The Truth Behind Springbok Rugby with Mark Andrews

Join us for a fascinating look into the career of Springbok legend Mark Andrews, as he shares his candid insights on the coaches who shaped him, and the highs and lows of his time on the field. From his victories at the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 1998 Tri-Nations, to his struggles under some of the game's most storied coaches, including Kitch Christie and Nick Mallett, Mark's journey is one that every rugby fan should hear. Don't miss this exclusive interview with one of the greatest players in Springbok rugby history!
00:00 Introduction by Peter
00:47 Called up to the Springboks
02:24 Touring New Zealand
04:22 Love for Ian McIntosh
04:58 Indifference towards Kitch Christie
08:31 Playing eighthman at the World Cup
15:50 Winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup
21:00 Frustrations in 1996/97
23:33 Turnaround under Nick Mallett
25:04 1999 Rugby World Cup
27:32 Harry Viljoen era
29:39 Mark’s toughest opponent
31:48 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.
You can subscribe here: / @frontrowrugby
You can also connect with me on Social Media:
► Twitter: bit.ly/3vYPJKs
►Business Enquiries: [e-mail]

[@patrickbrianpereira7974]

A spade will always be a spade with Mark Andrews . Great interview.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the comment, Patrick. Glad you enjoyed the interview. All the best!

[@sean.butterworth]

I always loved watching Mark play - his enjoyment in playing the game was always clearly visible

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the comment, Sean. Mark was a great player and great guest! Hopefully I can get him on again in the future!

[@johanweakley2658]

Mark Andrews is one of the very best locks that ever played for South Africa. Great sense of humor as well from the big guy! What a legend.

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree! A magnificent player and an excellent guest. What more can you ask for?

[@paulsemple5517]

Outstanding interview, well done! Mark Andrews is a Springbok legend, one of the best locks of all time and a hero of mine when I was growing up. Much appreciated

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks Paul. So glad you enjoyed. Mark is one of the greatest Springboks, no doubt about it and he was a superb guest. We could have gone on for another 30 minutes I think!

[@francisplatt93]

Ireally enjoyed your chat with Mark Andrews here, Peter. He has avery animated way of explaining things and the anecdote bout how he got to play no. 8 for the semi and final was great! They should be back-paid for winning the 95 rugby world cup - maybe a few mill!

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks Francis. So happy you enjoyed it. Mark was a great guest. It's always entertaining when a guy can share stories like that in such a colourful manner. It makes for a better experience for the viewer I think. We could have probably gone on for another 30 minutes!

[@TheBokkeable]

one of my springbok heroes growing up, I would pick Mark Andrews ahead of Matfield and Bakkies any day, Mark Andrew's omission from the boks in 2002 is one of the reasons why that period 02-03 was so bad for the boks, his presence and experience would have been valuable for those young bok squads during those terrible 2 years, well, it's past now, awesome interview mate!

[@frontrowrugby]

Mark was one of the greats! No one could say otherwise. And yes, that 2002/03 period was a dark time for the Boks. It's unbelievable that Mark was told at 29 he had nothing left to offer - not just by the Boks, but the Sharks too! Boggles the mind. Happy you enjoyed the interview and always good to see you in the comments!

[@TheOuboet]

The Otto/Andrews lock partnership was one for the ages!

[@frontrowrugby]

Otto/Andrews followed shortly by Bakkies/Victor followed shortly by Eben/Lood ... it almost feels unfair to the opposition!

[@alanmjohnson]

A great lock in an era with a few really memorable locks. Andrew, Roumat, Eales, Johnson, Brooke

[@frontrowrugby]

Absolutely! Some incredible players in the 4 and 5 jerseys at that time. Good news ... In November/December I'll have another interview with Mark coming up! This time we'll be talking about his Sharks career.

[@SAS477]

Great interview with Mark 🎉Andrew’s. Wonderful insight into an iconic time for SA. Go Bokke. 🇿🇦

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the kind words. Very happy you enjoyed it. Mark - one of the greats for sure!

[@stevenmaritz2681]

Great interview, Mark exudes authenticity that is very much a part of the country. Would love to hear more.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks Steven. Mark was indeed a wonderful guest and of course a magnificent player back in the day. I was so glad I could get him on the show.

[@brettwilkinson9529]

Im a kiwi who always admired Mark Andrews strength and mobility. A guy that was consistent on the field and always gave 100%. Would have been my first selection when selecting the Springbok forward pack during that era.

