The bizarre Springbok ritual that has split the rugby world
Something that has made its way online this week something that is what is know as the ‘capping ceremony’ for latest South Africa debutant Canan Moodie, which presumably happened before he faced Australia last week in Sydney.
Before being awarded his cap by head coach Jacques Nienaber, he had to make a pledge in a ceremony that looked like the 19-year-old had invited the entire Springboks squad watch him get married to no one.
This has since split the rugby world, with a wide spectrum of opinions, ranging from cringey to beautiful. Former Wales No8 Andy Powell was one of those that liked this idea, writing on Twitter: “Love it so much passion.”
Love it so much passion
— Andy Powell (@andypowell8) September 4, 2022
Here are some other responses on Twitter:
“This is how you do it. ‘ Humble in victory and dignified in defeat. Because I care.’”
“And everything just started making sense to me now. No wonder you guys go all out like this.”
“Now that is pride!!!”
There were just as many people who were struggling to get on board with this idea, and also voiced their opinions online:
“What is this nonsense? They’re a silly bunch.”
“Ah so THAT is what Eben Etzebeth meant when he tweeted about Bakkies Botha…”
“Cringing so hard at this. Rugby needs a serious rebranding man WTH.”
“This really is daft, playing for your country isn’t like playing high-school rugby why as an adult should I be pledging anything to anyone??”
Take a look at the video:
– A pledge and a bright future
– Canan Moodie’s capping ceremony
– #Springboks #SouthAfrica #AUSvRSA👇 pic.twitter.com/YDZZ3CjKWR— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 4, 2022
Moodie certainly lived up to what he said in his oath in his debut, producing a try scoring performance at the Allianz Stadium as the Boks won 24-8. That leaves them level on points with Argentina and Australia in the Rugby Championship, with nine, and just one behind the All Blacks at the top of the table with two rounds left to play.
