The Lekker Rugby Pod!

This is the match the Lekker Rugby Pod was built on.North vs South. Bulls vs Stormers. Loftus vs Cape Town. For more than a century this rivalry has defined South African rugby, and this weekend it explodes again in Pretoria.In Episode 158, MW Welman and Harry Jones go head to head in a classic preview full of analysis, history and merciless banter. From Pollard and Willie to Sacha and Willemse, from scrums to turnovers to altitude and momentum, everything is on the table.But as always with this rivalry, the analysis quickly turns into something else.Stormpy van Druren makes an appearance. Jeandré Rudolph becomes “Oom Rugby”.Harry predicts a Stormers upset.MW is having none of it.It is the battle of the bad winners against the bad losers. If you love rugby rivalries, this one is special. And if you love the Bulls or the Stormers, this one might hurt.Welcome to the North–South Derby.

England vs France is one of rugby’s great rivalries. But what actually decides these matches?In this episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones and MW Welman are joined by analyst Angus Usher (@analystgus) to break down the tactical battle between England and France.Using the Six Nations clash as the case study, we unpack how teams build their game plans, where matches are really won, and how different tactical approaches shape the outcome.We discuss kicking strategy, phase play, defensive systems, and the key areas England would need to control to compete with France.If you've ever wondered what coaches mean when they talk about trusting the game plan, this episode explains it.

Former Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie joins Harry Jones on the Lekker Rugby Pod for a reflective conversation about his career in the green and gold.Lambie looks back on unforgettable moments in a Springbok jersey, including his famous try against Australia at Newlands and the heartbreak of the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. He shares insights into playing under Heyneke Meyer, how elite flyhalves read the game, the mental side of Test rugby, and what life looks like after his playing career.Now working in property development on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, Lambie reflects on rugby, leadership, and the moments that still stay with him years after leaving the field.A thoughtful conversation with one of South Africa’s most respected playmakers.

Scotland have blown the Six Nations wide open.After previewing the match earlier in the week with Charlie Morgan of The Times, the Lekker Rugby Pod discussed the blueprint Scotland would need to beat France. At Murrayfield, that plan unfolded almost exactly as imagined.Finn Russell and Ben White controlled the tempo, the Scottish midfield stretched the French defence, and Kyle Steyn produced one of the performances of the championship. Scotland played with clarity, composure and physical edge, forcing France into mistakes and taking their chances ruthlessly.France arrived with the stronger metrics across almost every category. Dominant carries, tackle evasion, depth and star power all pointed their way. But when the pressure came, Scotland imposed their game and the French composure disappeared.We break down the key moments that swung the match, the tactical decisions that defined it, and what this result means for the final weekend of the Six Nations.

France arrive at Murrayfield looking like the most complete side in the championship. Power, pace, transition attack and a squad full of rangy athletes have pushed them ahead of the field in this Six Nations.But Scotland may be the one team with the tools to disrupt them.Charlie Morgan of The Times joins the Lekker Rugby Pod to unpack the tactical puzzle at the heart of Round 4. We look at how Scotland might target France through the kicking game, why Finn Russell and Ben White will be crucial to controlling territory, and how the Russell, Tuipulotu and Huw Jones midfield combination could challenge the French defensive system.We also dig into the evolving shape of the French side under Fabien Galthié. Their mobile back five, relentless transition threat and ability to create chaos from broken play has made them the most dangerous attacking team in the tournament.

Dave Rennie has been named head coach of the All Blacks.This conversation with Martin Devlin was recorded hours before the official announcement. During the episode, Devlin predicted Rennie would get the job and unpacked what the appointment would mean for New Zealand rugby at this moment in the cycle.The discussion moves beyond the name itself into the bigger questions facing the All Blacks, from discipline and aerial execution to belief, depth, and the growing contrast with the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus. With South Africa holding alignment camps and building momentum, the pressure on Rennie begins immediately.This is the state of play before the decision was confirmed, and why it matters now.

