Hey Tim, I can't describe how good it feels to have someone like yourself taking a proper peek into our rugby culture. We appreciate you brother. Enjoy your time.
Watch his channel grow in SA. Let’s share his word and get him to 100k followers before he leaves. Come on SA let’s do it I dare you all to get him there
I don't think you realise how much good you're doing for this country. South Africa gets so much bad press, politically, economically, and crime-wise; having such uplifting commentary is golden. Thank you.
It's so true. We are used to getting complimented on things we didn't create, especially natural things, but for other things, it's just bad bad and bad press. It's so refreshing to see someone from outside come in and say, hey, this thing you've built and nurtured, it's really amazing and the envy of the world. It feels good man.
And we salute the MOMS AND DADS who support their kids. Washing kit, driving to practises, feeding the monsters, nursing the injuries... and the dissapointments. This is where the real work is, even though they love it.
As a black financially struggling South African, I have been following your work whenever I've got internet access. Today, I saw myself searching for our supporters reactions from your channel during Rugby World Cup. Well done Bro for the great work.
I so wish Sky Sports never interfere on how this channel broadcast sport to us. Tim the way you do it is simply, honest, accurate and transparent. We love this Channel. I am a South African who always looks forward to watching.
So true. I don’t like and won’t listen to New Zealand commentators. Maybe Justin Marshall but otherwise they seem in their own bubble . Eggchaser is honest and unbiased. Respectful. I’m sure his channel will grow.
Getting homesick listening to and watching you there at Craven Week. One thing you mentioned, aside from the rugby, is how people look you in the eye when they greet you, even strangers. This is something I miss a lot here in Europe. I find for the most part, they don't even look at you, let alone eye-to-eye. You yourself are a great advert for rugby Tim. Keep it going strong.
I know many of you are overseas for many reasons...but oh man, do we need you all back here to build this beautiful country of ours with our fellow brothers and sisters!
It's so easy for Northern Hemisphere pundits letting their biases cloud their judgement about the Boks and trying to discredit them in anyway shape or form. Tim you are such a breath of fresh air. Unlike those in the North you chose to step away from your first world shoes and stepped into our world to see what makes us tick and for that and I hopefully speak for other South Africans, words can't describe how appreciative we are to see for yourself with such a level-headed mindset. All I can say is thank you, God bless you and have a very wonderful and safe double trip to our beautiful country. P.S That kid at the end giving you ice cream was SUPER CUTE😊!
I think what has made Rassie's tenure even more impressive has been his ability to draw players BEYOND this junior pipeline to find some gems that fell through the cracks. Players that matured a couple of months too late and missed a contract or had an injury when Craven week was happening. There are still even more players out there, and Rassie and Nienaber found some of them.
Exactly. Do we need tv deals or sponsors to get a 2nd tier league or just get curry cup boosting again? Will SARU allow it or just come to the party. I mean our amateur club rugby scene just in WC is amazing? Especially the small towns and im sure that is through the country. There must be some kinda solution
It’s not about the quantity is it as only 15 people can play at anytime. As Ireland have shown it’s not about the quantity it’s about the systems and the coaching to make sure that the players reach their potential. I’m so glad that we have finally realised that you don’t have to always go over or through the opposition (I’m looking at you Heyneke Meyer) when you can go around them using smaller much more skilful players like Kolbe et al.
While football may be the most played sport in the country, most people consider rugby our country's backbone because of its ability to unite our people. South African football struggles to capture a white audience and thus is pretty lopsided diversity wise. But the effect that winning the last two world cups has had on our country's unity cannot be understated
@@commentwell3870 in South Africa, if you have common sense, you’ll know that rugby Unites the nation, not football. When is the last time Bafana Bafana united South Africa? I’ll wait.
Ooh guys, how cool is it that we have hosted the football, rugby and cricket world cups huh? In Africa! You guys realize that if our cricket team wins the upcoming final, they will join Bafana (Afcon) and the Boks (World Cups) in winning international trophies. Guys, how talented are we as a nation huh!? If we all pushed together in one direction we could be a serious force to be reckoned with.
@@commentwell3870you must be dreaming if you think Bafunny Bafunny is the backbone. Football will never and I mean NEVER be bigger nor better than Rugby in SOUTH AFRICA!
One other thing: The difficulty of making a craven week side in the first place. Every single 17 and 18 year old 1st team highschool rugby boy goes to 2/3 trials just to have an opportunity to make 1 of the Rugby Week sides. This year at Northern Lions trials I counted about 40 teams playing regional trials. About 920 players. Multiply that by the different regional trials taking place, thats thousands of boys playing to make the final 23 of the province.
YOU SAID NO, TO BILTONG!?!?! Sacrilege! Hehehehehe. Glad you are having a great time Tim. Thank you for doing this, it means a lot to our country, and your channel is such a positive and amazing one.
@@closelaugh185Lol we had a old rugby field caretaker back in the day that had 2 dogs named Bliksem and Voetsek. They will not allow us to randomly go onto the field without the old man's permission.
We also acknowledge the massive contribution from the fanatical parent's support at Rugby playing schools. This include the sponsorships for so many of our now heroes who were recruited from non-rugby schools.
Now you are watching real rugby in SA. I spent 10 years involved at Craven week with The Sharks....now an expat teacher in Muscat, Oman. I really miss school rugby
Some good memories of SA came through in this clip! Thanks for that. For those watching from abroad, it is true that it is winter there now. On the Highveld, where Tim is, the sun shines virtually every day, but when it goes down so does the temperature and it can become bitterly cold! Another thing to realise is that it doesn't rain in winter on the Highveld, hence the grass pitches on view are turning and looking yellow. Mainly through being burnt by the frost and cold, but mostly because lack of water. They only stay green through summer and the rainy months. The coastal towns are different, of course, with Cape Town actually having four seasons and Mediterranean weather. I.e. rain in winter. Enjoy your stay further, Tim! Wish I was there too!
