Six Nations R3: England v Ireland Showdown + Scotland v Wales & could France slip up against Italy?

England v Ireland at Twickenham has everything riding on ruck speed, kicking, and who handles the heat when the game tightens up. Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie are split, and the referee and the nines might decide it. David Pembroke leads a big Six Nations round three preview: Crowley in for Prendergast, Gibson-Park back, and questions over England’s back row with Curry’s minutes and Pollock starting. There’s a tribute to Maro Itoje’s 100th test and what captaincy looks like when things go wrong. Wales v Scotland gets a tough assessment of Wales’ depth and how Matthew Carley’s cards can change a match. France v Italy in Lille is closer than people think, with Italy’s breakdown contest, kicking accuracy, and the Lynagh and “Iaone” wing threats all discussed, plus wider chat on intent, luck, discipline, coaching messaging, and why Super Rugby attacks can stall under line speed. 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: https://rugbyunitypod.substack.com/ In this episode: 00:00 🎙️ David Pembroke introduces Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie 00:18 🏉 Six Nations England v Ireland at Twickenham preview 01:00 🧠 Ireland selection: Crowley at 10, Gibson-Park returns 01:12 🛡️ England selection: Pollock at 8, Curry starts, Itoje 100th 02:03 🔍 Eddie Jones on Underhill, Curry minutes, breakdown battle 03:09 ⚔️ Ewen McKenzie calls it a “game of chicken” in Six Nations 06:04 ⚡ Gibson-Park tempo v Mitchell style for Ireland v England 07:18 🧱 Ruck management and referee Andrea Pardi key for England 08:25 👑 Maro Itoje 100th test: durability, leadership, togetherness 10:09 🏟️ Wales v Scotland in Cardiff, Matthew Carley referee watch 11:10 🟨 Eddie Jones warns on Carley cards and Wales depth 13:05 📉 Ewen McKenzie on Wales defence, Scotland obligation away 16:56 🇫🇷 France v Italy in Lille: Italy competitiveness and Galtier choices 18:39 💥 Eddie on Italy hardness, breakdown, kicking, Lynagh and Iaone 22:06 🧩 Six Nations themes: luck, intent, pressure, media noise 30:59 🧪 Eddie Jones on team psychology, physical prep, fine margins 34:59 🟩 Gordon Tietjens “green/yellow/red” culture and selection framework 38:08 🗣️ Coaching communication: clarity, repetition, Japan lesson 48:23 📣 “Third voice” reactions: million engagements, Quesada reshares 57:56 🌏 Super Rugby attack question: breakdown risk and one-pass rugby 01:05:08 🖤 All Blacks coach search: Rennie, Jamie Joseph, confusion 01:08:26 📅 More rugby: Under-20s, Rugby Europe Championship, Super Rugby Call to action: 📌 Who wins England v Ireland at Twickenham, and is ruck speed the difference? 📩 Got a question? Email us: [email protected] 🔔 Subscribe to never miss an episode! 📲 Follow us on socials → TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook & LinkedIn @RugbyUnityPodcast Thanks to ElevenLabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.