The inaugural Nations Championship starts this weekend but does rugby need it? Do fans even know or care what it is? Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan are in South Africa ahead of England's match in Johannesburg on Saturday. They ask whether the re-vamped format will be successful or if it will struggle to breakthrough during a busy summer of sport. Could it be a good thing long term? Or is it an unnecessary innovation? They also look ahead to the opening weekend of fixtures and discuss the incredibly strong Springboks team named on Monday morning by Rassie Erasmus.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

How Can England stun the Springboks?

The Ruck is the journalists' rugby podcast from The Times &amp; The Sunday Times.Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big-name interviews and forthright analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.