THE FINAL WHISTLE
MARK KEOHANE: Boks can keep the momentum going against Pumas in front of avid Friendly City fans
‘Whatever the make-up of the Springboks’ match 23, they are stronger than they were a season ago and more settled’
The Springboks must start well against the Pumas in Port Elizabeth — and the Eastern Cape rugby public also has a chance to make a statement that the Friendly City has the potential to become SA’s rugby capital. Test matches in recent times have seduced the Eastern Cape rugby fans. They’ve filled the Mandela Bay Stadium in support of some very good Bok victories, most notably against the All Blacks in 2011. The crowd support was also influential as the Boks hung on for a series-deciding victory against the Irish a year ago. The Springboks have to give back to their Eastern Cape support base through performance in Saturday’s opening round of the Rugby Championship. They have momentum because of the crushing 3-0 series win against the French. They also have goodwill on their side, as is evident with their interaction with the locals over the past week. They can add to this momentum with an emphatic statement of intent. The Pumas command respect because in recent seasons, they have tro...
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