As a South. African who has lived in Cambridge in the UK for the past 23 years I would just like to say a huge thank you for your objective and positive analysis of South Africa and our rugby. You’re a legend and I love your channel. If you’re ever in Cambridge please come over for a proper BRAAI!!! Thank You Mate!
It's an amazing system. My 13-yr old has a dream to play elite rugby. He's over 6 foot already. Schoolboy rugby in SA is incredible. Sometimes better to watch than international games. We're going to check out the next layer of Springboks at Cape Town stadium tomorrow. It's bound to be amazing
You still have an open invitation to the big Interschools match between Paarl Boys High and Paarl Gymnasium, played in Paarl on 3 August. We can even get you into the Friday night's Big Brag at Boys High - that will blow your mind, Tim. Just give the word.
The young man who gave him ice cream at the end what a lad! summing up what ubuntu is. And then the young boy lining up a kick from the tee gives me goosebumps one day he will be the next "Pollard" . Tim you are a legend!
Let me just shed some light on how Craven Week REALLY came about... It was the idea of a man called Piet Malan who in 2015 was the world's oldest living Springbok player. He passed away on 5 July 2015 at the Blessed age of 96. He was a neighbour of mine in a complex called Pendoring Gardens in Blackheath, Randburg in GTNG. Being a HUGE Springbok supporter, I sat with him and Tannie Hansie many a day where he'd tell me stories of passed eras. Rugby was always a HUGE part of our chats. On one occasion he showed me a handwritten letter he penned to Dr. Danie Craven in which he explained his idea of what we now call Craven Week. On being asked if he resented that he's idea ended up being called Craven Week he replied, in Afrikaans of course, "It sounds better than Malan Week" and chuckled. He explained that having the well known Craven name attached to the event was a hands-down great decision. What a wonderful couple Oom Piet and Tannie Hansie Malan was. They were well know and loved by us all at Pendoring Gardens. May Yahweh give them both a peaceful rest... Shalom... 🙏❤
Love this Tim! I’ve followed you for a while and rarely comment on any social media platforms! This is the exception! Delighted you are is SA for this series. Us Irish have the greatest respect for South Africa! Looking forward to the games ahead and hoping for a great performance from both teams!
Such a testament to your character and level of research that all the SA fans are showing you so much love and respect on here for this. As a marketing and branding guy, you are building such a powerful personal brand as its all built on genuine love for the game, the values of our great sport, and knowledge. The sky is the limit for any person that no one has a bad word to say about. The RFU should use you as a consultant.
Undoubtedly the biggest & most facts-loaded non-SA channel about what makes SA a great nation. We couldn’t ask for better advertising. Have a great time while down here & soak it all in, Tim. Great work
Thanks Tim for the way you promote rugby all over the world! One of the great things of Craven Week is how rugby ‘enemies’ often become best friends later in life. That is the often unseen and true beauty of this game.
Great to see you in South Africa! Remember: Eat biltong (with yellow fat if you can), braaivleis, potjiekos (biltingpotjie if you can), malvapudding and milktart.
Hey Tim. I love your show and I really appreciate your perspectives. In particular, I would like to thank you for your comments on South Africa. Many via the media, think this is a hole at the bottom of Africa, but there are so many good things going for us. Appreciate the show!
Welcome to SA, Tim - you are very loved by so many of us! Hope our country blows you away. Take your time in Cape Town - it'll cast it's spell on you. And if it doesn't, come back in February (less rain) ;)
I just love that you are experiencing SA at its best. I can’t wait to hear your impression of college vs affies. Then the test. I hope SA continues to spoil you. 🙏🙏🙏
Goodness, what a man. Just doesn't stop exploring and being inquisitive, this is why this the best rugby channel. Watch for Alzeadon Felix, in the Final. Cheers
Wonderful video Tim...so informative and that comment regarding SA rugby being more like NFL explains a lot. The extent of support for rugby in SA is amazing to me. I am one of 19 cousins with large families of in laws on all sides so a huge huge extended Irish family living all over ireland . I am literally the only person in my entire extended family who follows rugby ....the rest are Irish football , hurling and/or soccer supporters. Cant wait to go next week and meet and immerse myself in the SA rugby community.
@@TheTherealbadboy dude, I remember scoring a try (I think it was at Landbou Highschool) and dove to make it more spectacular, only to be met by those solid thorns, and a nice grassburn to go with it :D Ah man, I miss SA
Haha was thinking the same, brings back memories of the “grass burns” we used to compare on our limbs after games :D That was the true right of passage.
Don’t forget the frost burns on a deep July Saturday morning.. I got 1 so bad when I was 17 that stayed all these years and now I’m 50 it’s still there looking like a birth mark 😁
So good to have you here Tim and so good to have your perspective. As with many of my country men commenting below seeing this from your eyes makes me even prouder to be a South African and even prouder of our rugby tradition. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
Great video Tim. I lived in SA for a couple of years in the early 2010s and was amazed to see schoolboy rugby on TV and how big it was in general. Such a huge difference to here in the UK. I think the one strength that English rugby has over SA is that huge amateur base you talked about as it allows those who don't make it or maybe aren't the most blessed in talent to continue enjoying everything rugby has to offer - the social side etc.
Hats off for the research you have done, even though you have only touched on very little compared to what happens around the country. Your coverage is appreciated ❤❤❤
Welcome to SA..we are honoured to have a rugby gentleman here! We will all support your channel and help you grow..may you have a fabulous time here and enjoy the rugby! It will surely be an absolute treat!
Hi Tim, glad that you're getting some Roodepoort-love. There is a club system into which many of these boys will go into, especially in the Western Cape. Also, for many of them rugby will pay for their tuition at uni, meaning that, even though they don't make it as professionals, there is another career set up for them. The Varsity-Cup system probably has upwards of 500 students in it at any given moment, most of whom study either for free or at a highly subsidised rate. Rugby also serves as a network in South Africa, with many young players ending up working for one of the sponsors.
