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One week before the Wallabies take on the Springboks at one of the world’s most famous grounds, spring can’t decide if it should announce itself to Cape Town or wrap up for a further month or two in its blanket of mist and heavy, downy cloud.
Cape Town’s warm weather always arrives late and like an obstinate unborn infant, clinging to his mother’s womb long after his expected appearance.
Winter in Cape Town is not just a lingering reality, it is a burdensome curse.
Capetonians have had to endure near-freezing temperatures, with the heaviest rains in decades.
Iconic Table Mountain’s southern slopes plunge from its sandstone heights into the most beautiful, tree-lined suburbs you would ever wish to see, with waterfalls cascading into rivers that feed the country’s favourite brewery – appropriately across an oak-lined avenue from Newlands Stadium.
It is here the Boks will meet a Wallaby team eager to prove their potency after the apparent emasculation they suffered in Brisbane.
As a Cape Town native, I can report an eerie calm has descended over the city, with any talk about rugby still firmly on the subject matter of ‘that tackle’ by ‘that hooker’ as ruled by ‘that ref’.
So too, the talk is about the weather and if the snow-capped Helderberg Mountains have more snow on them this year than in years gone past.
A visit by a determined Australian team simply doesn’t feature much and a recent enquiry at the stadium indicates tickets are still available.
In the days leading up to the game, the situation will change.
Capetonians will aim their attention on the game and talk will be of players seen at Cape Town’s various swanky spots and whether retribution will be meted out on the Australians or not.
On game day itself, I expect the Australians will be accommodated in nearby Claremont and will have a light training session at one of the prestigious all boy schools, while watched by boatered and blazered crowds.
By late afternoon, the streets will be packed with supporters jostling for parking, while Congolese parking attendants usher them on.
A short walk to the stadium will fill your belly and clothe your body in all the regalia you will ever need. Braaing meat and the yeasty smell from the brewery will greet you as you enter this stadium.
The experience is one that will soon be coming to an end, as Cape Town Stadium will soon be home to rugby fixtures in Cape Town.
Newlands faithful have joyfully embraced the trend of heckling the opposition and with the stadium as intimately built as it is, the players should hear every curse hurled at them.
The weather is expected to be cold, wet and windy and the Boks will be expected to enjoy the forward-orientated game the weather will bring.
Expect a 10 point Springbok winning margin.
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.