For weeks, the URC table felt like it was settling into shape. The leaders looked secure, the gaps were forming, and the season appeared to be narrowing toward a familiar conclusion.Then Round 12 unsettled it.Glasgow fall to Connacht. Leinster lose to Cardiff. The log compresses, games in hand suddenly carry weight, and the sense of control at the top evaporates. The dynamic has changed because the teams expected to steady the race instead introduced doubt.In South Africa, that shift lands at the perfect moment. The Bulls look increasingly coherent and direct. The Stormers are searching for control. The Sharks remain difficult to pin down. The Lions continue to disrupt assumptions. With momentum shifting and margins tightening, the competition feels alive again.This is not a recap of results. It is a conversation about what those results mean and why the race now feels genuinely open. With the leaders stumbling, it is all still to play for.

The London meeting came and went. The status quo held. No sweeping law changes. No dramatic reset of the global game.But that does not mean nothing is happening.Because if you look closely at what Rassie Erasmus has been building, you could argue the real moves are being made elsewhere. The Springbok alignment camp, the quiet cooperation with France, and Rassie’s confirmation through 2031 suggest something more deliberate than short-term squad management. This feels like long-cycle thinking. Prototype players. Succession planning. Optionality.Are the Boks preparing for a faster, more phase-heavy game even if the laws have not yet shifted? Are they constructing a squad that can win whether scrums are emphasised or quietly diluted over time? And if the shape of the game does change, will South Africa resist it, or simply outmanoeuvre it?We also reflect on the tension around SANZAAR, the politics behind global alignment, and the strange obsession with “fan experience” that often ignores where rugby’s real drama actually lives. Because the game’s greatest tension has never been about speed alone. It has always been about jeopardy.Episode 152 of the Lekker Rugby Pod. Just MW Welman and Harry Jones thinking the game through properly.

Gurthrö Steenkamp won a World Cup. Two years later he was humiliated in public and told he would never wear the Springbok jersey again.Most players would have blamed politics or bad luck. He went back to work.What makes this conversation different is not the medals or the setbacks. It is the way he thinks. Gurthrö decided early that he had to be ten times better to earn his place, and he built his life around that standard. Not for one season. Not for one contract. As a code.We talk about the year he was written off, the uncomfortable self-audit that followed, and the discipline required to reclaim credibility at the highest level. We get into the danger of comfort after success, the reality of the championship hangover, and why dominance in a scrum begins long before match day.This episode moves beyond rugby war stories. It is about identity. About designing your habits instead of drifting through them. About training resilience in the gym, in the video room and in the quiet decisions nobody applauds.You seldom meet someone who has thought this deliberately about how he wants to live, and then done the work to align his actions with it. That is what makes this conversation different.

Episode 150 begins at Twickenham. Bernard Jackman joins Harry Jones and MW Welman to unpack Ireland’s dominant win and the bigger coaching questions it raises.Ireland did not just win. They controlled the game physically, emotionally and tactically. England did not just lose. Their structure looked rigid under pressure and their in-game adjustments fell short.We examine what changed for Ireland, the contrast between Andy Farrell’s leadership and Steve Borthwick’s approach, and why adaptability inside eighty minutes now separates the very best from the rest. From substitutions to tempo, from squad depth to game management, this performance forces a wider conversation about the current coaching hierarchy in world rugby.At one point in the discussion, a sharper idea emerges. Are there only three top coaches operating at the very highest level right now?

France have used 66 players in the past year. The Springboks have used 50. They are younger across key positions, rotating more aggressively and beginning to win while developing depth.So should South Africa be concerned?In this episode we unpack what the Six Nations is actually revealing. We examine France’s depth profile, their age balance, tactical evolution and growing collision dominance. We also assess England’s recent cracks, Ireland’s cycle, and what the shift toward an aerial, high-tempo game means for the Springboks.This is not panic. It is a clear-eyed look at where the Northern Hemisphere stands and what it means for South Africa heading into the Nations Championship and the next World Cup cycle.Are France genuinely closing in, or are the Boks still setting the standard?

