The tension is getting to me and I an thinking about nice things to say to all members of this site. I am thinking of South Africa and what has been said and written about this wonderful country. In a speech in 1923 General Smuts delivered to the South African Society in London he said inter alia:-
"I want to remind you of the beauty of South Africa"
That remains always the country that I live for and all my life long I have put my country before anything else. After my visits to other parts of the world - When I arrived back at home I felt at peace. Every time I go to the Mother City I feel that nowhere in the world have I seen such a beautiful place - the amazing scenery - the wonderful history and the exceptional wines. Go and see Boschendal - the original farm allocated by Simon van der Stel to his friend Jean l' Long - which farm was bought in 1715 by the De Villiers family - the ancestors of our rugby captain.
Then go to the Koopmans de Wet house museum and think of what Cecil John Rhodes said of the owner, Marie Koopmans de Wet. "I fear her more than the whole Afrikaner Bond". Now that is the fear I think New Zealanders are having as they prepare and have their supper - since it is evening already there. The fear that prevent them from sleeping - the fear that gives them nightmares about a certain place called Ellis Park.
I have often gone to watch tests at Ellis Park. Travelling back to Pretoria after a test, I was in one of the most horrific traffic jams in human history. Suddenly there were police sirens like mad and being stuck in a jam - my car was standing dead still when a police sergeant on a motor cycle barked at me: "Can't you see it is the President". I responded : "Can't you see the bloody traffic jam - where the hell do you want me to go". Despite the Springboks win I was in a bad temper myself - so do you blame me?
So thinking of that I was struck by the idea of where the All Blacks will be going to after tonight. Will they be saying - "We lost - but we still won the RC trophy."? Will they go back quietly without the trophy and blame the referee or will they find that the Suzie bug again ruined their game? Or will it be another Twickenham test like last year?
Nobody knows - but one thing I am sure of and that is if the All Blacks loses the blame game would be horrendous - all kind of funny inventions. If the Springboks loses - poor Meyer will get it in the neck. We will all know by 19:00 SA time tonight.
So to our New Zealand members - have a good nights sleep and don't worry too much about the loss - you are still the second strongest rugby team in the World.
