The unthinkable happened at Ellis Park. The Wallabies walked into the Springboks’ fortress and came away with a win — leaving South African fans stunned and Rassie Erasmus searching for answers.In Episode 101 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones and MW Welman unpack the shock defeat, asking whether the Boks simply didn’t show enough respect for their opponents. Was it tactical misfires, poor execution, or did the Wallabies outsmart South Africa in their own backyard?From the collapse of Ellis Park’s aura, to the cracks in Bok strategy, to how this loss could be fixed in just a week, the conversation is sharp, witty, and painfully honest. If you’re a Springbok fan trying to process the hurt, or an Aussie enjoying the upset, this one’s for you.Join The Lekker Rugby Pod community and discover why we've grown to over 20,000 subscribers who appreciate thoughtful rugby analysis mixed with genuine passion for the game. This is rugby storytelling at its finest, where data-driven insights meet emotional connection to the sport we all love.Don't forget to subscribe to Megafoon Rugby for more episodes featuring the thinking rugby fan's favorite podcast. Hit the notification bell to never miss an episode of The Lekker Rugby Pod.

Episode 100 of the Lekker Rugby Pod has landed — and yes, it’s audio only thanks to a mischievous little gremlin in our tech setup. But that doesn’t matter, because this milestone episode is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to Rassie Erasmus!Harry and MW roll up their sleeves and take on the myths, the conspiracy theories, and the half-baked hot takes swirling around South Africa’s most polarising (and possibly most misunderstood) rugby figure. And then, of course, there’s Matt Williams — the Australian pundit who seems to have turned Rassie-bashing into a business model. Harry pulls apart the hypocrisy, the selective memory, and the theatrics, while MW adds the context that shows just how far off the mark the critics can be. From the Lions Tour that COVID strangled, to transformation in rugby, to referee controversies that refuse to die, the pair set the record straight with wit, honesty, and just the right amount of mischief. It’s smart rugby talk with a healthy dose of banter — a perfect way to mark 100 episodes of being unapologetically Lekker!

In Episode 99 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW and Harry take a deep dive into the Springbok team that Rassie Erasmus has named for the opening test of the Rugby Championship against Australia. This isn’t just another team sheet - it’s a line-up that raises questions about whether Rassie is moving towards a bold new selection philosophy. Is he crafting a side specifically designed for each opponent and each weekend, or is this simply the latest example of his trademark tactical mind games?MW was in the room for the official team announcement press conference and shares first-hand impressions of Rassie’s mood, his body language, and the subtle hints hidden in his answers. Harry breaks down the possible thinking behind the most surprising inclusions in the starting XV, analysing how each pick could influence the Springboks’ attacking and defensive shape against the Wallabies. Together they explore how this selection might set the tone for the rest of the Rugby Championship, what it could mean for player rotation, and whether it’s a trial run for combinations Rassie wants to unleash on bigger stages in the future.From analysing individual match-ups to debating whether Australia will take the bait, this episode blends inside access, tactical breakdowns, and plenty of rugby banter. Whether you think Rassie is experimenting for the long term or simply outfoxing the opposition in the here and now, one thing is certain -the Springboks are never boring under Rassie Erasmus!Join the debate in the comments and tell us how you’d have picked the team. Subscribe for more Springbok rugby insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and unapologetic Bok banter

Episode 98 of The Lekker Rugby Pod is a masterclass in calm - and not the boring kind. Johann van Graan, who just coached Bath Rugby to three trophies in nine weeks, joins MW Welman and Harry Jones for a conversation that’s anything but typical.This is a man who doesn’t do headlines - he does handwritten notes. Who doesn’t yell - he listens. Who doesn’t chase hype - he builds systems, cultures, and quietly ruthless squads. And somehow, it works.We dig into Johann’s Pretoria roots, his deep connection to Loftus Versfeld, and how the quiet values he picked up there shaped his coaching path - from the Bulls to Munster to Bath. MW finds a deep personal kinship: same city, same language, same rugby obsession - though maybe not quite the same coaching CV.Harry, as always, brings the heat: What actually changed at Bath? What do Lee Blackett and JP Ferreira bring to the team? Why does this squad now believe they’re meant to win? And how does Johann stay so calm and collected, even in a Twickenham final?We also get personal. Johann opens up about journaling, emotional control, and what he’s learned over a 23-year career at the top. His motto? “Never too high, never too low.” And he lives it - from trophies to setbacks, from Loftus to The Rec.If you want to understand leadership in modern rugby (or just hear three rugby nerds go deep on what makes a coach truly world-class) this one’s unmissable.

