May 9 2014
GO STORMERS
As well as being busy during the week with MBC, I have done so much at the weekends during my time here in Cape Town. One thing I was keen to do here was see a rugby game. South Africa has produced some of the best players in the world, won two world cups and their rivalry with the All Blacks is the fiercest in rugby history. I really like watching rugby at home and it is such a huge thing here that I thought it would be awesome to watch a local team.
The Rugby Union league here is Super Rugby, the biggest in the southern hemisphere. Fifteen teams from three countries – South Africa, Australia and New Zealand – take part in the league. I went online and found that Cape Town Stormers were playing Highlanders at their home stadium Newlands.
We got the train to Newlands Stadium. Walking up to the stadium was a really cool moment because I watched the movie ‘Invictus’ just before I came out to SA. In the movie the Springboks drive up to the stadium and I said when I watched it that I’d love to see a game at Newlands.
Newlands Stadium!
There was a fantastic atmosphere outside the stadium. There were so many people, all in Stormers shirts and buzzing about the game. The Castle brewery is next to the stadium so they had set up an outdoor bar in a park. It was a really great location because we could see the mountains whilst we enjoyed a beer before the game.
The Castle outdoor pub
The game started at 3pm and I found it so bizarre and also funny how many people were still casually finding their seats after kick-off. People talked a lot and weren’t really concentrating unless we were just about to score a try. They also made a lot of noise when the kicker was getting ready. I found this so strange, because supporters in England, as well as having fun, take it really seriously. Everyone is in their seats by kick off. They watch the play intently and respect the players when they need to be quiet. I was chatting to a South African supporter who also told me that people here always lose interest in a team when they aren’t doing well, but when they start to win games, suddenly everyone is a fan. I found this funny too, because rugby and football fans I know at home, support and adore their teams regardless of how well they’re doing. However, I wasn’t at all surprised, I learnt very quickly that people here are very very chilled about life!
A sea of blue flags in the Stormers stand!
Stormers had been doing fairly badly, leaving them 15th in the league…out of 15! So we were pretty much prepared to see them lose, but with a try won within the first minute of the game, things were looking good! The Stormers stayed ahead for almost the entire game. Things got close but really exciting towards the end, with Highlanders almost scoring a try in the last few minutes, but Stormers won the game 29-28.
Myself & Stormers player Jurie van Vuuren!
It was so great to be cheering in the stands with all the local supporters, for the team of the city I have grown to love so much over the past month. I am so happy to have been able to see a game whilst I’m here. I spent the day with two of my housemates who’s last day it was, so I’m really grateful to have this awesome memory with them.
Outside Newlands Stadium with my housemates Nils & Charlotte
By Ailsa, Volunteer from England