England and France need more South Africans ?!

0:00Everyone's going to say how poor England were in France were off the game, but I think there's something a bit deeper happening. I think the pressure of winning and getting the kicking game wrong, but there is a real problem. Yeah, you could just see this stress that Bortwick was under. If you go back six weeks already, we're all saying France and England. And now this week it's Ireland or Scotland. You know, whoever gets up is going to win it. That is so good. Yeah, they've got a nice balance in there. A lot of South Africans in that team that make them play really well. I thought I was patriotic, but you are next level mate. A whole world does not revolve around South Africans playing well. A lot more than football games. You're getting there. It's helping them. Welcome back to rivals. And so we're all picking in this England, France, to Cider. And that didn't happen, Victor. Yeah, what a surprise. What a weekend.

1:00I mean, Jake, you must be over the moon for Italy. Yeah. What a win for them. And then Scotland, I must say, I'm a big France believe in where they are. What a great team they are. And well done to Scotland. They came out. They forward stood up. And I mean, that back time when they get on fire, it's just magic. I think that everyone's going to say how poor England were in France, were off the game, but I think there's something a bit deeper happening. I think the pressure of winning and getting the kicking game wrong, Victor, is a real problem. I think the Italians had this great balance of kicking, risking a bit, running a bit. And I think Scotland were the same. They just thought, oh, well, you know, everyone's written us off. And that takes the pressure off a bit. And I think there was a, you know, I've been talking to Wayne Smith a lot about it.

2:01You know, this kicking game and getting that wrong, I believe is so dangerous, especially at the highest level. Because if you kick away position, you never get into rhythm, right? And if the opposition have enough, and the beauty about Italy there, they've got enough game breakers now. They've got enough guys that will punish you if you're going to, you know, make some mistakes and defend. I think defensively England, you know, when Minicelo scored that try, the prop and the defensive line just did not come up. I mean, these are things that you don't see at that level. You know, and I was thinking yesterday about Borthwick, how hard it's going to be for him now, because one thing the English do do. They do celebrate their successes in an exaggerated way at times. And then other times when they're losing and they need to show some fortitude, they get rid of the coach. So it must be a pretty horrible time in the UK at the moment. Yeah, you could just see this stress that Borthwick was under. I thought in the second half, nothing was happening.

3:03I mean, he's sitting with a few game breakers on the bench, and he just didn't go to it. He just wanted to stick with the guys on the field. And I was like, you're sitting with him, Marcus Smith. You're sitting with a Pollock. These guys that can change a game, and he was just scared to put them on. So that must be the pressure. Can we, let me start talking about how bad England were. Can we, can we celebrate the Italians? I mean, and yeah, that's what I said, they outplayed them. Yeah, no, that's what I said. That's what I said, Ricardo. I said, everyone will look at how, how bad England played. And what I'm saying is, I think they got it tactically wrong, and I think Victor's right. I think they're under pressure, and they played like a team that was under pressure. And scoreboard pressure is a real thing. Sometimes you can get sides that are on paper better, but if you can put some scoreboard pressure on it. And like I said, the Italians now, I believe, under this new coach, are paying the perfect balance of rugby. They're playing kicking enough. They're doing some cross-kicking. They've got a couple of game breakers like Minichello.

4:04So you can't not play your best to beat them. Yeah, we need to talk about Italy. I mean, when they beat Scotland, we thought, maybe Scotland went on the game. Then they pushed Ireland really close. And I mean, now they beat England at home. So they did feel right up there now, and they want to compete with the best in the world. So, yeah, we'll have to wait and see. Once they play the all-black team box, where they get. But yeah, they have team on the up, and it's great to see. I have a question for you, Victor. So do you think that it is both sides being like the whole competition being closer? Or do you think France can be like sometimes that. And England are under pressure, so they're not playing well. Or do you think the competition's way more even? Yeah, I haven't seen France do that for a long time.

5:05Just having a bad, bad game like in the old days. So it's difficult to say the one thing that France did doing this competition is they went to a little bit smaller back. And I don't know if that comes against him. If they had the big forwards, bullying, Scotland, maybe that would have worked. But on the day they were outplayed, they came back really well at the end. But yeah, just too late. At that bonus point, it's going to be really important for them as they decide the six nations champion. But you know, Scotland have really been the form team of the six nations. Apart from an early hiccup, they've played some amazing football and suddenly Gribbert Townsend's super coach. Oh, mate, wait. But this is us sitting back. If you go back six weeks or whatever, we're all saying France and England. And now this week, it's Ireland or Scotland. You know, whoever gets up is going to win it. That is so good.

