RugbyBits

Kooks and Shaun open the 2025 podcasting year for the RugbyBits as they unpack the weekends Champions Cup action.   We look into playing on two fronts as the URC, Champions Cup/Challenge Cup are front and center. We unpack how to fix it and ask for a better academy/youth system to be used to increase the squad depth and save the budget.   We figure out the best plan for 2025 for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and his terrible injury luck and Kooks applauds the Stormers with SHARKY still not convinced.    We look at what the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers need to qualify for the play off's and talk some news.

Kooks, Shaun and Thala wrap up round 7 of the URC, which saw the Sharks beat the Stormers for the first time, the Bulls win in Connacht and the Lions narrowly losing to Munster. We start at Kings Park and reflect on the crazy finish and how the Stormers almost stole it, how great Kolisi, Esterhuizen and Fassi were and whether Kooks is selling his Dobbo stocks. We move to the Bulls beating Connacht and the big story of the game is Jake White's comments about Canan Moodie gaining weight. Shaun shares his theory about where those comments come from. We lament a missed chance for the Lions to pick up a big victory over Munster, but rave about Henco van Wyk's ridiculous solo try. We then preview the Champions Cup and try to predict which teams won't make the last 16. Find out why Kooks and Thala think the Bulls are well placed, why the Sharks first two weeks are super important and why the Stormers are in danger of being knocked out. In the Challenge Cup we think the Lions and Cheetahs have a good chance of getting to the knockouts. Finally we wrap with other rugby news, including Fiji men and Australia women winning the Dubai Sevens and the seismic transfer of Ilona Maher coming to Bristol Bears and why it's not part of a World Rugby conspiracy (at least this time).

Kooks and Thala look back on the World Rugby awards and whip out the score cards for each men's international Tier 1 side for their year. We start by fanboying over Ellie Kildunne and discussing the controversial selections of Antoine Dupont and Jerome Daret. We then discuss what PSDT's 2nd Player of the Year means for his legacy. We then try to grade each Tier 1 nation's year. We look at everyone from excellent years for the Springboks and Argentina, to confusing years for England and New Zealand and call Wales and Japan to the headmasters office.

Shaun and Thala are joined by rugby journalist and broadcaster (and hot take artist) Caleb Mutombwa to review the weekend's Autumn Nations Series. We start with the Springboks victory over England by debating who won the kicking game, the Boks taking turns to step Freddie Steward and which Boks players stocks rose and fell after this game. Caleb reports from the Steven Borthwick press conference and discusses whether the pressure on Borthwick is increasing, his selection failures and whether England are on the right track. We then look at many of the other Autumn Nations Series games over the weekend. We are in awe of the cinematic production of the haka at the Stade France in France's victory over the All Blacks, the Wallabies extending Wales' losing streak to 11, Italy overcoming a difficult Georgia opponent, what Ireland's narrow victory over Argentina tells us about both teams and what Scotland can learn from playing sides like Portugal. Finally we react to the World Rugby Awards nominations which include nominations for three Springboks for men's 15s Player of the Year, Antoine Dupont starring in the Men's Sevens Player of the Year, a debate about the Men's Breakthrough Player of the Year and why the Women's 15s Player of the Year is Ellie Kildunne's to lose. We also ask what will happen in Bok Twitter if Caelan Doris wins Player of the Year!

We are joined by Charlie Morgan as we preview the big England v South Africa test.    We look into the coaching merry-go-round with Steve Borthwick's assistants, the defensive set up, what Freddie Steward is picked for and a lot more.   Kooks, Thala and Shaun then go through the Springbok squad and pick their pressure points ahead of the big clash

Kooks and Shaun take a deep dive into the Springboks' win over Scotland, we take a look at each player, decide which 9 we want to start against England and Shaun explains how the Scotland minds stopped them from winning   We look at a brilliant All Black win and ask again why Razor failed to use his bench. Have Ireland lost all the players that get the team fired up?   England were next to be upset as the Wallabies secured their best win under Joe Schmidt. We look at the midfield and focus on Joseph Sua'ali'i   We glance over the French and Los Puma's wins and talk up Antoine Dupont ahead of the All Black clash.

Thala, Shaun and Kooks have a look at magnificent Mark and how the All Blacks beat England.    We start off with our first phase of which Scotland player you would start for the Springboks and we pay tribute to Joe Marler who retired from test rugby but not before helping give the fans what they really want when watching the Haka.   With the Autumn Nations Series well underway we look at England and how they got undone by New Zealand, we unpack the bizarre running meters by the Scotland backs and Thala issues a Q&A ahead of Round 2.

