Welcome back to That Rugby Union Show — and tonight we’re deep-diving into the chaos that is South African rugby’s new secret weapon:the 15th man… who’s actually already off the field.Yes, the Boks are back in action against Ireland — and after last week’s “14 men is enough” masterclass, Xola and Sim unpack whether South Africa genuinely plays better when someone’s in the changeroom drinking Guinness.In this episode:🔥 The big one — Boks vs Ireland: where the game will be won🔥 Why South Africa’s depth is so absurd it breaks World Rugby’s ranking system🔥 Tactical matchups: Irish structure vs Bok violence🔥 The psychological edge: why Ireland look like they’re seeing ghosts🔥 Are we witnessing a new era where the ‘sent-off’ Bok becomes the designated beer-holder?🔥 Plus: viewer predictions, hot takes, and the usual straight talk you won’t hear on TVAnd yes, we’ll be addressing the international meltdown over the “14-man Springbok ranking”… including why the AI supercomputer laughed when asked if Ireland could win.👇 Drop your score predictions.👇 Who’s your “15th man”? (Actual player or the guy with the Guinness.)That Rugby Union ShowHosted by Xola Ntshinga & Sim XabanisaThe only rugby show where the analysis hits as hard as a Bok cleanout.

The Springboks got it done in Paris — and Xola Ntshinga & Sim Xabanisa break down everything from an emotional, physical, beautifully ugly South Africa vs France showdown.

This episode covers:

• How the Boks controlled the chaos and forced France to play on South Africa’s terms

• France’s emotional overload — the spy talk, the leaks, the revenge story, and why it all backfired exactly as predicted

• The key tactical shifts: 6–2 bench impact, pressure on France’s inexperienced props, the Bok back-three battle, and their defensive organisation

• The milestones — Kolisi’s 100th, Rassie’s 50th — and how both shaped the attitude and calmness of the Boks

• The turning points France couldn’t manage without Dupont’s influence or pack stability

• Mind games that mattered and why France still haven’t fully recovered from 2023

• What this win means for the rest of the season and where both teams go from here

Straight rugby talk. Zero PR. No sugar-coating.

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Send us your thoughts on the match — we’ll read them on the next episode.

South Africa have done it again. The Springboks retained the Rugby Championship after a nail-biting 29–27 win over Argentina at Twickenham, clinching the title on points difference. Both the Boks and All Blacks finished on 19 log points, but Rassie’s men held their superior +57 margin to keep the crown.

Xola and Sim break down every moment from Twickenfontein — no guests, just straight Bok analysis and sharp rugby talk.

🇿🇦 Back-to-Back Kings
It wasn’t pretty, but it was powerful. Two tries each from Malcolm Marx and Cobus Reinach anchored a dominant set-piece display, while the Pumas’ late surge tested Bok nerve to the limit.

🇦🇷 Pumas Bring the Fight
Felipe Contepomi’s side came to disrupt — and nearly did. A late try had fans on edge, but South Africa’s discipline and tactical kicking saw them home.

🇳🇿 All Blacks Fall Just Short
New Zealand beat Australia in Perth, but their inferior +8 points difference left them chasing shadows. The Boks’ Durban demolition job ultimately sealed the deal.

🧠 In this episode:

• How Marx and Reinach powered the win

• Tactical discipline under pressure

• Rassie & Kolisi’s mindset shift

• Why Perth still mattered

• What’s next: the northern tour and the Championship’s evolution

New chaos drops every week — follow for raw Bok breakdowns wherever you listen.

Xola Ntshinga and Sim Xabanisa break down a massive Test week as the Springboks take on France in Paris — loaded with history, emotion and two years of simmering tension.

With Siya Kolisi’s 100th Test and Rassie Erasmus’ 50th, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In this episode:

• Kolisi’s centurion form

• France’s spy allegations and leaked team drama

• Rassie’s mind-games

• Missing DuPont, Aldritt omission, inexperienced front row

• The 6–2 bench battle

• Tactical match-ups and pressure moments

• Why the 2023 quarter-final still haunts France

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Send your match prediction: Who wins “Le Grudge”?

