SOUTH AFRICA: Rugby World Cup final fever grips South Africa

Record ID: 454596

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: Rugby World Cup final fever grips South Africa
  • Date: 20th October 2007
  • Summary: GIRL HOLDING RUGBY BALL
  • Embargoed: 4th November 2007 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA33L7E56YV5M15VSG7T0BWEF0H
  • Story Text: South Africans on a shopping spree for rugby merchandise ahead of the world cup final against England.
    Rugby fans across South Africa are planning parties as the country gears up to support the Springboks in their World Cup final against England on Saturday (October 20).
    Many shops sold off their stock of caps and T-shirts early on Friday (October 19). Some people lined up for hours to buy last-minute items.
    The green and gold bug has caught everyone by storm.
    Although South Africa beat England 36-0 in the pool stages of the tournament hosted by France, everyone expects the final to be much closer.
    Fan parks have been set up throughout South Africa, where supporters can watch the game on big screens.
    Supporters on the streets of Johannesburg on Friday said the Springboks could win, but England would be hard opponents.
    South Africa won the Rugby World Cup at home in 1995, sparking euphoria a year after Nelson Mandela became the country's first black president.
    Mandela seized on the win as an opportunity to draw blacks and whites together in an appearance with the team that remains fixed in the minds of the nation's rugby fans.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Footage contains identifiable children: users must ensure that they comply with local laws and regulations governing the publishing of this material.
Register