The North–South rivalry lit up the Lekker Rugby Pod as Stormers Head Coach John Dobson sat down with Harry Jones and MW Welman for what might be our best episode yet. Harry brought the Cape Town fanboy energy, MW played the northern counterpunch, and Dobbo delivered — opening up on life as one of South Africa’s top rugby coaches, the unique rugby culture of the Western Cape, and why the Stormers’ Champions Cup dream is locked on for 2029.Dobson reflects on career-defining moments, from his deep ties to UCT and the Cape Flats, to why he’s committed to staying local rather than chasing overseas coaching roles. He lifts the lid on the tactics, talent, and team-building that have made the Stormers a force in the United Rugby Championship — and explains what truly separates them from their fierce rivals, the Bulls. With stories ranging from pub crawls to player psychology, hydration science to tactical substitutions, Dobbo shows why he’s one of the most thoughtful and candid minds in rugby today.

In Episode 96 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones teams up with sports analyst Angus Usher, known as @AnalystGus on X, to pull back the curtain on Rassie Erasmus’s brilliant and often overlooked masterplan to build an unstoppable Springbok machine. Through deep data analysis, expert squad rotation insights, and a focus on developing versatile utility players, Angus reveals how Rassie is engineering unmatched depth to target a historic 2025 trifecta — beating the All Blacks at Eden Park, France at Stade de France, and Ireland at Aviva Stadium — while relentlessly building toward Rugby World Cup 2027 glory. This isn’t just short-term tactics; it’s rugby genius decoded, blending immediate ambitions with a long-term vision. From spotting hidden future stars to unlocking tactical secrets, this episode uncovers the bold moves and clever innovations keeping the Boks perpetually ahead of the competition!

Johan Ackermann is back in Pretoria — and the Vodacom Bulls are in safe hands. In this Lekker Rugby Pod exclusive, hosted by MW Welman and Harry Jones, Ackermann reflects on a coaching journey that has come full circle: from his formative years on the Police College fields, through Super Rugby finals with the Lions, to seasons abroad in Gloucester and Japan — and now, back home at Loftus.In a composed and open conversation, Ackermann speaks about the type of rugby he hopes to bring to Pretoria — physical, modern, and smart. Here and there, we catch glimpses of an attacking mindset that promises to inject fresh energy into the Bulls' game. He also tackles some of the big questions head-on: how he plans to build trust with the players, where the assistants fit in, and how he'll balance continuity with change.Rather than sweeping statements, this is a grounded and honest look at the road ahead — and a clear signal to Bulls fans that their team’s future is in good, steady hands.Only on the Lekker Rugby Pod. Powered by Megafoon Rugby!

The Springboks’ squad for the Wallabies isn’t the full-strength arsenal — and that’s exactly the point.In Episode 94 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, MW and Harry unpack why this selection is about minutes, not medals. It’s a calculated step in a bigger marathon. With two games against Australia up first, this is the moment for fringe players to prove they belong and for the coaching staff to fine-tune combinations before the real tests begin.Because make no mistake — this season’s spine is brutal: All Blacks at Eden Park, France in Paris, Ireland in Dublin. Every move now is about being ready for those three monsters. That means no rush on Pollard, Faf, Arendse, or Kolisi. It means time in the saddle for guys like Jean-Luc du Preez, Ethan Hooker, and Quan Horn. And it means taking some smart risks with combinations in the midfield and back three.We also get into the logic behind the squad’s balance, the myth of “too much youth”, and the quiet genius of getting form players battle-ready without peaking too soon. And we end, of course, with the big hypothetical: if your life depended on a Bok win at Eden Park, who would start?Less drama, more clarity. This is a proper Springbok selection breakdown — from the inside out. Watch now on Megafoon Rugby!

