SpringBoks – The Journey it was
Written by Neo Molefi on November 1, 2023
Written by: Kamogelo Mogale
The Springboks defeated New Zealand 12-11 to secure their fourth Rugby World Cup title in history, having previously won the Webb Ellis in 1995 under the captaincy of Francois Piennar, 2007 under the captaincy of John Smit and now back to back 2019 and 2023 under Siya Kolisi.
The encounter between Springboks and The All Blacks was a renewed rivalry as the two sides faced each other in the 1995 final.
The Springboks touched down at OR Tambo International airport to a hero’s welcome yesterday. Thousand of supporters flocked the airport to meet their world champions to celebrate the history being made by the team, becoming the first country to win the rugby world cup title on four occasions.
Boks captain, Siya Kolisi has expressed his excitement about what they’ve managed to achieve.
“Look around you, what’s happening is far more deeper than what happens on a rugby field. I’m really proud of the boys, I’m proud of our country, I’m grateful for the support we’ve received back home. We wouldn’t be where we were, they were our drive and motivation.”
Meanwhile the rugby world cup triumph comes with a bitter moment as coach Jacques Nienaber will step aside as the green and gold coach to become the technical director of Irish club Leinster having made the announcement prior to the world cup.
SA director of rugby is set to take over the reigns from Nienaber on an interim basis until SARU finds a replacement.
The Springboks will begin their trophy tour tomorrow with their open top bus set to depart from the Union Building in the morning at 09:30 and make its way past Loftus Versfeld stadium, Pretoria CBD and then transfer to Johannesburg where they will head to Braamfontein, cross Nelson Mandela bridge and then head to Soweto to conclude the tour at FNB stadium.
The tour will head to Cape Town on Friday, Durban on Saturday and conclude in East London on Sunday.