How are you brother. My name is Thando. I greeted you while you were at Monnas for the Cravenweek. I coach the Lions cravenweek u13XV team. The kid that offered you ice cream is in my class at Monument Primary School, his name is Reeve. See you at Affies vs Maritzburg bro👍
Tim, this is wonderful. You should do a full-length documentary! You’ve got a real empathy that makes your storytelling fantastic. That’s why people offer you biltong (don’t turn it down though 😂) and kids give you ice cream. On the Afrikaans schools. I went to a big English co-ed in Jo’burg. Affies and Monnas just about couldn’t be bothered playing us because of the mis-match. They used to just roll up to trample the weak and hurdle the dead… 😂 And lastly, man, that Highveld winter sun makes me homesick!
It’s a great point you made about affirmative action. When it was first introduced, it was massively frustrating as for about a decade, we could never field our strongest teams, from club to national level. Looking at how things stand today, I’m so grateful that people had the foresight to make those hard decisions. It’s quadrupled the pool of players, brought in new strengths and been responsible for 2 World Cup wins
It's true but some very good white school boys are discriminated against now because there is also a quota system in place for Craven Week for example. In my own family, my nephew was selected (luckily he got selected in the first place, many miss out) for WP U16. He played but had to leave the field half-time to give a "player of colour" the opportunity to play. He is overseas now playing club rugby and may even play test rugby for another country. We are losing many boys to overseas clubs because of the system and lack of opportunities.
@@nic0072 I hate these kinds of comments because they fail to consider that for many years, Black and players of colour have been discriminated against, and so much potential has been lost. And worse, they didn't even get or have access to opportunities to go overseas because of structural issues. If you are white in South Africa and fail to grasp this, perhaps this country is not for you. The national squad as it is, is still dominated by white people -- right down from the players to the coaching staff. And more than anything, your comment is a dog-whistle, because it assumes the 'quota' players are not equally talented and deserving.
@@kagisonko3279See another post of mine in this thread. The quota system must go now because many white boys (even in my own family) are playing overseas now because they have been sideline by the quota system and affirmative action. Besides the systems are in place to fast track black players and give them bursaries to go to the big rugby schools so there are NO excuses anymore.
@@nic0072 surely you don’t think enough redress has been done… it’s not excuses. It’s a reality of Black life in South Africa. Again, at least white kids can leave and play overseas… a privilege many Black kids don’t have. And again, you’re dogwhistling because you assume Black kids are not talented and deserving - and that’s what irks me about your ramblings. Man, you can just leave SA if you’re that unhappy
@lunsas I wish. My whole family is here. That's why I moved too. I miss my country but I'd miss my family more. But fuck me do I miss a good braai or going to the Kruger or going for a hike. Jinne UK weather is kak. Also biltong. But. My butcher said he's making it now and first batch is ready tomorrow so I'm excited 😄 🤣
You look at the players on the pitch at the time the boy hand you the icecream, but look at the young boy in the foreground in blue, placing the ball to kick. This is how young they start and how passionate they are about the game of rugby.
Tim, thank you for what you a doing for rugby and the culture of rugby especially bringing to light where it all starts, at grass roots. Welcome to SA mate
Thank you Tim! Baie dankie! The Jaques Botha meat palace you are talking about just looks like Bakkies Botha's son...I might be wrong...but...😄😄😄❤❤ we also applaud your wife and family for lending you to us for a little while.❤❤❤
Welcome to SA, Tim! Hope you enjoy the stay! Look forward to the Durban Derby. The tier 1 highschool games are always excellent and something to behold. Lekker Affies, welkom op die plaas!
Welcome to South Africa we hope you enjoy your time with us! Never say no to biltong, never take chicken to a braai and keep your handshake firm. Thank you for the coverage. Thank you to all the parents for everything you do!
Hi Tim, Great content. Great summarization. Finally!!, someone from outside of SA can showcase and let the world know how massive and serious our age group rugby is in South Africa..we keep saying it but not many really comprehend the scale of how massive it is in South Africa. You could argue it's bigger then our professional set up. I'm glad you mentioned it's almost akin to high school American football passion/investment and structures in the USA. Keep it coming Tim, let the world know how obsessed SA is about rugby. It's in our blood.
Hi Tim. Glad you are enjoying our beloved country. The amount of rugby talent in our country is staggering & a fact we are proud of. The amount of prospects that don't make it could easily make it in other rugby nations & be world class. Rassie is arguably the 1st & only bok coach that has capitalised on that successfully. Tim, thank you for showing our country in the light it seldom does by many. Have a good one 🫡
Tim, thanks for your kind words regarding our country and our people. Our club rugby used to be huge, every game was broadcasted on TV, then the ANC came to power and now all you see is 3rd rate soccer/football games. Back in the day, it was not out of place for Springbok players to play an international on a Saturday, and for his club on a Wednesday. I remember our scrum coach at school, played for the Boks in the late 60s, but for his club 3rd team... 🤣
Where England fails is that rugby usually isn't a school thing - it's a club thing. That means so much potential rugby talent is lost because boys (or their families) don't have the means or inclination to attend a separate rugby club after hours and/or over the weekend. Whereas many, many more boys would participate in the sport if it were hosted as an after-school, extracurricular activity (as it is in South Africa). My son goes to a primary school in Surrey, UK that has over 1,000 students (of those half are boys). I went to a primary school in South Africa that had about 500 students (half of those boys) and we had around 10 rugby teams playing on any given Saturday. My son's local rugby club has 4 primary school aged teams. That just shows you how the take-up of rugby differs between the UK and South Africa.
Thanks Tim, this brought a smile and a warm feeling in my heart. If you love rugby, you will love South Africa. I miss the days of getting grass burns diving around on cold and dry grass. thanks for reminding me and everyone else watching this from far away.
Hey Tim!… Your content is beautiful, we are accepting you as one of our own as you show the greatest respect by taking the time learn our diverse culture 💯 love to see it❤
THEEEE BEST RUGBY CHANNEL EVER! Tim this video gave me goosebumps! It's so wonderful to see an international person speak so highly of our struggling country. We may have many problems but there is no doubt that the people of this country ABSOLUTELY LOVE SOUTH AFRICA.😭😭😭😭😭😭
Great video Tim. Please make a video about Affies vs Maritzburg College. I remember sitting with the Affie schoolboys as a young grade 8 boy while watching World Cup Winner Jesse Kriel play for the Maritzburg 1st team. I'm excited for your part, have a wonderful rest of your trip!
You are so right Tim, I've just been at the SARU Rhino Rugby Week in Vereeniging last week. With over 1000 young under 18 rugby players, the talent was really something to watch!
Love this. I’m so proudly South African and love what you said about us. My 1 son is a Jeppe Boy and the other is a Jeppe old boy. He played for Lions at academy week (at jeppe) last year and has a contract with the Lions this year❤ Thanks too the amazing opportunities and exposure Jeppe and school boy rugby gave him. South African school boy rugby is the best and derby days are huge. You are going to love Affies vs Maritzburg. If you still in JHB, come to KES vs Jeppe . You can stay by us - we will feed you more braai and meat. You won’t regret it 😁
As a South African who loves rugby, this is so heartwarming, and also learned a lot about Craven week that I had no idea about. Awesome video, and glad you enjoyed your stay in SA!
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing some great insights in to South African rugby. So happy you are enjoying yourself. Saffas are very arrogant online because they love their rugby, but in person they are very hospitable and welcoming. And they love their meat and alcohol for sure 😂
Thanks for the trip down memory lane with this video, Tim. Great work on seeing what makes us Saffas tick. Just so you know, you never ever forget your first tackle on those hard fields! Or when the groundsstaff "water" the field just before you run on at 07:30 and the frost is still there. On a side note, I kept my Province jersey from my Craven Week days, for when my son (hopefully) wants to get serious about his rugby and wants to use it for practice. Your video brought up some very fond memories of that week and made me recall some of the best characters I met.
I love your channel, I live in Dubai but are South African and now watching your video makes me feel closer to home. Following your channel since the world cup and absolutely loving it. Thanks for the videos.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Tim, I can't describe how good it feels to have someone like yourself taking a proper peek into our rugby culture. We appreciate you brother. Enjoy your time.
Watch his channel grow in SA. Let’s share his word and get him to 100k followers before he leaves. Come on SA let’s do it I dare you all to get him there
Awesome, seeing you show the world our beautiful culture...
I called it months ago. Eggchasers will get to R100k by the All Black tests or earlier
It's a great channel. Just rugby. We love it
Absolutely! Tims you are the best rugby commentator out there! I’m a big fan! Keep it up bud!🙏
I don't think you realise how much good you're doing for this country. South Africa gets so much bad press, politically, economically, and crime-wise; having such uplifting commentary is golden. Thank you.
It's so true. We are used to getting complimented on things we didn't create, especially natural things, but for other things, it's just bad bad and bad press. It's so refreshing to see someone from outside come in and say, hey, this thing you've built and nurtured, it's really amazing and the envy of the world. It feels good man.
😂😂😂 well yes, but all the kak is true.
You miss the point. Because irrespective of the negative - there is so much more uplifting to this great country
The moment at the end with the ice cream was golden
And we salute the MOMS AND DADS who support their kids. Washing kit, driving to practises, feeding the monsters, nursing the injuries... and the dissapointments. This is where the real work is, even though they love it.
Getting up at 5 am to drive your son to another town 130 km away for a school rugby game 😅
LOL Feeding the monster!!
So true! The unseen network of moms and dads growing the future rugby stars.
Absolutely ❤
As a black financially struggling South African, I have been following your work whenever I've got internet access. Today, I saw myself searching for our supporters reactions from your channel during Rugby World Cup.
Well done Bro for the great work.
As a white South African, I'm with you brother!
Respect
As a coloured south african lady I am allso with you brother's ♥
praying for your success bro, your patriotism is contagious 🇿🇦🇿🇦❤️
Get a room guys 😄. On a serious note, reading comments like this makes one so proud being a South African
Glad to you see you are meeting the real SA fans, a lot of people think the SA fans are like the online trolls on UA-cam
This is true. Social media certainly brings them out
Those are often fair weather supporters who tagged on after 2019. Those of us who suffered through hard times know to have some humility.
Julle is altwee besig om te keyboars warrioir op utube.... hallllooooo😂😂😂😂😂😂
100%, great comment
@@roluss4297 keyboars warrioir en utube😂. Ok
I'm glad you are enjoying your stay. Welcome to SA. Don't turn down an offer of biltong... 😂😂😂
I don’t understand why someone would turn it down.
It’s a sin to turn down biltong 🤣💔
Or a wors roll 🥵🥵
Just drink plenty of water.
You’re gonna need it…
Guys, their guts aren't used to that level of red meat! A bit of biltong, yes, kilos of the stuff, and the man will will have a brick in his belly!
Tim I'm a black South African man and I really thank you for your top anysis of our country enkosi great show from a great man❤
Could there be anything more typically sa than that youngster in a camo jacket and shorts kicking a rugby ball on dry winter grass 😂 love it!
Bare feet too.
@@wot4922 Is there any other way? 😂
My feet are still tough as nails and I left SA two decades ago. As youngsters today like to say, 'we built different'!
My thoughts exactly. You can almost feel the dry grass under your feet. And one day that kid could be in the green and gold.
And the little kid getting smoked behind him by a bigger kid then standing up and playing on.
I so wish Sky Sports never interfere on how this channel broadcast sport to us. Tim the way you do it is simply, honest, accurate and transparent. We love this Channel. I am a South African who always looks forward to watching.
So true.
I don’t like and won’t listen to New Zealand commentators.
Maybe Justin Marshall but otherwise they seem in their own bubble .
Eggchaser is honest and unbiased. Respectful.
I’m sure his channel will grow.
Getting homesick listening to and watching you there at Craven Week. One thing you mentioned, aside from the rugby, is how people look you in the eye when they greet you, even strangers. This is something I miss a lot here in Europe. I find for the most part, they don't even look at you, let alone eye-to-eye.
