids. Chad: I like that one. Byron: And you know what? You know what I think is wild about it, right? The timing is wrong. It's not as if he was like, let me get underneath his leg as he kicks and tackles him in his... You know, that wasn't the plan. It was just extremely unlucky. Chad: Yeah. and yeah got a yellow card for it and because polymer was down and roughly so yeah but like that was worse than when old mates ⁓ said Eamon grabbed my cock what was it Eamon who was it not Eamon Byron: I mean, how do you come back from that? What are you gonna do? That's right. Yes, no it was ⁓ the hooker. Chad: Yeah, like that's worse than... Yeah. Byron: Yeah, at least this one, there's video evidence of it. The other one was, ⁓ you know, ⁓ I said he did it, but I can't guarantee he did it. Yeah, that was a rough one. Even just looking at it again is wild. ⁓ I actually had something for you. Chad: allocation. Yeah. Yeah, fuck. Byron: Last week we spoke about getting rid of scrums and it pissed me off. I don't know if you remember. I got a little heated during the episode. I was looking at something watching Sevens, right? There is this... It looks like it got bombed. That's what was in the US. Chad: Hit me. you Yep. how bad the field was in the final when they were just getting it ripped up. and did look like it was rough. don't know what they... It's like they're playing on Play-Doh. Sorry. Going off the top. Fiji's better, but yeah. Byron: ⁓ or in Fiji. Okay, so the whole argument around scrums is that they're too slow and it takes up too much time away from ball in play. Am I correct in saying that? Okay, now if you watch sevens, it's non-stop action, right? Because there's more space on the field, there's less defenders and also those men and women because the women's sevens as well. Chad: Yep. Byron: they're incredibly athletic, incredibly fast, incredibly strong, all of the adjectives. But there are more people watching international rugby union games than there are people watching international sevens. But if you watch sevens in your seven minute half, the ball is in play for 85 % of the half. If the argument is Chad: Yep. Byron: you need more seconds of ball in play versus not having the ball in play. Would that not then mean if you use that metric that there should be this global audience for rugby sevens? Because it's non-stop action, there's tries for days, there's flair for days, but there isn't the same number of viewers watching sevens than there is watching a regular international rugby game, right? Does that mean that it's not necessarily the most important metric to have ball in play versus how well balanced rugby union is and that there's all of these different moments of competition that exists in rugby union that makes it as exciting as it is that we have such a large global audience? Chad: I hate it when you make sense. I can't even argue with anything you said there. You raised a bunch of good points. Byron: Yeah Because if you look at it that way, maybe they should stop trying to get rid of scrums and find ways to make the existing levels of competition and moments of competition in the sport more exciting for people to watch. Because it's about the balance. Chad: Well, for one... Yeah, no, 100%. What's... I won't actually re-jog my brain here. In the scrums... I like the scrums and everything. I hate that the scrummies and stuff send it straight back to their side. It should go straight down the middle and build that competition like what you're saying there. Does my head in. It's happened... Every single team does it now. It's so dumb. Byron: Yes, right down the middle. Exactly. Chad: So now there's almost no point of having it anymore. I'll say that. Byron: Well, so I left this weekend under 14's game and one team had a significantly more dominant scrum. It was so bad that even when the scrum half was putting it into the locks foot, they would just drive them over and steal the ball anyway. So there is a way around that. It's just to be significantly stronger than the other side. But. Chad: You Byron: I agree with what you're saying because if you look at a line out, the ball has to be thrown down the middle or you give them the benefit of the doubt, they get the inside shoulder of your team. But that makes it a fair contest. If you can time your jump and know where and when to jump, you can steal the ball from the opposition. You should have a fair contest in the scrum for it as well. But now if