[@frontrowrugby]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Brett. And yes, Mark was a great player. It's always a great indicator when your fiercest opponents respect you.

[@StuartMacadam]

The interview I've been waiting for. Thanks very much.

[@frontrowrugby]

I'm so thrilled you enjoyed it. Mark was a wonderful guest. Great stories and it's great he was so candid.

[@mariusviljoen3140]

I really like all the Mark Andrews interviews! He is brutally honnest and that it one thing I love in a person! I hate it when people try to be diplomatic. Lets call a spade a spade!

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes his honesty makes for a great conversation. High quality! Thanks for the comment, Marius.

[@TK_Originals]

Good honest interview. Kitch was given everything by Louis Luyt. He was their guy. He coached against the All Blacks, Australia, and France once only in his coaching career and at home. Springboks won that final because of James Small.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks TK. Yeah the best interviews are the ones where the guys don't hold back. I've had a few of those like Ollie and Cobus Visagie who were very candid about the behind the scenes stuff. It makes for spicy content actually! Yes Luyt gave Kitch everything he wanted and needed. I think also he was desperate. There was a World Cup around the corner and he had to get it right. We can't argue against that plan because it worked. But as you say Kitch didn't actually coach us that long and never had to go to Australia or New Zealand. That said 14 wins from 14 Tests is hardly a bad record! And of course, there's only one James Small! After Danie Gerber retired, James became my favourite player.

[@TK_Originals]

@Front Row Rugby Keep up the good work. I also enjoyed your interview with the late Ian Macintosh. A real legend down here in Durban. He was also candid, but he was always like that. Cheers

[@frontrowrugby]

That's very kind of you. Thank you and I'm so glad you're getting some value out of this channel! I think even outside of Durban Mr Mac was well respected and highly regarded. A true legend.

[@homerwc]

Interesting comments about Kitch…Big Pienaar/Kitch fan since the early Transvaal days…so odd to hear negative comments about him 🤔 Lekke interview though. Well done…holding thumbs for the Jannie Breedt interview…😊

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the comment. Yes Pienaar/Kitch was a legendary combination and their place as a duo is secure in history. But as you say interesting that not everyone loved them as much as we might think. I'd love to have Jannie on the show!

[@ockertvanzyl5340]

What a man 👏👏👏👏👏😊

[@frontrowrugby]

Oh yeah!!

[@willieexplore]

Love the honesty in this interview Peter. I watched another interview with Mark where he also talked about his struggle with coaches at Stellenbosch University, especially as an English speaker. Very interesting to hear him talk about his issues with Kitch and such a funny story about how he got to wear the nr8 jersey in the semi and in the final. I actually wonder what would have happened if he said he can play flank. Would they have moved Ruben to nr8? That made me think about something else. It is interesting how coaches seem to prioritise set pieces / lineout ball in tournaments, particularly in the latter stages such as the semi and the final. Steve Hansen infamously picked Scott Barrett as nr7 (and dropping Sam Cane) in their semi against England in 2019, prioritising the lineout over the breakdown - a gamble which did not seem to work as they lost but the idea was probably right if you look at history. Of course, Jake White picked Danie Rossouw as a nr8 in Pierre Spies' absence in 2007 too, giving that extra lineout option at the tail. Even Rassie picked Jean-Luc Du Preez as nr7 before finally settling on PSDT as his 7 going forward including 2019 WC. Eddie Jones went with Phil Waugh & George Smith in 2003 and Tom Curry & Sam Underhill in 2019 - i.e. without a recognised lineout option in the flanks - and lost both finals. Something to think about?

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes I think the honest answers make for the best interviews. Of course some guys will be more cautious etc. The Stellenbosch story is interesting because I think in the old days it was an Afrikaans University but by the time I arrived there (2002) I think all the classes were in English. I've also wondered what Kitch's plan would have been if Mark played 7. I wonder Straeuli would have played 8 and Ruben would have been dropped. And yes, I think the deeper you go in the tournament the more the set pieces become crucial because the teams are so cautious. No one wants to make a mistake. It definitely does seem to have worked for us over the years as you mention. I must be honest I was unimpressed when Meyer selected PSDT at 7 against Japan but ultimately PSDT probably became the best 7 in the world a few years later. Not to mention the additional lineout options. It's like having three locks and maybe even four if you have a capable 8.