6:05Great for the competition. Yeah, look, I think I'll just come back to the quintessential first five. You know, I think he is just when he's on his game. You know, it's very, very, very hard defensively. And people go, oh, people say me, well, what do you mean? Like, you know, you've got a forward pack that's competing and getting over the line. And then you've got him coming at the line. And his ability, his ability under pressure and under defensive pressure to make the right past decision. And he's got guys running off him all the time. So defensively, it ends up on a one-on-one. Because he's just got forwards going forward, hitting the line. He's got an option on the inside and outside. And he'll pass it late. So that what that does is it stops the defensive line. So guys can't rush because they're thinking, here he comes again. I just think when he's on his game, they are a different football team. Yeah, it's probably like Johnny Sexton, when Ireland were at their best.

7:05Johnny took the ball to the line. There's always options. And he could make under pressure. You could make the right decision. But you have to give credit to Scotland's sports as well. In the last few years, I thought whenever they play against the top team, the sports forward-backeders didn't stand up. They couldn't compete with a big boys. Well, this forward-back of them, let by Piers Kumman, of course, really did well. And then the other guy, the other guy is three-ballotter at 12. At this stage, I think he must be very close to the beast inside Cintin the World. I mean, he takes the ball to the line. He runs hard. He can also play those options with you Jones running, often so well at the line. So, yeah, they've got a nice balance. A lot of South Africans in that team that make them play really well. I thought I was patriotic, but you are next-level man.

8:06The whole world does not revolve around South Africans playing well. You're not helping them. It's still a ballotter. The two-ballotter must be a New Zealander, mate. Maybe you can claim it. I'd tell you what, though, Ricardo and Victor, the super rugby has had some really good rugby games. Some really good rugby games. Yeah, and that, of course, say, this Blues game was a hell of a game. Yeah, but we've had some... I mean, I don't know what's going on with the War of Tars, but the hurricanes were good. You know, the hurricanes are now scattered with a lot of all blacks. So, they were very, very good. But I think there's some games that aren't so great, but the good games, Victor, I'm really actually quite happy because good games are actually very, very good. There was an intensity to that Blues crusader's game. It wasn't just throwing the ball around. I mean, it was pretty physical up front. You know, Barrett played really well.

9:06So, you know, in the past, super rugby has been criticised for not preparing guys for the style of test rugby. But that was a pretty intense game. Well, that's what I'm talking about, Ricardo. You did write, you know, the intensity Victor of Touch Match rugby, the intensity of getting up, you know, in a game of, in a game of, you know, might be against your greatest rival. But for me, that's what I've been impressed with. Like, the Highlanders Crusaders game two weeks ago was just really intense. And it was an intense, you know, Victor, when you get a game and sometimes they're not high scoring, but they're just so much fun because they're so intense. So, I've been really, really happy with the intensity that's come back into super rugby. And the all blacks have come back in, you know, and I thought Bowdoin, you know, Bowdoin's first game back and he played 80 minutes, so that was good. But the super rugby's been good, and I noticed our mate, Eddie Jones, commented the other day, you know, because he's been bagging it away, but saying it's not, you know, it's not the premium game.

10:07And so, have you actually, Victor, you've been saying, you know, it's not what it used to be, but it's been really good, guys. It's been really, really good. And so, that gives me a bit of heart because, you know, we need to win a series this year in South Africa. So, you know, I've always, you know, considering that every, every great rugby player in the world at the moment is South African. You know, we need to make sure that we... I was, I still enjoy the super rugby. And when it's like, I mean, the Crusaders, the Blues, or the Blues of Brumbies and the Reds, it's sticking on each other. The old guys that were always up there that's won some of the series, it's always fantastic. So, yeah, if watch a few and it doesn't look too bad, you guys. New coach, everyone is exciting. Everyone is fighting for spots in the All Black team. It's going to be exciting, yeah. Can I ask you both a question? Looking at just the Six Nations teams, or the super rugby teams, it just to imagine it was, you know, you were back in your playing peak, you know,

