The Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture has wished the Springboks well in their game against New Zealand on Friday, 25 August. The fixture will be played in London at Twickenham.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Beauty Dlulane, said the fixture was crucial just ahead of the start of a Rugby World Cup in France where the Boks will encounter illustrious sides as Scotland and the number on ranked Ireland in the group stages.

She said: “Naturally Springbok-All Blacks clashes tend to set the bar high. There can be no better preparation for the defending champions passage of group stages than tomorrow night.”

Ms Dlulane wished the Boks well during their participation at the World Cup and said for a long time the Springboks had been good ambassadors for our country and for the global game.

Ms Dlulane also said the committee has noted with sadness the passing of the former Springboks player, Mr Theuns Stoffelberg. The committee extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr Stoffelberg who played for the Springboks in the early 1980s. He leaves an indelible mark in the South African sport, rugby in particular.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Source: Parliament of South Africa