Kooks and Thala come again for Part 2 of their Autumn Nations Series preview and they focus more on the players in this round. Kooks and Thala discuss whether Pieter-Steph du Toit has the World Rugby Player of the Year award in the bag, which Springboks and Ireland players could contest and what the size of meltdown would be if Antoine Dupont wins it without playing a test this year. We then discuss which best players in a position in a world title fights are happening in November - we look forward to Sione Tuipulotu measuring himself up against Damian de Allende and the triple threat match between Ardie Savea, Caelan Doris and Gregory Alldritt. We finally look at some of the news from the rugby world, including Munster firing Graham Rowntree, Joe Marler sparking yet another Haka debate and the additions to the Springboks squad.

Kooks and Thala have a two-part preview for the Autumn Nations Series and ask the burning questions for the upcoming games. We first share memories and discuss why the Autumn Nations Series is the most special part of the international rugby calendar and if rugby played in the southern hemisphere is given that yellow filter like they do for movies set in Mexico. We first discuss which team has the most to gain this series and why the All Blacks, England and Italy could make big statements with a strong November and what the potential pitfalls are. We then discuss what would be success for the two top nations, the Springboks and Ireland - do they have to be unbeaten for a successful November? Which newer players might appear for both sides? We then finish off with the coaches on the chopping block. We look at whether Wales can have their first win of the year and if Gregor Townsend has taken Scotland as far as he can before technical difficulties cut us off for Part 1

Kooks and Thala review week 5 of the URC and the Springbok squad for the Autumn Nations Series. Kooks and Thala discuss the return of Damian Willemse in the squad and Ruan Nortje, Elrigh Louw and Jan-Hendrik Wessels staying in the squad. Then we discuss if we might have made a mistake placing Ulster at the bottom of our tiers list last week. We break down impressive wins for the Stormers and the Sharks, a gritty defensive win for the Lions. We discuss why the Bulls can't play in second halves and why Munster's lineout is faltering. We then look at some of the rugby news around the world, including why behind the back passes are apparently bad, whether Japan has any chance to knock over New Zealand and Kooks has a rant for all the different kickoff times for the Autumn Nations Series.

Kooks and Thala rank the URC into tiers after 4 rounds of the URC. We divide the teams into four different tiers: Championship Contenders, Playoff Locks, Dark Horses and Basement Dwellers. Find out where we rank the South African teams. Why we think it's the year for the Lions to make some playoff noise, why the Bulls are still championship contenders, why Stormers fans shouldn't be too concerned (yet) and what exactly are the Sharks cooking. We also won't be tricked by Munster, still need to be convinced by the Wales teams, Kooks challenges Benetton and impressed with the defending champions Glasgow. We also discuss why Squidge Rugby seems to have lost the South African Twitter streets, Siya Kolisi advocating for women's rugby and which award has Faf de Klerk been nominated for alongside Antoine Dupont and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Jared and Shaun go over the weekends result that saw the Springboks secure their first 'real' Rugby Championship title since 2009.   We discuss the performances from Saturday and look at the Bledisloe Cup plus how the two sides will fare in the future.   We take a look at the Springbok midfield and how the future looks

Kooks and Sharky chat about how upsetting the Springbok loss was. We look into a brilliant Los Pumas performance and where it went wrong for the Springboks.    We take a look at the new Springbok match day 23 and have a bit of a wobble at the end leaving Sharky to sign off

Thala and Shaun have a look at the Springboks squad that Rassie Erasmus named ahead of the opening Los Pumas test.    We look into each position and highlight the inexperience of the pack and Shaun makes a call on how Manie Libbok will be introduced.   We look at how Scott Robertson is on a razor's edge with his job and talk loose trio's Bledisloe Cup results and more.   Lastly we look at the Currie Cup and make some bold URC predictions

Kooks and Shaun take a look at the second Springbok win over rivals New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.   The Springbok set up a great chance of taking the Rugby Championship title in the 5th round against Argentina away.    We look at which players performed on both sides, dive into the absolute disaster of a second test for the Wallabies and look at which Springboks should tour next week.   We both disagree on the Willie le Roux yellow card and Shaun is unhappy with World Rugby's 'No Stoppages' plan.   We look into how the Rugby Championship could possibly fit into a 2026 when the Springboks host New Zealand in Mnzansi for a mammoth tour. Kooks highlights the importance of a Grand Slam tour in November and he hits Shaun with a 'Pop Quiz'

Jamie Wall joins us again as we look ahead to a very important test in Cape Town.   Both teams have made changes and Jamie explains why it is hard to get used to an All Blacks side being dictated too. We look at the team, the strange but exciting All Black loose trio and the wings on both sides. We try and understand the thoughts behind the Jordan and Sititi positional selections and Jamie looks into the Kolisi/Cane online battle   Jamie predicts and epic midfield battle again with his eyes firmly on Jordie Barrett.   We discuss the beauties of South Africa, brandy and braai's and so much more.

