While rugby is known for being an aggressive contact sport, the Springboks vs Tonga players showed love, kindness, and appreciation towards one another following their Rugby World Cup match on Sunday. 1 October.
In fact, a tender moment of the teams praying together post-match undoubtedly pulled at the heartstrings of rugby fans around the world.
While South Africa – who beat Tonga 49-18 – awaits news of their progression to the quarter-finals, the latter has sadly been eliminated from the competition.
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SPRINGBOKS VS TONGA PLAYERS UNITE IN PRAYER
Following their match in Marseilles on Sunday, viewers witnessed a beautiful and humbling moment between the teams.
The players embraced each other in a big circle and bent their heads and knees as they united in prayer.
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Moments later, players exchanged shirts and hugs.
Take a look at what happened…
APPRECIATION FOR EACH OTHER AND THE GAME
The Springboks and the Tonga national team are no strangers to each other. The countries met in 2007 at the Rugby World Cup.
As they did on Sunday, the Pacific Island players gave SA a run for their money.
And it’s clear they have a mutual respect and appreciation for each other judging from their interactions.
Take a look at how their respective captains, Siya Kolisi and Ben Tameifuna, embraced each other after the match.
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