There won’t be a tackle or a sensational try to savour, but the eyes of every rugby fan ought to be on DStv’s SuperSport at 15:00 on Monday, 26 August 2019.
This is because the much-awaited World Cup squad will be announced live on your World of Champions.
For weeks, speculation has mounted as to which players will make up the 31-man squad. The men who carry the hopes of a nation will be paraded for the first time at MultiChoice City where coach Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi, the confirmed leader of the team, will speak of the challenge that awaits.
The Boks will have no easy ride as they seek to emulate the Cup-winning heroes of 1995 and 2007 – their first match at the World Cup will be against defending champions and eternal rivals New Zealand, in Yokohama on September 21.
It is expected to be a full-blooded battle with the winners likely to top the group and the losers sure to have a tougher road to the playoffs.
SuperSport has dedicated a substantial production crew to ensure that Monday’s broadcast goes off without a hitch. Amid the many challenges is securing a stage that can accommodate 4000kg of prime beef, the expected weight of the Bok squad once assembled.
Another is ensuring that the Boks are well fed both before and after the announcement. “They eat constantly, and not a little either,” said one SA Rugby staffer.
As ever with such announcements, the broadcast will include vibrant entertainment with the popular Gwijo squad set to belt out traditional songs, plus singing sensation Sho Madjozi and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Viewers will also be reminded of past glories with an all-action video highlighting many of the Boks’ best moments from previous World Cups.
Popular rugby hosts Motshidisi Mohono and Matthew Pearce will anchor the day’s events, ensuring the Boks get the send-off they deserve ahead of their departure for Japan next Friday. (30 August 2019).
“There are challenges with a live production such as this, but we are well set,” said Sam Sejamoholo, SuperSport’s producer of the show. “There are strict protocols around the Springboks, as you’d expect, but we are looking forward to being part of this momentous event. With a big live audience, rugby fever will be high.”
Monday signals the real countdown to the World Cup with SuperSport shortly rolling out its detailed plans for the tournament. These will include six magazine shows; world-class analysis and all 48 matches live and in High Definition, guaranteeing the very best broadcast package for rugby fans.
Monday’s announcement will be live on SS1, SuperSport Blitz, CSN and Showmax.
For those unable to get to their televisions, it will also be streamed on DStv Now.
