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About 2000 local supporters pitched up at Port Elizabeth airport in South Africa on Sunday to “welcome” the All Blacks squad for this week’s Tri-Nations match in the city.
In typical New Zealand-type weather at this time of the year, 14 degrees and a frosty chill, with no hint of a breeze, the All Blacks made their entrance just after 12 noon.
A friend of mine, a reporter for a local newspaper, described the scenes as near-mayhem as everyone stretched to catch a glimpse of their favourite All Black. He’s now describing it as a “home fixture” for the Blacks, as a result.
It’s 41 years on since the Springboks beat the All Blacks 14-3 at the-then Boet Erasmus Stadium; the last time a Test between the rugby rivals was played in Port Elizabeth.
Much mention was made in the local press of No. 15 Freddie McCormick’s elbowing of Syd Nomis who had some teeth knocked out as a result, in that 1970 encounter, as many of the newspapers looked back at the Test in anticipation of this week’s Tri-Nations encounter.
Apparently Nomis, who had a leg amputated a few years ago, had his teeth shoved back in by the referee, a Mr Piet Robbertse, who was coincidentally a dentist. It seems the Boks were targeting McCormick in the Test, the report goes, as a result of previous incidents on tour.
The Kiwi management at the time was perceived as “arrogant” as they had reckoned in the build-up that they would cream the Boks.
As history tells us, the All Blacks ran rampant against all the country teams in the build-up to the Tests, which was perceived as a bad omen for the Springboks.
But unfortunately for the All Blacks it wasn’t to be, as they came up against an inspired Bok side with players like Dawie de Villiers, Nomis, pivot Ian McCallum and of course, Frik Du Preez, in their midst.
The newspapers were agog at the time with news that 19-year-old icon of the SA fan club of the All Blacks, Bryan Williams, was set to play. He had been a revelation on the wing on tour.
The Springboks class of 70 are having a re-union in PE’s Feather Market Centre on Friday as everyone catches up and relives some nostalgia. Apparently, there was talk that some of the All Blackss of that era would be in attendance – Bryan Williams in particular.
Mils Muliaina apparently was scheduled to present a talk at the St George’s Park Cricket Ground – but he has unfortunately stayed behind in New Zealand.
The All Blacks were due to practice at the Nelson Mandela Bay University Stadium, but though many of their local fans would like to rub shoulders with their heroes, coach Henry wouldn’t allow much adulation to distract his players. King Henry has a job on his hands.
Tickets for the match that will be played at the 50,000-seater soccer World Cup venue, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, are virtual sold-out already. Test fever, to coin a cliche, is running high.
In the meantime, the two biggest Sunday papers in South Africa ran with the headlines, “Much better Bokke” and “It hurts: But not too bad” (the latter from an Afrikaans newspaper) after the Wallabies defeat.
The Boks, have in their (media’s) opinion obviously shown an improvement, but has to be seen in context: in relation to how pathetic they were a fortnight ago in their first two matches.
Obviously, many Bok pundits, including the newspapers, (hence the softly-softly approach to the three losses) have an eye on the World Cup and defending it successfully, but it’s clear to see that the Boks have some issues.
Bismarck (Du Plessis) showed much more impetus than Smit when he came on and the world record lock pairing Bakkie Botha and Victor Matfield look like shadows of their former selves.
Habana isn’t firing and De Villiers at centre did little else, but tackle. When he did get his hands to the ball, he coughed it up.
Frans Steyn did his World Cup chances further harm, by pulling up and it really seemed a case of one step forward and three steps back for the Boks.
But take care, All Blacks. The Boks have been wounded seriously and pride may just inspire them to greater heights come Saturday at a packed out stadium. Kamate! Kamate!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.