In this episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Brenden Nel joins us to tackle a hard truth: talent is not enough.What actually separates good players from great ones? It is not flair. It is not natural ability. It is standards, habits, preparation, and the uncomfortable details most people never see.From dressing room honesty to daily discipline, we unpack what sustains performance at the highest level of rugby — and why so many gifted players never cross that line into greatness.This is a conversation about the difference between potential and professionalism.

England lost control at Murrayfield. At Twickenham, the same pattern returned.Poor exits from their own half. Forced passes when patience was required. Kicks that handed momentum straight back. Under pressure, the decisions did not match the moment.Ireland did not need magic. They needed clarity. Their breakdown work was sharp, their shape was connected, and when chances came they were clinical. It felt like the Ireland of old. Calm, composed and ruthless.One side played with a clear identity. The other looked unsure of what it was trying to be.Is this inconsistency, or is something deeper unresolved in this England side?We break down where the control slipped, how Ireland dictated terms, and what this result really says about both teams.

England and Ireland have both been punched in the face. Now they meet at Twickenham with pride bruised and pressure rising.Harry Jones welcomes Charlie Morgan of The Times and Ireland’s Pat McCarry into the bar for a lively, sharp-edged Six Nations preview. Expect press-conference temperature checks, Emo Andy analysis, Henry Pollock hype, fly-half debates, scrum anxiety and plenty of Irish wit along the way. This is less about predicting a scoreline and more about reading the room before kick

Scotland rose to the moment. England looked rattled. Italy pushed Ireland harder than expected. Questions are starting to surface.In this episode, MW Welman and Harry Jones sit down with Tim Cocker of EggChasers Rugby for a proper Six Nations temperature check. Together, we unpack England’s recurring Scotland problem, the tactical decisions that defined the Calcutta Cup, Ireland’s scrum vulnerability, the Sam Prendergast debate, and why Italy now look like a legitimate Tier One force.This isn’t a hot take reaction. It’s three rugby minds stepping back to assess trajectory. Where does each contender truly stand? Who’s handling pressure? And what does this weekend tell us about where the tournament is heading?If you care about structure, psychology, and long-term direction in international rugby, this conversation is for you.

Franco Smith has coached Italy in the Six Nations and now leads Glasgow in the URC. In this episode he explains what has changed in Italy’s structure, why Scotland enter the Calcutta Cup under pressure, and how coaches analyse games beyond surface reaction.We go into tight-five development, lineout mechanics, aerial contest adjustments, kick-chase organisation and the difference between club preparation and Test-week execution. This is a detailed look at how elite rugby is built, how small margins shape outcomes, and how scoreboard pressure forces tactical decisions at the top level.

Is Jacques Nienaber really at the heart of Ireland’s problems, or is that a lazy conclusion?Rugby writer Charlie Morgan joins the Lekker Rugby Pod to unpack how the Six Nations is already shifting after round one, and why the debate around Jacques Nienaber, Ireland, and Leinster has become unavoidable.We step back from the scorelines to look at the deeper trends shaping the tournament, including Ireland’s struggle for clarity, France’s growing comfort in the modern kicking and transition game, and England’s increasingly coherent identity. The conversation focuses on systems, player profiles, preparation time, and how international rugby is being reshaped in real time.This is not a blame exercise and it is not a hot take. It’s analysis for people who want to understand what actually changed in round one, and what it means for the rest of the Six Nations.

Ireland went to Paris with trepidation. They left overwhelmed. In this instant reaction, Harry Jones and Pat McCarry unpack a night where Ireland walked into a ruthless French trap and never found a way out. From collisions and tempo to selection and control, this is a raw first response to a performance that turned quiet fears into loud questions.

Ireland arrive in Paris without the certainty that defined them for the last five years.This episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod uses France vs Ireland as a way into a wider conversation about pressure, transition, and how quickly confidence can thin at Test level. With Irish writer Pat McGarry, MW Welman and Harry Jones unpack Ireland’s current state, shaped by a Six Nations played without Andy Farrell last year as he prepared for the British and Irish Lions, and the knock-on effects that are still being felt.The discussion moves through a young and exposed Irish pack, front-row risk, and the subtle shift from control to apprehension that has crept in since last November.It’s a Six Nations conversation, but not a parochial one. For South African viewers, the tournament functions as a scouting window. Every Six Nations side sits on the Springboks’ schedule in the new Nations Championship, making these games the clearest reference point for who is settled, who is vulnerable, and where transition may already be underway.Paris sharpens all of that. Ireland remain talented and dangerous, but for the first time in years, they look jittery. And that makes this night, and this tournament, worth watching closely.

