The Springboks face Italy, and the Lekker Rugby Pod is here to break it down. MW Welman and Harry Jones dive into the odd selection, the tactical chess moves, and the real test behind this so-called "easier" fixture.Harry calls this a "heat check" game, a chance for South Africa to flex their depth but also a dangerous test against an Italian side brimming with belief after toppling Australia. The guys unpack why Willemse must start at fullback before Ireland, how Pollard's experience stabilizes the backline, and why the midfield might just be the Springboks' biggest question mark.They also debate whether the Boks' habit of playing wide could hand Italy early momentum, and how young players like Porthen and Kleyn handle their first big stage moment.Plus, sneak peek: the new Megafoon Rugby documentary series Long Way to the Game drops this Sunday, featuring a Megafoon Rugby supporter in a story that hits home for every rugby fan.Watch, subscribe, and join the conversation, because this is where rugby meets story.

The episode fans of the Lekker Rugby Pod have been waiting for is finally here!

Harry Jones and MW Welman break down South Africa’s thrilling victory over France, from tactical control to standout individual performances. They unpack the Springboks’ disciplined dominance, highlight big moments from Sacha and Andre, and recognize flashes of brilliance from French players like Thomas Ramos.They also dive into a tactical concern for the Boks: their vulnerability to counter-rucking, first exposed by the All Blacks and tested again by France. Beyond the match itself, Harry and MW explore rugby’s cultural power in France, the demanding fitness culture of the Top 14, and the mental dynamics that separate good teams from great ones.

This is not just a recap. It is rugby, seen differently. The long-awaited Lekker Rugby Pod episode delivers the emotion, intelligence, and insight fans have been asking for.

Two years of waiting. Two years of plotting. France are ready, and the Springboks are finally in their sights.In Episode 124 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones, MW Welman and special guest Huw Griffin go inside France’s hidden playbook, revealing exactly how Fabien Galthié and his team plan to crush South Africa. Huw brings remarkable, unrivalled insight and stats that give South African fans a deeper understanding of the game, insights and expertise you won’t find on any other podcast or channel.The discussion covers lineup changes, the psychology behind secrecy, scrum battles, maul dynamics, and the tactical maneuvers that could give France the edge. Harry and Huw also explore the long-standing rivalry and the strategic mind games that make this match so explosive.This isn’t just another podcast. It’s unrivalled analysis, expert context, and storytelling that puts you right at the heart of the Springbok-French showdown, and the revenge two years in the making.Tune in to The Lekker Rugby Pod for expert analysis, fascinating insight, and world-class rugby storytelling that puts you right at the heart of the Springbok-French showdown.

People have been asking, “Where’s Harry?” Well, here he is — back from Chicago and straight into the chaos. The All Blacks vs Ireland clash may have looked like a spectacle on paper, but Soldier Field turned out to be a true anti-climax with a flat crowd, awkward production, and a game that felt more like a rehearsal than a test. MW and Harry break it all down, exploring what went wrong, what worked, and what this means for rugby’s future in the U.S. ahead of the 2031 World Cup.Meanwhile, the Springboks are shaking things up with new patterns on the field. Ox’s injury leaves big questions over the front row, and MW takes a no-holds-barred swipe at online rugby chatter, calling out the worst of fan behaviour. Between tactical insight, hilarious back-and-forths, and unfiltered observations, Episode 123 is classic Lekker Rugby — smart, sharp, and impossible to ignore.

In this episode, Harry and MW break down Rassie Erasmus’ bold strategy shift toward hybrid players and away from the risky 7-1 or 6-2 bench structure. They explore how versatile stars like Andre Esterhuizen and Kwagga Smith are transforming the Springboks, giving them flexibility, unpredictability, and new tactical options that could define the November tests.The discussion goes beyond South Africa, showing why these November tests are critical for every top rugby nation. Rankings, team momentum, player form, and even the 2027 World Cup draw in early December all hang in the balance. Harry and MW analyze key matchups, player rotations, and how hybrid players can create advantages in both attack and defense, tipping the scales in high-stakes encounters.For fans and aspiring coaches, this episode is a deep dive into the evolution of modern rugby strategy. Every tackle, every set piece, and every decision on the field matters—not just for individual teams, but for the global rugby landscape. Tune in to see why hybrid players are now central to success and why this November is shaping the road to the 2027 World Cup.

