ESPN Scrum Reset: Recent Episodes
ESPN AU/NZ
ESPN Australia's Sam Bruce is joined by Christy Doran to discuss the biggest talking points in southern hemisphere rugby, from the action on-field to the latest storylines around the game.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran take a breath after a dramatic weekend of Rugby World Cup 2023 -- on an off the field -- picking apart the Wallabies' win over Georgia, the performances of Ben Donaldson, Taniela Tupou and the Australian scrum; before they slam some of the decisions in Fiji's loss to Wales, discuss the high-tackle inconsistencies, and reflect on France's opening victory over the All Blacks.
Sam Bruce is joined by Christy Doran on the ground in Paris, the duo wrapping up the Wallabies' final World Cup warmup against France; talking Carter Gordon's goal kicking woes, Suliasi Vunivalu's encouraging performance and a dominant scrum, while lamenting Australia's lineout and misfiring maul; before they look ahead to the World Cup proper and what it will take to get out of Pool C. They also talk the Springboks' sensational performance at Twickenham, Scott Barrett's red card, and ponder just how bad England are after a loss to Fiji.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran return as Rugby World Cup 2023 edges closer, the pair discussing; Eddie Jones' extraordinary airport serve; if the pressure is telling on the Wallabies coach; how he might use the final warmup Test versus France; the Owen Farrell red card fiasco and why it's a line-in-the-sand for the game; before Brittany Mitchell joins to discuss the Wallaroos' social media message to Rugby Australia.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran reflect on a dramatic day in Australian rugby following the naming of the Wallabies squad for the World Cup; they debate Eddie Jones' key inclusions and omissions, talk Will Skelton's ascension to the captaincy, raise concerns around the lack of goal-kickers, and ponder how other nations might look upon the unlikely 33-man group.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review a dramatic Bledisloe II, analysing what the Wallabies got right in the first 40 -- and where it went wrong after halftime; they dig into Eddie Jones' tough World Cup squad calls and ponder whether one Wallabies great might be the big casualty; before they update the latest injury, discuss whether Australia must look to the future, and heap praise on Sam Whitelock and Fiji.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up Bledisloe I, pondering whether there is any truth to Eddie Jones' claims the Wallabies are making progress; they break down the performances of Tom Hooper and Carter Gordon and debate whether they should start once more; they talk the key injuries to Allan Alaalatoa and Michael Hooper; before they heap praise on the All Blacks and in-form lock Scott Barrett; and then discuss the collision at the start of the Springboks-Pumas clash.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran set the scene for Bledisloe I, recapping Eddie Jones' shock squad changes and pondering Tom Wright's World Cup hopes; they update Michael Hooper's recovery from a calf injury and reflect on Quade Cooper's journey back to face the All Blacks; they then discuss the gravity of a potential 80,000-strong crowd and what that could mean for the 2027 World Cup final, and then react to the news of a combined Australia-NZ team to face the Lions in 2025 as well as Les Kiss's unveiling as Reds coach
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the Wallabies' last-gasp defeat by Argentina, lamenting more poor discipline and inaccuracy at ruck time; they discuss Australia's issues at fullback and whether to persist with Tom Wright, and look at the options to replace Len Ikitau; they then share more of Eddie Jones' entertaining press conference and whether fans should keep the faith; before they wrap up the All Blacks' impressive win over South Africa.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran shake off a late night to break down South Africa's 43-12 win over Australia in Pretoria, discussing where it all went wrong for the Wallabies, how much work they have to do, if Eddie Jones has underestimated the challenge, while also heaping praise on the Springboks; before they analyse the All Blacks' big win over the Pumas, look ahead to Round 2 of the Rugby Championship, and what changes Australia should make.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by IOL Live's John Goliath from South Africa, the trio breaking down the Rugby Championship opener between the Boks and Wallabies; discussing why the hosts are wary of Eddie Jones and debating the risks of South Africa splitting its squad in two, before they ponder what team the Wallabies might field and what threats Australia can pose; they then wrap up the week with a discussion of the planned World League and its pros and cons.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran dissect Eddie Jones' Wallabies squad, attempting to make sense of Ben Donaldson's inclusion as they break down the selections in each positional group, before they reflect on the Crusaders' seventh straight Super Rugby title and ponder what Scott Robertson will do next with the All Blacks, and then round out the week in rugby with a look ahead to the Wallaroos-Black Ferns clash and the ongoing Junior World Championship.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the weekend's Super Rugby Pacific semifinals, heaping praise on the Crusaders and Chiefs; they pay tribute to the Brumbies but lament the performance of Tom Wright and what it might have done for his Wallabies hopes; they pluck a Wallabies bolter out of the top 14 final; and then discuss Hamish McLennan's recent comments about a draft and the Rugby Championship.