11:08for you JK, that was a few years ago. What team in the world, if you could choose to be playing in one team in the world, put your sort of... your sort of pride in team favourites behind you. But one team, because of the style of rugby they're playing, what team... Oh, you're trying to say to us, we're not allowed to play for the All Black team in Africa. Yeah, you know, one international team, the style of rugby, what style of rugby would suit you? Springs. No, you're not allowed to play for the All Black team. You're not allowed to play for the All Black team. No, you're not allowed to play for the All Black team. You're not allowed to play for the All Black team. Well, that's one of Ricardo's dumb questions, right? Yeah, because the style of playing they're playing. The Springs are dumb. Yeah, you can't choose the Springs. Choose another team. I like the style they play. No, you do. We picked that up. I would pick France for a couple of reasons. I think that the All Blacks,

12:08because I'm going to name them, because Victor always talks about the Springs. The All Blacks in France have always had an affinity with how you want to play. And I think when the French played their style of rugby, I'll tell you a little story. I went when I was playing in 99, we flew to play to lose one night. And honestly, it was the hardest game of rugby they've ever played. It was like chasing shadows. They had that, you know, drawn past game going on. And it was just an incredible event for me. First time ever, I'd played against the French club side. So for me, it'd be France, just because I love the style they play. And when they play that, you know, that French style, I think it's pretty, pretty, pretty good to watch. I actually had my worst night also in to lose, but not because of the flare that had, but the physicality. Remember myself and Bucky's relying next to each other, next to the field, getting stitches. And they smashed us that game. So, yeah, I think if you, an absolute before, I'm a big fan of this French team. I love the way Bordeaux and to lose our playing.

13:11So, I mean, they've got the physicality. They've got the flare. I mean, they've got, I'm a big fan of Jellybear as well at 10. So, yeah, I really do enjoy the thing. But that's a massive call from someone like you saying, one of the most physical games was in France against to lose. No, it was against the French. Against the French. So, it was against, it was South African against the French. Yes, yes, yes. And who was physical? The whole back. The whole back was just crazy. I don't know if you remember the Rasta Dumisani. He sang the, our false lead. And he couldn't sing it. He was like wrapping it and we all turning around what's happening. Yeah. It was just crazy. And then we got smacked on the field as well. But it's actually at the end of the year, when we beat the all works three times in the year.

14:12In the French. You guys, there's no need to bring it up. But there's absolute, there's no context. And you're talking about getting smashed in France. I'm just saying. We wanted to be a big thing. I actually think, you know, as a lock, obviously, Victor, you had incredible talent. But I think your greatest talent is your ability to get any conversation to the spring box, beating your glass. I think that's, that is an incredible gift, all meant in the World Cup. Well, it didn't happen a lot when I played. I must enjoy it now that it's happening a bit more. Who would you play for Ricardo? My high ability. I think, I think Scotland will be a great team to play for. I think with Vin Russell there, just the style of rugby that played over the last few weeks. You know, here's something for you. Here's something, here's an interesting question for you.

15:13And I spoke to a. You know, I, I don't want to say, you know, I spin, I'm playing so well. Because of his forward pack, you're about, I think it's coach, it's coach by you, I'm from France, in Barcelona. Yeah, of course. What are we playing? I was talking to, I was talking to a couple of guys who will remain nameless, who spent some time in Ireland, you know, at the highest level. And this is a question for you. He absolutely loved it and it proved his game because it was a little bit more relaxed. So they could still go and have a couple of beers and they still had balance. A relatively, yeah, a relatively good management on their imbalance. I'll call it Ricardo because, you know, when you're professional sportsman, there's no balance. That's imbalance. But I wonder if, you know, the, I wonder if the highest level, they're taking the fun out of it, you know. Maybe England just aren't having fun. I know funds and winning Victor. I know you're going to come straight back at that. But there is some.

16:13No, no. There is. Having a bit of a good time, still being able to go and have a beer and enjoy and relax yourself. You know, it's not about that. I was just about chilling and doing things differently, thinking differently about it. So I know you don't watch the URC because we trade this, but speaking to a Yuan Akamana to go from the bulls and they really struggled and then they went on tour and they just decided the place needs to get closer that two contiques every week after the game and on a Wednesday night. That like a fine sessions with a few beers and you just brought the guys together and all of a sudden they're playing really well. So I think you can never take that out of the game. The guys need to focus but they need to have fun. They must enjoy each other's company. And if they don't have that, I don't think they can go out and play for each other on the field. It's the greatest time of your life but you can get a bit,

