This week on The Last Word on Rugby podcast: Springboks vs Wallabies, Rassie's bold call
The battle is set: Springboks vs Wallabies ... and Rassie Erasmus has named his squad. But what's the real story behind the team sheet? What's brewing in the Bok camp? And how are the Aussies shaping up?
This week, The Last Word on Rugby Podcast dives deep into one of the most talked-about matchups of the season with no punches pulled.
Hosted by top Independent Media rugby writer Leighton Koopman, alongside a rotating panel of SA's most seasoned rugby journalists, such as Mike Greenaway and John Goliath, The Last Word on Rugby is a weekly dose of insider information on the games.
This is rugby storytelling from the inside. Imagine sitting around a braai with guys who eat, sleep and write rugby for a living. Real opinions. Real insight. Zero fluff.
Each episode breaks down the big moments, the tactical shifts, the off-field politics and the player performances that matter - from the Springboks to the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions. And this week, the spotlight's on:
Rassie's squad: Genius selections or gamble?
Can the Wallabies pull off a surprise?
What the Boks need to get right before facing the All Blacks
Here is a snippet from this week's podcast where Mike Greenaway who has been writing about rugby for 30 years discusses the team selection.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
34 minutes ago
- The Citizen
We're prepared for ‘most experienced brains' in Aussie team — Boks' Stick
The Springboks are fully prepared for the challenge of facing Aussie veterans Nic White and James O'Connor. The Wallabies sprung a bit of a surprise this week by naming an experienced halfback duo in veterans Nic White and James O'Connor to take on the Springboks in the opening match of the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 5:10pm). Just a few weeks ago this pairing would have been unthinkable, as the 35-year-old White was set to retire at the end of the British and Irish Lions series, and the 35-year-old O'Connor had not featured for the Aussies since 2022. But an injury to first choice scrumhalf Jake Gordon, and with first choice flyhalf Tom Lynagh ruled out of the South African tour because of a concussion picked up against the British and Irish Lions, meant changes had to be made. Injury woes The Wallabies were then set to go with Ben Donaldson as their flyhalf for this weekend's clash, but he picked up an unspecified injury in training this week to compound their woes. 'It is our jobs as coaches to do our job well and research the opposition. The moment they made that call to ask Nic White not to retire, we knew that we had to focus on what challenges he can bring,' said Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick at the pre match press conference on Friday. 'We have played him many times and we knew when he didn't retire that they had a plan and were going to use him. So us coaches had already planned on Nic White playing. 'With James O'Connor, he is an experienced player. You can tell their (the Wallabies) mindset. They are coming here and using the most experienced brains in their system. He comes with a different challenge, and is one of the best when it comes to their kicking game. 'He also has a massive impact when it comes to leadership in the team. So we knew there was a chance that he would play and we were prepared for that.' When the Bok team was announced on Monday, coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that they might make a late change, depending on the Aussies match 23, and go with a six-two (forwards to backs) split on the bench, with RG Snyman possibly coming in, instead of the initially named five-three. Late changes The Wallabies named a six-two split at Thursday's team announcement, with no cover for O'Connor, but on Friday reversed that call and included one-cap flyhalf Tane Edmed, while taking out loose forward Nick Champion de Crespigny. 'There were a couple of positions where we had considered using other players in our team selection. But we think the match 23 we have selected is very good. We believe that they will go and do the job for us,' explained Stick. 'It is going to be a different game to what we have experienced so far this season, and a tough match. But I feel the team we have selected fully deserves their opportunity. 'That's why we didn't go for the six-two split. We thought the five-three will be good enough to handle the game. We know the challenge that is coming, Australia is a side that can give you a tough time with ball in hand, so we are comfortable with the five-three split.' The Boks were however forced into a change on Friday when it was announced that they would be leaving replacement prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels out, after he picked up a knock in training, with one-cap front ranker Boan Venter replacing him on the bench. 'Jan-Hendrik was just unlucky. He picked up a knock in one of the sessions and we just didn't want to take a risk on him. Boan has been with the squad for a number of weeks now. He has been doing very well and fitting in nicely to our system,' said Stick. 'Boan also has a good working relationship with Daan (Human) our scrum coach, they have worked together since a young age (at junior level), which is good, so we are confident he can step up.'
