Throwback Clip of Boeing 747 Flyover at 1995 Rugby World Cup Final Resurfaces Amid Airlink Debate
- An archive clip of the iconic SAA Boeing 747 flyover at Ellis Park Stadium during the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final went viral again in 2026
- The Boeing 747 named Lebombo, piloted by Laurie Kay, made two low passes over the packed stadium with 'Good Luck Bokke' painted on its underbelly
- The throwback resurfaced after the Airlink flyover at Cape Town's DHL Stadium sparked fierce safety debate among South Africans
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A 1995 archive clip of a South African Airways Boeing 747 flying low over Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg has resurfaced online, drawing renewed attention ahead of a heated national debate about stadium flyovers.
The footage, posted by the YouTube channel Archive Sport, captures the closing ceremony of the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final on 24 June 1995, where South Africa faced New Zealand. With the stadium packed and the world watching, a Boeing 747-200 named Lebombo made two thunderous low passes over the crowd.
The stunt that became a symbol
The flyover was conceived by an advertising agency working for South African Airways, a co-sponsor of the tournament. The words "GOOD LUCK BOKKE" were painted in bold lettering along the underbelly and underwings of the jet. Pilot Laurie Kay executed what many described as a breathtaking and secretive manoeuvre, navigating the aircraft at a remarkably low altitude past a stadium surrounded by high-rise buildings.
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President Nelson Mandela was in the stands that day, wearing his now-iconic No. 6 Springbok jersey. The moment has since been regarded as a symbol of national unity in post-apartheid South Africa and was recreated in Clint Eastwood's 2009 film Invictus.
Why the clip is trending again
The video on the YouTube page regained traction after Airlink performed a double-jet flyover above Cape Town's DHL Stadium on 29 August 2026, ahead of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test between the Springboks and All Blacks. The Airlink stunt triggered widespread safety concerns after flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the jets passed as low as 12 to 14 meters above the stadium roof, while ground pyrotechnics were still firing.
Critics argued the 1995 clip proved South Africa had its own rich flyover tradition, predating accusations that the country was mimicking American stadium traditions.
South Africans react online
@JustinMaoko-e1l wrote:
"Who is here after they did it again? With 2 planes, even lower? 😂😂"
@tinotendashematina1149 said:
"I'm here after watching Invictus."
@revolutionnow5227 noted:
"That was a difficult manoeuvre. Lots of high-rise buildings near Ellis Park. Well done."
@aprilsmith3683 added:
"Still cry today... 2026. 🇿🇦🫶🏻🏉"
@BabylonHair shared:
"I remember watching the plane fly past us from the top floor of my Gran's flat... Core memory."
See the iconic moment the SAA Boeing 747 roared over Ellis Park here:
More on Springboks vs All Blacks
- Briefly News reported that a Springbok legend explained how key referee decisions allegedly helped the All Blacks during their Cape Town defeat.
- Rassie Erasmus warned the All Blacks they are under pressure despite their improved performance against the Springboks.
- South Africans took to the streets in celebration after the Springboks' dramatic victory over New Zealand in Cape Town.
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Source: Briefly News