[@LionOnSea]

Nuts that Mark was discarded at 29 when locks are typically at their physical peak (Matfield 2007, Bakkies 2009, Etzebeth 2022 etc). Helluva player and servant of Natal rugby and a great guy by all accounts.

[@frontrowrugby]

It is almost unbelievable. Thankfully guys are much better managed and looked after these days. And yes, 100% Mark is a great guy and a great servant to every rugby team he was ever a part of.

[@TheLesmarshall]

Fabulous interview, fabulous rugby player

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Les. I'm so happy you're enjoying the videos on this channel. I'll keep trying to bring you great players and great content!

[@user-qy5lc6dl3n]

One of the nicest interviews I have ever watched!

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much, Hannes for those kind words. Really appreciate it and thank you for commenting.

[@robertjacobsfishing]

Great video. Thanks for the honest and frank answers Mark. Go Sharks!

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the comment Robert. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mvubu6823]

Mark was the first great of modern locks. In my view. Almost a Matfield and Bakkies in one man. Legend

[@frontrowrugby]

A Springbok legend! No one can argue. Thanks for the comment, Mvubu. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@JSL2000]

Interesting and very honest. Where he talks about the injuries in 1995, I think that's quite a common complaint from a lot of players of that era. They didn't have the advances in sports science, injury detection etc. Some of those tours were brutal with provincial games just as intense and as challenging as the test matches.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the kind words. Very good point about those injuries in those days. I think Japie Mulder said something similar in his interview a couple of weeks ago - in the amateur era the guys didn't really do much gym work and then suddenly they were in the gym for many hours every day. That no doubt played a role in shortening careers too. If you look back to that late 90s/early 00s period there were a lot of guys who retired before the age of 30 in some cases. But thankfully now high school boys are already in the gym so their bodies are used to it. And yes those provincial games on the tours were also brutal. Those guys were waiting for the international teams. They saw it as their chance to make a name for themselves. Different era, hey!

[@sakabula2357]

Great interview...one of your best..Mark Andrews...the original enforcer..even before Bakkies...It always amazes me that there is so much going on behind the scenes in rugby..So much us ordinary fans will never know of...

[@frontrowrugby]

So glad you enjoyed it. Mark was a beast of a player and universally loved! If this was one of my best it was only because Mark was such a great guest. And as you say there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that most people will never know about. I also think one of the benefits of bringing the older guys out for the show is that because it was 20 or more years ago, they might be more likely to tell us stuff that they wouldn't have told us at the time ... or even 10 years ago maybe!

[@wilburburger6155]

The problem with Bakkies was that you never knew when he was going to be sent off.

[@sakabula2357]

@wilburburger6155 that's true in the beginning of his Bok career..same with Schalk Burger..they became more disciplined in their later careers

[@paulredelinghuys7790]

So Wiese was one of the enforcers and according to this “not much of a jumper”🤷🏽‍♂️😂😂😅😊

[@frontrowrugby]

Remember there was also no lifting in the lineouts at that stage so in many ways it's a bit comical watching lineouts from those days now.

[@benvaneeden1076]

Mark was a one of the great Springbok locks of all time! I enjoyed this interview!

[@frontrowrugby]

He was a fabulous player. Thanks for the kind words. He was a great guest!

[@lephotography3621]

I look forward to each instalment on your channel! Every interview is terrific. I’m English, would you consider interviewing some of the greats from my country also? Cheers

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much for those kind words. I really do appreciate it. At this stage I'm only interviewing Springboks players. Because my channel is still quite small if I moved outside of that niche it would confuse the algorithm but if we could get to a point where we are getting 50k+ views on each video then absolutely I'd love to branch out and have guests from other parts of the world. And there are many great England players out there that would be great to have on! That said I do have some plans to expand for the Rugby World Cup. Thank you again for the support and the comment.

[@johnpeter3626]

Very absorbing interview...Keep it up...

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks a ton! Really glad you enjoyed it and appreciate the kind words.

[@plutoniumnitrate1201]

it seems as if we need another Harry Viljoen with a more running rugby approach instead of kicking the ball away......running rugby will forever be the true DNA of real rugby.

[@frontrowrugby]

Under the current rules it's more advantageous to not have possession - as odd as that seems. That's what Rassie identified and hence why we see so much box kicking. We won the World Cup doing that so you won't hear me complaining.

[@seanpinkey8798]

Pat Lamby slotted the winning kick!

