Springboks and All Blacks team up to help children
It's probably bad enough to face the All Blacks' haka and encounter the rampant New Zealanders on a rugby field, but the mere thought of spending your day off in the company of your fiercest rivals, is ludicrous to say the least.
But this time it was all for a good cause as community responsibility took its place above rugby.
The Springboks and All Blacks travelled to the LIV Village Orphanage in Cottonlands in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday morning to take part in a Laureus Sport for Good activation.
They spent time and engaged in activities with the children.
Springbok skipper Adriaan Strauss said he really didn't mind sharing a team bus with their bitter rugby rivals.
"It was a strange feeling, but all in the day's atmosphere," commented Strauss.
"It's all in the spirit of what Madiba said 20 years ago - you unite nations and you unite people through sport and after Saturday's big battle, we can still be friends," he added.
Strauss also chose the occasion to engage in a bout of friendly banter with the New Zealanders, having a humorous dip at the notorious All Blacks rush defence.
"One problem was when the lady asked us to stay behind the line I could see the All Blacks creeping up a bit and that was a worrying sign for the weekend, the Bok skipper chirped.
"Nah seriously, they are great guys. We have always enjoyed spending time with the All Blacks. They are good people off the field and are humble in victory and gracious in defeat."
The respective teams for Saturday's Rugby Championship encounter at Kings Park in Durban will be announced on Thursday. Kick-off is at 5.05pm.