Thala and Shaun walk through the Springbok test and how well the All Blacks started, we talk about the impact the Bomb Squad made and what the All Blacks need to do to win this type of game.   We take a deep dive into all the controversial moments and set the record straight on the Aphelia Fassi yellow card and the Bongi Mbonambi try.

We welcome Jamie Wall who is in South Africa following the All Blacks on their two test tour. Jamie is and Author and Journalist.   He has written four books on the All Blacks including The Hundred Years' War about the Springbok and All Black rivalry. You can order his books here (https://www.jamiewallrugby.com/buy-my-books)   We discuss the funny inclusion of Eben Etzebeth into the squad, look into how Beauden Barrett will become the most capped All Black, where the All Blacks are strong, who are their options at 10 and much much more. Finally we chat about Hadleigh Parkes and his full circle moment on re-signing with Manawatu in the NPC.

Kooks, Thala and Shaun give their thoughts on Rassie Erasmus' Springboks squad he named for the opening All Black test in Johannesburg.   We go through the surprise calls, who will drop out if Eben Etzebeth is passed fit and take a look at the David Nucifora and Felix Jones news.

Kooks, Shaun and Thala break down the Springbok squad selected for the home double against the All Blacks. We discuss whether how match sharp Jaden Hendrikse has looked since coming back to play for the Sharks. We discuss if Steven Kitshoff has to win his place in the 23 back from Gerhard Steenkamp and whether Elrigh Louw has done enough or will Jasper Wiese come straight back into the Bok 23. We discuss why Nico Janse van Rensburg was recalled after being out of the picture for 3 years. We even try to pick our matchday 23s for the Ellis Park game. We then react to Leon MacDonald stepping down as the All Blacks assistant coach and speculate if this is also Rieko Ioane's fault. We also react to the news that the negotiations for Siya Kolisi to rejoin the Sharks have stalled and whether Jacky Lorenzetti will make sure he plays every match from Racing in the future.

Shaun and Thala review week 2 of the Rugby Championship. We start with the Springboks' bonus point victory over Australia. We discuss what we learned and saw from the second stringers, the impressive and error free performance of Aphelele Fassi, the workhorse performance from Ruan Nortje and why Jan-Hendrik Wessels reminds Thala of Pierre Spies. Shaun raves about the calmness of Lukhanyo Am, and whether Pieter-Steph du Toit might be the best blindside flank ever. Looking at the other Rugby Championship sides, we discuss what the Wallabies are trying to be good at and the value of Nic White and Marika Koroibete, why Argentina can't back up big wins and the ruthlessness of the All Blacks up front led by Tamaiti Williams and Ethan Blackadder.

Shaun and Thala preview Week 2 of the Rugby Championship by looking forward on Australia hosting South Africa and Argentina looking for their 2nd win in two weeks in New Zealand. We first look at the experience bought in by Joe Schmidt with the selections of Nic White and Marika Koroibete. We discuss how Angus Bell can change fortunes at the scrum and we look at how Australia could test Lukhanyo Am defending at 12. For the All Blacks we try to figure out what Scott Robertson is doing with these changes to the backline, Shaun talks about how they need better performances from their locks and flanks and Thala looks forward to more kicking from the All Blacks. We finally talk about some of the surprises in the Pumas selection, including Kremer at lock and the return of Montoya and what a Pumas victory could mean.

