Boks Unpacked x The Verdict

The Springboks have taken control of the series after another huge victory over the All Blacks, but how did they manage to win a game in which New Zealand enjoyed more possession, more carries and more line breaks? Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and the team break down the key moments that decided the Test, from the Boks’ brutal scrum and maul dominance to Rassie Erasmus’ perfectly timed substitutions and the All Blacks’ growing set-piece problem. They also head back into Controversy Corner to dissect the biggest refereeing flashpoints from another fiercely contested encounter. Plus, with one final Test still to come in Baltimore, the guys ask what is really at stake for the Springboks, whether New Zealand can find an answer to South Africa’s greatest weapon, and what it would mean for this Bok side to finish the series 3-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Greatest Rivalry is perfectly poised at 1–1 as the Springboks and All Blacks head to the Calabash for a huge third Test in Soweto. Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers join the Boks Unpacked team to look ahead to what many are calling the true series decider, and discuss exactly what awaits the two sides at one of South African rugby’s great venues. The boys get stuck into all the controversy from the build-up: Rassie Erasmus’ late team switch, whether rugby’s team-sheet rules need to change, and Dave Rennie’s claims about the Springbok scrum “walking around” — mind games or a genuine technical concern? They also break down where Saturday’s Test could be won and lost, from the aerial battle and backfield defence at altitude to why the Boks may need to go out with the ambition of scoring 40 points. Plus, Schalk and Jean revisit their own memories of playing the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, debate the future of proper old-school Test tours, reveal some of the toughest opponents they ever faced and, inevitably, share a few stories from the nights out that followed some of rugby’s biggest battles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the All Blacks shocked South Africa at Ellis Park, the panel is back to preview the next Test in Cape Town. They discuss what needs to change, whether the South African side should be more ambitious in attack, the importance of converting 22-metre entries, and how the conditions could influence the game. The panel also breaks down the All Blacks’ selection, the scrum battle, the return of Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche's 50th Test, Pieter-Steph du Toit’s 100th Test, and whether the previous result was as convincing as the scoreline suggested. Plus, they reveal their predictions for the weekend and discuss the players they expect to make the biggest impact. Proudly brought to you by: ‪ ‪‪‪‪@WeBuyCars‬ | ‪@BetwaySouthAfrica‬ | ‪@officialcastlelager‬ | @coca-colasouthafrica‬ | ‪@supersport‬ Watch more Boks Unpacked Episodes by clicking on the playlist here: • Boks Unpacked Watch more The Verdict Episodes by clicking on the playlist here: • The Verdict Never miss a new episode - subscribe here: 👉 / @the-verdict-channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

The Greatest Rivalry is here, and on this episode of Boks Unpacked, the panel welcomes former All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens to discuss one of rugby’s biggest battles — the Springboks vs All Blacks at Ellis Park. Mehrtens shares his experiences of facing South Africa, the intensity of the rivalry, and what makes playing the Springboks such a unique challenge. The team also looks back at iconic moments from the rivalry, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, Ellis Park memories, the famous Paris panel debate, and how both nations continue to shape the history of world rugby. With the first Test approaching, the panel breaks down what fans can expect when these two rugby giants collide once again. Proudly brought to you by: ‪ ‪‪ ‪@WeBuyCars‬ - ‪@BetwaySouthAfrica‬ - ‪@officialcastlelager‬ - ‪@coca-colasouthafrica‬ - ‪@supersport‬ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duane Vermeulen joins the Fan Van for a brilliant look back at a career that delivered some of the defining moments in Springbok history. From the extraordinary turnaround under Rassie Erasmus and why winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup was never actually part of the original plan, to thinking his Bok career was finished before being called back for one final shot at glory in 2023, Duane lifts the lid on what made that generation so special. He also reveals how Rassie first discovered him, the evolution of his coaching over nearly 20 years and why the Springboks’ success ultimately comes down to getting the right people pulling towards one goal. There are plenty of stories from one of the toughest No.8s to ever play the game too: returning from neck fusion to face Samoa at the 2015 World Cup, picking out defenders as his “customers”, naming Richie McCaw as the toughest opponent he ever faced and recalling some unforgettable battles with the All Blacks. Plus, Duane tells the story of refusing Robbie Fleck’s request to repeat himself in English, accidentally drinking his coach’s entire bottle of brandy and the moment Os du Randt was mistaken for his dad. A proper Fan Van episode with one of South African rugby’s modern greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

