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Former Springbok mainstay Beast Mtawarira says it was a “ great honor ” to be part of the team’s win over the British & Irish Lions in 2009.
The opening game of the crucial Test series against the Lions in 2009 also turned out to be a contest that unequivocally announced Mtawarira’s arrival on the Test scene.
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A 23-year-old Mtawarira was playing in his 11th test match for the Springboks, but had a superb performance in the scrums against his opposite number and England veteran Phil Vickery, who exploded like a champagne cork almost every time he faced off. with Mtawarira.
In an article of number 44 of Gazelle magazine that reviewed the 2009 series, the last time the Lions toured South Africa, Mtawarira apologized to Vickery and said he was eager to make his mark on the biggest stage in world rugby.
“Playing against the Lions is probably the best option to play in a World Cup,” Mtawarira said. “It is a great occasion and a great honor to be part of it.
‘At the time I was chosen, I was really excited to contribute to the success of the team.
“I was quite young, I was 22 years old and I wanted to make my mark in world rugby. I’m sorry for Phil Vickery … but I had no choice.
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Photo: David Rogers / Getty Images
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