The Ruck

The Greatest Rivalry series is level at 1-1!

South Africa beat New Zealand in Cape Town and now attention turns to the third test in Johannesburg. Despite being a four match series, is the third test - which is the final one on South African soil - the unofficial decider?

Alfie and Alex reflect on the second test including the controversial build-up, in which Rassie Erasmus made multiple changes to his matchday squad. Was this within the regulations? Did it go against the spirit of the game?

Plus, legendary former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick chats to Alex about the upcoming film 'Jonah' which focuses on the iconic Jonah Lomu. Sean explains why there will never be another player like him.
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The first test between South Africa and New Zealand produced a famous win for the All Blacks. Can South Africa respond?

Was this the best thing for the four match series? Why has Rassie Erasmus named his team for the second test already despite injury concerns? And, how important was Saturday's victory for New Zealand under Dave Rennie?

Alfie and Charlie are in studio to analyse the key moments which led to the All Blacks' victory and ask how big an impact will this have on the back-to-back world champions?

Alex dials in from South Africa to react to Rassie's team for the second test and explains why Handre Pollard has been selected over Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

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From captaining the England rugby team to tackling life's toughest challenges — including his recent MND diagnosis — Lewis Moody has always been a man of action.

Don't miss Lewis in London on November 5th, where he'll be sitting down with Times rugby correspondent Alex Lowe to discuss his new book, Fronting Up. Expect an honest and deeply inspiring conversation exploring the mistakes, triumphs, and life lessons that forged a great man's mettle.

For tickets, head to thetimes.com/events.
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South Africa and New Zealand play the first test of their four match 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series this weekend.

Alfie is joined by Alex and New Zealand journalist Jamie Wall, who are both in South Africa, to look ahead to the series.

How big are the next four matches for rugby's two super-powers? How does it compare to when England took on the Boks just six weeks ago? And, why has there been a war of words this week in the build-up?

Jamie explains the headlines from Dave Rennie's All Blacks team selection and why winning the first test is so pivotal for New Zealand.

***

From captaining the England rugby team to tackling life's toughest challenges — including his recent MND diagnosis — Lewis Moody has always been a man of action.

Don't miss Lewis in London on November 5th, where he'll be sitting down with Times rugby correspondent Alex Lowe to discuss his new book, Fronting Up. Expect an honest and deeply inspiring conversation exploring the mistakes, triumphs, and life lessons that forged a great man's mettle.

For tickets, head to hetimes.com/events.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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