Packed stadium excites Baby Boks
Baby Boks captain Wiaan Liebenberg says playing in front of a packed stadium in a final for his country is a dream come true.
Liebenberg will lead out the South African Under-20 side in the IRB Junior World Championshiop final against New Zealand U20 on Friday at Newlands.
The tough flank believes the home crowd support will offer his team a major boost against their fierce rivals.
"We want to use the crowd's energy to lift us up as a team so that at the end of the day we rise up victorious," Liebenberg told SAPA.
"Since I was a little boy I always dreamt of wearing green and gold, and standing in front of a fully packed stadium and singing the national anthem.
"So it's a special moment, it's more than special. I think it's an opportunity that you dream of forever. It is such a privilege playing for your country, just giving your all for that jersey you're wearing."
Liebenberg regains the captaincy after Williams Small-Smith lead the team to victories over England and Argentina, but the talented centre will miss the final through injury.
"It is quite bad losing him leading up to final," Liebenberg said.
"I would have loved to play with William [Small-Smith] by my side but I promise you that he will be giving everything in terms of support and will cheer the guys on.
"I know he'll be there when we lift the trophy."
Liebenberg's confidence is encouraging ahead of the big match, although coach Dawie Theron will be disappointed to be without a host of backline players for the match. Small-Smith, Johan Goosen, Pat Howard, Paul Jordaan and Kevin Luiters. Despite that the backline depth has proved to be bountiful, with the likes of Raymond Rhule and Handrè Pollard stepping in and making an impact.
