A blockbuster Six Nations weekend set the bar, and David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie reckon the biggest winner might have been World Rugby’s officiating. Scotland’s 50–40 shootout over France lit up Murrayfield, with the sunlight, kick-off tactics, discipline and Finn Russell’s influence all dissected. Ireland held off a fast-improving Wales 27–17, with big raps for Steve Tandy’s coaching and the rise of names like Rhys Carré and Dewi Lake. Then came Italy’s historic 23–18 first win over a flat England, with Maro Itoje’s late yellow card and Steve Borthwick’s pressure boiling over into an RFU statement. Off-field, Pemby notes Eddie Jones is in Sri Lanka for Chelsea’s wedding, but still ran coaching clinics and sessions for players ahead of tests vs New Zealand Under 85kg tour in April. Plus substitutions, fatigue, scrum data, instrumented mouthguards, and Rugby Europe Championship results.

● Six Nations refereeing praised: tempo, authority, minimal TMO

● Scotland 50–40 France: sun, kick-offs, discipline, lineout strike

● Ireland edge Wales 27–17 as Wales keep improving

● Italy beat England 23–18 as England discipline collapses

● Substitutions, fatigue, and whether rugby needs fewer law changes

PLUS: Nations Championship excitement grows as north-south battles loom, while Rugby Europe Championship finals day in Madrid sets up a full Saturday of matches.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack

📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.