October 23, 2007
By Lesego Madumo
IT was a morning of song, dance and ululation at OR Tambo International Airport as thousands of ecstatic fans clad in green and gold welcomed the Springboks home.
Scenes of euphoria played themselves out early on Tuesday as South Africans of all kinds converged on the airport to honour the 2007 Rugby World Cup champions.
Fans came bearing messages of support
Among them were Joburg staff and officials, who left the metro building at five in the morning on buses bound for the airport, eager to welcome Jake White's boys home.
As the rugby players touched down they were greeted by overjoyed fans bearing placards with messages of support - including marriage proposals.
In unison, the fans chanted Shosholoza, South Africa's sporting battle-cry. As Springbok captain John Smit, holding the Webb Ellis trophy aloft, and his troops emerged they were clearly overwhelmed by their reception. Fans pushed through corridors, yelling and screaming their player's favourite names, trying to get closer.
Among the fans were schoolchildren, one of which hailed Bryan Habana, the recently announced Player of the Year, as his hero. "When I grow up I want to play like Habana," he said, clearly to the amusement of his flag-waving mates.
In an interview with SABC news, Springbok captain John Smit said he wanted to hold on to the cup for as long as he could.
Also arriving at the airport was South African fan Harvey Johnson, who had watched the winning match in France. "Getting to see the Webb Ellis trophy back in the country is breathtaking," he said.
Johnson expressed some pessimism about the Boks being able to defend the cup, saying they would only hold on to it if they continued to play with the pride they showed in France.
The Springboks took time to sign autographs for their fans before leaving the airport. After a few days of rest they will resume celebrations with a ticker tape parade through Johannesburg and Soweto, ending with a massive celebration at Montecasino's Absa Bok City on Friday.
Parades in South Africa's other major cities over four days will welcome the winners home in true rugby style.
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