Groundhog Day for Boks

It’s been a curious couple of weeks for Bok fans, many of whom are still reeling after some strange performances from the men in green and gold.

After the Boks’ mauling by the Aussies at Loftus last week  (followed by a stunning fightback), it seemed like Groundhog Day (film starring Bill Murray and Andy MacDowell, 1993) at Bloemfontein as the Boks conceded four quick tries to leave themselves trailing by 31-6 after 29 minutes.

Then followed another Herculean fightback as the Boks popped in tries faster than the Barmy Army sinks beers on cricket tour. The pick of the bunch must have been Jean de Villiers’ crafty cutback and powerful twist for a score under the poles . . . what a great player he is . . . the man is slippier than an eel on steroids.

But alas it was not to be for the Boks, as utility back Kurtley Beale stroked a magnificent penalty on the point of full time, from an angle and almost on the half-way line. BMT in buckets I would say.

See the report from the other side of the world: The Sydney Morning Herald

For the statisticians, the Boks on Saturday relinquished the Nelson Mandela Plate and lost their first match against the Wallabies in Bloemfontein since 1933.

Now this would have ended as one of the most entertaining rugger matches seen in years, packed choc-full of tries, drama and ultimately heartache . . . except some of the fans are so dead serious about their rugby. The very same fans who’d been jumping around in ecstatic, pseudo toyi toyi glee just a few minutes earlier when penalty drone Morne Steyn caressed a magnificent penalty through the uprights, were inconsolable, filled with disappointment and rage as Beale pushed the dagger in.

This was truly life and death stuff . . . and let’s not mention the booing of former darling of the crowd Bryan Habana.

Booing of Habana was offsides

As one of the commentators (think it was Bob Skinstad) said before the game, rugby is a very cruel game to be involved in in South Africa.

My advice  to all the Springbok fans out there who seem to flirt with cardiac arrest every time there is a setback in rugby: take a chill pill; try to enjoy the game; maybe do some dynamic stretches at half-time, I know a yoga master if you need some help; perhaps trade in beer and klippies and coke for chamomile tea; we know you’ve travelled far to support the beloved green and gold, but death on the grandstands is not the culture of rugby Jan and Elton are trying to promote; let’s all laugh a little, and if all else fails, hire that classic movie starring Bill Murray, it might lighten up your day.

Your final remedy in this time of trouble: imagine how Aussie coach Robbie Deans must have been suffering, watching his little kangaroos trying to chuck it all away with the enthusiasm of Pakistani cricketers on match fixing day. It’s really not that bad, I promise. – Garth Johnstone

Fan Cam: See yourself at Boks games

Time for Div to face facts

Is rugby a matter of life and death? Send us your comments.