Life Is a Team Game: Inside 25 Years of South African Rugby with Simnikiwe Xabanisa
Veteran sports writer Simnikiwe Xabanisa joins Gurthro Steenkamp to reflect on 25 years of South African rugby, the lessons he’s learned from covering the Springboks, and why he believes that “life is a team game.”📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecThis episode dives deep into the evolution of the Boks, the media’s changing role, and the mindset that defines great teams and great people. It’s a conversation about truth, resilience and connection — on and off the field.ChaptersTotally—here’s a tighter set (12 chapters) you can paste straight into YouTube/Spotify:00:00 – Cold open: “Life is a team game”01:36 – Intro & why Sim’s here07:17 – SA Rugby’s evolution: 2000s to Rassie22:16 – How player access & media changed27:57 – What a rugby journalist really does (context > clicks)35:26 – Coaching, performance & integrity (scrum “cheat codes”)44:40 – Why the Boks keep winning: continuity, depth, transformation56:09 – The rise of Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu58:14 – France vs Springboks: rivalry, emotion, stakes01:06:51 – Habits behind a 25-year journalism career01:14:22 – Setback to comeback: Sim’s toughest years01:28:06 – Closing thoughts & what’s nextFollow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp
--------
1:30:40
--------
1:30:40
How Ireland Finally Beat the All Blacks – Andrew Trimble’s Inside Story
In this episode, Andrew Trimble shares what it took for Ireland to finally beat the All Blacks in Chicago 2016.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFrom the belief built under Joe Schmidt to the leadership of Sexton & Rory Best, Trimble opens up about the preparation, pressure, and defining moments that changed Irish rugby forever.A must-listen for rugby fans and players ahead of another epic Ireland-All Blacks clash.Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp
--------
22:22
--------
22:22
Conrad Smith on Connection, Culture & Winning Under Pressure
All Blacks legend Conrad Smith breaks down the habits behind sustained success: shared leadership, role clarity, reading the game, and handling World Cup pressure. He also opens up about life after rugby and his work supporting player welfare and purpose. Essential listening for players, coaches, and anyone who leads teams.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFollow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp
--------
1:14:25
--------
1:14:25
Babalwa Latsha: The Psychology Behind the Scrum and Finding Purpose in Adversity
South African rugby trailblazer Babalwa Latsha reveals how she approaches the scrum as a mind game, not just a battle of strength.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Lessons From The Game Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecShe dives into:• The mindset and technique behind women’s rugby• How role models like Beast Mtawarira and Serena Williams shaped her• The mental toughness it takes to recover from injury and stay grounded in purpose.Hosted by Coach Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna on Lessons From The Game.Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna
--------
15:07
--------
15:07
Charlie Hodgson: Reflection, Resilience & the Power of Reframing
Charlie Hodgson, one of England’s most respected fly-halves, joins Lessons from the Game to share the mindset that shaped his rugby journey — from moments of pressure and injury to personal growth and success beyond the field.📲 Follow us for more rugby content:📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Lessons From The Game Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this honest and insightful conversation with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna, Charlie opens up about:The power of reflection and reframing setbacks into growthManaging performance anxiety and pressure in elite rugbyThe “Effort Error vs Skill Error” philosophy that built accountability and trust at SaracensFinding identity and purpose after professional rugbyHow mindset and self-awareness can redefine success in sport and lifeA masterclass in resilience, perspective, and personal evolution from one of rugby’s most thoughtful playmakers.🎙️ Hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp & Ben Pegna — Lessons from the Game
Lessons From The Game Podcast
Hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna, this podcast dives into performance, mindset, and resilience. With insights from athletes, coaches, and leaders, we explore the lessons rugby teaches about success—both on and off the field.
🎙 COMING SOON 20 FEBRUARY
Perfect for rugby enthusiasts, coaches, and anyone seeking inspiration to elevate their game and life.
South Africa