Episode 3 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry series, reviewing the All Blacks’ thrilling midweek clash against the Lions and previewing a massive second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town!

For this episode, I’m joined by the great Jeff McTainsh, who has been calling the action throughout the tour and joins me directly from South Africa to share his insight into the games and the incredible atmosphere surrounding this rivalry.

We break down how the All Blacks recovered from a 14-0 deficit against the Lions, including Ethan Blackadder’s enormous performance, Timoci Tavatavanawai’s impact, Emoni Narawa’s footwork and Rieko Ioane looking back to his explosive best.

We also discuss the challenges of preparing a midweek All Blacks side, which players have pushed their case for Test selection and the big decisions facing Dave Rennie ahead of Cape Town.

Then we preview Test 2, looking at the aerial battle, the importance of winning collisions and how the All Blacks can disrupt the Springboks’ structured game.

The All Blacks are 1-0 up, but with Handre Pollard and Siya Kolisi returning to the Springboks can they inspire a win to keep their series hopes alive, Cape Town is set up to be an absolute classic!

Can the All Blacks go 2-0 up, or will the Springboks fight their way back into the series?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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Episode 2 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry series, reviewing an incredible opening Test between the All Blacks and Springboks at Ellis Park!

For this episode, I’m joined again by the great Searley from Searley Talks Sport as we break down how the All Blacks managed to come away with a huge 33-16 win, despite the Springboks dominating large parts of the first half.

We look at the massive moments that swung the Test, including the All Blacks bench front row completely changing the scrum battle, Fabian Holland’s charge down, Jordie Barrett’s incredible defensive effort, Will Jordan’s Man of the Match performance and Cam Roigard’s game management under pressure.

We also discuss just how impressive Cheslin Kolbe and Jasper Wiese were for the Springboks, the refereeing and TMO decisions, Rassie Erasmus’ reaction to the loss and what both sides will need to change heading into Test 2.

The All Blacks have drawn first blood, but with the Springboks now needing to win the remaining three Tests to take the series, this Greatest Rivalry Tour has been set up perfectly!

Can the All Blacks go 2-0 up in Cape Town, or will the Springboks bounce back?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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Episode 1 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry preview show where we preview all you need to know about the test between the All Blacks and the Springboks this weekend!

For this episode we get an insight from inside the All Black camp with All Black assistant coach Tamati Ellison as well as the usual insight from the great Searley from Searley talks sport as we look back on the tour so far as well as preview the first Test!

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Uilisi Halaholo has a story so good it was one of the reasons I started this podcast. A naturally gifted player from a young age, who was heading down the wrong path to make the most of his talent. Caught up in the wrong lifestyle, drinking and getting into trouble on a regular basis.

A turning point came when he became a young father ultimately forced him to change direction. He put down the bottle, transformed himself physically and decided to give rugby a genuine crack. That decision started a journey that would take him from fighting for an opportunity with the Southland Stags, to the Hurricanes, winning a Super Rugby title, moving across the world to Cardiff and eventually representing Wales.

But reaching the top didn't mean the challenges stopped. Willis opens up about the criticism he received for representing Wales, devastating injuries, missing the opportunity to play against the All Blacks, losing a close family member, financial uncertainty and one of the darkest periods of his career.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

What his life as a teenager was like!

Why having his daughter changed his mindset.

Why the move to Southland was the best thing for him

Why he chose a contract with the Hurricanes over other offers

How he ended up on a Wider Squad contract in 2016 the year he started in the final!

The decision to move to Cardiff

The brutal run of injuries and juggling being a father to 5 girls

How all of those highs and lows shaped the person he is today

As you’ll hear Uilisi is a lad! His story is an incredible example of how much can change when you decide to take control of your life. Plenty of laughs in this one, but also some incredibly raw and powerful moments.

As always, if you enjoy the episode please give it a like, subscribe to the channel and share it with a mate.

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Dan Kirkpatrick was an age grade superstar who was starting Super Rugby with the Hurricanes at just 20 years old. He’s a guy I always remember as being just a genuine good guy and he’s had a hell of a journey both on and off the field

In this episode of What a Lad, Dan opens up about becoming a father at just 19 and the challenges of balancing that with professional rugby, why he decided to leave New Zealand at 23 despite still having an All Blacks dream, and the serious injuries that eventually contributed to the end of his career.

