Five tests in five weeks — it’s the toughest stretch any Springbok side has faced in years. In this episode of The Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones are joined by veteran journalist Jon Cardinelli to unpack Rassie Erasmus’s survival strategy for November.From managing player loads to rotating veterans and rising stars, Jon explains how Rassie plans to balance experience with youth — and why the upcoming clashes against France and Ireland could define South African rugby’s next World Cup cycle.This isn’t just about who plays — it’s about how long they can last.Expect deep analysis, tactical insight, and sharp debate as the team breaks down the real plan behind Rassie’s November blueprint.
In this emergency Lekker Rugby Pod Instant Reaction, MW Welman and Harry Jones are absolutely flabbergasted. Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been slapped with a 9-week ban over allegations from Josh Murphy that seem, frankly, impossible. Was he really grabbed for five seconds? Where’s the evidence? MW and Harry break down just how nonsensical this ruling is, questioning the logic, the common sense, and the integrity of the process. The outrage only escalates as Rassie Erasmus weighs in with his infamous, brutally honest tweet: "It just got tougher !! We now have to beat them on the field. and in the boardrooms. Hamba man. Tsek. Loop Kak." Tune in as the Lekker Rugby Pod dissects the shock, the anger, and what this could mean for South African rugby moving forward.
Four rounds into the URC, South African rugby is telling a story of extremes. The Bulls are grappling with the aftermath of a dramatic internal revolution - a team still adjusting after major changes under Johann Ackermann. Defensive gaps, shaky lineouts, and inconsistent performances reveal the real challenges facing Loftus, as MW Welman and Harry Jones examine what it will take for the Bulls to regain stability and identity this season.In stark contrast, the Stormers under John Dobson are thriving this season. Calm, cohesive, and tactically sharp, they offer a blueprint of what stability, culture, and leadership can achieve. From the brilliance of Evan Roos to Dobbo’s subtle cultural adjustments, this is a team firing on all cylinders and in this episode, we explore what we think might be Dobbo’s secret sauce.The episode also features the return of the Harry Index, ranking form teams after four rounds, sparking debate and revealing which sides are finding their feet and which are still in transition. This isn’t just results - it’s an exploration of the philosophies, tensions, and personalities shaping South African rugby today. The Bulls’ post-revolution aftermath versus the Stormers’ quiet mastery makes this URC season one to watch very closely!
Belfast was a harsh lesson for the Bulls. Ulster didn’t just win — they dominated, exposing weaknesses in a team still finding its feet under new coach Johann Ackermann. Defensive cracks that had been creeping in over the past weeks were on full display, and for the first time, the attack also struggled to impose itself. The result was a rare spectacle: the Bulls being physically overpowered and tactically outmaneuvered.But is this truly a crisis, or simply part of the adjustment period for a side under new leadership? MW Welman and Harry Jones dig into every angle of the performance, examining why Ulster’s physicality and tactical clarity unsettled the Bulls, how the squad responded under pressure, and what these warning signs might mean for the season ahead.Beyond the scoreboard, they explore the human side of the game: how players adapt to new systems, the psychological challenges of being tested in tough environments, and how a team’s culture is shaped when adversity hits. They also highlight bright spots, from individual performances to tactical insights, showing that even in defeat, lessons can be learned.Whether you’re a Bulls supporter worried about the future, a rugby fan fascinated by the dynamics of transition, or someone interested in how leadership shapes team performance, this episode offers perspective, analysis, and an honest look at what it takes to rebuild a team.Don’t miss MW and Harry as they weigh the evidence, separate alarm from overreaction, and help you decide whether the Bulls’ Belfast defeat is a true canary in a coalmine or simply the growing pains of a team finding its identity under Ackermann.
