Were the All Blacks that good? Were the Springboks that bad?

The Wallabies beat Los Pumas but are they improving?

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Issue of the week brought to you by Strike. Leaders in mobile phone cradles for vehicles.

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We look at the Super Rugby decider, look ahead at the Rugby Championship and the Women's World Cup.

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What went wrong with the Chiefs and the Hurricanes?

Stephen Moore stepping down heads our Cheika Watch discussion and neutral referees is the subject of our Strike issue of the week.

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What is going on with the Wallabies fitness? Taping up their mouths while running up gentle hills. Is it all for show? We make our assessment.

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Sonny Bill Williams is out of the contest, the All Blacks are hurting and the Lions are roaring. But is it false form after winning the second test? We'll soon find out.

Super Rugby produced another defence-free weekend - what were the Sunwolves thinking?

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All Blacks name a powerful squad to play the misfiring Lions.

Wallabies name a new captain and a lot more.

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Former Wallabies and Waratahs prop Benn Robinson joins the panel for a robust discussion about the state of the game.

Our Strike issue of the week is a big one. Don't miss it or your Strike viewer comments.

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The game was physical but was it over the top from both sides? We take a closer look.

We also break down the Wallabies narrow win and the Springboks latest disaster.

Don’t miss viewer comments and the Strike Issue of the Week.

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All is set for Ireland's rematch against the All Blacks and the Wallabies get ready for France after a narrow escape at Murrayfield.

Don’t miss viewer comments and the Strike Issue of the Week.

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The Wallabies have a big programme including a possible grand slam while the Springboks are desperate to show improvement after a dismal Rugby Championship.

Don't miss the Strike issue of the week and viewer comments.

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We add veteran commentator Tony Johnson to the panel and go through the controversial details of Bledisloe 3.

Plenty to discuss including your comments and questions.

Do what you do best is a strong theme from this episode - don't even try to play like the All Blacks without the skill or preparation to back it up.

Do you agree? Watch and get back to us with your thoughts.

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The All Blacks keep winning and there's a lot to like about their midfield.

Strike issue of the week and viewer comments and that show title

This week we host the show from the Sydney Cricket Ground, the venue for the launch of the newly formed Australian Rugby Media Association.

We speak with Rugby gurus Sean Maloney, Greg Growden, Iain Payten and Jamie Pandaram.

Djuro Sen and Mark Cashman discuss the Waratahs chances and we hear from Crusaders, Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Wyatt Crockett and Head Coach Todd Blackadder.

Join us from Allianz Stadium as we preview the Waratahs v Brumbies and Crusaders v Sharks.

It's down to the final four and we hear from Brumbies Captain Ben Mowen, Waratahs Captain Michael Hooper and Waratahs Head Coach Michael Cheika.

The Sharks and Highlanders play in the second qualifying final while the Waratahs and Crusaders get the weekend off.

The former Wallabies captain is now working for Racing Club de Narbonne Méditerannée and wants to play again.

We talk Super Rugby and 6 Nations and that's just for starters.

The England representative is sailing with Team Great Britain in the Clipper Around the World Race and this week he caught up with Team RuggaMatrix in Sydney.

Brumbies assistant coach and former Munster guru Laurie Fisher chats to us about the Brumbies historic 14-12 win over the Lions before the First Test.

(starting times of interviews included below)
00.00 — CHANGING IN IRELAND COACHING TEAM – Les Kiss (Interim Head Coach - Ireland)
16:05 — LIONS AND JONNY WILKINSON - Les Kiss (Interim Head Coach - Ireland)
19.47 — LIONS AND QUADE COOPER AND RONAN O'GARA - Les Kiss (Interim Head Coach - Ireland)

Panel: Djuro Sen

(starting times of interviews included below)
01.00 — SUPER RUGBY – Iain Payten (Chief Rugby Writer - Daily Telegraph)
18.20 — HSBC WARATAHS - Michael Cheika (NSW Head Coach)
25.57 — LIONS TOUR & 6 Nations - Iain Payten (Chief Rugby Writer - Daily Telegraph)

As a former Brumby and Waratah, Stephen is well placed to commentate on this week's grudge match between the Super Rugby Rivals.

We also remember Shawn Mackay.

Alan is one of the world's most respected rugby coaches - his career stats tell the story below.

Coach, Randwick (1984-1996); Assistant Coach, HSBC Waratahs (1997-1999); Backs Coach, Leinster (2000-2002); Head Coach, Munster (2002-2005); Assistant Coach, Australia (2005); Director of Rugby, Saracens (2006-2008); Technical Consultant, Leinster (2008-2010); Backs Coach, Ireland (2008-2011)

(starting times of interviews included below)

01.00 -- 6 NATIONS Alan Gaffney (Assistant Coach - HSBC Waratahs)
20.09 -- SUPER RUGBY Alan Gaffney (Assistant Coach - HSBC Waratahs)

Panel: Djuro Sen and Mark Cashman

We also preview Inside Rugby's annual magazine and offer a worldwide special discount to our international audience.

Check it out at RuggaMatrix.com

(starting times of interviews included below)

07.38 -- Warren Gatland (Head Coach - British & Irish Lions)
28.22 -- David Dwyer (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

Panel: Djuro Sen

Episode 158 is brought to you by Strike. Australia's largest supplier of hands free Bluetooth car kits, mobile phone car cradles and reversing cameras.

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Redesigned in HD for Web enabled TV devices - RuggaMatrix is now scheduled for delivery every second Tuesday, starting today.

We have a host of special guests: (starting times of interviews included below)

06.25 - Michael Cheika (NSW Waratahs Head Coach)
21.00 - Pat McCabe (Wallabies Centre)
24.00 - Brett Sheehan (Wallabies Scrumhalf) & Benn Robinson (Wallabies Prop)
33.10 - Ben Mowen (Brumbies Captain)

Panel: Djuro Sen and Mark Cashman

Les Kiss and Djuro Sen talk in detail about the lessons learned from the tour down under for Ireland and the start of competition in the north.

Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship also covered in-depth.

The Wallabies claimed Six Nations champions Wales in a thriller in Brisbane 27-19 and we cover South Africa's victory over England 22-17.

Episode 151 is brought to you by Strike. Australia's largest supplier of hands free Bluetooth car kits, mobile phone car cradles and reversing cameras.

Check them out at www.strike.com.au.

We cover a range of issues including changes to the squad and the appointment of Scott Johnson to the coaching team.

Robinson also reacts to suggestions by Brendan Cannon that the match doesn't deserve Test status.

It's set the scene for another chaotic encounter with the Scots.

So sit back and enjoy our 150th special with Andy Robinson.

Plenty of drama in Super Rugby so we chat with Melbourne Rebels hooker Adam Freier about the Will Genia back flip, Danny Cipriani and media relations.

Episode 147 is brought to you by Strike. Australia’s largest supplier of hands free Bluetooth car kits, mobile phone car cradles and reversing cameras.

Check them out at www.strike.com.au.

Super Rugby off the top this week with Nick Stiles, assistant coach of the Western Force, ahead of their clash with the Queensland Reds. The competition is one of the tightest on record and we take an in-depth look.

Heineken Cup, Amlin Challenge, Premiership and Top 14 with Stade Francais centre Morgan Turinui.

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW ON AN iPAD OR iPHONE
RuggaMatrix International 145 – Super Close

Episode 145 brought to you by Strike. Australia’s largest supplier of hands free Bluetooth car kits, mobile phone car cradles and reversing cameras.

