The first episode of the much-awaited rugby documentary series “Chasing the Sun 2” aired on Sunday, offering fans a riveting look into the Springboks’ emotional journey during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
This sequel to the original series, which documented South Africa’s triumphant 2019 campaign, commenced with a scene that instantly captured the intensity and pressure faced by the team in their quest for glory.
The episode spotlighted a pivotal moment at the semi-final against England, a match where the Springboks, despite being the favourites, found themselves trailing 12-6 at halftime. England’s command over the game in adverse weather conditions had put South Africa on the back foot, setting the stage for a dramatic halftime confrontation in the locker room.
The scene provided an unprecedented ‘fly on the wall’ perspective of the Springboks’ halftime ordeal, focusing on Rassie Erasmus, the director of rugby. Erasmus, visibly frustrated and angered by the team’s performance, confronted the players with a raw, emotional outburst. Accusing them of not living up to their promise to play as if it were their last game together.
“You gave the ****ing penalty away,” screamed Erasmus. “And you promised you won’t. You promised you were going to scrum there. You promised to play out your last ****ing game as a group together. But you lied. You’re a ****ing liar!”
You can watch the clip below.
This candid moment showcased not just Erasmus’s passionate leadership but also the psychological battles the Boks faced on the road to retaining their title.
Either way, it did the trick, and the Springboks went on to beat England by 16-15 and book a place in the World Cup final.
“Chasing the Sun 2” promises to deliver more such behind-the-scenes insights, with the series set to air over five episodes. The premiere episode, which aired on 24 March 2024 on M-Net and SuperSport Grandstand – channel 201, has set a high bar for the rest of the series. With the next episode scheduled for 31 March, fans are eagerly awaiting further glimpses into the Springboks’ journey and the strategies, struggles, and spirit that propelled them through the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
