Brambling Bushpig

 Rugby World Cup Opinion Piece Springbok Rugby - UglyBeautiful That game against England saw a new World Record possibly being set. That being the Highest National Average Heart Rate. One boy was even seen on video being encouraged by his mother to, "Phefumla, baba...hayi shem (shame)!" What really sent the heart rates running was our collective belief that, 60 minutes in, the Springboks had zero chance of coming away with a victory. We, as spectators, had given up. Another new record was set that day - the record for Collective Disbelief. What transpired at the hooter was unreal. Beyond reasoning. Inexplicable. We had no words for the reality that lay before our eyes. Ask my sister - we sat on a video call shortly after the final whistle and simply looked at each other (for a good 5 minutes) with wide eyes and our hands over our mouths. Unable to utter a single word. The same happened with another friend of mine, a long-distance call to Myanmar, where we simply guffawed and ...

Presupposing About Sport  An England v SA Affair I love a good Conspiracy Theory or Headthunking Hypothetical. England have been quietly going about their business at rugby's showpiece event. Additionally, they've rather been keeping much to themselves, so long as we take their Press Conferences at face value. Borthwick gave a befuddled facial expression when an interviewer asked him, "How do you feel about Rassie helping you pick your squad?" So much for Rassie's mindgames, Borthwick was busy minding his own business. However, Press Conferences are more about personality contests and pre-prepared statements than imparting practical truths. We can't simply take people's words at face value, so my first conspiracy theory is that England are hiding a big trick up their sleeves. Yes, England are underwhelming favorites. Yes, England's Rugby Football Union is in turmoil. And of course yes, Owen Farrell at 10 makes every Springbok loose-forward (and Damien ...