MONTY BENFICA | Amusements | CONTACT
Local South African Eugene Van der Vyver (33) is over the moon that the Wallabies are finally seeing some success on the rugby field, despite being a die-hard Springboks supporter.
The local substitute teacher, who’s family moved to Australia a couple of decades ago, says he feels like he’s somehow the biggest Wallabies supporter in the country.
“I usually have no one to talk to about rugby at work,” he explained.
“Now, I can at least find some people with a mild interest in the recent success of the Wallabies.”
“It’s amazing! I’m loving the rugby talk!” said the jubilant man.
“Lekker my bro!”
Like many South Africans and Kiwis who move to Australia, Eugene was initially disappointed that he couldn’t rub in the fact that South Africa consistently outperforms Australia, because no one in Australia even seems to care.
“Australians are way too caught up in these made-up ball games to care about the gentleman’s game, rugby union,” he said.
To make matters worse, Eugene’s substitute teaching gigs are mainly in Western Sydney, where rugby is dominant — just not his kind.
“Half the boys would excel in rugby, but they’re too caught up in this cheap knockorf,” he explained.
“They just tell me that the sport is for private school pricks.”
Eugene is hopeful that the recent success of the Wallabies will generate more buzz around rugby union, so he can finally live out his dream of bragging about the Springboks’ success to his Australian counterparts.