Thala, Kooks and Shaun go over the Springbok performance in Australia as the South African's equalled a record held since 1993.    We look at star performers, unpack how poor the Wallabies are, check if John Kirwan has stopped spinning and gasp at the huge changes made by Rassie.   Before we end we look into Cheslin Arendse and have some fun combing players into the Universal Soldier

We are joined by Brett and Harry from the 89 Combo as we look ahead to the opening Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Australia.   We look at the Springbok match day 23 and where the Wallabies will look to target and counter act the Springbok strength's

Kooks and Thala wade into the Antoine Dupont goat debate dominating social media after France won the gold in the Olympic Sevens. Join us as we try to have a balanced discussion about what do we look for in the GOAT debate, why Dupont stands out, his impact on the Sevens and why both sides of the debate need to calm down. We also warn South African fans that this alliance with New Zealand on this debate may come back to bite us! We then give our flowers to Fiji as they finally lose an Olympics Sevens game. We talk about the strong defence that led to Blitzboks winning bronze. The superstar Ilona Maher is and why Shelly-Ann Fraser Price is watching Sevens now. We finally discuss whether the success of Cheslin Kolbe and Kwagga Smith might be great for the Springboks but hurts the Blitzboks.

Thala, Kooks and Shaun unpack the Springbok squad that was announced earlier this week.   We look at surprise inclusions, surprise omissions and each pick the one player we want to see play in one or both of the tests vs the Wallabies

Kooks, Shaun and Thala look back on the weekend's test matches, focusing on South Africa's victory over Portugal in Bloemfontein. Shaun as the leader of the Ben Jason Dixon fan club raved about his impressive performance as he filled the big boots of his hyphen brother Pieter-Steph du Toit. We talk about other new Boks that possibly played themselves into the Rugby Championship squad, including Johan Grobelaar and Aphelele Fassi. Kooks reminds us to get excited and to hype up Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, but Shaun and Thala debate about where this leaves Manie Libbok after another unimpressive outing with the kicking tee. We discuss whether the Boks need Ruan Nortje to run their lineouts, the value of Salmaan Moerat and whether Jan-Hendrik Wessels needs to move to another franchise to get game time. On the Portugal side, Simao Bento has gained fans for life and we talk about how this young Portuguese side will continue to grow in the years to come. We then look back on a great weekend of Tier 1 v Tier 2 test matches, with Australia v Georgia and Akaki Tabusadze's 100 meter try being the pick of the bunch. We question how the All Blacks look after their victory over Fiji, are surprised by big wins for Italy and Argentina and look at Warren Gatland's most erecent attempt to get fired.

Francisco takes us through what to expect from Portugal and explains how this game is on free to air TV in Portugal. The team and fans are looking forward to facing the World Champions. Francisco breaks down the Springbok backs and explains what to expect with Lukhanyo Am and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Kooks, Shaun and Thala review the second weekend of July internationals. We start with the Springboks' first loss of the season as Ireland level the 2-match series in Durban. Shaun discusses how Ireland took control of the game, Ciaran Frawley's amazing drop goals and how Ireland seemed to figure out how to attack the Springboks. On the Boks side, we investigate whether there is reason to panic for the Springboks, how the Tony Brown inspired attack faltered and we reflect on some positives, like Ox Nche and Thala discusses why Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might be an industry plant. We then look at the other internationals this week, including why England look like the best side that's been whitewashed in a series in a while, whether Damian McKenzie passed the flyhalf audition, how exactly you stop Mark Tele'a. We try to discuss what Wales are good at, how Australia are progressing under Joe Schmidt, France's weak from hell and big movements in the World Rugby rankings.

Kooks and Judge Rugby take a look at the #RSAvIRE squads ahead of their final test. We discuss tactics, the pressure points and who we are most worried about. The Springboks have the upper hand but IrishRugby won't roll over

Thala, Kooks and Shaun recap the weekends action as England make the All Blacks sweat, Tom Wright does it all himself and Jesse Kriel beats Ireland with Kolisi and du Toit as wingers

K ooks and Thala preview the July test window, focusing especially on the epic clash between South Africa and Ireland. We react to the Springboks selection and what the omission of Evan Roos and the selection of Kwagga Smith and Marco van Staden tells us. We discuss what opportunity some Bok rookies like Gerhard Steenkamp and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have. We debate whether the Boks will play this like a World Cup knockout game or like how they played against Wales in Twickenham. We also look into the war of words (at least from the South African side) and why this series might be the battle for the custody of the Zombies song. We look at the other July internationals and discuss why England might have a great chance to cause an upset against the All Blacks, who needs a win more between Australia and Wales, what can be expected between Argentina and France and the opportunity to see Italy, Samoa, Georgia, Fiji and Scotland play too. We talk a bit of Junior World Cup and shout out since retiring legends in Michael Hooper and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.

