THE Rugby World Cup (RWC) atmosphere is something most sports fans can only dream about, or at least imagine from the comfort of their lounges. One local lad, though, is going to have a tangible feel of this year’s sporting spectacle in the UK. What sets Durban North resident, Aidan Johnson, apart is he will be experiencing the game on the field like the players.
The Northlands Primary School Grade 3 pupil will be running onto the field to hand over the rugby ball to the ref at the beginning of the semi-final game on 24 October at Twickenham.
The lucky lad’s father, Andrew, entered a competition with DHL before the start of the world cup. The prize was that he and a partner would be flown to England to attend a RWC game. Andrew, along with just four other people on the African continent, were lucky winners, and Aidan is looking forward to going.
“I’m very excited. I didn’t even know my dad had entered the competition. I haven’t been able to watch many of the games because I’m normally in bed when they start but I’m looking forward to running out in front of the crowd and players,” he said.
Aidan will also be joined by his mother, Anthea, and his brother, Christian, and says he is not sure which team will win the world cup.
“I think the semi-finalists will be New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. My heart says the Springboks, but it’s not an easy call,” he said.
His favourite player is Pat Lambie and the little tyke has a very specific reason why.
“I have a cousin who shares the same name, and I think he is a really good player. Before the world cup, he kicked a penalty over from the halfway line and I remember that kick, he is just a great kicker.
Aidan, who was born in Australia, says he likes the Wallabies equally, but he thinks SA is a wonderful place with lovely people.
