South Africans to blame for national anthem farce?

Monday 16 November 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > South Africa

The tale of the farce that was the singing of the South African national anthem before the game against France on Friday has taken an interesting twist.

Reggae singer Ras Dumisani delivered possibly the most bizarre rendition of an anthem ever seen at a sporting occasion alongside two bongo players - prompting outrage from the Springboks.

But French team manager Jo Maso has revealed that the touring side may only have themselves - or at least their countrymen - to blame.

"Every time we welcome a foreign side, we ask the embassy to propose people for the national anthems," he said. "It's the South African embassy that put forward this man and we respected their choice."

The defending world champions went on to lose the match 20-13 and while they readily admitted France were the better side and refused to make excuses, the Boks were clearly insulted the whole affair.