The Springboks jet off to Japan yesterday for the Rugby World Cup, and before they left, they were flooded with love by fans at the airport.
Johannesburg, South Africa – The Springboks set off for Japan yesterday, making them one of the first teams to get there before the World Cup kicks off. The team were met at the airport by hundreds of fans and supporters who wanted to send them off in style.
“All of us here and the whole country are behind the Bokke, we’re also saying we need them to win. Each time they win, they bring all of us together as South Africans.” – Nathi Mthetwa, Sport and Recreation Minister
This World Cup, the Springboks will attempt to make their third World Cup win. Previous wins were in 1995 and 2007. The teams participating are divided into four pools of five teams. There’s a total of 48 matches that will be played, and this includes the 40 pool matches, quarter-finals, semi-finals, a bronze final and the final.
The Springboks are in ‘Pool B’ and will play their first match on the 21st of September against New Zealand.
The full team set off for Japan today, and they will play one final warm-up match against Japan before the opening match in September. The squad is as follows:
Forwards:
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Duane Vermeulen
- Eben Etzebeth
- Franco Mostert
- Francois Louw
- Frans Malherbe
- Kwagga Smith
- Lood de Jager
- Malcolm Marx
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- RG Snyman
- Schalk Brits
- Siya Kolisi (c)
- Steven Kitshoff
- Tendai Mtawarira
- Trevor Nyakane
- Vincent Koch
Backs:
- Cobus Reinach
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Damian de Allende
- Elton Jantjies
- Faf de Klerk
- Frans Steyn
- Handré Pollard
- Herschel Jantjies
- Jesse Kriel
- Lukhanyo Am
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Sbu Nkosi
- Warrick Gelant
- Willie le Roux
Rassie Erasmus says the squad are so thankful for all the support they have received over the last week while.
“We’d like to say ‘thank you to South Africa’ for the support and best wishes they have shown the Springboks this week,”
He continues by saying how great it has been to touch base with the fans on a personal level. He knows the nation expects a lot from the team, but they will do their very best to meet those expectations.
“It has been great to be able to interact with so many people and show our real appreciation of their support. We don’t normally get the time to do this kind of thing but it was important for us to really show people that appreciate their support,”
“To have so many people behind us, really gives the boys a lift but, I’ll be honest, the expectations make me nervous. But this is our job and when we are in Japan we’ll be focused on the main thing, the rugby.” – Rassie Erasmus
Take a look at the photos from their departure below.
The #Springboks are #StrongerTogether because of our amazing, passionate and loyal supporters. pic.twitter.com/2IlP42Ht5p
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 30, 2019
Amazing scenes at the fan farewell at OR Tambo International Airport.#StrongerTogether#Springboks pic.twitter.com/AKvBjuBkBh
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 30, 2019
Thanks for the amazing send off Joburg!
Now off to Japan!! ✈️#StrongerTogether 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/5zgawx8fed— Springboks (@Springboks) August 30, 2019
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