Sam Bruce and Christie Doran break down the no-try ruling that denied Ardie Savea and the Hurricanes a place in the semis; they review the cracking quarterfinals in Canberra and Hamilton, and discuss Jack Debrecezni's successful return to Australian rugby; they ponder where to next for the Waratahs and Reds; and take fans inside their sitdown with Eddie Jones.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Australia's comeback win over Wales, heaping praise on Mark Nawaqanitawase and comparing him to another former Wallabies star, before they review the tour and debate the number of Giteau Law inclusions that should be made in 2023; they also discuss the mounting pressure on Eddie Jones and Wayne Pivac, and the coaching merry-go-round that will begin early next year.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran address the Wallabies' injury crisis, pondering who is to blame, before they turn attention to the 'dumb a---' penalties in Dublin and debate whether a five-game tour is too long; they also break down England's draw with the All Blacks, discussing the decision not to chase the win, and what answers New Zealand have found on their northern endeavours.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the Wallabies' embarrassing loss to Italy, debating who is more to blame between Dave Rennie and the players, before they discuss the coach's immediate future; they also take aim at Rassie Erasmus' ridiculous social media posts and ask how Ardie Savea can be overlooked as a nominee for World Rugby Player of the Year.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down a mammoth weekend of rugby from around the globe, pondering the thrilling Test match in Paris, whether Dave Rennie got a big call wrong and what the Wallabies will take out of their heartbreaking loss; before they heap praise on Michael Cheika, the women's World Cup semifinals and a drought-breaking Hong Kong win for the Aussie sevens.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the Wallabies' win at Murrayfield, discussing Tate McDermott's performance, the yellow card given to Glen Young and Gregor Townsend's post-match thoughts on the jackal, before they then look ahead to Paris; they also review a cracking Test in Japan and whether the Brave Blossoms are ready to join the Rugby Championship; before Brittany Mitchell joins to analyse the Wallaroos' World Cup campaign and what needs to happen for them to take the next step forward.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are back with a preview of the November Test series, running the rule over the Wallabies squad, the return of Michael Hooper and uncertainty across several positions; before they discuss the women's World Cup, the latest Super Rugby news and Jack Dempsey's change of allegiance.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the Rugby Championship, reflecting on the All Blacks' big win at Eden Park, the issues the Wallabies can't seem to right and where Dave Rennie looks now; before they ponder the question as to whether the Springboks are a better team than New Zealand.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran try to make sense of the wild finish to Bledisloe I, analysing Matthieu Raynal's call and what it means for rugby in general, before they laud Bernard Foley's performance and a spirited Wallabies comeback, and ponder how All Blacks fans are feeling on Friday morning.
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and Brittany Mitchell reflect on South Africa's comprehensive 24-8 win in Sydney, ponder what went wrong for the Wallabies and what chance, if any, they are in the Bledisloe Cup, before they discuss the LinkedIn post that has rocked Australian rugby.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Round 3 of the Rugby Championship, lauding the incredible Marika Koroibete but no so much Nic White; picking apart a poor afternoon for the Springboks; before they hail David Kidwell's blue and white wall and ask what now for the All Blacks.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran discuss the Wallabies' decision to draft in Bernard Foley, ponder what happened with a forgotten group of fly-halves, look ahead to Round 3 of the Rugby Championship, close the chapter on Ian Foster's future and review the Wallaroos O'Reilly opener.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up Round 2 of the Rugby Championship; questioning Dave Rennie's Wallabies selections and pondering the fullback problem; lauding the Pumas' performance; before they jump across to the Republic to break down the All Blacks' win and what that has or hasn't done for Ian Foster.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down a huge few days of rugby, on and off the field; from Michael Hooper's withdrawal to Quade Cooper's season-ending Achilles injury, all the action from Mendoza and Mbombela, the Wallabies who took their opportunities and the All Blacks who didn't.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran react to news that Ian Foster and Sam Cane have kept their jobs as All Blacks coach and captain respectively, analysing why fans have a reason to be upset; before they break down the Wallabies' squad for Argentina and rumours of Eddie Jones' return to Australia.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review a wild night at the SCG, what went wrong for the Wallabies and marvel at England skipper Courtney Lawes; before they look ahead to the Rugby Championship and then discuss the fallout from the All Blacks' series loss to Ireland.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran jump across the Tasman to examine the New Zealand-Ireland series and Ian Foster's coaching security, before they break down England's win in Brisbane, the Wallabies' big problem under Dave Rennie and just how Australia might look for the third Test.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran deliver a rapid-fire reaction to the extraordinary scenes in Perth, where the Wallabies defeated England 30-28 in the first Test.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by Gloucester lock Ed Slater to preview the Ella-Mobbs Cup, discussing the big inclusions and omissions in Eddie Jones' squad, if the Aussie coach's mental games have had their day, why Samu Kerevi holds the key for the Wallabies and why a series win is more important for Australia than England.
