President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Springboks on their nail-biting win over France in their 2023 Rugby World Cup match on Sunday night.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm and proud congratulations – and those of the nation – to the Springboks on their 29-28 Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final victory over France on Sunday, 15 October,” said the Presidency in a statement.
The Springboks win in Paris has set the team up for a semi-final against England on Saturday, 21 October.
In November 2019, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup final in Japan by defeating England.
The President congratulated the 2023 host nation, France, on a performance that made the encounter in Paris a tense and dramatic game that was enjoyed by a stadium audience of 80 000 and millions of people around the world.
“As a nation, we are proud of the Springboks advance to the semi-finals in a game that was an incredible athletic display, as well as a metaphor for our country. We are indeed stronger together when we come together in our diversity, and we create opportunities for people to live their passion, fulfil their potential, and display their talents.”
In a statement on Monday, the President further lauded the display of unity backing the Boks.
"We’re also together on days when we struggle and when we create the space for people to come back from difficulty and to continue the journey to victory with us.
“Out of the 20 nations in the World Cup, the Springboks delighted and inspired us - whether they were on the field, on the bench or in the coaches’ box.
“We wish the Springboks the very best as they prepare for what we hope will be another unforgettable victory,” he said. – SAnews.ogv.za
