Podcast · Sport

Rugby Rivals - Sir John Kirwan & Victor Matfield

by Sportscafe Media · English · Sport

All Black Legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok Legend Victor Matfield go head to head on all things rugby just as you'd expect an All Black Winger and a South African Forward to do battle. Bringing in their friends and rivals from all over the Rugby world for a truly Global perspective. Refereei

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 28 minNew

Has Rennie Fixed the All Blacks? JK & Victor React to Bledisloe Blowout!

Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down the All Blacks' first Test since the Springbok series, and it was a statement. New Zealand scored seven tries to three to beat the Wallabies 50–19 at Eden Park. That keeps the Bledisloe Cup in New Zealand for a 24th straight year and extends an Eden Park unbeaten run that goes back to 1994. But it was only 17–14 at the break. Was this as dominant as the scoreboard says? JK and Victor dig into Damian McKenzie's first start at 10 this year, Scott Barrett's return to the second row, what it means for the return leg in Sydney, and whether the Boks…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

7 Oct 2026 · 59 min
Sean Fitzpatrick & Daley Thompson on Winning Without Sacrifice
All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick sits down with the world's greatest athlete, two-time Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson, in this episode of Winning Matters, brought to you by ALTRAD. Daley won decathlon gold at Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984, broke the world record four times, went nine years unbeaten, and became the first athlete to win Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European titles and hold the world record. Together, he and Sean break down what really separates winners: practising how to compete, not just how to train; planning years ahead; learning from the habits of the…
5 Oct 2026 · 27 min
The All Blacks Players Under Pressure For the Bledisloe Cup
Bledisloe week is here, and John Kirwan and Victor Matfield are naming the All Blacks who need to stand up against the Wallabies this weekend. With the Cup on the line, JK and Victor ask whether this All Blacks side is good enough to keep Australia at bay, where the Wallabies could hurt them, and which players are under the most pressure to perform. Brought to you by RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers: who needs to deliver for the All Blacks? Plus, for Klipdrift, JK and Victor share their favourite moments from the break, from Victor's holiday to JK's road trip.
28 Sep 2026 · 32 min
South Africa Shocked By 11-Man Wallabies... What Went Wrong?
Australia led the world champions 42–17 with 15 minutes to go. Then four yellow cards, a penalty try and a Springbok scrum onslaught turned Perth into chaos - and the Wallabies held on with 11 men. Springbok great Victor Matfield and All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan break down one of the wildest finishes in Test rugby: how the Wallabies built a 25-point lead, how the Boks clawed back through the scrum, and whether the result says more about Les Kiss's Wallabies or a Springbok side that got caught out. Thank you RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers and Klipdrift Premium for supporting the show.
13 Sep 2026 · 35 min
Springboks Celebrate Series Victory in the USA — the Game Victor said was just an Exhibition
Victor and JK dissect the Baltimore finale with very different emotions. JK isn’t happy with the referee, while Victor is happy with just about everything! They name the player who delivered across the entire series, break down the moments that decided the final game, and assess how the series has shaped both teams’ futures—with the Rugby World Cup firmly in mind. Plus, Victor asks: will the All Blacks come under severe pressure if they lose another game this year?
6 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Victor Claims South Africa’s Series Victory Before the USA Finale
JK is back in green and gold as South Africa take a 2–1 series lead following their victory in Soweto. Victor declares the series won now that the South African leg is over—but he’s quickly reminded there’s still one game to play in the USA before the trophy can be handed out.
31 Aug 2026 · 38 min
Boks Strike Back: How South Africa Saved the Series vs. All Blacks
The Springboks hit back. South Africa beat the All Blacks 33-26 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town to level Rugby's Greatest Rivalry at 1-1. Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield unpack how South Africa saved it, with Ric Salizzo refereeing in the middle. The Boks led 24-14 at the break through tries to Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and a returning Siya Kolisi, with Cheslin Kolbe flawless off the tee. New Zealand came late through Leroy Carter and Ardie Savea, but South Africa survived Lood de Jager's 79th-minute yellow card to hold on - the first defeat of Dave Rennie's tenure in his ninth Test in…
