Rugby: Highlander Joe Wheeler on partying in Jo'Burg

Joe Wheeler is still smiling even though he's on the bench again.

Highlander's hard-case Joe Wheeler phoned Jamie Mackay for his weekly The Country catch up from Johannesburg this week where he's preparing for Sunday's game against the Kings.

Except he's not really preparing for it because he has injured himself.

That doesn't mean he can't give his opinion on the challenge ahead for the Highlanders who are facing the Kings without a lot of their All Blacks team mates this weekend.

Wheeler's highly professional and serious insight is valuable when discussing Lima Sopoaga's 'Delhi-Belly' forcing him to the bench (but possibly helping him to lose a few kilos), Liam Squire's mullet, and whether it is advisable to wear Speedos in Fiji.

With the Beaver Donald running the ship...if he can produce some of the goods like he did against Wales...they'll be in for a good day at the office I think

Highlander Joe Wheeler on the upcoming Chiefs v Crusaders game

There is some proper rugby analysis though as Jamie Mackay questions Wheeler about his predictions for the upcoming Fiji match between the Chiefs and Crusaders; along with the Hurricanes v Blues clash.

Mackay presses for tour gossip, speculating that there won't be much partying as Johannesburg is not the safest place to let loose of an evening.

Luckily Wheeler has proper security to protect him and his teammates. Not like Jamie who managed to lose a couple of Horowhenua cow cockies on the Farming and Footy tour in Johannesburg a couple of years ago.

Listen to Jamie Mackay's interview with Joe Wheeler in the Soundcloud embed below: