Tommy Freeman + South Africa Dominated in "Europe"

[@alecmillward355]

Wanna just say that Max has been monumental for the bears recently

[@MaulorNothing]

Time for someone be it at Bristol or elsewhere to get their chequebook out!

[@ayescot]

Espresso martinis and all .. great show as usual, keep them coming

[@mewbrigsfarm599]

But conversely.... the lid is terrible!

[@MaulorNothing]

@@mewbrigsfarm599 is it the source of all his powers #Samson

[@kevin1068]

Max has been a new animal since Quinn’s last year. The power of the mullet all thanks to BV for spreading the message

[@KobusOberholzer]

Yes, very happy. It’s sponsored by Investec and we’re proud to acknowledge that. We battle with injuries and many other great players, play for other clubs

[@MaulorNothing]

Seems like the consensus!

[@Blackbeard0456]

As a Saffa living in Scotland I definitely prefer SA teams playing in the URC over Super Rugby. SA style of rugby is far more suited to the European style of rugby. For URC key issue for SA teams is still the travel (Something SA teams need to stop complaining about and learn to cope with as it will always exist no matter what comp we're in). For Champions/EPCR not sure Europeans know or fully appreciate SA players compete in 3 comps per year compared to UK teams who only compete in 2, therefore SA teams need to rest players more often. So with the current comp format SA teams will always target games to play 2nd string lineups. As for how much these comps mean, they are not a shadow on Heineken cup days and as such it's hard to hype the comp, doesn't help when some games aren't even televised in Europe. So much for being a European comp that doesn't show some EPCR games in Europe, while it's broadcast in the USA for f#@k sake! Nuts!!! Shame on Premier Sport!!

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

To my understanding, the travel problem is exacerbated for the SA franchises because they need to use one airline that is their sponsor. That airline has no direct night flights between eg Johanesburg and London or Paris, Dublin. Is this going to change?

[@KewKew-do3kq]

You don't have 3 competitions the Currie cup is mostly reserves. Dobson even said they didn't want to do well in it

Stormers might need a new prop. Max should apply. 😂😂😂 Warm weather, sea food, lots of vineyards, lovely mountain scenery. What's not to love 😂😂

[@MaulorNothing]

Get the powers that be to get in touch. Well even forfeit a fee

[@IRONDOG-d3y]

Get Max to the stormers!!!

[@debbiegreen1552]

Morning lads its 4am here in Tennessee, and im on me deck watching my 3 favorite rugby lads , and thanks To ryan blowing coffee out of my Nose Lmao. Ry its too early son ❤❤

[@MaulorNothing]

Have a great day Debbie and thanks for your continued support!

[@ritchiebirnie6124]

Max has been on fire

[@MaulorNothing]

He really has

[@user-gp1eh3yb2w]

Hi Gents, Saffa fan here (Sharks). Whilst I have incredible memories of Super Rugby as a fan, I’d say that today we are very happy, excited and prefer to be playing European teams. The fans seem to be more bought into the URC but I’m sure that the Champions cup will get there with Saffa fans but to help achieve that, the format does need a review to help our players on the travel challenge. Also our Boks don’t get any rest in a rugby calendar year and they simply need to be rested (as our Sharks coach, Plumtrey said this week, the Boks players are not robots). Bulls vs Sharks this weekend and likely to be a full stadium in Durban which will be a very advert again for the URC. Great show as always boys👌

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

Definitely, URC and ICC organizers should be kept in a room whithout drinks until they find a solution for SA teams to play more matches per travel in Europe.

[@KewKew-do3kq]

Play Argentina during the 6 nations instead of the summer

[@mikeevans9062]

Fair Play I’m loving Ryan’s Scots and Irish accents 👍👍. Keep them coming you London boy🤣🤣

[@somerledislay9987]

Its a English accent mikee vans , don`t know why it should be of interest to the Dutch .Too many waky baky mikee , Ryan has a English accent

[@FJM992]

One issue with the current champions cup format is that 8 out of 10 English teams are in it. This creates mismatches like Exeter v Toulouse. It also takes away the specialness of getting into the champions cup over the challenge cup.

[@MaulorNothing]

Exactly this! It used to be such an aspirational thing to make it to the champions cup whereas now you just need to not be the 💩 est or second 💩 est. that in itself devalues the competition . Organisers need to get a grip they’re ruining a special competition

[@FJM992]

@ Exactly right 👍. Something should get done as there has been a lot said about it. It was the same with the World Cup draw thing.

[@petrusmare7789]

“Welcome to Jurrasic Park!!” 😂😂😂

[@MaulorNothing]

😂😂😂

[@angusevans0621]

Jeez the rugby media does not think for a second does it? Yeah my sharks were monstered by leicester. So what? It was one round of one competition its not like its the end of the rugby world, the sharks competed in this competition one before in 2022 with a completely different team to the one they play with now give the saffas some time to develop good strategy and team selection. I really like having rugby taking place within decent timezones and being able to watch it reliably that would bot happen if the saffas returned to Super Rugby and lets face it if it wasnt for the inclusion of the saffa teams in the urc the pro14 was just a bit rubbish with leinster winning all the titles. Three different winners from three different countries I can only think that means good for rugby.

[@MaulorNothing]

Exactly what we wanted to hear Angus. Thank you! So South African fans would prefer to be in Champions Cup than say, a revamped/renergised Currie Cup or Super Rugby. Do we reckon that’s the general view?

[@angusevans0621]

@MaulorNothing I think that is the general view. A bit like how the media is treating Borthwick too. Change and new challenges are not going to be solved overnight. Despite how frustrating it's going to be as a sharks fan it'll fun to see how the team grows into the competition. As for the currie cup, I like how it is now. Still tons of good players but it allows younger less experienced players to get used to the level of intensity. So in conclusion, I think we all need to chill out and see how things go. I thought all of the other nations would be drinking in the saffa tears by now but they aren't, just moaning and groaning.

[@patrickpb3353]

Hello boys. Max for the Lions tour 🥳

[@MaulorNothing]

Absolute shoo-in. We also think the term bolter would be disrespectful to Max

[@williamwallace6508]

in the mens changing rooms?

[@bt14ben]

Steve Lansdowns nephew here tell max to knock on my door tommorow about his contract

[@MaulorNothing]

Will let him know 💵 💵 💵

[@IRONDOG-d3y]

I think the Bulls are under performing big time, especially with the squad they have. In my opinion the pressure is on Jake White. As for the stormers, I think they are missing their boks big time. At times its almost school boy rugby. Tactically poor just aimlessly kicking and then getting run off the pitch. Love the show guys!

[@MaulorNothing]

Thanks! And think you’re right something doesn’t seem right at the Bulls right now

[@Jobs_in_SA_Official]

Max is playing amazingly well. The South African teams suck at the moment, I think they just play too much rugby. Pretty much a never ending season for the SA players.

[@nicolasmaligner8753]

From a European point of view I'd say that's a multifactorial subject. Summer vs Winter, Multiples airplanes to reach your game counterparts, costs vs benefits etc. But, but, but it affects both sides isn't it? Maybe, the SA teams should only play URC at best, or try to sit both URC and EPCR around the table to make the flights worth it with combined weeks with games of both URC and EPCR?

[@MaulorNothing]

Yeah it’s unsustainable right now in terms of fixtures/travel

[@pdewaal100]

I don’t quite get why the focus is so much on the performance of SA teams. Perspective is everything. In the last 4 seasons only 3 teams competed in the Champions Cup final. 2 French, 1 Irish. It’s a tough competition with 3 contributing leagues involving 24 teams from URC, Top 14 & English Prem. The SA teams are not unique in their efforts to break through.

[@BonuxCouleur]

