Leaving the Boks in the dark
Loadshedding, power supplier Eskom's way to cope with it's inability to meet the demand of its 'customers', is a common occurrence for South Africans.
They have accepted it and make adjustments – even pre-plan their days in accordance.
However, imagine the surprise of a group of New Zealand journalists when – in the middle of an important media briefing with Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer – they are suddenly cast in total darkness.
What makes this little 'incident' so much more ironic, is that the venue was a private college right next to Megawatt Park – the site of the Eskom head office in the luxurious suburb of Sunninghill, Johannesburg.
The Springboks, preparing for a crucial Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, are using the posh school's grounds as their training base.
And the media briefing, on Tuesday, was to announce the new Bok captain – Schalk Burger.
Bok coach Heyneke Meyer, like most South Africans do, saw the lighter side of the situation.
Asked if the blackout was an omen, he said: "I have the answer to that question, it is all black."
While the South African media enjoyed the lighthearted response, it seemed lost on a substantial number of international media attending the event.
Once the horde of television reporters had switched on their camera lights, at the 'request' of the Bok media manager, the conference continued without further incident – although with an eery backdrop of and only the main table, with coach and captain, in lights,
By Jan de Koning in Johannesburg
@King365ed
@rugby365com
