Episode 3409: Czech Yerra Men, Ireland V SA Monster Match, Nienaber’s RWC 27, Touching Distance, Mani Memories

As Troy Parrot week draws to a close today we discuss whether or not we were duped by yesterday’s Czech Football Correspondent, Štepán Hájek of CANAL+. Had he been sent by his masters in Prague to do a Kerry type Yerra job on us all?

Given the layered history between Rassie Erasmus and Ireland and his record in Dublin, Ireland’s match with South Africa dwarfs all the other games Ireland have played in this November window. Throw in the jocks v nerd narrative, Etzebeth’s “see you in the final” insights, Nienaber’s statement this week that he misses the Springboks set up, and the fact that Farrell has selected Prendergast at 10, and you have yourself a massively significant game on Saturday at Lansdowne Rd.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Brendan Fanning is in studio today to talk about this game which ties together some of the themes from his excellent new book Touching Distance – Irish Rugby’s Battle With Great Expectations which takes in this recent era of unprecedented success mixed with some difficulties handling the next step, for example, winning a RWC QF.

With no Irish football games to watch over the weekend Murph and Mother tell us where to watch Troy this weekend and Branno remembers his time spent with Mani, the man who gave Madchester its bass lines. RIP

Click the player at the top of the page to play the show. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series’  ‘Where Is George Gibney?’ and Stakeknife.

The path is clear pic.twitter.com/E2DyrXOcWg

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) November 20, 2025