you... Chad: Yeah. I remember at one stage they fixed it and there was no throwing it sideways and that's kind of just disappeared. Byron: It's up to the referee to just implement the law because the law exists. It's not as if the law says you can put the ball in by the eighth man's foot because at this point that's exactly what they're doing. ⁓ So it's up to the referee to implement it. The rule exists. It's just whether or not they ref it harshly. ⁓ But I don't know. Like I said, I watched Sevens this weekend. I love watching Sevens. I think it's super cool to watch. Chad: Yeah. It's just the rules. Yeah. Byron: You know, your team play three times on a day. You get to start early and late. Like it's really cool. But it doesn't have the same viewership and there's always ball in play. And that just got me thinking, maybe that's not the most important metric. Chad: Yeah, but it's difficult to compare because they are such different games though. But I understand what you're saying. I get what you're saying. And it's annoying, but yeah. Byron: Yeah, because that's all they're focused on is scrum, scrum, scrum, scrum, scrum. And last week I spoke about how much time kicks take out of the game. I'm not saying we should get rid of kicks. I'm just saying that if you're trying to get rid of something in rugby, maybe consider that everything that encompasses rugby union is what makes it special. Switching out scrums for malls, for example, is a dumb idea because it gets rid of one of the things that make rugby union rugby union. And I feel like I'm beating a dead horse when I say this, because I say it so many times. There is a sport that exists. Chad: Yeah. That's... Byron: that doesn't have scrums, that looks very similar to rugby union, that doesn't have the positions for big boys like props. It's so much so that there's 13 players per team for the sport that already exists that looks like rugby union, that doesn't have props because they don't have scrums. And that's rugby league. So if you don't want scrums, then go watch rugby league or take the... ⁓ Chad: Yeah. It is... Byron: the Oaks who were at the summit in London from Australia and New Zealand. Tell them to go coach the rugby league sides because that sounds like what they want. Chad: Yeah, I still, it blows my mind that especially for Phil Wall, who had bean in scrums all his life, is saying get rid of it. It's actually disappointing. Byron: And I. So it is because there's always, I hate talking about this, there's always this conspiracy that World Ragby's out to get the spring box. The moment we get good, Chad, this is why I don't wanna talk about it. Chad: It's not a conspiracy, it's just facts, Bart. Byron: Whenever we get good at one aspect in the sport, they find a way to change that rule so that we're no longer that dominant at it anymore. And that, at least in the last few years, has been the scrum. And now, instead of changing the rules of the scrum, because we're finding a way to be good at scrums, they're just like, let's just get rid of them completely. Then they can't get a scrum penalty anymore. And I just think that's, I don't know, like, I'm... Chad: Yeah. Yeah. Byron: I don't want to think that they're purposefully targeting the spring box, but it kind of feels that way when they're going so gung-ho on getting rid of just the scrum, when I think there are other components of rugby that are removing ball in playtime. Chad: Yeah. Byron: And again, after my little weird comparison, maybe not the most important metric to be looking at. Chad: It'll actually be interesting. I'm going to do homework for next week's pod. I want to see what the metrics, see if I can find them, what the metrics are that they're trying to hit. Like, is it, like I said, ball in play? Is it number of scrums? Is it number of penalties? What is it? I want to try and if can find all that stuff. Byron: So my understanding is they say that, you know, knock-on is called and then from the time the knock-on is called from getting the scrum set up, having the scrum, having a winner of the scrum and then the game to continue. They say that's taking too long. But you can make that same argument for a line out because if you watch modern rugby today, there a line out happens and then the team has a full board meeting where they have a Chad: But they are cracking down on it though, I must say. It used to be horrible and the spring blocks were problem with it. Byron: Yeah, but the ref will