Across the globe millions of fans are counting down the days, because in little over a week, one of the world’s greatest tournaments is set to begin: Rugby World Cup 2015. Hosted for the second time by England, the opening game kicks-off on 18 September, with the final set for 31 October – that’s six glorious weeks of world-class rugby to look forward to. And no one is more excited than the N1 team – die-hard Springbok supporters one and all.

In its nearly 30 year history, the location of the Rugby World Cup has alternated between the Southern and Northern Hemisphere respectively: in 1987 it was hosted by Australia and New Zealand; in 1991 by England, Wales, France, Ireland and Scotland; in 1995 right here in South Africa (could we ever forget the moment Nelson Mandela donned a Springbok jersey – a remarkable gesture that resonated through the hearts of millions; not to mention our team winning the Cup); in 1999 by Wales; in 2003 by Australia; in 2007 by France (another time when we trumped the English to bring home the Cup); and for the 7th time in 2011 by New Zealand.

In its nearly 30 year history, England has won the William Webb Ellis Cup only once; while the three southern nations have each won the Cup twice: New Zealand in 1987 and 2011; Australia in 1991 and 1999; and South Africa in 1995 and 2007, which means that (provided the final remains within the strong-hold group of four), either England will level the score or the Southern Hemisphere will set a new record and take the number of wins to three.

In Pool B, South Africa’s first match will be against Japan in Brighton on 19 September; then Samoa in Birmingham on 26 September; Scotland in Newcastle on 3 October and finally the USA on 7 October in London. While politics may muddy the waters from time to time; and while bookmakers may have the Springboks down as third favourites to win the Cup (behind New Zealand and England); undisputed is the collective spirit of our nation’s rugby supporters urging our boys to victory. So now’s the time to plan around the big game days, stock up on drinks and snacks (call us now to place any orders), because regardless of what happens, as SuperSport so aptly put it ‘Our Hearts Are in It’.