Episode 95: “It Starts With the People” — Johan Ackermann’s Vision for a New Bulls Era
Johan Ackermann is back in Pretoria — and the Vodacom Bulls are in safe hands. In this Lekker Rugby Pod exclusive, hosted by MW Welman and Harry Jones, Ackermann reflects on a coaching journey that has come full circle: from his formative years on the Police College fields, through Super Rugby finals with the Lions, to seasons abroad in Gloucester and Japan — and now, back home at Loftus.In a composed and open conversation, Ackermann speaks about the type of rugby he hopes to bring to Pretoria — physical, modern, and smart. Here and there, we catch glimpses of an attacking mindset that promises to inject fresh energy into the Bulls' game. He also tackles some of the big questions head-on: how he plans to build trust with the players, where the assistants fit in, and how he'll balance continuity with change.Rather than sweeping statements, this is a grounded and honest look at the road ahead — and a clear signal to Bulls fans that their team’s future is in good, steady hands.Only on the Lekker Rugby Pod. Powered by Megafoon Rugby!
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Episode 94: Inside the Springbok Squad Call-Up: This is What We Think!
The Springboks’ squad for the Wallabies isn’t the full-strength arsenal — and that’s exactly the point.In Episode 94 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, MW and Harry unpack why this selection is about minutes, not medals. It’s a calculated step in a bigger marathon. With two games against Australia up first, this is the moment for fringe players to prove they belong and for the coaching staff to fine-tune combinations before the real tests begin.Because make no mistake — this season’s spine is brutal: All Blacks at Eden Park, France in Paris, Ireland in Dublin. Every move now is about being ready for those three monsters. That means no rush on Pollard, Faf, Arendse, or Kolisi. It means time in the saddle for guys like Jean-Luc du Preez, Ethan Hooker, and Quan Horn. And it means taking some smart risks with combinations in the midfield and back three.We also get into the logic behind the squad’s balance, the myth of “too much youth”, and the quiet genius of getting form players battle-ready without peaking too soon. And we end, of course, with the big hypothetical: if your life depended on a Bok win at Eden Park, who would start?Less drama, more clarity. This is a proper Springbok selection breakdown — from the inside out. Watch now on Megafoon Rugby!
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Episode 93: Two Storytellers, One Pod: John Robbie & Harry Jones on Rugby, Lions & Legacy!
Episode 93 of The Lekker Rugby Pod is a story told across time. From the traditions and test matches of the 1980 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, through to the challenges of modern rugby and the road to Australia 2025, this is a conversation that spans decades—and generations.MW Welman hosts a special conversation between legendary Lions scrumhalf John Robbie and rugby wordsmith Harry Jones. With stories from Loftus Versfeld, Bournemouth bonding weekends, and childhood dreams of Lions heroes, this episode lives in the nostalgia of rugby’s amateur spirit while probing the evolution of the game as we know it today.They reflect on the leadership of Bill Beaumont, the quiet regrets of touring apartheid South Africa, and the deep cultural connection players once had to their jerseys. But it’s not just about the past—this is also a reckoning with the present. How do modern tactics, professional pressures, and political narratives shape the Lions? Are we losing the soul of the game in the pursuit of perfection?From personal reflections and small-world rugby coincidences to thoughtful projections about where the sport is going, this episode is a journey through the Lions—past, present, and future. Honest, rich, and emotional.
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Episode 92: Inside the Young Rugby Minds Behind THAT Springboks move!
They’ve been called the brains behind a viral Springbok move. They coach at one of the most famous schools in South African rugby. And they’ve spoken to everyone under the sun… but never like this.In Episode 92 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones brings something different to the table – and De Wet Marais and Erhardt Muth deliver. This conversation goes far beyond the now-famous Paul Roos lineout play. It’s a deep, hilarious, and sometimes brutally honest look at what it takes to coach rugby the right way, to think differently, and to lead with trust.From farming principles to NFL passing patterns, from bunkbed coaching sessions at 1am to moves that make it to Test level – this is rugby thinking in its purest form.No script. No repetition. Just the real story, finally.
Complacent? Maybe. Surprised? Definitely. The Springboks got the result, but Georgia brought grit, attitude, and more than a few problems.In this Lekker RugbyPod instant reaction, MW Welman and Harry Jones unpack a match where the scoreboard didn’t tell the full story. The Bok maul looked messy, the combinations felt off, and the Georgians showed up with real intent. Moodie and Marnus gave the crowd something to get excited about, but the Bok pack might need a second look before the Wallabies arrive.Harry explains why maul defense is misunderstood, MW breaks down the cohesion issues, and both agree that this might be just the jolt the Springboks needed — even if they didn’t see it coming.Subscribe for analysis that goes beyond the scoreline!.
Blending North with South, Pretoria with Cape Town, data-driven MW Welman spars each week with globetrotting Harry Jones on Saffa-related themes to understand the whole world of rugby as it is and will become: making a plan but being ready to throw it all out the window.
South Africa