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Episode 143 Brought to you by Strike. Australia’s largest supplier of hands free Bluetooth car kits, mobile phone car cradles and reversing cameras.

Check them out at www.strike.com.au.

Ireland Assistant coach Les Kiss talks in depth about his team’s preparation and the state of the table after Wales claimed the Triple Crown.

Super Rugby continues with week two and we review the best of week one.

Episode 143 Brought to you by Strike. Australia’s largest supplier of hands free Bluetooth car kits, mobile phone car cradles and reversing cameras.

Check them out at www.strike.com.au.

1. Ewen McKenzie on Super Rugby preparations and the Reds title defence. Includes some interesting coach talk.

2. Morgan Turinui, the former Wallaby now Stade Francais centre, talks in-depth about Top 14 and French Rugby.

3. Les Kiss chats about Six Nations, the squads already named, Heineken Cup and Premiership Rugby.

It’s a big one but it’s got something for everyone.

Former Wallabies backrower Stephen Hoiles has been released from the Brumbies so he can concentrate on his comeback from an Achilles injury. It’s ruined his past 12 months but he’s determined to get the injury fixed once and for all, get a new team and fight for a place in the Wallabies again.

We also review the IRB’s World Cup analysis with Les Kiss. The numbers are in and they make for positive reading.

We discuss the final in detail and also ask if the RWC is actually doing its job in finding the best team in the world considering it could have so easily been France lifting the trophy.

Djuro Sen and Peter Hewat analyse the semi-finals and look ahead to the decider and the third place playoff between Australia and Wales.

There’s not much more to say other than – download now!

Ireland defence coach Les Kiss takes us through his quarter final against Wales and the other Saturday game between England and France.

Qld head coach Ewen McKenzie guides us through the Sunday matches – Australia v South Africa and New Zealand v Argentina.

Good luck to all.

England and Scotland will also face off in an epic final Pool game.

Ewen McKenzie is back to wrap up our analysis of the 20 teams competing in New Zealand.

Once again we predict the finishing order of the pools and we take a punt on the eventual winner.

Ewen makes a surprise choice to head Pool D.

POOL C – Australia, Ireland, Italy, Russia, USA

POOL D – Fiji, Namibia, Samoa, South Africa, Wales

We discuss the pool in detail with Ewen McKenzie and like last week take a shot at predicting the finishing order.

POOL B – Argentina, England, Georgia, Romania, Scotland

We also look at the Tri Nations decider between the Wallabies and All Blacks.

Les Kiss has the week off.

We also dig deep into the culture of the Irish squad as they prepare for the World Cup in New Zealand.

Our In-Depth Analysis looks at Pool A of the RWC 2011.

Special guest Bob Dwyer runs his expert eye across the five teams in the group and he comes up with a finishing order.

POOL A – Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga

Matt Giteau’s future also comes up for discussion.

You can also pick up Bob’s latest coaching manual focus.com.au – good coaching!

Les Kiss joins us from the middle of Ireland Word Cup camp. We discuss Ireland, England and many others as they prepare for upcoming Tests.

IN DEPTH ANALYSIS – CHANGING TACK

What happens if you spend three years developing a game style then you see a new way, a better way, or an obstacle to overcome to ensure victory? Will you make the hard decision to ‘change tack’ or will you just plough ahead regardless? Les Kiss gives another masterclass.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS returns and this week we look at Provincial Squad transition to a World Cup Squad. How do you assess the provincial competition when picking your country’s best 30? Bob Dwyer gives another masterclass. You can also pick up Bob’s latest coaching manual focus.com.au – good coaching!

We also discuss the coming of age for Super Rugby and whether its longer season gives it credibility with the north.

We’ll have another show on northern issues later in the week.

As the Michael Paler image shows above, the Saints went through a tough Aviva Premiership semi-final against Leicester Tigers.

A place in next season’s Heineken Cup is up for grabs for Stade Francais and Harlequins who meet in the Amlin Cup decider.

As usual with cover the Southern Hemisphere as well. Brumbies stand-in coach Tony Rea is a good friend of Les Kiss and we get Les’ opinion plus another listen to the tirade.

In the picture below you can see a couple of snaps of the Waratahs Fan Forum. We were there and it was brutal. Fans vented their frustration over the NSW style of play.

We have the Super Rugby top of the table showdown between the Reds and Blues this weekend and Ewen McKenzie reports in.

In the wake of the Melbourne Rebels drama surrounding Danny Cipriani we talk Team Culture – Making the Change, in our In-Depth Analysis.

Nick Stiles on Super Rugby.

In-Depth Analysis is SEALING OFF.

Super Rugby continues with Reds coach Ewen McKenzie breaking a long standing hoodoo by beating the Brumbies.

In-Depth Analysis is TEAM BONDING – Part 3 – 30 Man Squads.

6 Nations resumes this weekend with England to face France in a blockbuster.

Ewen McKenzie talks Super Rugby and In-Depth Analysis is TEAM BONDING – Part 2.

Super Rugby kicks off this weekend and we’re joined by new panel member, former Wallaby now assistant coach of the Western Force, Nick Stiles.

In-Depth Analysis is back and we start the first of a three week series about TEAM BONDING.

It’s a cracking start to the 6N with matches in Rome and Paris to come. Les Kiss joins us from Italy ahead of Ireland’s match and we look ahead to Sunday’s clash between France and Scotland.

Super Rugby is less than two weeks away and we check out the latest trial form.

Elsewhere the Heineken Cup is heading for an incredible showdown this weekend – Les Kiss has the latest.

Our special guest is All Blacks lock Ali Williams. Ali joins us from his English base where he’s playing for Nottingham. The club has allowed Ali to make his comeback from an Achilles tendon injury before returning to Super Rugby. We discuss his hopes for the World Cup and his dream of making the All Blacks once more.

This week we travel to the home of Greg Growden for a chat about his latest book Inside The Wallabies.

But it’s much more than flogging a book, it’s an in depth look at following the game from the point of view of one of the game’s leading writers. Greg’s been covering the game for 30 years and he’s ideally suited to giving us a candid look at how the game has evolved in that time.

It’s a meaty conversation with plenty in the chat whether you’re in Townsville or Glasgow.

Of course we have copies to give away and all you have to do is write in 25 words or less why you deserve one.

Email your entry through to admin@ruggamatrix.com
before MIDNIGHT GMT, Wednesday, 5th January 2011.
Good luck, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Team RuggaMatrix.

We also reveal the winner of our Limerick competition. Awesome prizes are on their way to one clever listener.

Scottish and Lions (plus Warringah Rats) legend Gregor Townsend is our special guest. The attack coach of Scotland under Andy Robinson, Gregor gives us the close up look at the tactics they used to plot the downfall of the Springboks.

We also check in with Les Kiss in camp with Ireland after their pulsating Test against New Zealand at Aviva Stadium.

Another defeat but plenty of positives to take out of the match.

There's a full review of the other main matches including England v South Africa.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - Fatigue ... The Warning Signs.

What are the first clues when fatigue sets in? How do you manage your tiring players?

We look at how England did it and where they go from here.

The panel also examines what went wrong for the Wallabies. Making matters worse .. Munster downed Australia 15-6 last night.

It's given the Irish a much needed lift ahead of this weekend's clash with the All Blacks at Aviva Stadium.

