Newskoop Front Row Rugby

Springboks’ Lowest Moment: The 2003 Rugby World Story

Loading player...
South Africa came into the 2003 Rugby World Cup with low expectations. Having suffered 50-point defeats to New Zealand and England in the year leading up to the tournament the Boks were hoping to overachieve. It started well enough with a comprehensive win over Uruguay before the Springboks were exposed against England. Despite consequent wins over tournament debutants Georgia and Samoa, they could not avoid a quarter-final meeting against the All Blacks. After a 29-9 hammering the team returned home and shortly after coach Rudolf Straeuli was sacked, revelations surfaced about a pre-tournament military-style bootcamp Kamp Staaldraad where players were humiliated in the name of team building. In this episode Peter looks back at that dark time in Springbok rugby history and you’ll also hear first-hand from five of the players who were actually there.
28 Sep 2023 English South Africa Rugby · Sports

Other recent episodes

Springbok Jaden Hendrikse: Hero, Villain … or Just a Joker?

On Saturday, while playing in the URC, Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse caused a stir when he winked at Munster opponent Jack Crowley. Hendrikse was on the ground receiving treatment for an injured calf. But Crowley's space was occupied with him being next up in a kicking competition. Was Hendrikse really…
3 Jun 12 min

Who Is The Fastest Springbok Of All-Time?

We know some of our Springboks in the past have had some serious gas. Even today we have Boks who possess express pace. But if we had to put together an all-time list, who would rank where? In today's episode that is exactly what Peter is putting together for you…
3 Jun 11 min

Rugby’s Dumbest Idea Yet? The Club World Cup Explained

World Rugby has announced the creation of a Club World Cup starting in 2028, to be held every four years. Some fans are very excited, but the general feeling seems to be more on the negative side. Do we really need this? In this episode Peter examines what is going…
30 May 9 min

Are Springbok Test Match Tickets Too Expensive?

Are Springbok Test match ticket prices too high? In this episode Peter looks at the prices for 2025 Springbok Tests, compares them to what our UK counterparts are paying and even uses an inflation calculator to see if Springbok fans are being treated fairly in this area. This podcast originates…
27 May 10 min

Hilarious! All Blacks Want a Springbok-Style Bomb Squad Now!

In an unbelievable twist, the All Blacks are now considering their own Bomb Squad - the tactic so successfully used by Rugby World Cup champions South Africa. The Springboks have pioneered 6-2 and 7-1 bench splits over the last few seasons to the chagrin of many an international pundit, including…
26 May 7 min
All episodes