Episode 93 of The Lekker Rugby Pod is a story told across time. From the traditions and test matches of the 1980 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, through to the challenges of modern rugby and the road to Australia 2025, this is a conversation that spans decades—and generations.MW Welman hosts a special conversation between legendary Lions scrumhalf John Robbie and rugby wordsmith Harry Jones. With stories from Loftus Versfeld, Bournemouth bonding weekends, and childhood dreams of Lions heroes, this episode lives in the nostalgia of rugby’s amateur spirit while probing the evolution of the game as we know it today.They reflect on the leadership of Bill Beaumont, the quiet regrets of touring apartheid South Africa, and the deep cultural connection players once had to their jerseys. But it’s not just about the past—this is also a reckoning with the present. How do modern tactics, professional pressures, and political narratives shape the Lions? Are we losing the soul of the game in the pursuit of perfection?From personal reflections and small-world rugby coincidences to thoughtful projections about where the sport is going, this episode is a journey through the Lions—past, present, and future. Honest, rich, and emotional.

They’ve been called the brains behind a viral Springbok move. They coach at one of the most famous schools in South African rugby. And they’ve spoken to everyone under the sun… but never like this.In Episode 92 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones brings something different to the table – and De Wet Marais and Erhardt Muth deliver. This conversation goes far beyond the now-famous Paul Roos lineout play. It’s a deep, hilarious, and sometimes brutally honest look at what it takes to coach rugby the right way, to think differently, and to lead with trust.From farming principles to NFL passing patterns, from bunkbed coaching sessions at 1am to moves that make it to Test level – this is rugby thinking in its purest form.No script. No repetition. Just the real story, finally.

Complacent? Maybe. Surprised? Definitely. The Springboks got the result, but Georgia brought grit, attitude, and more than a few problems.In this Lekker RugbyPod instant reaction, MW Welman and Harry Jones unpack a match where the scoreboard didn’t tell the full story. The Bok maul looked messy, the combinations felt off, and the Georgians showed up with real intent. Moodie and Marnus gave the crowd something to get excited about, but the Bok pack might need a second look before the Wallabies arrive.Harry explains why maul defense is misunderstood, MW breaks down the cohesion issues, and both agree that this might be just the jolt the Springboks needed — even if they didn’t see it coming.Subscribe for analysis that goes beyond the scoreline!.

Harry Jones hosts this special episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod as he welcomes scrum guru Tank Lanning for a passionate and detailed dive into the heart of rugby’s most misunderstood art. From coaching boys to analysing elite front row battles, Tank brings a lifetime of experience to the table — and he isn’t here to sugarcoat anything.Tank shares how he prepares players with “neck primers,” why props with no necks are built for battle, and how modern rugby can’t afford to lose its connection to the scrum. He breaks down the key differences between looseheads and tightheads, explains why timing matters more than brute strength, and gives insight into how players like Neethling Fouché are evolving their technique centimetre by centimetre.The conversation moves from coaching metaphors like “mole hunting” and “sledgehammers with blades” to a bigger discussion about how rugby’s obsession with speed and spectacle could sideline one of its most sacred elements. Tank and Harry argue that scrums should be celebrated, taught, and embraced — not hidden or rushed through.They also talk about Rassie Erasmus’ vision for the Bok pack, the thinking behind the Bomb Squad, and why the maul might just be legalised obstruction in disguise — but a necessary one in today’s tactical landscape.Scrums are man-on-man warfare - This episode shows you why that still matters!

The Springboks didn’t just win against Italy—they silenced them completely. Holding a Six Nations team scoreless, even while playing nearly half the match with 14 men, sends a chilling message.In this instant reaction episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones break down the chilling signs of a Springbok side that’s evolving from strong to truly ominous under Rassie Erasmus’s masterful guidance.From the tactical brilliance of the floating lineout to Edwill van der Merwe’s ghostlike positioning, from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s precise kicking to Jan Hendrik Wessels’ raw impact, every move revealed a team quietly sharpening its edge.MW shares exclusive insight from his conversation with Italy’s Sebastian Negri, while Harry unpacks how the Boks smothered every attack and maintained relentless control — even shorthanded.This is no accident. It’s a brutal warning. The Springboks aren’t just back — they’re circling, patient and dangerous.

