Maul or Nothing

INSIDE the Leinster vs Northampton EPIC | Rory Hutchinson, Fin Smith, Henry Pollock & Fraser Dingwall REACT

What a blockbuster we’ve got for you this week on Maul or Nothing! We sit down with Northampton Saints and Scotland centre Rory Hutchinson to go deep inside that unbelievable Champions Cup semi-final win over Leinster Rugby.

Hutch breaks down how Saints pulled off one of the biggest upsets in European rugby, revealing what changed from last year’s semi-final heartbreak to this year’s triumph. From being written off by everyone to pulling together as a squad—was that Leinster loss in 2024 exactly what this group needed?

We’ve also got exclusive post-match reactions from Fin Smith, Henry Pollock, and Fraser Dingwall, as Ryan gets the immediate scoop straight from the pitch.

What’s Henry Pollock really like behind the scenes? Is he ready for a British & Irish Lions call-up? And what happened when he went head-to-head with Josh van der Flier?

Plus:

•Is Tommy Freeman really the “space cadet” Courtney Lawes says he is?

•How did Fin Smith handle the showdown with Sam Prendergast?

•Who won the battles at 7, 9, 10, and the wing in this potential Lions selection shootout?

We also look ahead to the Champions Cup Final vs Bordeaux—how do Saints plan to stop stars like Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey?

And don’t miss our Alternative Lions Preview:

•Which former Lion gets dragged out of retirement?

•Who’s the weirdest tourist-in-waiting?

•Who’s destined to become everyone’s best mate?

Hit subscribe, smash the like button, and ring the bell—because we’ve got a special midweek episode dropping with our hot takes on the Lions squad announcement you won’t want to miss!

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This week the boys run the rule over the business end of the Premiership and URC as teams vie for the top 4 and top 8 respectively....

We hear from Max after Bristol's hopes are dented with defeat at Northampton. While commentators are all saying Alex Mitchell better pack his bags for Australia... but what to the boys think?

They also pick over the embers of Exeter's capitulation at Gloucester and the subsequent fallout with coaches fired and owners reading the riot acts....

But has Tomos Williams's outstanding performance earned him a ticket down under?

Leicester roar to victory over a Quins side that seem to have suffered a case of the yips while the mighty Sale slay Saracens... Another commanding performance from George Ford.... why is he not in the mix or in the conversation for Lions recognition and should he be?

Meanwhile in the URC, the unstoppbale juggernaut Leinster losing to the Scarlets... how much of a shock is that (it was their second team) and does Ryan Wilson finally, begrudgingly, admit that they haven't peaked too soon and they wont care a jot about this loss?

And what about the Warriors losing at home to the Bulls? The boys wax lyrical about the man mountain that is Jan-Hendrik Wessels....

We then turn out attentions to the Champions Cup semi finals..... who do we think will get a chance to go for gold in Cardiff on the 24th May?

Head over to www.debra.org.uk to support this incredible charity!

As always, like subscribe and enjoy!!!

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We're delighted to be joined by Gloucester, England and British & Irish Lions winger Christian Wade to talk through his phenomenal career.

First up his big move to Rugby League and the Wigan Warriors!! He talks us through the secret conversations and covert meetings and what he thinks will happen when he's there.

Then it's onto his incredible move to the NFL, life as a football player, that first touchdown and how Rugby players differ to NFL players in mindset.

Then we're back to tryscoring records in the Prem and whether it's possible to get to that top spot....

We also have time to chat about the fastest players in rugby, training with Henry Arundell and the crazy 48 hours being called up for the Lions and then being out on the field having flown from Argentina via Chile to Australia!

The boys also have a chance to discuss the outrageous news that Rieko Ioane is joining Leinster! who saw that coming?

And what about Johnny Sexton being called up for the Lions as a coach? Is that a good call, is that even fair to coaches who have dedicated their entire lives aspiring to that role.... and what of Sexton's beef with Finn Russell how will that affect things???

And finally the big news on the Premiership restructure and the whispers of Saudi Arabian momeny coming in!

Enjoy!

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The boys are delighted to welcome Bordeaux and Wallaby back rower Pete Samu to take us through a gripping encounter with Munster.

We hear all about how the match ebbed and flowed and what it's really like playing and training with Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey...

Also Maxime Lucu needs to lean into his Jason Statham more often!

We hear about life in Bordeaux, the scars from last years devastating loss to Toulouse in the Top 14 final and how theyre approaching the semi final against their archrivals!

Meanwhile Ryan relives the horror show that was Glasgow's mauling at the hands of an unstoppable Leinster...

Since Bath led 21-19 at half-time in round four of the competition, Leinster have not conceded a solitary point; 200 minutes played, 142 points for, none against. Who on earth can halt their march to the Champions Cup. Also Jordie Barratt is a rugby cheat code....

But at least Ryan was able to ask Leo Cullen if Leinster have peaked too early!

We also break down a riveting contest between Toulon and Toulouse while the Saints go marching on!

Friend of the show Fin Smith pulling the strings as always and young Henry Pollock grabbing the headlines (as always!)

The boys work out that he shares far too many similarities with a certain Ryan Wilson.... oh no!

Reviews and predictions incoming as well!

Enjoy!

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As an apology for our tardiness and general chaotic holidays over the last couple of weeks we've brought you a special treat in the form of England and Saints superstar fly half Fin Smith.

