Elite Rugby Banter

Ant, Dick and Andy managed to gather around one microphone for once in a rare in-person pod. Yes, we covered all the expected stuff with the upcoming tour opener and a recap of the Bulls vs ABs match, but we think you’ll find our tangential rant about TMOs and technology the real highlight here… Boks by 10ish!

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

We are two games into the RGR Tour (Phil has exhausted our free tokens for the full name) and the All Blacks have as many questions as they do answers. Cape Town was treated to a spectacle on and off the field against a second string side, while Durban was a damp downer against a more formidable lineup. The Boks out-gritted the Argentinians away but at the cost of their captain, while the All Blacks have also been losing men early. How will the two teams cope over the coming weeks? Who will be first choice come the Ellis Park opener on both sides? We try to channel our inner Rassie and we’re probably way off, but please have a listen anyway.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

The All Blacks are here! Confirmed by Ant in a plush Cape Town Virgin Active, the Kiwis have landed are preparing hard for the opening game against the Stormers this week. While the ABs sip cocktails in Clifton, a 26-strong Bok squad is quaffing Malbec in Buenos Aires, readying for their warm up against Argentina. There’s more antici…pation than a Rocky Horror number and more hype than an NZ rugby journo’s X account as we gear up for the Greatest Rivalry (TM CC LTD PBO).

Ant, Andrew, Phil and Dick dive into the build-up to the first test, discussing whether the famous rivalry still deserves its billing and why these fixtures continue to stand apart from every other contest in international rugby. From history and respect to contrasting styles of play, the panel explores what makes South Africa versus New Zealand the benchmark by which every other rivalry is measured.

Attention then turns to the rugby itself. Are the Springboks entering the series as deserved favourites? Has Rassie's side reached another level over the past year? And while Dave Rennie's All Blacks have shown encouraging signs, can they tighten up defensively against the most complete team in world rugby?

The boys also discuss the contrasting approaches of Super Rugby and test rugby, the role of South Africa's franchises in preparing the All Blacks for what's to come, and why this series feels like a genuine measuring stick for both teams heading into the remainder of the international season.

Plus predictions for the series, a look at the key individual battles, and why even in an era of expanded competitions and global tournaments, some matches simply matter more than others.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

There’s more than just bragging rights on the line when the Boks and All Blacks clash at Ellis Park in August - the winner takes the lineal world title, aka the Raeburn Shield. To discuss, we are joined this week by fellow rugby nerd and promoter of the Raeburn and Utrecht Shields, Dave Algie. Treat your ears to a fascinating deep dive into rugby history and a native Kiwi’s take on the upcoming Greatest Rivalry Tour - it’s a good one.

Raeburn Shield Link: https://www.raeburnandutrechtshields.com/

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Ant, Phil and Andy mark the Nations Championship midterms as they recap the first three rounds. France and South Africa have emerged as clear favourites, but there are some interesting performance arcs and player selection discussions to unpack. Are France in France a bigger threat to Boks ascendancy than three home games against NZ? Is Japan managing to break their reliance on foreign players? Is Scotland really the third best team in the world as Rassie reckons? And what of the flailing Fijians and irate Italians? Find out on this week’s pod.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.