[@frontrowrugby]

Spot on! Can you imagine the pressure ahead of that moment? We will all be forever grateful to Pat.

[@RussJackson-qn3jj]

Legend, particularly when he played at 8!

[@frontrowrugby]

Legend indeed but I think we can safely say he preferred his place in the second row. Thanks for the comment, Russ.

[@RussJackson-qn3jj]

@@frontrowrugby Yes! It was great hearing the back story surrounding that selection. That 1995 world cup final was one special day! Mark, Joost and Andre Joubert are my all time rugby heroes! I just can't believe it was 28 years ago! I have just discovered your channel, thanks for a great interview, I will definitely be binging on more!

[@frontrowrugby]

That's great, Russ. Thanks for the kind words and I'm so happy you're liking what you're seeing. You'll see there's an entire catalogue (about 53) of interviews with former Springboks in addition to the World Cup stuff I'm currently doing. Got Andre Joubert in there too! Danie Gerber was my first favourite and then James Small after Danie retired. But there were so many wonderful players, as is also the case today. 28 years ago and honestly I remember that tournament like it was yesterday.

[@garethm4800]

I think you know I'm a big fan of you channel Peter but I'm someone who comments a lot although I've "liked" 👍 every episode! I had to comment on this one which has been my best. Ollie and Mac are 2 and 3 and my Sharks bias is reflecting but not intended I promise. My views on Kitch and his excellence and professionalism remain unchanged and echo's the 'horses for courses' shadow that coaches unapologetically need to live by. It also gave an unseen before insight that was fresh and unfiltered. Listening carefully highlighted the talent and class of Mark Andrews, that Kitch knew he had to be in the side. (ironically Mark was another SA schools Waterpolo player). SA is the cradle of tight forwards on earth so it's easy to forget the 'titles' retired Legends were given and it raises the bar for the boots that need to be filled. Mark was recognised and respected (feared is more appropriate) as one of the greatest SA locks produced at that point. 3 extra highlights for me was the tip of the hat to Mac unknowingly, the Einstein that got away in Harry Viljoen and the epitome of rugby's values in Mark sharing his story about (probably) Australia's GOAT, John Eales writing a letter that I've never ever heard about that should be on world rugby's marketing campaign to promote grassroots.... And thank God it's not! Thank you Peter, may our Legends live on and your passion be eternal!

[@garethm4800]

I meant to say I don't comment a lot, lol. PS - where is Harry Viljoen, that would likely be a series of interviews in itself and not for the s Wrong reasons because I'm sure it's not in Harry's vocabulary, Pioneers are students that understand compound growth like we understand grade 1 bonds.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much Gareth. You must know how much I appreciate it. From a content creator point of view receiving comments is actually one of the highlights! It also helps that 99% of the comments I receive are positive. ;-) My wife is actually a big Sharks fan and loves it when I have guys like Mark, Ollie and Mac on the show! No doubt Kitch knew what he was doing - we won the World Cup so no one can argue. But also interesting that we get the idea Kitch was loved by all the players but maybe he was loved by the Lions/Transvaal guys and the other guys just fitted in. I love the way you put it - our opponents FEARED Mark Andrews! And what a lovely story about John Eales writing a letter to him upon his retirement. Incredible stuff! Thanks again for the kind words.

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha, yes, I figured! As far as I know Harry is in the property development business and living in Hermanus. Do I want him on the show? You bet! He is actually my favourite WP coach because when I started watching rugby the Sharks had just won their first Curie Cup and that followed a period of Sharks/Lions dominance. So I only got my first Currie Cup win in 1997 and it was under Harry! Love your analogy on Harry - grade 1 bonds! Hahaha!

[@rif9576]

Thanks for the great interview Peter. I hope the Sunday schedule got you more eyeballs. I am unsure if I am reading too much into this but it appears that the pre 2002 Springboks were definitely victims to provincialism. The Transvaal guys being favoured, Mac played favourites with Natal boys and Mallet’s boys were the WP guys. So it wasn’t only a spectator thing in the early years upon our return into the international circuit. You have had some blunt interviewees but I think Mark has been the bluntest yet😂 Boggles the mind that you would have a lock at the base of the scrum instead of having the best 8 in the country in 95 coz you didn’t want factions in the squad and it is quite evident that factions still occurred 🤷🏻‍♀️ I wasn’t the biggest Andrews fan but I admire his candour. Being called “Markie” but you couldn’t call the coach Kitch is borderline demeaning. Different times though🤷🏻‍♀️

[@frontrowrugby]

So glad you liked it. I'm gonna do Sunday uploads for a month and see how it goes. I think you're quite right. There was absolutely a bias from the coaches in those days in favour of their own provincial players. I remember when Andre Markgraaff took over suddenly there were a handful of Griquas guys in the Bok squad! Mark was great! These interviews work best when the guys don't hold back. It's what I hope for each time. I think most of us from the Cape have never accepted that Tiaan wasn't in that 95 squad. Different times indeed. Markie is okay but not Kitch! haha ...

