So, Joost is releasing a book and everyone’s upset. I don’t get it? I also don’t get why SuperSport gave him the boot? Sure, he cocked up. (Pun intended.) Sure, he’s now capitalising on it. Sure, he’s climbing the SA fame-and-riches ladder and has probably just pipped Steve Hofmeyer from the 16th spot… But keep him on, I say. I find it mildly refreshing to see someone real up there that I can relate to. Well, sort of.

BLADES OF GLORY INTERVIEWS COACH
EXCLUSIVE

If you suffer from insomnia and you’ve tried everything (legal) on the market, I have the cure! It’s quite simple, really. Switch to SuperSport at halftime during any rugby game, and I guarantee you a siesta within minutes. The plain truth is that our dearest coach is far more entertaining than the drivel we need to endure between halves these days. And as shameful as it may be to admit, I choose a sensationally bias Kearnsey over a ’95 nostalgic Joel every day of the week. It must be said. I don’t understand what it means to give 110 per cent in 80 minutes? And this varies from commentator to commentator. It isn’t uncommon for some of the panel of ex-player professionals to be demanding up to 250 per cent on occasions. That’s an inordinate amount of pressure to put on a Springbok. No wonder Div occasionally warrants a visit from the local dental podiatrist. My personal favourite is, ‘If we want to eye-gouge any Lions, we will go down to the bushveld, like we do, and eye-gouge them there.’ Or maybe, ‘If we are going on like this, why don’t we go to the nearest ballet shop, get some tutus and get a dancing shop going? There will be no eye-gouging, no tackling, no nothing, and we will enjoy it.’ There’s your 250 per cent.

But I don’t want to sound like I’m whinging on what we hope is going to be a carnival of quality South African rugby today. The Springboks hope to win in France for the first time since 1997! In fact, the only man in the squad who was part of that 52-10 French flambé was Dick John Muir.

And with since it’s therefore an important occasion on the calendar, it would be wrong if we didn’t cross over to best in the business. Check out this exclusive interview between the Coach and the commentating institution, Hugh Bladen, ahead of tonight’s big clash. (https://overtohugh.co.za/stuff/).

What an example to aspiring commentators worldwide.

Of course, there are other greats that we hold in almost as high regard. The great Bill Mclarren is up there with lines such as ‘he’s like a demented ferret up a wee drainpipe’, and maybe even Kearnsey with ‘two sausages for you at tonight’s barbeque’, complimenting Sean Fitzpatrick after scoring a try. Would we say Warren Brosnian’s on his way to becoming a great? Only time will tell.

I look forward to visiting Div’s dental podiatrist after the weekend. Here’s to a victory, a cold one and some great commentary.

At da end of da day, this weekend holds plenty more international entertainment when Italy take on the Kiwis and England battle the Argentines.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR ‘BLADES OF GLORY’ INTERVIEW COACH

For all the times check out below.

FRIDAY

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Cricket SS2, SS2A

Standard Bank Pro20 Int, South Africa v England 1st T20 Int`l

5:45 PM – 9:30 PM Cricket SS5A, SS5

Pakistan Cricket:, Pakistan v New Zealand 2nd T20

9:15 PM – 11:30 PM Rugby SS7, SS7A

Welsh Int Rugby, Wales v Samoa

9:15 PM – 12:00 AM Rugby SS1A, SS1

French Int Rugby, France v South Africa

SATURDAY

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Golf SS6A, SS6

Euro PGA:, Ubs Hong Kong Open Day 3

3:45 PM – 6:00 PM Rugby SS5, SS5A

Italian Int Rugby, Italy v New Zealand

4:15 PM – 6:30 PM Rugby SS6A

Scotland Int Rugby, Scotland v Fiji

4:15 PM – 6:30 PM Rugby SS1A

England Int Rugby, England v Argentina

9:45 PM – 12:00 AM Soccer SS7A, SS7, SS10

Friendly Int, Italy v Netherlands

10:00 PM – 12:30 AM Soccer SSM2, SS3A, SS3, SS3N

FIFA W-Cup Qualifier:, Playoff: Portugal v Bosnia Herzegovina

SUNDAY

3:30 AM – 8:00 AM Boxing SS2A, SS2

Manny Pacquiao v Miguel Cotto

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Golf SS6, SS6A

Euro PGA:, Ubs Hong Kong Open Day 4

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cricket SS2A, SS2

Standard Bank Pro20 Int, South Africa v England 2nd T20 Int`l

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Tennis CSN

1000 Series (ATP Masters):, BNP Paribas Masters Final

4:50 PM – 7:00 PM Rugby SS1A, SS1

Irish Int Rugby, Ireland v Australia

7:30 PM – 10:30 PM Soccer SS3, SS3N

FIFA U/17 W-Cup:, Final

CLICK HERE – BLADES OF GLORY INTERVIEWS COACH