28 Aug 2026 · 20 min
Springbok & All Black Fans Collide Before Second Test!
JK and Victor are off the leash, so we've handed the mics to the fans. A special edition of Rugby Rivals pits two rugby podcasts against each other ahead of the second test in Cape Town - Rawiri and Gareth from Our Super Smack flying the flag for New Zealand, and Dane from Kick On Rugby holding the line for the Springboks.
24 Aug 2026 · 39 min
Will South Africa Bounce Back? JK & Victor Matfield on Ellis Park "Hiding!"
The All Blacks have taken first blood in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry - five tries to one, the biggest All Blacks win ever at the ground, the end of a 12-Test Springbok winning streak, and the world No.1 ranking gone. Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down how it happened. Why the Boks were 13-12 up at halftime and then nowhere. The scrum dominance that counted for nothing. The All Blacks' tackle-area tactics that Rassie admitted his side didn't see coming. And the big one: with three Tests still to play, can South Africa turn this series around in Cape Town? Rugby Rivals is proudly…
17 Aug 2026 · 33 min
Where Are The Crowds? Why so many empty seats?
The All Blacks are three from three in South Africa. 142 points scored, 40 conceded - but what have we actually learned? With the first Test at Ellis Park just days away, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield ask whether this tour has told us anything at all about where the All Blacks are at yet. Plus: the elephant in the half-empty stadium. 14,759 turned up in Durban. Cape Town fell short of a sellout. Loftus still had tickets on the morning of the game, with the good seats at R1,350. For a tour billed as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry - the first full All Blacks tour of South Africa in 30 years -…
10 Aug 2026 · 29 min
All Blacks Survive Stormers Scare, Boks Edge Argentina Thriller!
The All Blacks kicked off their South Africa tour with a scrappy, ill-disciplined 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town —\- surviving three yellow cards and needing four late tries to pull away from what should've been a comfortable night. Meanwhile, the Springboks ground out a nervy 17-10 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires, with the bench "bomb squad" bailing them out late as the Pumas threatened a serious upset. On this episode, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down where Dave Rennie's men went wrong in the Cape Town heat, why the discipline issues are a worry heading deeper…
10 Aug 2026 · 15 min
Rivals S02 Ep20b (Team Room 2)
Victor outlines the tactics he'd use to beat the All Blacks and JK counters with his cunning plan to beat South Africa.
4 Aug 2026 · 23 min
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Is Here! Boks vs. All Blacks Predictions
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry is here - and Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield are making their calls. Thirty years on from the Incomparables, the All Blacks are back in South Africa for a full tour. Eight matches, four Tests, and the most anticipated series between these two nations in a generation. It starts Friday in Cape Town. But first - the story that's dominated the build-up. Thousands of South Africans turned out at DHL Stadium to welcome the All Blacks, a genuine sea of black in the heart of Cape Town. The Cape Crusaders are back, and the reaction online has been fierce. JK and Victor…
27 Jul 2026 · 35 min
All Blacks & Springboks Squads REVEALED: The Shock Selections
Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield react to Dave Rennie's 44-man All Blacks squad for the Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa and Rassie Erasmus' 43-man Springbok group, as the two greatest rivals in world rugby prepare to collide in a four-Test series. In this episode: - The uncapped trio - Siale Lauaki, Josh Jacomb and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa - injecting young talent into the touring squad - Rieko Ioane and Fabian Holland recalled - Rassie's big guns return: Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Handré Pollard and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all back from injury - The men who won't be there - Kwagga…
20 Jul 2026 · 40 min
All Blacks Run Riot & The Boks Stay Perfect!
The All Blacks ran riot at Eden Park! Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down a massive weekend of Nations Championship rugby - starting with New Zealand's six-try demolition of Ireland that stretched the Eden Park unbeaten run to 53 matches. JK explains why Dave Rennie's side is starting to click, and what this performance tells us about where the All Blacks are heading. Then it's over to Durban, where Victor's Springboks shut out Wales 43-0 - seven tries, three wins from three, and maximum log points from the home leg of their campaign. Is anyone stopping the Boks right now? Plus,…
