Samoa gives love to Joost
In a poignant reminder that for all the violent collisions and scuffles on the field, rugby is a sport that brings people together, the Samoan team have posted a moving musical tribute to Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen on their Facebook page. In 2011 the World Cup winning scrumhalf was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and given between two and five years to live. In the video the Samoan team can be seeing singing a popular Samoan hymn (Thank You, God, Our Creator) to Van der Westhuizen.The Samoans accompanied the video with a post that spoke of the "totally humbling experience" of meeting the South African legend.Since being diagnosed with the condition, the 89-times capped player has travelled the world with his J9 Foundation to increase awareness of the condition and to raise funds to fight it.Van der Westhuizen attended the match against Japan last week and met the Samoan squad ahead of their clash with the Springboks at Villa Park on Saturday...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.