It’s just a kit, not the World Cup

When cricket and rugby collide, the gentleman’s game is no match for the rough and tumble of rugby. During this year’s Cricket World Cup,  Scotland Cricket added a personal touch to their kit first. The South African Rugby team have taken it a step further when they gave the traditional kit a modern twist, a first in World Cup history. The #HomeGroundAdvantage campaign will see fans’ selfies on the back of the Springboks’ jersey.

Cricketers and enthusiasts probably remember that moving tribute made by Scotland on their kit during their World Cup campaign down under. Each jersey listed all the cricket member clubs in Scotland, which played a role in making Scottish cricket a success.

The Springboks jersey is by far the best World Cup kit so far. When compared to that of the Scotland cricket team, the Springboks take the cake. During the singing of national anthems, when the handheld camera takes a closer look at the players and their backs, one could tell that there was writing on the Scotland jersey, but not what was written. Judging by the visuals on TV, the selfies are clearly visible on the Springboks jersey.

By physically carrying the faces of the South African public on their kits, this will encourage the Springboks in their pursuit of becoming the first nation to raise the Webb Ellis Cup for a third time.

Can you imagine your face on the number worn by Jean de Villiers or Pat Lambie?

As beautiful as all this sounds, the Springboks do not look like they are on a mission to win the World Cup. There’s no need to sugar-coat anything. Their road to the World Cup is made up of defeat after defeat. They could even register a string of more defeats, just like Scotland in their World Cup.