13 Jul 2026 · 37 min
Did Scotland Just Expose The Springboks?! Will Jordan Makes History!
The world champions got a fright! Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan break down a wild weekend of Nations Championship rugby - starting with the Springboks being pushed all the way by a fearless Scotland side in Pretoria. Two-nil up in the championship, but should Rassie be worried by 46 missed tackles? Meanwhile in Wellington, the All Blacks ran in seven tries against Italy as Will Jordan made history - a hat-trick to become the All Blacks' greatest ever try scorer in test matches. JK gives his verdict on the new-look side under Dave Rennie and whether they're ready for Ireland at Eden…
6 Jul 2026 · 36 min
Rennie's New All Blacks & Rassie's Ruthless Springboks | Nations Championship Reaction
Is this the new age of rugby? Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield react to the opening weekend of the inaugural Nations Championship. The All Blacks edged France 34-32 in a Christchurch thriller in Dave Rennie's first Test in charge, with Ardie Savea leading the side as captain and a new-look backline featuring Ruben Love. Meanwhile, the Springboks dismantled England 45-21, running in seven tries and reminding the world why they're champions. JK breaks down what Rennie's selections tell us about where this All Blacks team is heading, Victor explains why the Boks' depth is scarier than ever,…
2 Jul 2026 · 14 min
"Sir John Kirwan REACTS: Dave Rennie's FIRST All Blacks Team Named! | Rivals Special"
Dave Rennie has named his first ever All Blacks squad, and it's a massive one — the test against France kicks off this Saturday. Sir John Kirwan joins Rivals to break down every selection, the big calls, the surprises, and what it means for the new coach's tenure. Subscribe for more Rivals specials and expert reaction as the All Blacks season unfolds. #AllBlacks #DaveRennie #SirJohnKirwan #Rugby #Rivals #AllBlacksvFrance
29 Jun 2026 · 28 min
The Weekend That Decides #1 in World Rugby?
This weekend, world rugby gets serious. The All Blacks face France and the Springboks take on England - and with the world rankings tighter than ever, both results matter. Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield go head to head on both matchups: who wins, who surprises, and who's genuinely the best team on the planet right now. Subscribe to Rugby Rivals and make sure you never miss an episode. Thank you to Klipdrift for supporting the show.
22 Jun 2026 · 29 min
All Blacks Squad Shock! Bulls Disappointment & Boks Season Begins
The All Blacks squad has been named... and JK and Victor have some thoughts. Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down the selections, debate who deserved to be in and who got left out, and ask whether the Hurricanes are the best club side on the planet right now. Plus - the URC Final and the Bulls' defeat, and the Springboks kick off their season, Victor weighs in on what to expect from his former side! 🎙️ Rugby Rivals is proudly sponsored by Klipdrift - Legendary Taste. Legendary Times.
16 Jun 2026 · 39 min
Rugby Finals Week: URC & Super Rugby Predictions
Finals week is here - and Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan are breaking down both the URC Final and the Super Rugby Pacific Final with their picks, predictions, and tactics. Victor makes the case for the Bulls to strangle Leinster up front - scrum dominance, a physical maul game, and keeping the ball off their dangerous backs. JK sees Leinster's quality in the backs as the difference. Then it's the Chiefs - can they finally get over the line and claim the Super Rugby Pacific title they've been knocking on? Rugby Rivals is proudly sponsored by Klipdrift.
8 Jun 2026 · 35 min
JK and Victor Clash Over Tony Brown’s All Blacks Return
Tony Brown is BACK with the All Blacks… but should New Zealand rugby be looking wider than just coaches? In this week’s Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor Matfield go head-to-head over Tony Brown’s return and ask a provocative question: if rugby is happy to bring in overseas coaches, why not overseas players? The boys also break down a huge weekend of rugby as the Bulls charge into the final, while JK’s Blues somehow sneak their way into the Super Rugby semi-finals. Then there’s the Nations Cup… once JK and Victor finally work out what it actually is. Plus: Will Rassie Erasmus use the upcoming…
8 Jun 2026 · 16 min
John Kirwan & Victor Matfield Reveal The Greatest Game They Ever Played
What happens when two rugby legends reveal the one game they’ll never forget? In this special bonus episode of Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield look back on the greatest game they ever played — and the choices may surprise you. From epic All Blacks vs Springboks battles to unforgettable clashes involving Auckland and the Bulls, JK and Victor relive the pressure, the moments that changed everything, and the memories that still stay with them today. But this goes deeper than the final score. You’ll hear untold stories from inside the dressing room, what really happened after…
