If French rugby is fine wine, the Boks uncorked it, chugged it straight from the bottle, and smashed the glass on the way out.
The Springboks have once again marched into Paris like uninvited houseguests, stomping mud across the carpets, smashing the crockery, and pocketing a few heirlooms for good measure. France looked overrated, outmuscled, and utterly unable to dent the Bok defence, while the refereeing circus gave us scrums that made no sense, a red card that raised eyebrows, and yellows that felt more like lottery tickets. Rassie’s substitutions were bold, Siya’s leadership was immense, and Esterhuizen looked every bit the golden key to unlock this side. Sasha or Manie — who’s really the man (hint, it's still Pollard)? Meanwhile, the 9s are bringing the heat, but KLA might not be it.
Beyond Paris, the Northern Hemisphere chorus of “we’re undercooked” rang out again, conveniently forgetting that the shoe is on the other foot every June. Italy toppled Australia, leaving us wondering if Joe Schmidt’s fire has fizzled. Scotland spooked themselves against New Zealand in what quickly became the DMac show. England scraped past Fiji, though the islanders could easily have stolen it, with refereeing once again in the spotlight. Wales, poor Wales, were left licking wounds after Argentina gave them another bruising reminder of reality. And in the background, World Cup qualification permutations rumble on: Namibia struggling, Belgium proving they’re more than just chips.
It was a weekend of broken narratives, hot takes, and Southern Hemisphere swagger, and we’re here to stir the pot with all the banter you can handle.
Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show
All content for Elite Rugby Banter is the property of Elite Rugby Banter and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
If French rugby is fine wine, the Boks uncorked it, chugged it straight from the bottle, and smashed the glass on the way out.
The Springboks have once again marched into Paris like uninvited houseguests, stomping mud across the carpets, smashing the crockery, and pocketing a few heirlooms for good measure. France looked overrated, outmuscled, and utterly unable to dent the Bok defence, while the refereeing circus gave us scrums that made no sense, a red card that raised eyebrows, and yellows that felt more like lottery tickets. Rassie’s substitutions were bold, Siya’s leadership was immense, and Esterhuizen looked every bit the golden key to unlock this side. Sasha or Manie — who’s really the man (hint, it's still Pollard)? Meanwhile, the 9s are bringing the heat, but KLA might not be it.
Beyond Paris, the Northern Hemisphere chorus of “we’re undercooked” rang out again, conveniently forgetting that the shoe is on the other foot every June. Italy toppled Australia, leaving us wondering if Joe Schmidt’s fire has fizzled. Scotland spooked themselves against New Zealand in what quickly became the DMac show. England scraped past Fiji, though the islanders could easily have stolen it, with refereeing once again in the spotlight. Wales, poor Wales, were left licking wounds after Argentina gave them another bruising reminder of reality. And in the background, World Cup qualification permutations rumble on: Namibia struggling, Belgium proving they’re more than just chips.
It was a weekend of broken narratives, hot takes, and Southern Hemisphere swagger, and we’re here to stir the pot with all the banter you can handle.
Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show
This week, Dick blows the whistle on the TRC’s scheduling shenanigans, accusing them of high tackle interference with the Women’s RWC and AFL finals. It’s a calendar clash of titanic proportions, and someone’s getting yellow-carded.
We scrum down on the age-old debate: Six Nations or TRC—which competition reigns supreme? Spoiler: it’s less “crown jewel” and more “jewel heist,” depending on your hemisphere.
The Lions did a thing—celebrated like Currie Cup champions at 80 minutes, then promptly remembered they’re allergic to silverware. We unpack the collapse, the curse, and the cruel optimism.
Meanwhile, New Zealand rugby might be going full haka-flameout, and Australia’s eyeing the unthinkable double— breaking both the Eden Park and Bledisloe hoodoes. Is it a golden age or just fool’s gold?
Plus: the URC kicks off and our draft preview goes off the rails faster than a Bulls fan at altitude. Expect botched picks, bruised egos, and a few players who were drafted purely for their haircuts.
Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.
Elite Rugby Banter
If French rugby is fine wine, the Boks uncorked it, chugged it straight from the bottle, and smashed the glass on the way out.
The Springboks have once again marched into Paris like uninvited houseguests, stomping mud across the carpets, smashing the crockery, and pocketing a few heirlooms for good measure. France looked overrated, outmuscled, and utterly unable to dent the Bok defence, while the refereeing circus gave us scrums that made no sense, a red card that raised eyebrows, and yellows that felt more like lottery tickets. Rassie’s substitutions were bold, Siya’s leadership was immense, and Esterhuizen looked every bit the golden key to unlock this side. Sasha or Manie — who’s really the man (hint, it's still Pollard)? Meanwhile, the 9s are bringing the heat, but KLA might not be it.
Beyond Paris, the Northern Hemisphere chorus of “we’re undercooked” rang out again, conveniently forgetting that the shoe is on the other foot every June. Italy toppled Australia, leaving us wondering if Joe Schmidt’s fire has fizzled. Scotland spooked themselves against New Zealand in what quickly became the DMac show. England scraped past Fiji, though the islanders could easily have stolen it, with refereeing once again in the spotlight. Wales, poor Wales, were left licking wounds after Argentina gave them another bruising reminder of reality. And in the background, World Cup qualification permutations rumble on: Namibia struggling, Belgium proving they’re more than just chips.
It was a weekend of broken narratives, hot takes, and Southern Hemisphere swagger, and we’re here to stir the pot with all the banter you can handle.
Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show