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THE EPISODES
Ep. 93
Josh Strauss | From Lions Legend to Scotland Star | How He Led Ikeys to Varsity Cup Glory!
Josh Strauss, former Scotland star and standout for the Lions and Glasgow Warriors, joins Behind the Ruck this week! Known for his trademark beard and relentless playing style, Josh carved out a unique path in rugby, earning international caps for Scotland after rising through the South African rugby system.
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Ep. 77
Elton Jantjies Reflects on His Journey | Pressure, Challenges, and Rugby Success!
Elton dives into the vital role of senior players in a team, explaining the importance of leadership and understanding what it truly means to play for something greater. Reflecting on his stellar career with the Springboks and Lions, he reveals how achieving one goal inspired him to set the next, always striving for excellence. He also gives us insight into his unique kicking style and how it has become a defining part of his game.
To close the episode, Rudy and Juan take a moment to reflect on the year that was, share their aspirations for the new year, and wish all of you a Happy New Year. They also introduce our WhatsApp Channel, where you can join the conversation and stay updated on all things Behind the Ruck.
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Ep. 70
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Opens Up About His Injury, Return to Play, & Springbok Camp Secrets
We’re thrilled to have Springbok Star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Behind The Ruck! Sacha dives into his journey to the top, from juggling first-team spots in multiple sports to his unforgettable Springbok debut as a fly-half. He shares insights from the Springbok Camp, the invaluable role his family played in his career, and even gives a shoutout to our very own Rudy and Juan for their hard work! Sacha also opens up about his injury struggles, the tough road to recovery, and what it means to make his return to play with the Springboks.🔥
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Ep. 68
Cheslin Kolbe Reveals the Secrets Behind His Legendary Sidestep and 1st Springbok Call-up
In this electrifying episode of Behind the Ruck, we’re honored to sit down with none other than Cheslin Kolbe! 🌟 From the dusty fields of South Africa to the grand stadiums of France and Japan, Cheslin’s story is one of pure heart, resilience, and relentless passion for rugby. Hear him relive the pivotal moment he first laced up for the Springboks, and the blood, sweat, and tears that shaped his journey there. 💚💛
He lets us in on the secrets behind his jaw-dropping sidestep, the intense conditioning that keeps him unstoppable, and the rugby heroes who inspired him to chase his dreams. Cheslin also shares the moving story behind the Kolbe Foundation, a project close to his heart, dedicated to turning obstacles into powerful motivators for others.
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Ep. 31
A real conversation with Siya Kolisi
The renowned rugby figure and two-time Springbok Rugby World Cup champion, Mr. Siya Kolisi, graces the Behind the Ruck studio with his presence, offering Ruckers an exclusive peek behind the scenes. As former teammates and friends, we delve into Siya's experiences since relocating to France and gain some more insight on his life.
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Ep. 92
Who Should Wear the Springbok 8 Jersey? 🤔 | Aussie Rugby Rising Again? | Drama in the Varsity Cup 🔥
We kick things off with the Varsity Cup, chatting standout moments and what’s got everyone talking. Then it’s onto the BrightRock experience and our Bounce Player of the Week. From there, we unpack the latest results and break down the key performances.
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Ep. 91
Peter de Villiers Unveils All: Eposes Springboks' Challenges! | Coaching Style | State of Rugby
In this episode of Behind the Ruck, hosts Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh cover a range of topics, starting with the BrightRock Bounce Player of the Week, celebrating an outstanding performance in recent matches. They then analyze the latest Challenge Cup results and fixtures, offering insights into team performances and upcoming games.
The highlight of the episode is an exclusive interview with former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers. He discusses his coaching style and selection philosophy, providing a behind-the-scenes look at his approach to team management. De Villiers also shares his thoughts on the current Springbok squad, reflects on the highlights of his 2009 coaching tenure, and talks about overcoming challenges throughout his career.
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Ep. 90
Jordan Hendrikse | Joining the Sharks, His Springbok Future & The Art of Kicking! 🦈
Before Jordan jumps on, Rudy and Juan have something special for the Ruckers—a competition with Festina Watches! 🎉 Want to win? It’s simple: Watch the episode, listen for the question about a previous episode, and drop your answer in the comments. Every correct entry gives you a shot at winning a sleek Festina watch! ⏳⌚
Now, onto the main event—Jordan Hendrikse! He sits down with us to chat about his big move to Durban and joining the Sharks, his journey from school games into pro rugby, growing up alongside his brother Jaden Hendrikse, and what it takes to be a top kicker. Jordan also dives into his Currie Cup victory, signing with Roc Nation, and his future aspirations in the game.
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Ep. 89
Oupa Mohojé on Injuries, Rugby’s Harsh Reality & the State of Cheetahs Rugby! 💥🏉🔥
This week on Behind The Ruck, Oupa Mohojé joins the show for an in-depth chat! Before diving into his journey, Rudy and Juan kick things off by breaking down their Brightrock Bounce Player of the Week, highlighting a standout performer from the past weekend.
Oupa then joins the conversation to talk about balancing rugby while preparing for life after the game. He shares insights on getting into coaching, how he’s preparing for the future while still competing at a high level, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He also reflects on the best coach he’s ever worked with and how they influenced his career.
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Ep. 88
Are the Springboks in Trouble? Is a New Era of French & NZ Rugby Dominance Coming?!
Rugby fans, buckle up! 🏉 This week on Behind the Ruck, Gio Aplon joins Juan and Rudy for a no-holds-barred discussion on all things rugby! From thrilling Six Nations results to bold predictions for the British & Irish Lions, this episode is packed with insights, debates, and a few controversial takes! 💥
We dive into the Six Nations results—who’s thriving and who’s struggling? 🇫🇷 With French rugby dominating, are they the new kings of the sport? Plus, we break down Ireland’s red-hot form and whether they can keep it up heading into 2025.
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Ep. 87
Kyle Steyn on Leading Glasgow, Six Nation Predictions, The move the Scotland and many more!
This episode kicks off with Rudy and Juan breaking down the latest URC results, including the Lions vs Sharks clash. They then dive into the Six Nations, analyzing key takeaways from recent matches, with a deep dive into Ireland vs France, before wrapping up with Super Rugby results.
Kyle Steyn, Scotland international and URC-winning captain with Glasgow Warriors, joins the show to discuss Scotland’s upcoming fixtures, balancing club and national team commitments, and thoughts on the British & Irish Lions Tour. He also reflects on leading Glasgow to URC glory in 2024 and what that moment meant for him.
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Ep. 86
Robbie Fleck on Lions vs Sharks | Varsity Cup Drama | URC & Six Nations Showdowns!
This week on Behind the Ruck, we’re joined by none other than Robbie Fleck! The former Springbok and Western Province legend, who also played and coached for the Stormers, now finds himself leading the University of Cape Town IKEYS rugby team.
We dive into the electric atmosphere of the Varsity Cup, breaking down his coaching journey and how he’s guiding UCT through the competition. Then, Fleckie gets stuck into the upcoming URC clashes—Lions vs. Sharks and the always fiery North-South derby, Stormers vs. Bulls. He, Rudy, and Juan also tackle the latest Six Nations action, giving their takes on the biggest moments.
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