Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi hailed the Cape Town crowd who helped them over the line in a tense battle with their arch-rivals, the All Blacks, on Saturday.
About 57 000 supporters filled the DHL Stadium in one of the most anticipated rugby Tests since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
A lot was on the line for the Boks. They chased the Freedom Cup, a record fourth consecutive win over the New Zealanders, and aimed to extend their lead in the Rugby Championship.
Everything panned out for the men in green-and-gold and their loyal supporters, who put their best foot forward in the first match since 2017 between the two sides in the Mother City.
A sea of Springbok jerseys, with a speck of black here and there, filled the stadium to its brim.
While the Boks struggled in the first half, they always felt the crowd’s presence, and it pulled them through in the dying minutes when they scored the winning try.
“It’s exactly what we expected.
From minute one, people were involved in the game,” Kolisi said about the sold-out stadium.
“When the Mexican Wave comes out early in the game, it does help a lot.
“Yes, the game is played between the four lines, but the atmosphere, people dancing, and being so happy, that is how I remember Cape Town.
It was really special. “All the games we play in South Africa, it’s amazing how many people come out to support us. As a group, we are fortunate. We will keep on working hard for them to see our efforts. We can’t promise a win every time, but what we put out will show our appreciation.”
Erasmus said the Mother City has a unique supporter base.
“Even when we’re not doing well, here in Cape Town they keep on singing, and I think that’s the difference between them and some other crowds.
“They remain happy, even when you’re losing, but that was nice, and Ellis Park was also amazing last week.”
Cape Times