Rugby is entering a new era. Xola Ntshinga and Sim Xabanisa unpack SANZAAR’s bold 2026–2030 plan — the pause of The Rugby Championship, the rise of the Nations Cup, and the move toward a global season.

Pat Lambie joins the show to reflect on the changes, player safety, and the next evolution of the game. From concussion awareness to the All Blacks’ massive 2026 tour, this episode dives deep into rugby’s biggest transformation in decades.

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💬 Send us your voice note or message on Spotify — tell us if you back the new plan or think it’s gone too far.
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In this episode, Xola Ntshinga speaks with former Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius, who now coaches in Japan’s League One. Pretorius reflects on the toughest lesson of his career — the Test he says he “lost for South Africa” — and how that moment shaped his philosophy as a coach.

He shares rare insight into Jake White’s influence, the importance of discomfort in elite rugby, and the emotional intelligence required to coach across cultures. From breaking language barriers to building trust in Japan’s rigid rugby system, Pretorius reveals how simplicity and empathy can unlock performance.

The discussion turns to South African rugby — the Lions’ ongoing struggles, the Currie Cup’s brutal schooling, and the question of leadership in a divided system. Honest, humble, and sharp — this is rugby insight from a man who’s lived both sides of the game.

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This weekend, it’s squeaky bum time for every Bok fan from Bellville to Bloem. The Rugby Championship title hangs in the balance — and all roads lead to Twickenfontein, where the Springboks face Argentina with everything on the line.

Xola and Sim, no fluff — just pure Bok brainpower and banter as they break down the final round.

🇿🇦 Boks on the Brink
South Africa sit top with 15 points after torching Argentina 67–30 in Durban, but a simple win might not seal it. A bonus-point victory will slam the door on NZ and Australia and secure the trophy outright. Ox Nche returns, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stays in the saddle after his 37-point heroics, and Damian de Allende is backing him to be the difference again.

🇦🇷 Pumas Reload
Felipe Contepomi’s made seven changes, shifting Carreras to fullback and giving Prisciantelli another shot at 10. Expect early fireworks.

🇳🇿🇦🇺 Eden Park Fallout & Perth Decider
NZ vs Australia is now about silverware scraps. Barrett’s back as captain, McKenzie starts at 10, and the Wallabies reshuffle for Slipper’s swansong. For SA, it only matters if the Boks stumble.

🧮 Championship Math

• Bonus-point Bok win = Trophy secured.

• Win without bonus = Open door for NZ/Aus.

• Lose = URC time.

🔥 In this episode:

• Tactical keys for Twickenham.

• Can Sacha deliver under pressure abroad?

• The real threat (if any) from NZ and Aus.

• Where the title could be won or lost.

New chaos drops every week — hit follow and get your Bok fix wherever you are.

The dust has barely settled — and the Springboks have left Durban smoking. In this post-game breakdown, we unpack everything that mattered from a massive weekend of rugby.

🇿🇦 Boks in Full Beast ModeSouth Africa smashed Argentina 67–30, turning a tight first half into a second-half bloodbath.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu made history, scoring 37 points — the most ever by a Bok in a single Test. Tries from Pieter-Steph du Toit (2), Marx, Kolbe, Libbok, van den Berg and Sacha turned Kings Park into a demolition site.
The result puts the Boks top of the table, one step closer to the Championship crown.

🌍 Global Fallout

• Eden Park Curse continues: Wallabies fall 33–24 to NZ.

• Injury chaos: Beauden Barrett out (shoulder), McDermott sidelined, Skelton & Valetini recalled.

• England Women crowned World Champions after beating Canada at Twickenham.

  
  

🧠 What We’re Breaking Down

• How the Boks flipped the switch after halftime — tactics, depth, clinical finishing.

• What Sacha’s record-breaking night means for Bok flyhalf succession.

• Durban dominance: was this Rassie’s statement performance of the year?

• Eden Park ripple effects — and what it means for the title race.

• Quick hits: women’s final, injuries, coaching fallout.

  
  

No fluff. No filters. Just raw Bok analysis and weekend chaos.