For the past few weeks, Northglen News has been interviewing rugby coaches, former Boks and fans of the game about their expectations and love for the game. This week, we feature Durban North resident and former Sharks player and coach, Grant Bashford.

Bashford has the unique position of representing both the Dolphins and the Sharks. He was the Sharks’ assistant coach for eight years under Dick Muir and John Plumtree during which they won two Currie Cup titles.

He also had a coaching stint in Japan, coaching the Canon Eagles, and was involved with the Russian national team last year. He has also coached schoolboy rugby at Northwood School, and this year was an assistant coach for the Capital Legacy Crusaders in Durban North.

What is your earliest Rugby World Cup memory?

“I remember watching it as a youngster, however, my first real take of it was the 1995 World Cup. I was fortunate enough to attend a number of the games with my wife, including the semi-final win against France in the rain at Kings Park and the final win against the All Blacks at Ellis Park. I was totally encapsulated in that World Cup and just had fond memories. We almost had front-row seats sitting on the grand stand at Ellis Park, and there were a number of moments that were mind-blowing on the day. I remember the jumbo jet flying over the stadium. I still remember vividly the response by Springbok captain Francois Pienaar on what it was like in the stadium having the support of 60 000 South African fans. I remember him saying, ‘We didn’t have 60 000 South Africans, we had 43 million South Africans’. There were just so many profound things to come out of the game, having Nelson Mandela there. It really shows when rugby is winning, the country is in a good place.”

What is your favourite Rugby World Cup memory?

“Of course, 2007 and 2019 meant so much to the country. The year 2007 was also very special because there were a number of Sharks players in the Springbok set-up. But ultimately, being there live to watch the games in 1995 was the standout for me.”

Who do you think is going to win this year?

“I was really enjoying SA floating under the radar until our win against New Zealand a few weeks ago. We had dropped down the rankings, but the spotlight is right back on us, and we’ve become the favourites. I would say we are going to be really difficult to beat, but we have a real good chance. The other strong team I have in mind is France. It is so difficult to predict because the world of rugby has become far more competitive.”

Where is the best spot to watch a Springbok game?

“I prefer watching the games with my mates. I like to watch the game closely. I think when you are a coach, you tend to watch the game differently than as a fan or a spectator. You look at the game more analytically. Typically, I watch the game with my mates as well as tape it and watch it one early morning to look at it tactically. I will say I watched the final of the 2019 at Crusaders and that was an incredible experience. If a game is in the country, I love going to the games live.”

What is the best snack to eat when watching a Springbok game?

“I would have to say biltong and dry wors. Having a braai on the go is also something that works well with watching.”

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