WATCH: The IOL Sport Podcast debates whether Handre Pollard has run his race...

The IOL Sports Podcast in Episode 8 delved into the perplexing 2023 Springbok loss to Australia, featuring host Zaahier Adams, regular John Goliath, technical expert Wesley Chetty, and former Stormers centre Morgan Newman. Former Springbok centre Newman admitted he had no idea what he was getting into, but quickly found himself debating the causes of the team's defeat.

The panel agreed that the day was the most chaotic Test of the year, with the Boks suffering a major setback by losing to the Wallabies after a season of celebrating South Africa's depth. Some panelists argued that the Boks simply crumbled under pressure, while others maintained that judging individuals in such a disjointed backline was unfair.

They agreed that changes should come in groups, not individuals like Handré Pollard. The conversation turned to the flyhalf position, weighing the merits of veteran Pollard against younger options Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok. The show predicted a tug-of-war between the two younger options until the next World Cup in Australia, where dry conditions would demand extra attacking weapons.

Assistant coach Tony Brown was suggested to have a significant say in the team's future direction. The podcast also compared two promising under-20 flyhalves, Yaqeen Ahmed and Vusi Moyo, and debated who would run the game with a more composed touch.