Kooks and Thala talk to Irish journalist for the 42 Murray Kinsella to look at the Ireland side touring South Africa for the test series. We discuss what the opponents are in each country and why there is a lot of back and forth on social media between the two sides. We talk about the possibility of Jamie Osborne starting at fullback and what he possibly brings, why this is a massive test for Craig Casey, what the inclusion of Kwagga Smith means for the Boks and why Luke Pearce will have his work cut out in reffing the rucks and scrums. Listen to why South Africans love to hate Joe McCarthy, Murray's interaction with an enthusiastic Uber driver and Ireland's time with the School of Hard Knocks.

Glasgow win the URC, Edwill shines at Twickenham and make Bok squad debates toxic again Kooks, Shaun and Thala look back on a weekend of rugby which included Glasgow's epic URC final victory in Pretoria over the Bulls. Shaun and Kooks share what happened in their weekend together watching the final at Loftus (which left Shaun worse for wear). We then break down the URC Final, how Glasgow stuck to their plan after falling 13-0 down, their impressive defence and whether the Bulls attack or Bulls defence was more disappointing. Kooks shares his thoughts about whether the stadium music ruined the atmosphere, Shaun shares on him being snubbed by Kyle Steyn. We then review the Springboks victory in their first test of the year in Twickenham. We talk about the encouraging signs from the Bok attack and the great performances from Edwill van der Merwe, Aphelele Fassi and Evan Roos.  We then react to the Springbok squad announced for the July test series. We discuss the biggest snubs, the inclusion of Jan-Hendrik Wessels and why we need more toxicity in debating squad selections. We then do a catch up on the rugby over the weekend around the world, including the Blues winning their first Super Rugby title since 2003 (and whether it's a bigger achievement than winning the World Cup), Scott Robertson's first All Blacks squad, Warren Gatland v Sam Parry, England looking great again and Toulouse and Bordeaux qualifying for the Top 14 Final

Kooks, Shaun and Thala preview the United Rugby Championship Final between Bulls and Glasgow. The lads look at what to expect from the two teams, Thala breaks down his theory about what Franco Smith is cooking, we react to the return of Kurt-Lee Arendse and discuss our most important head to head match ups. Then we turn our attention to the Springboks v Wales game. We look at why this might be a big game for Jordan Hendrikse and Aphelele Fassi, we debate the flyhalf pecking order and look at what in the world is happening with Wales. We finish off by rounding up with the Super Rugby Final, the Top 14 semifinals and the other international games happening this weekend. Find out why Kooks says you must NOT watch the Barbarians v Fiji game, why there are too many tribute hakas and Shaun trying to choose between Joe Marchant and Ben Jason Dixon

Kooks, Shaun and Thala break down an exciting weekend of club knockout rugby, focusing on the Bulls beating Leinster at Loftus in the URC semifinal. Kooks shares what the atmosphere at Loftus was like at the game and how it was similar to the big knockout Super Rugby games of the past. We rave about Cam Hanekom's superb performance against an all international loose trio and how Johan Goosen and Willie le Roux controlled the game tactically. We discuss how Jake White and the Bulls learned from last season by recruiting players like Devon Williams and Sergeal Petersen to add depth. We finally investigate what Leinster can do to get over the hump. We review the surprising Glasgow victory at Munster, discussing how dangerous the likes of Sione Tuipulotu and Rory Darge are, Munster playing too much rugby in their own half for little profit and how Tom Jordan plays like a flank. We briefly discuss the threats Glasgow could bring to the Bulls in the URC Final and have a rant about people ranting about the final being in South Africa and not being accessible for European supporters. We then do a roundup of other knockout rugby this weekend, including the Blues and Chiefs winning their Super Rugby Pacific semifinals and setting up the Sotutu v Sititi clash in the final. In the Top 14, La Rochelle and Bordeaux survive and we discuss the Racing 92's comments on Siya Kolisi. Finally Monpellier beat Grenoble in the Top 14 relegation/promotion playoff.

Kooks and Shaun try and filter through the huge amounts of brother's that have played test rugby and try and fit them into a test XV

Jared and Kooks share their thoughts on the rugby this past week. Shaun tries to steer the ship as the team navigate through the URC and Premiership.   We review the weekends action with a look at the URC Semi Final's. What happened to the Stormers and how many of the Leinster players will be getting their very first Republic of South Africa stamp in their passport.   We talk the Springboks, why Leinster need Handre Pollard and much much more

Kooks and Thala are joined by Stormers prop Neethling Fouche as the Stormers prepare for their quarterfinal clash against the Glasgow Warriors. Neethling reflects on the last few seasons for the Stormers and how they turned things around in 2021 to win it all. He also talks about dealing with heightened expectations after winning the URC in 2021, the ups and downs of this season and why South African teams find winning in Europe tricky. Neethling also shares how scrumming with Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe grew his game, why he plays rugby with a smile on his face, how he dealt with injuries earlier in his career and his reaction to being called up for the Springbok alignment camp this year. Listen out for golden nuggets Fouche shares about how he met Kooks the first time, the snore wars he has with his roommate Brok Harris and playing for that legendary 2011 Grey College First Team with Jan Serfontein.