go, come guys, hurry up, let's get the line out ready. And then they just walk on over. I mean, when we were playing at a high school level, if we didn't jog to the line out, the coach would make us run laps the next day. So again, there are other areas of the game, 90 seconds for a penalty. I'll give that one as an example. Chad: Yeah. Yeah. Byron: There are other parts of the game to look at if you care so much about time in play, or ball in play, or whatever they're calling it. There are other places to do it. Getting rid of a quintessential part. Huh? Chad: This is you struggling tonight, You struggling with words. Byron: I'm struggling today. It's such a quintessential part of rugby as a whole to talk about getting rid of it when there's a sport that already doesn't have it. That's the part that blows my mind. And also, why are you and I talking about it? Why isn't it not a bigger conversation for rugby as a whole? Chad: You I I don't know. This is all good. All good questions. Byron: You would think I know what I'm talking about, the way I'm going. ⁓ Chad: I know but... and we've literally spoken about this for the last... what? Four points? Five? Maybe even more? It's... it's just because that's such a problem. Yeah. They're making so many changes to the game that are just unnecessary and... Byron: Maybe even more. And I think, again, I'm repeating myself, but I think all of the changes that have led to player safety, I think that's fantastic. All the changes that have led to a faster game, fantastic. I think that people are scoring more trials now more than ever. I mean, the 50-22 is such a fantastic attacking weapon now that didn't exist before. Chad: Yeah. Yeah, but even that they've changed now. The new rule is that you can take it back and then... Byron: Yeah, see that I don't like as much, but I get it. I'm not gonna sit and fight about that one, but I will fight about the scrum because it plays two major roles in rugby. One, it is something that we speak about all the time. It allows everyone to play rugby. Because if you're short, tall, skinny, fat, strong, weak, doesn't matter, there is a position for you on the rugby field. Chad: I think it's stupid, yeah. Byron: If you get rid of scrums, then everyone just has to be a ⁓ big back or a tall back, because that's all that you need. and a fastback. That's it. That's all you need. Big, strong, fast guys. They're already playing rugby league, but apparently they want rugby league version two instead of rugby. Chad: Yeah. But also, you don't understand, is everyone goes on about our league players or... I mean rugby league's better, everyone's bigger, You don't ever see anybody wanting to go over to league. We always seem to take people and bring them over from league into union. Byron: It's this crazy thing where you've got the two sports, one of them is better than the other, and you can just use the viewership to tell you who wins. And for what... It was... Oh, you had it up. It was 400... No, there was a four and a one. Yeah, I'm gonna fuck it up. I'll just wait. I'll just wait. Chad: Excuse me? Give me Father's numbers again. Hang on. You're gonna fuck it up, Just. I'll... Yeah, but it's just, yeah, it's a constant thing. And ⁓ on TikTok, there's constantly brawls in the comment section about Union versus, ⁓ versus League. ⁓ all the time. Byron: first lead. And I don't think it should be which one's better than the other. I think if you enjoy exactly. It's like people boxing in MMA, right? You have your own preference. There are diehard boxing fans out there that can't stand MMA. And then you've got your jujitsu guys who love MMA or your wrestlers love MMA can't stand watching boxing. Chad: No, they're different sports. Similar. Yeah. Byron: They're both combat sports, but they're different sports for different reasons. Just like rugby league and rugby union are both games of rugby, but it's not the same sport. So like, if you prefer one over the other, fantastic for you. But our argument here isn't which one's better. I mean, you know which one I prefer, it's union. But the argument is why are they trying to turn rugby union into rugby league? Chad: Yeah. Byron: Is it just because the spring box are good at scrums? Because if that's the case, that is even worse than what they're currently doing. Chad: I was gonna say then, yeah. Byron: They're trying to change the whole sport because we figured out scrums. That would be insane. But at this point, I