The Instant Reaction series is where we normally let emotion fly, but this time it called for something different. In the wake of the Jan-Hendrik Wessels case, Harry Jones and MW Welman decided to take a breath and bring you A Considered Reaction. When the fallout feels more legal than rugby, you need a lawyer’s cool head and luckily Harry is one.In this episode of The Lekker Rugby Pod, they unpack what really happened in the Wessels hearing and why the process has left so many rugby fans uneasy. Was this true justice or a farce disguised as fairness? From language barriers to procedural confusion, they dissect how rugby’s disciplinary system may be drifting into courtroom chaos.They also revisit the Josh Murphy appeal and ask whether rugby’s growing reliance on legal frameworks risks killing the spirit of the game. They challenge whether World Rugby has the courage to step in and protect the players, while examining the need for clear evidence and due process before reputations are destroyed.It is not outrage, it is reflection. It is not instant, it is considered. Watch, think, and decide for yourself.Join The Lekker Rugby Pod community and discover why we've grown to over 25,000 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.

It’s a huge November of international rugby coming up and The Lekker Rugby Pod has teamed up with Tim Cocker from Eggchasers to make sense of it all. Harry Jones and Tim bring together the best of north and south in one full-throttle preview of the month ahead.From England’s fly-half puzzles and Borthwick’s tactical masterclass, to Ireland’s loss of express pace, France’s scrum drama, and Scotland leaning a little too hard on past glories, no angle is safe. They weigh up Argentina’s unpredictability, assess the All Blacks’ northern hemisphere reset, and sprinkle in insight, humour, and the kind of banter only two of the biggest names in rugby podcasting can deliver.It’s Lekker Rugby Pod meets Eggchasers – two rugby worlds colliding to give you the only November rugby preview you’ll need!

Five tests in five weeks — it’s the toughest stretch any Springbok side has faced in years. In this episode of The Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones are joined by veteran journalist Jon Cardinelli to unpack Rassie Erasmus’s survival strategy for November.From managing player loads to rotating veterans and rising stars, Jon explains how Rassie plans to balance experience with youth — and why the upcoming clashes against France and Ireland could define South African rugby’s next World Cup cycle.This isn’t just about who plays — it’s about how long they can last.Expect deep analysis, tactical insight, and sharp debate as the team breaks down the real plan behind Rassie’s November blueprint.

In this emergency Lekker Rugby Pod Instant Reaction, MW Welman and Harry Jones are absolutely flabbergasted. Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been slapped with a 9-week ban over allegations from Josh Murphy that seem, frankly, impossible. Was he really grabbed for five seconds? Where’s the evidence? MW and Harry break down just how nonsensical this ruling is, questioning the logic, the common sense, and the integrity of the process. The outrage only escalates as Rassie Erasmus weighs in with his infamous, brutally honest tweet: "It just got tougher !! We now have to beat them on the field. and in the boardrooms. Hamba man. Tsek. Loop Kak." Tune in as the Lekker Rugby Pod dissects the shock, the anger, and what this could mean for South African rugby moving forward.

Four rounds into the URC, South African rugby is telling a story of extremes. The Bulls are grappling with the aftermath of a dramatic internal revolution - a team still adjusting after major changes under Johann Ackermann. Defensive gaps, shaky lineouts, and inconsistent performances reveal the real challenges facing Loftus, as MW Welman and Harry Jones examine what it will take for the Bulls to regain stability and identity this season.In stark contrast, the Stormers under John Dobson are thriving this season. Calm, cohesive, and tactically sharp, they offer a blueprint of what stability, culture, and leadership can achieve. From the brilliance of Evan Roos to Dobbo’s subtle cultural adjustments, this is a team firing on all cylinders and in this episode, we explore what we think might be Dobbo’s secret sauce.The episode also features the return of the Harry Index, ranking form teams after four rounds, sparking debate and revealing which sides are finding their feet and which are still in transition. This isn’t just results - it’s an exploration of the philosophies, tensions, and personalities shaping South African rugby today. The Bulls’ post-revolution aftermath versus the Stormers’ quiet mastery makes this URC season one to watch very closely!

