ONE AGAINST THE HEAD: Recent Episodes
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Wow, how luck we were to witness four amazing RWC 2023 quarter finals, a real mix of drama in the afternoon games and simply the best rugby ever in the evening games. France, Ireland take a bow, but you are going home, with your heads held high, as are Fiji and Wales.
So just four games out of 48 remain, with Argentina v New Zealand (how great was that Irish win) on Friday evening and England (still undefeated) v South Africa (no friends but smartest team ever?).
A reduced cast of Tony, Tim, Al and James chew the fat for an hour plus on all that matters.
| | | Sam Cane with 22 tackles takes the spoils |
The 10th RWC is only a week away but don't panic as the OATH panel has analysed each of the four pools and predicted who will make the quarter finals, semi-finals and who will win the tournament.
And no expense was spared in order to ensure the panel was refreshed and ready to get off that fence to tell you exactly how it will be over the next couple of months en France. Oh yes, thanks to Dominic and the team at Selby Anderson in London we were able to meet in person in a real podcast studio (most of us anyway) and chew the fat over a couple of ales from our sponsors.
A Scot, an Aussie, a Welshman, an Irishman and two Englishman discussing the rise of Fiji, Samoa and South Africa along with the demise of Japan and England. And whatever the outcome we all hope rugby will be the winner.
Enjoy the spectacle and see you in Marseilles, Bordeaux, Lille, Nice or Paris.
https://open.spotify.com/show/5VJlqkRshC6BFscid1hifB?si=29433396485d45a6
Week 5 of Six Nations 2023 awaits - Super Saturday - and just an Irish Grand Slam on the line in Dublin for the first time ever!!
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| The prodigy returns |
Week 3 of Six Nations 2023 and all to play for in all three games - Wales v England, France v Scotland and Italy v Ireland.
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| Mason "6 foot 5 inches" makes debut for Wales in centre |
Al Buckle goes solo to share his reflections on Scotland's historic Calcutta Cup win on Saturday, the first (with crowds) since 1983, and Scotland's third win a row against England, which now sees them ranked at all time high of 5th in the world, ahead of England and Australia.
HOWEVER, it will mean nothing for the players and the fans unless they can back it up with a home win against Wales this weekend - this is a golden generation for Scotland and they have underperformed to date, so is 2023 their year?
Two wins from two games going to Paris, where they won two years ago (without crowds) is a good place to be, with Ireland and then Italy both at home. Dare to dream..
Here we are again, back on the horse to review the opening weekend of the 2023 Six Nations. Our expert panel of "Don" Tony Harjette, James McKillop, Tim "Oracle" Bradley, Mark "Valley" Jones and Al Buckle review the first two games and prospects for the tournament overall.
Wales v Ireland - despite being number one in the world and favourites for the RWC in eight months time, Ireland has not won in Cardiff for 10 years, but surely they will overcome an aging Welsh side, even with Gats back in the chair.
England v Scotland - having only won the Calcutta Cup once in five years, and with a new coach and a few new faces a few months before France tournament, can England overcome a confident, settled Scots side who will not fear the opposition as much as they have done in the past.
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| Will England benefit from the Borthwick bounce? |
The boys are back after a Summer break to get their teeth into the upcoming Autumn Internationals along with a review of Wasps/Worcester demise, Rugby Championship and predictions for RWC quarter finals.
Distinguished panellists, "Don Tony" Harjette, Tim "Oracle" Bradley, James "To Be Very Sure" McKillop and Mark "Valleys" Jones highlight the key Autumn games which will give us an insight as to how RWC 2023 might pan out this time next year. And Sam Cane is out for Kiwis, Farrell is back for England and Cheslin Kolbe is back for Springboks.
| | | Cheslin is back for the Boks |
Last week the Four Home Nations made history by all winning their games against Southern Hemisphere opposition on home soil on the same day - it has never been done before. Can history repeat itself or will the Kiwis, Aussies, Safas and Argies repeat the clean sweep of Week 1?