just can't think of another reason. Chad: Yeah, I've got those numbers here. Okay, let's have a look. I've broken them. It's broken it all down for us. just a global audience. rugby league is about 30 to 50 million fans worldwide. rugby union Byron: Hit me. don't know how you would find that number, ⁓ they say. Chad: Rugby Union 800 million. Let's look at... Yeah, Union vs League. the NRL Grand Final. this is a bit tough because there's so many different leagues for for union but nrl grand finals is about three or four three to four million watching that ⁓ super rugby there's one to three million globally top 14 is four to five million and then the english prem is one to two million so combined even on the short end we had six million to 10 million Byron: And then if you, if you, is there something that compares international league with international union? Chad: on union. uh yep so rugby league world cup there is 30 to 40 million cumulative viewers for the rugby world cup 857 million in 180 plus territories. So a little bit more. Byron: a little bit more. Yeah, and which one has scrums and which one doesn't? I'm not saying scrums is what's bringing the views, but my argument is that the combination of contests in rugby union makes it exciting to watch. Because there are running games, there's sevens, there's league, that involves a lot more running, I would say, than what you see in union. Chad: Yeah, almost 11 times more. Yeah. Byron: However, Union still has more viewers. And my argument is it's because of the combination of places to compete for the ball and how the sport has all these different dynamics and ⁓ strategic moments in set pieces that doesn't exist in the other games. And I don't know why they're trying to change it. Chad: Yeah. I think I know what we have to do, Byron. We have to get South Africa into league and we just have to go in and absolutely dominate and just take over rugby as a whole. Sevens, Union, League, whatever they want to do, touch, flag, just do it all and then no one can complain anymore. Byron: Just. Hahaha! Chad: Maybe that's what we have to do. We usually have to get the, I think our league team's called the Rhinos. Byron: And I was about to say, we do have a horrible name for our league side though. Maybe that's why we don't want to make it big, because we don't want to embarrass ourselves. Chad: You know, it's like, I'll play some Rhinos and be like... Byron: Yeah, I'm a big South African rhinos, Chad: Yeah, but maybe that's what we have to do. Send Rusty there for two, three years. Byron: Let's. Let him watch the game, understand the game and then let us go win a league world cup and then what? Chad: Yeah. Yeah. Byron: I dunno, it's... I just, I dunno why I'm- Chad: We just solved rugby Byron. We fixed. We fixed rugby. Union and league. No, we fixed this for sure. Byron: Did we fix it or did we make it worse? Because if the conspiracy is true and it is World Rugby out to get us, which truly for me would be beyond ridiculous. That's why I can't, that's why I don't like entertaining the theory. But if it were to be true, then yes, that's what we do. We go, we win the next league rugby tournament and then you don't even know what it is because no one cares. Chad: I don't even know what it is. Is it on a four-year cycle? ⁓ I generally don't know. is next year. That's a shame. Byron: Okay, we won't win the next one. Chad: and Rossi won one in 13 months to go. Byron: Is it a four year cycle? Chad: ⁓ Uhhh... I have no idea. It's in Australia too, what the hell? How shit is this? Sorry, I'm busy looking at the cities. They don't have Melbourne in here. Crazy. Byron: It's almost as if it's not popular enough. Chad: You make a ⁓ point. What are the places that they've got? It's in Papua New Guinea too. Byron: Okay, question for you. Did they get what's that big stadium? Yeah. Chad: the MCG. No, Melbourne's not even on the cards. Melbourne's not even a city, a hosting city. They've got Townsville. Byron: So, you know, let's, I don't know why we're still. Yes, of course, that's gonna make the, that makes all of the difference. Chad: ⁓ who's in here? I'm actually interested now. Byron: don't understand why we're the ones fighting for this. When I'm the smartest person in the room, there's a problem with the room. Chad: Lebanon is in there. Do you want to hear the teams? Byron: ⁓ please, let's hear it. Chad: I'll bring it up actually. We can go through it together. I'll share this bed. It's