World Cup brings back good memories for Etienne

THE much-anticipated Rugby World Cup is well underway with the Springboks, defending champs, starting off to a winning start on Sunday in Marseille with an 18–3 win over Scotland. In this week’s edition, we caught up with Etienne Fynn, a South African professional Rugby Union football coach and former player. Previously, he spent the past decade coaching within the Sharks system and played as a prop for the Sharks while also winning two caps for South Africa.

The Kloof resident attended Kearsney College and St Charles College and said he learnt the game at Kearsney College.

“I had never played rugby before, and no one in my family had experienced exposure to it either. I played as it was the winter sport at school although I was initially very hesitant, but as soon as I participated in my first game, I knew this was for me.

Also read: Kearsney College sport director is behind the Boks

He has loved it ever since and said rugby has, and continues to be, an integral part of his life. He represented KZN from school to senior provincial level, culminating in selection for South Africa.

“The aspects of the game that initially drew me to it remain, to me, the core pillars of the game. One of them is camaraderie – few sports can measure up to the spirit the game generates, working together to achieve a common goal, and above all, having each other’s backs when the pressure is on.

“This extends to way past just the playing field, and when meeting a former teammate after a long time apart, and catching up, it feels like time stands still as the memories are all still so fresh in our minds,” said Fynn.

Touch, pause and engage.

What is your earliest Rugby World Cup memory?

I watched the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 while at school with all my mates in the boarding house. We all gathered around the very small television and tried to remember all the best players, choosing sides to support as South Africa, due to sporting sanctions, were not part of that or the next Rugby World Cup in 1991.

What is your favourite Rugby World Cup memory?

Certainly the 1995 competition and the final with Nelson Mandela meeting the teams beforehand and the crowd chanting his name. It was a seminal moment for our country. Winning was almost surreal but equally uplifting. That we could, after all we had experienced, in our first Rugby World Cup, win it, was an incredible indelible memory that will never fade.

Who do you think is going to win this year and why?

South Africa. We have the most experienced squad who achieved this before in 2019. They know what it takes. The coaching staff are experienced and are not closed to innovation. We know what works for us, but we are not closed to trying new approaches, and that, I believe, will be the key to winning the competition. The margins are so small between the top teams that the connectedness of the group will be key. Who will execute under pressure – who will crumble under the pressure?

Where is the best spot to watch a Springbok game?

With family or friends. No unnecessary questions and interruptions – just screaming support and encouragement for 80 minutes. With something cold in your hand and a fire on the go!

What is the best snack to eat when watching a Springbok game?

Biltong or anything savoury.

Are you one to sing the national anthem at the highest volume or do you prefer listening to others sing it?

Loud and proud! Often sing the opponent’s anthem too – to get the gees properly going…

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.