This isn’t your standard Rugby Championship review. In this vintage episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry unleashes his full philosophical self, guiding listeners through the curious paradox of sport: how can a team achieve results yet still feel dissatisfied, while others stumble but find reason to smile?Harry’s Rugby Happiness Index blends statistics, psychology, and a philosopher’s heart, asking the big question: how happy should each team truly feel with their Rugby Championship performance? Argentina’s occasional highs mask bigger flaws, Australia’s flattering start hides fragility, and the All Blacks suffered their biggest-ever defeat - at home! Harry dissects the tension between scoreboard results and emotional satisfaction, all with his signature vintage style, full of reflective asides, storytelling, and thoughtful tangents.MW brings clarity and curiosity to the table, observing the nuances of player focus, discipline, and coaching decisions, helping the listener navigate the subtle intersections of performance and contentment.By the time the conversation turns to the Springboks, Harry reaches his philosophical crescendo - champions who can celebrate, but still face imperfections, missed opportunities, and lessons yet to be learned. Across the Rugby Championship, Harry’s lens reveals the emotional truths hidden behind wins, losses, and statistics. For fans wanting a deeper, smarter, and profoundly human take on rugby, this episode is a vintage must-listen.
The morning after the Springboks’ epic Rugby Championship win, Harry Jones takes us straight back to Twickenham, where every moment, from the streets to the stadium, pulsed with energy, tension, and pure South African pride. You can almost hear the roar of the fans, feel the wind on the pitch, and see every tackle, turnover, and try as if you were there yourself.MW Welman joins him to dissect the match in detail, exploring tactical battles, pivotal plays, and standout performances from the likes of Malcolm Marx, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, and Pieter-Steph du Toit. They break down how Argentina fought with grit, how the Springboks adapted under pressure, and how every decision, every pass, and every scrum shaped the outcome of a game that demanded everything from both sides.This isn’t just a recap - it’s the sights, sounds, and emotions of a championship-winning performance. From the adrenaline of the first whistle to the electric celebrations afterward, this episode captures the full journey of triumph, resilience, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a Springbok fan, a student of rugby tactics, or simply love the drama of the sport, this episode will leave you feeling like you were right there on the pitch with them!
Harry was on the ground at the Springboks’ Captain’s Run in London ahead of the big Argentina clash at Twickenham. Fresh from the plane, he witnessed a squad full of energy, laughter, and precision, with many, many kicks attempted as the team refined a new tactical approach. Damian Willemse was pin-point accurate and Sacha showed dedication and skill in every drill.The return of Bongi adds an edge to the pack, and the coaches kept the session high-energy while ensuring focus and cohesion. Harry observed how seamlessly backs and forwards are integrating, highlighting the Boks’ evolving playing style. With a massive South African crowd set to fill the stands, Harry’s first-hand perspective shows a team that is loose, confident, and ready to make a statement at Twickenham. Don't forget: MW will join Harry for a Lekker Rugby Pod Instant Reaction after the match, capturing the excitement from both the field and the stands!
Episode 114 of the Lekker Rugby Pod asks whether we’ve just seen the start of a new normal in world rugby. The Springboks didn’t just edge the All Blacks at Ellis Park or the Pumas in Durban—they demolished them, playing with a tempo, skill, and physicality that looked almost impossible to contain.MW returns from a bush reunion where he found himself explaining, more than once, what a rugby podcaster actually does—balancing a laptop on top of a fridge while braaiing didn’t quite clear things up. Back in the studio, he and Harry dive into the serious stuff: whether South African rugby has discovered a blueprint that could change the sport forever.The Boks have long been known for unbreakable defense, but now they’ve layered it with unstoppable attack, hybrid forwards, and rapid transitions that leave teams gasping. Rassie’s approach doesn’t feel like an adjustment—it feels like a revolution. If this is sustainable, then opponents won’t just have to adapt, they’ll have to reinvent themselves.So is this a golden run—or the new normal that will redefine rugby’s future?
The Springboks are still riding high after their record-breaking demolition of the All Blacks, but Durban might not be the victory parade everyone expects. Argentina has already beaten both New Zealand and Australia this season, and under Felipe Contepomi, the Pumas have grown sharper, smarter, and more dangerous.Harry and MW dig into why this clash carries more risk than it seems. Argentina’s versatile loose forwards, powerful front row, and tactical flexibility make them far more than just plucky underdogs. Contepomi’s Leinster-honed structures give them a blueprint to unsettle South Africa, while history shows the Pumas love playing the role of spoiler.Rassie Erasmus, meanwhile, is moving beyond his old “bomb squad” model, leaning into adaptability, versatility, and depth across the park. Will it be enough to withstand Argentina’s challenge, or could the giant slayers turn Durban into their stage?
