At least 45,000 people gathered at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium to cheer on the Springboks
Image: Se-Anne Rall/IOL
As we wrap up Heritage Month celebrations, I would be failing in my duty as a fellow South African not to mention the Boks' epic performance against Argentina on Saturday.
Our national rugby team beat Los Pumas in a convincing 'six-seven'-30 thumping in front of 45,158 rugby fans.
Durban was a sea of gold and green as avid Springbok supporters turned up in their numbers to cheer on the team in their last home match for the year.
Now, I've heard that Loftus Versfeld and the DHL Stadium are 'must-visit' venues to watch a Bok game but on Saturday, Durban brought the gees in bucket loads.
Durban was a sea of green and gold on Saturday as crowds gathered to watch the Boks take on Argentina
Image: Se-Anne Rall/IOL
Cheering on the Boks
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
I cannot even tell you who sang the national anthem. As the introduction played, it was the Durban crowd who proudly belted out the iconic song of our land. (It was Amanda Black, I had to Google it).
It was a moment to behold. I stood there, with my phone recording the scene and got choked up at hearing each Bok-loving person in the stadium unite in one voice.
Is this the united South Africa we dream of? Is this what our forefathers died for? So one day, people of all races, religious beliefs and cultures can stand together, unified in song? To me, YES! Even the 'real anthem' that played after, 'Sister Betina', had everyone off their seats and dancing!
The first half of the match brought with it, lots of stop-starts and frustration. But when the team ran onto the field for the second half... They showed us why they are World Champs!
If you watched the match, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
It was electrifying! Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored a hat-trick of tries - the most by a Springbok in a Test, according to springboks.co.za You can read about it here.
But for me, it was the atmosphere and unity on Saturday. From watching Mango Groove's Claire Johnston singing the band's legendary 'Special Star' and every magical moment. Everyone high-fiving each other. Everyone laughing and joking with strangers. People sharing their snacks with people they've only met moments ago. People helping each other up the steps with their beers (no spillage!) and just being the 'NO DNA, JUST RSA' crowd we've come to know and love!
Yes, I am an avid rugby fan but sometimes it's great to stand back and take it all in.
IOL