Legendary Sky Sport NZ commentator Tony Johnson joined Brett McKay & Harry Jones on The

8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast this week, as they try to get to the bottom of just why

2025 has been the best start to a Super Rugby season in living memory.

And it’s not an easy question with one simple answer. It’s not just that all the

Australian team are competitive. It’s not just that anyone can beat anyone on

any give weekend. It’s not just that the demise of the Melbourne Rebels has

boosted depth in other squads. It might be the do with it being a Lions Tour year,

and the extra jeopardy that brings. It might be weather-related, and the fact

that it’s been a nice summer on both sides of the Tasman. It’s quite likely all

of the above.

Whatever the reason or reasons, it has been a wonderful start to the Super Rugby Pacific

season.

Games of the Week:

SRP Rd.7: Hurricanes v Waratahs, Wellington

URC Rd.14: Ulster v Stormers, Belfast

Premiership Rd.13: Bath v Harlequins, the Rec

Top 14 Rd.20: Clermont v La Rochelle, Clermont

League One Week 15: Canon Eagles v Toyota Verblitz, Tokyo

MLR Rd.6: Houston SaberCats v San Diego Legion, Houston

#rugby #rugbypodcast #89Combo #SuperRugbyPacific #UnitedRugbyChampionship #Premiership #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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