Distinguished panellists, "Swiss Tony" Harjette, Tim "Oracle" Bradley, James "To Be Sure" McKillop and Mark "Valleys" Jones get off the proverbial fence and debate who will take the spoils of the deciders this Saturday. With RWC 2023 just over a year away, and form everything, all to play for.
| | | Will Ian Foster, NZ coach, be smiling on Sunday or will he be out of a job? |
Four weeks in and the tournament climaxes this weekend with Super Saturday. Our expert panel of "Don" Tony Harjette, James McKillop and Al Buckle review Round 4 games and look forward to final round of games of Six Nations 2022.
Wales v Italy - with home nation so impressive at Principality, the only question is how much they will win by and Italy are not playing Scotland so will be average.
Ireland v Scotland - Gregor has dropped Finn to the bench for only second time in his career to see how Blair Kinghorn fares at 10 against a very good Ireland side before teams meet in same group of RWC 2023.
France v England - surely the best French team in 10 years will not blow the Slam at home, especially against a stuttering England side with Fairbank at 15?
Three weeks in and panel of Mark Jones, James McKillop and Al Buckle review Round 3 games and look forward to penultimate weekend of Six Nations 2022.
Wales v France - is this French side the real deal or will Wales impressive home form continue and upset the pommes cart?
England v Ireland - Eddie has picked the lightest English backline ever so will the best Irish team for years be able to win the arm wrestle and deliver on their promise?
Italy v Scotland - the last time Scots lost in Rome was 2012, and they are a much better team now, whereas Italy have not progressed at all, so should a rare away win for Scotland eh?
| | | Josh Navidi back in Welsh squad |
Two weeks down of 2022 Six Nations so panel analyse the two big games of the third weekend, especially Wales visit to Twickenham:
England v Wales - can the return of Manu get England back on track for the Championship?Scotland v France - can the Scots shorn of 5 first pick forwards compete up front against the French and give Finn the front foot ball he needs to put pressure on the only undefeated team?
| | | The prodigal Samoan returns |
Just a terrific trio this week of "Swiss" Tony, James Mc and Al, as rest of the panel have other non rugby priorities.Al very excited as he will be off to Edinburgh this weekend where he hopes Guinness will be the winner.
Back again so soon after last week's predictions on how each team would fare in Week 1:Ireland v Wales - is there anything good for Welsh coaches to analyse about a dominant Irish performance?Scotland v England - how did Scots stay within a score of England and why did the momentum shift in last 20 mins to allow Scots to retain Calcutta Cup?France v Italy - how can Italy stay competitive for 80 mins and will anyone beat France on the form of the last 30 mins?
| | | Carberry attempts to fill Johnny's big boots |
Plus the team look forward to Week 2 and the potential Championship decider in Paris:Wales v Scotland - surely Scots can win in Cardiff for first time in 20 years with their golden generation.France v Ireland - no Sexton for Irish, and no Danty or Cretin for French, could be very tight and tasty.Italy v England - if English don't win by 20+ points will Eddie have to go?Great to have Tim "The Oracle" Bradley back and old suspects in Mark Jones, James McKillop and "Swiss" Tony Harjette but again we mourn the loss of Mark "English" Evans and The Landlord who is still short staffed.
OMG, to say we are excited is lying, we are really looking forward to the return of the 6N, crowds and too much Guinness. A reduced but tight cast of 3 Celts and an Englishman debate starting line ups, result predictions and who will finish where after five games.Eddie picks on form, so the Scot is worried...Daly at centre so the Englishman is worried...Ireland can't even fit Henshaw in their squad so Welshman worried...Wales have no ball carriers, etcTim, Steve, Mark Evans (the Englishman) we miss you...May rugby (and nationalism) be the winner!
| | | Nick is picked for England after four years |
We are back on the horse with first episode since Lions Tour reviewing Autumn International games to date and previewing England v Australia, Ireland v New Zealand and Scotland v South Africa this weekend. Plus Wales take on Fiji who have selected Alex Cuthbert on the wing for the first time in many years.
Reduced cast of Ali Buckle, James McKillop and Mark Jones plus a rare appearance by "The Oracle" Mr Tim Bradley.