Toulon and Clermont are not where they used to be but they are playing more hopeful players than they used to so they are in reconstruction. Remember Boudjelal left the club in... 2020 if I recall and the new owner has said clearly they have to drop their budget by another 10 Million Euros. Put it this way, I think they are realizing that it takes time to become Toulouse, you cannot buy it and I think they have realized it with Cheslin Kolbe. Toulouse got Cheslin Kolbe from South Africa before he was a Springboks and at a time where SA franchises would not touch him with a stick, he was too small. He came to Toulouse, had a great couple of seasons, won everything and then asked for a big check. Toulouse said no, no player is bigger than the club in Toulouse. Remember at the time Dupont was still on 600,000 Euro / year when Owen Farrell, Mario Itoje, Finn Russell were all on 900,000+ / year. Toulouse may have the largest budget in the Top 14, they have never prioritized salaries, if your motivation to stay in Toulouse is financial, you will get the kick no matter how good you are. So Kolbe left to RC Toulon, won nothing there and he has moved to Japan since chasing an even bigger salary. I think Lemaitre, Toulon's owner understands now that the old era of buying the Wilko and Botha and Nonu is truly over. Best clubs today have to be able to develop their own players. It is not new to Clermont, Clermont has always developed interesting players, but it is new to Toulon, so I agree with Ryan, they are not the big thing we make them to be, granted in the Top 14 no one said Toulon was big in their current form, they are not. But they are on the right path. For the South Africans... for me they have a serious problem: they have not adapted to Northern Hemisphere, they are still organizing themselves like they use to in Super Rugby, except they are playing the URC now. Seasons up north are more grueling, players don't get a 3 months break in the North and that is new to SA players. Let's be honest, if SA and Kiwis have been overperforming over the years, that's because Super Rugby is more of a training pre season to the Rugby Championship than it is a proper Chmspionship. Super Rugby to me has always been bogus, you just have to show up season after season and remember SARU had already pressurized NZRU and AR to change the format of SR to give SA franchises a chance to meet the Kiwis in the Finals. That's how we ended up with stupid pools by country in Super Rugby. This is the mentality they have: if it does not work on the field, make it happen off the field. It does not work like that in the North and I really believe SARU did not take the true temperature of Northern Hemisphere rugby. I truly believe SARU thought their franchises would make it a walk in the park, the way Kiwi franchises have done for decades in Super Rugby. But they have not and the away excuse... I am not buying it precisely because they are losing Home games they should not lose. They have lost to Glasgow, to La Rochelle, to Toulon, to Northampton, they came close to lose to Bordeaux last year... the reality is SA franchises are not doing very well at Home either. And remember RC Toulon was missing 7 of their international starters (Ollivon, Gigashvili, Gros, Jaminet, Alainu'uese, Rebadj, Tolofua) against the Stormers and they started 4 hopeful players. Ryan is 100% correct, Toulon are not the Galacticos of the Past and they never will be until they build what Toulouse have, this is what La Rochelle and Bordeaux are trying to achieve: longevity. So if you beat the Stormers and the current URC title holder Glasgow even by a point at Home, that's still a marker showing you are not there yet far from it but you are on the right track. Same with Clermont and what they have showed against Leinster, not there yet but it is getting there. Right now, it is not pretty but it win games and new players are stepping up.

[@MaulorNothing]

Thanks for that, very very insightful. We’re just slightly put off by the amount of times you said you agreed with Ryan. It’s disconcerting

[@BonuxCouleur]

@@MaulorNothing It won't happen often I promise🤣 but credit where it is due.

[@kelsyn21]

That SR confrence log system was so broken and flawed It served everyone but NZ Less travel more local darbys because certain entities hated traveling and wanted a level playing field As if they were the only ones traveling No names. the whole wildcard system setup was terrible And flawed as well 2017 SR season was a prime example Blues finished dead last in the NZ confrence With (37) points Yet they Had more points than the leading Australian confrence winners(brumbies) 34 points Had more points than the cheetahs (21) who finished 2nd in the AF1 confrence Were (5)points behind the sharks who had finished 2nd in the AF2 conference And were (6) points behind the stormers who finished 1st in the AF1 confrence The blues had more log points than all Australian and S.A sides excluding lions/sharks/stormers And still missed playoff footy. Those wildcard spots were given to teams who had no right playing finals footy In the same year Lions played their final 7 out of 8 games in S.A sending a B side to bunoes aires (jaguares) In their final regular season game Resting and keeping their top players in S A preparing for playoffs and finals footy. Lions were well rested, they traveled locally for well over a month home playoffs and finals They had every advantage given to win it all And they lost To a crusaders side who had to travel to Johannesburg

[@Jim_Cpe]

As a Bok fan I think the it's the format of the CLR competition. Firstly being in the URC has been great for our sides and I don't think there is any thought or desire for going back to SuperRugby. If the format is not going to change their needs to be some co-ordination between the URC and CLR around travelling for the SA sides. I can't remember which side it was but one side had travelled for their URC matches for some weeks. Had to go back home for one home game and then travel back to Europe for a CLR game. In that scenario coaches are definitely going to be strategic with the teams they pick in group stages were it is obvious they can afford to lose some games. Too many sides can make it into the CLR for mediocre seasonal performances and the pool stages are low jeopardy as a result. Make it so getting into the CLR is a major deal (top 2 sides) and shrink it down making each side play each other home and away.

