Behind the Scenes video demonstrates why Bakkies Botha is the Springbok Martin Johnson
Bakkies Botha will forever be known as a Springbok legend and this video shows why.
Behind the scenes footage following the Barbarians in 2015 gave us a rare insight into the changing room exchanges that occur within this prestigious team.
South African second-row and Springbok legend Bakkies Botha took on the honour of captaining the Baa-baas in what was a World Cup warm-up match for Samoa held at the Olympic Stadium in London.
The side featured a mixture of Southern Hemisphere stars including Pierre Spies, Adam Thomson and Carl Hayman mixed in with some up and coming players who were eager to impress.
Botha, who won 85 caps for his country, can be seen in the lead up to the game addressing his teammates in footage that is remarkably reminiscent of England captain Martin Johnson in his heyday.
The 6ft 7in lock commands the room delivering a simple message to his players, ‘Let’s go and win each other’s respect’.
No shouting, no chest-thumping, just calm and composed authority.
At half-time with the scores tied at 17-17 all, we see Botha again in a controlled manner addressing his players. You can clearly see how some of the young players in the side are in awe of this Springbok legend.
The Barbarians go on to victory defeating their Pacific Island opponents with a narrow three-point win.
Botha can be seen congratulating his players after the game with many opponents and teammates alike eager to shake the captain’s hand.
At the end of the video, we return to the changing room where the battle-worn skipper gives an emotional speech to his team congratulating them in their victory.
Footage has recently emerged of Bakkies Botha’s first test for the Springboks and boy was it some entrance onto the international stage. We can see why he earned himself the nickname, ‘The Enforcer’.
