Elite Rugby Banter

Ant and Phil are left in control without Andrew to keep things civil as they give their verdict over all things 6 Nations, Super Rugby, URC and SVNS. Ant's Sharks continue to let him down, while best-team-in-the-world™ Ireland struggle to rule the roost over England. Did Ant really support England over Ireland? Are Scotland just missing some South African in their back row to be competitive? What is going on with the Blitzboks in the SVNS? When will the Crusaders turn things around in Super Rugby? And who should captain the Springboks going forward? Join us, as we attempt to answer all of these questions and more.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

It's been too long. The boys dispense with the formalities of hosting and somehow manage to cover pretty much everything that has happened since our last episode in the year 24 BC. Will Italy ever become a force to be reckoned with? Is Sam Spink a sleeper draft pick? Was France ever as good as we thought? Will Andy ever recover from his whisky hangover? All but the last one will be resolved here, and watch our social media to find out more as the story develops on the babbelas!

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Our regular panel along with guest Alex take stock of the URC, Challenge and Champions Cups. Is Ivan Rooyen a renaissance man? Is e coli the reason for the Sharks woes? Is Shifty's shift to Stormers a good sidestep? Will Willie le Roux reach 100 caps? Did we forget to mention that Benetton are sitting pretty 2nd on the URC log? Find out here.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Yes, the URC has started. Ant wishes it was merely a nightmare, but local rugby has been on the go for a few weeks. We recap the fortunes of the URC teams, recap the Blitzboks win in Dubai, and look forward to the festive schedule ahead.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

The team mops up on all the goings-on in the world of rugby since the World Cup. From the Knocked Out XV to the Springboks victory tour, Duane’s retirement to the reinvention of Welsh veterans (no, not Dan Biggar, he’s done).

If you’re expecting an update on the URC, you’re going to have to wait for next week. Until then, the Sharks are shit without their Boks.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

What a performance! It's a great day to be South African as Andrew, Ant and Phil wax lyrical about the Springboks' outstanding Rugby World Cup final display that dispatched the All Blacks, and put smiles on millions on faces. The gang break down the game in Paris to its key moments and run the rule over the game's different aspects which led to South Africa extending their lead at the top of Rugby World Rankings. An off-the-cuff team of the tournament is decided. The Springboks' World Cup legend goes on and we could not be prouder. For New Zealand, a case of what would've been.

A third consecutive 1-point victory. We’re not quite sure it’s real, but last night the Springboks defended their World Cup title and became the first team to win it four times. Pure championship mentality.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

There’s nothing quite like it. The Boks are back at a World Cup final, and it’s the old foes that stand in the way. Rugby’s giants go head to head in pursuit of the ultimate title. Also featuring: what’s slippier - Mark Telea or Jamie George’s lineout throws? Is Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu moonlighting for Cape Town City FC? Will Welsh clubs ever beat anyone again other than each other?

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

This is our longest episode yet, which reflects the colour, contrast, and quality of rugby on offer this past weekend. Two of the all-time classic Test matches played out in finals-worthy fashion, accompanied by another two QFs that were runts of the litter from the weaker side of the draw. Nonetheless, our very close games are closely analysed by a team that includes a guest appearance from Heinrich, work-mate of Ant and host of Hier's Die Ding. A very optimistic view to the finals is entertained, with some disclaimers about the potential speedbump of old foes England. A negligible amount of attention is paid to the launch of the 2023/24 season of the world's best club league, the URC.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

This is one of our longest episodes, but also one of our most hotly debated shows ever.

First, Andy, Ant and Phil wrap up the pool stages of the World Cup, who under-performed and who shone. Then, chaos and uncertainty reign as they turn their attention to what is a tantalising and incredibly equally matched series of four North v South battles in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals. Form vs class, team chemistry vs individual game breaking ability, knockout rugby or sticking to your game plan template. It's almost too close to call, but we try anyway.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

The second last round of pool games is over, leaving some interesting permutations for the knockouts. Who between the tournament underperformers Argentina and Japan will go through with England? Will Italy stun hosts France? And will Scotland beat Ireland by more than 20 with both teams simultaneously scoring four tries to rip a black hole in the space-time continuum to knock the Springboks out of the World Cup? Short answer - probably not. Long answer - listen to the episode.