[@MaulorNothing]

Definitely shrinkage back to old format. We need the jeopardy!

[@tesstickle1963]

I don’t mind teams bringing weakened sides as long as the ticket prices take this into consideration. Wins a win but seeing teams that you know are veryyyy good get pumped isn’t as fun knowing its by default & the post match interviews from the winning players reflect this as they seem dull

[@BonuxCouleur]

Well I can tell you on the French camp, everybody that I talked to enjoyed the positive approach that the Bristol Bears have, it is an ambitious brand of rugby they are trying to promote and it makes for a very good watch. La Rochelle is pretty much the opposite this season, their backs are really struggling in attack right now, something is not clicking. Teddy Thomas at centre is great but they will need Le Garrec and a few additions badly next season. Their attacking game has been their Achilles heel this season, especially compared with Toulouse and Bordeaux.

[@MaulorNothing]

All they need is for it to click with that monster pack in front of them. Plus when in doubt, give it to Botia

[@whtwht]

Mark just casually on the expresso martinis 🫡

[@MaulorNothing]

😂😂😂😂 his life….

[@charlottewalsh1030]

G’day lads, luv ya work! I reckon the Saffas have enough cattle to play super rugby too! What about the Jaguares? World club championship every 4 years, not inWorld Cup or, lions ,…….and, or, anzacs,Pacifica tour years! Maybe an 8 week tournament in Dubai?$$$$$big prize money ? Would like to here your thoughts!?

[@MaulorNothing]

Ooooooh a massive IPL cash cow tournament would be very interesting. Would need to be less than 8 weeks though. In terms of the Saffas their playing depth is ridiculous they probably could!

[@iamnutty8471]

to be fair in a competition where la Rochelle crept through last year despite multiple losses, its a balancing act, yopur sponsors are most likely local so wont care about exposure in Nz or Italian broadcaster, so if you can win 2 home games with bonus points why risk big payout players, oin the flip side if you know the top 6 teams are just a league abve you why bother trying, especially if you relegation contention!

[@MaulorNothing]

All completely fair points. If you can game the system in your favour why wouldn’t you?

[@ritchiebirnie6124]

How many cards these 2 weeks?

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

Enough to play poker...

[@ritchiebirnie6124]

I have to say it was great Ryan's nan gave him her top for the studio and I take it he is holding of for Christmas and his kids getting him socks

[@petrusmare7789]

Max you’ve been doing a bit Mate!

[@MaulorNothing]

Absolute work horse. #showmethemoney

[@marcusherringshaw3115]

Class pod as always but I'm Only here for the Nico impression @ryanwilson😂

[@MaulorNothing]

Then you’ll BLOODY LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL. It is Pure Nico Matawalu 😂

[@damowantswealth]

Max Lahiff pour some gravy on the chips, have a chip buddy and get that money bruvva

[@cillianlyons8398]

Marc having a sneaky espresso martini

[@MaulorNothing]

😂😂😂😂

[@cillianlyons8398]

@ he needs to hit up Morton’s for their martinis and sliders🍸

[@kelsyn21]

S.A as an entirety won 3 SR titles in 27 yrs they didn't build SR

[@nikyt36]

#DangerWank broke me.

[@MaulorNothing]

😂😂😂

[@T2Lam10]

Sharks are not interested in the competition either let’s face it. Just winning your home games sees you through… yes but look at their schedule. Their last two games are at home vs Toulouse and away to Bordeaux. I know South Africans are confident and believe in themselves but do you really put all your eggs in the Toulouse home game basket if you want to go far in the competition ? That’s way too risky. Toulouse will send the big guns, they know they need that 1st spot and with the threat of Bordeaux they can’t afford to lose a single point out of the 4 games. In the end Sharks are most likely going to finish with 5-6 points and maybe get a 4th place - if Leicester beat Ulster - but that would imply an away game to Toulouse / Leinster in the round of 16 and you’re definitely out.

[@MaulorNothing]

A real shame as the Heineken Cup of old would be turning in its grave at all those incredible springboks not being utilised

[@JPmaxlevel]

now it's the fault of the championship😂😂😂 pathetic