On The Whistle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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