2019 saw the return of the Rugby World Cup, hosted this year by last tournament's surprise package - Japan. A superb tournament followed, with some thrilling games and the odd upset (the hosts did it again…).
The final held at the International Stadium Yokohama on 2nd November was an all TGP matchup, with England fresh from demolishing New Zealand facing off against the conquerors of the Welsh Dragons, South Africa.
What followed was a masterclass in defence from the men in Green and Gold, with some superb tactical play from Scrum Half Faf de Klerk and Fly Half Handré Pollard allowing Wingers Mapimpi and Kolbe to score the all important tries.
The captain of the victors, Siya Kolisi, humble even in victory, spoke post-game about how important this was to South Africa as the nation unified behind the team and celebrating their success.
Speaking of celebrations, there have been plenty in South Africa since the team returned, not least at our office in Cape Town! I (via my reporter in the field Coral) spoke to a few of our colleagues to get their thoughts on the game and what it means to them.
Leo
Leo is a rugby coach in Cape Town outside of work. Originally from the Netherlands, he now lives and breathes Green and Gold.
Where and with who did you watch the final?
I watched it at home with my family, so I could swear at the TV freely! Full family occasion - all dressed in green and gold. Enough room for the whole family to stand and passionately sing the South African anthem.
Thoughts on the win and what it means to South Africa?
The last game they played, they played the true South African brand of rugby- making us proud. As a foreigner, the win has made people feel united and happy to be South African. Really positive for the sport as a whole. Great excuse to party! Just hoping it lasts. That’s always the hope - that it lasts!
Thoughts on the Tournament?
Very structured and very efficient- rivals German efficiency!
Warwick & Jamie
Warwick and Jamie are friends and colleagues who simply love Rugby! Here they can be seen channeling their inner Faf de Klerk.
Where and with who did you watch the final?
We watched the game at a local soccer field where Warwick is a coach- we stood on the side of the field waiting for our own game to start - huddled around someone’s mobile phone - streaming the game. We all watched it together. No one wanted to miss a thing. It was worth watching - it was amazing to see.
Thoughts on the win and what it means to South Africa?
W: I think the win describes our country- when our backs are against the wall we stand together. United #StrongerTogether. I hope that our country uses this platform as a stepping stone to propel us all in one united direction - and shows us that when we work together we can achieve more.
J: I’m still speechless, it was one of the best games I have ever watched. You could see that we wanted to prove we were still a force to be reckoned with on the field, and in doing that we showed how strong we can be as a country. It was such a moment.
Thoughts on the Tournament?
To lose our first game but to move on to win the tournament… I mean what can you say. Amazing. Truly. Japan hosting the tournament just shows that rugby is universal, sport is universal and It’s understandable worldwide. Its uniting.
Any other thoughts?
We want to show the world that the perception they have of our beloved country is not always true, and when United and together we are truly one beautiful 'RAINBOW NATION". This win was not only for us as South Africans, but to every country in the world struggling with Racism. Opportunity should never be based on race, but ability that suites a model to achieve success.
Whitney
Whitney is not normally a sports fan, but felt compelled to watch every game to get a better understanding. The power of the tournament means she is now a fan for life and plans on watching every rugby game she can!
Where and with who did you watch the final?
I watched it at home with my mother in law - all the men were out at bars watching it and we had been left at home - so her and I sat together and watched the game.
Thoughts on the win and what it means to South Africa?
I think that it’s beautiful. It’s beautiful because sports puts us all in the same category. It’s not about Afrikaans, English or Zulu - it’s about a language we can all understand and speak and it brings us together without even realising. I feel it opens doors for South Africa. Winning makes us feel like we are finally being seen for who we are as a country in the best light. We can be better and we can allow the world to see our spirit, our team work and our good points- all our wins. It doesn’t focus on negatives. It allows positives to shine. It gives our children hope. People don’t know what type of country we are - this win gives us the recognition we needed to show what type of people we are and how much we badly want to grow and be better and stand together.
Thoughts on the Tournament?
I watched every game of this world cup. The Japanese people seemed so positive. They didn’t discriminate against us as a country, they put on our shirts and they wore our colours and they didn’t stop supporting even when their team didn’t make it through- they were still there - shouting and supporting.
Any other thoughts?
I would just like to say that I feel incredibly proud to be South African. So happy that we can all be proud together and celebrate together. I am so proud of every one of the Bokke!
Of course it is not only in South Africa this victory was celebrated. There are a number of proud South Africans working here in our UK offices who have also been celebrating. I got their thoughts too.
Coral
Coral is a part of our COO team, who travels back and forth to Cape Town to work with the teams there. A rather well planned trip this time worked out well for her and has been a big help in putting this article together!
Where and with who did you watch the final?
I watched the game at home, the coffee table was removed for the occasion - to allow for maximum standing and shouting at the TV. I watched the game with Nick Parr, my other half who is a massive England rugby fan who never lets me forget any South African loses - no matter what the sport.
Thoughts on the win and what it means to South Africa?
