The biggest rugby match of 2025 will almost certainly decide this year’s Six Nations tournament, when Ireland host France in Dublin this weekend. The Telegraph’s Charlie Morgan joined Brett McKay & Harry Jones for this week’s episode of The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast, where all the weeds were got into for this blockbuster clash.

France have gone down the 7-1 bench split route again, but in doing so have named a bench that almost literally weighs a tonne. Ireland have the benefit of playing a massive game at home, but also have the heartstrings angle covered, with legend stalwarts Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray all announcing their intent to retire from International Rugby after the Six Nations. We think there’s maybe only a kick between them. Plus, some quick thoughts Scotland-Wales, and England-Italy, including Steve ‘Slash’ Borthwick going back to the future with a few selections

Games of the Week:

• 6Ns: Ireland v France, Dublin

• SRP Rd.4: Waratahs v Force, Sydney

• URC remnant Rd.1: Sharks v Lions, Durban

• MLR Rd.4: Miami v Chicago, Fort Lauderdale

#rugby #rugbypodcast #89Combo #SixNations #Ireland #France # Scotland #Wales #England #Italy #SuperRugbyPacific #UnitedRugbyChampionship #Top14 #JapanRugbyLeagueOne #MajorLeagueRugby

Find us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@8-9Combo?sub_confirmation=1

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1BcKhb24YOtwQhKc0S3sDm

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-8-9-combo-rugby-podcast/id1729575866

Social media: #89Combo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/89combo

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/89combo.bsky.social

Find Brett and Harry on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport + @HaribaldiJones

Music: "Stalling" by Topher Mohr & Alex Elena (via YouTube Creator Studio)

Voiceovers by Chookman + Sean Maloney

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