You yourself are a great advert for rugby Tim. Keep it going strong.
You don't know how many grown Saffa men abroad get teary eyed watching this. I'm just at Debden station before work and it made my week.
I am one of them! I'm in Germany. Now I'm also starving for some biltong
Yip, across in Canada right now with leaking eyeballs.....
I know many of you are overseas for many reasons...but oh man, do we need you all back here to build this beautiful country of ours with our fellow brothers and sisters!
@@DewaldvanNiekerk we hear you.
@@DewaldvanNiekerk It's the best country on earth! Will be back in the near future, it's always home
It's so easy for Northern Hemisphere pundits letting their biases cloud their judgement about the Boks and trying to discredit them in anyway shape or form. Tim you are such a breath of fresh air.
Unlike those in the North you chose to step away from your first world shoes and stepped into our world to see what makes us tick and for that and I hopefully speak for other South Africans, words can't describe how appreciative we are to see for yourself with such a level-headed mindset.
All I can say is thank you, God bless you and have a very wonderful and safe double trip to our beautiful country.
P.S That kid at the end giving you ice cream was SUPER CUTE😊!
Best rugby channel on UA-cam. Thank you Chaser. See you at loftus. 😎
Amen to that
Absolutely
Lyk vir my hy weet wat ons weet 😆
Totally.
absolutely
It is always a good day when there is an egg chasers video up
You are fast becoming the beea ambassador for our rugby and we loveee it... Thank you for coming through to Craven week
Would love to visit South Africa at some point in my life. Looks like a beautiful country. Love from USA.
I think what has made Rassie's tenure even more impressive has been his ability to draw players BEYOND this junior pipeline to find some gems that fell through the cracks. Players that matured a couple of months too late and missed a contract or had an injury when Craven week was happening. There are still even more players out there, and Rassie and Nienaber found some of them.
Didn't realise that. Fair point
Very true. The EPD has done wonders unearthing some great Springboks
Man this video made me proud to be South African! Classy video Tim!
Spot on! The only thing stopping South Africa to dominate rugby for decades to come, is that there is not enough teams to accommodate all the talent.
Exactly. Do we need tv deals or sponsors to get a 2nd tier league or just get curry cup boosting again? Will SARU allow it or just come to the party. I mean our amateur club rugby scene just in WC is amazing? Especially the small towns and im sure that is through the country. There must be some kinda solution
We can for example donate our surplus players over to the Zim & Namibian national sides for a change
@@GhostBra333 Fair comment. We should really get behind Curry Cup rugby and support it massively. We must do our bit
I agree. There should be a 2 or even 3 tier system.
It’s not about the quantity is it as only 15 people can play at anytime. As Ireland have shown it’s not about the quantity it’s about the systems and the coaching to make sure that the players reach their potential. I’m so glad that we have finally realised that you don’t have to always go over or through the opposition (I’m looking at you Heyneke Meyer) when you can go around them using smaller much more skilful players like Kolbe et al.
Rugby is the backbone of South Africa. Our people are amazing. 🇿🇦
No, football is - dont live in a cocoon of your own. But rugby is great too.
While football may be the most played sport in the country, most people consider rugby our country's backbone because of its ability to unite our people. South African football struggles to capture a white audience and thus is pretty lopsided diversity wise. But the effect that winning the last two world cups has had on our country's unity cannot be understated
@@commentwell3870 in South Africa, if you have common sense, you’ll know that rugby Unites the nation, not football. When is the last time Bafana Bafana united South Africa? I’ll wait.
Ooh guys, how cool is it that we have hosted the football, rugby and cricket world cups huh? In Africa! You guys realize that if our cricket team wins the upcoming final, they will join Bafana (Afcon) and the Boks (World Cups) in winning international trophies. Guys, how talented are we as a nation huh!? If we all pushed together in one direction we could be a serious force to be reckoned with.
@@commentwell3870you must be dreaming if you think Bafunny Bafunny is the backbone. Football will never and I mean NEVER be bigger nor better than Rugby in SOUTH AFRICA!
One other thing: The difficulty of making a craven week side in the first place. Every single 17 and 18 year old 1st team highschool rugby boy goes to 2/3 trials just to have an opportunity to make 1 of the Rugby Week sides. This year at Northern Lions trials I counted about 40 teams playing regional trials. About 920 players. Multiply that by the different regional trials taking place, thats thousands of boys playing to make the final 23 of the province.
YOU SAID NO, TO BILTONG!?!?! Sacrilege! Hehehehehe. Glad you are having a great time Tim. Thank you for doing this, it means a lot to our country, and your channel is such a positive and amazing one.
My husband and I still can’t believe we ran into you at the JHB airport! Thanks for the chat and hope the rest of your time in RSA 🇿🇦 goes well!
Had the priviledge to meet Doc Craven on Coetzenburg whilst coaching in 1973.
His dog Blixem was also on the field.😊
lmao I gotta name my future dog Blixem
The story goes that all his dogs were called Bliksem so that he could curse out players on the practice field and then say he was talking to the dog.
@@closelaugh185Lol we had a old rugby field caretaker back in the day that had 2 dogs named Bliksem and Voetsek. They will not allow us to randomly go onto the field without the old man's permission.
I had a boerboel I named bliksem..
😂Love the dog name.
We also acknowledge the massive contribution from the fanatical parent's support at Rugby playing schools. This include the sponsorships for so many of our now heroes who were recruited from non-rugby schools.
Welcome to South Africa Tim! Have a good stay brother and hope to bump into you when you are in KZN😊
Now you are watching real rugby in SA. I spent 10 years involved at Craven week with The Sharks....now an expat teacher in Muscat, Oman. I really miss school rugby
Some good memories of SA came through in this clip! Thanks for that.
For those watching from abroad, it is true that it is winter there now. On the Highveld, where Tim is, the sun shines virtually every day, but when it goes down so does the temperature and it can become bitterly cold!