This is a big question. One that may seem silly to ask for other countries or maybe even trivial. For South Africa though, it’s a different story. It sounds odd, but it means more, it’s something to unite us. It’s something that we can all get behind, something we can all support together as a country. This win wasn’t about our past as a country, it was about moving forwards, overcoming against odds and standing together despite our differences. The Springboks represent hope. They represent the idea that South Africa is more than the past, more than differences, more than the multitude of things that usually separate us as a country. This is what this win means for South Africa. It’s not just a win, it’s not just a trophy, it’s not just one person or one player - it’s all of us, from every background, from every race and economic background - we are all South African and we are all standing tall.
Thoughts on the Tournament?
The tournament being in Japan this year was great, there was so much support no matter who was playing. The elements included in the start of the games and all throughout put Japan on show in the best way.
Any other thoughts?
I flew out to South Africa on the same day that the Springboks won, I wore my springbok shirt with pride. The movement caused in the wake of the world cup win has been amazing to see - starting trends like #ImStaying, encouraging others to share positive moments and shine a light on impactful encounters with others that make them proud to be South African and even going so far as opening our homes and businesses for people who are homeless or less fortunate to watch our rugby team make history. It feels unstoppable. It feels like we are building something bigger. There are billboards along the highways, signs set up in shopping centres and people still wearing green and gold in the street. It feels like change and it feels positive - we just have to keep it going. We are a proud country, no matter where you are now as a South African - living in SA or around the world - we have been standing together and it feels pretty epic.
Dana
Dana works in our Commissions team and is a massive Rugby fan. In a Commercial department surrounded by England fans, there was a lot at stake…
Where and with who did you watch the final?
I watched the final at home with my family (Mom, Dad, Brother and dog Rascal)
Thoughts on the win and what it means to South Africa?
It felt to me like fate. Everything seemed to align that South Africa would win. After our win in 1995, we won again 12 years later in 2007. This world cup is 12 years after we won the last one. I am not superstitious, but I was definitely holding on to that when watching. Also, the momentum we have gained under Rassie Erasmus has been immense. It really felt like it was our time.
I hope the win has lasting effects in South Africa. I heard stories of random people hugging in the streets and cars hooting at each other in celebration after the win. I hope it’s not superficial unity, but something more meaningful.
Thoughts on the Tournament?
I thought Japan hosted an excellent world cup! Not only was our win enjoyable to watch but the tournament as a whole was incredible, especially the way the Japanese people welcomed all foreign teams and their supporters. I saw videos being circulated of Japanese fans singing the South African national anthem. I got goosebumps watching it.
Any other thoughts?
I have to give props to England on their win against New Zealand. Although they didn’t play as well in the final, their sheer ruthlessness against the All Blacks made the game probably one of the best I’ve seen. I don’t usually enjoy watching England play, but definitely got some joy out of that one!
It’s a shame that all the confidence ("cough" cockiness!) of certain members of the Commercial department in England’s ability to absolutely slaughter the Springboks a week later was unfounded. Maybe next time(!)
Justin
Justin recently joined TGP as our Business Solution Sales Specialist working with our Products and Sales teams. Welcome Justin! He couldn’t really have joined at a better time with the final just around the corner…
Where and with who did you watch the final?
It was an early start so I watched the game at home with close friends and family. The sounds of ‘Nkosi Sikelel i‘Afrika’ echoed loud through our house and my son, who is almost two and a half, took on his first attempt at singing his national anthem.
Thoughts on the win and what it means to South Africa?
Personally, the win came as somewhat of a surprise to me. I think, like many, I had a few doubts given how England had executed with finesse the week before.
As a whole, the win couldn’t have come at a better time for South Africa. Leading up to the RWC, the country had been plagued with some negative media coverage centred around years of political corruption and private sector meddling coming to light. This sort of exposure, certainly impacts the economic outlook of a country and I think South Africa winning the RWC has definitely aided the promotion of our country and discredited some of the negative sentiments. South Africans are naturally, enthusiastic sports fans and an international victory of this stature, no doubt serves to remind everyone how great and united we are as a nation. Over and above, having an icon of South African Rugby – Tendai Mtawarira “Beast” bring his international rugby career to and end with a win of this nature is truly an inspiration to all South Africans.
Thoughts on the Tournament?
Japan as a host nation were amazing and it was really great to see the depth of support from their fans throughout the tournament. Even after being knocked out in the quarter-finals, the masses of support across the board was incredible to see.
On the game front, I think we have seen a huge transition with more depth in the skills and quality of international rugby. A big highlight for me was watching Japan execute and recycle the ball with pace to secure their first ever quarter-final. The most exhilarating moment was watching England execute some historic game plays against New Zealand to win the second semi-final.
I think from reading the comments, it is clear just how much this meant to everyone interviewed and beyond that the country of South Africa. Massive congratulations to South Africa, and as an Ireland fan I am looking forward to the 2023 World Cup as this tournament is proof that losing to Japan in the pool stages of one World Cup means you win the next. That’s how it works right?
