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The Springboks’ resounding victory over Argentina was not only significant for being their largest ever win over the Pumas to date, but it formed part of a unique sports and cultural day celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 95th Birthday.
The South African National Football Team played Burkina Faso in an international friendly earlier in the day and the organisers believe it is the first time a national football and rugby team have played in the same stadium, on the same day.
Being South African, I am well aware of the racial divide that has existed between the two codes and can understand the government’s desire to change this.
On Saturday, I saw a powerful way of developing interest in rugby in an area with a large non-white contingency.
It was fantastic to see the football and rugby fans in joint celebration, embracing each other’s passion for their respective sporting codes.
Earlier in the week, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) announced that a new race quota system will be introduced to the Vodacom Cup (one of our domestic rugby competitions).
Each side will be required to select a minimum of seven players of colour within their starting twenty two, five of which will be required to form part of the starting fifteen.
A minimum of two players of colour, within the starting fifteen, will have to be among the forwards. This has caused much debate amongst rugby experts and fans throughout South Africa.
The pros and cons of such a system are obvious. In my opinion, this system is a radical way of introducing more players of colour to first class rugby in our country, without addressing the problem at grassroots level. In my opinion, it’s not the answer.
Yesterday was the answer – giving more people from all backgrounds the opportunity to see the Springboks in action, helping to develop an interest in the game within their communities.
I for one will be ordering my vuvuzela in preparation for next year’s double header, to support two of our most loved sporting teams.
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.