Chatter from Cow Corner

Dave Rennie, New All Blacks CoachSo New Zealand just hired the bloke that Australia threw in the bin three years ago. Dave Rennie — sacked by the Wallabies, replaced by Eddie Jones, who then took Australia to their worst World Cup performance in history and couldn't get out of the group stage. Meanwhile, Rennie quietly went to Japan, won some games, chopped firewood in Manawatu, and waited. Now he's got the biggest rugby job on the planet. The man didn't even need to campaign for it — karma did the work. Quade Cooper said it on X and he's absolutely right: Australia pushed one of the best coaches in the game out the door and handed him straight to their rivals. Beautiful. And just to twist the knife: poor Jamie Joseph — overlooked THREE TIMES for the All Blacks job — was gracious enough to text his congratulations the moment he found out. Third time, mate. Third. Time.T20 World Cup 2026, ProteasSouth Africa went through the entire tournament without losing a single game. Beat India. Unbeaten. Unbeatable. Untouchable. Then a bloke called Finn Allen showed up at Eden Gardens, hit a hundred off 33 balls — the fastest in World Cup history — and it was over before the Proteas could finish their pre-match prayers. New Zealand won by 9 wickets with 43 balls still to go. FORTY-THREE BALLS. South Africa had five days left on the clock and still lost. Markram scored 286 runs all tournament. Ngidi took 12 wickets. It genuinely didn't matter. The chokers tag is not a label anymore — it's a lifestyle.Six Nations 2026England lost to Italy. England. Lost. To Italy. After 32 consecutive wins. In Rome. While being sin-binned TWICE including their own captain. Steve Borthwick stood at a press conference afterwards and said "discipline has cost us" — which is technically true in the same way you might say "the Titanic had a minor flooding issue." Meanwhile, Scotland went to Murrayfield and absolutely annihilated France 50–40, ending their Grand Slam dreams and blowing the title race so wide open that three teams are now in with a chance going into Super Saturday. France, Scotland, Ireland. One afternoon to decide it all. And poor Wales haven't won a match since March 2023. Not a sausage. They recorded the lowest Six Nations attendance ever at home this year. Even their own fans have given up.Proteas Choke HistoryWe take a loving, painful stroll through the greatest hits. 1992: SA need 22 off 13 balls, rain comes, and the scoring system — in its infinite wisdom — changes the target to 21 off ONE ball. Brian McMillan literally laughed. 1999: Klusener hits two fours off the first two balls, SA need 1 to win, Allan Donald drops his bat, runs, stops, panics, gets run out, and the match TIES — with Australia going through on a previous result. And 2015: Grant Elliott hits Dale Steyn for six to win it off the last ball, then walks over to the heartbroken Steyn on his knees and helps him up. It's simultaneously the greatest act of sportsmanship and the most devastating thing you've ever seen. Where were you? Because South Africa certainly wasn't ready.Five Quiz QuestionsFive questions, zero mercy. Answers included for the lazy.

