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The Bonus Point

The Bonus Point

By: Tj Olsen
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A transpacific rugby podcast connecting New Zealand’s elite game with the rise of rugby in the United States. Expect detailed breakdowns, tactical insight, and honest analysis across Super Rugby, the All Blacks, and MLR.

2026 Tj Olsen
Rugby
Episodes
  • Hurricanes Rewrite the Script - Episode 78
    Jun 25 2026

    The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season wrapped with a statement as the Hurricanes crushed the Chiefs in a record-breaking final, and we break down exactly why they were the best team in the competition. From the key stats and standout performers to the breakout stars forcing their way into the All Blacks conversation, we dig into the numbers, the tactics, and the selection battles that are shaping the next era of New Zealand rugby.

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    35 mins
  • The Search For An Edge - Episode 77
    Jun 11 2026

    In Episode 77, we break down a massive week in rugby, starting with the Super Rugby semi-finals, the big selection calls, and how the Australian teams have fared across the season. We also look at the launch of Super Rugby Aupiki and the exciting wave of new talent coming into the competition.

    In the second half, we shift to the All Blacks, with Tony Brown joining the setup and Kieran Read raising questions about whether New Zealand still has the same edge and belief that defines South Africa. To finish, we get into the Barbarians squad announcement, including TJ Perenara, Duhan van der Merwe, and Kyle Sinckler, plus what it means to see Scott Robertson back in that space.

    A big episode on finals rugby, national identity, and the players and teams shaping the next few weeks.

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    21 mins
  • Building the Eagles (w/ Rob Hammerschmidt & Scott Ferrara) — Episode 76
    May 28 2026

    In Episode 76, we’re diving deep into the state of USA Rugby with Rob “The Hammer” Hammerschmidt and Scott “The Big Guy” Ferrara from the Rugby Rant podcast. With the Eagles set for a huge summer of Test rugby, we break down the upcoming Nations Cup fixtures, talk through who should be in the 23 for the first match against Portugal in Denver, and look ahead to what this stretch means for the future of the national team.

    We also get into the current Major League Rugby season, including the latest standings, the teams building momentum down the stretch, and the ongoing challenges around viewing access and league growth in the U.S. From there, we zoom out to ask the bigger questions: is USA Rugby on track for 2031

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    1 hr and 2 mins
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