The Greatest Rivalry is here, and on this episode of Boks Unpacked, the panel welcomes All Blacks legend Justin Marshall to discuss one of rugby’s greatest rivalries: South Africa versus New Zealand. Justin reflects on unforgettable Rugby World Cup memories, the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, and what makes the Springboks vs All Blacks rivalry unlike anything else in world rugby. The panel also breaks down the upcoming Greatest Rivalry Tour, including the challenges facing both teams, All Blacks squad selections, Richie Mo’unga’s omission, South Africa’s depth, and how the move away from Super Rugby has changed the development of players on both sides. From classic battles against legends like Joost van der Westhuizen and Ma’a Nonu to the physicality, history, and passion that define this rivalry, this episode dives deep into the stories shaping the biggest contests in rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Springbok legend Percy Montgomery joins the Fan Van to revisit an extraordinary career that made him one of South African rugby’s most recognisable figures. From the long blond hair and white boots to becoming the first Springbok to reach 100 Test caps, Percy reveals the work, pressure and personality behind the image. He tells the truth behind the controversial incident that led to his six-month playing ban, recalls the terrifying reality of trying to stop Jonah Lomu and explains how his time in Wales transformed both his kicking and his career. Percy also shares the story of Jake White bringing him back into the Springbok setup after he had missed the 2003 World Cup. That comeback would end with Percy playing a decisive role in South Africa’s triumphant 2007 World Cup campaign. He reflects on the final against England, the discipline that made him one of rugby’s greatest goal-kickers and the journey from being written off to becoming a world champion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re hitting the road with our mobile studio to sit down with Fourie du Preez, diving into his incredible rugby journey — from his early days to becoming one of the greatest Springbok scrum-halves. This episode captures exclusive conversations with Fourie, exploring his career highlights, behind-the-scenes stories, and unforgettable moments that defined his legacy in South African rugby. Fans will get a rare look at his reflections, personal anecdotes, and the human side of life in the jersey. Our mobile studio brings Fourie’s story directly to you, preserving his legacy and offering unique insights into his career and impact on the game. Subscribe for weekly updates on our Fan Van journey, and tell us in the comments which Fourie du Preez memory you love the most. Watch more Boks Unpacked Episodes: • Boks Unpacked Watch more The Verdict Episodes: • The Verdict Never miss a new episode - subscribe here: / @the-verdict-channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

The Springboks may have survived Scotland’s onslaught, but after missing 50 tackles, just how worried should Rassie Erasmus be? Jean de Villiers joins the team to unpack the Boks’ narrow escape, assess the problems exposed by Scotland and look ahead to a heavily rotated Springbok side facing Wales in Durban. The panel also debates whether South African rugby is doing enough to keep its best young players at home. With hundreds of talented prospects heading overseas and the average professional in South Africa playing surprisingly few matches, are the current academy and franchise systems wasting an entire generation of talent? Plus, Jean makes one of the biggest predictions in the show’s history: Ireland will end the All Blacks’ 52-Test unbeaten run at Eden Park. The team also discusses Australia’s alarming collapse, Fiji’s continued struggles, England’s resurgence and all the major talking points ahead of another huge weekend of international rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