We also cover the Springboks, Wales, France and Scotland.

IN DEPTH-ANALYSIS - Attacking Platform (Scrum or Lineout)

The stats say the scrum is the way to go but we also look at the opportunities that the lineout provides when given both options to attack.

Our feature match for review is the England v New Zealand clash at Twickenham.

The All Blacks won as expected but there's a lot to like about England's performance.

The English will take a great deal of confidence into this week's clash with Australia, especially after the Wallabies' scrum was trounced by Wales in Cardiff.

But in the end the Welsh failed to win despite their scrum confidence and that will also give Australia some confidence.

Ireland fought back brilliantly against South Africa but went down in a heartbreaker at Aviva Stadium.

The crowd was poor and there's plenty of work to be done to ensure Ireland's Fall isn't Forever Autumn....

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - UNITS

Can England stop the All Blacks? Are the Wallabies on a roll after  upsetting the Kiwis in Hong Kong?

Will Ireland inspire its supporters against the world champion Springboks?

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - THE COACHES' BOX CONTROLLING YOUR EMOTIONS .. GETTING YOUR MESSAGE RIGHT

Coaches blowing up is one the great delights of watching rugby. But how do you vent your frustrations as a coach and still get a meaningful message to your players?

This week Ewen McKenzie takes us through the highs and lows of the coaches' box and why he's planning to move to the sideline next year.

Les Kiss covers all matters in the north with national team camps and Magners League.

This show is only half an hour in duration but it packs a lot in. We'll be back to normal next week.

Wallabies captain and former Leinster hero Rocky Elsom casts a close eye across all the pools in the competition to find Europe's premier team.

He's straight to the point and he doesn't hold out much hope for his old club in Dublin.

Marc Stcherbina makes a 'live' appearance in the RuggaMatrix studio. We hear more from him about the long road back to normal life after breaking his neck in this competition 18 months ago.

Les Kiss is back for a detailed look at the Magners League and Aviva Premiership.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - "From Pillar to Post"

Another masterclass led by Les Kiss on ruck defence, in particular, the Pillar defender.

For some players it's a chance to shine .. for others it's a bit of a rest stop. Tune in to find out what makes the perfect Pillar defender.

A coach of vast experience across the word, Mark is well placed to run a form line across the teams in the north and south.

We get an interesting insight into coaching in France and in the Premiership.

Now Mark's job is to get the Melbourne Rebels competitive from day one in the Super Rugby (Super 15) starting 2011.

He says Danny Cipriani made the best decision of his short career to play with the Rebels and he's expected to join them soon.

The former England International tells the panel he's watched the Tri

Nations closely and he's impressed.

He has high hopes that the 6 Nations can also produce some of the stunning matches that have made for exhausting viewing in the 2010 3N.

Robinson has guided the Scots to impressive wins over Argentina in Argentina and the Wallabies last autumn.

He also has firm opinions on the scrum and its importance as a set piece platform.

It's a wonderful look inside Scotland and Robinson too for that matter.

Ewen McKenzie kicks off the show with a close look at the final Tri Nations match between the Wallabies and All Blacks.

Les Kiss reviews the Magners League and Aviva Premiership.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - DEFENDING THE HIGH BALL

Les Kiss gives another masterclass on this subject. Catching the ball from a high kick is the just the start of your problems in defence.

Find out more in show 091 - Beware the Bravehearts.

The Italians have started with some promise in the Magners League but what's the overall quality of week one?

The Aviva Premiership also commenced with some interesting results and look at those as well.

The Tri Nations games have offered a lot of excitement but we also check the scoring stats and see how they match up with their defensive efforts.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - CHANGING DEFENCE

Changing your defensive system is probably one of the hardest things to do in rugby. The Tri Nations has been great to watch from an attacking point of view but the Australians and South Africans would not be happy with the amount of tries they've leaked.

Les Kiss gives another masterclass in rugby coaching.

Former London Irish excitement machine Peter Hewat casts his eye across the new competition from his new base in Japan.

Peter gives us a fearless prediction for the outcome of the premiership and he also looks closely at the game in his own backyard.

Peter plays with Suntory, coached by Eddie Jones and also boasting international names like George Gregan and Todd Clever.

Les Kiss has the week off again but Ewen McKenzie gives us a full wrap of the Tri Nations.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - PLAYING DAY OR NIGHT

This sounds like a stupid subject but if you listen in you'll quickly discover that performing at 3pm after playing a long string of matches at night can be difficult.

As usual it is a masterclass of the highest order by Ewen McKenzie.

South Africa will host the Wallabies this weekend and they'll be hurting.

Loftus is a fortress for the Springboks and Australia will need to pull off a mighty upset and overcome a losing streak at altitude which stretches back almost 50 years.

Our special guest commentator filling in for Les Kiss is Marc Stcherbina.

Our other special guest is dropped Wallabies prop Al Baxter and now fledgling blogger.

Despite playing the best rugby of his career in 2010 he hasn't featured in Australian selection.

He tells us that he's still motivated and capable of playing in next year's world cup.

We cover all the big news in the northern hemisphere as well.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS "ALTITUDE SCHMALTITUDE"

What is the deal with South Africa's altitude and the Wallabies?

We look in-depth at the subject with Ewen McKenzie and ask is it fact or fiction?

The All Blacks finished stronger in Soweto, making a mockery of claims that the South Africans have an unfair advantage.

It's another masterclass from one of the game's great thinkers.

We cross to New Zealand and catch up with leading rugby scribe Marc Hinton from rugbyheaven.co.nz.

Les Kiss reports in from Dublin as pre-season preparations near completion.

Ewen McKenzie casts his eye across the Top 14.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - Breakdown Management

The All Blacks have led the way in this area this season.

Using players in different ways has enabled the Kiwis to dominate the breakdown.

What are they doing that works? And what is the best way to "manage" the breakdown area.

Ewen McKenzie gives another masterclass.

That's one of the many possibilities raised in this week's review of Bledisloe 2.

New Zealand are not just better than the rest - they are smarter - and we go into the detail.

Les Kiss covers the latest news on competitions about to kick-off in the north.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - What will the game be like at the world cup?

We ask our expert panel to get out their crystal balls and make bold predictions about how the game will be played in a year's time.

Will there be more kicking or will the running game win out?

It's another masterclass you cannot miss.

We analyse how they did it and look at what Australia must do to turn the tables in Christchurch this weekend.

The panel also breaks down South Africa's situation. Why have they hit a big hole?

All that and plenty more despite a shorter episode this week.

We look in detail at the photo saga surrounding the All Blacks.

New Zealand is outraged that a photo of a training document was published.

It's the subject of our In-Depth Analysis as well.

Ewen McKenzie is heading to Melbourne so we get the latest intel from the man in the know.

We cross to Chris Whitaker in France ahead of the Top 14 season and find out if he can speak French yet.

Les Kiss is on holidays.

A former first grade player who has 20 years of refereeing experience Peter is well placed to comment on the current state of the game's decision makers. Peter also managed the Australian Rugby Union referees department and now works with cricket umpires for the Australian Cricket Board.

The interview doubles as our IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS for this week.

We review game two of the Tri Nations and look ahead to game three in Brisbane.

Les Kiss chimes in with the latest from the northern hemisphere and we respond to your comments.

The full original panel is together once again looking back at the All Blacks incredible win over the Springboks in the opening Tri Nations match in Auckland.

Has NZ set the standard?