Jared and Thala round up the URC regular season and look forward to the upcoming quarterfinals. We preview the Bulls hosting Benetton and the Stormers traveling to Glasgow. We discuss what can the Bulls do about the 20 minute periods where they fall away and how the Stormers can overturn their away record. Jared calls Ospreys the Castres of the URC and Thala thinks Ulster might have the best chance at an away win. We also bid farewell to the Lions and Sharks by reviewing their season, who their best players were and what can they look forward to next season. We then do a roundup of other rugby news. We discuss Northampton facing Bath in the Premiership final, the upcoming Super Rugby quarterfinals and the Crusaders falling out, the craziness of the Pro D2 and have a rant about the SVNS finals in Madrid.

Thala is back as all but one of the team look back at the brilliant Sharks win and how Toulouse put Leinster down in their third straight loss.   We dive into the Sharks journey and are surprised about the strays they caught celebrating. The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup is over for this season, time to focus on the domestic competitions with the URC, Premiership and Top 14 wrapping up  

Kooks and Shaun welcome Stephan Lewies to the show as he chats about living the dream of becoming a Springbok, winning the Currie Cup and beating the Crusaders. He chats about the incredible leadership of Joe Marler, raucous parties after Springbok wins and winning the Premiership title in a year that had everything

Kooks and Shaun take control of the pod this week discussing how close things were in the Champions Cup Semi Final's as well as the Sharks amazing comeback in the Challenge Cup.

Kooks and Shaun review the fifth and final episode of Chasing the Sun 2, it gets going with the shocking claims by Tom Curry towards Bongi Mbonambi after what he thought was a racial slur.    We carry on with the thoughts around the 7/1 split and go through the #RWC2023 Final

Kooks and Thala come together to do a quick podcast reviewing the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarterfinals and look forward to round 14 of the URC. We discuss Leinster's great week in exorcising the La Rochelle ghost, signing Jordie Barrett and their social media entering their villain era. We discuss the issues with the South African teams in Europe and the flight issues that hounded the Bulls. We also celebrate the Sharks making the semis of the Challenge Cup. We then preview a big week in the URC with must-win matches for the Lions against Leinster, the Bulls v Munster and the Stormers v Ospreys. We also look at the key matches this weekend in the URC race to the playoffs. Finally, Kooks provides us with an injury update and a statement to people criticizing him for complaining about the 6:45 am Springboks v Wallabies kickoff.

Kooks and Sharks are at it again as they focus on the South African sides in the Champions and Challenge Cup. They look at sides which simply can not lose, Sharky makes a bold prediction and Kooks' hot take will make the South African's happy. #ChampioncCup #ChallengeCup #RugbyUnion #Stormers #Bulls #Sharks #Cheetahs #Lions #Springboks #JasperWiese #HandrePollard #FinnRussell

Kooks and Shaun go through the Chasing the Sun 2 episode rollercoaster as the Springboks prepare for and play Ireland in #RWC2023

Kooks and Shaun talk about the opening episode of Chasing The Sun 2 as all South Africans relive the amazing RWC2023 win with incredible insights from the Springbok camp

Shaun and Thala review round 12 of the URC which saw all 4 South African teams win their matches. We first look at the Stormers victory over Edinburgh and Shaun (who watched live) raved about how good Damian Willemse looks live and the encouraging signs from Wandi Simelane's performance. For the Sharks game, Thala discusses whether the Sharks have finally found the right formula of Boks and youngsters in their team, how impressive Ethan Hooker is and why Makazole Mapimpi is a South African rugby legend. We rave about the Lions being the first South African team to beat Connacht away in the URC and them doing it after an early red card to Asenathi Ntlabakanye. We talk about impressive performances from JC Pretorius and Erich Cronje. We look forward to the Lions other matches and why they have a good chance of qualifying for the knockouts. We cannot help but look forward to the Bulls epic upcoming clash with Leinster after the dispatched the Dragons with a bonus point. The First Phase question today was what players have teams still not replaced and there was a lot of love for Jerome Kaino, Israel Folau and Jacques Kallis??