Why the Springboks can't be Double World Champions and underdogs at the same time!

Can the Springboks Stay on Top? MW and Harry take a hard look at the end of the Underdog Era and the chances of Rassie and the boys learning to be the favourites in every match. This is an episode which goes deeper into the psychological world of winning in business, sport and life!
Join the growing audience for this deep Bok dive pod!
Harry's X (Twitter) account: x.com/haribald...
MW Welman
Harry Jones
Double world champions and underdogs at the same time? Why the Springboks aren't underdogs anymore!

[@BlueBullsFan]

I think it's absolutely possible to be a winner and humble at the same time. That's when you get the most respect.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@BlueBullsFan it is. dynasties usually unravel bc of character traits gone awry

[@donovanwilliams6792]

I am of South African of Indian-origin, born and bred in South Africa, and it's not just about Afrikaner culture being against windgat, South Africans don't like show-offs and people who are windgat. We like gracious winners as much as we like winning.

[@megafoonsport]

@@donovanwilliams6792 Very, very true. We like gracious winners and we don't like show-offs. Exactly right

[@lydiapotgieter7867]

Spot-on...😊😊

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Quiet confidence

[@johanjordaan5642]

Agreed, we don't like windgatte and its is generally frowned apon 😂😂

[@annalievanrensburg8875]

The reason I watch this podcast is because of harry's gift to paint with words and images. EXCELLENT!

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

I am marginally worth it 😂

[@johannblignaut1966]

One of the nicest programs I have watched.So much more than just rugby.Well done MW and Harry.

[@megafoonsport]

@@johannblignaut1966 Thank you.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Lovely!

[@marlonleukes5472]

Stop throwing shade on others your podcast is good enough we kove Eggchasers

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

I've listened to Eggchasers for ages. Enjoy their presentations very much. Just a little fun, man.

[@steinjonah660]

To show two different presentations. AS said at the start, these 2 gents dig deeper and that is is awesome. Just as the eggshasser is a great show being different. To me these to show are starting to become the 2 top shows but there are lots of room for other shows as long as they do it with taste and with great material well presented

[@groenrizla2513]

Stop being a Petra

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@steinjonah660cheers!

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

I promise to be sweet from now on 😂

[@Burninglash]

The shift in mindset is one of "celebrate the skills and determination." At this point instead of looking over our shoulder, we want to focus on the hard to achieve. Instead of 1 point wins, let's get bigger wins. Let's wow the world. MW you worry about getting arrogant or resting on our laurels, but if you think about the deliberate change in attacking style even though we can win easily with our existing game plan. It's that willingness to make changes when it's not obvious that it's needed. Being out of our comfort zone is key to growth. Arrogance comes from looking down on others, if you keep challenging yourself to be better you will tend to develop confidence without looking down on others.

[@megafoonsport]

@@Burninglash Good point about getting out of your comfort zone. Critical for growth

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Excellent post

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

Great input : complimént‼️ 👊🔥🥂 🪖

[@martinjacobsz7779]

Flipping to an abundance mindset.

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

@@Burninglash you said it : just great, thank you. The mindset determines everything AND more❗️👊🔥💫🥂 🪖 🇿🇦

[@Kaytlin_]

One of the best episodes yet! 💛 would love another speculative episode about succession planning, who comes after Rassie, after Siya? What happens with Vermeulen?

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@Kaytlin_ good idea!

[@elaineventer7236]

Eish Harry, your petty remarks about Eggchasers so unnecessary. you are so clever, I started to listen to any Pod featuring you. So - I hope you take note of the commentary, there is more than enough space for all the different pundits. No need to put others down. Don’t compromise LRP or your reputation with petty side remarks. Focus on the rugby- and we will continue to follow you.

[@avrilgardiner9111]

I agree. I love listening to Harry because of his "poetic approach", by lack of a better phrase, and this was unnecessary.

[@megafoonsport]

Eish guys. Harry knows Tim well, it was tongue in cheek.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

One and all: I’ll stay in my poetry lane with maximum joy! All references shall be more overly funny + teasing

[@roryblake3232]

Aw, offended on his behalf, are you?

[@groenrizla2513]

Boks aren't top dog or under dogs, they pavement special dogs.

[@johanjordaan5642]

Good one

[@robmeyer816]

There certainly are pods who know that loving on the Springboks translates to a far larger audience than they could otherwise hope for. Us Saffas love hearing from poms how great our team is 😉. Love the LRP! Harry’s insights and commentary are gold. 👌

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Cheeeeeers man!

[@pierretheron5708]

Obviously not indefinitely, but at least for a good while until the rest catch up

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Seems possible.

[@annettekolb3103]

Evening gentleman thanks again for a great show. Just on the point of 32:34 something i always say to my netball girls. It is not just about winning it is about learning. Win or loose when you walk of the netball court and i asked you if it was a good game or not and they have smiles on their faces after a loss that would tell me they have learned something as a team and a individual. They would write it down bring it to practice and we would compare notes. It is ok to loose it is how you take the loss and did you learn from it.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Handling loss (and disappointment in general) in life is so vital

[@annettekolb3103]

@@HaribaldiJones-d6d that is how we learn in life win some and loose some. That is what make you a stronger better person not just in life but also in sport

[@orlandosadie6283]

What a great discussion on how the narrative is evolving now that we have the wool over our historical rivals AB's. Harry is correct in saying that Rassie will continue to make the underdog tag relevant on a personal level; especially for the newbies that must still prove themselves.

[@kevinewert8546]

I get where MW it’s coming from. It’s very much part of Afrikaans morality to be understated. If your mother isn’t telling to stop being windgat, your grandmother is wagging her finger at you and saying, ‘moenie voor op die wa wees nie!’ Afrikaans has almost as many ways of telling you to be modest and know your place as it does for describing how you might inflict damage on a person or object.

[@megafoonsport]

Perfectly put Kevin! Moenie voor op die wa wees nie!

[@BeverleyHart-u3c]

Not just Afrikaans speaking South Africans. The English speakers are the same.

[@megafoonsport]

@@BeverleyHart-u3c Thank you for that. I could only speak about Afrikaans families.

[@kevinewert8546]

@@BeverleyHart-u3c absolutely! Though it’s less consistent across English speakers, since we’re a very mixed bunch with a lot of different influences. Some subgroups are definitely more comfortable with swagger than others. The influence is Afrikaans, though. It comes from Calvinism, which is a major influence on early Afrikaner culture. The practise of virtue is a bit different in Calvinism to other branches of Christianity. Basically, it is fully deterministic. God knows everything that will ever happen because He planned it before time began. It is already decided whether you are going to heaven or hell, and nothing you can do will change that. Rather than earning salvation, the only area where free will comes into play is that you can either show acceptance of God’s plan by showing yourself to be humble and austere, or you can show defiance by wearing flashy clothes, bragging, swaggering, etc. What you end up with is that being windgat is almost worse than murder, because murder is just with another person, while being windgat is the same as giving God the middle finger.

[@pieterels5704]

Really enjoyed Harry's contribution; thought provoking.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Appreciate that

[@clintonjacobspvt8757]

Fabulous as always, but not necessary to throw shade at other podcasts.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

No mo shade!

[@ACDV848]

Dankie guys. Love the diversity in upbringing and culture being celebrated. In SA often diversity means only colour or race diversity. Love it!🙋‍♂️

[@steinjonah660]

The US Marine Corps phrase ” Improvise, Adapt, Overcome ” can readily be applied to preparedness. When things don’t go as planned you can either shut down, or…. Is this not the Springboks under Rassie and the attitude he is instilling in the team. Is this not how we won a number of games (Think England in the world cup) The best laid plans last only until initial contact with the enemy.

[@heyeksay]

As Mike Tyson said “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face” …

[@wianserfontein9462]

Not impressed this time around, this was a weird dig at Eggchasers, rather collaborate and not be bitter please

[@megafoonsport]

Tongue in cheek, Harry knows Tim well.

[@lukebeckley7949]

Best podcast intro ever. Goes so hard

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@lukebeckley7949 thanks

[@martinjacobsz7779]

Harry, from a certain age group, I believe as fans we likely have embedded generational memory of never being windgat with the ABs. Years of experience has cemented those scars into u/dog need. They new generational carry no sure scars and stride onto the pitch with heads up confidence

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

I think you exactly right. Sacha + Canan don’t see ABs as having special skills above theirs

[@greatshark9625]

The movie to bring Duane into the coaching team ensures succession.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Good point. And he learns quick.

[@hannesbornman1045]

There is a fine line between confidence and hubris. Julius Ceasar famously said 'Its only hubris if I fail.'. I would advise we err on the side of caution lest we fail.

[@chrislouw9811]

Bad fprm from Harry, trashing other rugby bloggers, guess what Harry, Eggchasers has 110k + subscribers are you jealous?

[@megafoonsport]

Ag nee rerig Chris, ons is maar 'n klein kanaaltjie nê. Harry ken vir Tim persoonlik, dit was tong in die kies. Soos jy behoort te weet.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

No envy resides in me. Thanks for improving my work w critique.

[@chrislouw9811]

@@megafoonsport Hey MW, I love your channel's content even though I don't always agree with the opinions expressed by your guests, I have been a subscriber since I first saw your Channel. And we, the rugby loving public, are really so fortunate to have all this rugby content by various online bloggers nowadays, Therefore to hear disparaging remarks about other rugby bloggers is unpleasant, and to suggest that a certain rugby opinion is somehow superior to another's is so unnecessary, imho, even if it was intended to be a bit of banter, let us make up our own mind as to whose opinions we respect or not.