Who would’ve thought jail could be such an apt analogy for the Bulls?Harry’s back after a slightly mysterious absence and, before we know it, we’re talking about everything from leadership and belief to why some teams survive pressure and others panic. It takes us a while to get there, but that’s kind of the point.There’s a listener letter in this episode that made us stop and sit with it for a bit. Rassie comes up, as he tends to, and so does Johan Ackermann, the Bulls, and what happens when a team finally decides how it wants to behave when things get uncomfortable.We also get into the Stormers, two rough weeks against the Sharks, and why being good on paper doesn’t always help when someone throws the first punch.This isn’t an instant reaction or a neat summary. It wanders, it circles back, and eventually it lands.If you’re listening from somewhere far away, you’ll probably know exactly why.

The Bulls stopped trying to be something else and found their feet again. The Lions refused to fold under pressure. The Sharks forced the Stormers back to fundamentals. Across the weekend, a pattern emerged as teams settled back into what they do best.In this episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones unpack how identity, systems, and belief shaped the results, why set pieces still decide more than flair, and what this weekend tells us about where these teams are really heading in the URC.

Sharks fans, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. Marco Masotti, controlling owner and majority shareholder of the Sharks, joins us for a proper, open conversation and gives clarity on the coaching situation, including when you can expect to hear more about what the franchise is doing next.We also go deep on the bigger picture: the endless season, Springbok strain, cohesion, URC and Champions Cup ambition, rivalries, and why rugby needs to start thinking like a modern sport, not a museum. Insightful, honest, and properly Lekker Rugby Pod.

NZRU are calling it “mutual consent”… but the speed of this decision feels like something else entirely. MW Welman and Harry Jones are joined by New Zealand’s Martin Devlin (DSPN) to ask the question everyone’s thinking: why move this fast unless the next coach is already lined up?We break down the review, the PR spin, the whispers, and what it tells us about power inside New Zealand Rugby. Razor Robertson, David Kirk, player influence, and the Tony Brown and Jamie Joseph rumours, it’s all on the table.

Seven losses in a row. Record points conceded at Loftus. A squad packed with Springboks looking confused and disconnected. MW Welman and Harry Jones go forensic on what’s really gone wrong at the Bulls, from the “butterfingers” narrative to the brutal reality of short-field defence every week.But the biggest warning sign isn’t the scoreboard. It’s the feeling. The want. The body language. We talk coaching, player responsibility, Springbok influence, and why “acceptance rugby” is the fastest way to lose a dressing room and a fanbase. The Bulls didn’t become a URC powerhouse by being delicate, so what changed… and what does “winning ugly” look like now?

Throughout history, every empire, dynasty, and dominant team has eventually faced the same question: can this last?In Episode 137 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, and the first of 2026, MW Welman and Harry Jones use history as a lens, asking what figures like Napoleon and other fallen powers can teach us about the Springboks today. Through power, paranoia, leadership, and the Rassie Erasmus effect, this conversation goes beyond tactics and results. It is not about predicting a fall. It is about understanding why this Springbok era may be structurally different from everything that came before.

The Stormers made it ten unbeaten, but this derby was about more than extending a streak. The Bulls finally looked like a team again, defending with intent, committing emotionally, and staying alive until the final maul.We break down what shifted under pressure, how the Stormers found a way to win again, and why this match could still mark a turning point in the Bulls’ season.

No notes, no structure, no plan. Just a proper end-of-year Festive Special for Episode 136 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, the way these conversations usually happen off-air. From Harry Index debates and coaching philosophies to life after rugby, why contentment is underrated, and MW's very real pain of being a Bulls fan right now.This is the Lekker Rugby Pod at its loosest and most honest. Equal parts frustration, humour and perspective. A long conversation, a few laughs, a few deep turns, and that familiar feeling that you don’t get anywhere else. If you know, you know.

