Umm, that's *Mr Incredible.

Pretty obvious that I enjoyed chatting to Me Incredible - aka, Vincent Koch - who,despite winning 2 WCs, 2 Champs Cups, 2 Prems and 1 Lions series, is steadfastly humble. Still managed to get some needle from him ahead of the Challenge Cup final.

For RugbyPass/RugbyPassPlus

'The thing that embodies the repression also provides the respite from it. Behold the wonder. Feel the fear.'

My word, this is so good.

One final bump for this. Podcasters, Bok fans, former players... If you can read the piece before getting upset that'd be grand. If you're upset after reading that's grand too. All views welcome, just keep it nice.

Some stats work and a chat with drunk blokes for RugbyPass

Why do so many big name Boks play better for the green and gold - against tougher opposition - than for their clubs?

A bit of stats work and a wild guess at the end for RugbyPass

'Lions rugby'. Those who know, know.

The only conclusion is that TNT has an anti South African bias 🤷🏻‍♂️

🚨RUGBY PEOPLE! Who is the current Springbok that is a 10 when playing for his country but a 5 when playing for his club. Any suggestions on guys who become different animals when they pull on that green jersey?

Graeme Peacock Dylan Jack Caleb Kundai Rugby Bits Darren

The most exciting things in sport when all context, time on the clock and narrative is stripped away. Just that one moment in isolation:

1) A knockout in a combat sport
2) A goal in football
3) A wicket in cricket (esp bowled/run-out)
4) A crash in motorsport
5) A try in rugby

Another bump for this.

Sharks are like the Manchester United of club rugby. Superstars in a misfiring system. The strategy seems to be 'let's hope one of our big dogs does something special'.

Hey, it worked yesterday.

✍️ @Rugbypass

'Am to Mapimpi. A one-point lead. Desperation on defence. A nerve-shredding finish. A famous victory. Nche’s arms in the air. Etzebeth lifting a teammate in shocked jubilation. This was a South African story'

From The Stoop for RugbyPass on something we've sort of see before.

Overhead in the stands in the thickest boitjie accent: 'Jus, South Africans love a one point win, hey!'

He's not wrong. That felt very familiar, not just in terms of the result and score, but the way it all took place (except for a malfunctioning scrum). #SHAvASM #ChallengeCup

Despite the small(ish) crowd, the Saffas in support are up for this. Great atmosphere. It's hostile. This is brilliant! #SHAvASM

Thrilled to be here and watch a South African team in a continental semi-final. But this really should be in front of home crowd at King's Park. A decent cluster of Saffas present but London ain't Durban.

Before the The Sharks take on Clermont at The Stoop, an arresting interview with Makazole Mapimpi on how his life has turned around since winning two World Cups.

rugbypass.com/plus/makazole-…

✍️Daniel Gallan

When it comes to rags to riches stories in rugby, no one can match Makazole Mapimpi.

But how has fame and fortune impacted his life?

Good to speak to him about his love of fashion, staying humble and SA politicians.

For @Rugbypass/RugbyPassPlus

rugbypass.com/plus/makazole-…

When I asked Monty Panesar if it had been an interesting week, he replied, 'It always is mate'.

But this one has stood out as he's stepped into the world of politics.

Chatted to him about George Galloway, public shaming and Nato for the G:

theguardian.com/sport/article/…

Hi all!

I leave for Cape Town tomorrow afternoon for SA Deaf Rugby trials, but am still a little short of my target to cover transport costs!

If anyone is able to help get me over the line, please consider contributing to my BackaBuddy NPC campaign!

backabuddy.co.za/campaign/sa-de…