South African Family’s 2,400 km Journey Earns Praise After Springboks Victory
- A South African family travelled a remarkable distance across the US to watch the Springboks take on the All Blacks in Baltimore
- Their journey caught the attention of Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie, who shared a heartfelt message about their support
- Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus also recognised the South African fans who helped create a home-like atmosphere at the stadium
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A South African family’s 2,400 km journey from Houston to Baltimore to support the Springboks has earned praise from Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie following the Springboks' victory over the All Blacks.
The family was among the South African expats who travelled to M&T Bank Stadium for the Greatest Rivalry series finale on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
McKenzie highlighted their effort in a post on X, using the journey to acknowledge the wider South African diaspora in the United States.
The minister wrote:
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“Leaving SA doesn’t mean SA ever leaves you. The Bok spirit was burning in this great family, who drove 2,400 km from Houston to a stadium that looked like a home test.”
He continued:
“Thank you to all the South Africans abroad. You showed the beautiful, friendly face of the SA diaspora to the world.”
Springboks supporters make Baltimore feel like home
The family’s journey came as thousands of rugby supporters filled the Baltimore stadium for the historic fixture.
The 68,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium was packed for the match, with South African supporters making their presence felt as the Springboks secured a 43-28 victory over New Zealand.
Captain Siya Kolisi also paid tribute to the fans after the match.
“It was super special. It was crazy the amount of people who came out to support us,” Kolisi said.
“I want to thank every single South African here and back at home. We are so grateful. We do it for you each and every time.”
Rassie Erasmus similarly acknowledged the travelling supporters, saying:
“It was awesome to see so many South Africans here. I don’t know how they afford it or how they got here, but it’s great.”
South African diaspora rallies behind the Boks
The Baltimore Test was the first meeting between South Africa and New Zealand played on American soil, adding significance to the occasion.
The Springboks’ victory also completed a 3-1 series win in the 4-Test Greatest Rivalry series.
For the family from Houston, however, the focus was simply on getting to Baltimore to support the Boks. Their 2,400 km road trip became one of the most memorable examples of South African support surrounding the historic Test.
Rassie Erasmus’ Castle moment sparks debate among South Africans
Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus’ post-match press conference following the Springboks’ 43-28 victory over the All Blacks in Baltimore became an unexpected talking point among South African fans.
The Springboks coach was seen enjoying a Castle beer while speaking to the media, prompting a social media comparison involving football coach Pitso Mosimane and opening up a broader conversation among supporters.
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Source: Briefly News