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and Lachie McCaffrey break down the bombshell comments from RA boss Hamish McLennan, pondering whether Australia really could go it alone, before running an eye over the Super Rugby and Premiership finals, Eddie Jones' England squad and Britt Mitchell is on to talk Wallaroos.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the Super Rugby Pacific semis, asking how on earth the Brumbies didn't receive a late penalty against the Blues, before they review the Wallabies 35-man squad to face England and the hard-luck stories, and then look ahead to Beaudy vs. Richie.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals, breaking down the big moments, discussing the yellow and red cards, and Leicester Fainga'anuku's forearm, before they then name their 23-man Wallabies squads and debate what's best for Harry Wilson.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, breaking down the shock results and the Rebels' decision not to try and help the Force, discuss Pablo Matera's yellow card, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto's non-selection and Australian recent Sevens success.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran react to news of James O'Connor's latest injury and what it means for the Wallabies, break down the Waratahs' win over the Highlanders, discuss the angry petition coming out of Canberra and analyse the ins and outs of the rebooted Australia A program.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran answer your questions from social media, pick apart each Aussie team's performance in Round 13, and discuss Suliasi Vunivalu's mixed bag and whether it's a warning for other NRL players considering a switch.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran examine why the Brumbies are undefeated against Kiwi opposition and the Reds are 0-3; praise the Waratahs and look ahead to their "Fill the Hill" night at Leichhardt Oval; and discuss the imminent confirmation of Australia's World Cup bids.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up what may prove a watershed moment for Super Rugby Pacific, after the Australian teams enjoyed success against Kiwi opposition and the competition saw an historic first home game for the Drua in Fiji.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the inaugural Super Round, what they did and did not like, before they break down how the Wallabies can use the outstanding Fraser McReight and avoid him becoming another Liam Gill.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the fiasco that engulfed Australian rugby following Brad Thorn's confirmation he would like to coach the Wallabies, identify why the Aussie teams might have more trans-Tasman success than 2021, before Britt Mitchell drops by to preview the Super W final.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran discuss Tom Banks' massive contract offer in Japan, analysing its knock-on effects both for Rugby Australia and the Wallabies, and discuss Beauden Barrett's return and the wider uncertainty in the All Blacks backline.
Christy Doran is back from the Gold Coast with all the news from inside Wallabies camp, before he and Sam Bruce debate the merits of the SCG Test against England and whether an NRL-style bunker could work for foul play.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran dig deep into the weekend's red cards in Super Rugby Pacific, discuss the appointment of Simon Cron to the Western Force, and identify the troublesome Wallabies positions ahead of next week's training camp.
The Telegraph's Charlie Morgan joins the gang to wrap up the Six Nations and the growing frustration with Eddie Jones' coaching, before Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Dave Rennie's 40-man training squad and ponder whether Taniela Tupou's cleanout is worthy of a suspension.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific, discuss what Izaia Perese's re-signing means for the Waratahs and Wallabies, and dig deeper into the lashing Jeff Wilson and John Kirwan dished out to Australian rugby.
Sam Bruce & Christy Doran review Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's debut and Reesjan Pasitoa's development, analyse RA's updated overseas player policy, and pose the question whether locks are undervalued in Australian rugby.
We review the opening weekend of Super Rugby Pacific and nominate some eye-catching performers, discuss Kurtley Beale's return and Australia's fullback pecking order, and look at a global game in flux amid the Springboks Six Nations' bid.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are back with the first episode of season 2022, running the rule over Super Rugby Pacific and some talented young Aussie 10s, while also naming their bounce-back Wallabies and which breakout star of 2021 will go on with it.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up a dramatic Test in Cardiff, discuss the Wallabies progress in 2021, name their breakout players of the year and ponder what might unfold in 2022.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Wallabies' lacklustre defeat by England, the loss of Michael Hooper and mismanagement of the squad earlier in the tour, talk World Rugby's Award nominees and discuss the recently released Super Rugby Pacific draw.