Orlando Pirates just executed Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the Soweto Derby like it was a personal vendetta from the 1970s player-stealing era. Expected win? Sure. But 3-0 at FNB with 100,000+ gatecrashers? That's not a scoreline, that's a war crime. PSL goals this season are apparently on strict calorie control — everyone's too busy exporting strikers to Europe before they can score twice.Cricket World Cup semi-finals locked: South Africa (unbeaten, fast-bowling gods on spin-friendly pitches — who saw that coming?) vs New Zealand. England sneaking through like that one mate who passes exams by copying. Coach has apparently yeeted every ego out the dressing room and replaced it with "team over self" + racial harmony glue. Result: Proteas suddenly playing like adults.Then we pivot to Tennis Dads: The Original Toxic Edition. Mike Agassi critiquing Steffi Graf's backhand like she didn't win 22 Slams. Peter Graf fighting refs at French Open. Richard Williams dropping an 85-page unborn-daughters-domination manifesto. John Haliburton literally invading the court to yell at Giannis. Michelle Wie's parents speedrunning her career into burnout. Moral: If your dad has a plan thicker than a Bible for your unborn kid's forehand, run.Podcast recommendations tier list speedrun:The Tennis Podcast — Kickstarter kings who basically live in Grand Slams.Lessons from the World's Best — deep therapy sessions with athletes.The Grade Cricketer — Aussie filth and vibes.Sports Criminals — "Russian doping? Let's gossip."The Upshot — rude, drunken sports dirt BBC won't touch.Sports Wars — 5-episode mini-docs on rivalries like Fedal and Kobe-Shaq. (Spoiler: They're already binging it off-mic.)Fun fast five facts finale:Last non-Joburg Soweto Derby? Durban 2007–08, fastest goal ever (19 seconds — guy basically spawn-camped).Happy Jele: 33 derbies, still standing.Chris Gayle: 63 sixes in T20 WC without ever hitting 1,000 runs total. 39% of his runs = pure sixes. Legend.Some dude named Brian Bennett batting at 146 average this tournament. Cricket math broke.

T20 Cricket World Cup (Men's)South Africa (Proteas) delivered a strong, clinical performance against New Zealand, chasing down 176 comfortably (led by Aiden Markram's unbeaten 86) to secure qualification for the Super 8 stage with their third straight win, regardless of their final group match.Their fast bowlers have been highly effective; Marco Jansen starred with career-best figures (e.g., 4/40 in that game).Shadley van Schalkwyk is the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets so far (at age 37, playing for USA, not SA).Other highlights: Disappointment in the India-Pakistan match (Pakistan underperformed and lost convincingly); excitement from Zimbabwe's upset win over Australia (thanks to bowlers like Richard Ngarava/Blessing Muzarabani and Brian Bennett), showing smaller nations can beat giants in T20.Fun facts: Virat Kohli has the most T20 World Cup runs (1,292 at avg ~59, no centuries); tallest players are 6'8" trio (Blessing Muzarabani, Marco Jansen, Kyle Jamieson); Imran Tahir ranks high historically in T20 wickets.South Africa Women's Cricket (Proteas Women)The team is performing exceptionally well (often "under the radar") and recently played a T20 series against Pakistan (blending youth like 21-year-old left-armer Ayanda and 20-year-old all-rounder Kayla Reyneke with veterans like Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt).Laura Wolvaardt praised for consistent excellence (some comparisons to Jacques Kallis).Upcoming: Tours to New Zealand; India and Australia visiting SA next summer (including Tests).Expectations: Strong in ODIs/T20s but likely to struggle in Tests due to limited experience.Pay gap: Narrowed in CSA-contracted salaries, but men earn far more via leagues like IPL/SA20.Ranked consistently top 4 globally, possibly now ahead of New Zealand.Six Nations Rugby (Men's, after Round 2)Scotland ended England's 12-match winning streak with a win (Scotland has won 6 of last 9 vs England).Italy showed progress (ran Ireland close but no draw/win).France is the only unbeaten team and dominant (though boosted by Wales' poor form); France leads standings (10 pts), followed by Scotland (6), England (5), etc.Wales struggling badly (lowest-ever Principality Stadium attendance for a Six Nations game).URC (with SA teams) credited for helping develop Italian, Irish, and Scottish players.Craziest Fan StuntsExamples: Manchester United fan not cutting hair until 5 straight league wins (stuck at 4); "Fan Man" James Miller parachuting into Holyfield-Bowe fight; Mets fan parachuting onto field in 1986 World Series; naked fan tackling a player in 1991 Currie Cup; prolific streaker Mark Roberts (580+ times); dangerous F1 track stunts criticized.Fast Fun Five FactsT20 WC: Kohli most runs; tallest players listed.Overall T20 wickets: Rashid Khan recently hit 700; Imran Tahir high historically.Women's all-format runs: Mithali Raj leads (predictions for Smriti Mandhana/Laura Wolvaardt to surpass).Rugby: England women's team holds dominant streak (34 consecutive wins; last tournament loss in 2018).Six Nations trivia: Bundee Aki (Irish, Samoan descent) never played for Māori All Blacks; Andre Watson (SA) first to referee two consecutive Rugby World Cup finals (1999, 2003).