Will South Africa strike back this weekend in Wellington?

Lots of questions to answer on the Tri Nations and northern hemisphere clubs as they conduct their pre-season programmes.

We cross to our man on the ground in New Zealand also - Marc Hinton from rugbyheaven.co.nz.

Note: make sure you change your bookmark to ruggamatrix.com

In today's show we look at the world standings with one of the best rugby brains in the game - Eddie Jones the former Wallaby coach and victorious 2007 World Cup assistant to Jake White's South African team.

Eddie is coaching director of Japanese powerhouse Suntory and he's well placed with a neutral view of all countries fine tuning for the world cup.

He comments on many subjects and as usual never holds back.

Les Kiss joins us to discuss the fallout from Ireland's disappointing tour down under and he also fronts our IN DEPTH ANALYSIS - OFF SEASON BREAK.

NAME CASHO’S FISH - DECIDED

Congratulations to our winner - you'll have to listen to find out who it is!

While both teams had courageous wins Wales, Ireland and Italy ran into trouble.

Although Italy did well against South Africa.

Scotland move up to 7th place in the IRB rankings after sweeping the series in Argentina.

So there's a host of games and ramifications to cover in show 80.

IN DEPTH ANALYSIS - BUDGETED PERFORMANCE

This is a masterclass on selection and what to expect from your players by Ewen McKenzie.

All players contribute in different ways and in this discussion we talk about putting numbers or expectations on each player so coaches can 'budget' for a certain performance.

It's at the very core of team selection and well worth a listen. We even talk about budgeting for bad aspects of play.

Ireland are still smarting after being smashed by the All Blacks and 6 Nations champions France were demolished by World Champions South Africa.

Even England's all powerful scrum failed to contain Australia.

So this week we put the heat on Les Kiss over Ireland's debacle in New Plymouth. As usual Les meets the criticism head on.

We talk with Ewen McKenzie about the brave Scots who toppled Argentina.

And we look ahead to this weekend and the World Cup.

IN DEPTH ANALYSIS - SCRUM OR RUN

Inspired by a England's demolition of Australia's young front row in Perth.

We ask this week's expert .. injured Wallabies loosehead prop Benn Robinson.. is it better to scrum or run?

Despite England's dominance and TWO penalty tries in the first test, they failed to cross the Australian line and ultimately lost the match.

Is having a good scrum enough? Well not last week.

But next time it could be different.

Benn talks us through the benefits of being good at both.

NAME CASHO’S FISH - KEEP 'EM COMING

Mark Cashman has taken delivery of two more fighting fish and they need names!

The best suggestions from the RuggaMatrix audience will get the nod.

The successful names will win for the listener one of our brilliant RuggaMatrix USA caps.

Note: Casho already has ‘New Old Mate’ who replaced ‘Old Mate’ after he tragically passed on.

Good luck.

Can Ireland pull off the improbable and beat the All Blacks? We ask Les Kiss and Ronan O'Gara exactly that question.

England take on the Wallabies in Perth and we look back at the Springboks v Wales clash.

IN DEPTH ANALYSIS

Inspired by a rucking incident in the England v Australian Barbarians game.

Is it possible to ruck without using your boot?

We look at alternatives to rucking and the evolution of the breakdown.

Another masterclass with Ewen McKenzie.

NAME CASHO’S FISH - KEEP 'EM COMING

Mark Cashman has taken delivery of two more fighting fish and they need names!

The best suggestions from the RuggaMatrix audience will get the nod.

The successful names will win for the listener one of our brilliant RuggaMatrix USA caps.

Casho already has ‘New Old Mate’ who replaced ‘Old Mate’ after he tragically passed on.

Good luck!.

This is the honour roll for 2010 and it makes for impressive reading.

Heineken Cup - Toulouse
Magners League - Ospreys
Guinness Premiership - Leicester
Top 14 - Clermont
Super 14 - Bulls

Les Kiss was on hand for the Ospreys win in Dublin and we look closely at the fallout from all the results.

The invasion of the south is underway and we check in with the leading camps.

We also look at an extraordinary code switch taking place in Australia that might spread overseas.

In a way it already has with Karmichael Hunt moving from Rugby League to Rugby and an appearance in the Heineken Cup Final to the Australian Football League - all in the space of 18 months.

Now Israel Folau - a Rugby League back - has rejected a massive offer to play Rugby to also play AFL.

Even if you don’t know what the AFL is ... the message is clear ... sports with money can undo years of development work by poaching your young stars and that should put Rugby on notice.

IN DEPTH ANALYSIS

Inspired by a massive weekend of finals rugby we look behind the big day itself.

What do you do to get your team ready?

Do you change tactics for the big one?

How do you stop players from visualising the victory dais when they should be tackling?

Les Kiss has all the answers.

NAME CASHO’S FISH

Mark Cashman has taken delivery of two more fighting fish and they need names!

The best suggestions from the RuggaMatrix audience will get the nod.

The successful names will win for the listener one of our brilliant RuggaMatrix USA caps.

If you've never listened to a David Flatman interview ... you've missed out because not only is he hilarious he's brilliant on the finer points of the game.

We discuss the Guinness Premiership in depth with David, the scrum and the England tour squad which is heading down under next week.

Ewen McKenzie covers all things Top 14, Heineken Cup and Super Rugby while Les Kiss gives us a final rundown on the Magners League decider.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - RUGBY ... COMPLICATED OR SIMPLE?

This week our IDA is a bit different.

We ask if the game at its very core is simple?

Many people who don't know rugby .. really don't know rugby and even those who play the game sometimes struggle with aspects of the sport like scrums for example.

From this question we find ourselves looking the law makers and asking why so many?

Wallaby and 2009 Leinster hero Rocky Elsom looks at the Heineken Cup decider this weekend between Toulouse and Biarritz just for starters.

The final two have been decided in the Magners League, Top 14 and Guinness premiership but we're still waiting on the Super 14 to purge two more teams in that series.

If you're vaguely interested in any rugby around the world then make sure you tune in to show 075 - The Global Wrap.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - LINE BREAK (What next?)

This week we not only look at the line break itself but what happens after and how to make the most of it for your team.

And guess what? It's not easy even for the pros. If you crack the opposition's line there's much more to do on the other side if you don't have pure speed.

Once again a masterclass from our experts.

The Bulls at the time of publication were reportedly set to rest up to 13 players for their match against the Stormers but whatever they decide it's a great talking point and we discuss the issue in depth with the panel and our special guest from South Africa Bob Skinstad.

It's fired up some of our listeners who say nothing less than the Bulls full strength team will do.

What does the panel think? Listen to find out and send us your thoughts.

The Magners League, Top 14 and Guinness premiership all receive thorough examination as does our in depth analysis for this week.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - THE CLEANOUT

This is a little different to our segment on counter-rucking with specific reference to the cleanout itself and the trends developing under the new law interpretations.

Les Kiss gives a masterlass once again.

Jack Issac, backs coach for Biarritz, is our special guest he gives us a fascinating look inside the Basque club.

It will be an all French final after Biarritz accounted for Munster and Toulouse downed Leinster.

Les Kiss is back and he runs an expert eye across both semi-finals of the Heineken Cup and the closing stages of the Magners League.

Ewen McKenzie talks Super 14 and just how tight the race is for the playoffs.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - RHYTHM

Les Kiss was impressed with the way Biarritz changed their tempo during their clash with Munster and it was the inspiration for this week's subject.