[@rif9576]

@@frontrowrugby I really am hoping the new schedule brings you better numbers. You deserve all the eyeballs. I can see the effort you put into these interviews. Asking the difficult question. I know in the mid 80s to early 90s WP was probably the most hated of the unions but still the big names wanted to be here. I can hear the undertones in some of these older boks and call me naive I think Provincialism is behind us. The SHA vs Mun game made my heart happy to see the boks in the squad embrace RG Snyman post match. Even though to a degree it’s H&S gone mad in the modern era I am happy to see how we have progressed as a nation. Right this is me getting off my soap box now 🤣

[@frontrowrugby]

I hope so too but even if it doesn't I'll just keep putting out the videos. Appreciate your kind words as always. Haha, yes I don't think the rest of the country liked WP much! But I think those days are now behind us especially because the Currie Cup is no longer the biggest competition and many of our best players now move between the franchises and often play overseas too. Progress is good!

[@rif9576]

@@frontrowrugby the highlight of the whole interview to me was when Markie😒 made the comment about journalist, which could have been you 🤣🤣. I think it is a compliment you know your stuff and it was if you have been writing rugby articles since 95😬

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha ... yes, I was much too young. That test took place about 6 weeks before my 11th birthday so no way it could have been me!

[@josnooy6844]

Pat Lambie got that kick.

[@frontrowrugby]

Quite right! Well done, Jos!

[@MeanAzz_13]

2:55 "I think it still continues today" regarding NZL's animosity towards the Springboks. Nah man! Most us Kiwi's practically call The Mighty Springboks our 2nd favorite team! In the 90's yes but not the last 10 years. Some my fav players are Bokkie, Big Bad Bakkis, Schalk Burger, Etzebeth, Joost, Ruben Kruger, Andre Venter, Pieter Roussow, Victor Matfield just to name a few so nah not these days. But theres some small minded Bokke fans that are total *drop kicks,* when you see them on a *Jonah Lomu* video saying "he never scored a Try against South Africa" too which I reply "he never *lost* to Japan either!" 😂😂😂

[@frontrowrugby]

Great comment, Sweet azz! Thank you! I think it's the nature of most rivalries that the majority of supporters love it and lap it up and then you get a minority who take things way too far. They also tend to the most vocal and comment on videos, articles etc. The Boks-ABs rivalry is one of the best in all of sport. Long may that continue. PS No need to bring up that Japan match ;-)

[@MeanAzz_13]

@Front Row Rugby 😂 algd bro 😂👍 Sh!t how can I forget top 3 Springbok of all time the great *DANIE GERBER* man imagine him and *NONU* as a pairing 👍

[@frontrowrugby]

That would have been a powerful combination! Danie was actually my first favourite Springbok player when I started watching as a boy. And in the spirit of this conversation I'm somewhat compelled to tell you who my favourite All Blacks are! In the forwards I'd have to go with Josh Kronfeld and in the backs Christian Cullen. There are of course many other wonderful players that have donned that famous black jersey, and these things are always subjective but for me JK and CC are favourites.

[@MeanAzz_13]

@Front Row Rugby it's actually a shame we don't have a Southern Hemisphere version of the Lions. I'd call us the *S.H DEMONS* 🇳🇿🇿🇦🇦🇺🇦🇷

[@frontrowrugby]

Imagine that team! They'd be unbeatable I reckon.

[@larrymeyer2917]

The MOMENT in South Africa, I. Don’t believe will happen around the world. Madiba united the country like never before and the team shows up. I liked Kitch and everybody has their failings, guess we just have to put that behind us, teams always have some small weakness, I do believe we had our best on the field and they created a moment in that can and will never be forgotten. Unfortunately Mandela was alone in the ANC to follow up that building of a nation and the Nat politicians so obsessed with ego did not go onto support him, another term in office and I think SA would not have gone down the road it has. No question and Mallett has now admits, dropping Teich was the reason we lost 99 RWC. Great interview with a great player.

