Kooks and Thala have a two-part preview for the Autumn Nations Series and ask the burning questions for the upcoming games.

We first share memories and discuss why the Autumn Nations Series is the most special part of the international rugby calendar and if rugby played in the southern hemisphere is given that yellow filter like they do for movies set in Mexico.

We first discuss which team has the most to gain this series and why the All Blacks, England and Italy could make big statements with a strong November and what the potential pitfalls are.

We then discuss what would be success for the two top nations, the Springboks and Ireland - do they have to be unbeaten for a successful November? Which newer players might appear for both sides?

We then finish off with the coaches on the chopping block. We look at whether Wales can have their first win of the year and if Gregor Townsend has taken Scotland as far as he can before technical difficulties cut us off for Part 1

Kooks and Thala review week 5 of the URC and the Springbok squad for the Autumn Nations Series.

Kooks and Thala discuss the return of Damian Willemse in the squad and Ruan Nortje, Elrigh Louw and Jan-Hendrik Wessels staying in the squad.

Then we discuss if we might have made a mistake placing Ulster at the bottom of our tiers list last week. We break down impressive wins for the Stormers and the Sharks, a gritty defensive win for the Lions. We discuss why the Bulls can’t play in second halves and why Munster’s lineout is faltering.

We then look at some of the rugby news around the world, including why behind the back passes are apparently bad, whether Japan has any chance to knock over New Zealand and Kooks has a rant for all the different kickoff times for the Autumn Nations Series.

Kooks and Thala rank the URC into tiers after 4 rounds of the URC. We divide the teams into four different tiers: Championship Contenders, Playoff Locks, Dark Horses and Basement Dwellers.

Find out where we rank the South African teams. Why we think it’s the year for the Lions to make some playoff noise, why the Bulls are still championship contenders, why Stormers fans shouldn’t be too concerned (yet) and what exactly are the Sharks cooking.

We also won’t be tricked by Munster, still need to be convinced by the Wales teams, Kooks challenges Benetton and impressed with the defending champions Glasgow.

We also discuss why Squidge Rugby seems to have lost the South African Twitter streets, Siya Kolisi advocating for women’s rugby and which award has Faf de Klerk been nominated for alongside Antoine Dupont and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Jared and Shaun go over the weekends result that saw the Springboks secure their first 'real' Rugby Championship title since 2009.

We discuss the performances from Saturday and look at the Bledisloe Cup plus how the two sides will fare in the future.

We take a look at the Springbok midfield and how the future looks

Kooks and Sharky chat about how upsetting the Springbok loss was. We look into a brilliant Los Pumas performance and where it went wrong for the Springboks. 

We take a look at the new Springbok match day 23 and have a bit of a wobble at the end leaving Sharky to sign off

Thala and Shaun have a look at the Springboks squad that Rassie Erasmus named ahead of the opening Los Pumas test. 

We look into each position and highlight the inexperience of the pack and Shaun makes a call on how Manie Libbok will be introduced.

We look at how Scott Robertson is on a razor's edge with his job and talk loose trio's Bledisloe Cup results and more.

Lastly we look at the Currie Cup and make some bold URC predictions

Kooks and Shaun take a look at the second Springbok win over rivals New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.

The Springbok set up a great chance of taking the Rugby Championship title in the 5th round against Argentina away. 

We look at which players performed on both sides, dive into the absolute disaster of a second test for the Wallabies and look at which Springboks should tour next week.

We both disagree on the Willie le Roux yellow card and Shaun is unhappy with World Rugby's 'No Stoppages' plan.

We look into how the Rugby Championship could possibly fit into a 2026 when the Springboks host New Zealand in Mnzansi for a mammoth tour. Kooks highlights the importance of a Grand Slam tour in November and he hits Shaun with a 'Pop Quiz'

Jamie Wall joins us again as we look ahead to a very important test in Cape Town.

Both teams have made changes and Jamie explains why it is hard to get used to an All Blacks side being dictated too. We look at the team, the strange but exciting All Black loose trio and the wings on both sides. We try and understand the thoughts behind the Jordan and Sititi positional selections and Jamie looks into the Kolisi/Cane online battle

Jamie predicts and epic midfield battle again with his eyes firmly on Jordie Barrett.

We discuss the beauties of South Africa, brandy and braai's and so much more.

Thala and Shaun walk through the Springbok test and how well the All Blacks started, we talk about the impact the Bomb Squad made and what the All Blacks need to do to win this type of game.

We take a deep dive into all the controversial moments and set the record straight on the Aphelia Fassi yellow card and the Bongi Mbonambi try.

We welcome Jamie Wall who is in South Africa following the All Blacks on their two test tour. Jamie is and Author and Journalist.

He has written four books on the All Blacks including The Hundred Years' War about the Springbok and All Black rivalry. You can order his books here (https://www.jamiewallrugby.com/buy-my-books)

We discuss the funny inclusion of Eben Etzebeth into the squad, look into how Beauden Barrett will become the most capped All Black, where the All Blacks are strong, who are their options at 10 and much much more. Finally we chat about Hadleigh Parkes and his full circle moment on re-signing with Manawatu in the NPC.