Kaplan: Ackermann should coach Boks

Cape Town - Johan Ackermann may have just signed a contract extension with the Lions, but former referee Jonathan Kaplan would still pick the former Springbok as South Africa’s new national coach.

“I would love to see Johan involved,” Kaplan says on The Dan Nicholl Show on Wednesday night, broadcast at 19:00 on SuperSport 1.

“He’s shown (with the Lions) that he can bring a team from ashes, playing a very special brand of rugby, challenging some of the Kiwi teams, and I think this year will be a standout year for them.

"He’s hit some of the right buttons along the way. It is a step up from provincial rugby to Test rugby, but he is a South African, he is an ex-Springbok, so from a culture perspective, he understands pretty well. I’ve seen what he can do with no name brands, so if he can work with established names, I’m sure he can build something really good.”

Kaplan also discusses a new challenge on his horizon: fatherhood, as he contemplates becoming a single dad later this year.

Test rugby’s most capped referee is joined on the show by UFC fighter Gareth ’Soldierboy’ McLellan, who discusses his recent training trip to Canada, and his upcoming fight in Rotterdam on May 8; and comedian and television star Trevor Gumbi.

This week’s show also features host Dan Nicholl exploring the city of Bangkok, from temples and markets to some exotic street food.

Watch a Sport24 exclusive clip of Jonathan Kaplan on The Dan Nicholl Show HERE 

Watch a preview of tonight’s show HERE 

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