Let’s be real – South Africans don’t just watch rugby, we live it! It’s part of our DNA, stitched into our weekends, our friendships, and the way we belt out Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika after a few cold ones. And come Saturday, 27 September (kick-off 17:10), when the Springboks storm onto Hollywoodbets Kings Park for their final home showdown against Argentina, the whole country will roar as one.
Whether you’re in the stands in Durban, catching the action on a big screen in Cape Town, firing up the braai in Jozi, or squeezing into your favourite local pub – you’ll feel the unmatched green-and-gold energy pulsing.
But here’s the thing: rugby unites us, but safety keeps us together.
1. Pre-game: The build-up
The Vibe
It’s game day. You’re in your green and gold jersey, already arguing about the starting line-up with your friends. You’ve stocked up on biltong, droëwors, and maybe even a cheeky potjie. Uit die blou van onse hemel goosebumps. The crunch of the first tackle.
Your Uber safety playbook
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Request inside, not roadside. Don’t start the match-day stress by hovering around outside with your phone out. Wait indoors, check the app, then walk out when your ride arrives.
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Before you hop in, match the number plate, make, model, and driver photo in the app. Bonus points if you turn it into a chant.
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Ask your driver: “Who are you picking up?” It’s a simple move that guarantees you’re in the right car.
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Back seat = best seat. Even if you’re used to front row seats, in a vehicle, the safest and most comfortable spot is the back.
2. Post-match: the afterparty
The vibe
Bokke win? Expect spontaneous choruses of Shosholoza and possibly someone doing the worm at the pub. Lose? Well, South Africans know how to sweeten a loss with humour. Either way, you’re heading home safely.
Your Uber safety playbook
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Before you hop in, make sure your drop-off pin is set correctly in the app. A quick check ensures a smooth, safe end to the night.
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Buckle up like it’s the final scrum. No compromises here.
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Just like you’ll be sharing memes of Argentina’s missed kicks, sharing your trip with the squad – ‘trusted contacts’ on the app – allows them to see your ETA in real time and know when to start the braai.
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Feedback is our post-match analysis – just like fans debate substitutions after the final whistle, Uber’s two-way rating system helps keep every ride safe and enjoyable.
Bonus tip: Play the respect card
Rugby thrives on respect – for the ref, the players, and the fans. The same goes for your Uber ride. A little kindness to your driver and fellow riders keeps the spirit of the game alive long after the final whistle.
One last word
Rugby is more than a game for us. It’s a national festival of pride, passion, and unity. And while we’ll never compromise on biltong, and bokke banter, we also shouldn’t compromise on safety. So, wherever you’re watching the Boks vs. Argentina on 27 September, raise a glass, sing with strangers, and celebrate responsibly. Because in South Africa, rugby isn’t just sport – it’s family.