Sasha and Luyanda discuss the T20 Cricket World Cup, highlighting the close game between Nepal and England, predicting a semi-final finish for South Africa, and identifying the South Africa versus New Zealand game as the decider for the top of their group. In their review of the Six Nations rugby, they agreed that the France versus England match would be the title decider and acknowledged Italy’s success, which propelled them above Scotland in the rankings, while also noting that Ireland fell to their worst ranking during the Andy Farrell era. The conversation shifted to sports personalities' use of social media, praising Rassie Erasmus's strategic interactions and discussing the fallout between Carlos Alcaraz and his former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. They concluded the meeting by reviewing famous sports quotes, citing Wayne Gretzky's quote: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

SA 20 Review. Fourth season and still only two winners! Sunrisers Eastern Cape beat Pretoria Capitals in the final at Newlands.Australian Open - Womens segment. Coming down the wire, two semi finalists confirmed, Aryna Sabalenka dominant against newcomer US teenager (2nd best 18 year old in the world, Iva Jovic). Jovic tried, I think she is destined for good things, shows awesome maturity for an 18 year old. Sabalenka won 6-3, 6-0 and was dominant.Some amazing stats, Sabalenka won 67 of the 112 points, with 7 aces and 31 winners more than half beat Jovic. Watch this space, Jovic up to 20 in the live rankings.Are sport’s coaches easily disposable?This in light of All Blacks firing their coach Scott Robertson despite a 74% win record. Not quite “fair” I think. 2024, 71%, 2023, 75 percent. But world cup since 2015. In the NBA, the National Basketball association, you average tenure is 2.4 seasons. So every three years there is a new coach. Surely not great for continuity. In the premier league there were 14 managerial sackings in 2022/2023 …… Nottingham Forest have had three managers this season, they are 17th on the log and just outside of relegation territory. In a fast paced society where results and fan expectations meet financial realities, the axe is always quick to drop.Best sports playing kits. Iconic and easily recognisable. Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United. LA Lakers, Chicago bulls, Juventus. Argentina football, Brazil football, Dutch Football, AllBlacks Rugby, there are some iconic ones out there.Fun fast five facts. In the first ever high profile South African T20 competition, the Standard Bank Pro20 Series in April 2004, what was unique about the second innings? The Dolphins from Durban played the combined franchise of Western Province Boland at Newlands. In the second innings, with the combined cape team chasing 122 to win, both openers Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs made first ball ducks. Neil Johnson chewed up 24 balls for his pedestrian 8 runs, but they still won easily, 15 balls to spare.

We get to speak to a man who faced Murali in Galle, he got Matthew Hayden out when he'd made 380 (the then world record). He talks about career highlights and lowlights. The state of school cricket in Zimbabwe, as well as first class and the international setup. We then run through favourite test cricketers. And lastly, our usual fun fast five facts.

1) 10th Edition of CWC starts February, can anyone challenge India? Will it be South Africa, England or Australia? One month, 13 days of three matches a day.2) FIFA World Cup 2026 predictions. Spain, England, Germany, Brazil, Argentina (again?). Ronaldo and Messi swansong.3) 6 Nations Rugby. Will France's home games against England and Ireland give them an edge? Wales or Italy for the wooden spoon again? Can Gregor Townsend survive a Scotland underperformance?4) Favourite sports movies. From Coach Carter and Rudi, to F1 and Pele: Birth of a legend, which one was your favourite. 5) Fun Fast Five Facts. Sri Lanka's Kandy cricket ground, Asgiriya, with a unique record. Which is the oldest rugby trophy in the world? Which cricketers have played for two different nations at T20 cricket world cups. Who made their FIFA world cup debut first, Bafana Bafana or the Elephants?

