“Spirit Of Ubuntu”: Alexander Thanks South Africa As Springboks Prepare For Historic Baltimore Test
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander has written an open letter thanking South Africans for standing behind the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series, saying the nation “showed the world the warmth, generosity, and unity that define us as a people.”
The series between the Springboks and All Blacks has not been without controversy, including criticism from the New Zealand coaching staff over scrum tactics. Furthermore, during the second Test in Cape Town, a low-altitude flyover raised safety concerns from series sponsor Airlink prior to kickoff.
The ultra-low E-Jet formation flyover by sponsor Airlink at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium (clearing the roof by ~12–15 meters) triggered an official South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) safety review and international aviation scrutiny.
That Cape Town match saw the Springboks bounce back to level the series 1-1 following a opening-Test defeat at Ellis Park. This past weekend, the back-to-back World Cup champions edged ahead before a packed crowd at FNB Stadium to take a 2-1 lead into Saturday’s final Test in Baltimore.
Pitting the top two ranked teams in world rugby against each other—winners of the last four World Cup tournaments combined—the knife-edge series has captivated global audiences as both sides go toe-to-toe.
My fellow South Africans,
As we conclude the inaugural edition of the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry on home soil, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to every South African who supported this world‑class series.
Over these past weeks, we once again demonstrated the true spirit of our nation. With guests travelling from all corners of the world to experience this historic event, you showed them the warmth, generosity and unity that define us as people.
Your embrace of our visitors reflected the essence of Ubuntu, “I am because we are”. You reminded the world that South Africa is strongest when we stand together, support one another and welcome others with dignity and pride.
The economic impact of this series will benefit communities across our country, contributing to livelihoods and strengthening the broader national economy. As an organisation, we listened carefully to your comments and recommendations on how we can improve future events.
We value your voice, and we will implement these insights to ensure that every edition of this series continues to grow in excellence.
Our players draw immense strength from your unwavering support. Your passion, your presence and your belief in them fuel their performance and deepen their pride in representing our nation.
Thank you, South Africa, for once again showing the world who we are, united, resilient and guided by the spirit of Ubuntu.
The last match will be played at the M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.
The Springboks and All Blacks boarded the exact same 15-hour charter flight to Baltimore directly following the third Test at FNB Stadium.
