Bakkies Botha: Blood and Breaks in Rugby Rivalry

Springbok legends Bakkies Botha and Bismarck du Plessis recently delved into the unique allure of the All Blacks rivalry. At the heart of discussions around an upcoming tour sponsored by Castle Double Malt, their reflections reveal more than just competitive spirits; they uncover the profound respect and friendships that transcend the ferocity of the games. For Bakkies Botha, a figure synonymous with rugby toughness, clashing with the All Blacks has always been the pinnacle of his sporting measures. "To play against the All Blacks was the ultimate, and especially physically-wise," Botha expressed during the sponsorship announcement at FNB Stadium. He reminisced about facing legendary players like Ali Williams, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, and Dan Carter, emphasizing the caliber of talent that made these matches extraordinary. Botha also noted the significance of these games for newer players, articulating an opportunity for them to measure up against top-tier competition.

"I always tested myself against the All Blacks. When that haka is finished, something is gonna bleed or break."

However, for Botha, the true value lies in the lasting relationships formed off the field. He shared wisdom from rugby icon Frik du Preez, "He said to me, 'Bakkies, I didn’t actually make good money out of rugby, but I made friends around the world'," a sentiment that Botha holds dear. Bismarck du Plessis echoed his teammate's feelings, highlighting the mutual admiration between the two rugby powerhouses. "What was always special about playing against New Zealand was the fact that they respected us and we respected them,” said Du Plessis. He shared a childhood memory, waking early to watch games alongside his father, never imagining he would one day don the Springboks jersey himself. Du Plessis also shed light on the camaraderie that could exist even among rivals, recounting times spent hunting with New Zealand’s Andrew Hore before facing off in intense matches days later. He believes that professional sport often overshadows such personal connections, but hopes that the "Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry" tour will revive these cherished traditions. The tour will feature marquee matchups across significant stadiums: 1. August 7: vs Stormers, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town 2. August 11: vs Sharks, Kings Park, Durban 3. August 15: vs Vodacom Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 4. August 22: vs Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 5. August 25: vs Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 6. August 29: vs Springboks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town 7. September 5: vs Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg 8. September 12: vs Springboks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore The impact of these matches extends beyond the scoreboard, fostering international friendships and mutual respect, hallmarks that Botha, Du Plessis, and countless others treasure deeply. The upcoming tour promises not only to reignite fierce competition but also to celebrate the rich history and sportsmanship that rugby indeed stands for.