The Hundred (plus) Years’ War with Jamie Wall (RugbyBitsnPieces)

We launch a new podcast episode series called “RugbyBits and Pieces” which are shorter mini episodes we will release over the next few months in the build up to the Rugby World Cup. In our first RugbyBits and Pieces episode, Kooks, Shaun and Thala discuss the legacy of Rassie Erasmus as Director of Rugby of the Springboks. We talk about the restoration job from 2017, why the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup earlier than scheduled, why a 60%+ record is somewhat a disappointment and the place this puts the Springboks with succession planning.

In episode two of the RugbyBits and Pieces segment we turn our attention to the RWC2023 coaches and who is in the hot seat when it comes to results from France later this year.  We have a look into possibly replacements for the Springboks and decide which coaches could literally bomb out of the tournament winless as still have a job come November

Kooks and Shaun welcome Stephan Lewies to the show as he chats about living the dream of becoming a Springbok, winning the Currie Cup and beating the Crusaders. He chats about the incredible leadership of Joe Marler, raucous parties after Springbok wins and winning the Premiership title in a year that had everything

Kooks and Thala are joined by Stormers prop Neethling Fouche as the Stormers prepare for their quarterfinal clash against the Glasgow Warriors. Neethling reflects on the last few seasons for the Stormers and how they turned things around in 2021 to win it all. He also talks about dealing with heightened expectations after winning the URC in 2021, the ups and downs of this season and why South African teams find winning in Europe tricky. Neethling also shares how scrumming with Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe grew his game, why he plays rugby with a smile on his face, how he dealt with injuries earlier in his career and his reaction to being called up for the Springbok alignment camp this year. Listen out for golden nuggets Fouche shares about how he met Kooks the first time, the snore wars he has with his roommate Brok Harris and playing for that legendary 2011 Grey College First Team with Jan Serfontein.