No 'funeral vibes' from Boks
Leighton Koopman and Matshelane Mamabolo
The Springboks saw people walking around with sad faces after last weekend’s loss to the Wallabies, and they don’t want that ‘funeral vibe’ in the Mother City again.
Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says they want to do everything in their power to bring smiles back to the faces of their supporters in the second Rugby Championship Test against the Aussies in Cape Town this afternoon (5.10pm kick-off).
“It felt like there was a funeral after the game at Ellis Park, the way it was so quiet and how heartbroken people were,” Stick said.
“We always say we want to do it for the people of South Africa, and we really felt it. It’s nice when we win and can say we’re doing it for our people; everyone is united when we are winning. But we always learn through tough times, and we were disappointed. Our friends were disappointed.
“We apologise for that performance. But we never take the support for granted. We understand that people look up to us as a team to bring positive vibes to the country. It was a lonely landing in Cape Town and you could see the sad faces all around.”
The Springboks also wished the Women’s team well as they begin their Rugby World Cup campaign on Sunday in Northampton against Brazil (3.45pm start).
The South Africans will fly the flag in England, and looking at their pool draw – Brazil, Italy, and France – there’s a realistic chance they can make it to the quarter-finals.
“We wish them all the best. It’s so good to see the growth in their team,” Stick said. “We are very proud of what they are doing for South Africa.”
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have a great opportunity to make a bold statement when they meet in the MTN8 semi-final second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville this afternoon (3pm kick-off).
Although they are meeting in the cup competition, the victor in this sold-out match – that is tied 1-1 from the first leg at Orlando Stadium last weekend – will derive a huge psychological advantage in the championship race in the Betway Premiership.No ‘funeral vibes’
The other semi-final clash looks done and dusted, with Stellenbosch FC taking a 2-0 lead to Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium against Sekhukhune United.