ESPN Scrum Reset

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up another thrilling weekend of Super Rugby Pacific, discussing the changes the competition has made to produce a better product; they heap praise on the Force after another clutch win and debate whether this is the year the franchise finally delivers; they look at the Brumbies' struggles and how badly they are missing Rob Valetini and then turn their attention to the rest of Round 2. They also react to the sighting of Michael Cheika with RA boss Phil Waugh and why it's hard to see the former Wallabies coach in the frame to replace Joe Schmidt; they then look at the Six Nations and ponder the Lions' options at No. 10.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific, praising the administrators for a smart draw; they review each of the three Australian wins and name their standout players; before they discuss James O'Connor's Crusaders debut and ponder whether he still has something to offer the Wallabies; they then turn their attention to Joe Schmidt's decision and look at some of the options to replace him.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran fire off the first podcast of 2025, in what is a mammoth year for Australian rugby. They update the Joe Schmidt situation and explain how the drawn out contract saga is having knock-on effects ahead of the season kick-off; they then run the rule over all 11 Super Rugby Pacific sides and rate their finals chances, while also pondering whether the reduction to four Australian teams will improve their collective competitiveness and deliver increased competition jeopardy.

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Sam Bruce and Christy come together for [probably] the final time in 2024, wrapping up Australia's 22-19 defeat by Ireland; they break down that loss and why it came about, but also reflect on the team's broader improvement under Joe Schmidt and how they can kick on next season; they also look ahead to the British & Irish Lions series and next yea's Super Rugby Pacific season, before heaping praise on sevens star Maddison Levi following her record-breaking effort in Dubai.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Australia's loss to Scotland, analysing where it went wrong and the impact of the selection decisions and late withdrawals; they look ahead to this weekend's final Test against Ireland in Dublin and its multiple catch points; they look ahead to next year's British & Irish Lions Series and discuss whether Will Skelton should be in the Wallabies starting side; they then wrap up the rest of last weekend's Test action and react to the World Rugby Award winners.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Australia's 32-point thrashing of Wales, lauding the performances of Matt Faessler, Tom Wright and Noah Lolesio; they analyse Will Skelton's effect on the maul and discuss Samu Kerevi's red card; they also zero in on Joe Schmidt's future as Wallabies coach and how Rugby Australia might attempt to keep him; before they then turn their attention to the other week 3 autumn internationals, the World Rugby award nominations and whether a breakaway league funded by private equity is any chance of getting up.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran analyse Australia's drought-breaking win at Twickenham, lauding the collective team performance that was the best in recent memory; they isolate the players who showed the can be world class and heap praise on the incremental improvements the team has made; they laud Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's professional rugby debut and marvel at Marcus Smith's game for England, but question whether Steve Borthwick is missing Owen Farrell; before they wrap up the rest of the week 2 November internationals.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the All Blacks' thrilling win over England, analysing where it went wrong for the hosts, before they look ahead to the Wallabies' clash with the Auld Enemy; they discuss what needs to happen for Australia to win at Twickenham and if Samu Kerevi holds the key; before they turn their attention to the remainder of the week two November series action and heap praise on breakout New Zealand star Wallace Sititi.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran return from a brief break to run an eye over the Wallabies' spring tour squad, analysing just where Australia's wins might come from up north; they break down Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's selection and discuss his immediate off-field impact; they look across some of the other key November fixtures including this weekend's clash between England and New Zealand; and then discuss a succession plan should Joe Schmidt decide not to continue with the Wallabies beyond next year's Lions series.

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Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Wallabies' Rugby Championship campaign, including the weekend's loss in Bledisloe II, handing out grades across the key markers; they then turn their attention to the looming spring tour, analysing who Joseph Suaali'i should tour with and where Tane Edmed might fit in; before they give their impressions of Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley and how the competition can better operate moving forward; they then wrap up a big Wallaroos win in WXV2.

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