Today I met Siya Kolisi and a lot of the Boks

The Boks have been staying across the road from my house at the Hyde Park hotel everytime they play in Joburg or Pretoria.

So this morning, I took the kids and my wife and took a chance. We went and had breakfast at the hotels restaurant.

Lo and behold, just about every player and their partner was there.

Though each one is more humble and grounded than the next, you cannot help but be star struck in their presence.

We sat next to Neethling Fouche and Evan Roos and Andre The Hybrid, but all the players were around.

When the lady from Supersport (I think her name is Carol) walked in, every single person stood up to greet her as if she were a celebrity.

Siya was chatting to Makazole.

PSDT was with his wife and kids.

Cheslin went up stairs but his lovely wife and kids were there...

Manie was with his wife.

Moerat struck up a convo with my son while standing in the buffet line. Patted him on the head and shook his hand....

Andre The Hybrid was tracked down by a few elderly women who came from the same town as he did. He chatted away with them.

Reinach and Pollard also gave us an unprompted wave as they were getting in to the elevator.

The whole experience was so surreal.

It really was as if they were one huge family!

After breakfast, all the wives and kids were together in the lounge playing and chatting....

But besides all of that, what struck me most was Siya's aura.

He really didn't do much for me to say this, but his sheer presence is overwhelming.

He was also so forthcoming.... he came to speak to my boys... offered a photo... shook my hand and introduced himself (as if i didnt know who we is).

He spoke to my wife when she mentioned his kids....

He spoke about Rachel as though giving her credit for the amazing kids he has.

My youngest (11 years old) said "dad this is the best breakfast i've ever had!

These guys are not just rugby players... they are everyday hero's to us... kids and adults alike.

And they way they conducted themselves, just made me appreciate them even more.

Thank you boys... and up the #Springboks!

Nice experience and the way you tell the story it’s surreal, happy for you and your family :)

Nice one Flash, thanks for sharing.

Wonderfully written Flash.

We often get in to the love / hate discussion over players and we tend to forget their characters.

99.9% of sportsmen are actually really humble, good people who understand how blessed they are to be in their position.

Thanks Flash, for being our local stalker.

Great story and very smart way to get your kids to meet their hero's. I am also very glad to hear how the entire bok squad feels like one big family and how approachable they are.

I know, this is what Rassie said what he did for the team. He knew South Africans are family orientated and he didn't want to keep the players away from them. So he invites them along and it is actually more beneficial.

Some coaches believe that WAGS are a big distraction as you see with Football players but in our case it brings our players together.

Thanks Flash...great xp...

Awesome story Flash, thanks for sharing it

Nice story, Flash

Where was DDA? Still struggling to find the gap after elevator doors opened?

He's probably still there now, head down, running directly into the elevator walls...

Trust Plum to ruin a really nice post.

Well done Plum. You the the Saffex award for the week.

I didn't ruin Flash's post.

I mean, unless you think I edited it?

The correct terminology would be, ruined a really nice "thread". And that would be your subjective opinion. Some would disagree and some would agree.

What's important to remember here is that no matter long he stays in that elevator, DDA will never move through the gap created by the open doors.

...and we as the rugby public should not be too proud to call fire and rescue if nobody has laid eyes on him by tomorrow night at this time.

I really liked Flash’s post, it provides a new perspective on the team and how they relate. When I encountered the Chicago Bears in a hotel I had a super power, I was invisible. Rassie has clearly created an unusual culture of confidence and humility.

But I also liked Plum’s little bit of humor, burst out laughing….it’s also just a sport, not a religion.

He might get through if the doors are named Slade and Earl.

Loved that read Flash

Great experience for you and your family

Fuck religion, rugby is my religion

Stop it, Pakie !!

The turnstile twins ?

I think I just saw DDA on the TV.

Thank heavens. I was getting worried.

Great post Flash.

Thanks.