We hear how Fin and his young teammates took on the Clermont giants are now the lone Premiership club in Europe's premier cup competition.

Fin takes us through the game, Tommy Freeman's hattrick and more importantly the phenom that is Henry Pollock.

Who teases Pollock every day about going to the Lions and what do Fin and Henry rib each other about.

From a personal perspective we hear about the battle for England's number 10 shirt and how Jonny Wilkinson's presence has been a complete game changer for Fin.

Fin also takes us through those dramatic moments as England beat France in the Six Nations and how he's fitted into the squad as a whole.

And what about the Lions? has anyone of the Saints potential contingent mentioned the dreaded L word?

There's also time to go through all the matches from the Champions Cup as well as previewing the Quarter Finals.

Thank you for your patience everyone, but we are back!!!

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This week the boys are scattered all over the place, Ryan is Turnberry, Max is in Cornwall and Marc is in Les Arcs.... so yet again another apology for a delayed episode. Theyve promised that next week everything is back to normal!

We hear from Max after that bruising defeat against Gloucester. Max reckons Seb Atkinson was Jonah Lomu, just bumping people for fun while Tomos Williams showed all the skills of Steph Curry. That said Max did get himself a meat pie so every cloud eh.....

We get the boys thoughts on Henry Pollock as he picks up his first Premiership try and what a try it was! However they put the skids on any Lions thoughts. Not because he's not good enough but more because the competition is just so intense in the back row. (Does he play prop?)

We also look ahead to the Champions Cup round of 16 this weekend with some big ties to look forward to including the ROG derby between La Rochelle and Munster.

We also hear what actually went down in Hong Kong as Ryan hung out with an array of the worlds biggest Rugby stars.

Enjo!

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First things first we’re sorry!

The show is late this week and there’s only one reason for it…. Ryan Wilson… surprise surprise. 

He’s kept everyone waiting by going on a massive bender in Hong Kong and therefore left Max and Marc hanging for 2 days. We do get him for about 2 mins with John Barclay and Niko Matawalu in a club 👍.

But at least we hear how Max’s crazy match against Exeter went down and that Bill Mata hit.

In the end Marc has to go to Hong Kong and the boys are finally together to talk through the weekend and catch up with Oscar Beard and that amazing victory over Saracens. 

We hear about Oscar’s career and being in the England camp.

Again sorry about Ryan

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This episode is sponsored by NordVPN

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The Big Man is back! Emmanuel Meafou gives us the inside track on Super Saturday, winning the Six Nations at the Stade de France and the celebrations afterwards.

We hear how the France squad dealt with the devastating Antoine Dupont injury.... the nickname for the French Bombsquad and what Shaun Edwards did to psych the lads up before the must win match against Scotland! (It's not what you think!!)

We also get a full round up of the Six Nations as a whole and how each country performed! Who are the standout players from each nation!

Enjoy!

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This episode is sponsored by Factory Weights!

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We’re delighted to be joined by Scotland Superstar Sione Tuipulotu to break down all the biggest talking points from another fabulous weekend of Six Nations Action.

We’re going to be honest Max, Ryan and Sione had a massive massive day out at Murrayfield and are reaping what they sowed in a celebrity filled Six Nations blur on Saturday.

While trying to keep everything on track we get the lowdown from the boys following Scotlands sublime slash squeeky bum performance against Wales… Why is it that Gregor’s men always seem to make things hard for themselves in a match they seemed to be cruising.

And what about events over in Dublin…. France majestic as they put an end to Ireland’s grand slam hopes in the most emphatic and season defining style.

Even without the injured Antoine Dupont the French juggernaut just steamrolled a shellshocked Ireland side.

The biggest question is though…. will Scotland throw the game against France to ensure it’s the Gallic brethren that lift the trophy rather than the auld enemy…. England need to navigate a tricky trip to the Principality to take on a Welsh side desperate to salvage their tournament….

We also get stuck into Sione’s life, how his dad made Sione and his brother join his local club so the 3 could play together, even though there was somewhat of an age gap.

And what is Sione’s dream playing destination?

lots of fun as always and thanks for tuning in!

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This episode is sponsored by NordVPN

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal DISCOUNT CODE ➼ go to nordvpn.com/maul our link will give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. There's no risk with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!

The lads look ahead to a blockbuster weekend of Six Nations action.....

Ryan makes absolutely bewildering predictions but the boys all agree that Ireland vs France will be an epic battle that is too close to call.... The boys gives us an insight into How important emotional energy is as Dublin bids farewell to the Ireland greats Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray and Cian Healy.... On the French side is Fabien Galthie picking naughty naughty Ntamack or Turnstile tackling Thomas Ramos?

Ryan and Max are both going to be up at Murrayfield for the Scotland vs Wales clash.... and according to Ryan if all falls into place.... Scotland will win by 25 points... there's patriotism and there's mildly moronic... or will Mystic Meg Ryan make the other two look foolish?

And rounding off the weekend at Twickenham will be England vs Italy... Max tries to foresee the style of play that England will bring.. Will it be the box kicking bores who beat Scotland… or the team that scored 7 tries in total against Ireland and France?

What about Italy can they finally beat the English for the first time in their history....

We are also treated to Max's meal plan and Ryan preparing himself for the British and Irish Legends tour... Enjoy!

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