Springbok Rollercoaster Ride: Gavin Johnson’s Inside Story

Рет қаралды 2,657

Күн бұрын

In this memorable discussion about his short but impactful Springbok career, Gavin Johnson opens up about how he helped South Africa win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Gavin reflects on an excellent 1993 season that propelled him from club rugby to the famous Bok jersey.
Johnson scored a record 22 points on his debut for the Springboks and was incredibly versatile, proving effect at flyhalf, fullback and on the wing. His goalkicking was also one of his great strengths. Unfortunately this also meant that coaches didn’t always know how to use him effectively.
Gavin shares the highs, the lows and even some of the funnier moments while wearing the coveted green and gold. Don’t miss this exciting episode.
00:00 Introduction by Peter
00:46 Debut against Argentina
03:21 1993 excellence
07:53 Missing Tests in 1994
09:33 Touring New Zealand
12:40 Favourite position
14:16 Ian McIntosh
16:00 Sitting on the bench
16:50 1995 Rugby World Cup
26:45 Versatility
29:21 Toughest opponent
30:56 Funny moment
32:19 Favourite current player
33:11 These days
36:28 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.
►Business Enquiries: peter@frontrowrugby.co.za

Пікірлер: 85

@roymacaskill6610 3 ай бұрын

This was my favourite interview. I remember Gavin was a great player! Impressed by his decency, humbleness, sincerity and down to earth manner. You can clearly see he is a christian man.

@frontrowrugby 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Roy. I was so happy to get Gavin on the show. He was a great guest and of course a superb player back in the day!

@benvaneeden1076 10 ай бұрын

What a great interview with Gavin. He sound like a very down to earth guy. He was a great player and I remember his elusive running style playing for Transvaal in the 90's. He was also very composed as a player and had a great goal kicking record. Thank you Peter for this great interview.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

It's my pleasure, Ben. Very down to Earth indeed and really glad I could get him. He really was a great player. Even though I'm a Province man I really admired Gavin those days and really wanted him in the Springbok side. As you say his running style, composure and goal kicking was impeccable. I thought his creativity was really great too. Glad you enjoyed the video! Always nice having you in the comments.

@gm.Observer 10 ай бұрын

Jack of all trades and master of all. Gavin is such a humble great guy.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

I like that - jack of all trades, master of all! Gavin is indeed a great guy and a great guest - I'm so glad I could get him on the show.

@thomasdeetlefs2162 10 ай бұрын

What a humble man. It was so nice to hear that he was happy for Andre being able to play in the world cup semis, and that there was no selfish desire for him to step into the 15 jersey at the time. Wish him nothing but the best on the farm. I remember when James went off, I was wondering why they had Venter come on, but he was at peace with it all, based on this interview. Another great one Pieter.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Thomas. Always nice to have you in the comments and I appreciate the kind words. Gavin is indeed a humble man. He was a great guest and a wonderful player back in the day. I'm so glad I could get him on here.

@at7512 10 ай бұрын

Wonderful honest conversation with a fantastic player who arguably was unlucky not to get more test caps..👌🏽

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words. Really happy you enjoyed the interview. Gavin was indeed a great guest. So glad I could get him on the show.

@brucekendall52 2 ай бұрын

Such a talented player with so much humility.Thank you for sharing your experience.

@frontrowrugby 2 ай бұрын

I agree. He was excellent and turned out to be a really, really good guest too. So pleased I could get him on.

@francisplatt93 2 ай бұрын

It is just so lekker to hear each of these players' personal journeys

@frontrowrugby 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Francis! I'm glad you enjoy listening to the old stories. I certainly do too!

@marcbrown729 10 ай бұрын

A thoroughly enjoyable interview - thank you. Gavin Johnson, what a thoroughly decent human being. I believe his versatility was not a hindrance to his career. Rugby is a team sport - coaches and his team mates clearly wanted him in the mix because they knew how valuable a player he was and what he would be able to give them - no matter what position he played.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thank you, Mark. So happy you enjoyed it. Great assessment as well. His versality was a strength and I've heard it said before too that if you can play in multiple positions you'll almost always be involved! Gavin was indeed a valuable player.

@willieexplore 10 ай бұрын

Peter, you have transformed my Sundays! I ran a few errands this morning and got back to my flat, boiled the kettle, turned on my laptop, and there is your thumbnail with Gavin! What a great interview and humble guest. He also talked about the tragic car accident which I mentioned on your community post last week. That accident, in turn, gave him an opportunity to showcase his immense talent. Strange how life sometimes turn out. Wasn't he outstanding in 1993, as you mentioned! Great at spotting space and distributing, and then of course the pinpoint accuracy to the sticks. I find it incredible that he didn't get Currie Cup gametime across the Jukskei after all those years for Harlequins (maybe another victim of the Afrikaans / English thing?). A special, versatile player who should have started many more tests - at the very least, he could have been used a lot more as a supersub, but that wasn't a thing in his days. I also didn't know about his shoulder injury and the injury he picked up against Western Samoa, so maybe that also explains a few things for me. Cheers as always!

