On The Whistle Podcast

For the Springboks to be successful at Eden Park this weekend they need to fire shots from the get go against the All Blacks, as relying on their traditional strengths might not be enough to beat the Kiwis at their fortress. Also are fans and media perhaps over-hyping this game, when in fact Rassie Erasmus will see this fixture as another opportunity to test out talent as he plots South Africa's Rugby World Cup defence in 2027? Host: Zayn NabbiGuest: Caleb Mutombwa#allblacks #southafrica #newzealand #springboks #boks #australia #wallabies #pumas #argentina Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Boks don't care about anything other than World Cups 12:30 - "Best chance to see what the kids can do"18:45 - Caleb predicts a painful defeat for the Boks24:00 - Is Polly a shoe in at flyhalf? 30:30 - "If you want to die poor bet on Argentina" 36:30 - Springbok woman get their flowers 45:40 - Mailbag: Reaction to Boks victory over the Wallabies Duration: 51:40 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It doesn't get any bigger than the All Blacks versus the Springboks and in this podcast we speak with SA legend Pieter Muller who gives us his perspective ahead of the crunch game at Eden Park. Muller, who was part of the all-conquering 1998 Tri-Nations winning team, believes that the All Blacks still have their aura, and the game will be decided by fine margins. As a former midfielder, Muller also gives us his views on who he'd pick at flyhalf, and the differences between Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Host: Zayn NabbiGuest: Pieter Muller (1998 Tri-Nations Winner / Springbok Legend) Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast#allblacks #springboks #southafrica #newzealand #boks #rugbychampionship #fyp Show Notes 00:00 - Intro 02:00 - A Bok legend tells us what it takes to win in New Zealand 08:15 - The All Blacks still have their aura 13:50 - Game will be tight, no more than 3-5 points 15:45 - Breaking the Eden Park streak 17:00 - Flyhalf debate: Polly vs. Manie vs. Sacha 24:00 Mailbag: Zayn criticised for being too arrogant 26:00 - Pieter recalls George Gregan and Stephen Larkham's sledging Duration: 29:15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Bafana Bafana head into the next FIFA World Cup Qualifiers chasing home wins over neighbours Lesotho and rivals Nigeria during back-to-back games at the Free State Stadium. In this pod we tell you why they are well set to perform at home, how any docked points against them could hurt the Super Eagles more than them, and we also give you the latest from the PSL. Hosts: Zayn Nabbi and Lorenz Köhler#sundowns #chiefs #bafanabafana #nigeria #supereagles #southafrica Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 02:00 - Takeaways from Bafana Bafana squad named 13:00 - Predictions - a Bafana sweep over Lesotho and Nigeria? 16:00 - South Africa losing points could impact Nigeria more than Bafana 18:00 - Sekhukhune United star forced to leave field for wearing traditional bracelet 25:00 - Durban teams dominate PSL Top 6 30:00 - A tale of two teams - Chiefs on the rise, Sundowns flat lining...or PR spin 33:30 - Cardoso under pressure from fans and journalists Duration: 39:00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we preview the Rugby Championships and there is a split over who will win it. Caleb says it's too tight to call between favourites New Zealand, and world champs South Africa, while Zayn says the Boks will win the tournament with a game to spare, starting with a 15 point win over the Wallabies in Jo'burg this weekend.Hosts: Zayn NabbiGuest: Caleb Mutombwa (Rugby Journalist) #springboks #allblacks #southafrica #newzealand Follow us on IG: @otw_podcast Follow us on X: @otw_podcast Like us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro / Mailbag - All Blacks fans clap back at assertions that their team is "poorly coached"04:45 - All Blacks are greatest team of all time but Boks play best tournament rugby 09:30 - Have the Wallabies closed the gap, or were the Lions extremely weak?14:30 - Sloppy Lions make Wallabies look good 17:45 - Has Rassie picked a "B team" backline to play Wallabies? 