Belfast was a harsh lesson for the Bulls. Ulster didn’t just win — they dominated, exposing weaknesses in a team still finding its feet under new coach Johann Ackermann. Defensive cracks that had been creeping in over the past weeks were on full display, and for the first time, the attack also struggled to impose itself. The result was a rare spectacle: the Bulls being physically overpowered and tactically outmaneuvered.But is this truly a crisis, or simply part of the adjustment period for a side under new leadership? MW Welman and Harry Jones dig into every angle of the performance, examining why Ulster’s physicality and tactical clarity unsettled the Bulls, how the squad responded under pressure, and what these warning signs might mean for the season ahead.Beyond the scoreboard, they explore the human side of the game: how players adapt to new systems, the psychological challenges of being tested in tough environments, and how a team’s culture is shaped when adversity hits. They also highlight bright spots, from individual performances to tactical insights, showing that even in defeat, lessons can be learned.Whether you’re a Bulls supporter worried about the future, a rugby fan fascinated by the dynamics of transition, or someone interested in how leadership shapes team performance, this episode offers perspective, analysis, and an honest look at what it takes to rebuild a team.Don’t miss MW and Harry as they weigh the evidence, separate alarm from overreaction, and help you decide whether the Bulls’ Belfast defeat is a true canary in a coalmine or simply the growing pains of a team finding its identity under Ackermann.

This isn’t your standard Rugby Championship review. In this vintage episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry unleashes his full philosophical self, guiding listeners through the curious paradox of sport: how can a team achieve results yet still feel dissatisfied, while others stumble but find reason to smile?Harry’s Rugby Happiness Index blends statistics, psychology, and a philosopher’s heart, asking the big question: how happy should each team truly feel with their Rugby Championship performance? Argentina’s occasional highs mask bigger flaws, Australia’s flattering start hides fragility, and the All Blacks suffered their biggest-ever defeat - at home! Harry dissects the tension between scoreboard results and emotional satisfaction, all with his signature vintage style, full of reflective asides, storytelling, and thoughtful tangents.MW brings clarity and curiosity to the table, observing the nuances of player focus, discipline, and coaching decisions, helping the listener navigate the subtle intersections of performance and contentment.By the time the conversation turns to the Springboks, Harry reaches his philosophical crescendo - champions who can celebrate, but still face imperfections, missed opportunities, and lessons yet to be learned. Across the Rugby Championship, Harry’s lens reveals the emotional truths hidden behind wins, losses, and statistics. For fans wanting a deeper, smarter, and profoundly human take on rugby, this episode is a vintage must-listen.

The morning after the Springboks’ epic Rugby Championship win, Harry Jones takes us straight back to Twickenham, where every moment, from the streets to the stadium, pulsed with energy, tension, and pure South African pride. You can almost hear the roar of the fans, feel the wind on the pitch, and see every tackle, turnover, and try as if you were there yourself.MW Welman joins him to dissect the match in detail, exploring tactical battles, pivotal plays, and standout performances from the likes of Malcolm Marx, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, and Pieter-Steph du Toit. They break down how Argentina fought with grit, how the Springboks adapted under pressure, and how every decision, every pass, and every scrum shaped the outcome of a game that demanded everything from both sides.This isn’t just a recap - it’s the sights, sounds, and emotions of a championship-winning performance. From the adrenaline of the first whistle to the electric celebrations afterward, this episode captures the full journey of triumph, resilience, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a Springbok fan, a student of rugby tactics, or simply love the drama of the sport, this episode will leave you feeling like you were right there on the pitch with them!

Harry was on the ground at the Springboks’ Captain’s Run in London ahead of the big Argentina clash at Twickenham. Fresh from the plane, he witnessed a squad full of energy, laughter, and precision, with many, many kicks attempted as the team refined a new tactical approach. Damian Willemse was pin-point accurate and Sacha showed dedication and skill in every drill.The return of Bongi adds an edge to the pack, and the coaches kept the session high-energy while ensuring focus and cohesion. Harry observed how seamlessly backs and forwards are integrating, highlighting the Boks’ evolving playing style. With a massive South African crowd set to fill the stands, Harry’s first-hand perspective shows a team that is loose, confident, and ready to make a statement at Twickenham. Don't forget: MW will join Harry for a Lekker Rugby Pod Instant Reaction after the match, capturing the excitement from both the field and the stands!

