What a Lad

Well that's the Greatest Rivalry tour all done and dusted and it was a tour that lived up to the hype. This tour had high expectations but after producing 4 incredible tests full with intensity, quality rugby and of course some controversy, everything about this series was a success.
South Africa proved why they are the number 1 side in the world claiming the series 3–1, so where does that leave the All Blacks heading towards the Rugby World Cup?

For this episode I'm joined by Searley as we cover:

How the Springboks won the final Test
What areas of the game cost the All Blacks in this one
We look at the controversial refereeing decisions that shaped the game
Why South Africa’s cohesion is such a major advantage
The All Blacks who raised their stocks during the tour
The positions still up for grabs ahead of the World Cup
The players who are to return to the All Blacks and where they fit
South Africa’s best performers and stock risers, including Malcolm Marx and Morné van den Berg
And heaps more

South Africa have confirmed themselves as the best team in the world — but after using 49 players on tour, there are still plenty of reasons for New Zealand fans to feel optimistic.
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The final Test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour is here, with the All Blacks and Springboks heading to Baltimore for one last showdown!
South Africa lead the series 2-1 after two huge wins at home, but what's install for this one!?

Searley is back to break down everything ahead of the final Test, including Richie Mo’unga’s return to the No.10 jersey, Ethan Blackadder’s massive opportunity, the battle at scrum time and whether the All Blacks can find a way to nullify the Springboks’ biggest strengths.
We also look at South Africa naming another incredibly strong side, what playing in Baltimore could mean for the game, the importance of the bench, and why this could almost feel like a preview of a potential World Cup quarter-final.

Can the All Blacks level the series in Baltimore, or will the Springboks finish the tour with three straight wins?

Let me know your prediction in the comments!
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The All Blacks vs Springboks Greatest Rivalry Tour continues to deliver, with another massive Test match that had everything!

Bryn Hall joins me to break down the third Test, where the All Blacks produced some outstanding rugby early before the Springboks once again showed why they’re the best in the world, using their set-piece in particular their scrum to take control of the match.

We also dive into Jordie Barrett’s incredible form, the impact of losing Ardie Savea, the controversial yellow card, South Africa’s scrum dominance, Jessie Kriels form and Man of the Match Ethan Hooker.

We also look ahead to the final Test in Baltimore. Will Richie Mo’unga get his opportunity? How will the All Blacks replace their injured stars? And can New Zealand level the series 2-2, or will the Springboks finish it off 3-1?

Let me know what stood out for you in this test match in the comments!

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The Greatest Rivalry Tour is all square at 1-1 and Test Three is set to be massive!

Bryn Hall joins me to break down where the All Blacks can improve, the Springboks’ set-piece dominance, the kicking battle, scrum tactics and the key selections ahead of another huge Test in South Africa.

We also look at Cheslin Kolbe’s move to fullback, Cam Roigard’s influence, Asafa Aumua getting his opportunity to start and finish with our score and man of the match predictions.

Who do you think is going to win this one?
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Dr Kerry Spackman has spent decades studying one fascinating question — what separates the very best from everyone else?

As a cognitive neuroscientist and high-performance consultant, Kerry has worked with Formula One legends, Olympians, key All Blacks and some of the world's highest performers, helping them understand how the brain works and how to perform when it matters most.

In this episode of What a Lad, Kerry shares some incredible insights from his career. From working with three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart and discovering his relentless attention to detail, to seeing firsthand the work ethic and mindset required to become a world champion.

Kerry also breaks down the science behind elite performance — why athletes choke under pressure, how the best performers see things others don't, why being the best youngster doesn't guarantee future success, and how our emotions and experiences can shape the way we think and behave.

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

Working with Sir Jackie Stewart and discovering what made him so different
The incredible work ethic Kerry has witnessed from world champions
Why some Wimbledon champions can predict where a serve is going before the ball is even hit
Why thinking too much under pressure can actually make you perform worse
Why being the best athlete at 16 doesn't mean you'll become the best as an adult
The mentality behind Hamish Bond and Eric Murray's incredible success
Why there are no shortcuts when it comes to becoming world-class
How confidence can be built just like a muscle
How emotional experiences from our past can continue to influence us years later
Why Kerry believes we have a far greater ability to change ourselves than we realise

This is one of those episodes that will make you think differently about performance, confidence and what we're actually capable of. Whether you're an athlete, coach, business owner or simply someone wanting to improve, there's plenty of gold in this one.

If you enjoy hearing how some of the world's best think and what we can learn from them, you'll love this episode.
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