We get an opportunity to speak to Ryan Schaper, the father of golfer Jayden, who recently won the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open. We ask him questions around the life of a pro golfer, the commercial and investment needed to become a pro golfer. Being a parent of a talented child.Your favourite sports books! And of course, your Five Fun Fast Facts.

1.⁠ ⁠Best & worst of SA sport in 20252.⁠ ⁠⁠Ashes wrap3.⁠ ⁠⁠AFCON preview4.⁠ ⁠⁠Favourite sporting moment 20255.⁠ ⁠⁠Fast Five Fun Facts1) The Rollercoaster Ride – Highs That Had Us Dancing, Lows That Had Us Crying into Our Braai Sauce! What a wild year for Mzansi sport! We went from choking on dust to sipping champagne. Let's dish the dirt with a cheeky grin: The Absolute Best Bits (Pure Goosebumps Stuff).2.⁠ ⁠⁠Oh England, bless your cotton socks! You rocked up to Australia – a place where you haven't won a Test in forever – with a team that's missed the last WTC final, barely any players who've toured Down Under... and then had the cheek to talk about a 5-0 whitewash? The arrogance! Australia had lost just ONE match all year (the WTC final to... us Saffas ). And what happened? Pat Cummins' boys dismantled you in record time – retaining the Ashes 3-0 in only 11 days of cricket! Shortest Ashes series ever, and England looked shellshocked.3) Ho ho ho... wait, it's AFCON time! Bafana Bafana are off to Morocco for a proper holiday thriller – three group games crammed into one week, like a festive braai backlog! Bafana ranked 11th in Africa, 61st overall – realistic expectations? With Hugo Broos' magic, a quarter-final would be massive, semis a dream, but don't rule out more!Squad vibes: 5 from Sundowns, 8 from Orlando Pirates (Buccaneers taking over!), 6 overseas stars... and ZERO from Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi fans, is this a problem? Drama alert – Chiefs drought continues!4) Epic Moments Mash-Up: Pure Sporting Poetry (With a Side of Drama!) Picture this cheeky collage of 2025 magic:Temba Bavuma strutting on Lord's outfield with the WTC mace – fresh off hobbling through his innings while the Proteas demolished Australia... right as the Aussies were busy thrashing England at home. Savage timing!Carlos Alcaraz clinching the French Open – just as Jannik Sinner's mom thought her boy needed one more point. Mum's heartbreak, Carlitos' glory – tennis brutality!Schoolboy Rugby Madness: K-Day derbies and Craven Week finals – those young lions tearing up fields, future Springboks in the making. Raw passion!These moments? Chef's kiss – sport at its dramatic, heart-pounding best!5) Fun Fast Five Facts: Quick-Fire Trivia to Impress at the Braai!Let's rapid-fire some bangers:Most wickets in a calendar year (Tests)? Shane Warne's legendary 96 in 2005 – spin wizardry unmatched!Who has won AFCON the most? Egypt – the Pharaohs with a record 7 titles!Has Mo Salah ever won an AFCON? Nope! Two finals (2017 & 2021), two heartbreaks. This year's his big shot!Which club has the most representation at AFCON 2025? Sudanese giants Al Hilal with 11 players, but shoutout to Orlando Pirates (9) and Mamelodi Sundowns flying the SA flag high!

