Front Row Rugby

Does having zero Test caps mean you have zero right to an opinion? Last week, a massive row erupted on X (formerly Twitter) between "Squidge Rugby" and former England international Andy Goode. Goode’s message was loud and clear: if you haven’t played the game at the highest level, you should stay in your "mum’s basement" and keep quiet. In this video, I’m calling time on that kind of elitism. While I agree that commentators should call exactly what they see—no matter how farcical the refereeing or lack of replays—I draw the line at silencing the fans. Inside today's episode: The Goode vs. Squidge Debate: Why Andy Goode is right about the job, but dead wrong about the fans. The "Non-Player" Hall of Fame: If you need caps to understand rugby, how did Jacques Nienaber, Jake White, and Heyneke Meyer win World Cups and Super Rugby titles? The Sam Whitelock Paradox: If we only listen to the most decorated players, does everyone else have to shut up? A Personal Story: The time a professional commentator saw a "clear" not-out that left the rest of the press box in shock. Rugby is a sport for everyone—not just those with a Springbok or British & Irish Lions jersey in their closet. If the authorities are happy to take your money for tickets and subscriptions, they have to take your opinion, too. What do you think? Does a lack of professional experience disqualify a fan from having a valid take? Or is the "insider" culture doing a disservice to the viewers?

Is the Nations Championship already a dead man walking? Before a single ball has been kicked, the new "global" rugby competition is proving to be anything but global. From Japan being forced to play "home" games in Australia to accommodate Ireland, to Fiji playing in the UK because Tier 1 nations won't travel to Suva—the political "bull" is already in full swing. In this episode of Front Row Rugby, I'm digging into: The Ireland Factor: Why World Rugby's Dublin HQ might be exerting a little too much influence. Eddie Jones Speaks Out: The brutal truth about Japan's "political" travel schedule. The Doha Dilemma: Why the UK "moaned" about Qatar until it suited the bank balance. Tier 2 Disrespect: Why Zimbabwe, Tonga, and Samoa are being left out in the cold. Is this the future of rugby, or just a corporate farce that needs to be scrapped for the old July and November tours? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Rassie Erasmus is contracted until 2031, but in the volatile world of international rugby, the succession plan starts now. Who is actually ready to fill the biggest shoes in South Africa? In this episode of Front Row Rugby, award-winning journalist Peter Stemmet goes beyond the headlines to rank the top 5 candidates for the Springbok head coaching job. From the "continuity" candidates within the current camp to the tactical masterminds proving their worth in Europe, we look at who is being groomed—and who is being overlooked.

Is the Stormers' system failing the Springboks’ future? Stormers coach John Dobson has made a staggering claim: Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok was essentially "driven out" of South Africa by incessant online abuse. But as Peter Stemmet investigates, there is a deeper, tactical pattern emerging in Cape Town that involves not just Manie but the Boks’ next "generational talent," Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. In this episode, we go beyond the "social media bilge" to look at the common denominator. Why do elite kickers struggle at the Stormers only to thrive elsewhere? Is it time to look at the coaching staff rather than the players' character? The podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel.

The Springboks have officially been around since 1906. South Africa has been playing international rugby as a team since 1891. But how is that possible since before 1910 there was not a country called South Africa? In this episode Peter describes exactly how it worked and why in many ways South Africa is to rugby, what the West Indies are to cricket! This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Step into the world of Front Row Rugby and experience the thrill of Springbok Rugby like never before! Our presenter, Peter Stemmet, is an award-winning sports journalist who’s lived and breathed rugby for years. With his passion for the sport, you’re guaranteed to be in for a treat. Get ready to meet some of your favourite Bok heroes from the past and relive their greatest moments. Peter’s dream is to bring Front Row Rugby to life on a permanent basis, and you can help make that a reality. All it takes is a simple subscribe and share with your friends. Together, let’s bring the excitement of Springbok Rugby to the forefront.

The world of rugby is littered with highly decorated coaches. But none compare quite to the few men who have led their troops to the Rugby World Cup title! In this episode Peter counts down the greatest coaches in the history of this sport. The only criterion is you have to have won the Rugby World Cup. After that, anyone could slot in anywhere!