Another thing to realise is that it doesn't rain in winter on the Highveld, hence the grass pitches on view are turning and looking yellow. Mainly through being burnt by the frost and cold, but mostly because lack of water.
They only stay green through summer and the rainy months.
The coastal towns are different, of course, with Cape Town actually having four seasons and Mediterranean weather. I.e. rain in winter.
Enjoy your stay further, Tim! Wish I was there too!
As a South. African who has lived in Cambridge in the UK for the past 23 years I would just like to say a huge thank you for your objective and positive analysis of South Africa and our rugby. You’re a legend and I love your channel. If you’re ever in Cambridge please come over for a proper BRAAI!!! Thank You Mate!
Loved this video!
It's an amazing system. My 13-yr old has a dream to play elite rugby. He's over 6 foot already. Schoolboy rugby in SA is incredible. Sometimes better to watch than international games. We're going to check out the next layer of Springboks at Cape Town stadium tomorrow. It's bound to be amazing
You still have an open invitation to the big Interschools match between Paarl Boys High and Paarl Gymnasium, played in Paarl on 3 August. We can even get you into the Friday night's Big Brag at Boys High - that will blow your mind, Tim. Just give the word.
Lovely to see you enjoy Craven week, Tim. Next weekend is going to be huge.
On one of these trips I hope to bump into you my good man
@@EggchasersRugby that would be fun! We'll definitely be able to meet at Loftus.
There has to be a colab video surley? Get old 2 cents and "the other kiwi guy" :) (Distracted) and you can have the most entertaining rugby chat ever.
@@jasoncugs Two cents gets Distracted by Ringo chasing an Egg?
The young man who gave him ice cream at the end what a lad! summing up what ubuntu is. And then the young boy lining up a kick from the tee gives me goosebumps one day he will be the next "Pollard" . Tim you are a legend!
Welcome to South Africa. I hope you will enjoy our beautiful country and the wonderful rugby.
Let me just shed some light on how Craven Week REALLY came about... It was the idea of a man called Piet Malan who in 2015 was the world's oldest living Springbok player. He passed away on 5 July 2015 at the Blessed age of 96. He was a neighbour of mine in a complex called Pendoring Gardens in Blackheath, Randburg in GTNG. Being a HUGE Springbok supporter, I sat with him and Tannie Hansie many a day where he'd tell me stories of passed eras. Rugby was always a HUGE part of our chats. On one occasion he showed me a handwritten letter he penned to Dr. Danie Craven in which he explained his idea of what we now call Craven Week. On being asked if he resented that he's idea ended up being called Craven Week he replied, in Afrikaans of course, "It sounds better than Malan Week" and chuckled. He explained that having the well known Craven name attached to the event was a hands-down great decision. What a wonderful couple Oom Piet and Tannie Hansie Malan was. They were well know and loved by us all at Pendoring Gardens. May Yahweh give them both a peaceful rest... Shalom... 🙏❤
Love this Tim! I’ve followed you for a while and rarely comment on any social media platforms! This is the exception! Delighted you are is SA for this series. Us Irish have the greatest respect for South Africa! Looking forward to the games ahead and hoping for a great performance from both teams!
I love my country and it's people
You are at the HEART of SPRINGBOKS success.
Such a testament to your character and level of research that all the SA fans are showing you so much love and respect on here for this.
As a marketing and branding guy, you are building such a powerful personal brand as its all built on genuine love for the game, the values of our great sport, and knowledge.
The sky is the limit for any person that no one has a bad word to say about. The RFU should use you as a consultant.
Love the channel . Much love from Papua new guinea
Absolute pleasure having you here in South Africa. Enjoy!
Undoubtedly the biggest & most facts-loaded non-SA channel about what makes SA a great nation. We couldn’t ask for better advertising. Have a great time while down here & soak it all in, Tim. Great work
Thanks Tim for the way you promote rugby all over the world! One of the great things of Craven Week is how rugby ‘enemies’ often become best friends later in life. That is the often unseen and true beauty of this game.
Great to see you in South Africa! Remember: Eat biltong (with yellow fat if you can), braaivleis, potjiekos (biltingpotjie if you can), malvapudding and milktart.
Mate, thank you for being so frank about the generosity of South African people. Keep spreading the word👌🇿🇦
Hey Tim. I love your show and I really appreciate your perspectives. In particular, I would like to thank you for your comments on South Africa. Many via the media, think this is a hole at the bottom of Africa, but there are so many good things going for us. Appreciate the show!
Welcome to SA, Tim - you are very loved by so many of us! Hope our country blows you away. Take your time in Cape Town - it'll cast it's spell on you. And if it doesn't, come back in February (less rain) ;)
Dr Craven was also a legendary player
I just love that you are experiencing SA at its best.
I can’t wait to hear your impression of college vs affies. Then the test. I hope SA continues to spoil you. 🙏🙏🙏
Ja I just hope Maritzburg is able to put up a fight in that game to make it as competitive and entertaining as possible for spectators
Goodness, what a man. Just doesn't stop exploring and being inquisitive, this is why this the best rugby channel. Watch for Alzeadon Felix, in the Final. Cheers
You make us Saffas feel valued. Thanks for you great content
Wonderful video Tim...so informative and that comment regarding SA rugby being more like NFL explains a lot. The extent of support for rugby in SA is amazing to me. I am one of 19 cousins with large families of in laws on all sides so a huge huge extended Irish family living all over ireland . I am literally the only person in my entire extended family who follows rugby ....the rest are Irish football , hurling and/or soccer supporters. Cant wait to go next week and meet and immerse myself in the SA rugby community.
In some of the tv adverts for Craven Week they show footage of Pollard and Etzebeth when they were teenage players- so cute!
