- Springbok fans across the country have been counting down the minutes before the Bokke take on the All Blacks in their much-awaited Rugby World Cup final in France.
- In South Africa, scores of rugby fans have made their way to various fan parks to be part of the game.
- Die-hard Springbok supporters are adamant the Bokke will bring back the trophy.
It’s the final countdown to the much-awaited World Cup Rugby final between the Springboks and the All Blacks in France at 21:00, in a match that has the makings of an unforgettable, nail-biting encounter.
Die-hard Springbok fans across the country have been gripped by rugby fever, with many making their way to the fan parks that have popped up across all the major cities. One thing is for sure, they have no doubt in their minds that the Bokke will claim victory.
In Cape Town, the city centre is abuzz with excitement as Boks supporters are gathered for the big clash.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was seen at the DHL Stadium for the Abantu event, where Zakes Bantwini is expected to perform. The event is set to pause when the game kicks off so that fans can watch the biggest rugby match of the year.
“It’s a windy night in Cape Town, but we are so excited to back our boys! Go Bokke! Cape Town is behind you,” the mayor said.
Hill-Lewis was off to pop by the fan park at Bree Street to watch the game.
Actor Anton Taylor, who is part of the popular Showmax show Tali’s Diary told News24 he would be watching the Rugby World Cup final at the home of his co-actor, Glen Biederman-Pam.
“I’ll be wearing my 2023 World Cup Springbok jersey as well as my 2019 ‘World Cup winners’ cap. I’ve bought green boerewors, which I’ll be trying for the first time,” he said.
“Win or lose, the Springboks have lifted the country and brought us all so much joy and hope.
“They showed us our potential as a country … and who we can be. I hope that they feel the support of the entire country. And I think they’ll win it,” he said.
In wet and rainy Gqeberha, Timothy and Nosipho Minyayo said they were “super excited” for the tonight’s game.
The pair will be watching the game at the Axxess fan park at the Boardwalk Mall.
Timothy said the Boks are a true inspiration for their family, insisting that not even the pouring rain could dampen their spirits as they eagerly await kick-off.
“We came to the Boardwalk specifically because we love the vibe here,” he said.
“We know the Boks are going to win so we are excited.”
Nosipho’s message to the reigning champions: “Good luck, boys! We believe in you!”
In Gauteng, fans came out in their numbers at Montecasino to show their support for the Boks.
And as heavy rain came pouring down, some fans covered themselves with the South African flag in a bid to avoid the downpour. Even that downpour couldn’t stop them from bringing the “gees”.
In Tembisa, a rainbow lit up the sky in the late afternoon as fans gathered ahead of the clash.
Videos posted on various social media platforms showed rugby fans clad in green and gold as they chanted and cheered in support of the Boks.
On X, formally known as Twitter, many posted images and videos as they waited for kick-off.
One user posted a video of him queuing at a Pick n Pay in Menlyn, Pretoria, where he was waiting to get his Bok T-shirt printed and the crowd suddenly started singing the national anthem.
Another user said: “It’s time for patriotism. This is bigger than sports. We need this win to unite a deeply racially divided nation!”
In KwaZulu-Natal, the Hilton College Boys boarding school had pupils lining up in a human chain to spell out the words “Go Bokke” in a bid to show their support to the Springboks.
Headmaster Kigen Chepkonga said they “have no doubt” that the Boks would bring back the trophy.
He said spelling out “Go Bokke” was a unique Hilton College tradition.
“Much like the rest of the country, we are all eagerly awaiting to see the Bokke bring home our fourth World Cup title. But no matter the score tonight in Paris, we are immensely proud of the performance the team has delivered throughout this tournament and how they have brought our country together as one,” said Chepkonga.
He said Boks captain Siya Kolisi was a “major inspiration” for their school.
“He is an outstanding leader and role model for our boys, and we are proud of how he has led the team since 2018. But, frankly, we back everyone that makes the Boks who they are, on and off the field.”
Die-hard Boks fan Grant Renecle, better known as CleanCutSkolly, spent time in the chair at Good Things Tattoo to get the winning trophy tattooed on his thigh.
“The reason for this whole escapade was to help create as much gees as possible for the final. To watch our boys play rugby, it is like visual poetry,” Renecle told News24.
Rugby fans at the Premium Sports Bar.
Rugby fans at the Premium sport bar in Mitchells Plain.
Rugby fans at the Premium Sports Bar.
Bokke fans.
All Blacks supporters at the Premium Sports Bar in Mitchells Plain.
Springboks vs New Zealand.
All Blacks supporters.
This tattoo took 10 minutes to finish, according to the owner of the tattoo parlour where the wearer got it.
William Goliath, the owner of Premium Sports Bar, with rugby supporters.
Pressed for comment as to why he tattooed the trophy titled “Springboks 2023” before the final event took place, Renecle simply said he was “proud” of the boys.
“I was having a few lekka dops (nice drinks) with some of my choms (friends) by the braai and we were discussing how proud we are of our boys. To see Cheslin Kolbe side-step and literally dance around players while Eben Etzebeth uses brute force to klap our opponents sideways is just something special,” said Renecle.
The popular Premium Sports Bar in Mitchells Plain was packed with hundreds of rugby supporters who came to enjoy the “lekker” vibes.
Bar owner William Goliath said the build-up was “electrifying” as patrons all showed up dressed in full Boks outfits.
“We have mixed supporters, most are for the Boks but there is abut 30% All Blacks supporters, so its going to be a very memorable night. Even though some of the supporters are backing the All Blacks, the conversations are flowing, people are laughing taking pictures and having a wonderful time.
“Its great to see how our boys are bringing the country together. I believe we will bring that trophy back home,” said Goliath.
Meanwhile, police have cautioned residents to act responsibly.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said the SA Police Service (SAPS) would monitor places of leisure such as fan parks and public gatherings pre, during and after the rugby final match.
The National Crime Combatting Forum met to discuss operational plans in place to ensure the safety and security were people are gathering.
Regular roadblocks, stops and searches, as well as the tracing of wanted suspects will take place.
“SAPS takes this opportunity to call for the cooperation of members of the public, who will be at these public viewing venues to conduct themselves responsibly.
“The SAPS also cautions citizens to be extra vigilant of their surroundings while celebrating and, most importantly, not to drink and drive as such action will be dealt with accordingly,” said Masemola.
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