The Citizen
34 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Siya Kolisi fired up for No 8 challenge against Wallabies
Captain Siya Kolisi will be playing at eighthman for the Springboks for the first time, having done it at franchise level before. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is fired up for the challenge of playing eighthman for the Boks for the first time in their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 5:10pm). Kolisi has played in the position before, most recently a number of times for the Sharks over the past franchise season, but this will be his first time donning the No 8 jersey in international rugby. At Friday's pre-match press conference the Bok captain said that his role wouldn't change drastically, and that he would be largely doing the same job he usually does when playing at flank. He also acknowledged the breakdown threat that the Aussies possess and said that the Boks' loose forward department will have their work cut out for them in the match. 'My role will change slightly in the lineouts and the scrums, but other than that I'll be fulfilling my usual role,' explained Kolisi. 'Playing No 8 at the Sharks certainly helped me, although the role here is different. I'm also not the same type of player as Jasper (Wiese) or Duane (Vermeulen) in terms of my size, so I'm going to give what I can offer. 'The breakdowns are going to be a big area of the game, so myself, Marco (van Staden) and Pieter-Steph (du Toit) have important jobs, although that said, the breakdowns are a team effort.' Confident Wallabies The Wallabies head into the game with plenty of confidence and momentum, off the back of beating the British and Irish Lions in their final game of the series a few weeks ago and will be eager to make a statement and upset the double World Cup winning champs on their home turf. But Kolisi sent a warning to their coming opposition over the rest of the season, explaining that the Boks were aiming to become a team that wins consistently between World Cups, and not just one that performs on the biggest stage. 'It is very important to us to do well between Cups. That is why you see so many players getting opportunities because, unfortunately, injuries occur. We need our greater group to be the best it can be,' said Kolisi. 'Our mindset is to win every single game but also to build squad depth because the two go hand in hand. To that end, our training sessions have been much tougher this year. I would say they have been brutal, especially the forward sessions. 'We want to be the best in the world all the time. It has never been our goal just to focus on World Cups, because anything can happen in a World Cup. Also, being No 1 in the world makes a difference when it comes to the World Cup pools.' Following the Boks and Aussies opening the Rugby Championship, Argentina will host the All Blacks in Cordoba (kick-off 11:10pm SA time).
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
‘Natural baller': Springbok star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu the soccer whizz! (VIDEOS)
Whether on the rugby pitch or dazzling fans with his soccer skills, Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is a ball wizard. Take a look... At just 23, Springbok flyhalf Sacha 'Sach' Feinberg-Mngomezulu has captured the rugby world's attention with his dynamic play and fearless approach to the sport. The youngster is sure to be a key figure in the Springboks' Rugby Championship fixture against Australia tomorrow (Saturday, 16 August) at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Springbok star on the rise Last year, the versatile young back's debut Bok season saw him nominated as one of World Rugby's Breakthrough Players of the Year and win SA Rugby's Young Player of the Year. Apart from being the face of Paco Rabanne's Invictus Victory Absolu fragrance, he was recently featured on the Forbes AFRICA 30 Under 30 list. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is the brand ambassador for Powerade. Picture: Supplied This week, Sacha – who is also the leading player for the Stormers – was unveiled as the face of Powerade, the official energy drink of the Boks. A rugby prodigy with soccer flair? Sacha is more than a rising rugby star – he's a multi-talented athlete whose soccer skills enhance his on-field brilliance. Recently, videos circulating on social media platforms revealed the rugby prodigy's knack for soccer, prompting fans to marvel at his football excellence. Rising Springbok star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is living life in the fast lane after making his Bok debut against Wales. Picture: Paul Harding/Gallo Images His silky footwork and quick feet translate seamlessly to rugby, where his agility and vision make him a dangerous playmaker. As iHarare noted, Sacha's balance and control left fans in awe, with many dubbing him a 'natural baller.' Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Early days at Bishops Diocesan College Sacha kicked off his baller journey at Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, a school renowned for its rugby culture. Despite his evident soccer talent, the rugby-dominant environment steered him towards a career with the oval ball. His father, radio broadcaster and sports journalist Nick Feinberg, told The Star that Sacha was 'as good, if not better' at soccer than rugby, hinting at a potential career in the 'Beautiful Game'. Commenting on his love for soccer, Sacha previously told Rugby 365: 'I definitely did take football seriously as an option. 'I would take the drives to the training sessions and trials, but being surrounded by schoolboys playing rugby at Bishop's and quite a rugby-dominant culture, that was the side I leaned towards.' Social media clips, including one from his TikTok account (@sachgome), show Sacha juggling a soccer ball with remarkable control, a testament to his natural athleticism. Boks vs Bafana Bafana? Sacha shows off soccer skills In a viral Instagram video alongside South African cricketer Tony de Zorzi, Sacha showcased his soccer prowess, effortlessly switching feet and performing dazzling tricks. What fans say Fans flooded the comment section, with one (@Bab'Sishi) jokingly calling for a Boks vs Bafana Bafana showdown. @Bab'Sishi: 'Boks back line against Bafana, we want to see something.' @Johnty Hendricks: 'Yes, friendly against Bafana, please.' @Keenan: '@sachgome10 always looks more happier than a professional footballer when there's a ball at his feet.' How soccer enhances Sacha's rugby game Sacha's soccer background is particularly evident in his rugby kicking game, with his ability to execute high bombs, flat '50-22' kicks, and delicate dinks showcasing a versatility that sets him apart. Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in action against Georgia. Picture: Johann Meintjes/Gallo Images Speaking to The Star, Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick praised Sacha's natural footballing ability. 'He can do things with a ball that I, coming from the township, can't do!' This skill was on full display during a United Rugby Championship match against the Lions, where Sacha juggled the ball before scoring. Composure under pressure Sacha's ability to handle pressure is another hallmark of his game. Whether on the rugby pitch or juggling a soccer ball, he displays remarkable composure. News24 highlighted his maturity, quoting Stick: 'Even if he makes mistakes, he can bounce back and still back himself to make decisions.' Bright future ahead for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Comparisons to Dan Carter Sacha's flair has drawn comparisons to rugby legend Dan Carter, though he remains humble about the praise. In a recent News24 interview, he commented on this comparison, saying, 'I don't indulge it,' focusing instead on his growth… and with mentors like Handre Pollard, Sacha is poised to become a cornerstone of the Boks' future. NOW READ: SA v Australia: 33 years of iconic sporting moments