Nqobile Ndlovu, a sport's research analyst from Cash n Sport talks about the following three topics:1) Which sporting codes are the most popular in South Africa from a viewership perspective? Football (soccer) reigns supreme as the most popular sport in South Africa, captivating millions with its grassroots appeal and massive followings. The iconic Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is the ultimate showdown—one of Africa's biggest rivalries, drawing enormous crowds and nationwide hype. But there's plenty beyond the derby: rugby union (especially among Springboks fans) and cricket round out the "Big Three," uniting the nation in passion. Other crowd-pullers include athletics, netball, golf, and swimming.2) Which codes generate the highest revenues? While football boasts the largest fanbase, rugby and cricket often generate higher commercial revenue through broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and international tournaments like the United Rugby Championship and SA20 cricket league.3) Woman's sport in South Africa, from a commercialisation and and viewership perspective.Women's sport is surging! Viewership is climbing, with teams like Banyana Banyana (football) and the Proteas Women (cricket) expanding fanbases and excelling internationally. Netball remains hugely popular at grassroots level, while rugby's Springbok Women are breaking records. Commercially, it's an undervalued gem—growing audiences attract sponsors, but there's massive untapped potential for investment in broadcasting, merchandise, and equal media spend to fuel further growth.4) Great sporting families.The Barrett brothers—Beauden, Scott, and Jordie—are rugby royalty from New Zealand, the only trio to start a Test match together for the All Blacks, with over 200 caps combined and multiple World Cup appearances. Venus and Serena are the sibling champions of tennis. 5) Fun Fast Five FactsQuestions and facts related to the subjects.

1) Rugby World Cup Draw - Rankings are officially meaningless toilet paper – prove me wrong! 2) The Ashes 2nd Test – Is Bazball Dead? - England’s ego project just got humiliated by actual Test cricket – Bazball = Braindead3) Women in sport – required to do more for less - Equal pay? Nah, women deliver bigger moments for pocket change and zero respect4) Athletes who’d dominate other codes - Jonty Rhodes, Elise Perry. Curtly Ambrose. Ian Botham. 5) Fun Five Fast Facts (now properly unhinged) - 5 Sports Facts So Dirty You’ll Need a Shower After

The first three questions were for Lewis Manthata, SA School's cricket selector!1) What are the cricket weeks? Set the scene.2) Pathway to schoolboy cricket, life after school3) Players to watch at these weeks.4) Bucket list sporting events5) Fun fast five facts

1) Nedbank golf challenge, 43rd time, how the tournament has changed2) Cape Town 7s, how the global 7s scene has changed3) Review of the Autumn series, who are the winners and who are the losers.4) Best Sporting Franchises5) Fast Fun Five Facts (FFFF). Which are the only two club teams to win the Hong Kong 7s?

1) Proteas smash India 2-0, amazing2) World cup football, rugby and cricket draws3) Technology in sport, ruining the game of rugby?4) Great sporting comebacks. Capriati, Manchester United, Foreman, 5) Fun fast five facts, who was the first use of technology in cricket, Who managed 7 runs off one ball?

Rugby wrap of the weekend including World Rugby Player of the year, Springboks over Ireland in five card trick, England crash and burn in the Ashes in Perth, Proteas bossing India in Guwahati, Sporting teams fall from grace, Fun fast Facts. Who has a highest test score of 99?

A preview of the Ashes from a neutral point of view, the World Rugby awards, Bafana Bafana on the up, sporting meltdowns, Fast Fun 5 Facts (FFFF).

In today's episode we cover the rugby on the weekend, England/All Blacks, Italy/Springboks. Proteas epic victory at Eden Gardens. The cost of marathon running. Strange sponsorships in sport. Fast five facts (Fun!).

Why are there a lack of black batters in both the men's and women's game in South Africa, we speak to special guest and old friend Nqaba Matoti who works as a talent scout for Cricket South Africa. Greatest coaches of all time, who are yours? And the ongoing feature, sidestepping each other, stumping each other - fast fun five facts!

Boks crowing against France, India/Proteas preview, ATP Finals preview, sporting disappointments and Fast Five.

What goes better than peanut butter and jelly? Siya and Rassie. Plus, a look into France vs the Springboks. Viewership in South African sports. Once off legendary performances. Fast fun facts.