The Ruck

In episode 6 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the sport is hurtling into the professional era.

South Africa are world champions after 1995 but New Zealand are on the verge of one of their greatest moments. We hear from John Hart, who led the All Blacks on their 1996 tour of South Africa, as well as former players Sean Fitzpatrick, Ian Jones and Josh Kronfeld. 

Was theirs the greatest New Zealand side of all time? Plus, former Springbok Joel Stransky describes the team’s struggle to replicate the dizzying heights of ‘95. 

This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Rob Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. 

Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks 

Clips: DSPN Rugby (John Hart interview)

Photo: Getty Images

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In episode 5 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, Nelson Mandela walks free, apartheid crumbles and South Africa becomes a new country.

The Springboks and the All Blacks face off once more, with Mandela seizing the opportunity to help heal a wounded nation. With the 1995 World Cup reaching its final, two of the players - former Springbok Joel Stransky and All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick - describe being part of one of the greatest moments in sporting history.

This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. 

Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks 

Clips: World Rugby (1995 World Cup final)

Photo: Getty Images

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In episode 4 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we focus on the most controversial rugby tour in history: the 1986 New Zealand Cavaliers.

Despite the global boycott, a group of rebel Kiwi players agree to tour South Africa. Former Springbok Schalk Burger Sr describes how he found out about the deal before any of his teammates - and why it opened a door to the players being paid. 

The chair of New Zealand Rugby and former World Cup-winning All Black captain David Kirk also explains his decision not to tour, and the fierce reaction amongst the NZ public when the tour went ahead.

This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. 

Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks 

Photo: Getty Images

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 3 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we are into the 1980s - a decade defined by rebellion.

The 1981 Springbok tour to New Zealand goes ahead despite an international agreement to stop sporting contact with apartheid South Africa. Unrest culminates in flour bombs being thrown out of aircraft at the players. Former Springbok Rob Louw reflects on matters on and off the pitch.

This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. 

Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks 

Photo: Getty Images

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 2 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the former Springbok Morne du Plessis talks about the sheer, violent ferocity of test matches between South Africa and New Zealand. 

For decades, these matches continue to be played among the shadows of race tensions in both countries. The introduction of apartheid adds pressure, boiling over in a boycott of the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. 

Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks 

Photo: Getty Images

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Springboks and All Blacks share a rivalry like no other - and it’s about so much more than just the rugby itself. The real story goes back over a century of racism, rebel tours, politics and protest, fuelling fierce confrontations on the field. 

With South Africa and New Zealand about to kick-off a four test series branded 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry', Alex, Will and Elgan bring you a special podcast series charting the history of battles between rugby’s superpowers. 

Our story starts over a century ago, in a world recovering from war, where tension over race is sparked by the infamous 'Blackett telegram'.

This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. 

Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks 

Photo: Getty Images

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 3rd round of the Nations Championship saw New Zealand hammer Ireland, England hold on to win against Argentina and South Africa destroy Wales.

Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all the action and Mark Palmer joins to reflect on Scotland's summer.

Could it be the end of Siya Kolisi as the Springbok captain? Are Ireland no longer one of the best sides in the world? And, did the officials get the big decision right at the end of Argentina vs England?

Can Scotland now compete with the top teams? What do Wales take away from defeat in South Africa? And, can England kick on in November?

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England finished their Nations Championship matches this summer by beating Argentina 24-31!

Steve Borthwick's side produced some of their best rugby of 2026 but also suffered the same disciplinary issues which saw them almost collapse to draw.

The TMO saved England when Argentina thought they had scored a try with the final play of the match. So, after a mad match Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are back in Buenos Aires to reflect on the game, Steve Borthwick's punchy post-match comments and the Nations Championship as a whole.

They discuss whether the competition has been more successful than they expected, why Borthwick hit back despite the obvious discipline problems and where this leaves the team heading into November.

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Argentina host England in the Nations Championship this weekend!

Can Los Pumas make it another Argentine win following the football World Cup semi-final?

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are in Buenos Aires to reflect on an incredible night in the capital and to look ahead to the weekend. They explain why Henry Pollock has been named on the bench by Steve Borthwick, why this is England's biggest test of the summer and the advantage of having Marcus Smith at full-back.

Plus, can Ireland be the first side to win at Eden Park in the professional era?

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After the second round of the Nations Championship Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all of the action.

They ask which nation might be able to compete with South Africa at the next World Cup and what style of rugby could cause them problems. That's after a weakened Springboks team beat Scotland despite an impressive display from Gregor Townsend's men.

Plus, are the All Blacks under Dave Rennie once again playing to their strengths? Should Henry Pollock start for England away in Argentina? And, Peter O'Reilly looks ahead to Ireland's trip to Eden Park.

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