The Black Ferns and Springbok Women go head to head! Les Elder and Alice Soper take a closer look at rugby’s newest rivalry and the wider context surrounding it.


While the game itself may not have delivered the spectacle they were hoping for, the conversation goes far beyond the scoreline. Les and Alice reflect on the evolution of the women’s game, the expectation for teams to keep pushing the boundaries, and the moments that can turn a match into something unforgettable.


They also discuss the difficult off-field circumstances surrounding the South African women’s team, including the impact of coaching upheaval and the way these issues can overshadow the achievements of the players. Against that backdrop, they celebrate the resilience of a team that continues to perform in the face of significant adversity, while remembering former captain Lusanda Dumke and the mark she left on the team.


The episode also delivers some key rugby lessons, from managing relationships with referees and adapting tactics, to understanding the laws around scrummaging and offside play.


Ultimately, this is a conversation about why women’s rugby deserves to be understood in its full context — not just through results, but through the people, challenges and stories behind the game.

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