South African pride like I’d never imagined. White, coloured, black, wealthy, poor, car guards, students, all united in green and gold, all one spirit after South Africa’s Springboks won the World Cup Final last night. Even this morning, on my long ride there were guys standing on the road side with our national flag and springbok flag flying, cars going wild, at the site, as remnants of last nights glorious anarchy. Stellenbosch was a hub of noise and vibrancy last night, as all of South Africa was.
(Today’s Sunday Times front page)
(The scorecard of victory)
Same as last week, Ruth, myself and a few friends went down to one of our Bosch favourites, the Wynhuis lounge, to watch South Africa play England in the final, while sipping fine wine and enjoying a steak burger (our regular choice). We were out numbered last night, with Englishman parading bolding before, and shyly after. It made for a great atmosphere though, and there were some thrilling moments went either side had the right to voice some support and abuse.
(Ruth and I at Wynhuis)
The greatest part of the entire affair is 15men’s ability to unify a nation, across racial divides, across class segregation, across past and future, to a people group proud to stand together and be called one. It was a powerful night for my country, and one that will be remembered for decades. Viva Bokke. Viva South Africa.