Victor Matfield is widely regarded as one of the greatest locks to have ever played the game. A Rugby World Cup winner, 127-cap Springbok, three-time Super Rugby champion and the man who revolutionised the modern lineout, Victor joins us to relive the defining moments of one of the greatest eras in South African rugby history. In this episode, Victor shares incredible untold stories from inside the Springbok camp, including the infamous Jake White haircut saga, what it was really like playing alongside the fearsome Bakkies Botha, the celebrations after beating the All Blacks, and the wild nights that almost got members of the 2007 World Cup squad sent home. He also explains how he transformed lineout strategy forever, reflects on captaining the Springboks, and reveals the mentality that helped South Africa become one of the most dominant teams in world rugby. This is a fascinating conversation packed with laughter, incredible behind-the-scenes stories and brilliant insight into leadership, preparation and what it takes to build one of the greatest teams the sport has ever seen. Whether you're a lifelong Springbok supporter or simply love hearing the stories behind sporting greatness, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Springboks are back in action! In this episode of the show, we unpack the first game of the season against the Barbarians, where the Boks scored an impressive 80 points. The panel breaks down standout performances, including Riley Norton’s debut try, Vuzi Moyo’s influence, and Paul de Villiers’ work rate, plus the tactical decisions behind the tries and defensive efforts. We also highlight the emerging young talents, the structure of the squad, and how the Boks prepared for intensity while managing player development. From breakdown work to attacking combinations and key plays from the forwards and backs, this episode is a deep dive into South Africa’s rugby strategy. Drop your thoughts below: which players impressed you most, and how will the Boks fare in upcoming tests against England, Scotland, and Wales? Subscribe for more exclusive Springbok insights, match analysis, and behind-the-scenes commentary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

This week on Boks Unpacked, the guys break down a massive weekend of rugby as Bordeaux completely outclass Leinster in the Champions Cup Final and continue their rise as the most dangerous team in world rugby right now. The conversation shifts to the URC playoffs, with huge quarterfinal clashes ahead for the Stormers, Bulls, Lions, and Glasgow. There’s also big discussion around Cheslin Kolbe’s reported return to South Africa, the growth of the French clubs, Springbok depth, and what makes Loftus one of the toughest places in world rugby. Alongside all the serious rugby analysis, the episode is packed with classic banter, stories from the road, fan van chaos, and predictions for a massive playoff weekend ahead. Watch more Boks Unpacked Episodes by clicking on the playlist here: • Boks Unpacked Watch more The Verdict Episodes by clicking on the playlist here: • The Verdict Never miss a new episode - subscribe here 👉 / @the-verdict-channel Proudly brought to you by: ‪‪‪ ‪@WeBuyCars‬ | ‪‪‪ ‪@BetwaySouthAfrica‬ ‬ |‬ ‪‪‪ ‪@officialcastlelager‬ ‬ |‬ ‪‪‪ ‪@coca-colasouthafrica‬ ‬ | ‪‪‪ ‪@supersport‬ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Boks Unpacked, the panel reacts to one of the funniest moments in show history after an old Cape Epic prediction video resurfaces live on air. Alongside the chaos, the boys break down the latest URC action, discuss whether the Sharks have finally found an attacking flyhalf, and unpack the growing strength of South African rugby from schoolboy level all the way to the Springboks. There’s also debate around the All Blacks, Dave Rennie, Richie Mo’unga eligibility rules, and the future of the Currie Cup. The episode also covers Stormers vs Ulster drama, Sharks inconsistency, the rise of young SA rugby stars, and the greatest outside centres of the modern era including Brian O’Driscoll and Conrad Smith. Expect rugby analysis, banter, predictions, and plenty of laughs throughout. Drop your thoughts below: can the Sharks become title contenders next season, and should Shimmy finally do the full forfeit? Subscribe for more weekly rugby content, URC reactions, Springbok discussions, and Boks Unpacked episodes. Watch more Boks Unpacked Episodes by clicking on the playlist here: • Boks Unpacked Watch more The Verdict Episodes by clicking on the playlist here: • The Verdict Never miss a new episode - subscribe here 👉 / @the-verdict-channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.