Newskoop Front Row Rugby

A World Cup Winner’s Journey: Springbok BJ Botha’s Tale

Loading player...
In 2006 BJ Botha made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks at Loftus. Less than 15 months later he was a Rugby World Cup winner. In this remarkable discussion, BJ takes us back to those days as Jake White was building a team that would go on to win the Webb Ellis Cup. Botha talks about the integral role he played in South Africa’s victorious journey, including the heartbreak of suffering an injury against the USA and missing the knockout matches. Still, no one can take away BJ’s gold medal. But injury would strike again resulting in him missing the 2011 Rugby World Cup and his Test career ending in 2010. Buckle up for an exciting trip down memory lane with a true South African hero – a Springbok Rugby World Cup champion!
20 May 2024 English South Africa Rugby · Sports

Other recent episodes

What The Springboks Must Do To Dominate in 2026

2026 promises to be a bumper year for the Springboks. The world champions will feature in the new Nations Championship as well as host arch-rivals the All Blacks in a test series for the first time since 1996. No doubt Dr Rassie Erasmus will want to win all these Tests…
14 Jan 11 min

Is 2026 The Toughest Year in Springbok History?

The Springboks will have their work cut out for them in 2026. The schedule includes Tests against the ever-improving England at home, away dates against France and Ireland and a formidable four-Test series against their greatest rivals, the All Blacks. In this episode Peter reveals the full Springboks fixture list…
12 Jan 8 min

The Highs And Lows Of Flip Van Der Merwe's Springbok Career

Flip Van Der Merwe was a Springbok stalwart at the start of the second decade of the 21st century. In an incredible turn of events, the Springbok lock missed out on two World Cups that overlapped with his career, which also coincided with the emergence of all-time Bok greats like…
7 Jan 31 min

Short, Sweet & Unforgettable: Rudolf Straeuli's Springbok Career

Rudolf Straeuli made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks in 1994. Approximately a year later he helped his country win the Rugby World Cup for the first time. Over a period of about 18 months, Straeuli represented the Springboks in 10 Test matches, but he was not always first…
4 Jan 26 min

Akona Ndungane's Golden Springbok Moments - Front Row Rugby

Akona Ndungane represented the Springboks with distinction from 2006 to 2007. Although his Bok career was a short one, he did help his country win the 2007 Rugby World Cup. In this exclusive interview, Akona shares his highs and lows from a short but impactful Springbok career. This podcast originates…
31 Dec 2025 24 min
All episodes