Why do teams need to find their 'rhythm'?

How do you stop it if you're the opposition?

Can you win when your rhythm stalls?

Who will prevail between Leinster and Toulouse in Saturday's semi and who will finish on top in Sunday's semi-final between Biarritz and Munster?

Peter gives us an expert call on the final four.

In Super 14 the Queensland Reds continue to win more fans each week the world over and we're once again please to have their super coach on board Ewen McKenzie.

The Reds face the Brumbies this week who are still fuming after last weekend's local derby against the Waratahs.

Referee Steve Walsh was due to officiate this weekend but has been 'taken off ' after a controversial and sometimes heated exchange with Brumbies skipper Stephen Hoiles last weekend.

Regardless of the decisions made last week we thought it was worth talking about the captain's relationship with the referee on game day in our in depth analysis

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - REFEREE MANAGEMENT

As mentioned we look at managing the referee to ensure your team gets the job done. It pays to be cool when dealing with the man with the whistle and once again our expert team delivers a masterclass.

We cross to Les after giving him the night off last week and cover all things Magners League and Guinness Premiership as both competitions near the end game.

The story of the Super 14 is the resurrection of the Queensland Reds under super coach McKenzie.

How is he doing it? We do a little probing this week.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - THE CHIP KICK

Former Leinster hero and current Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom gives us his view of the final 8 matches and what he thinks will happen in the semis.

As usual it's raw Rocky with some interesting thoughts on Leinster and the other teams.

We also look inside the Brumbies and the Super 14.

Les Kiss has the night off ... we'll catch him next week but we happily welcome back Ewen McKenzie fresh from a successful tour of South Africa.

This week we talk the Bulls which is the best match of the weekend in the southern hemisphere.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - PURE SPEED

This week's IDA is inspired by the blinding pace of Zee Ngwenya, the American winger whose speed was on display again for Biarritz against Ospreys in the Heineken Cup.

It was a try that only Ngwenya could have scored.

But pure speed is not enough there must be a balance and Ewen McKenzie talks about the dangers of selecting on pace alone.

Playing without pace is equally dangerous so how do you get it right? Once again it's a masterclass in rugby coaching.

Munster failed last week in the big Magners League local derby at Thomond Park.

This weekend though the champions of Europe face a quarterfinal challenge worthy of respect in Clermont Auvergne at the RDS.

So who better than Shaun Berne to take us through what the Leinster mob are up to at this late stage of the season.

Berne has been a critical figure off the bench for Leinster and his experience will count as the European competition comes to an end.

Aside from all that he's one funny guy.

Super 14 is also in our sights too as that competition turns the halfway mark.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - THE LOOP

The loop, runaround or wraparound is one of the those old moves which is often disguised in the modern game.

2 years ago he had a tumour removed from his brain and now he's back playing for the Brumbies and he's got a real chance of winning back his Wallaby jersey too.

Last week he came on earlier than expected in the match against the Chiefs and he won great praise for his courage and inspirational play.

This week on our show Julian talks openly about his illness and his road back to elite rugby. It's been a long hard journey and he reveals much of it to us in show 068.

After starting the show with Julian we look at the Guinness Premiership and Magners League with Les Kiss covering some big matches before the resumption of the Heineken Cup.

Ewen McKenzie takes a breather in South Africa so we're joined by the bloke he left behind, Morgan Turinui.

Morgan gives a frank appraisal of his status with the Reds but he continues to train strongly with the rest of the Reds squad in Brisbane.

On the verge of the anniversary of Shawn Mackay's death we remember how special he was with best mate Morgan.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - DECOY RUNNERS AND OTHER ANNOYING THINGS

The Grand Slam 6 Nations champions are France and this week we look back at the 2010 tournament with our special guest from Italy, Craig Gower.

Craig joins us from France where his club Bayonne is facing tough match against Top 14 ladder leaders Castres this weekend.

We get a first hand account of the strengths of the different teams during this year's championship and Craig gives Scotland a better than expected assessment over England.

The former Australian rugby league rep player talks about a some funny things too ... things you'll only ever see in the French competition.

Back to the 6 Nations and Les Kiss looks at France but also absorbs a barrage of questions from angry Irish supporters ... but as usual he handles it with style.

Ewen McKenzie chimes in from South Africa where the Reds are preparing to play the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

We also name our RuggaMatrix 6 Nations Player of the Championship. You'll have to listen to find out who it is!

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - DEFENDING YOUR LINE

Ireland need to beat Scotland, a tough opponent, by a large margin and hope England can do the same to France (well not as well).

But there's  controversy brewing with the last minute implementation of the new law interpretations that have already been championed and adopted by SANZAR.

Les Kiss reveals on this week's show that the Irish camp were told on - Thursday - just two days before their clash with Wales that the game would be played under the new strict interpretations at the breakdown already in use in the Super 14.

Why this has happened as the tournament reaches its climax is unknown but there are plenty who are not happy about it.

We catch up with Munster Assistant Coach Laurie Fisher as they prepare to get their stars back in action. It's a great chat with a pretty straight shooting coach who is very much at home after leaving the Brumbies a couple of seasons ago.

Laurie assesses Ireland's chances for World Cup glory and he also gives us his views on the new law interpretations.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS - POSITIONAL CHANGE

Ireland are still in the hunt for the Triple Crown and remain hopeful that the door will open for a title defence.

Lote Tuqiri says goodbye to rugby union with his head held high, we discuss his contribution and chances of success going back to rugby league in just a few days time.

The Italians are coming! The Magners League will welcome Italian clubs next season,  good or bad?

The Super 14 reaches round 5 this week and we catch up with Lions Number 8 Todd Clever, the USA Eagles Captain.

Ou In-Depth Analysis this week looks at The Big Comeback.

Inspired by the Queensland Reds comeback to beat the Chiefs last week and Wales' efforts against Scotland in the 6 Nations.

Les Kiss and Ewen McKenzie give us another masterclass session.

Les Kiss takes us through that epic win by Ireland over England at Twickenham.

We look at the Magners League and touch on the Guinness Premiership.

The Super 14 is up to round 4 and we look at the progress of the Bulls and Waratahs plus we discuss the troubles the Sharks are going through.

Our In-Depth Analysis this week looks at Two Referees.

Boy did this cause some drama. Mark Cashman's never been so animated when Djuro suggested that two referees could help our men in the middle cope with the increasing workload at the breakdown.

You don't have to agree but at least we can talk about it.

We continue to debate the new law interpretations at the breakdown and we once again go in-depth on the subject.

Our expert panel includes Robbie and Sydney Morning Herald Chief Rugby Correspondent Greg Growden.

Les Kiss fires back from a Northern point of view as Robbie Deans makes the argument for change.

It's another great discussion and we guarantee that you won't agree with at least someone but that's what it's all about.

Of course 6 Nations with Southern Hemisphere referees involved this weekend could make things really interesting with the competition on a knife's edge.

So from 6 Nations to Super Rugby - we have it covered on Show 063 - Culture Shock.

The Muster and Lions squad member gives RuggaMatrix the inside word on his knee injury and when he expects to be back.

Donncha is also an ambassador for Unicef and he's been working hard in helping to raise awareness for the devastation in Haiti.

We have a full Six Nations preview and talk Super Rugby with Ewen McKenzie.

Our In-Depth analysis looks at MAN DOWN.

What happens when you cop a yellow or red card? What plans should you have in place? What position is better to lose?

