Captain Ruhan Nel had planned to sing the national anthem with his Stormers teammates against the All Blacks, but when the moment arrived, he decided to stay quiet — fearing the emotion would overcome him in front of his home crowd in Cape Town.
Nel, who was one of the Stormers’ experienced campaigners in the 38-21 loss, admitted the occasion at a packed DHL Stadium on Friday evening was simply too much to take in, while teammate Hacjivah Dayimani sang Nkosi Sikilel’ iAfrika with tears in his eyes.
For many of the Stormers, including Nel and Dayimani, this was probably the first and final time they got to sing the anthem in Fifteens rugby during the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
“It’s really special. I think there’s not a lot of the boys who ever had the opportunity to sing the national anthem before a game,” Nel said.
“And nevertheless, there’s something special also hearing the New Zealand anthem before you sing your own anthem. You almost feel like you’re part of something bigger. And then doing it in front of your friends and family as well, with a packed-out DHL Stadium, it’s incredible.”
The Stormers players were given a rare opportunity to sing the South African anthem before facing the All Blacks in the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, and for many it became one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Nel had told himself beforehand that he would join in, but the reality of the occasion quickly changed his mind.
“I was actually telling myself I’m going to sing, and then the moment the anthem started, I was like, ‘No, I’m going to keep my mouth shut, otherwise I’m going to cry,’” he said.
“But it was incredible, just standing there. Vern (Matongo), obviously standing next to me, who just, as you said, was also just soaking it up. So, I’m so happy for the guys that we all got to experience it together. I’m so happy that we actually stepped up to the occasion as well.
“Facing the haka was something special, and yeah, it’s just an unbelievable experience and something that we’re very fortunate to be a part of.”
For 65 minutes of the contest, the Stormers were in it. They pushed the All Blacks and emptied their tank until their lack of playing minutes kicked in, and the visitors took the game away from them with three tries in the final 10 minutes.
However, the passion the Cape side showed, would’ve delighted the majority of their fan base and Nel said he was immensely proud about the fight. But, the competitor in him would’ve loved to see them grab the chances that were there to upset the All Blacks.
