Former Springbok captain Corne Krige said South African rugby is currently at its peak. The 49-year-old retired flanker watched the game – with his two teenage sons – at the DHL Stadium on Saturday. It was a sea of green and gold, as Bok fans filled the stadium with their rugby attire.

Saturday’s blockbuster Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash between the Springboks and All Blacks ended with the Boks clinching an 18-12 win. Rugby’s greatest rivalry saw the opponents head-to-head in the Mother City for the first time since 2017.

It was the first time since 1949 that the “Bokke” have defeated their most celebrated of rivals 4 times in succession. It was also the first time since 2009 that they have managed to lift the Freedom Cup.

The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 55 000, was packed to the brim. Beaming with pride for our national team, Krige told Smile 90.4 FM that he shed a tear while the national anthem was sung.

“I get goosebumps and tears in my eyes when I go to the stadium, because it really is one of those occasions where you can see and feel the passion that we have for rugby in South Africa”

 

The rugby legend, who retired in January 2004, said South African rugby is at its peak:

“I don’t think South African rugby has ever, in its history, been as strong as it is now in terms of the depth that we have in every position”

 

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