We caught up with former South Africa Back-Rower, Joe van Niekerk, to look back on his time at the 2003 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks. He also opened up about his predictions for the national side this 2023 RWC.
2003 Rugby World Cup Anniversary: Joe van Niekerk
Using the touchline as an extra defender, @Springboks back row Joe Van Niekerk delivers a supreme try saving tackle on Mike Tindall at #RWC2003 pic.twitter.com/sdJ6RHfN4S
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 22, 2019
What are your memories of the 2003 RWC?
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Ah, the Rugby World Cup of 2003! Stepping onto the grandest stage of Rugby with fans applauding and determination filling the air. Sydney’s embrace felt truly epic! Each second was like a symphony filled with passion and skill etching memories that still shine brightly in my mind.
Your favourite moment from the 2003 RWC.
In the 2003 RWC there is one memory that stands out – a moment when I managed to make a try saving tackle against England. Then there was another moment when I scored a try against Samoa. These memories still bring me joy.
What change- good or bad- have you most noticed about rugby in the last 20 years?
I think now the game has become more about pleasing the fans which is a good thing. The game flows more now than what it did 20 years ago. Traditionalists are intent on keeping the set pieces intact, which I think serves the core principles of our game, so we don’t lose the fact that it is still rugby not rugby league. The main point would be how can we get the most ball in play; the most runs; and the most action. Therefore, we would satisfy the fans and it would make for a more open and expansive game.
How has rugby shaped your life over the previous two decades?
Rugby was a major part of my life for over two decades. I played professionally for 13 years in that time. I think playing professional sport gave me some incredible experiences and very important life lessons. I think the most important attribute and understanding it gave me was that if you want to attain something of true value, you should work hard to attain it. In a world where people want success easily at a touch of a button, nothing beats hard work, commitment, and persistence to attain your goals.
A piece of advice you’d give to players going into RWC 2023?
Appreciate the present moment. Try to always remember that having the chance to play rugby is a privilege, especially on the greatest stage of all at the Rugby World Cup. Keep within your consciousness that one day you won’t be able to play anymore. Enjoy the experience to the fullest.
How do you think the Springboks will fare at the World Cup?
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I think the Springboks will contend really well this year. The chance to defend their title will be a big motivation for the squad, and I think Rassie Erasmus will be their secret weapon again.
Note: South Africa will now watch the Ireland vs. Scotland match on Saturday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. GMT. If Scotland wins, things get interesting as all three teams would have one loss each and only two will get through to the quarterfinals in Pool B. That game will take place at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Photo credit to Clément Bucco-Lechat.
Photo credit: Clément Bucco-Lechat on Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED
