Former Springbok Odwa Ndungane says that beating the All Blacks in New Zealand remains one of the highlights of his rugby career, and that playing a round at Augusta National Golf Club – home of The Masters – would probably be the equivalent of that experience for him.
Speaking as a guest of the Sunshine Tour’s Vodacom Origins of Golf Pro-Am series at the Gowrie Farm Lodge & Golf Course this week, Ndungane shared his thoughts on Saturday’s second Rugby Championship test between the Springboks and All Blacks in Wellington.
“Playing the All Blacks is the one game that every Springbok player looks forward to. When you get a chance to play them twice at home like they will do now, it’s even more special. The rivalry between these two teams makes it so hard to get back-to-back wins because it means so much to both sets of players,” said Ndungane, who was part of a special group of Springboks in 2009 who did indeed beat the All Blacks in New Zealand on their way to what was then the Tri-Nations crown.
“That was very special. You know, I’ve also had the privilege of speaking to Gary Player, and he’s told me about Augusta National Golf Club and the experience of playing there. To play golf there would be incredible and probably be top of my golf Bucket List, just as beating the All Blacks in New Zealand was for me in rugby.”
Ndungane also believes Saturday’s test will go the way of the Springboks.
“We’ve made a few changes to the team and many people might think New Zealand are the favourites. But I believe these Springboks that have been given a chance now have a point to prove, and I think they could sneak a win.”