Some parts that stood out for me were…

- What growing up looked like for him to be school boy star

- Becoming a dad at 19 while trying to establish himself in professional rugby

- what it was like at the Hurricanes as a young 10

- More about his decision to leave for France

- How he felt walking away from his All Blacks dream

- Winning the Top 14 with Castres as massive underdogs

- The concussion and neck injury that impacted the back end of his career

- His transition out of rugby and into business

- Building @hiit_crew_auckland and a new community after rugby.

And heaps more!

Dan’s another great example of how everyone’s journey is different and how important it is to enjoy the path you take and tackle whatever challenges come at you with a positive mindset. I really enjoyed this one and I’m sure you will too!

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Kurt Eklund has one of the most unique journeys in New Zealand rugby. A Super Rugby champion, Māori All Blacks captain and one of the most respected hookers in the country, Kurt's path to the top was anything but conventional.

He spent eight years working as a builder, and admits he never thought professional rugby was a realistic goal. After only starting two games for Auckland across four seasons, a devastating knee injury left him ready to walk away from rugby altogether. But after losing his mum to breast cancer, everything changed. Determined to make her proud, Kurt found a new purpose, reignited his love for the game, and eventually made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues at the age of 28.

Some other parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Why he never believed a professional rugby career was possible

- How losing his mum completely changed his outlook on rugby and life

- The story behind making and captaining the Māori All Blacks

- Winning Super Rugby with the Blues after years of grinding away

- Why he's heading to Japan and the next chapter for his young family

- His passion for fishing, protecting New Zealand's oceans and life beyond rugby

- Plenty more hilarious stories

Kurt is one of the most genuine people you'll come across. Humble, funny and incredibly self-aware, his story is a reminder that success doesn't always come early and that everyone's journey looks different. He truely is one of the great lads in NZ rugby!

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Antonio Shalfoon is someone who is a very different person off the field than he may seem on it. Known as a bit of a grub on the field, off the field he is one of the greats and his journey to professional rugby is as inspiring as any.

To start he wasn't offered his first full Super Rugby contract until the age of 26 after years of grinding away in club rugby, moving provinces to chase opportunities, and overcoming setbacks that would have made most people give up. Add to that Antonio opens up about the frightening story of being diagnosed with myocarditis, where he was told he may never play the game again.

Some other parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Hearing about the time he had a fight with a kids dad while playing Cricket

- Why he got punched in the head in his first Waikato training

- The scary heart condition that nearly ended his rugby career

- His pathway into the Crusaders and what kept him going

- His selection into the Maori All Blacks and what that mean for him

- Why he's signed in Japan for next season

And plenty more great yarns.

Antonio is exactly the type of person you want around a rugby team. He's funny, authentic, incredibly resilient and proof that there is no single pathway to achieving your goals. This was an awesome conversation and one I know you'll enjoy.

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Jeremy's story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad.

Growing up in an abusive household, Jeremy experienced years of physical violence. Carrying that trauma into adulthood, he eventually became the very person he never wanted to be, repeating the cycle of violence he had witnessed as a child.

In this incredibly honest conversation, Jeremy opens up about the darkest moments of his life, the roleplay that completely changed his perspective, and the counsellor who helped him confront his past for the first time. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others break the same cycle, working with men, families, organisations, and New Zealand Police to create lasting change.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Growing up surrounded by physical abuse and violence.

- His experience of sexual abuse at boarding school.

- How childhood trauma shaped his behaviour as an adult.

- The moment he realised he had become everything he hated.

- The roleplay exercise that changed his life forever.

- How he turned his lived experience into helping thousands of others across New Zealand.

- His advice for families supporting someone struggling with anger and violence.

This is one of the most courageous and important conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Jeremy's willingness to share both the harm he experienced and the harm he caused takes an incredible amount of honesty, and I have no doubt his story will help people better understand trauma, accountability, and the fact that real change is possible.

If you’re struggling with anger or worried about your behaviour, find support near you and take the first step. Changeispossible.org.nz

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