The party is over, the series is lost, the Safas are now Lions victors as well as world champs.
WD to the Lions players for surviving a gruelling trip, playing no warm up games of any substance and only coming up 3 points short in a tough contest, and WD to the South African players for coping with COVID, getting over the line ahead and coping with Rassie Erasmus.
Solo Al pod with 10 minutes of 3rd Test half time reaction and full time reflection.
Roll on Australia in 2024.
| | | Shoulder tackle Liam, not arms please |
Two Englishmen, one Irishman and a 9/16 Scot chew the fat over a convincing Safa victory in 2nd Test and assess whether Gatland's 6 x changes to the 23 man squad will bring it home this weekend.
Result prediction split between panel with 2 for Lions and 2 for South Africa - it will be tight but if Lions pack can get parity, Finnsanity to win it with converted try in last 10 minutes.
Come on Lions!
| | | Cheeky chappie with balls |
Marks Brothers and almost all the Band back together apart from Tim for an epic 1st Lions Test "WIN" review and 2nd Test review.
Five ex players, refs, coaches and supporters chewing the fat over a small half - lots to discuss from #Rassiegate, Nic Berry (the ref), starting team changes and who will win Saturday.
It's coming home...Lions by 4
| | | Chris "Journeyman" Harris becomes a Test Lion |
Broacasting live and raw from the Duke, Queens Road pub in Marlow, not Capetown, South Africa.
New cast members debate the most creative Lions starting team in recent memory, including Don Tony Harjette, Peter "Safa" Sandstrom and James "who is Ali Price" McKillop plus a cameo from Steve "Landlord" Blake.
Most excited the panel have been since Japan 2019 - bring it on - Lions to win by 10.
| | | Kings Lynn's finest |
Every other serious rugby podcast has marked its own Lions squad submission post the announcement yesterday and we are no different - well in fact we are in that we clearly know what we are talking about with 30+ out of 36/37 players, so you need not go anywhere else. Bring on July!
| | | Stephen Jones favourite player gets the nod |
OATH team dissect the 36 man squad options available to Warren Gatland and his management team ahead of the big announcement on 6th May, including an update on SA player availability and review of European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi finals.
Reduced OATH cast of Ali "Finn at 10" Buckle, Mark "still smiling" Jones and James "Oh Ulster" McKillop.
| | | Too many back row, not enough centres or scrum halfs |
A review of the final Round 5 games including the France v Wales nail bitter and Ireland v England, plus chat on "should Eddie stay or should he go", France v Scotland final game preview and Lions tour latest.
Most of normal OATH crowd featuring Mark "Triple Crown" Jones, James "we are getting better"" McKillop, Mark "Triple Spoon" Evans, Ali "Scots could beat France in Paris" Buckle and special guest that well known Englishman "DonToni" Harjette.
| | | Red cheese for you mate |
No intellectual analysis or debate this week, just Al Buckle on a rant regards incompetence of Six Nations Organising Committee, English Prem and French Top 14 clubs, World Rugby, RWC 2023 ticketing, French Government, etc
We will be back next week to review Round 5 games and 6N table implications.
| | | Where is your mask? |
A preview of Round 4 games - (undefeated) Wales v Italy, England v (undefeated) France plus Scotland v Ireland. Plus we share OATH listener score predictions, debate Sarries loss v Pirates, review Lions Tour latest, European Champions Cup last 16 draw and Tim gives us a review of Southern Hemisphere club games from last weekend.
Most of normal OATH usual suspects featuring Mark "Triple Crown" Jones, James "Bring the Lions to Belfast"" McKillop, Tim "May The Force Be With" Bradley and Ali "Out of Therapy Until Ireland Beat Us" Buckle. We hope Steve gets his marquee back and Mark gets that back sorted out quick like.
| | | Luke Cowan Dickie (minus mullet) starts at hooker this Saturday |
A review of Round 3 game England v Wales including those two French ref decisions, what Wales did well and where England go from here. Plus we air 15 OATH listener comments on match and an update on France v Scotland debacle.