Top 14 ploughed on while most other comps have a rest heading into the 6 Nations.

Les Kiss joins us from Ireland's camp and he gives an up to date form guide on this year's combatants.

Super Rugby trials continue and Ewen McKenzie details how the refereeing of the breakdown will open the game up in 2010.

We also hear from Justin Harrison. He plays his first match for the Brumbies this weekend after completing an 8 month suspension for drug use.

It's a fascinating chat with a man who is now trying to resurrect his rugby career.

In the real world we hammer Les Kiss over his Six Nations squad and we ask him your questions about the players left out.

The Heineken Cup is massive this weekend so what better way to prepare than downloading Show 058 of RuggaMatrix.

We go through the major matches and discuss the possibilities.

Super Rugby trials begin this weekend and we take a look at the season ahead.

Our IN DEPTH ANALYSIS this week is VIDEO ANALYSIS - TRAINING.

As video capture and replay technology improves we look at the value of on-field video review during training.

The idea isn't new but the rapid improvements in screen technologies could see teams at all levels adopting real time review and correction.

The RuggaMatrix Team is back for another year with more commentary and analysis.

We start 2010 with a look at the big freeze, the Heineken Cup, Six Nations and Super 14.

The Six Nations Squads are starting to hit the press and we check out England's line up.

We're just getting started so why not join Djuro, Mark, Les and Ewen as they guide your through both hemispheres of the game.

Ewen McKenzie and Les Kiss take a well earned  rest while we engage in some serious but mostly light-hearted banter between Lote and Pete.

It's Lote's most extensive interview since taking up his contract with Leicester so hear what he has to say about playing for the Tigers, eye gouging, his future and a host of other subjects.

The last quarter of the show is really a bar chat between a couple of good friends. (This is a disclaimer I guess)

Is it all over? Well not quite, Dan hasn't closed the door yet on once again playing for Australia.

It might be our anniversary show but we still get down to business and the Heineken Cup is at the top of that list.

Eye gouging is again in the news and we discuss that too.

We look back at our big moments from the year past.

Our In-Depth Analysis is BORN TO PLAY.

Ali has just released a pretty funny book about life as a touring All Black. It's called Ali's Book of Tall Tales.
He's also on the comeback trail from injury and has resumed training with the Auckland Blues. You can hear his thoughts on the All Blacks plus current and future trends in the game.

It's a burning issue at the moment but Eddie forces us to take stock and really examine the game closely to the point where you ask yourself... Should we blame the laws or other factors?

1995 World Cup hero Joel Stransky is our special guest star and he’s got some good and bad news for the Irish.

He also puts his faith in Robbie Deans despite the Wallabies troubling defeat to Scotland and we get an insiders point of view for the upcoming Clint Eastwood film, Invictus, the story of the 1995 World Cup win by South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s role in bringing the nation together.

Les Kiss handles the Irish end for this weekend’s clash and we also look at the New Zealand v France showdown.

The Grand Slam dream is over for the Wallabies and Ireland’s unbeaten run stretches to nine.

Although both camps disagree about who should have won, they both concur that Wycliff Palu’s hit on Rob Kearney was a legitimate tackle.

Ewen McKenzie reviews the other big test matches across Europe including France’s upset win over South Africa which he forecast.

The French take on the world champion Springboks and the All Blacks hit the catwalk in Milan.

Fresh from launching a another important sporting programme, THE CAPTAINS' FORUM, he spends some meaningful time with the RuggaMatrix team.

From leadership to the detail of the second-row, John Eales is a MUST LISTEN.

Les Kiss joins the show direct from the Irish camp and  talks about the pressure to perform against the southern invaders.

Possibly the game's most lethal tackler Tatafu reveals a quiet side to his personality that includes an appetite for education.

Fluent in Japanese, he's been a massive hit among the locals.

The match will have serious ramifications for both sides as they prepare for the Autumn Internationals.

The panel goes through top squad lists for the upcoming series and we grill Les Kiss over the omission of Bob Casey.  Les also reacts to Scott Johnson's prediction that Ireland won't go back to back in 2010.

Ewen McKenzie answers questions about the Stade Francais controversy brewing in the French press.

Johnson is one of rugby's truly great characters and on this show he doesn't hold back. The Ospreys are coming off a vital win in the Heineken Cup and we get the inside word on the preparations for the next phase. Johnson makes a bold call on this season's Six Nations champions (warning for the Irish here) and the upcoming autumn internationals.

Les Kiss was called away on urgent business but Ewen McKenzie is back in the chair from Queensland after his first week as Reds coach.

Our In-Depth Analysis this week is NUMBER 8.

It's the position with the most basic of names but the role is far from simple. We look in detail at the different types of Number 8 playing the game, what skills they bring to the table and whether they should be recruited from backs to start with? Once again the coaching masterclass with Ewen McKenzie is an eye opener. Our In-Depth Analysis is once again brought to by bobdwyerrugby.com.

Haskell features on the cover of the new Stade calendar and among the rugby questions we get to the bottom of that photo ... touched up or not? His form has been terrific on field this year in the Top 14 and RuggaMatrix catches up with him just a few days out before Stade's Heineken Cup clash with Edinburgh.

We also fire in a call to Peter Hewat to preview the big HC clash in Dublin between defending champions Leinster and the Guinness Premiership's hottest team at the moment, London Irish.

The Wallabies will soon embark on a historic tour of Japan and the Home Nations. The Croke Park clash is shaping as a classic and Les Kiss has already begun his analysis of the Australian side. Turner faces some tough questions over the Tri Nations series and meets them all head on.

Kiss takes a close look at the Munster v Leinster showdown this weekend and what the Irish coaching team are hoping to see.

Forced to retire through in injury after his time in the UK, Duncan gives us a expert view on the Wallabies, Guinness Premiership and Magners League.

Australian and former Leinster flanker Rocky Elsom is our special guest star. The Rock joins us for Wallaby camp in New Zealand but we cover a whole range of subjects including the grand slam tour at the end of the year.

We also get a first hand account of the 'Bloodgate' match .. from the other side. Well worth a listen.

Marc Stcherbina joins the panel. Les Kiss reports in from Ireland camp and Ewen McKenzie gives us the low-down on the vacant Queensland coaching job.

This week we discuss the Magners League in length before casting an eye across the Guinness Premiership.

It's a frank, too the point and no holds barred interview done just hours after the announcement was made just 5 games into the Top 14 season. As always Ewen aims up and we wish him the best for the future. Les Kiss is back from the wilderness and he's got plenty to say about the Magners League and the performance of the Irish clubs.

We find out where the Ireland nation team is up to and his thoughts on the Tri Nations. Our special guest star is former South African back rower and now commentator and businessman, Bob Skinstad.

Les Kiss is still unpacking his old rugby league gear in Ireland so we've giving him the week off again but he is brilliantly replaced by London Irish fullback Peter Hewat. Hewat is preparing for a big year with Irish as they are back in the Heineken Cup.

Assistant Springboks coach Dick Muir tells us about the confidence within the camp and the secret to their incredible success.

Les Kiss is still settling back in Ireland so we'll hear from him in a couple of weeks but Ewen McKenzie has avoided the Swine Flu to give a us a full rundown on happenings in the north including Bloodgate.

Our In-Depth Analysis is THE BIG PLAY.

Les Kiss is busy with the first Ireland camp of the season so we've got Marc Stcherbina off the bench.

