Bulls and South Africa hail historic day
James Mortimer - (31/05/2010)
Victorious Bulls captain and Springbok lock Victor Matfield has saluted his team and a massive day for South Africa, as the Bulls claimed their third Rebel Sport Super 14 title in four seasons.
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But the occasion was far beyond the rugby, with the game moved to Orlando Stadium in Soweto due to the fact that Loftus Versfeld is being prepared for the FIFA World Cup, beginning on June 11th.
Soweto, South Africa’s biggest black township, was in a festive mood as two teams from the Republic fought it out in the final, in a sport regarded by some as a white dominated code.
This however counted for little, as the famous vuvuzelas thundered around the ground, a traditional trumpet normally used by football supporters. Black Sowetans mingled with white rugby supporters, in an occasion very reminisce of some other famous South African rugby sporting victories.
Even government authorities noted the significance.
"South Africa should be very proud," said Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile.
"It was like all of South Africa coming together to enjoy themselves and the game of rugby. South Africa will never be the same again. Sport in this country is playing a major role."
Matfield, despite stating that the lineout calls were difficult to hear with all the noise, addressed a unique day in South African history.
"It was a special day that everybody here will remember for a long time," Matfield said.
The Bulls roared out to an impressive start, scoring 16 unanswered points in 25 minutes. It was this that laid the platform for the reigning champion’s success.
"Everyone was focused and they came out firing," he said.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said that the team was keen to cement the foundations of a legacy, now firmly established with back-to-back titles and the crown as the Southern Hemisphere’s dominant domestic side.
"There is a long legacy of pride in playing for the Bulls. The jersey means something to the players," said Ludeke.
"The high bombs worked in the beginning and we were able to create opportunities."