From the mag: Late Tackle

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Rugby may be in lockdown, but in the latest SA Rugby magazine, we recap some entertaining moments from the past month as DYLAN JACK pokes fun at the game’s crazy underbelly.

‘Life’ Commentary

With rugby around the world put on hold, commentators have found themselves with more time on their hands. However, English pundit Nick Heath embraced the challenge to put his skills and experience to good use. Using the hashtag LifeCommentary, Heath set about turning the mundane into the exciting with his short 30-second videos of commentary to everyday tasks. Highlights included the clip of two men passing a soccer ball in a park: ‘That was absolutely terrible. It is what we have come to expect from these two.’ And on shopping: ‘This chap is hoping to get a personal best in the find-a-fashion-bargain steeplechase.’

Creative Workouts

Rugby players have had to find new ways to keep fit during the lockdown across the globe. Not having weights on the farm proved no obstacle for Jono Ross and JT Jackson, who turned to using a calf and sheep respectively for squats. Jackson’s Southern Kings teammates also got creative as CJ Velleman used his pet dog as a weight, while Devon van Niekerk used his younger brother. Meanwhile, Alandre van Rooyen set up his own simulator by placing a rowing machine in front of a TV screen.

Sharks got talent

Over in Durban, Sharks players used their free time to show their skills away from the field. Sbu Nkosi previewed his talent on the piano, while prop John-Hubert Meyer – who is famous in the squad for his banter – did an impression of veteran SuperSport commentator Hugh Bladen. Meanwhile, Aphelele Fassi seems to have taken to his nickname ‘The Weekend Special’ as he boogied to the Brenda Fassie hit song. Jeremy Ward embraced his inner Gordon Ramsay when he demonstrated one of his favourite recipes for pancakes. The best, however, came from Tera Mtembu as he held a ‘backyard series’ of cricket with Mzamo Majola, who acted as both bowler and commentator.

Karaoke Kings

It turns out one of the best teams in the world is also not bad at karaoke. The All Blacks social media team posted an epic throwback video showing a young Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu, together with Steve Hansen, singing along to Don McLean’s hit ‘American Pie’. The former All Blacks coach – who usually appears very deadpan – showed a different side to himself as he beat out the tune on the bongo drums and there was even a hint of a smile towards the end of the video. However, the less said about Smith’s attempts at a vocal solo, the better.

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Dylan Jack