I'm a Saffa in UK and I know those skies From anywhere and those trees and the soil. Wow
Same here, I’m a Saffa in London and immediately recognized the good old Krugersdorp backdrop :D
and that dry highveld winter grass, when you try run, it just sits loosely on the ground
@@TheTherealbadboy yeah, and playing rugby games barefoot on that frosty grass in primary school :D
@@Attie_36 absolutely...frozen cold, but that doesn't matter.. get out there and put the tackles in
@@TheTherealbadboy dude, I remember scoring a try (I think it was at Landbou Highschool) and dove to make it more spectacular, only to be met by those solid thorns, and a nice grassburn to go with it :D Ah man, I miss SA
Welcome to South Africa. Where rugby and braai is a religion..🎉👋🙌
That grass or lack thereof brings back memories. Possibly another reason why SA breed tough players.
Haha was thinking the same, brings back memories of the “grass burns” we used to compare on our limbs after games :D That was the true right of passage.
@@Attie_36 agreed, Roasties were part and parcel on Saturday school rugby, lol
Don’t forget the frost burns on a deep July Saturday morning..
I got 1 so bad when I was 17 that stayed all these years and now I’m 50 it’s still there looking like a birth mark 😁
So good to have you here Tim and so good to have your perspective. As with many of my country men commenting below seeing this from your eyes makes me even prouder to be a South African and even prouder of our rugby tradition. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
Great video Tim.
I lived in SA for a couple of years in the early 2010s and was amazed to see schoolboy rugby on TV and how big it was in general. Such a huge difference to here in the UK.
I think the one strength that English rugby has over SA is that huge amateur base you talked about as it allows those who don't make it or maybe aren't the most blessed in talent to continue enjoying everything rugby has to offer - the social side etc.
Hats off for the research you have done, even though you have only touched on very little compared to what happens around the country. Your coverage is appreciated ❤❤❤
Welcome to SA..we are honoured to have a rugby gentleman here! We will all support your channel and help you grow..may you have a fabulous time here and enjoy the rugby! It will surely be an absolute treat!
Welcome to South Africa, Tim and for promoting our beautiful country. Hope you enjoy every minute! 👌
Hi Tim, glad that you're getting some Roodepoort-love. There is a club system into which many of these boys will go into, especially in the Western Cape. Also, for many of them rugby will pay for their tuition at uni, meaning that, even though they don't make it as professionals, there is another career set up for them. The Varsity-Cup system probably has upwards of 500 students in it at any given moment, most of whom study either for free or at a highly subsidised rate. Rugby also serves as a network in South Africa, with many young players ending up working for one of the sponsors.
How are you brother. My name is Thando. I greeted you while you were at Monnas for the Cravenweek. I coach the Lions cravenweek u13XV team. The kid that offered you ice cream is in my class at Monument Primary School, his name is Reeve. See you at Affies vs Maritzburg bro👍
Tim, this is wonderful. You should do a full-length documentary! You’ve got a real empathy that makes your storytelling fantastic. That’s why people offer you biltong (don’t turn it down though 😂) and kids give you ice cream.
On the Afrikaans schools. I went to a big English co-ed in Jo’burg. Affies and Monnas just about couldn’t be bothered playing us because of the mis-match. They used to just roll up to trample the weak and hurdle the dead… 😂
And lastly, man, that Highveld winter sun makes me homesick!
It’s a great point you made about affirmative action. When it was first introduced, it was massively frustrating as for about a decade, we could never field our strongest teams, from club to national level. Looking at how things stand today, I’m so grateful that people had the foresight to make those hard decisions. It’s quadrupled the pool of players, brought in new strengths and been responsible for 2 World Cup wins
It's true but some very good white school boys are discriminated against now because there is also a quota system in place for Craven Week for example. In my own family, my nephew was selected (luckily he got selected in the first place, many miss out) for WP U16. He played but had to leave the field half-time to give a "player of colour" the opportunity to play. He is overseas now playing club rugby and may even play test rugby for another country. We are losing many boys to overseas clubs because of the system and lack of opportunities.
@@nic0072 I hate these kinds of comments because they fail to consider that for many years, Black and players of colour have been discriminated against, and so much potential has been lost. And worse, they didn't even get or have access to opportunities to go overseas because of structural issues. If you are white in South Africa and fail to grasp this, perhaps this country is not for you. The national squad as it is, is still dominated by white people -- right down from the players to the coaching staff. And more than anything, your comment is a dog-whistle, because it assumes the 'quota' players are not equally talented and deserving.
@@kagisonko3279See another post of mine in this thread. The quota system must go now because many white boys (even in my own family) are playing overseas now because they have been sideline by the quota system and affirmative action. Besides the systems are in place to fast track black players and give them bursaries to go to the big rugby schools so there are NO excuses anymore.
@@kagisonko3279 Also - you can't speak for me as a "white". You don't know my personal circumstances.
@@nic0072 surely you don’t think enough redress has been done… it’s not excuses. It’s a reality of Black life in South Africa. Again, at least white kids can leave and play overseas… a privilege many Black kids don’t have. And again, you’re dogwhistling because you assume Black kids are not talented and deserving - and that’s what irks me about your ramblings. Man, you can just leave SA if you’re that unhappy
You Sir have just a way with your analysis. My word..... Welcome to SA 🇿🇦
Ive been living in the uk but i miss my country dearly. Thanks for the video
Yeah time to come back I guess 😂😂
@lunsas I wish. My whole family is here. That's why I moved too. I miss my country but I'd miss my family more. But fuck me do I miss a good braai or going to the Kruger or going for a hike. Jinne UK weather is kak. Also biltong. But. My butcher said he's making it now and first batch is ready tomorrow so I'm excited 😄 🤣
@@Krazymarmo Bring them back for a visit...and extended stay...like in forever! Hope the biltong works out!!
You look at the players on the pitch at the time the boy hand you the icecream, but look at the young boy in the foreground in blue, placing the ball to kick. This is how young they start and how passionate they are about the game of rugby.
Tim, thank you for what you a doing for rugby and the culture of rugby especially bringing to light where it all starts, at grass roots. Welcome to SA mate
Welcome to South Africa, enjoy your stay here with us.
