James Dalton: Springboks career & 1995 Rugby World Cup winner

In this episode of Front Row Rugby Springbok Rugby legend and former hooker James Dalton discusses his storied career with the Boks. Dalton opens up about the sending off against Canada at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, winning the 1998 Tri-Nations, helping the team win 17 Tests in a row and making a comeback in 2002. Affectionately known as ‘Bullet’, he also discusses the mistakes made by coaches like Nick Mallet and Rudolf Straeuli while having a few laughs along the way too.

00:00 Introduction by Peter
00:57 Springbok debut against Argentina
02:49 Preparing for the 1995 Rugby World Cup
04:31 Intense fitness training sessions
06:17 Opening match against the Wallabies
08:05 Sending off against Canada
12:09 Andre Markgraaff drops Francois Pienaar
13:17 Beating France in France in 1996
14:19 Being benched by Carel Du Plessis
15:18 The Nick Mallet era
17:28 Start of the decline under Mallet
18:38 Hiatus
19:37 Return to the Springboks
20:46 2002 end of year tour
21:16 Retirement
22:01 Origins of the nickname “Bullet”

Peter says: I love the Springboks and rugby is one of my favourite sports. Although as a sports journalist I am supposed to remain neutral, I always like to point out that before I became a professional, I was just a big fan! I hold a Masters Degree in International Journalism so at least you know I should be able to ask a good question or two! My dream is to do this YouTube Channel permanently. You can help me out by liking the videos, subscribing to the channel and hitting the notification bell.
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