Are the Bulls really in crisis? They’ve won 3 out 6 URC games after all, but after some lacklustre performances, it feels like the walls might be closing in. MW Welman and Harry Jones look at what’s really going on in Pretoria - the rumours, the gossip and the uncomfortable truths hidden in stats, culture and body language. From on-the-fields lapses to questions of trust, leadership and discipline, it’s no longer about one bad game. It’s about a system creaking under pressure.We discuss why ripping off the bandage might be the best option, and why a run-of-the-mill Sharks derby suddenly feels like a high stakes poker game. There’s banter, soap opera intrigue, a Stephen Covey detour and the stark question at the heart of it all: Can the Bulls fix this in the boardroom, or will it come down to people – some more unexpected than others…Grab a coffee – this one is different.

For Harry Jones, this week inside the Stormers environment carried a quiet emotional weight. Invited to embed with the team, he travelled from Dallas not entirely sure the invitation was real, joking at one point that it might be an elaborate practical joke. A lifelong Stormers supporter, the opportunity also allowed him to quietly mend a few important bridges. What he found was a rugby team defined by humility, shared responsibility, and quiet leadership. The culture feels lived in rather than performed, with leadership dynamics and player development happening subtly, far from the public eye.Alongside that energy sits MW Welman’s reflective tone. As Harry describes a team drawing closer together, MW can’t help but notice his beloved Bulls slipping into real trouble, though that story deserves its own space. This episode explores the Stormers’ team culture, trust and respect, cohesion, and the environment that allows winning rugby teams to thrive. It is a rare insight into professional rugby, team building, and the storytelling that surrounds one of South Africa’s most respected rugby organisations.

Episode 133 takes a deep dive into the Springboks’ ongoing rise. Harry Jones sits with special guests Bernard Jackman and Jon Cardinelli to explore how this team keeps improving two years out from the World Cup. From tactical innovation and clever squad rotation to long-term player development, the panel analyses mental toughness, explosive play, and bench strategy. This is one of our most detailed tactical discussions yet and gives fans a clear picture of just how strong South Africa looks on the global stage.

Harry Jones and Tim Cocker link up in person at the Stormers Captains Run in Gqeberha, where a honest chat about clearing the air with defence coach Norman Laker leads into a close look at the squad’s energy before La Rochelle. From the rhythm and confidence in training to bigger questions about the URC race, European commitment and South Africa’s place in the Champions Cup, this episode blends on the ground access with sharp rugby insight and a few sideline laughs.

Episode 131 of the Lekker Rugby Pod digs into South African rugby’s biggest rivalry and asks the question fans are feeling: what’s changed? Harry Jones and MW Welman break down why the Bulls remain stuck under Johan Ackermann while the Stormers are thriving under John Dobson. They explore player-led dynamics, defensive chaos, and why the Bulls’ legacy demands more than just rebuilding.The hosts unpack the second-half collapse against Bordeaux, Handré Pollard’s puzzling performance gap, and why the Bulls can’t simply rebuild when their legacy demands consistency.Meanwhile, the Stormers’ clear systems, planning, and momentum show what a team can achieve when structures and leadership align. Emerging talent like Paul de Villiers and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu hint at the future, while Harry talks about leaving the 8-9 Combo pod to focus fully on South African rugby. Episode 131 is sharp, honest, and packed with insight into why some teams move forward while others stall.

Episode 130 throws open the most heated debate in rugby. Harry and MW go headfirst into the question of who truly deserves the title of the greatest rugby team of all time. The Springboks of today are compared to the All Blacks of their golden era, not only on results but on evolution, coaching, cohesion and how the sport itself has transformed. The discussion ranges from Jake White hypotheticals to the significance of analytics, to why some teams adapt and others stay stuck in past glory. Nothing about this debate is simple, and that is exactly why it is so gripping. Join us for a conversation that will challenge your rugby instincts and maybe even your loyalties.

