Pipe dreams or wishful thinking

It was not the first international rugby game ever and neither will it be the last. It’s done and dusted, over and done with and all the other clichés one would like to use.

I am, of course, referring to the past weekend’s rugby test between the Springboks and the Irish squad.

Sport-loving, crazy, fanatical rugby fans across the country were caught up on a roller-coaster ride of varying emotions and must have aged a few years during the last 12 minutes of the game.

Those fans who lost interest in the game after the first half of the match missed a real heart-stopping humdinger.

I found myself holding my head in my hands or slapping my forehead, turning around in circles and punching the air with my fists, throughout the game.

I’m sure this scenario also played out in many pubs, clubs and living rooms across the country while rugby fans viewed the match.

How many television sets and drinking glasses bore the brunt of the excitement and see-saw ride of emotions one will never know.

What one does know is that in these pubs and clubs rugby fans of all ages, creeds and races were united in supporting the Springboks.

The joy of the nation’s victory was celebrated with high-fives, hugs and pats on the back all round, with a united passion last seen when South Africa won the World Cup in 1995 and 2007 and with the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Wouldn’t it be great if South African could somehow display the same kind of unity in everyday life as they do while watching national sporting events?

Whether a pipe dream or wishful thinking, it would still be great.