The Springboks beat Italy 42–24 in Pretoria — but the performance raised more questions than it answered. In this Instant Reaction episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones go beyond the scoreline to unpack the Springboks’ shaky second half and whether the famed Bomb Squad is still the weapon it once was.Despite starting strong and building a commanding lead, the Boks lost control of the game in key moments. Italy ran in three tries and exposed clear issues around breakdown efficiency, defensive structure, and momentum management. Harry questions the effectiveness of the all-at-once substitutions, noting how the Bomb Squad may have disrupted rhythm instead of reinforcing it. He also raises concerns about the form of senior players like Bongi Mbonambi, and whether South Africa’s strategy has become too predictable.MW offers perspective from inside Loftus, acknowledging the electric first half but pointing to structural cracks that allowed Italy back into the game. They both agree the win was convincing on paper — but far from clinical.This episode is for fans who want to understand not just what happened, but why it matters. Smart rugby talk, sharp analysis, and honest questions — all from the Lekker Rugby Pod. Only on Megafoon Rugby!

Last week, Warren Gatland dropped a spicy column in The Telegraph, claiming the Springboks might have spied on the British & Irish Lions during their 2021 tour of South Africa. According to him, there was a house in Hermanus. It overlooked their training field. And from inside that house… someone watched. He believes Rassie Erasmus was on the pitch disguised as a water boy, holding a suspicious piece of paper — which, when zoomed in on, showed Lions calls. He even suggests that Lukhanyo Am’s massive hit on Elliot Daly may not have been instinct… but intel.We took this very seriously. Or rather, we pretended to.In this full parody skit, we imagine a world where Gatland didn’t just write a column — he filed a formal complaint. Six months ago. And World Rugby launched a covert investigation, appointing the only man with the guts, the gall, and the gumboots to take it on: the Rugby Fixer, Harry Jones.This is not a documentary. It’s not news. It’s not journalism.It’s Rassiegate: The Warren Files — a satirical exposé filled with mystery, drama, and one very suspicious clipboard.No whitewash. No witch hunt. No redacted files. Just rugby nonsense at its finest.Exclusively on the Lekker Rugby Pod.

In Episode 88 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones are joined by Tinus van Staden, the sports editor of Rapport, for a revealing conversation that takes listeners deep inside South African rugby journalism—and the biggest coaching story in the country right now. This episode pulls back the curtain on how Rapport broke the explosive Jake White story, detailing the intense months of behind-the-scenes reporting, verification, and editorial debate that led to one of the most talked-about revelations in South African sport.Tinus explains how the story came together, why vivid detail matters in investigative storytelling, and what it says about shifting leadership cultures in rugby. He opens up about the newsroom discussions with top writer Hendrik Cronjé, the responsibility that comes with reporting uncomfortable truths, and how Rapport maintains its credibility while navigating backlash from fans and rugby insiders alike.This conversation also explores the evolving relationship between media and SA Rugby, the unique role of Afrikaans journalism in local rugby coverage, and how Rapport balances source relationships with integrity. Tinus shares insight into the emotional distance modern coaches need to maintain, the Bulls’ coaching succession after White’s departure, and names like Johan Ackermann and Franco Smith that are being floated behind the scenes.Beyond Jake White, the trio delves into selection politics around players like Evan Roos and Cameron Hanekom, the global curiosity about South African rugby from countries like Ireland and France, and Rassie Erasmus’s long-term strategy to regenerate the Springboks. There’s also a candid look at the digital challenges facing sports media, from content theft to adapting to an online-first world.This is a front-row seat to how journalism shapes rugby culture—and how one newsroom broke the story that’s still shaking Loftus.

