Boks ripple and roll
Players turn hunky models as new team strip goes on show
MEN in short shorts and tight shirts went on parade this week, all in the name of sport as the new Springbok rugby jersey was unveiled.
The event at Thunder City on Thursday was filled with a whole lot of testosterone, roaring laughs and hunky lads.
Some of the national team players present included Jean de Villiers, Lwazi Mvovo, Bismarck du Plessis, Pat Lambie, Eben Etzebeth, Duane Vermeulen, Juan de Jongh, Frans Malherbe
and the adorably friendly giant Schalk Burger, who all made really great props for the selfie-lovers in the room.
Though it seemed a lot like a guys’ den, the likes of surfer and model Roxy Louw and model Joelle Kayembe added a touch of femininity.
TV personality Liezel van der Westhuizen was also a hit as she posed and chatted away with a few people.
Some girls practically swooned as the burly players transformed into hunky models to show off the new kit, which is made of lighter material and has some technical enhancements that will hopefully help them to win us our third World Cup.
It’s amazing how well they all clean up.
We couldn’t help but notice how Tendai Mtawarira seemed softer and more approachable than the “Beast” we’re used to — which did not detract from his macho appeal when tackling opponents on the field. When the boys changed into their team blazers, selfie fever overtook the room.
The emblem controversy (where the Springbok jumped from the chest to the arm of the jersey) was temporarily on mute as the beer flowed.
Guests sipped on mostly wine and beer and munched on canapés and were treated to a performance by Johnny Clegg, who sang those hits that always leave one feeling proudly South African.
Oddly, we didn’t see any of the players eating or drinking anything the entire night — they must be on some strict diet. We envy them their discipline.