[@frontrowrugby]

What a wonderful time that was to be a South African. As you say all players and indeed coaches have their strengths and weaknesses. The fact is Kitch did get it right and that brought joy to so many of us. Mallett has indeed admitted what he did was a mistake. I think we should get him on here to discuss! Thanks again for the compliment. Really appreciate it, Larry.

[@itsovergetuptherejoe]

Mr Mark Andrews saying Natal was a small union sets me back. I remember when they won the Currie Cup in 1995 and I thought it had always been the case, that Natal had dominated South African rugby, only for my father and his friends to tell me Northern Transvaal and Western Province and were the big unions. I was so gutted for some reason 😂 But Mr Mark Andrews should bring out a book he was part of a great revolution in the sport and he achieved so much. How close he came to winning the Super 12 and not, was/is so frustrating for us as fans. I would love to hear how those tours to Australia and the land of the long white cloud were like with that once in a generation Natal team. Then of course, I’d love to know how life in Newcastle (England), was like for him. I know Francois Pienaar was part of changing the approach to the professional era at Saracens. The eithman Man story was so interesting to hear from Mr Andrews’ point of view. I don’t believe South Africa win that final without him at eight. I’m not sure about before but definitely since, I cannot think of a world beating springbok team without a converted lock in the back row. If it was not for Mr Andrews’ generation of Natal and later Sharks players, I probably wouldn’t have ever followed the sport so closely for the last 29 years. I’m truly grateful.

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha, yes that is true. Before Mac arrive the Sharks had never won anything then they won four Currie Cup titles in seven seasons! Incredible! I agree there should be a Mark Andrews book. The reality is that this interview could have easily gone on for another 30 minutes! You've mentioned so many fascinating topics ... we could probably do 10 of these interviews with Mark and it wouldn't be enough to get through everything. And yes, spot on, Francois Pienaar set the tone I think in terms of going overseas and making a career in England or wherever it may be. Joel Stransky also went over at about that time as you might recall. Thank you for your great comment and the kind words! Really appreciate it.

[@gerhardolivier5293]

Mark and Etsebeth were the best locks the country has produced.

[@frontrowrugby]

We've had so many wonderful players. I must admit every time I try to think about who would be in my all-time dream XV I realise how many great players I've left out. This country is blessed with phenomenal rugby talent. Long may that continue!

[@bongolethudubula]

Please dont exclude Matfield and B Botha

[@frontrowrugby]

Two magnificent players! And then look at who we have currently: Eben and Lood with PSDT playing on the flank and we're waiting for RG Snyman to return from injury. An embarrassment of riches, I tell you!

[@jacqueskotze9011]

Brilliant rugby player, tough and skillful. Also never a fan on Kitch and that Transvaal side (this is obviously from a province supporter 😂)

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree. He was a wonderful player and a firm fan favourite. As a Province supporter myself I know what you mean about that Transvaal cabal under Kitch. But hey, we did win the World Cup so we can't complain!

[@karlvanrooyen7402]

Would have loved to hear his view on Rassie as a coach .

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the comment , Karl. Mark and I really could have gone on for another 30 minutes!

[@fredgeorge585]

Without sounding like sour grapes The 1995 Rugby World Cup was tarnished by a waitress at the hotel they stayed at, according to there coach in his autobiography he saw a waitress at the hotel place a substance in there water the day of final.The All Blacks had problems fielding a side as they were throwing up, that been said it was great for tension between whites & coloured people.The movie Invictus did not give a hint there was any controversery in fact it was a joke. Also it was the first & only rugby match that went into extra time. The New Zealand All Blacks are the winningest team in the history of team sports.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the comment Fred. Not sour grapes at all. Anyone is welcome to comment and give their opinion here. I'll say a few things though: There seems to be various stories around that waitress. I've heard from an All Black that played in that final that they were food poisoned earlier in the week (may have been the Thursday) and that hampered their training and preparation but by the day of the final everyone's health was fine again. Invictus: Morgan Freeman did not even attempt to replicate one of the most mimicked accents/voices on Earth. Nuff said! And there were other rugby matches that went to extra time after the 1995 final. The 1999 semi-final between the Boks and Australia as well as the 2003 RWC final come to mind. Cheers and thanks again for the comment! All the best!