Episode 114 of the Lekker Rugby Pod asks whether we’ve just seen the start of a new normal in world rugby. The Springboks didn’t just edge the All Blacks at Ellis Park or the Pumas in Durban—they demolished them, playing with a tempo, skill, and physicality that looked almost impossible to contain.MW returns from a bush reunion where he found himself explaining, more than once, what a rugby podcaster actually does—balancing a laptop on top of a fridge while braaiing didn’t quite clear things up. Back in the studio, he and Harry dive into the serious stuff: whether South African rugby has discovered a blueprint that could change the sport forever.The Boks have long been known for unbreakable defense, but now they’ve layered it with unstoppable attack, hybrid forwards, and rapid transitions that leave teams gasping. Rassie’s approach doesn’t feel like an adjustment—it feels like a revolution. If this is sustainable, then opponents won’t just have to adapt, they’ll have to reinvent themselves.So is this a golden run—or the new normal that will redefine rugby’s future?

The Springboks are still riding high after their record-breaking demolition of the All Blacks, but Durban might not be the victory parade everyone expects. Argentina has already beaten both New Zealand and Australia this season, and under Felipe Contepomi, the Pumas have grown sharper, smarter, and more dangerous.Harry and MW dig into why this clash carries more risk than it seems. Argentina’s versatile loose forwards, powerful front row, and tactical flexibility make them far more than just plucky underdogs. Contepomi’s Leinster-honed structures give them a blueprint to unsettle South Africa, while history shows the Pumas love playing the role of spoiler.Rassie Erasmus, meanwhile, is moving beyond his old “bomb squad” model, leaning into adaptability, versatility, and depth across the park. Will it be enough to withstand Argentina’s challenge, or could the giant slayers turn Durban into their stage?

Rassie Erasmus has doubled down with a powerful Springbok side for the first test against Argentina in Durban, and the Lekker Rugby Pod has your Instant Reaction! We started recording before the official announcement, speculating on who might make the cut, and then broke down the confirmed team once it dropped. Harry and MW dig into why Rassie went with such a strong, almost unchanged lineup, what it means for the Rugby Championship, and the message it sends to both fans and opponents. From midfield combinations to pack dominance, youth selections to long-term planning, this episode explores how the Boks are balancing short-term silverware with the bigger picture.

Episode 112 of the Lekker Rugby Pod brings the fire. MW and Harry are back together and joined by New Zealand broadcasting legend Martin Devlin, host of the Devlin Sports Podcast Network and an unapologetically passionate All Blacks supporter. From Venice to the podcast mic, Martin pulls no punches as he lays out the brutal truth about New Zealand rugby.He takes us through the decline since 2019, the haunting shadow of box kicks, the missing centurions of the 2015 era, and the burning question: are the All Blacks really still the All Blacks? Razor Robertson’s coaching, the lack of innovation, the limits of Super Rugby, and the hunger for redemption — all of it is on the table.This is raw Kiwi passion versus South African steel, as Martin squares up to MW and Harry in one of the most animated, heartfelt conversations we’ve had yet!

Episode 111 of the Lekker Rugby Pod is a rare one. With MW off on an adventure, Harry takes the reins solo and brings on one of South Africa’s sharpest rugby minds, Jon Cardinelli. Together, they dive into the brilliance of Rassie Erasmus — the man who refuses to think only about today, because he’s already busy shaping tomorrow.This is the inside story of how the Springboks are being built for 2027: the balance between beloved veterans and fearless youngsters, the experiments that look chaotic from the outside but are in fact part of a meticulous plan, and the ruthless clarity that makes Rassie unlike any coach in world rugby.Is this just preparation for another World Cup — or the creation of a dynasty that could keep South Africa on top for a generation?

Have the Springboks finally unlocked Total Rugby? MW Welman and Harry Jones take a deep dive into South Africa’s historic win over the All Blacks and explore whether Jasper Wiese was the missing ingredient that allowed the team to reach its full potential. From dominant carries to defensive mastery and creating critical advantages, they analyze how every player became a threat on the field.MW and Harry also reflect on team dynamics, tensions between Rassie and his coaching staff, and the adaptability and physicality that shaped this victory. Could this performance signal a new blueprint for South African rugby? What does it reveal about the future direction of the team?Join them for an in-depth discussion on tactics, player performance, and strategy, and get a sneak peek at upcoming conversations with Jon Cardinelli and Martin Devlin about coaching, depth, and the evolving rivalry with New Zealand.