The Indy Rugby Podcast: Wales win, Michael Cheika rages and one special night in Shizuoka

Jack de Menezes and Samuel Lovett are reunited on the streets of Shinjuku to discuss the latest from the Rugby World Cup as the pool stage clear the halfway mark

As the pool stage at the Rugby World Cup clears the halfway mark, Japan continues to recover from a stunning weekend that saw the hosts beat Ireland, and Wales and Australia play out a blinder in Tokyo.

Jack de Menezes and Samuel Lovett are reunited in Tokyo to discuss the latest from the World Cup, having both been at the Tokyo Stadium to see Warren Gatland’s side defeat the Wallabies for the first time at a World Cup since 1987.

Samuel was also in attendance at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa the night before to witness one of the great upsets in World Cup history, as World Cup contenders Ireland suffered a surprise 19-12 defeat against Japan, who rekindled the ‘Miracle of Brighton’ to capture the nation like never before through the sport.

On the latest episode of The Indy Rugby Podcast, the boys discuss the fallout from those two results and also the latest Michael Cheika rant that is becoming a weekly occurrence at the tournament.

They also take a look at how the pools are shaping up, and look into the controversial decision to clear England centre Piers Francis of a ban for a high tackle.

Download the episode here as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you listen.

Episode eight will see Jack joined by Duncan Bech to break down England’s team selection for their match against Argentina on Saturday.