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and Japan-based former Brumbies forward Lachie McCaffrey review the Wallabies' win in Oita, discuss the impact of Samu Kerevi's absence and the dominance of the Australian set-piece, before debating the merits of Rugby Championship inclusion for Japan.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the closing round of the Rugby Championship, reflect on each team's progress, look ahead to the November Tests and discuss Rugby Australia's desire to achieve a centralised model.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Wallabies' 28-7 win over Argentina, analysing where they fell away after a strong start and the polish they're still searching for, before discussing the All Blacks' thrilling win over South Africa and the bad look of "Photo-gate".
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and Brittany Mitchell review the Wallabies' 30-17 win over the Springboks, analysing the key improvements from the Bledisloe series, who might replace the injured Tom Banks and what Sean McMahon can add to the pack moving forward.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Wallabies' 28-26 win over the Springboks, analysing Quade Cooper's superb outing and what role he plays going forward, what was up with the Boks and the latest addition to the ever-growing Australian squad!
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth, analysing where it again went wrong for the Wallabies and what changes should be made for the Springboks, as well as discussing Jordie Barrett's red card and the arrival of Akira Ioane.
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and Liam Napier analyse a busy two weeks off the field, identifying the good and bad in Super Rugby Pacific and recapping the shambolic Bledisloe III negotiations, before previewing the Test in Perth.
The ESPN Scrum Reset crew break down Bledisloe II, including where Australia's key issues lie, whether a yellow card should have been issued to the All Blacks earlier, and then discuss the ramifications of a potential Giteau Law overhaul.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Bledisloe opener, discussing where the Wallabies went wrong, pondering changes for game II and debating whether Brodie Retallick was lucky to avoid a yellow card.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the Wallabies' dramatic win in the third Test, break down Marika Koroibete's red card and what the victory means for Dave Rennie's group moving forward.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the second Test between Australia and France, analysing the Wallabies' breakdown deficiencies, where the French had success and what Dave Rennie must fix before the third Test in Brisbane.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Wallabies' first Test against France, analysing the performances of the halves, Taniela Tupou's role moving forward and whether the same starting XV should be retained for Melbourne.
It's a jam-packed pod this week as the team breaks down Darren Coleman's impending ascension to the Waratahs job, updates the latest news out of Wallabies camp and looks at the OIympic hopes of the Aussie Sevens.
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and Jim Tucker discuss the ins and outs of Dave Rennie's 38-man squad, review the Australian fortunes in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman and find a winner from Saturday's decider.
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and former Brumbies back-rower Locky McCaffrey review the Reds' drought-breaking Trans-Tasman win for Australia, look ahead to 2022 and what is the best tournament structure, and also name their Wallabies teams to face France.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by Liam Napier from New Zealand, the trio discussing a winless Round 1 of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman for Australia, why the Brumbies can buck the trend in the coming weeks, and they also dig deep into New Zealand Rugby's ongoing dispute over private equity investment.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by Jimmy Tucker to preview both Super Rugby finals, analysing the loss of Hunter Paisami, how the Brumbies might look to attack the Reds, if the Chiefs are any chance across the ditch and whether the Wallabies should activate the updated Giteau Law.
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by former Brumbies back-rower Lachie McCaffrey to review another Reds-Brumbies classic, analyse the Rebels woes and whether Dave Wessels' time might be up, and discuss whether James O'Connor could potentially lead the Wallabies this year.
Who should the Waratahs look to as they start the search for a new coach, and what's to be made of the big omissions at hooker from Dave Rennie's Wallabies squad?
Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by Jim Tucker to review the Reds-Brumbies classic, look at some Wallabies risers and sliders, and provide an update on the upcoming France series.
Sam Bruce, Christy Doran and Liam Napier break down the opening weeks of Super Rugby Aotearoa and AU, dig deep into the Waratahs' woes and address the uncertain trans-Tasman crossover series.
In the first "hype" edition of ESPN Scrum Reset, Sam Bruce and Christy Doran take a quick look ahead to Super Rugby AU, the Round 1 teams, make a big call for the weekend and fearlessly declare their competition winners.