Rassie Erasmus has doubled down with a powerful Springbok side for the first test against Argentina in Durban, and the Lekker Rugby Pod has your Instant Reaction! We started recording before the official announcement, speculating on who might make the cut, and then broke down the confirmed team once it dropped. Harry and MW dig into why Rassie went with such a strong, almost unchanged lineup, what it means for the Rugby Championship, and the message it sends to both fans and opponents. From midfield combinations to pack dominance, youth selections to long-term planning, this episode explores how the Boks are balancing short-term silverware with the bigger picture.
Episode 112 of the Lekker Rugby Pod brings the fire. MW and Harry are back together and joined by New Zealand broadcasting legend Martin Devlin, host of the Devlin Sports Podcast Network and an unapologetically passionate All Blacks supporter. From Venice to the podcast mic, Martin pulls no punches as he lays out the brutal truth about New Zealand rugby.He takes us through the decline since 2019, the haunting shadow of box kicks, the missing centurions of the 2015 era, and the burning question: are the All Blacks really still the All Blacks? Razor Robertson’s coaching, the lack of innovation, the limits of Super Rugby, and the hunger for redemption — all of it is on the table.This is raw Kiwi passion versus South African steel, as Martin squares up to MW and Harry in one of the most animated, heartfelt conversations we’ve had yet!
Episode 111 of the Lekker Rugby Pod is a rare one. With MW off on an adventure, Harry takes the reins solo and brings on one of South Africa’s sharpest rugby minds, Jon Cardinelli. Together, they dive into the brilliance of Rassie Erasmus — the man who refuses to think only about today, because he’s already busy shaping tomorrow.This is the inside story of how the Springboks are being built for 2027: the balance between beloved veterans and fearless youngsters, the experiments that look chaotic from the outside but are in fact part of a meticulous plan, and the ruthless clarity that makes Rassie unlike any coach in world rugby.Is this just preparation for another World Cup — or the creation of a dynasty that could keep South Africa on top for a generation?
Have the Springboks finally unlocked Total Rugby? MW Welman and Harry Jones take a deep dive into South Africa’s historic win over the All Blacks and explore whether Jasper Wiese was the missing ingredient that allowed the team to reach its full potential. From dominant carries to defensive mastery and creating critical advantages, they analyze how every player became a threat on the field.MW and Harry also reflect on team dynamics, tensions between Rassie and his coaching staff, and the adaptability and physicality that shaped this victory. Could this performance signal a new blueprint for South African rugby? What does it reveal about the future direction of the team?Join them for an in-depth discussion on tactics, player performance, and strategy, and get a sneak peek at upcoming conversations with Jon Cardinelli and Martin Devlin about coaching, depth, and the evolving rivalry with New Zealand.
The Springboks have done the unthinkable. On New Zealand soil, in front of their own people, the All Blacks were humbled like never before. Record-breaking. Shattering. Absolute carnage.Harry and MW take you inside the moment the Boks broke the All Blacks’ spirit: Siya Kolisi exploding from the scrum, Damian Willemse gliding through for a try that silenced Eden Park, Ethan Hooker announcing himself as a future great, and Pieter-Steph du Toit towering above everyone in the middle.This wasn’t just a victory, it was a statement to the world. The All Blacks had no answers. The Boks showed power, precision, and belief on a level rugby has rarely seen. And now the question hangs heavy—what does this mean for New Zealand, for South Africa, and for the future of the game?
Episode 109 of the Lekker Rugby Pod is a milestone! Tim Cocker of Eggchasers joins Harry Jones and MW Welman for a conversation that goes beyond content creation and deep into rugby itself.We explore Tim’s connection to South Africa, his travels through the country, and how Bok rugby culture hooked him after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. But this episode isn’t just about his love for the Springboks - it’s about the game at its sharpest edges!From the Springboks’ rivalry with the All Blacks to Australia’s resurgence under Joe Schmidt, Tim weighs in on the state of international rugby in 2025. We dive into scrums, the breakdown, and why players like Ruan Nortje, Thomas du Toit, and Elrigh Louw are shaping the Bok future.It’s rugby culture, tactics, and storytelling rolled into one - a global rugby conversation between Eggchasers and Lekker Rugby that fans of both won’t want to miss!