Ewen McKenzie tells all about Stade Francais and their opening Top 14 22-all draw against star studded Toulon.

We review the opening week across France and look ahead to the start of the Magners League and Guinness Premiership. Some trying times off the field in England but we attempt to pick out the positives as both competitions rapidly approach.

How good are they? Can anyone hope to beat them for the title? Well the RuggaMatrix panel comes up with some answers thanks to a massive list of experts.

1991 World Cup winning coach Bob Dwyer joins us for the second time and on this occasion he's got something special for everyone.

Former Wallaby hooker Brendan Cannon joins the RuggaMatrix panel for one of our best interviews yet.

Cannon was almost killed in a car accident in 1993 and he's endured many personal challenges through his career. His story is inspirational but this show is not just about Cannon's history but the current events in the game.

Cannon has some interesting observations about the South African team dominating the Tri-Nations and what Australia and New Zealand have to do to win.

We also throw in a few questions from our Twitter followers.

Ewen McKenzie reports in from the French Alps as he prepares for the Top 14 kick-off and Les Kiss is already winging his way to Dublin after packing up the family in Sydney.

This week we explore the mysterious world of tighthead prop. Joining us for show 034 is Wallaby number 3 Al Baxter. The most capped Australian Test prop in history answers questions about the match that got away from the Wallabies at Eden Park last weekend.

This week we wrap up the Lions series with a close look at the third Test won by the tourists.

We also question the concept of the TMO and its impact on the game. Ewen McKenzie is out of contact in country Victoria this week but Les Kiss more than makes up for Link's absence. From the Lions analysis to our in-depth analysis Kiss is required listening.

We head across to New Zealand to catch up with Marc Hinton from www.rugbyheaven.co.nz. Hinton gives us the latest on the re-signing of the current All Blacks coaching staff and the outlook for the All Blacks in the Tri Nations.

Our in-depth analysis subject this week is MANAGEMENT.

1999 RWC Final try scorer and leading forward for the Wallabies in that 2001 series, Owen Finegan, joins the panel from Canberra for a direct comparison between the two tours.

Ewen McKenzie updates us on the drama surrounding Mathieu Bastareaud. Les Kiss, a former Springbok assistant coach, looks closely at the Lions Test and the off-field drama that followed.

Our special in-depth analysis this week is POSSESSION.

The Sunday Times scribe was on site for the First Test in Durban and gives us a first hand account. Our episode name comes courtesy of the Springboks prop and man of the match Tendai Mtawarira.

The panel checks in with the Lions tour and discusses whether the tourists are saving something special for the first Test.

1991 World Cup winning coach Bob Dwyer joins the RuggaMatrix panel for the entire show and as usual he gives some thought provoking responses to our questions.

It's a revealing 'look' inside the Irish powerhouse. Last weekend they beat Leicester 19-16 in the Final.

Cheika talks about the culture change that led to the team's success and the joy of seeing a player like Chris Whitaker ending his career on a high. He looks back at the past four years and forward to his more than likely final one.

Ewen McKenzie has a busy week ahead but he's always got time for RuggaMatrix. Stade Francais takes on Perpignan on Saturday in the second semifinal of the French Top 14 competition. By the time they play Toulouse or Clermont would have already qualified for the final. Things are obviously tense because he wouldn't even tell us what his team is!

Les Kiss reports in from the United States after the Irish were less than impressive against Canada last week. It's a much bigger challenge coming up this week according to Kiss against the Eagles who are coached by former Ireland mentor Eddie O'Sullivan.

Our in-depth analysis subject this week is ... the DROP GOAL.

Joining us for the second time is London Irish back Peter Hewat who talks about the gripping Guinness Premiership Final against Leicester at Twickenham last weekend.

Hewat's side went down by a heartbreaking scoreline of 10-9 in front of 80 000 people. He talks about the clash of styles with the Leicester Tigers and how Irish never considered restricting their expansive game. Hewat is well placed to comment on Leicester's chances in Saturday's Heinkenen Cup Final against Leinster at Murrayfield.

Bruce McLane is back on the show as the USA Super League nears its conclusion ... and yes the title of the show comes from the colourful New Yorker. Les Kiss is also somewhere in North America but it took a while to find him. Ewen McKenzie was just where he was supposed to be as he prepares for the Top 14 semis.

The panel analyses the Super Rugby semifinals and revisits their pre-season predictions.

Our subject for in-depth analysis this week ... the ELVs brought into the official laws of the game.

Did the IRB get it right? What about the breakdown? Again McKenzie and Kiss give you the best analysis on the game.

Leinster flanker Rocky Elsom joins the full panel this week to talk about the Heineken Cup final series and life in general in Ireland. Elsom's immediate future had not yet been decided but he's keen to play for the Wallabies when the Test programme resumes in June. He spends a good 40 minutes with the panel discussing a range of issues that span the globe. Will he stay or will he go after the Heineken Cup Final? He was pretty tight-lipped but we had a crack anyway.

Often maligned, Dunning is rated highly by RuggaMatrix as a player and person. He still lives at Berowra, north of Sydney with his family and will strike up a conversation with anyone. On the field, as you can see by this SMP Image, he takes no prisoners. He's just about ready to make a comeback from Achilles tendon surgery after the turf slipped beneath his feet during the Barbarians game last year. He talks about that injury setback and decision not pursue legal action and we discuss his contract renewal which is currently a hot subject.

Dunning throws up a couple of radical ideas about player contracts and assesses some of the competition in the Super 14 as the season draws to a conclusion. He wants to be part of the action if the Waratahs make the semis. And why not? Matt Dunning has been stuck on 99 caps for NSW since the end of last year's Super 14.

The New York Athletic coach puts in a vintage performance on this show as well as giving us the detail on the US Super League which is well and truly off and running.

Episode 017 sees Ewen McKenzie return to the panel after taking last week off for a team commitment. He updates us on the Top 14 and all things European rugby as the play-offs loom large for the Heineken Cup.

This is their story and to tell it RuggaMatrix spoke with their skipper Cheryl Soon.

Wallaby captain, Stirling Mortlock, joins us from Dunedin as the Brumbies prepare to open the season against the Highlanders this Friday. Mortlock says he feels better than ever after a satisfying break. He speaks about coming back to the Brumbies to play under Stephen Hoiles’ captaincy but at the core of this revealing interview is the renewed belief in the Brumbies programme.

The Brumbies of Old could be just around the corner and many fans will be happy if it comes true. We’ll find out soon enough as the season gets away with the Brumbies and Highlanders on Friday the 13th.

Our guest panel member is Dave Campbell from Rugby News in New Zealand. Campbell is a highly experienced rugby journalist and editorial director at the organisation. He analyses the Kiwi teams and reviews the hugely successful Wellington Sevens.

Well what a start by Ireland to the Six Nations, accounting for France 30-21 in Dublin last weekend. Ireland Defence Coach Les Kiss tells us how they pulled off their famous victory and the tactics used in the match. Kiss and Stade Francais Head Coach Ewen McKenzie run a close eye across the other results with England disappointing McKenzie the most. The whole panel remains stunned by the Italian decision to play flanker Mauro Bergamasco at scrumhalf making life that much easier for the English.

McKenzie gives RuggaMatrix the inside scoop on Eddie Jones and his resignation from Saracens. McKenzie spent several days with Jones observing operations at the club while there’s a short break in the French Top 14 competition.