[@avelamabetshe7207]

The answer is Patrick Lambie

[@frontrowrugby]

You are quite right, Avela! Bok Encyclopedia!

[@Don-ym8cm]

Hasn't aged at all.

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha, that's exactly what my wife said (huge Sharks fan). I told Mark and he joked that must mean he looked really old when he was younger!

[@Don-ym8cm]

@@frontrowrugby how old is this interview?

[@frontrowrugby]

@@Don-ym8cm About a month. I try to work 4-6 weeks in advance.

[@Don-ym8cm]

@@frontrowrugby what ever he is taking, I want some.

[@frontrowrugby]

@@Don-ym8cm Hahaha ... yeah, me too!

[@francisplatt93]

Pat Lambie!!!!

[@frontrowrugby]

The one and only! Well done, Francis!

[@Thegrumpycoach]

Enjoyed listening to Mark, however, you as an interviewer on youtube, you lack... it seems so mechanical. (constructive criticism). Still going to sub though.

[@frontrowrugby]

Hi Nick. Thank you for the comment and thank you very much for subscribing - I really appreciate it. Sorry if it comes across as mechanical. I take all comments, criticism and feedback on board. I want to make this channel as great as possible.

[@bbviljoen1153]

Pat Lambie?

[@frontrowrugby]

Spot on, BB! You get 10 points!

[@sakabula2357]

Morne Steyn?

[@frontrowrugby]

Try again ...

[@wilburburger6155]

Patrick Lambie kicked the goal.

[@frontrowrugby]

You know your stuff, Wilbur! Well done.

[@leonarddube3264]

Pat Lambie

[@frontrowrugby]

Quite right! Well done, Leonard. Thanks for the comment.

[@jasondevilliers8797]

Pat lambie

[@frontrowrugby]

Quite right, Jason. Well done!

[@louisjwiese5515]

No wonder they did not do well in the early 90s in New Zealand. New Zealand made it impossible for them to train and prepare properly.

[@frontrowrugby]

Indeed Louis. Virtually impossible.

[@sandorclegane3658]

Damn, NZ were cold not to leave gear. You wouldn't hear the end of it from the nz media if roles were reversed.

[@frontrowrugby]

Different times hey. Crazy how host nations on those tours would seek to find any advantage they could over the tourists.

[@seamus9750]

Still looking very fresh faced.

[@frontrowrugby]

My wife watched this video and said he looks exactly the same as he did when she was 16! Now that's a compliment.

[@soidog659]

NZ rugby players are fine fellows. Their Administration officials are dodgy, their refs are dodgy and their supporters one eyed. Bit like in South Africa.

[@frontrowrugby]

We can talk about the administrators in South Africa forever! Short version: Our athletes prosper despite the administrators, not because of them. Obviously not true of them all but it's probably true 90% of the time.

[@davidmaclennan5925]

What's with the sniff to the left all the time dude? Good interviews though, however, it appears you aren't really interviewing them and that it's edited and staged to suit your question segments.... sorry don't mean to be critical, but if you want to continue you may need to take on criticism, and this is positive. It's not meant as an insult. I hope you receive it as that.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for the comment, David. I appreciate all feedback. Some of it I agree with, some it I disagree with. In many cases I have used feedback to try and make the videos better. If you watch the first few videos and compare it to the latest videos you can see some of those changes. In terms of editing, I'm not really sure what else I can do in terms of what you are saying. I use two different cameras so of course there's editing that has to take place but the only other editing that I do after bringing the clips together is to fix audio i.e. if my dog barks in between (yes that has actually happened!). As for the sniff ... It's my allergies, bud. We had a dust storm here the week before and it played havoc with my sinuses.

[@rh5466]

Haha. MBGA.

[@sakabula2357]

Lol..wrong agian

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha ... Maybe you'll get next week's one right!

[@alanmjohnson]

4:02 - I did you one better and subscrubed as well.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much, Alan! I really do appreciate that. Great to have you as part of the community. Looking forward to seeing more of you in the comments section!

[@danieloosthuizen4053]

I pressed dislike because it irritates the hell out of me when people beg for likes.

[@alkante2962]

If it is the same mark andrews who blew up Galthié's beautiful straight nose and ruined his female fans' dreamy adoration, thumbs down! He is a brute who play kick-boxing, not rugby.

[@devmaharaj9768]

Pat Lambie

[@frontrowrugby]

Yeah! You know your stuff, Dev!