1 Jun 2026 · 35 min
Sacha OUT for the Boks?! URC Semis + Super Rugby Playoffs | Remembering Jonah
JK and Victor are back to break down a massive week in world rugby. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu limps off scoring a try against Cardiff — and the prognosis isn't good. Is the Boks' brightest young playmaker about to miss a chunk of the season just weeks out from the England Test? Rassie's injury list is getting ugly. Plus: the URC semis are locked in, the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are heating up across both sides of the Tasman, and the boys dig into the legacy of Jonah Lomu — including a special interview you won't want to miss.
25 May 2026 · 33 min
JJK and Victor react to Champions Cup thrashing!
JK and Victor are back — and this week's Champions Cup served up chaos. Bordeaux dismantled Leinster, and we're breaking down exactly why defensive structure can be the difference between glory and embarrassment. Plus: New Zealand's overseas player eligibility debate — where do JK and Victor stand? We name the form players in both NZ and South Africa right now, and make our calls on who's winning the URC quarter-finals. And Victor Matfield — a man who scored some of the most outrageous tries in rugby history — takes us inside the chip and catch. How do you actually execute it at the highest…
19 May 2026 · 44 min
Why The Boks Are in Camp & Richie Mo'Unga Will Be on The Rivalry Tour + Champion's Cup Predictions!
We are back for a brand new season of Rugby Rivals, with Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield. JK and Victor open with a personal tribute to Scott Hastings, the legendary Scottish midfielder who passed away this week. Then we're straight into Champions Cup final predictions, the Springboks alignment camp ahead of this year's All Blacks tour, and why Richie Mo'Unga WILL be in South Africa... JK is certain. Subscribe wherever you watch or listen to make sure you never miss an episode!
16 Mar 2026 · 35 min
Is the Six Nations the Best Rugby Competition on the Planet?
The Six Nations is done. And if you watched it, you'll know it was something special. JK, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble are back to break down what was one of the most compelling Six Nations in recent memory, and ask the question that's going to rile a few people in the southern hemisphere: is the Six Nations now the best rugby competition on the planet? Whether you're a diehard northern hemisphere fan or a Springbok supporter ready to fight back in the comments... this one's for you. Subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode!
10 Mar 2026 · 24 min
England and France need more South Africans ?!
France and England were supposed to be the heavyweights of this year's Six Nations... so what on earth happened this weekend? Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield react to the shock results, break down what went wrong for two of Europe's biggest rugby nations, and give their take on what it means for the rest of the tournament. Subscribe to Rugby Rivals so you never miss an episode!
4 Mar 2026 · 27 min
JK & Victor REACT to Dave Rennie as New All Blacks Coach!
Dave Rennie is the new All Blacks head coach — and the rugby world is reacting. On this episode of Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan (All Blacks legend) and Victor Matfield (Springboks legend) give their immediate reaction to the appointment of Dave Rennie as the next All Blacks coach. What does Rennie bring to the role? How will his coaching style shape the next era of the All Blacks? And what challenges will he face leading one of the most scrutinised teams in world sport? JK and Victor break down Rennie’s track record, what his appointment means for New Zealand rugby, and how the rest of the…
24 Feb 2026 · 41 min
Ireland back on top! Should Someone Be Relegated?!
Ireland go to Twickenham… and suddenly everything changes. Just weeks after talk of “crisis,” Ireland deliver a world-class performance against England. So, are they back on top of the world? Or was it just one emotional afternoon? This week on Rugby Rivals: Ireland’s statement win at Twickenham - turning point or overreaction? The promotion and relegation debate — should the Six Nations introduce jeopardy? Henry Pollock: impact weapon or future starter? Italy’s rise - best scrum in the Six Nations? All Blacks coaching update... what’s really happening behind the scenes? And finally… are…

About Rugby Rivals - Sir John Kirwan & Victor Matfield

Rugby Rivals - Sir John Kirwan & Victor Matfield is a English sport podcast from Sportscafe Media. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Sportscafe Media
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1817298681
Rights: 2026 Sportscafe Media

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