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Willie, I'm so happy my videos can bring a little bit of happiness to your Sundays! Whoo! Thanks for the compliment my man - it's very encouraging and means a lot! As you correctly mentioned last week it was the car accident that brought Gavin into the spotlight. Strange how life turns out for sure! I think especially in those days the Afrikaans/English thing was strongly at play. That and also provincialism but thankfully these days most of that stuff is firmly on the sidelines. In today's setting Gavin would have been part of the Bomb Squad most likely. He can come on slot in almost anywhere and change the game. Pity about all the injuries too.

@stefandebruin8118 10 ай бұрын

Another great interview with a great player and person. Thanks, Peter.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Stefan. Always great to have you in the comments. Glad you enjoyed it.

@1414rebel 10 ай бұрын

50 episodes. Well done my bra. very awesome interview

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thanks boet! 50-up! Can't quite believe it.

@1414rebel 10 ай бұрын

@@frontrowrugby awesome efforts my brother

@seamus9750 10 ай бұрын

England...I raided my piggy bank to fly over with some of my hard partying mates to watch it at Twickenham...Uli Smit was queueing next to us for the tube leaving the stadium...that was our highlight of the tour.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Incredible story! Such a shame that we went down that day. I was still in high school and remember my mates and I were convinced the Boks would win. Well, weren't we wrong? Cool that you bumped into Uli!

@duncanclews9424 10 ай бұрын

I so enjoy these conversations!

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Duncan. I'm so happy that it brings a little bit of joy to my viewers. It's also very encouraging to read messages like this one so thank you very much!

@duncanclews9424 9 ай бұрын

it's priceless just on a human level, but Peter, apart from yr deep knowledge, you have a really great ability to draw the best out of people ! :) well done

@frontrowrugby 9 ай бұрын

It's my pleasure,@@duncanclews9424. So thrilled you enjoy them. I'll keep putting the videos out for you!

@Ash0010 10 ай бұрын

Scored 22 points on debut in 1993 a record for most points in a test held by Gerald Bosch 1975 vs. France at Loftus. (Equalled in 1994 by Joel vs, Argentina) He then became the sole record holder in 1995 with 28 vs. Samoa at Ellis Park prior to the RWC. That record was broken by Jannie de Beer in 1999 RWC vs. Eng with 34, which was then broken by Percy in 2007, 35 vs, Namibia.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Yes, what a debut indeed! As you say Joel equalled that in 1994 against Argentina but also did it in the opening game against Australia at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. I stand corrected but I think Percy might have also got 28 against Wales in 1998 when we whipped them 96-13 (I think that was the score). Have to go double check but then obviously Jannie's performance against England overtook that mark.

@Ash0010 10 ай бұрын

@@frontrowrugby That's correct, Joel did repeat his hall of 22 points in a test vs. Aus in the '95 RWC opening game. That was after the Samoa game obviously. He went on to score 25 points vs. Aus in Bloem the following year. (the most points he scored in a test). In addition, you are right Percy broke the 28 point record set by Gavin in that Loftus demolition in '98 when he scored 31 points before Jannie scored the 34 points.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Nice one, Ash. I had forgotten about some of those to be honest. I actually thought Percy scored 28 in that Loftus demolition but as you say it was 31. I think Jannie's haul will forever remain legendary because of the uniqueness of it all. The five drop goals but also the fact it came in a World Cup quarter-final! Massive occasion.

@TK_Originals 10 ай бұрын

Good one, Pete. Gavin's career coincided with Theo van Rensburg, Andre Joubert, and Hugh Reece Edwards. I can understand the competition and why he would end up with so few caps. Was a very underrated player. Comes across as a decent bloke.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thanks TK! Glad you enjoyed it. Really nice guy. Was great chatting to him as well while trying to set it up. We really did have a high number of quality fullbacks at that stage and in terms of flyhalf there was Stransky, Le Roux and Honiball was also starting to come through the ranks.

@nunuotutaha3419 10 ай бұрын

Another great interview, to think he wasnt discovered during his five years playing club rugby in Pretoria. Thanks for asking what his favourite position is. He really should have gone on that 1993 end of year tour ahead of Chris Dirks. Love knowing he has spendt most of life active outdoors, some life lessons there for sure.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Nunu. Glad you enjoyed it. It is remarkable that he went unnoticed until 1993. Kitch Christie knew what he was doing! And when he got his Springbok chance he made an immediate impact. Yes, he is all about the outdoors. The bush, the fish, the animals ...

