A World Cup Winner’s Journey: Springbok BJ Botha’s Tale

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In 2006 BJ Botha made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks at Loftus. Less than 15 months later he was a Rugby World Cup winner. In this remarkable discussion, BJ takes us back to those days as Jake White was building a team that would go on to win the Webb Ellis Cup.
Botha talks about the integral role he played in South Africa’s victorious journey, including the heartbreak of suffering an injury against the USA and missing the knockout matches. Still, no one can take away BJ’s gold medal.
But injury would strike again resulting in him missing the 2011 Rugby World Cup and his Test career ending in 2010. Buckle up for an exciting trip down memory lane with a true South African hero - a Springbok Rugby World Cup champion!
00:00 Introduction by Peter
00:43 Springbok debut
02:20 Beating the All Blacks
04:43 Commemorative Springbok jersey
06:27 Jake White under pressure
07:45 Hammering England
08:37 Luke Watson
09:54 Pre-World Cup confidence
12:16 Annihilating England 36-0
13:51 Tongan struggles
15:38 Injury
17:36 Winning the Rugby World Cup
19:34 Jake White
22:10 Missing the Lions series
23:53 More injuries
25:30 Peter De Villiers
27:57 Springbok career ends
29:22 Toughest opponent
32:29 Favourite current player
35:43 Funny moment
38:41 These days
40:54 Trivia Question
Peter says: I love the Springboks and rugby is one of my favourite sports. Although as a sports journalist I am supposed to remain neutral, I always like to point out that before I became a professional, I was just a big fan! I hold a Masters Degree in International Journalism so at least you know I should be able to ask a good question or two! My dream is to do this KZbin Channel permanently. You can help me out by liking the videos, subscribing to the channel and hitting the notification bell.
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[@henryshen5445]

I think tighthead prop was a position that never had a consistent "holder". We had Eddie Andrews, CJ van der Linde, Jannie du Pleissis, BJ Botha, Faan Reutenbach, John Smit sometimes and I'm sure there are more. It's like a position no one wants. Even in the 1990s, we had Marius Hurter, Cobus Visagie, Willie Meyer, Adrian Garvey. Springboks seems to go on never-ending search for their wonder no.3 until Frans Malherbe came.

[@frontrowrugby]

It's also a specialised position. I think a lot of guys in that role are susceptible to injuries and we've seen that too. But we always remember the hare men who made their name in the Number 3 jerseys!

[@christiaancoetzee2741]

Your interviews are top notch Simply one of the best channels on youtube Thank you for everything you do

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much for those lovely words, Christiaan.

[@seanpinkey8798]

BJ Botha was a top tighthead prop who should've played many more test's for the Boks! In fact I rate him & Cobus Visagie as the best tighthead's in the period 2000- 2011- both should've earned more caps! Good interview as usual Peter!

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks a lot, Sean! BJ was a great player indeed. I actually shared a taxi with his mother on the eve of the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2010, can you believe? Willie Meyer is the other tighthead I would add to that group, for sheer scrummaging strength. By the way, Willie is going to be on the show in about a month's time!

[@seanpinkey8798]

@@frontrowrugby awesome! I met Willie Meyer years ago! He's a top bloke! Cannot wait for his interview!

[@frontrowrugby]

You are not going to be disappointed, I promise!

[@henryshen5445]

Funny he mentioned Anton Oliver, I used to see him in our university library and once at Burger King. He was still studying at the university of Otago while playing for the All Blacks.

[@frontrowrugby]

Cool share! Thanks Henry.

[@seamus9750]

I once enjoyed a 2M or 3 at BJ's pub in Tofu , Mozambique.

[@frontrowrugby]

Great story! I'm going to tell him.

[@gavinross3743]

I scrummed against BJ , he strong bru, like hitting a brick wall that pushes back.

[@frontrowrugby]

Cool story, Gavin. I have no doubt he was a proper brick wall!

[@francisplatt93]

I am not sure whether to say "what an honour" or "I am sorry Gavin".

[@mxolisimhlongo4605]

Twikenham England

[@frontrowrugby]

100%

[@denzilmoffat2011]

Twickenham

[@frontrowrugby]

Spot on, Denzil.

[@eelkedeboer5538]

The leading questions asked are frustrating

[@frontrowrugby]

Sorry you don't like my videos.

[@karlvanrooyen7402]

I'd pay you a million dollars if you could get to interview Luke Watson .

[@frontrowrugby]

I hope you have the money to back that up, Karl. I plan on cashing in ...

[@sakabula2357]

Maybe he means Zim dollars...lol

[@frontrowrugby]

Now I am less enthusiastic ...

[@karlvanrooyen7402]

On installments of R0.5 Every month 😂

[@frontrowrugby]

I'd prefer if you signed up on my Patreon and supported me that way.

[@WarrenFelix]

💚❤️🇿🇦💪🏼🙏🫡👍🏾

[@sakabula2357]

Twickers...

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes! And what a great day it was.

[@sakabula2357]

@@frontrowrugby Our biggest score on the ABs if I'm not mistaken..Twickenham has been a happy hunting ground for the Bokke in recent years..gave the English a hiding there too not too long ago...

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes, our record win over them! I must admit at one point during that match I was shouting for a 57-0! Revenge!

[@seanpinkey8798]

Twickenham

[@frontrowrugby]

A memorable occasion!