It's becoming increasingly popular for former sportsmen to come out and blame their brain injuries on the sport they played in their youth. But in this episode Peter hits back, pointing out that in most cases there are inherent risks which all athletes either accept or reject. Further to that it is impossible to know at the time what science and technology has not yet uncovered. Peter also brings in quotes from current and former players to further substantiate his point. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was recently awarded a new contract through to the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The new deal was reward for Rassie’s unprecedented sucess as Bok coach. But not everyone agrees with this new contract. Former Springbok Gio Aplon, who represented South Africa at the 2011 Rugby World Cup says extending Rassie’s contract to the next Rugby World Cup is a mistake. And in this episode Peter looks at what Aplon had to say and discusses the merits and mistakes of what the former Bok utility back is saying. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

SARU CEO has revealed that South Africa might never host the Rugby World Cup ever again. This is a startling revelation since the Springboks' victory in the 1995 edition remains one of the most famous moments in the tournament's history. In this episode Peter looks at what was said, why this could well be the case, and what happens next. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Colour blind policies have become standardised at World Rugby, but there remain inconsistencies, leading to accusations of hypocrisy. In this episode Peter explores the matter and provides a solution. After all, most rugby fans want to see the Springboks in their iconic green and gold jerseys against the All Blacks in their famous black jerseys, when the two teams meet. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Rugby has changed so much since turning professional that coaches and players need every ounce of advantage they can muster. Enter the rugby data analyst! In this episode Peter interviews rugby data analyst and author of a great new book, Attacking The Space, Sam Larner about modern defences, kicking to create chaos, scrum resets - are they really wasting as much time as people think? - and the issue of ball in play. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

France are the 2026 Six Nations champions while Ireland and Scotland put up credible fights. England went from good to terrible to strong, seemingly. Italy continued to make positive strides and Wales finally came good in what is possibly the greatest edition of this storied competition. But what did the Springboks learn? After all, the rugby world champions face England, Scotland, and Wales in July at the start of their international year. In this episode, Peter looks at the incredible France v England match and then discusses what the Boks can expect from the English, Scots, and Welsh come July. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

World Rugby recently concluded a meeting where the decision was made to leave things as they are. Yet a New Zealand podcast, featuring a former All Black Rugby World Cup winner, has attacked Springbok coach Dr Rassie Erasmus for being like a gangster and holding the sport's world governing body to ransom. In this episode Peter looks at what was said, what should happen and analyses the latest nonsense coming out of New Zealand, in defence of our Springboks! This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Italy have completed a historic first-ever Test match win over England. Truth be told the Azzurri fully deserved the victory. The Springboks seemingly have nothing to worry about ahead of July's Nations Championship outing against the English. In this episode Peter examines what appears to be England's fall from grace and identifies Scotland as the Springboks' toughest opponent this July instead. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Italy has never beaten England in a rugby Test match, but could that be about to change this Saturday in Rome? The Springboks will be taking a keen interest in this match too because the world champions host the English in July in what will be their first Test match of the year. In this episode Peter looks at the two matchday squads for this clash in Rome and outlines what he believes will happen in the Italian capital. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Are the Springboks and South African rugby players by extension, doping cheats? Some say we are. In this episode Peter explores the history of doping in Bok and SA rugby and highlights some of the problems. But as you'll find out in this episode, South Africa is hardly the only country that has issues when it comes to drugs. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

Why don't we really know what a Springbok rugby player earns? In fact what does a domestic rugby player in South Africa earn? In this episode Peter is joined by the founder of Cash N Sport, Nqobile Ndlovu, to unpack the secrets behind the salaries of Springbok and South African rugby players. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

England were regarded as a Rugby World Cup dark horse just 10 days ago. Some even had them as one of the favourites. The Springboks face the English first up in July and would understandably been keeping a keen eye on what Steve Borthwick's men were getting up to. Well it seems the dam wall has broken and the walls have come crashing down. After losing to Scotland last week, England have now been in embarrassed by Ireland. In this episode Peter asks, where to now for England? Is there any way back for this team that just a few days ago was thought of as a potential threat to our world champion Springboks? This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

It has finally been revealed that referees are indeed manipulated! Springbok supporters' suspicions have long suspected this and now it has been confirmed. In this episode Peter details the revelations from one of Dr Rassie Erasmus' recent podcasts, where former international referee Jaco Peyper discusses the pressures he felt under and also shares what referees are being asked to do to try to manipulate the game. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

