Iron Patriot backs Boks
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, we speak to one man who is a superfan, but also an Iron Patriot.
WE all love the game of rugby and when it comes to a Rugby World Cup our passion towards the game increases by leaps and bounds. In the lead up to the global event, Northglen News will be getting into the minds of some of the most passionate and ardent of Bok supporters. This weeks Bok supporter in the spotlight is Durban North’s iron man, Lance Eggersglusz.
With just a few days to go before the start of the IRB Rugby World Cup in England, we decided to get a little insight into what makes a bok fan tick. Lance Eggersglusz is passionate about rugby, especially about the Springboks and that inspired him to create one of the coolest suits ever. You could call him an Iron Patriot of sorts.
He painstakingly shaped it, painted it, and at its completion he took on legendary status in the sports world, becoming the Springbok Ironman. The 32-year-old completed the month-long project last year, creating the suit using compressed foam (the kind used in yoga and exercise mats).
While recent performances by the Springboks has not instilled confidence in their supporters, Eggersglusz however is undetered saying deep down, he believes in the boys.
“Despite the criticism of Heyneke Meyer and the team, my heart still says the Boks can do it. It’s going to be tough because unlike before, there is no clear favourite for the title. You have a number of teams who have the chance to make a name for themselves. South Africa have the experience though and a good mixture of youth and experience,” he said.
Eggersglusz does believe that, experienced centre, Jean de Villiers, should be rested for some of the games during the world cup.
“He has been a great servant of the game but I think its time for new blood to get a chance. Use him as an impact substitute,” he said.
Crouch, touch, question!
The only food accompaniment for rugby is: “It has to be biltong, wet and fatty biltong.”
Fave Springbok player and why? “It’s Duane Vermuelen. He’s a dynamic forward and his approach to the game is just fantastic. I think he’s going to be one of the stars at the world cup.”
Your favourite Springbok moment: “Lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy in 1995. I was watching the final with my brother and my mom at our home in Zimbabwe. It was a surreal moment and when something is that close to home, it just hits the emotional spot.”
