Scrum V

Joining Lauren Salter on the sofas this week is Celebrity Masterchef finalist and former Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones alongside former Wales internationals Jonathan Davies and Ellis Jenkins to discuss Alun Wyn's cooking skills and to look ahead to the festive derbies in the URC.

Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by ex-Dragons winger Ashton Hewitt and former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap to discuss the news that Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake will leave Ospreys at the end of the season to join Gloucester.The team also reflect on a successful weekend for Welsh sides in Europe with three of the four regions winning their games, including a first victory of the year for Dragons, and they preview the start of the Celtic Challenge this weekend.

Lauren Salter is joined by Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies and Sean Holley to discuss the news that Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan are in contention to sign for Gloucester, the future of the Ospreys, European rugby memories and look ahead to this weekend’s round two action.

Scrum V looks back at Jonah Lomu’s debut for Cardiff 20 years ago and the impact rugby’s first global superstar made at the Arms Park. Former Cardiff team-mate Xavier Rush shares his memories of that remarkable period, while ex-Wales captain Kingsley Jones — whose father, Phil Kingsley Jones, who discovered and managed Lomu for years — reflects on the moment Lomu burst onto the world stage as a 20-year-old at the 1995 World Cup.

The hosts dive into the thrilling comeback of the Ospreys, who avoided a Welsh whitewash with a dramatic win over Connacht. They discuss the impressive performance of Thomas Williams for Gloucester and how player contributions can shift team dynamics. The impact of weather on match strategies is also explored, along with the challenges facing Welsh regions amid off-field pressures. Additionally, there’s a lively debate on the relevance of European rugby formats and the struggles of the Dragons to find their footing this season.

Jamie Roberts, a former Wales international and current board member, shares insights on Welsh rugby's future. Tom Shanklin, another former player and coach, voices concerns about squad depth after a heavy defeat to South Africa. Alex Cuthbert discusses playing styles and performance metrics. They also explore the need for bigger ball carriers and the impact of autumn tests on fan perception. Governance challenges in Welsh rugby are highlighted, with calls for transparency and brave decision-making to navigate a crisis. Community issues, like the Penarth RFC fire, add a personal touch to the serious discussions.

Ian Gough, a former Wales international rugby player, and James Hook, a former fly-half, delve into Wales' striking 73-0 defeat to South Africa. Gough reflects on the historical parallels with the 1998 loss, while Hook provides keen tactical insights into the physical mismatch. They discuss player selection strategies, the implications of financial pressures on Welsh rugby, and the prospects for rebuilding the team’s strength. The conversation also touches on whether any lessons were gained from this heavy loss and the broader challenges facing Welsh rugby.

Thinus Delport, a former Springbok fullback, shares riveting insights into South African rugby's fierce culture and tactics. Alex Cuthbert recounts his electrifying 2014 performance against the Springboks, while Jonathan Davies analyzes historic matches between Wales and South Africa. The trio discusses the physical brutality faced in these clashes, the impact of squad changes, and how these tests help develop young Welsh talent. They explore South Africa's scrum supremacy and predict the key challenges Wales will face, emphasizing the necessity of discipline and tactical awareness.

Join former Wales international James Hook as he shares his insights on Wales' recent match against New Zealand. The panel dives into the emotional aftermath of the 52-26 defeat, highlighting Wales' improvements despite the scoreline, including impressive performances from Tom Rogers and the backs. They discuss the complexities of breakdown work and lineout struggles, while also touching on the enthusiastic atmosphere at the Principality Stadium. As they look ahead, they emphasize the importance of using these experiences to enhance club play and prepare for future challenges.

Andrew Mehrtens, the former New Zealand fly-half and second highest All Black points scorer, joins a panel featuring Lauren Salter, Jonathan Davies, and James Hook to preview the upcoming clash between Wales and New Zealand. They delve into Mehrtens' experiences living in Paris and visiting Welsh clubs. With anecdotes from his career, he discusses the pressure of late-game kicks and the evolution of the All Blacks. The panel debates strategies for Wales to challenge New Zealand, emphasizing performance over results while celebrating the historic rivalry.