The Lekker Rugby Pod returns with Episode 108, and the debate has never been sharper. Harry Jones is back from New Zealand with fresh insights from Eden Park, where he experienced the Springboks vs All Blacks clash from both the press box and the stands.MW Welman and Harry unpack the tactics, refereeing controversies, and scrum battles—but the real question runs deeper: how does a rugby giant like the Springboks adapt when the game increasingly rewards the cleverness and agility of a “David”? Can Tony Brown’s vision unlock a smarter, sharper Bok attack, or is he asking this squad to play a game they’re not built for?Episode 108 is more than match analysis—it’s a story of rivalry, strategy, and rugby culture. From Harry’s New Zealand experiences to MW’s sharp insights, it explores the Springboks’ challenges, the lessons they must take forward, and whether the squad has the talent to execute Tonyball the right way.
The Springboks walked into Eden Park with hope, history, and belief, but left with heartbreak once again. In this instant reaction recorded straight after the final whistle, Harry Jones gives his raw reflections from the stands in Auckland. He unpacks how two early All Blacks tries and small tactical missteps left the Boks chasing the game, despite brave forward play, fierce work at the breakdown, and standout performances from players like Sacha. Harry also digs into the atmosphere inside the stadium — the rain, the confusion around the referee, the frustration over stoppages, and the sheer difficulty of playing at rugby’s most intimidating fortress. This is a post-match reflection full of emotion, analysis, and honesty, as we ask the question: how can the Boks finally break the Eden Park curse?
Episode 107 of The Lekker Rugby Pod brings you Harry’s trademark preview — this time straight from Auckland, where the Springboks and All Blacks meet at Eden Park in a clash dripping with history, hype, and pressure. The Boks haven’t beaten the All Blacks at this ground since 1937, yet they arrive having won the last four encounters. Add to that both teams are slightly out of form — South Africa lost to Australia and New Zealand fell to Argentina in Round 1 of the Rugby Championship — and the stakes feel higher than ever.Harry captures the electric atmosphere on the ground, with Auckland buzzing days before kickoff, Bok jerseys flooding the streets, and the sense that something historic might be about to happen. Together with MW, he breaks down the key battles and tactical edges: can South Africa’s power game unsettle the Kiwi pack, will the All Blacks’ backline find spark under pressure, and what role could Wayne Smith’s coaching influence play? With Siya Kolisi’s fitness in question and whispers of potential late selection changes, every decision could tip the balance.This isn’t just another Test — it’s a collision of history, form, and psychology. Can the Boks finally end 87 years of Eden Park heartbreak, or will the All Blacks’ fortress hold once again?
Episode 106 of the Lekker Rugby Pod is special – it’s Harry’s birthday, and the celebrations are wrapped in rugby as we unpack Oom Rugby’s in-depth analysis of the All Blacks before the Eden Park showdown. Harry shares travel stories from New Zealand, from glow worm caves to unforgettable matches, while MW guides the conversation through history, tactics, and raw emotion. Oom’s email sparks the central debate: have the Boks finally found the key to cracking New Zealand’s fortress?
The clash at Eden Park has the rugby world holding its breath, and The Lekker Rugby Pod is right in the thick of it! MW Welman and Harry Jones welcome New Zealand’s legendary commentator Tony Johnson for a heated, hilarious, and razor-sharp breakdown of what could be the game of the year. Is this a battle of Rassie versus Razor, Bok versus All Black, power versus precision? Or is it something even bigger — a defining chapter in the greatest rivalry of them all? With Harry stating the Bok case, Tony flying the flag for the All Blacks, and MW steering the ship with sharp questions, this episode captures the tension, humour, and insight that make rugby more than a sport.From tactics to culture, from selection to pressure, this is the podcast that takes you beyond the headlines and into the heart of one of the fiercest rivalries in rugby!