21:30 - Some key Boks lack form 29:45 - "Boks don't do well as favourites"33:00 - ABs need to strike fast against Pumas 36:00 - Tournament prediction time...Duration: 39:30  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our latest episode of Rugby Africa we hear from two legends about the impact of South Africa's "bomb squad" and get their thoughts on if it's impacted player safety for the worse. All Blacks great Sean Fitzpatrick raises concerns about player welfare, while Springbok legend Mark Andrews saysbringing fresh players on allows for a safer same. What do you think? Post your views in the comments below. Hosts: Zayn Nabbi and Courtney Freese Guests: Peter Stemmet (Al Jazeera Sports Anchor), Sean Fitzpatrick (All Blacks World Cup winner), Mark Andrews (Springboks World Cup winner) #springboks #allblacks #southafrica #newzealand #rugbyFollow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Sean Fitzpatrick says Boks have done well to "bring power off the bench" 01:25 - Fitzpatrick concerned "fatiguing bodies" against fresh players could lead to injury 02:00 - Mark Andrews thinks safety is better now with more reserves 03:00 - South Africa has "two equally strong packs" and Boks playing to their strength 04:30 - What does the science say?06:45 - "Players are physical but not reckless" Duration:09:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of OTW Rugby Africa we have Springbok women's coach Swys De Bruin outline his vision and blueprint for success for the national team. The SA women's team are ranked 12th in the world, and De Bruin is realistic about their ambitions as he would love to get into the quarters at the upcoming Women's World Cup. If that was achieved Swys says that would make up for all his Super Rugby heartache that came after three final losses with the Lions. De Bruin, who was one of Rassie Erasmus's assistants, gives insight into how the Boks believe they can beat their most respected rivals the All Blacks anywhere, and how people "don't appreciate the brilliant skill level in this team."     Host: Zayn NabbiGuest: Swys De Bruin (Springbok Women's Coach)#springboks #allblacks #southafrica #newzealand #rugby Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle PodcastShow Notes 00:00 - Intro 01:45 - Life away from rugby 04:45 - Back in the hot seat and arguably his biggest test yet 07:45 - Adapting his coaching style to the team 12:30 - Changing mindsets around women's rugby 16:45 - Siya Kolisi is a huge supporter of women's rugby 20:30 - The women's team love contact and game plan rooted in Bok DNA 26:00 - If SA women can make a World Cup quarterfinal, that will make up for Super Rugby final losses 28:30 - Rassie Erasmus is a massive nation builder 31:30 - Previous Bok teams gave the All Blacks "too much respect" 34:00 - Swys: "People don't appreciate the brilliant skill level in this team"     Duration: 38:15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The waiting is almost over as Morocco look to secure their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations, while Nigeria's Super Falcons are set to swoop for their 10th. The game has all the ingredients for a classic as we preview the game, and also discuss how the media are being muzzled when trying to ask key questions around pay disputes and the disgraced Jorge Vilda's role as Morocco coach. Hosts: Ali Howorth and Zayn Nabbi #morocco #nigeria #wafcon Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle PodcastShow Notes 00:00 - Intro and Mailbag - Super Falcons fans lay into Ali 05:00 - Latest from the Nigeria camp 08:30 - The redemption game Ashleigh Plumptre wanted 11:00 - What would success mean for Moroccan football 14:00 - Jorge Vilda's presence raises concerns about Morocco winning at all costs 18:30 - Media muzzled from asking questions about Vilda and pay disputes 21:00 - Players to watch 23:30 - Prediction time...and the hosts are split Duration: 30:55 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And then there were two...we wrap up the WAFCON semis and start to preview the game this Saturday which will see hosts Morocco play Nigeria in the final. Host: Ali Howorth#morocco #southafrica #nigeria #ghanaFollow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle PodcastShow Notes 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - All action semi between Nigeria and SA 05:30 - Banyana managed to swing momentum 08:00 - Gabriela Salgado "horror leg injury" 12:00 - Something special about Super Falcons 14:00 - Morocco don't look in good shape 16:00 - Nigeria will be slight favourites Duration: 17:25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roc Nation Sports International are making a bold move into African football as Jay-Z's company looks to unearth future stars on the continent. Nathan Campbell, Roc Nation's Head of Global Recruitment for Football, explained