South Africa’s Minister of Sport and Recreation, the Rt Hon Fikile Mbalula, on Friday morning urged the Springboks to make South Africa proud when they face New Zealand at Soccer City in their final Test of The Castle Rugby Championship.
Minister Mbalula said Jean de Villiers and his team should build on the great victory over Australia in Pretoria last week. The Boks won 31-8 and scored five tries to one.
“I want to thank you for what you are doing for our wonderful country,” said Minister Mbalula.
“Jean, you and your team have a big responsibility towards the people of South Africa, but it’s also a great opportunity to show the world how good it is to be South African. We’re a proud people and we will be behind you when you take on New Zealand on Saturday.
“We know you are busy with a process of getting back to the top of the world and we support you all the way. Good luck for the Test.”
Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said: “We are very fortunate to have superb support across South Africa, but it’s especially good to see the minister rally behind us and for that I would like to thank him. We will always aim to make you and the rest of our wonderful country proud.”