Local Springbok supporters were out in force at the Bluewater Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, Woods Sports Bar and private gatherings with friends at home to cheer on their team in the final of the Rugby World Cup that took place on 29 October 2023.
Many watched on nervously the previous evening when the Proteas managed a one-wicket win over Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup – but it was clear that the big game was the Rugby World Cup Final.
After the Boks had scraped home by a single point against both France and England, the Boks tested their supporters’ nerves with yet another nailbiter as they edged the mighty All Blacks by a single point yet again! But the final whistle sent fans into uncontrolled delight as they cheered on their heroes.
“The Boks made their point”, quipped Des Wood, owner of the Woods. South African flags were waived at the Lifesaving Club and there were hugs all round.
The Boks may not have scored any tries, but their massive effort in defence – led by Bok flanker, Pieter-Stef du Toit, and the unerring boot of Handre Pollard, who kicked 13 out of 13 in the few games that he played, ensured that the Cup would come back to South Africa for another four years.
But kudos should also go to the All Blacks who put up an exceptional fight with only 14 players on the park for more than half of the match, having turned down a kickable shot as the posts and a missed try conversion.
But, from now on, the focus will shift to the cricket where South Africa is well-positioned to make it to the semifinals. The question that now needs to be answered is whether the Proteas will for once and all shed their unwanted tag as being chokers. It’s up to the fans to back them to do it!