@petercarlisle5828 10 ай бұрын

You remember the streaker? LOL it must have been a subsequent tour when we lost, but never the less always good to hear what these old boks do - keep up the good work

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Haha, may not have been a streaker per se but I'm pretty sure someone ran on to the field and interfered with play. Trying to think of another defeat to Wales in Cardiff ... 1999 was the first time and then I think we didn't lose there again until something like 2014. But I'd have to double check. Thanks for the kind words! Always great interacting with another Peter!

@rif9576 10 ай бұрын

Congratz on the big 50 Peter 🎉🎉what a humble and down to earth man. I think the boks pre-professional era have a very different vibe about them. I must say I had to contain myself and not read the comments or skip to the end as you teased last week that next week would be a BIG, HUGE even interview and you did not disappoint. I squealed out loud when you said his name. I am so excited! I cannot wait. Thank you! A thousand thank yous for the great content

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! 50 up! Whoo! I must be honest I only remembered it as I was introducing him so threw it in there, haha! And yes, what a humble man. He was a lovely guest to have on and a great player too back in the day. I think that different vibe is brought about by the amateur/professional thing. They were playing purely for the love of the sport rather than as a profession. I'm thrilled that you're so excited about next week's guest. My pleasure as always!

@rif9576 10 ай бұрын

@@frontrowrugby every week is slightly different. I think thus far Andre Joubert was my fav with de Wet a close second and I really enjoyed Pieter Rossouw as well. Joel was the spiciest 🤣I cannot wait for Teichmann I was a HUGE fan growing up.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

I enjoy hearing about the favourites. Everyone has a different favourite or list of favourites. It's very cool. I also have a bit of a top 3 but it's probably best I not reveal that publicly! I was also a big fan of Teich in those days. Great player, great captain and he was done such a disservice. But don't worry, we'll discuss that in the interview!

@rif9576 10 ай бұрын

@@frontrowrugby I am sure you would have but it would be imprudent to air it here 😀they are all your favourites for different reasons… I was asked today who is my favourite player of all time and I said it’s impossible to answer. I have favourite players per era and also for different reasons. Roll on Sunday!

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Yes I agree. My favourite player in 1992 cannot be compared to my favourite player in 2002 or Schalk Burger! ;-) Roll on Sunday for sure!

@WarrenFelix 10 ай бұрын

Great content as always Pete!!Big up Gavin nice hearing of you. 1❤️👊🏾🇿🇦

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Warren. So glad you enjoyed the video and I'm so thrilled I was able to get Gavin on the show. A great guest as he was a great player.

@WarrenFelix 10 ай бұрын

@@frontrowrugby No thanks to you for keeping us entertained!Onwards and upwards with your channel!!!God bless you…and yes what a humble guy Gavin is great interview. 🇿🇦❤️👊🏾

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

It's my pleasure and I'm so happy it brings a bit of joy to people every week! God bless you too, bro!

@zuberhaniff2938 10 ай бұрын

Gavin said England twice So I'm going with England 😅the team that ended wins in 1998.. Such a crazy game yassizs

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

And indeed it is England. They beat us 13-7 that day. We were 7-0 ahead and that was the last of it for us that day. Winning streak came to an end.

@RRYanSpencer 10 ай бұрын

His brother Mark played in the 1995 Rugby League World Cup if memory serves.

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Oooh, I don't know about that. I don't really follow Rugby League but if that is indeed the case, what a great achievement and how wonderful for the Johnson Family!

@seanpinkey8798 10 ай бұрын

England at Twickenham ended the Boks 17 match unbeaten run at the end of 1998!

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

That is correct, Sean. Another correct answer in the bag, brother!

@seanpinkey8798 10 ай бұрын

@@frontrowrugby great interview with Gavin Johnson- he was one of the best fullbacks in SA rugby in the 90s!

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Yes, he was a magnificent player. A joy to watch!

@seanpinkey8798 10 ай бұрын

@@frontrowrugby he was known as "magic Johnson" - it's a pity Gavin's career coincided with Andre Joubert- both were the best of their era!

@seanpinkey8798 10 ай бұрын

Also Peter can you please try & get Theo van Rensburg on your show? He too was a top fullback those days!

@robertjacobsfishing 10 ай бұрын

Ai die Kakies. It would be England to put a spanner in our works!

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

And the funny thing is I can clearly remember my mates and I (still in high school at that stage) being supremely confident that the Boks would win. Shows what we knew!

@dougerrohmer 10 ай бұрын

I was gonna ask how an English speaker get's to come from Limpopo, but then I remembered about a friend of mine who came from a Russian family up there and he was actually a translator for the navy. So I guess the Boere up there allow anybody in 😁

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Haha, it's just this incredible country of ours. You can find everyone and anyone everywhere and anywhere!

@petercarlisle5828 10 ай бұрын

I heard it was England but I really thought it was Wales - but history trivia is not my strong point

@frontrowrugby 10 ай бұрын

Haha, all good! On that tour Wales actually ran us quite close. We had to score a late try to make sure of the win and as I recall there was a streaker too!