to the pod that the goal is not only to nurture elite football talent, but also to ensure these young athletes thrive in their careers and there's lasting impacts left in their communities. Campbell says that the continent is home to future Ballon d'Or contenders. Host: Zayn Nabbi Guest: Nathan Campbell (Roc Nation's Head of Global Recruitment for Football)#kaizerchiefs #sundowns #africa #nigeria #ghana Show Notes 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Why does expansion into Africa matter, did Sundowns act as a gateway03:30 - Biggest football names currently at Roc Nation08:00 - Goal to unearth elite talent12:30 - Future Ballon d’Or contenders in Africa 14:30 - First batch of signings21:00 - What is going to be the measurement of success24:00 - Jay-Z fully invested in footballDuration: 26:45 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WAFCON semis are fast approaching and we tell you what to look out for ahead of the big games coming up this week. The Super Falcons are soaring, Morocco roaring, while Ghana and South Africa just did enough to make the final four. Host: Ali Howorth#morocco #southafrica #nigeria #ghana Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Super Falcons put down a marker against Zambia 08:00 - "Nigeria are favourites" to win tournament 09:00 - Morocco look dominant once again 12:00 - Ghana grind their way into the semis 18:00 - Odds stacked against Banyana Banyana Duration: 25:38 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Springboks have won all their home games ahead of the Rugby Championship, and in this pod we run our rule on their performances and where they are now in terms of their preparations for the tournament. We also look at their rivals and explain why the All Blacks are being "poorly coached" despite a series win over the French.Hosts: Zayn Nabbi and Courtney FreeseGuest: Caleb Mutombwa (Rugby Journalist)#springboks #allblacks #southafrica #newzealandFollow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle PodcastShow Notes00:00 - Intro02:00 - Springboks report card after Autumn Internationals06:15 - Concerns at flyhalf for the Boks10:45 - Springboks biggest blindspot right now16:00 - Siya Kolisi will get to 100 caps, but then what...21:30 - A quick look at SA's rivals25:00 - All Blacks are "poorly coached" by Scott Robertson30:00 - Zimbabwe's back at the RWC37:00 - We hit the mailbagDuration: 38:45 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Women's Africa Cup of Nations KO rounds take place this Friday and Saturday, and our team of experts wrap up the ground stages, and tell you what to expect in the knockout rounds. Host: Ali HoworthGuest: Firdose Moonda#wafcon #southafrica #nigeria #morocco Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Who emerged from the Group of Death, aka Group A 07:45 - Nigeria are the "Defensive Queens" 11:15 - Algeria are the tournament's surprise package 14:30 - Banyana Banyana share the goals as they progress to the KOs 17:30 - Political tensions between Algeria and Tunisia Duration: 21:21 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fire up the braai, let's get the party started, it's time to eat your favourite pasta and get our takeaways on the Springboks series win over the Italians. The Azzuri were well and truly beaten in the second Test, but our panel believe the Italians provided a good test for the Springboks who are primed to peak over their two games in New Zealand during the Rugby Championships. We also talk about Rassie Erasmus's new innovations (open play lineout mauls), give you our perspective on André Esterhuizen's new hybrid role, and pay tribute to the man, the legend that is Willie le Roux on his 100th Test. Hosts: Zayn Nabbi and Courtney Freese Guest: Peter Stemmet (Al Jazeera Sports Presenter and Front Row Rugby)#springboks2024 #erasmus #italy #southafricaFollow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle PodcastShow Notes 00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - We hit the mailbag 04:00 - Springboks dominate with 14-men in improved performance 10:00 - Did the Boks innovation disrespect Italy? 