taking a long time but I don't know. I haven't been through the whole thing yet. We're doing this together. Byron: excited. Did the rhinos qualify? We're going, doing it together. Ooh, okay. Men's World Cup draw. matches. Oh, so I was gonna say this one can open with Australia versus New Zealand. Chad: So we've got... See, look at this. They've nailed the first game. But... Fuck me. Okay. League, one point. Byron: Okay, so actually I'm gonna watch the league all of a sudden that has the better World Cup. Chad: ⁓ Samoa, France Papua New Guinea, England, England? didn't know England had a team Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji I think that's it Byron: That's it, that's all of them. Samoa, France. to the, go scroll back to the top, go to the pools. Chad: They're crushing it. That's it. That's literally all their teams. Sorry. This makes no sense. Byron: Yeah, this is wild. Hold on, what does that say? The top two teams from a combined table of B and C will progress to the semifinals. That's harsh. Also... Chad: Wheelchair? Hang on. What the? Byron: Stop it. Chad: Oh yeah, that's wild. I never knew that was a thing. Alright. We'll send the rhinos over there too. We'll dominate that too. What do you want? Byron: Let's see the women's teams. Let's see the woman's pose. Australia, England, Samoa, Wales, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea. Chad: See, eight teams is wild in the whole thing. Byron: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So for those still arguing for- Chad: So there's 10 teams, there's 10 countries that decided let's go to a World Cup and this is the game that they're trying to turn us into. Byron: Yes, this is what the union people are pushing for, is to have this competition instead. Chad: Yeah. Byron: Anyway, that's it. There's nothing more to say. It shouldn't even be a conversation anymore. Chad: But... But... But props to them for making this the first game. Byron: Well, they had to do something. Chad: in Sydney. It's yeah, it's Byron: It's as if they know it's important to have the first game as a big game. Chad: Yeah. Byron: Okay, I think we solved the conundrum. I don't think there should be any more conversation around getting rid of the scrum, because we've got the stats and the next World Cup to show that one is doing better than the other. ⁓ Chad: We did. Hmm. Yeah in every way shape or form actually almost every way shape or form the only thing that's better in league is the people that match yeah the people that set up the matches actually know what they're doing Byron: Opening game. Yeah. Yeah. They're like, we need to put out the best possible game. Probably the only game worth watching. ⁓ But you know what? You know what? Let's be fair. When is that World Cup? It's this year. When is it? Chad: That is, err, October. Byron: Let's make an effort in October to watch the League World Cup. But we have to go at it as ⁓ we have to pick two teams and treat it like we would treat a proper World Cup. Chad: What team are you picking? Lebanon. Byron: I might have to. Is it possible to get rugby league world rankings? I'm assuming the teams in the top four are the only ones worth watching. I don't know what this means, but it says Australia 100%. Chad: Yeah All 10 teams. Byron: They're number one at 100 percent and New Zealand are number two at 82 percent. Is that win ratio? Chad: Right, I don't know, I've never watched a full game of League in my life. Byron: All right. Well, if Wade did why, why? Okay, hold on. Chad: League's broken us. Byron: Well, how did Lebanon qualify if they're 20th and they took 10 teams? Chad: Because nobody else wants to play League. Byron: I'll read the top 10 for you in League. You got Australia, New Zealand, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, France, Cook Islands, Serbia, Netherlands, Ukraine, Wales, Ireland, Greece, Malta, Italy, Jamaica, Poland, Lebanon, Norway, USA, Germany, Czech Republic, Chile. That's the top 25. I'm gonna keep going. Chad: Yep. You So we're not even in there. Byron: Philippines 26, Scotland 27, 28 South Africa. Chad: Yes, okay. Byron: But besides everything that's going on, I wanna go find out how Lebanon made it to this World Cup and Serbia or Netherlands, Ukraine, none of them made it. Chad: it's Byron: Malta at 16. Chad: with all seven people that they have. All 13 people in Malta. Byron: Jesus, North Macedonia, 32nd. Man, ⁓ man, who's at the bottom of these rankings? ⁓ I don't even I'm not even going to try to pronounce it. I'm assuming it's one of the Pacific Islands. N-I-U-E? N-I-U-E? N-I-U-E? I feel stupid, but sure. Anyway, they've got 0%. So I mean, if that's win ratio, then from 41 all the way to 57 all have a 0%. Chad: New in case. Byron: So. Chad: is just making them play against each other. Byron: That's all I have to say on the topic. That's crazy to me. All right. Chad: Yeah, I that I'm looking at the thing too. It doesn't make any sense per cent. Byron: Yeah. Anyway, so we've looked at it. ⁓ I don't know why this is ongoing. So if anyone out there still arguing that scrums don't have a place in union, please go support rugby league because it appears as if they need it. ⁓ Chad: You We went from shitting on them to begging, helping. Byron: Yeah, I think what they need is more us on their sport ⁓ because they need it. And I think it is clear that rugby union needs to remain rugby union and they can leave the scrums alone. That's it. Chad: We cut the cock, we shut on the leech. Byron: Cut the cut, we got sidetracked again. I didn't even intend to shit on league, it's... Also, what's kind of funny is that the two countries pushing to get rid of scrums are Australia and New Zealand, and they're also the two best at league. Chad: None. Everyone else kind of sucks at Lee if I'm looking at that whatever that percentage is which we are assuming and goes Yeah from number three. It's basically a 50-50 and down Byron: Or yeah, whatever the percentage means, it just drops off. Yeah. Exactly. basically you and I need to pick it from this. If you pick Australia, you're good. ⁓ You can pick New Zealand if you want to be a competitor or you pick England. And then after that, you don't stand a chance. So I think you and I should do a coin toss between coin toss. Chad: I'm not choosing England. Toying class? Yeah we can do a toying class. I'll just take these here and it's Easy. Byron: between Australia and New Zealand come October. strange. Okay, I'll take Australia, you take New Zealand. We'll wait till October. We'll give this thing a proper go. Chad: Oh, I've never seen any other games. Byron: leading up to it, there's gotta be. matches. Chad: 15th of October this year. Is this just? Byron: That's it. You don't even get to practice. ⁓ You show up for the competition and then you go back to play for your club and we'll chat to you again in four years. Chad: This is fucking... ...diabolical. ⁓ Byron: Is the women's World Cup at the same time as the men's World Cup? Yes. I'm looking at the fixtures now. Chad: That's pretty cool though. Byron: that is except men's game, men's game, women's, women's. And Friday, so Saturday, you got the women's at 12. Yeah, it's going all on at the same time. The men's game and the women's game. That's pretty cool. Chad: like double-headeders. Yeah, that's cool. It's also because they have 10 teams. You can. Byron: Well, yeah, you've got enough hours in a day. All right, I think we solved the debate. And I think I hope someone looks at our podcast when they are trying to decide if it's a good idea or a bad idea to get rid of scrums because I think we solved it unexpectedly. Two idiots. Chad: ⁓ It's a bit of a joke, but... Yeah. Just talking cuck. I just blow my arm. I thought that it was a mistake and that there had to be some sort of other games before. There's not. There's not a single game before. Byron: It's solved. It's almost as if the sport itself is not entertaining enough, even though it's got ball in play all of the fucking time. So maybe there are more important other metrics to consider than just ball in play. Chad: That is... It's... yeah. Byron: I don't know how you're gonna clip it, but clip it and post it because we gotta solve this. Chad: Yeah, okay. It's been an hour and half of us just talking absolutely... I know. Byron: That's it. Yeah. The episodes are getting longer and longer, which is weird. We did it, we cut the cuck. Yeah, please subscribe on YouTube. It would be nice. We need a thousand subscribers, everybody. That's it. Like, subscribe, share with your auntie. Chad: We're doing we cut the cut fixed right me see you next week Yeah. And then go watch League. Byron: Well, there's nothing for them to watch until October, Chad. So let's just hold on. We will give a completely unbiased opinion on how the World Cup's going. Chad: Yeah, just watch our videos until October. Byron: Yeah, cool. Thanks for watching Cut the Cock. See you.