Are we seeing glimpses of Rassie’s grand plan for 2027?

The Springbok test season is in full swing with a convincing win over the Barbarians, a first on South African soil this past weekend. Now, the Boks’ sights are set on sinking Italy and Georgia in quick succession with the match-ups offering the front line-up, in particular, a considerable challenge. Building depth among the forwards is key, according to News24’s senior sports journalist Khanyiso Tshwaku, who joins us in this edition of The Lead to chat Bok depth, Rassie’s new “hybrid” player, and pricey match tickets. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer reports that conflict in the Middle East means you’ll pay more for fuel from Wednesday. Finally, a kidnapped Cape Town baby is found, and a woman is in police handcuffs. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.