Reduced OATH line up featuring Mark "Triple Crown" Jones, James "One Out Of Three Ain't Bad"" McKillop and Ali "Give us the points Frenchies" Buckle.
| | | Pardon lads, revenge for Agincourt... |
A quick review of Round 2 games and Zandergate, followed a detailed preview of Round 3 fixtures this weekend, including the French farce of a postponement of Scotland game, England v Wales & Ireland v Italy team news and score predictions, plus analysis of 5 x red cards in Prem this weekend, Joe Simmonds conversion routine and did Johnny May jump or dive?
Full OATH line up, except Mark Evans, featuring Mark "Triple Crown" Jones, Tim "Give Us The Lions" Bradley, James "Three In A Row"" McKillop and Steve "Landlord - 12th April" Blake, and of course, myself, Ali "Still in Therapy" Buckle.
| | | Is it a bird or is he jumping a tackle? |
A slimline OATH pod for Alistair and Alan to quietly reflect on how Scotland finally managed to beat England at Twickenham after 38 years, without the distraction of England fans diagnostically analysing why they lost to the Auld Enemy. Scotland are getting better, but it was certainly not the best performance ever by Scotland, and if they can beat Wales this weekend, they can head to Paris with confidence ... but even if they win the Triple Crown, still doubtful whether Gatland will select more than the token two for the Lions.
| | | Pining for the Glens |
An unexpected OATH episode as just had to discuss the events of the weekend. Scotland win at Twickenham after 38 years, Wales beat a 14 man Ireland in the Battle of the Principality and France look bloody awesome. And can Warren really ignore Hamish Watson again?
Full OATH line up for a special occasion - the Marks Brothers, Jones & Evans, Tim "The Oracle" Bradley, James "Red Card" McKillop and Steve "Landlord" Blake.
| | | Van der Merwe makes history |
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A 12 inch megamix length 1 hour+ Six Nations 2021 preview pod covering England v Scotland, Wales v Ireland and France v Italy, plus endless Lions tour debate on location, date and format.
My thanks again to Mark "Valleys" Jones, Tim "The Oracle" Bradley, James "Wild Rover" McKillop and the return of Steve "Landlord" Blake - Mark Evans was tending his back so we wish him well.
| | | Cameron and Ollie will play opposite one another Saturday |
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A Stairway to Heaven length 1 hour+ Xmas special pod pod covering Autumn Nations finale, European Champions Cup, Concussion gate, Steve Diamond and Rugby World Cup 2023 group draw.
My thanks again to Mark Jones, Tim "The Oracle" Bradley and James McKills.
Steve "Landlord" Blake, we miss you, and thanks to Mark Evans for his VIP Zoom account.
Happy Xmas one and all - see you for Six Nations preview next year.
| | | Steve Thompson in happier times |
Home nations rated, best try ever and tour stories galore (rules obviously do not apply)
My thanks to the Marks Brothers (Jones & Evans) plus James McKillop.
Commiserations to Tim Bradley who was working !?! and Steve "Duke" Blake who had an argument with Zoom and lost
| | | Oh yes I want to be free... |
Good news, after 7 months away, we have survived COVID and are back on the horse with an Autumn Internationals 2020 Preview. Same host, some familiar faces and a new star member of the cast.
Listen to the wit and repartee of Mark (Country Garden) Evans, James (Guinness) McKillop, Tim (Down Under) Bradley, Mark (Valleys) Jones and Alistair (Mc) Buckle - unfortunately Stephen (Statto) Blake is on morphine and was absent, but we wish him well.
The wording of the headline gives you an indication of where my vote would go in the upcoming World Rugby Chairman elections. Surely rugby, with all the challenges it faces post COVID-19, needs a younger, more inclusive, more democratic leader rather than another 8-10 years of the England (Beaumont) and France (Laporte) self preservation society.
| | | Beaumont v Pichot |
What do the other media think?
