From relegation… to the pride of SA

SOUTH African rugby was at a possible alltime low last year when the national team suffered a disheartening run of defeats, including the horror of a first-time loss to Italy.

This year morale has been restored, thanks to the Lions who have not only won through to today’s Super Rugby final in Joburg against New Zealand’s finest, the Crusaders, but also provided the backbone for the Springbok whitewash of the touring French in June.

The resurrection of the Lions from the dead – four years ago they were relegated from Super Rugby into the rugby wilderness – is a salutary lesson for South Africans in so many spheres of our lives. Teamwork, strong leadership, a positive attitude and enjoyment in collaborating towards a greater good are hallmarks of the metamorphosis of the Lions.

They are 80 minutes away from becoming the champions of the Southern Hemisphere and arguably the best team in world rugby. And all done with a smile as they prove what can be done when everybody pulls in the same direction.

The Lions are an incredible story of fellowship built around a powerful, inspiring coach in Johan Ackermann, who departs this evening to take up a position at an English club.

The Lions players will be straining every sinew to reward their coach with the Super Rugby title. Former Springbok Ackermann, a colossal figure literally and metaphorically, deserves nothing less.

Whatever the result at the final whistle this evening, these Lions are already the pride of South Africa. Many of their players infused the demoralised Springboks with energy and enthusiasm to cast aside France. And, perhaps most significantly, they have shown South Africans how to enjoy the sport again.

The Lions have shown that professional rugby is not all about money – it remains a team sport where esprit de corps can achieve the seemingly impossible.