RugbyBits – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.

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

Kooks 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