Former Springbok and Bulls head coach Heyneke Meyer joins Harry Jones for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation on Episode 87 of the Lekker Rugby Pod. From building the Bulls dynasty to shaping a World Cup-winning Springbok spine, Meyer opens up about the human side of coaching — where character, mental toughness, and humility matter far more than raw talent.

They explore the growing tension between data-driven coaching and traditional intuition, and why Meyer believes too many young coaches are becoming addicted to tech at the expense of real connection. He reflects on his player selection philosophy, the psychology behind building a team from the bottom, and how traits like resilience, work ethic, and selflessness often trump physical gifts.

Heyneke also shares why he believes coaches can learn from interrogation techniques (yes, really), how he helped transition players like Pieter-Steph du Toit into global stars, and why he never blames referees — no matter the result. It's a conversation that strips rugby back to its core: people, pressure, and purpose.If you're a coach, player, or fan who cares about what really makes a champion — this is a must-listen.

In one of the most revealing and thoughtful rugby conversations we’ve ever had, Episode 86 of the Lekker Rugby Pod takes you deep into the mind of Franco Smith — Glasgow Warriors coach, Springbok flyhalf, and arguably one of the most visionary thinkers in the game today.Speaking to us from Italy on the eve of his son’s wedding, Franco opens up like never before. This is not your usual rugby interview. This is about how he thinks. How he sees the game. How he leads. How he builds character, not just players. And why the future of rugby might depend on coaches who are willing to connect, listen, and rethink everything.We explore his journey from Springbok flyhalf to international coaching force. We unpack his personal values — from faith to family — and how those shape his coaching philosophy. We talk about leadership, locker room dynamics, player psychology, and what it takes to get a team playing with soul. He also gives us a rare look into the systems and decisions behind Glasgow’s best-ever season, and why adaptability, purpose, and emotional intelligence might be rugby’s next frontier.Could Franco Smith be a future Springbok head coach? Maybe. But one thing’s for sure — you’ll see the game differently after this.This is the Lekker Rugby Pod at its very best. Only on Megafoon Rugby.

Sharks majority owner Marco Masotti sits down with Harry Jones for an unfiltered conversation about the high-stakes world of professional rugby ownership. From Wall Street boardrooms to the Kings Park locker room, Masotti shares how a casual connection to South African expats evolved into a bold rugby investment strategy.This episode goes deep into how the Sharks franchise is being rebuilt from the ground up after COVID, with a 57% spike in attendance and major strides in academy and youth structures. Marco and Harry unpack what it means to grow rugby commercially without losing its soul. They explore the pressures of running a club that still posts financial losses, while trying to expand its footprint in Europe and North America ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.They also explore the emotional and cultural weight rugby carries, the challenge of attracting younger fans, and why transformation isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a creative advantage. From squad management and coaching reviews to big dreams of Sharks academies in New York and a more united South African rugby landscape, this is a masterclass in the business and soul of the game.For anyone interested in the future of rugby, this conversation is essential viewing.

In one of the most earth-shattering moments of the Bulls’ recent history, head coach Jake White is facing a full-blown internal revolt. Multiple senior players and assistant coaches have taken their concerns directly to Bulls upper management — a move that has stunned just about everyone inside and outside Loftus.In this special episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones grapple with the gravity of what's unfolding — and what it means for the Bulls going forward.For MW, this story is more than just reporting. It’s personal. He’s walked the halls of Loftus, built genuine relationships inside the setup, and has long admired Jake White as a coach and figure in the game. The developments of the past few days have left him deeply unsettled. There's disappointment. Sadness. A sense that something important is breaking.But MW lays out what he’s learnt from those close to the situation — honestly and carefully. No melodrama. Just the uncomfortable truth: that this isn’t a minor issue. It’s a rupture. And it’s taken many by complete surprise.Harry digs into the bigger questions: What went wrong? Can trust be rebuilt? And what happens next?This episode isn’t about point-scoring or panic — it’s about trying to make sense of a moment that feels like a turning point.Nobody expected the Bulls’ season to end with an off-field explosion like this. If you care about the Bulls, about Jake White, or about the state of South African rugby leadership — this one matters.