The Bench connects to New Zealand

The Bench - an online-based sports and lifestyle show on 2Oceansviberadio - caught up with former Bok prop Derek van den Berg and USA Eagles try-scorer JJ Gagiano to get the inside scoop from the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Van den Berg played four Tests for South Africa in the mid-1970s, following in the footsteps of his late father, Mauritz, who was part of that all-conquering Springbok side from 1937.

Having been spotted at a Bok training session during last week - by none other than Bok assistant coach Dick Muir - Derek was then asked to do the Springbok jersey handout ahead of SA's Pool D clash with Namibia; a huge honour for a very likeable rugby man.

Another South African in New Zealand is American Eagles No.8 JJ Gagiano - who made a name for himself in the USA's 5-67 defeat at the hands of the Wallabies.

The former UCT captain - in the Varsity Cup - did what no other player has achieved thus far at the 2011 Rugby World Cup; he scored a try against Australia... beating Rocky Elsom from a scrum to the goalline.

CLICK HERE to listen to Derek van den Berg speaking about doing the Bok jersey handout, or CLICK HERE to listen to JJ Gagiano talking to Crispin Inglis and Howie Kahn - on The Bench - about his try against the Wallabies. (Or, if you would like, download the entire podcast from Saturday's show HERE!)

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