The African National Congress has called for South Africans to rally behind the Springboks on their journey in the Rugby World Cup 2023 tournament as seen in a post on X (the social media platform formally known as Twitter) on Sunday, 15 October.

 
‘SYMBOLIC MOMENT’: THE ANC ON THE SPRINGBOKS IN THE RUGBY WORLD CUP
The Springboks played against France in Paris on Sunday, 15 October with millions of South Africans watching in pubs, at their homes, on the stands, and through their television screens all across Mzansi. It was a victorious moment for the South African national rugby team as they made it through to the semi-finals, winning the match 29:28.

ALSO READ: RWC: Everything to know about the Springboks alcoholic drink

The governing party urged South Africans to stand behind the Springboks on their journey in the Rugby World Cup 2023 tournament via a post on X.

“The African National Congress (ANC) reiterates its support for the national rugby team, the Springboks. As was the case in 1995, this tournament stands as a symbolic moment in South African history. The Bokke remains as a symbol of unity, diversity, and excellence in South Africa,” the post read.The ANC recalled the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup which saw millions of South Africans in unity, rallying behind the Springboks.

“We fondly recall that historic moment in 1995 when President Nelson Mandela Francois Pienaar lifted the trophy following a decisive victory by the Bokke. President Nelson Mandela inspired our diverse nation to see rugby, and sports in general, as a tool for nation-building, the promotion of social cohesion, and shared national pride. One of the things that confound critics and admirers alike about our nation is our incredible capacity to rise up in unity against formidable odds and to unite in triumph and celebration,” the ANC said.

“The ANC calls on all South Africans to rally behind the Springboks…To you the Bokke, our 62-million-strong nation is fully behind you. Go Bokke!” the post concluded.

It was another fantastic evening for South African rugby fans who got to watch the country’s national team, the Springboks defeat France in the much anticipated Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. After an exciting game and a lot of bated breath, the Springboks defeated France 29-28. Thousands of fans across the country have celebrated the team’s success in various posts while pledging to support until the very end.

 

This has not gone unnoticed by the springbok players who have taken the time to thank SA for the support. Taking to X, Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus shared a heartfelt post.While South Africans don’t have much to be excited about these days, the Springboks always have a way of lifting spirits.

So far the team have been killing the Rugby World Cup and their local fans are behind them all the way.

The atmosphere on Sunday evening could be compared to that of a New Year’s Eve celebration as fans across the country leaped with joy after the Springboks managed to defeat France in a nail biting match.Now they are headed for the semi-finals and gearing up to face England on Sunday 21 October.

Meanwhile, many players have headed to X to share heartfelt thank you messages with the team’s supporters.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has also thanked SA for the support:

“Enkosi kakhulu for all the support kuni our South African Supporters. Baie dankie, ons kom julle die heeltyd voel! Thanks. Lekka,” he wrote.

The Wives and Girlfriends (WAGS) of the Springboks took to Instagram to show their partners love after the South African national team defeated France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday 15 October in Paris, France.

 

RUGBY WORLD CUP: THE SPRINGBOKS DEFEAT FRANCE
The South African national team, the Springboks defeated the French national team, Les Bleus 29-28 at the Rugby World Cup quarter-final. The match took place at the Stade de France in Paris, France. While France has South Africans stressed out with the half time score of 22-18, our boys in green and yellow were able to make a comeback in the second half in the competitive game.

ALSO READ: SA vs France: Meet the Springboks and Les Bleus’ WAGS

THE SPRINGBOKS WAGS CELEBRATE THE BIG WIN
The Springboks first lady Rachel Kolisi, who is married to captain Siya Kolisi led the celebrations with a short and sweet post. She shared a photo with Siya, their two kids – Nicholas (9) and Keziah (6),media personality Lesego Thlabi and what appears to be some friends. Take a look…

“Thank you Jesus,” she captioned the post.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rachel Kolisi (@rachelkolisi)

Layla Kolbe, the wife of Cheslin Kolbe also thanked God for the Springboks win. She also showed her husband love.

“Yoh! How great is our God!!! TYJ 😭! To God be the Glory. We lifting that trophy on your birthday @cheslinkolbe 🙏🏽🙌🏽🏆☝️💚💛,” she wrote.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Layla (@layla_kolbe)

Eben Etzebeth’s wife Anlia also shared a post from the match with heart and praying emojiis.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Anlia Etzebeth (@anliastar)

She also shared another post showing her husband love.

“Your biggest fan, Always! ❤️. Go Bokke,” she wrote.

Lynn Forbes reposted a throwback photo of her son, slain rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, sporting a Springboks jersey after the South African national team defeated France on Sunday 15 October.

 

 

LYNN FORBES SHARES THROWBACK PHOTO OF AKA
South Africa is beaming with pride after the Springboks defeated the France 29-28 in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday 15 October at the Stade de France in Paris, France. It was a close match and the French national team Les Bleus looked strong during half time with the score sitting at 22-19.

However, the Springboks were able to knock out the home team by making a comeback in the second half of the match. The South African national team secured their place in the semi-finals, where they will face off against England on Saturday 21 October.

Many South Africans across the country were proud of our boys in green and yellow! Lynn Forbes reposted a photo of her son, slain rapper AKA sporting a Springboks shirt. AKA was shot dead outside of Wish Restraint on Florida Road on 10 February.

“Ma se kind,” she wrote.

AKA
Lynn Forbes shares throwback photo of AKA. Image via Instagram @lynnforbesza.
ALSO READ: SA vs France: Meet the Springboks and Les Bleus’ WAGS

SIYA KOLISI’S MESSAGE TO FRANCE AFTER CLOSE MATCH
After the match, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi gave Les Bleus their roses for putting up a competitive game.

“The way both team played outshines anything out there. The atmosphere was amazing and I think it was a perfect stage for everything with a strong French team they’ve been building for four years. We knew it was going to take something special for us to win this game and because they are so good,” he said.

“And for their leader to be injured and do everything he can to come back for a game like this. We give all credit to them and the French people who made this world cup so special,” he continued.

Take a look…

ook at what happened on this day 16 October in history. From various achievements and milestones throughout human history to groundbreaking inventions and events that shaped the world we live in today.

 

 
Here is a look at some of the most notable events that happened on this day

ON THIS DAY: 16 OCTOBER
1977 | Biko’s death draws US Congress’ attention. The international community became aware of Biko’s death, which pressured the South African government to end its detention practices and demand an international investigation into Biko’s causes of death.

1984 | Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

2013 | Forty-nine people were killed when Lao Airlines Flight 301 crashed as it approached Pakse International Airport in Laos.

1991 | In Killeen, Texas, George Hennard went berserk, murdering 23 people and injuring 20 more.

1985 | Four people drowned in the sinking of the Finnish dry cargo ship MS Hanna-Marjut while it was travelling from Mariehamn to Naantali in rough seas off the coast of Kihti.

ALSO READ: What happened on 15 October?

BIRTHDAYS
1972 | American comedian, actress, and author, Adrianne Frost.

1979 | British politician, Nicola Blackwood.

1988 | South African cricketer, Matthew Arnold.

1990 | Indian musician, Anirudh Ravichander.

1997 | American-Japanese tennis player, Naomi Osaka.

DEATHS
2000 | American actor, Rick Jason, 77.

2003 | Hungarian boxer, László Papp, 77.

2007 | Scottish actress, Deborah Kerr, 86.

2010 | American rapper and producer, Eyedea, 29.

2013 | American actor, Ed Lauter, 75.

SPORTS
1996 | A tremendous crush during a football game in Guatemala City resulted in 84 fatalities and 180 injuries.

ENTERTAINMENT