[@megafoonsport]

@@chrislouw9811 👍

[@vkeen_observer]

Well Squidge still the Goat, but I listen to all of you with pleasure!!!

[@8-9Combo]

Let’s leave him as the GOAT! H

[@vkeen_observer]

@@8-9Combo Eggchaser - The ultimate rugby enthusiast; Harry - The Great Rugby storyteller; Two Cents - The unbiased after match breakdown king!; Wildkard - The passionate Rugby Ramter!; Zels - The irritating but knowledgable realist;

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@vkeen_observerit’s true - Two Cents is really objective in his reviews !

[@vkeen_observer]

@@HaribaldiJones-d6d his mate verges on insufferable however...

[@johanjordaan5642]

​@@8-9Combo 😂😂😂

[@DeeDee-gv8gn]

Loved the car talk/analagies

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@DeeDee-gv8gn me too - MW shone!

[@heyeksay]

MW I went to boarding school in Rhodesia and like you modesty is respected and expected and anyone who got ahead of themselves their mates would take the piss out of them and bring them back down to earth … it’s a good thing not to be a big head 😅

[@megafoonsport]

@@heyeksay I can certainly relate!

[@Cameron_JK]

When you the top dog everyone wants your spot get comfortable its not going to get easier the boks needs to embrace it

[@W0nderer]

One of the best rugby podcast episodes I have ever listened to. This was good stuff guys. Conversation about real life. I do worry Rassie's divorce and the obsessive Bok environment will wreck Rassie. I do worry about him putting on weight and his medical issues. He's no superman. I hope for the sake of our nation he looks after himself.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Thank you.

[@rohp1283]

In 2019, on the eve of the final, Rassie was interviewed by a Jpn TV station. It was informal with Boks doing light teaining in the background. A question was put to him alluding to the Boks being underdogs to England, and with almost a glee he said : ' I already told them ( the players) that they are the underdogs.'. Many of the comments on you tube from English fans were that, the underdog label has just handed the Boks the world title.

[@megafoonsport]

That's the crux of this discussion. It used to be true, but that was two World Cup wins ago. The Boks have won 17 of 19 tests since July 2023, including the All Blacks and the Irish. Underdog doesn't apply anymore but now the Boks have to learn to be the favourites, and that's a whole different ballgame!

[@rohp1283]

@megafoonsport I agree. However, the underdog label is fallacious. It is based on rankings rather than true merit. A n All Black pundit based in Mexico made the point just the other day that the Boks are ranked 6th in the world for BRAND VALUE, then we are ranked just below the Irish and NZ, and sometimes even below the French, on a system that does not make sense. However, if the label works and we continuously eke out win upon win, no complaints from me. In truth, I know we are truly the world no.1 .

[@louisduplessis5167]

To me, it seemed like Harry was giving a compliment to this channels audience, appreciating their ability to engage in deeper conversations. I didn’t understand it as a criticism of any other commentators.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Cheers, Louis. In a way, I was inviting us to dig deeper of course, but also, in my world a chirp or two is compliment. My favourite birthday parties have all been roasts. I like free speech and very little hurts my feelings. But the main point was to delve into the mindset of being number one and staying there.

[@barbarawright7983]

Rassie is driven by a callenge to motivate himself .

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Agree

[@andremeyer1286]

Underbok who??... Next year will be the 30yr anniversary of my first time watching the Bokke in '95 win the World Cup as a kid not knowing anything about this great game coming from a soccer family background. So I would love a present like a win at Eden paaark 💯

[@brentsw3]

Great insights as always gentlemen. And I don't use "great" lightly! Megafoon sport is fast becoming my go to for deep analysis on, not only tactics, but the immense mental challenges pro sport, in particular rugby union, presents for participants. Utterly engaging and thought provoking episode!!! AAA+

[@brentsw3]

Oh, Harry, you ruffled the feathers of a few fanboys I see. In all honesty 1 is a Big Mac and the other is a 8 course meal at a Michelin star restaurant. It is what it is...

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Thanks Brent. We are going to expand. We are only 22 in! Wait to see how we grow and go. We are still the underdogs.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@brentsw3😂 I don’t mind critique! Broad shoulders and a rocky head. Haha

[@steinjonah660]

Awesome and enlightening Just think of Gerhard Stenekamp as one player He MUST be doing something right as Daan Human said that ha has some faults in his game Yet it is talked by the keyboard brigade the he may get a start v Argentina. You mentioned Elrich Louw. That quiet determination looks like right up Rassies kraal and to me his personality may just outshine Roos. Rassie has the ability to read a personality and amend/enhance it to suit his purpose or that of the team

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Great post! Can’t wait for Argentina

[@dve804]

Congrats guys - I always look out for your fantastic vids and you always deliver!

