Boks Unpacked x The Verdict

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.

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.

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.

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.