Springboks: Long way from Apartheid, stone’s throw from fourth title
During Apartheid, the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, was nearly all-White. Back then, Black South Africans would have seen it as treason to support that team.
Then, South Africa released Nelson Mandela. His Christ-like inclination to turn the other cheek was as disarming as inspiring. But he had Ceasar-like political instincts too.
The latter explains Mandela’s decision to use the rugby team as a symbol of national unity. He did the same with the soccer team when South Africa hosted the 2010 soccer World Cup.
Fast forward to the present day, where Mandela’s spirit has scored another try. It was against England, no less — a country whose historical misadventures in Africa could fill volumes.
Handre Pollard, the backup fly-half for the Springboks, crushed England’s hopes yet again. He kicked a last-minute penalty to give South Africa a semifinal win, 16-15. If ever there were a case of a team snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, this was it.
A rivalry a century in the making
You don’t have to be a rugby fan to relish the prospect of a final featuring South Africa vs. New Zealand. It will be worth every bad calorie in your beer belly.
These two teams have been scrummaging on the world stage for over a hundred years. Now, one of them is poised to make history by winning a fourth World Cup title. The New Zealand All Blacks could win their third title in four World Cups. The South African Springboks could win back-to-back titles.
New Zealand and South Africa will take the stage to compete in this Grand Final. But the irony should not be lost on anyone that England, their former colonial master, will be going home in defeat. Its happy breed of men fated to be happy losers.
Nearly all-white “All Blacks” vs. Rainbow Springboks
New Zealand calls its team the “All Blacks.” It refers to the trademark all-black uniforms its players wear. And it dates back to when calling an all-White team All Blacks triggered no irony. Such were the prevailing presumptions of White supremacy back then.
Remarkably, the All Blacks still look as ethnically diverse as a gallon of whole milk – with a black fly flapping about. Compared to the Springboks, who look like a Benetton ad of racial harmony. It is also notable that their captain, Siya Kolisi, is the first black captain in Springbok history. That says a lot.
The Bongi Mbonambi incident: A clever twist of tongue
I can’t ignore the recent flare-up involving Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi. England’s Tom Curry claims Mbonambi racially abused him by calling him a “white c**t.” But Mbonambi insists he merely said, “wit kant,” Afrikaans for “white side.”
Yet, the man is under investigation. But even the casual fan knows there’s no way rugby officials will suspend him from the Grand Final. The kicker? Mbonambi could dodge suspension thanks to Afrikaans, the language of his people’s former oppressors. You can’t make this stuff up.
Unity and legacy will help South Africa win again
Captain Kolisi explained what motivates his Springboks as follows:
It’s much harder to give up when you think of how many people would give anything to be where we are. The majority of our people are unemployed, some don’t have homes, so for me not giving everything will be cheating, not just myself and the team but the rest of the people at home.
(Reuters, October 19, 2023)
With that motivation and Mandela’s unifying legacy, the Springboks have the perfect recipe for another South African World Cup win. After all, this is more than a game; it’s a symbol of a nation united and a legacy continued.
How can the All Blacks overcome that? We’ll find out on Saturday. The Springboks will either honor this sporting legacy or betray it like the ANC betrayed Mandela’s political legacy.
#gobokke
UPDATE
October 26, 2023, at 8:57 am
Mbonambi cleared to play
Bongi Mbonambi is free to play in the Rugby World Cup final after World Rugby confirmed there is “insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges” after being investigated for an alleged racial slur during the semi-final win over England.
(The Independent, October 26, 2023)
Told ya!