Little birdies, whispers, and rumours swirl around Eben Etzebeth’s suspension. In Episode 129 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones unpack the drama, hint at what might be happening behind the scenes, and explore the provocation and 73-0 incident, all without crossing the official line. Insightful, humorous, and full of off-the-record intrigue, this episode gives you the inside perspective on rugby’s hidden stories. Only on Megafoon Rugby, where rugby conversations go deeper than anywhere else.

The Springboks were unstoppable. Scrum after scrum. Relentless pressure. A defence that refused to bend - they brought sheer brutality to every meter of the field. Ireland fought, they clawed, they refused to quit, but it wasn’t enough. In this episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones and MW Welman dissect a game where the Springboks’ dominance was absolute, yet respect is earned for an Irish team that never surrendered. From bone-crunching tackles to the ferocity of the scrums, this was a match where power, precision, and persistence collided. Brutal. Relentless. Uncompromising.

In this bonus episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry steps into full devil’s advocate mode and takes MW down the rabbit hole of how Ireland could realistically beat the Springboks. What starts as a cheeky challenge turns into one of the sharpest tactical explorations the pod has ever done. Harry unpacks the Irish blueprint in detail, digging into line out disruption, double top lifts, forcing loopy throws in wet conditions, and using set piece pressure to turn South Africa’s strength into hesitation. The conversation moves into clever ruck manipulation, James Lowe’s punch style kicking motion, spiral bombs, 50 22 traps, scrum psychology, and how Ireland might turn Porter’s pressure points into scoreboard opportunities. Harry argues that Ireland’s best path is to embrace risk, stay unpredictable, and chase errors, while MW questions whether Andy Farrell would ever dare to gamble that big. They dive into Ireland’s box defence cracks, how weather can be weaponised, and why a well timed barge or hurried exit could tilt momentum. Things take a spicy turn when Harry explores the psychological battle, including verbal needling and forcing South Africa into penalty trouble. By the end it becomes a fascinating look at how rugby intellect, timing and bravery could collide in one match. A cheeky, clever, fiery conversation between MW Welman and Harry Jones that shows what the Lekker Rugby Pod does at its absolute best.

This episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod with special guest Jordan Buhrs is a full preview and reaction experience in one! We started by laying out what the Springboks needed for the upcoming clash with Ireland. Harry Jones and Jordan Buhrs unpacked the tactical requirements, set piece intensity, backline balance, and the type of physicality and pace the Boks would need if they wanted to disrupt Ireland’s structured, analytics driven approach. From the value of Moodie’s unpredictability to the role of defence, to the need for cleaner lineouts and stronger scrum control, the conversation focused on the ideal tools the Springboks required for this matchup.Right in the middle of that discussion the real Springbok team dropped and the episode shifted into Instant Reaction mode. We broke down how the chosen lineup matched the needs we identified, where it aligned perfectly, and where the coaches went in a completely different direction. The reaction covered the bench composition, the backline reshuffle, the handling of young talent, the tactical intention behind the selection, and what the confirmed side tells us about the Springbok plan for a high pressure test against Ireland. This episode captures the full picture of what the Boks needed and what Rassie ultimately selected.

Harry Jones and MW Welman dig into the rivalry that keeps gnawing at South African rugby. Ireland keep finding a way and the boys want to know why. They look at the last five tests, the odd patterns in the results, and the tactical habits that let Andy Farrell’s team flip Bok strengths into weaknesses. Harry breaks down turnovers, physicality traps, and the jiu jitsu style Ireland use to unsettle heavy teams while MW tries to stop the episode from spiralling into full chaos. They revisit the 35 point Dublin disaster, the failed redemption test, and the tension in the camp this week as the Boks prepare for another brutal showdown at the Aviva. There is Rassie talk, Farrell talk, referee talk, and World Rugby’s refereeing circus. Harry reflects on last week’s swearing spree while MW jokes that the apology is still outstanding. They tease Thursday’s big content drop with Jordan Buhrs and return again and again to the same question. Why do Farrell’s men keep blocking Rassie’s path?

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.