In 1995 South Africa famously won the Rugby World Cup for the first time beating New Zealand in the final. In the aftermath of that final the All Blacks revealed that they were food poisoned in the lead-up to the match. However some kiwis have conceded that the poisoning took place earlier in the week and disrupted preparations whereas other New Zealanders insist their team played the match in a food-poisoned condition. In this episode Peter debunks the latter argument and discusses the myth and its credibility. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

There was huge controversy a few days ago when England prop Ellis Genge headbutted Welsh opponent Alex Mann but was sanctioned with just a penalty. This despite the lawbook clearly stating that such an offence must be penalised with a minimum of a yellow card. Now Springbok supporters are justifiably up in arms as they reference last year's incident against Italy where Jasper Wiese was shown a red card for a headbutt. In this episode Peter reveals what the lawbook actually says and tries to work out why there appears to be one rule for the Springboks, but other rules for the rest. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube channel!

France are off to a fabulous start at this year's Six Nations Championship. Italy started beautiful win over Scotland in rough Roman conditions. But the one the Springboks were watching closely was England's win over Wales at Twickenham. In this episode Peter examines what the English did well and explains why it is difficult to give a proper appraisal at this stage as we prepare to face the poms first up this coming July. Peter also comments briefly on the Italian and French triumphs. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel!

The 2026 Six Nations has kicked off and France have already laid down a marker. But this could also very well be England's year. Peter looks at why the English are becoming a very dangerous side ... and explains why Springboks supporters should be keeping a very close eye on Steve Borthwick's team during this year's competition, starting with their opening fixture against Wales. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel!

The 2027 Rugby World Cup fixtures have been released. The Springboks have it tough having to go from one end of Australia to the other, and back again. In this episode Peter goes through the Boks' fixtures list and gives his thoughts as well as highlighting some of the other big games to look out for at next year's Rugby World Cup. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel!

A truly global rugby season could mark our calendars sooner rather than later. This is great news for the Springboks ... and bad news for every one else. South Africa's best have been playing virtual all-year season since Covid but now World Rugby are set to hold a meeting where the landscape could change entirely. In this episode Peter details exactly what is going to happen and shares his hopes for what the Springboks' future will look like going forward. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel!

The Springboks have become famous for their use of the Bomb Squad strategy. But not everyone likes it. In fact, there are those who are vehemently opposed to it. Sadly a true rugby legend has now hopped on board the hate train. But in this episode Peter details why the Bomb Squad strategy isn't going anywhere, and why certain legends of this sport would do well to keep up to date with the latest research. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel!

There is a lot of excitement in England. The 2003 Rugby World Cup winners believe they might actually have what it takes to the beat the current world champions, the Springboks. South Africa are on an incredible run of back-to-back trophies as well as 27 wins in their last 31 Tests. The English are themselves doing well, with wins over France and the All Blacks in 2025. But are they really ready to take on and beat the Boks? In this episode Peter tries to figure out whether or not Springbok supporters should be wary or worried. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

Rugby website ruck.co.uk recently released its Top 10 teams of all-time list. Naturally it is a contentious list. Springbok supporters no doubt will be unhappy about the placing of our world champions. And in this episode Peter looks at this list, discusses its pros and cons and reveals which Springbok teams in the past should or could have been on this list too. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel!

On Thursday New Zealand decided to sack their head coach, Scott Robertson. Razor won 74% of his tests as All Blacks coach, making this a head-scratching decision. In this episode, Peter discusses how and why Robertson's time as boss of the All Blacks has come to an end ... and what it means for our world champion Springboks! This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel!

2026 promises to be a bumper year for the Springboks. The world champions will feature in the new Nations Championship as well as host arch-rivals the All Blacks in a test series for the first time since 1996. No doubt Dr Rassie Erasmus will want to win all these Tests. But what else do the Springboks want and/or need to achieve in 2026? In this video Peter attempts to answer that question. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel. Get your free ebook, My Favourite Springboks here: https://subscribepage.io/h0I6nF

The Springboks will have their work cut out for them in 2026. The schedule includes Tests against the ever-improving England at home, away dates against France and Ireland and a formidable four-Test series against their greatest rivals, the All Blacks. In this episode Peter reveals the full Springboks fixture list for 2026. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

Flip Van Der Merwe was a Springbok stalwart at the start of the second decade of the 21st century. In an incredible turn of events, the Springbok lock missed out on two World Cups that overlapped with his career, which also coincided with the emergence of all-time Bok greats like Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph Du Toit. In this exclusive interview, Flip opens up about what really happened in those days and shares an honest and colourful account of that time. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