18:00 - Set pieces still require improvement 22:30 - Project André Esterhuizen looking very good 27:00 - 100 Not Out for Willie le Roux - coaching should be his next move 34:45 - Georgia next on the Bok menu Duration: 37:45 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All teams have played their opening games at the WAFCON and our team give you their impressions of the runners and riders, as well as what it's like on the ground and some of the issues the team's are facing. Hosts: Alasdair Howorth and Firdose Moonda #wafcon #nigeria #southafrica #morocco Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Barbara Banda begins with a bang 02:30 - Senegal come out firing in Group A 04:30 - Nigeria look hungry for success 06:00 - No sleeping on Algeria 07:50 - Impressions on the ground from Firdose Moonda 10:00 - Banyana Banyana open win but not at their best 13:00 - South Africa looking forward to cooler conditions 14:00 - In tournament issues - match fees, accommodation, weather and travel Duration: 17:15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this show we are joined by "Mamma Rugby" herself Dawn Dunn, who helps review the Springboks first Test match of the season against a spirited Italy. Dawn also shares her thoughts on the spying allegations levelled against Rassie Erasums by his old enemy Warren Gatland, host Zayn Nabbi says he's actually seen the Boks spying before in the 2000s, and finally we tell you why Jake White will find another coaching job, but it's likely to end in a bridge or two being burned yet again. Hosts: Zayn Nabbi and Courtney Freese Guest: Dawn Dunn (South African rugby exert) #springboks #erasmus #gatland #italy #southafrica #spygate Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Rassie left "frustrated" after Boks 42-24 win over Italy 07:00 - Bomb squad failed to explode into action 09:00 - Set piece mayhem - what went wrong? 16:30 - We hit the mailbag to hear what you think about Siya Kolisi's future 23:00 - "Spygate" allegations by Warren Gatland 27:30 - Springboks have spied in the past, Zayn provides examples 33:30 - Jake White fallout and split opinions on what next for the World Cup winner 38:00 - Did White's World Cup came with a lucky draw...Dawn's not having it!!! Duration: 46:45 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The champions of Africa are back! Banyana Banyana are seeking to defend their crown but all is not well in South African football. Can Desiree Ellis work her magic again?Host: Ali HoworthGuest: Busisiwe Mokwena (South African journalist)#banyanabanyana #bafanabafana #psl #wafcon #woso #africanfootball #africa Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 01:35 - Problems in South Africa08:23 - An aging squad needing a refresh13:45 - How will Banyana do at WAFCONDuration: 20:48 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ghana go into the 2025 edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as one of the outsiders at the tournament, but, if the Black Queens can get out of the group then they might have a path to the final if a few results go their way. Host: Alasdair Howorth Guest: Akosua Adjei (Ghanian Sportscaster) #ghana #wafcon Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Ghana "in a state of rebuilding" 12:00 - Impressions of new coach Kim Björkegren 16:15 - Black Queens to watch 22:30 - Ghana have a path to the final... Duration: 27:27 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morocco are motivated to go one better at this year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after they finished as runners up at the last tournament. The Atlas Lionesses are likely to be semi-finals playing at home, but with the home crowd firmly behind them, the hosts will be eyeing a place in the final.Host: Alasdair Howorth Guest: Kaoutar Alaidi (Moroccan Sports Journalist) #morocco #wafcon Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 02:45 - Sense of excitement as tournament kickoff draws near 06:00 - Morocco a team that "can compete with the best"11:30 - No outcry over use of smaller stadiums 18:00 - Expectations high for the tournament hosts 20:20 - Prediction time Duration: 23:45 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigerian Super Falcon Ashleigh Plumptre returns to the pod to chat all things WAFCON. She tells us why she moved to Saudi Arabia, how painful it was missing the Olympics and most importantly why the Super Falcons want revenge at the WAFCON.Host: Ali HoworthGuest: Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria Super Falcons defender)#superfalcons #supereagles #nigeria #wafcon #afcon #worldcup #woso Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Moving to Saudi Arabia12:05 - Frustrations with WAFCON delays17:11 - How are the Super Falcons looking?24:41 - What is the situation with payments?29:06 - Want revenge against MoroccoDuration: 32:22 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.