17:14I don't know, if you did during your career, Victor, but I certainly did. I got too serious on myself and tried too hard at times and looking after every rock to be a better player and when I relaxed a bit, I was way better. So that pressure on the players and on the coaching staff. And you need to... What is a contiki by the way? When you give them... Fine, fine-speeding. Okay, yeah, okay. How did you know they've got it? I just worked it out. Good on you. Yeah, so for me, there's that balance and I think you're right. It's really up to the coaching staff to take that pressure off and try and have some fun, I guess. Hey, just before we leave. So we talked last week about Transval. I see Western Province has been in the headlines in South Africa. Victor, what's happening there? That they want to take the daisy or the Western Province away making the stormers. Yeah, so we pretty much, like you guys,

18:14so we had the old Northern Transval, the Transval. We appeared at a free state and then with Cooper Rackford going to like the four French artists. So in the U.R.C. they always played as French artists but when they played in the curry cup, they will go back to being Western Province. And now they want to take that away. And yeah, the old supporters aren't really happy with that. Getting rid of Newlands and now the name Western Province. So they're not very happy. Yeah, I think tribalism and traditionism. I would love to go back to NBC but I think that horse is bolted. Victor, but the reason I love Transval and up on the Veltas when we went back in 92, I just had the greatest time ever. Like, you know, I'm from New Zealand and besides you guys being annoying at rugby, like you're annoying and you're really annoying, Victor. You know, I went to a game park for the first time

19:14and we were looked after by these amazing people, you know, and your country is just so damn beautiful and so rugged and for us Kiwis, you know, we don't even have a spider that can kill you over here. You know, we've got nothing. And we're out there in the jungle and all the guides who are, you know, rugby people telling us we're going to Lucky. You know, it was just just the beauty that's undescribable but still the greatest holiday that I've had with my family up on the Veltas. So that's why I'm still talking about, you know, the high belt for us to go up and play at that high meter as Victor, like it killed us. My lungs were burning, you know. It was crazy. And you said, okay, just want to say he loves the spring box. That's actually what you want to say. No, no. Please do not misinterpret that all Victor, please don't do that, but, in every arm Instagram click, John Cohen, I love the spring box.

20:14Yeah! No! He's not going to have one, but he's not going to have one, I just said you are really annoyingly good which makes you really annoying all of you. Yeah. Well I'm so glad that you've come into our lives Victor because you've taken a lot of the pressure away from me of being really annoying. Yeah, you're annoying. I'm helping you recall that. Yeah, that's great. All right. Hey, by the way, Trumbi City couldn't make it today because he's flat out. And I saw him on his own. He's got another podcast. Yeah, he's IBS. Well, may the only comes home in Ireland when anyway. Yeah. And he probably don't think they're going to win this week and say just disappear. Yeah. All right. Hey, is this true? Scotland of never won it. No, never. Oh, not the Six Nations. They've never won the Six Nations ever. Are you sure? I know. I'm pretty sure of it. I'm like, you have an haste. I'm going to I'm going to text Gavin Hastings.

21:15I'm pretty sure he won it. Yeah, no. Yeah, John Leslie, that there are one. I'm pretty sure that there are five nations. Maybe it's just the Six Nations that they have in one. Yeah. Don't ask this questions. We don't know the answer to, please. We look bad. I'm sure we've got some Scottish. That'll come on and tell us. I'll text. All right. I'll text Big Gav or Scree Hastings, aren't I? So in summary, Jacob loves the Springboks. And we don't know. I know. Ricardo. Ricardo, that's not a joke anymore. Cool. That's the end of the show. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. I'm just asking who's going to win the Six Nations. Will you tell me at the beginning, it was either England and France. I see Scott. I never said England. I said France from the beginning. Yeah. And France has still got the best Scotland, Ricardo. You cannot piggyback that. I did. You did not go back and watch. I said that Scott long win the Six Nations.

22:16And then they lost in the first game. But there they. Jacob, what are you going for? I think France deserved to win because I think they're consistent. I think them losing this week. They'll get up this week. Pretty big time. Do you think England can upset them? I don't think so. Oh, yeah, I do. I probably don't think so. I think England, I think if France had of one easily, it would have been a high risk because that had a Latin thing. But then losing, you know, no. Me too. Oh, France think they'll win with a bonus point and the point difference will pull them through. OK. The reason I didn't ask you who you thought would win is you're always wrong. So, you know, I didn't waste one of my time. Is there a South African in the French side? That might be a problem for them. So maybe Scotland is the favourites. I don't know. Maybe I'd change.

23:18All right, we'll catch you next week. Who's chosen the right one? And I'm still picking Scotland. I still have a big day. Thanks, guys.