Rudolf Straeuli made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks in 1994. Approximately a year later he helped his country win the Rugby World Cup for the first time. Over a period of about 18 months, Straeuli represented the Springboks in 10 Test matches, but he was not always first choice. In this exclusive interview, Rudolf opens up about a very special time in his own life, as well as Springbok rugby. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

Akona Ndungane represented the Springboks with distinction from 2006 to 2007. Although his Bok career was a short one, he did help his country win the 2007 Rugby World Cup. In this exclusive interview, Akona shares his highs and lows from a short but impactful Springbok career. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

Johan Ackermann made his Springbok debut in 1996. A combination of injury and a failed anti-doping test wrecked his career. But Johan showed great resilience and was back in the famous green and gold jersey in 2001. Yet again injury struck. Ackermann again showed tremendous courage to fight back and again represented his country in 2006 and 2007. In this exclusive interview, Johan shares his journey, the highs and the lows and everything in between. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

You've heard the saying "Hulle Weet Nie Wat Ons Weet Nie" and that plays perfectly into the Springbok Siege mentality. Nothing pours fuel onto to South African fire like being the underdog. Similarly South Africans truly spring into action when we feel as if the world hates us. And unwittingly online trolls are fueling this fire. In this episode Peter delves into the South African psyche and explains why as long as this disdain of the Springboks from the international community, real or imagined, persists, it is going to be bad news for the Springboks' rivals. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

South Africa were kicked out of Super Rugby during Covid-19. This forced SARU to take our franchises north to join what would become the United Rugby Championship, or the URC. And in this episode, shot on location at The Scoin Shop in Bedford Centre, Peter explains exactly how this has proven to be a commercial masterstroke for South African rugby ... and why it will benefit the Springboks in the long run too. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

The Springboks have completed a highly successful 2025 where they have made even more history by winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles as well as going five from five on an end-of-year tour for the first time since 1997. Further to that they have also retained the Freedom Cup, Mandela Cup and Qatar Airways as well as making it consecutive unbeaten end-of-year tours for the first time since 1996/97. In this episode Peter looks back at an incredible 2025, relives the highs and (very few) lows, and tries to rate who the best players this season were - if there is even one man who can genuinely stand out, in what was a phenomenal year for the world champion Springboks. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

South Africa have bid unsuccessfully for the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. World Rugby's own committee even recommended South Africa as the preferred host for 2023 and they still snubbed us. So what will it take for the Springboks to play a Rugby World Cup in front of their own fans again? This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

What if the Springboks could send two teams to the Rugby World Cup? It's a hypothetical question that many fans have asked during this era of Springbok rugby dominance. And in this episode Peter explores that question. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has just signed a new 6-year contract to keep him at the helm until 2031. This should delight Springbok supporters. Rassie has delivered unprecedented success since taking over, including victories at the Rugby World Cup, Rugby Championship, Mandela Plate, Freedom Cup and Qatar Airways Cup. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has taken place and the Springboks appear to have an easy pool but peril could come in the knockout stage where all the big guns await. In this episode Peter gives his very early predictions for what exactly will happen at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Find out if he thinks the Springboks can become the first team in history to win three Rugby World Cups in a row. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has taken place and the Springboks can feel satisfied with their draw ... at least as far as their pool is concerned. But danger lurks in the quarter-finals ... perhaps! This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup draw is set to take place in just a couple of days, and the Springboks are ready. But the Springboks might also prefer to avoid certain nations in their pool ... like host nation Australia, for example. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

The Springboks signed off for 2025 with a crushing win over Wales in Cardiff. Yes, the Welsh were significantly weakened by having to make 13 changes, but the Springboks still blew them away 73-0. In this episode Peter details his top five takeaways from this crushing defeat. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

The Springboks finish their end-of-year tour against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. This Test takes place outside the Test window meaning both sides have made a plethora of changes. But whereas the Springboks still have several Rugby World Cup winners in their ranks, the Welsh have made 13 changes which unfortunately significantly weakens their team. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.

Springbok super critic Matt Williams appears to have changed his tune. The former Scotland coach is now full of praise for the Springboks. And in this episode Peter details this stunning turnaround. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel Patreon

The Springboks have won in Dublin for the first time since 2012. The world champions proving too strong for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium 24-13. In this episode Peter details the top five things he noticed in this latest Springbok victory. This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel Patreon