And the panel discusses an idea by a RuggaMatrix listener … floating the possibility of a state of origin type match if visiting teams continue to send under strength Test squads.

Our man on the spot in New York Bruce McLane gives us the definitive word on the coaching drama and he also debunks many assumptions about USA Rugby.

Les Kiss pops up in Limerick as the Ireland national team gathers for their Six Nations camp. The preliminaries are out of the way for the Heineken Cup and this week attention turns the French Top 14 and Ewen McKenzie’s Stade Francais hosting Perpignan. It’s the biggest game in the world this week – 2nd (Stade) v 3rd (Perpignan). All Black star Dan Carter swoops into Paris with Perpignan for a clash that will see a crowd of 80 000 at Stade de France.

The panel checks out the Super 14 trial action from across the southern hemisphere.

Our special guest star this week is Queensland centre Morgan Turinui.

Turinui speaks to the panel on the eve of the Reds departure for New Zealand to play the Auckland Blues in their second Super 14 trial. He’s as sharp as ever and extremely frank about the recent poor record of the Reds. But is the tide about to turn? There’s plenty to look forward to for Queensland supporters in 2009 and Turinui casts his expert eye across his own squad and the rest of the competition.

He also reveals a burning desire to get back into the Wallaby squad, hence his re-signing with the Reds for two years.

The Heineken Cup is reaching crunch time and Ewen McKenzie gives us a first hand report on last week’s clash with the Scarlets. Les Kiss chimes in from Ireland as the Six Nations rapidly approaches.

The Heineken Cup is reaching crunch time and Ewen McKenzie gives us a first hand report on last week’s clash with the Scarlets.

Les Kiss chimes in from Ireland as the Six Nations rapidly approaches. Just some of the issues on the table in this week’s show include: Scott Johnson coaching update, Western Force latest, Australian sporting bodies get together for a united stand against binge drinking, Super 14 trials and the Sharks using rugby league great Andrew Johns.

Our special guest star this week is new Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder.

The former captain of the All Blacks and Crusaders is our first guest from New Zealand. From our chat it appears the transfer of power from the Robbie Deans regime in Christchurch has been silky smooth – they’ve just got to change the office voicemail! Todd Blackadder talks about the state of the game from his vast experience which has seen him play and coach all over the world.

If teams think the Crusaders are heading for a form slump following Dingo Dean’s departure, they might be in for a rude shock. Interestingly Blackadder will go head to head with a good mate of his on Friday – John Mitchell – when the Crusaders play the Western Force in a Super 14 trial match in Perth. Check out the Crusaders website www.crusaders.co.nz.

Marc Hinton is this week’s guest panel member.

Hinton is one of the most respected rugby writers in the land of the long white cloud and is the co-editor of the online hub of all things on the game in New Zealand www.rugbyheaven.co.nz. His informative and quirky insights into the game have been appearing on the pages of Inside Rugby magazine for much of the past decade and he has amongst his quiver of awards been named NZ sports writer of the year on a number of occasions. Based in Auckland, Hinton has a soft spot for the Highlanders and anything to do with the deep south of New Zealand and when he isn’t writing and commentating on Rugby, he’s organising a pick-up game of basketball to re-live his days as a junior Kiwi representative star.

It’s a another bumper episode of RuggaMatrix.

This week RuggaMatrix deals with the latest developments in European competitions.

Les Kiss covers England and Ireland while Ewen McKenzie informs us about some interesting issues in France. Justin Marshall’s bizarre suspension by Montpellier is just one of several intriguing stories coming out of France.

RuggaMatrix welcomes award winning journalist Simnikiwe Xabanisa from the Sunday Times in South Africa. Sim will join us every few weeks to update us on developments in the Republic.

He’s a great character and switched on to all things SA Rugby. Check out Sim’s work at the Sunday Times.

Our special guest star this week is London Irish attacking machine Peter Hewat. The former NSW outside back has been a critical element during London Irish’s rise to the top of the Guinness Premiership.

Pete talks candidly about his growth in London admitting that he took time to find form in the Premiership and other competitions. Now he’s one of the form players in Europe and he opens up to RuggaMatrix for the full story.

It’s another cracking show this week brought to you by Inside Rugby – the definitive rugby magazine.

Podcasting… listen when you want – where you want.

If you want to listen to RuggaMatrix on the road – just select download above and save it to your computer. You can then copy the file across to your MP3 player. The easiest method for those with iPods and iTunes is to launch the iTunes store and search for RuggaMatrix.

Click on the subscribe button then iTunes will automatically download each new episode and place it on your iPod when you sync up. It’s that easy!

Mark Cashman returns from his visit to Perth to give us a full rundown on the coaching situation at the Western Force.

Conditions are cool in the northern hemisphere but for Ewen McKenzie the action has been red hot. Stade Francais is in sizzling form as the French Top 14 heats up.

Les Kiss casts an eagle eye across teams in Ireland and the UK including Eddie Jones’ latest blasting of the Experimental Law Variations or ELVs.

We introduce a new character to our colourful cast this week. Bruce McLane, coach of the New York Athletic Club in the United States brings a fresh perspective on the game and not just regarding his home country. A regular contributor to www.americanrugbynews.com Bruce reveals the very latest on the U.S.A coaching drama involving Australia’s Scott Johnson and his bold plan to save the United States Eagles.

Our special guest star is former Wallaby tighthead prop Ben Darwin. Ben joins Mark and Djuro from Tokyo for a lengthy discussion about the game in Japan. It’s an amazing insight into an often misunderstood region of the game. Above all it’s a fun show to start the year as Super 14 preparations reach their climax and Europe starts the long haul home.

Topics up for discussion this week include the ongoing competitions of course, the Barbarians to play the Wallabies in Sydney, Pacific Nations Cup, Matt Giteau’s future, Dan Carter in France and a whole lot more.

The panel cast their minds back across the year for their personal highlights.

Our special guest star is former Wallaby and current Bath second rower Justin Harrison.

Justin or ‘Goog’ goes into detail about his near return to the NSW Waratahs before re-signing with Bath. A brilliant speaker with sharp humour to match, Justin’s appearance will make for extremely satisfying holiday listening.

RuggaMatrix will take a few weeks off before retuning on Wednesday, 7 January 2009 for Episode 003.

Your support has been terrific so far. Our first show debuted at number 13 on iTunes so spread the word to friends and rugby fans near and far.

Our next special guest will be former Wallaby World Cup prop, Ben Darwin. Ben is currently coaching in Japan so if you have any questions you’d like the panel to ask him, just drop us a line on admin@ruggamatrix.com with QUESTION in the subject line.

In the meantime why not join Twitter to keep up to date with the very latest on RuggaMatrix?

Just click on the link in the top navigation to find out more.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all of us at RuggaMatrix.

Ewen talks about a variety of topics from Stade Francais, the Heineken Cup boil over with Harlequins, Mark Gasnier and life in France.

Ewen also makes a glowing tribute to his good friend John Drake who suddenly passed away in New Zealand.

We track down Les Kiss in Ireland and you won’t believe what he has to say.

Lote Tuqiri is our very special guest.

The Wallaby and Waratah superstar welcomes RuggaMatrix into his home for a fascinating chat about the Wallaby tour, the Super Rugby season past and the year ahead.

For show one it’s got it all.

Thanks to the Peninsula Motor Group for making it all possible.

Podcasting … listen when you want – where you want.

But this show is truly global