The Rugby World Cup for 2023 was a monumental one for South Africa, as citizens watched the Springboks’ historic win
Led by Siya Kolisi, the Springboks were crowned Rugby World champions for the second time consecutively under the leadership of the first black captain
South Africa’s rugby team bringing the Webb Ellis Cup back home was a sweet victory, and many heralded Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth, Jesse Kriel and other players who stood out
South African culture in RWC 2023
Much like South Africa, Rugby is going through a transformation to shed its past of apartheid. The sport was more of a culture for South Africans, especially linked to the Afrikaaner population. Academic Simon Pinksy on SAHistory described the Springboks as historically linked to Afrikaner nationalism and politics. During the 1950s, the South African rugby team was a symbol of “racial superiority”. Fast forward to 2023- with SA’s first black Springboks Captain, Siya Kolisi, more aspects of black culture have made their way into the sport.
Xhosa and pop culture seep into rugby
RWC organisers surprised rugby fans by playing Mandoza’s Nkalakatha in honour of South Africa’s win against France in 2023. The song is a kwaito classic that became popular beyond racial bounds. Watch a video posted by @hlodir of the moment Springboks won the RWC quarter-final:
During the RWC, Xhosa Culture has also become more mainstream. The practice of amagwijo has become common with Siya Kolisi often leading songs in his home language. His teammates who are no Xhosa went viral after learning igwijo (siyazalana). Other South African Afrikaans speakers have done the same during the RWC, understanding the power of songs to foster unity and boost morale.
Eben also went viral for his ululation skills. Fans loved seeing their cultures become an integral part of Rugby celebrations.
Eben Etzebeth gets Africanised name
A Springboks who has become one of the most popular in Eben Etzebeth. The Springbok scored a winning try in the eRWC 2023 quarter-final against France. A boy nicknamed Eben Elizabedi after a young man on TikTok mispronounced his name while celebrating his try. Other South Africans happily adopted the nickname:
Most South Africans have started using Elizabedi, a version of his surname Etzebeth that follows the phonetic pattern of most African languages (Consonant, vowel, consonant). The Springbok met the young boy who made his nickname popular. Watch a heartwarming video:
Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi
Most eyes were on captain Siya Kolisi when the team came back to South Africa after defeating New Zealand for the RWC trophy. The Springboks travelled to South Africa’s major cities to show off the Webb Ellis Cup in a parade. Rachel Kolisi joined the Springboks and her husband in Cape Town. While on the open-roof bus, a fan accidentally hit Rachel with a rugby ball while throwing it to Siya Kolisi.
Siya Kolisi’s wife, aka first lady of SA Rugby, had onlookers worried. Siya’s wife updated fans that she only had a bruise. Fans expressed relief that the rugby ball did not do much damage
Supporters know Rachel as a supportive wife. At the Ruby World Cup final, she wiped away years when SIya lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time.
Rachel’s emotions over Siya mirrored Mzansi rugby fanatics’ own feelings about the legendary moment. @love_life wrote: “Congratulations, our daughter-in-law.”
Handre Pollard becomes heartthrob
During South Africa’s quarter-final against France, Handre Pollard nailed a crucial penalty that guaranteed Boks’ spot in the semi-finals. Rugby Pass shared moment. South Africans could relate, and fans applauded Handre for being SA’s hero.
Some netizens admitted they developed crushed after seeing how Handre represented the nation. Creators on TikTok posted videos showing women that Handre is happily married to Marise Pollard and they are expecting.
Watch a video of his iconic kick against France in the semi-finals:
Springboks impact
It is clear that the Springboks team do more than play rugby. Amabhokobhoko’s efforts on the field translate to a sense of pride for many South Africans. The sport that was once a symbol of racial inequality is going through rapid change, and it seems South Africa’s rainbow nation is all in. Share your thoughts on this rugby in South Africa shift below.