By Jonathan Paoli
South Africans must not lose momentum in supporting the Springboks following another win against New Zealand’s All Blacks, according to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture chairperson Joe McGluwa.
The Springboks beat the All Blacks with an 18-12 victory at the Cape Town Stadium, claiming the Freedom Cup from their bitter rivals for the first time in 15 years.
The fourth straight victory over New Zealand also consolidated South Africa’s place at the top of The Rugby Championship standings, after their back to back victories against both Australia and New Zealand.
McGluwa congratulated the Springboks on their two hard-fought wins against the All Blacks.
“What we saw over the past two weeks has been unbelievable. New Zealand had decent and gracious visitors. The Springboks were excellent hosts of the All Blacks and have truly played for the country.
They represented all there is to know about South Africa, unity, resilience and the winning mentality,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
“The Boks have proved once more that they are a uniting force for all South Africans. They literally made the country revisit the levels of unity we only saw when they won the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. The country should build on this momentum and work to advance social cohesion.”
The committee extended a congratulatory message to the Springbok management under the leadership of coach Rassie Erasmus, saying his mandate spoke to that of the Sport, Arts and Culture Department to build and enhance social cohesion, promote participation and deepen the spirit of unity amongst South Africans.
“Bringing the freedom trophy home after so many years, Rassie has shown me what this country is capable of,” McGluwa said.
South Africa will face Argentina for the last two rounds of The Rugby Championship. The Pumas lie second in the standings, eight points behind the Boks, after beating Australia 67-27 on Saturday.
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