I was there when…..

One of my biggest regrets in life is that I didn't attend the RWC '95 opening game between the Boks and Wallabies at Newlands.

I remember, I could only get a standing ticket, it was in the week (not sure if the headmaster would have disciplined me if I took a sickie) and probably thought the current World Cup champs would beat us kept me from going.

I only saw two games live, one a pre-tournament game with Danie Gerber in 'Maties' colours and at 35 years young still impressive, he even impressed Nick Farr-Jones enough for the Wallaby to suggest Gerber was good enough to maybe still play in that World Cup.

Now we have Victor Matfield aiming to do this at 38, and he will not be the oldest to do so.

The other game was the Wallabies versus Romania also in the Danie Craven stadium.

I, however, have watch the Boks live on a few occasions; ditto the Proteas.

I was there when….

* I was there at Newlands in 1976 when Johan Oosthuizen intercepted for the Boks to go 2-1 in the series against Andy Leslie's All Blacks.

* I was there when Divan Serfontein dived over in the corner to secure the Boks winning the first test versus Billy Beaumont's Lions in 1980

* I was there in 1986 when Naas Botha picked up a wet and muddy ball from his toes to give the perfect cross kick for 'the Prince of Wings' to outpace the NZ Cavaliers and score in the corner to win the first 'test'. The whole game I thought, what rubbish seats, behind the tryline in the corner; but, that's exactly where Carel du Plessis scored!

* I was there when the All Blacks beat the Boks in 1996 at Loftus Versfeld, to become the first All Black side to win a series in the Republic. When the final whistle blew, players were lying on the ground due to fatigue.

* I was there in Paris when Jannie de Beer kick five drop-goals to sink the Poms in the 1999 World Cup quarterfinals. One of the English newspapers' heading was, 'there is only one beer, Jannie de Beer!'

* I was there when Stephen Larkham with his 'amazing/fluke' drop-goal gave the Aussies the lead in the 1999 WC semi extra time. Matt Burke then slotted another penalty for the current world champs to then lay down their title. I was so sad that I sold my ticket for the next semi between the All Blacks and France the day after. I thought the All Blacks would smash the 'frogs'. Boy o' Boy, was I wrong!

* I, unfortunately, was there in 2006 when Jake White's Boks got 'murdered' 49-0 by the Wallabies in Brisvegas. It was Pierre Spies' first test and who will forget Jaco vd Westhuizen's knock on and him telling the ref he attempted to drop. The worst day as Bok supporter so far. Now that I opened that wound again, I have to watch Dr Phil again…..

* I was back at Suncorp when the Boks tied the 'kangaroo' down in 2013 and won at the Wallaby fortress by 38-12.

* I saw WP lift the Currie Cup in the '80s, '90s and 2000s.

* A few weeks ago I was at the SCG and saw the brilliant AB de Villiers annihilate the Windies in the World Cup pool game.

Man, I love moments like that.

Did any of you attend the RWC '95 final?

What sporting event/game stands out in your memory?

AussieBoer (Kevin D)

@rugby365com