Elite Rugby Banter

It's lockdown time in the Elite Rugby Banter universe as Ben, Matt and Adam really start to feel rugby withdrawal. Thankfully, there is a fair amount of news to discuss (most of it COVID-19 related), to do with pay cuts, fist bumps and much derision thrown at those arm chair experts who claim to know something, but actually, not much. We also check up on Alex on Twitter as he ventures forth into an empty mall.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

It's a full house at ERB headquarters (Alex does arrive a little bit late), as the gang talk about the very crazy world we live in right now, Jamie Robert's winning the corona game, what it must be like for a WWE superstar wrestling in front of non-existent crowd, Australia trying to do a new competition, pay cuts, English season closures and to top it all off, a novelty XV focused on adult cartoons. To paraphrase Steve Rogers, "We can do this all day"

COVID-19 is all the rage, but thankfully, Elite Rugby Banter has been preparing for a world of social distancing, self isolation and toilet roll shortages since day one (bar that one time). With Adam away, Matt (on his SA return!), Ben and Alex will play. They chat about the likely last weekend of Super Rugby, the virus' impact on the game, a Sitcom XV, Marler Watch and a mystery Lions player, plus different bits and bobs. The rugby is gone but we aren't going anywhere!

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

With Matt still getting used to life back in SA, and Alex in a pit of despair over his Draft performance, Ben and Adam steer this week's pod, with Joe Marler looming large in this week's discussions. Thankfully, lots of rugby also took place over the weekend, with Ben and Adam chatting about the Highlanders' awful form (and player recruitment), the Bulls and Lions looking down the barrel, plus other smatterings about the game played in heaven. Alex does send in his thoughts, and in the style we've come to know and love (except with a flavouring of resignation), he gives us his thoughts on this week's talking points.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Thanks for listening!

Ben is away on a golf tour while Matt is preparing to leave Korea, leaving Alex and Adam to steer the ship. In it, they discuss the coronavirus making a mockery of the Sunwolves' fixture schedule, the greed of the Northern Hemisphere (an old hobby horse of Adam's), the Stormers playing very badly (Alex rages), the resurgence of the Blues, the Sharks being arguably SA's best side, the resurgence of Australia (albeit for now) plus a few other bits and pieces. Naturally, there is much sadness over their respective draft weekends too.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

It's a two man pod this week, and Ben and Adam shoot the breeze and chat about Ardie Savea's sudden desire to play the kak version of rugby, the RFU sneakily agreeing to cut their cut, mental health, weight class club rugby comps, Makozole Mapimpi being a swell guy over the tryline, rotation policies, how the Wallabies are shaping up in 2020 and some disappointing players. Also, much Draft bants (Sorry...we can't help ourselves). Thanks for listening as always!

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

It's a full house at ERB HQ, with Matt, Ben, Alex and Adam discussing the looming demise of England's second tier, the (folly?) of the All Blacks rest weeks, Mako Vunipola having no regrets about taking the money, Wilco Louw heading overseas, Pacific eligibility and a summation of where the different conferences are. Also, Matt will soon be home!

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Matt and Alex, in surmising-considering-discursive-yet-intrigued mood chat about what has been a busy week in the rugby world (...in the Southern Hemisphere anyway). They speak about the notion of doing a draw for the World Cup in 2023 in 2020, the rumours that South Africa are going to up sticks and throw in their lot with the north (unlikely for now!), how Australia find themselves in a TV rights pickle of their own creation, and naturally, action taking place on the field for Round 2 of Super Rugby.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Edit: Apologies for Alex being so soft. Adam pawned it. He has one job of recording the recording and were it not for Alex not trusting Adam, there wouldn't have been a recording #detailsfortheloss

Super Rugby is here and not a moment too soon. Adam, Matt, and Alex chat about penalties to start a game, the rise of America, Israel Folau being a unifier of people (against him), plus some talking points from the weekend. How far can the Stormers go? Will the Hurricanes be so shit ever again? Who will stop the Crusaders? Is Garth April the next number 10 super star? All this, and more, in a magnificently timed hour.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

It's the beginning a new era, with Ben, Alex and Adam chatting about what to do about substitutions in rugby, referees firing captains, Jaco Kriel (maybe??) returning to the Lions and lamenting on their choices following the ERB draft on Saturday. Also, Ben puts it on the record that he's willing to fight Ben Stokes at a place of Pod Ben's choosing in Mauritius. So, just a normal Monday in ERB Land.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

Matt is returning to SA at the end of February so their might be some variation in our schedule but we will continue to target Mondays until then. Thanks for listening as always!