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Rugby fans celebrate in Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg, after Springboks win the Rugby World Cup. Source @BBCSport
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There may have been disappointment for many as their teams were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup but few begrudged South Africa's win when their Captain, Siya Kolisi, lifted the Webb Ellis Cup a third time to match New Zealand's record three wins.
Wales lost to South Africa by just three points in the semi-finals after many of Wales' star players were injured. Even so, fewer penalties against Wales could have seen a different result but it was not to be.
The pain felt by the losing sides and their fans quickly evaporated after witnessing the success of the Springboks, seeing what it meant for their fans back home where many suffer great hardship due to poverty and corruption.
The host nation, Japan, was a model of hospitality while their rugby team was an inspiration to aspiring players. The players in general too, while playing hard, did so in an admirable spirit of friendship along with the fans. Some others sports would do well to follow their example.
Agreed, AB. This was a case of winning on merit, not because they ticked any boxes of race or gender equality.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, talking about the superficial agenda of equality... readers may be interested in a new job opportunity:
https://jobs.churchtimes.co.uk/jobs/Associate-Director--in-Wales-jn8081?platform=hootsuite
Don't bother clicking on the link for the job details because the link to the Bangor Diocese website doesn't work. A parable if ever there was one.