British & Irish Lions Tour – 1st test

Okay so I enjoy watching rugby. Super 14, Tri-Nations, Vodacom Cup; you name it I watch it. But I’ve never been to a live Springbok game, preferring to watch on TV.  This weekend, however, I was in Durban and my friends there all had tickets for the Lions/Bokke 1st test to be played at the Shark Tank – did I say I am an avid Sharks supporter?

Sharks supporter

Anyway, I was quite prepared and ready to watch the game on TV but my friends procured a ticket for me. Joy!!!!

The game was due to start at 3pm and I figured we’d leave for the stadium around 2 in order to find parking and our seats. How wrong I was.

We arrived at the stadium around 1215 and the boys (did I say they were Lions supporters?) set up a braai, unpacked the beer and settled down to ready themselves for the game.

Lions & Springbok supporters

Crazy Lions rugby supporters

Lions & Springbok rugby supporters

The atmosphere was fantastic and there definitely more Lions supporters than Springbok supporters. All around people were braaiing, drinking and enjoying themselves. There was fantastic, good-natured, banter between the opposing supporters and many dressed up for the occasion.

Lions rugby supporter

Lions supporter

In the stadium, I was completely overwhelmed by the extent of Lions support – the stadium was awash with red shirts and the chants of “Lions, Lions, Lions” were quite intimidating. But I was completely unprepared for the wave of emotion that washed over me when our national anthem was sung. I can’t begin to imagine how emotional it was for the players.

"Lions, Lions, Lions"

Red shirts everywhere

The build-up to the game had me really worried as the Lions looked to be building to being a formidable side that could run over our Springboks. And the air of confidence being shown by the Lions support contributed to my feeling of unease.

THe build up

That red shirt again - it's everywhere!

Our beautiful flag

Worried supporters

In the end, we won, just! And I know I wasn’t the only relieved Springbok supporter. But you would have been forgiven for thinking the result was a draw by the party afterwards. The fields outside the shark tank were filled with supporters from both sides embracing, drinking, partying and celebrating a great game of rugby.

Gracious in defeat, magnanimous in victory

But if the measure of the game is in the ability of the supporters to survive the braai, the tension of the game, the alcohol consumed and the party atmosphere then, in my little group, the springbok support group won. The Lions’ support roar dwindled to a snore, albeit a rather loud one. Okay so admittedly, I was the designated driver and I was always going to be able to outlast the drinkers.

Vanquished Lions, now kitty's

What a game, what an atmosphere and what a wonderful way to attend my first Springbok game. Thanks to all.