BBC web site comment
Beaumont holds the upper hand largely because of the backing he is set to receive from the Six Nations unions, who hold 18 of the 51 votes between them - with Pichot expecting them all to support the former England captain. Rugby Europe has also pledged its support for Beaumont, but Pichot is being championed by the southern hemisphere Sanzaar countries (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina), and has also positioned himself as a campaigner for emerging nations as he looks to shake up rugby's establishment."I am starting 20 votes against 14," Pichot explained. "If you take the Sanzaar votes plus the votes from South America, it is 14, against the Six Nations and Europe which is 20 - so it is a big thing to row [back]."Pichot has been outspoken in his desire for change in the game, and says the current voting model, where the 'Tier One' nations - those that play in the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship - hold three votes each in the elections, is unfair. "We talk about values, but why do we have 30 of the 51 votes split between 10 nations? That is not the democracy of the 21st century," he added."Fiji has one vote and Argentina has three, why? Every kid in the world would ask you: 'why?' "I will challenge that. I am not saying everyone should have three votes, but I am saying that type of progress has to be done to make an equal game."Guardian web site commentAs it happens, Pichot and Beaumont are proud, respected rugby men and former national captains. Their manifestos, at first glance, are not poles apart. It is less about personalities, then, and more about priorities and open‑mindedness. World Rugby, a vast oil tanker that traditionally takes years to turn round, is being invited to hand the wheel to a new skipper more attuned to the renewable energy sector.If it feels like a significant moment, that is because it is. Starboard for eight more years of old-school diplomacy – by naming Bernard Laporte as his running mate, Beaumont may feel he is keeping the seat warm for the former France national coach – or port for something different.That the vote will be conducted by private ballot and the result not announced until 12 May says a fair amount about World Rugby’s modus operandi. With the established nations permitted three votes while everyone else has to settle for two or one, this particular group of turkeys are not about to vote for Christmas. Self‑interest, as it has done for decades, shapes virtually everything.Times web site commentAgustín Pichot, who is running to become the chairman of World Rugby, says that the game’s power base in Europe too heavily relies on white middle-aged men meeting high ticket prices. Pichot, the vice-chairman of the global governing body, says the game needs modernising and wants to push for the power and economy of the game to be spread among a wider group of nations. He insisted that he did not want “change for the sake of change” but was trying to make rugby “a truly global game”.
During the World Cup, Pichot told Bill Beaumont, the present chairman and his opponent in the forthcoming election, that he would no longer play a part in running the game if it could not adapt quicker. “I said to Bill that what I was sure of was that I wasn’t going to carry on in the same position, just not pushing for change or having change slowed down,” Pichot said. “I truly believe that the game needs modernising and I think most people do.
“It is not change just for the sake of change. It is not a Robin Hood story. It is making the game global. If you don’t have that mindset and keep with the same countries and investing in the same places, you will never have a truly global game.” Beaumont is standing for a second term. The vote takes place by secret electronic ballot on Sunday with the outcome not being revealed until May 12. Pichot believes that the game is at risk by relying too heavily on its traditional European economic powerbase. “Look at the fanbase,” he said. “Europe is dominated by the UK and France and it is the over-50 and over-60 white male fan that is dominant.So, a message to all Presidents of rugby bodies worldwide, save our beloved game, get rid of the dinosaurs and Vote Pichot!
A tribute to three marvellous people - Steve, Mark and James - OATH expert panel, who gave me an hour of their time today, only for me to not turn on the microphone - love you guys, please don't de-friend me. If we share a fine bottle of red, hopefully all will be well.
| | | Who? Me Sir? Yes, I am available for Strictly... |
Week 4 matches review, Marler v Eddie v French prop bans, Doylie rant, End Of Term reports, 6N behind the paywall, plus World Cup 2023 odds and Amateur Rugby Tour Stories.
Rubbish podcast software, sub standard microphone, but still great banta!
Definitely the most chaotic OATH pod ever.
| | | Give me back my friggin shirt... |
The game yesterday was a farce and should not have been played. Neither side learnt anything. The journalist write ups this morning are ludicrous, drawing conclusions based on a freak game. England won as they created one chance and took it, although had Hogg touched down a second later it would have been a 22 drop out - fine margins, etc
The only entertainment was Genge's post match interview.
Six Nations 2020: Squad updates and score predictions for Weekend 2 matches
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