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South Africa’s cricketers hope to pave the way for their rugby union team on a ‘Super Saturday’ where they are each involved in crunch World Cup clashes with England.
The Proteas will lead the way in Mumbai when they face reigning cricket world champions England in a key pool match, with both sides looking to recover from shock defeats by the Netherlands and Afghanistan respectively.
Hours later, the attention of sports fans in the two countries will turn to Paris, with title-holders South Africa playing England in a Rugby World Cup semi-final.
The Springboks are bidding to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy for an unprecedented fourth time, having won their third global title when they defeated England 32-12 in the 2019 final in Yokohama, Japan.
“We’ll be supporting the Springboks and they’ll be supporting us as well,” Proteas captain Temba Bavuma told a pre-match press conference in Mumbai on Friday.
“We play first so the responsibility is on us to get things going the right way.
“They (the Springboks) actually sent us a message to our team meeting wishing us luck in our game. “As players we have the responsibility to put smiles on the faces of our countrymen and come back with the win,” the opening batsman added.
Jonny Bairstow will be leading from the front in Mumbai, where his side look to put their creaking title defence back on track against the Proteas.
Bairstow said, “I think it’s going to be a great spectacle, it’s going to be a great day for both nations.”
“They’re two extremely proud nations, whether that’s on the rugby front or the cricketing front, two teams on both sides that are very passionate about playing for their countries and are excited about playing for their countries.
“You’ll have people in South Africa, I’m sure, having a few brandy and Cokes and a couple of braais (barbecues), and you’ll have a few in England popping down the pub and watching – any excuse for them to just pop down there!
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.