[@megafoonsport]

@@dve804 Thank you. Much appreciated

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Cheers!

[@cobusbrits2]

Very interesting topic. In most of MW's titles of the podcasts it has a negative slant like this one. I understand clickbait and getting eyes on the programme so not critisizing. Last coupleof years I had to check myself having a negative attitude. It might stem from our Afrikaans upbringing to be not 'windgat' or becoming too big for one's shoes. Those statement tends to force one to constantly downgrade good performances because otherwise you can be caught getting being emotional which is/was a kinda big no-no in our culture, especially the older generation. So to keep it in check, a negative response like seeing oneself as an underdog is a safe way to do so and guards against the pain of losing when all hope was on a win.

[@megafoonsport]

@@cobusbrits2 I will have to think about this a bit. I don't mean to ve negative, I am just curious and the titles are almost always in the form of a question. Food for thought, thank you.

[@superbowljoel01]

nobody wants chips at wimpy

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

I kinda do 😂

[@johannesvanvandermerwe6887]

Our Springbok Brand rated 6th in the world. Ref Mark's presentation on Brand rating. He loves rugga and Kiwi retired living in Cancun Mexico. NZ no 1 brand - check out the $ value of each Rugby brand.

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

I like this format: like a rugby poem.

[@wianserfontein9462]

Very bad form!

[@megafoonsport]

Heard you the first time

[@margieking3405]

Leonard Cohen - great songwriter across his career and he went to the mountains for years. Still humble, still exploring into his 80s. Maybe you have to add 35 to 35 to get the image though

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@margieking3405 love his songs

[@lydiapotgieter7867]

Lay off of Tim... 😊

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Next episode: I’ll praise the wide array of creators we now enjoy.

[@user-jh8uh3ki3i]

they wont team build more important cherry on top world cup

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

can do both?

[@Hrodwulf9]

I think part of it is that the rest of the world also struggles to see us as the number one team in the world. It's totally ridiculous but there's still this debate of "are the Boks REALLY the best team in the world?" "Is this Boks team really the GOAT of all the Springbok teams?" I see this and I think what the hell have you people been watching? Beating the AB's 4 x IN A ROW is unheard of, growing up I never thought I'd see us beaat them twice never mind dominate as we do now. "Ja we won but we still made mistakes" People, for the love of Rassie, can we please understand this is professional era sports and the Boks are performing at the highest level of elite rugby, OF COURSE everything won't be perfect, but the fact of the matter is that this group of Boks are WINNERS, even when the chips are down and it looks like all hope is lost, they pull it back and they find a way to win. Let's stop trying to be so humble, and let's give credit where it's due. Siya - the inspirational hero who leads the greatest Sringbok team we've ever seen. For me, it's about results and this is the team that delivers over and above what I ever dreamt was possible in all my 38 years following and supporting SA Rugby. South Africa really is the country that has matured and is way ahead of the rest of the world in what we know about how to live with one another in peace and unity - truly "hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie" Every international visitor comes here and they say the same thing, they can't believe how friendly we are, how genuine we are in how we truly care for our fellow man, and the Springboks are just a wonderful reflection of how the nation sees itself, we will win, through thick and thin, hard times and easy, we will WIN. Bit of an essay sorry abput that, but thanks for geting the old noggin' joggin' with this interesting topic for discussion, dankie manne en ek hoop julle geniet n geseende naweek!

[@lukhanyosotyingwa1680]

Im Xhosa and I stand by these words, you just described exactly how i feel!!! We had an identity crisis for the longest time as a country and if you have followed rugby long enough you'd understand how much of a big deal this Springbok dominance will become. I for one am not gonna hold back appreciating how far we've come from watching the Springboks on a Saturday morning being destroyed by the All Blacks in the Tri Nations and the feeling of defeat knowing we just can't beat these guys. Now we are on top and as much as people are preaching "STAYING HUMBLE" , we also have to celebrate that we are currently the best in the world and are backing it up by performing at a high level. As fans we're doing our part and the team is backing it up so the world has to accept that we are team to beat now... "US" the Springboks.😀 felt good saying that🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

Yes. True. Up until this year, and even still now, plenty of learned experts opined it was “number one” only in technical terms but that Ireland or NZ are still “co-leaders.” The primary problem as I see it the known reluctance of SA to be known as the faves. And until this year, maybe NZ was still ranked 1 in the bookmakers, with IRE and France also being they darlings. But now SA has to wear the tag. We are now the favourites to win tournaments - all of them - and this brings with it a new pressure. We address this new job

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

@@lukhanyosotyingwa1680yes brotehr

[@HaribaldiJones-d6d]

I meant, yes brother Lukhanyo! This is also why we tend to seek external validation