‘Our South African-ness saw us through adversity’

SPRINGBOK centre Canan Moodie believes the team's ability to fight out of tight spots is rooted in the quintessential nature of South Africans.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The Boks have had to overcome potentially catastrophic red cards in their matches against France and Italy over the last fortnight. Moodie attributes their resilience to the team mantra of "South African-ness," a motif closely related to the 2023 World Cup theme borrowed from fighter Drikus du Plessis: "Hulle weet nie wat ons sweet nie" - or They (non-South Africans) don't know what we (South Africans) know. "The 'South African-ness' is special," Moodie said.

"It is about the willingness to make plans for the team, to not think about yourself. It is about selflessness and working for the betterment of the team.

"We saw this after the red card. A lot of guys had to go off early. Plans had to be made for players to come on who could cover various positions and operate all around the park.