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What to watch on RugbyPass TV this week
By Richard North
Heineken Cup: finished. Pro14: finished. Premiership: finished. Super Rugby: almost finished. Nations Championship: never even began.
What is a rugby fan to do?? RugbyPass has you covered with the best of rugby content all in one place on RugbyPass TV.
Sign-up anywhere in the world for just a dollar per month. No commitments, no lock-ins, just $1/month (USD) for the best rugby chat shows, documentaries, classic games and much more. And if you're a RugbyPass premium subscriber in Australia, Asia or Europe, RPTV is included in your live rugby package.
5 Things to Watch on RPTV this week:
1. SANZAAR Classics
Classic Wallaby Matt Burke takes us back to a time when stadiums were full, games were close and cigarette companies' logos still branded the field. In the final game of the 1998 Tri-Nations, the winless All Blacks travelled to Durban with names like Lomu, Mehrtens, Marshall and Brown (Olo, that is). The game was an instant classic and a timely reminder of the history and passion attached to the storied Springboks/All Blacks rivalry.
2. Rugby Chat
The latest episode of The Short Ball, acclaimed kiwi journalist Scotty Stevenson and All Blacks legend Ali Williams are back in the studio to discuss the Super Rugby final, do the Jaguares have a chance against a dominant Crusaders side and what do they think about the new All Blacks selections?
Watch The Short Ball, Season 4, Episode 20 here.
3. Saracens Women Going Pro
RugbyPass Insiders takes fans behind the scenes at teams and events from across the rugby globe. In Going Pro, we follow the mighty Saracens Women's rugby team as they attempt to defend their Premiership title in the 18/19 season.
Watch Insiders: Going Pro here.
4. Re-Live the Best of the Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup fever is gathering pace. The first squads have been named and sushi and ramen stocks from Newport to Nadi are running low as players prepare for the big stage. RugbyPass TV subscribers can re-live the Unforgettable Moments and other stories from the 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, including the acclaimed Weight of a Nation that documents New Zealand's nail-biting road to the 2011 title.
Watch Unforgettable Moments here and check out RPTV for more classic Rugby World Cup stories.
5. Get Informed, Dress Better
And finally... In a new RugbyPass Originals series, RugbyPass Ventures looks at some of the businesses and side projects players work on outside the game. In Episode 1 Stuart Hogg introduces his new clothing line, Johnstons of Elgin.
Watch RugbyPass Ventures: Stuart Hogg here.
RPTV is the world's first and only global rugby channel. Programmes are available on-demand or via a 24/7 linear channel across all major connected devices (for best results on a big screen, try Apple TV). Fans can subscribe through RugbyPass.com or the all new RugbyPass app (download here).
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Latest Comments
A new hard edge to Wallaby rugby that sorts out who is "all in" versus those in two minds. Razor should take note and forget his push for off-shore selections and infatuation with Mounga.
Go to commentsI like the idea of Elrigh Louw as a long-term option for captaincy. Honestly, it’s hard to say who else could take on that role after Siya Kolisi, as 2027 is still a long way off. In my opinion, Siya will likely go to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 unless injury or a significant dip in form prevents him.
Between now and 2027, I think the captaincy will be shared among several players as Siya’s playing time is carefully managed—a strategy the Springboks have been implementing for some time. Younger players like Salmaan Moerat might get opportunities to captain in tier-two matches, as we’ve already seen. Other emerging talents like Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could also be considered, though the Boks have traditionally favored forwards for captaincy roles. Damian Willemse is another possibility, but he first needs to play his way back into the team.
My personal feeling is that there should be an effort to appoint a black captain to replace Siya. His captaincy has been pivotal in broadening rugby's appeal across racial groups in South Africa over the past 7 years. More so than any other period in the last 30 years.
Form permitting, Moerat is a strong contender, given his leadership qualities and pedigree. However, some might view such an appointment as political, potentially overlooking Moerat's real potential and the broader significance of such a decision.
Other players with leadership potential have been mentioned in the past, such as Phepsi Buthelezi. However, it remains to be seen whether the former DHS star will secure a permanent spot in the Springbok lineup. The first Zulu captain of the Springboks? Would be nice, but unlikely given the competition for the 8 jersey.
One positive aspect of the uncertainty around Siya’s long-term successor is the way the Springboks have emphasized shared leadership among senior players. This approach has lessened the pressure on a single captain and allowed the team to thrive collectively.
When Siya was first appointed, there was skepticism about his leadership credentials. And whether he was the best 6 in the country. The shared leadership strategy gave him the support and platform to grow into the exceptional captain he is today. And he's proven critics wrong about his abilities as a player.
I find it interesting that he's playing at 8 for the Sharks. Rassie has made a habit of taking 36ers and above to the World Cup, players who bring options to the table like Frans Steyn, Schalk Brits, Duane Vermeulen and more recently Deon Fourie.
All of SA wants to see Siya win a 3rd World Cup. That's for sure.
And if he goes, he'll lead.
Go to comments