Man, I can only imagine the experience you are having Tim, you love Rugby allot, and here in SA, you fit right in ;)
Thank you Tim! Baie dankie! The Jaques Botha meat palace you are talking about just looks like Bakkies Botha's son...I might be wrong...but...😄😄😄❤❤ we also applaud your wife and family for lending you to us for a little while.❤❤❤
Wow.......Welcome to Mzansi enjoy boet. You are a true Legend.
I really enjoy how positive and singing same song ❤
Welcome to SA, Tim! Hope you enjoy the stay! Look forward to the Durban Derby. The tier 1 highschool games are always excellent and something to behold. Lekker Affies, welkom op die plaas!
Welcome to South Africa we hope you enjoy your time with us!
Never say no to biltong, never take chicken to a braai and keep your handshake firm.
Thank you for the coverage.
Thank you to all the parents for everything you do!
Hi Tim, Great content. Great summarization. Finally!!, someone from outside of SA can showcase and let the world know how massive and serious our age group rugby is in South Africa..we keep saying it but not many really comprehend the scale of how massive it is in South Africa. You could argue it's bigger then our professional set up. I'm glad you mentioned it's almost akin to high school American football passion/investment and structures in the USA. Keep it coming Tim, let the world know how obsessed SA is about rugby. It's in our blood.
Hi Tim. Glad you are enjoying our beloved country. The amount of rugby talent in our country is staggering & a fact we are proud of. The amount of prospects that don't make it could easily make it in other rugby nations & be world class. Rassie is arguably the 1st & only bok coach that has capitalised on that successfully. Tim, thank you for showing our country in the light it seldom does by many. Have a good one 🫡
Tim, thanks for your kind words regarding our country and our people.
Our club rugby used to be huge, every game was broadcasted on TV, then the ANC came to power and now all you see is 3rd rate soccer/football games. Back in the day, it was not out of place for Springbok players to play an international on a Saturday, and for his club on a Wednesday.
I remember our scrum coach at school, played for the Boks in the late 60s, but for his club 3rd team... 🤣
A beautiful country with beautiful people. Been there several times and love it.
Looking forward to the upcoming test games. Go Ireland 🇮🇪 😂😜
Eggchasers landed in South Africa!🇿🇦 I hope you have a great experience. I’ve been enjoying your channel.👌🏾
Where England fails is that rugby usually isn't a school thing - it's a club thing. That means so much potential rugby talent is lost because boys (or their families) don't have the means or inclination to attend a separate rugby club after hours and/or over the weekend. Whereas many, many more boys would participate in the sport if it were hosted as an after-school, extracurricular activity (as it is in South Africa).
My son goes to a primary school in Surrey, UK that has over 1,000 students (of those half are boys). I went to a primary school in South Africa that had about 500 students (half of those boys) and we had around 10 rugby teams playing on any given Saturday. My son's local rugby club has 4 primary school aged teams. That just shows you how the take-up of rugby differs between the UK and South Africa.
Thanks Tim, this brought a smile and a warm feeling in my heart. If you love rugby, you will love South Africa. I miss the days of getting grass burns diving around on cold and dry grass. thanks for reminding me and everyone else watching this from far away.
Hey Tim!… Your content is beautiful, we are accepting you as one of our own as you show the greatest respect by taking the time learn our diverse culture 💯 love to see it❤
Man. I watched the video over again and again.
THEEEE BEST RUGBY CHANNEL EVER! Tim this video gave me goosebumps! It's so wonderful to see an international person speak so highly of our struggling country. We may have many problems but there is no doubt that the people of this country ABSOLUTELY LOVE SOUTH AFRICA.😭😭😭😭😭😭
Don’t forget there’s a Craven Week for primary schools.
Love this channel, you can see Tim genuinely enjoys rugby and the culture.
11:19 the boy giving you ice cream 🥲
It is great to hear that you are enjoying your stay. I trust it is the first of many such visits with you AND the family. Enjoy!
Great video Tim. Please make a video about Affies vs Maritzburg College. I remember sitting with the Affie schoolboys as a young grade 8 boy while watching World Cup Winner Jesse Kriel play for the Maritzburg 1st team. I'm excited for your part, have a wonderful rest of your trip!
You are so right Tim, I've just been at the SARU Rhino Rugby Week in Vereeniging last week. With over 1000 young under 18 rugby players, the talent was really something to watch!
Welcome to our shores, enjoy the trip!
Love this. I’m so proudly South African and love what you said about us.
My 1 son is a Jeppe Boy and the other is a Jeppe old boy. He played for Lions at academy week (at jeppe) last year and has a contract with the Lions this year❤
Thanks too the amazing opportunities and exposure Jeppe and school boy rugby gave him.
South African school boy rugby is the best and derby days are huge. You are going to love Affies vs Maritzburg. If you still in JHB, come to KES vs Jeppe . You can stay by us - we will feed you more braai and meat. You won’t regret it 😁
Your videos make me proudly South African. Thank you for showing it for what it is here. Waiting for the next video! 👏👏
As a South African who loves rugby, this is so heartwarming, and also learned a lot about Craven week that I had no idea about. Awesome video, and glad you enjoyed your stay in SA!
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing some great insights in to South African rugby. So happy you are enjoying yourself. Saffas are very arrogant online because they love their rugby, but in person they are very hospitable and welcoming. And they love their meat and alcohol for sure 😂
Thanks for the trip down memory lane with this video, Tim. Great work on seeing what makes us Saffas tick. Just so you know, you never ever forget your first tackle on those hard fields! Or when the groundsstaff "water" the field just before you run on at 07:30 and the frost is still there. On a side note, I kept my Province jersey from my Craven Week days, for when my son (hopefully) wants to get serious about his rugby and wants to use it for practice. Your video brought up some very fond memories of that week and made me recall some of the best characters I met.
I love your channel, I live in Dubai but are South African and now watching your video makes me feel closer to home. Following your channel since the world cup and absolutely loving it. Thanks for the videos.
Love seeing you in our backyard,after watching you during the world cup, hope you thoroughly enjoy your stay, and have a GREAT BIG JOL