SuperSport launching ground-breaking SA rugby film in May

SuperSport and M-Net will be rolling out the first of several locally-made sport documentaries in the first quarter of 2022.

Following the recent success of “Chasing the Sun”, the World of Champions has another major rugby documentary in production.

A three-part series to be broadcast on DStv, “Two Sides” tells the story of the tour by The British & Irish Lions that was punctuated by drama, struggle and triumph. What makes it unique is that it will be a film told through the eyes of both protagonists.

In a first of its kind co-production between producers of “Chasing the Sun” and broadcast producers Whisper. This docu-series also featured the environments some of the players emerged from with footage of friends and families of Maro Itoje, Pieter Steph Du Toit, Liam Williams and others adding to the extraordinary narrative.

The film takes in numerous events, including the drama of the tour’s status in the build-up, the Covid outbreaks in both camps, the impact of civil unrest and the tension of the down-to-the-wire finish.

“The film is a heartfelt celebration of the game’s longest-standing Test tour and the brotherhood that comes along with it,” said Marc Jury, chief executive of SuperSport.

“In the midst of unprecedented challenges and hardship, it is a reminder of the values of the game we love so dearly. The film is a story of sacrifice, courage and a belief in the power of sport.”

Later in 2022, SuperSport will lift the lid on “Rassie”, which for the first time tells the full – and astonishing – story of Rassie Erasmus’ rise from the backwaters of the Eastern Cape to the top of the rugby world.

BROADCAST DETAILS

The first episode of “Two Sides” will be broadcast on DStv on May 15 (M-Net, 6pm; SuperSport 7pm).

The remaining episodes will broadcast on May 22 and 29.

TWO SIDES - THE STORY

Two Sides is a first-of-its kind documentary, telling the compelling story of a rivalry that goes back over a century.

The Springboks and The British & Irish Lions meet once every twelve years, which only adds to the weight of expectation for this latest instalment, in 2021. But this series almost didn’t happen, because of a global pandemic that changed the way the world lives and works – and also changed the way sport happens.

Through collective will from both sides, this tour endured health protocols, empty stands, civil unrest and a controversy that rocked the very foundations of World Rugby.

Along the way, Two Sides emphasises the importance of keeping sporting traditions alive, because they matter to players, coaches and their families. And the fans who find a way to be a part of each collision.

With unprecedented access to both teams, their families and their change-room in the midst of an unforgettable series, Two Sides is a story of considerable sacrifice, a tale of redemption and glory, and the unflinching will that keeps the things that matter going, even when everything says they shouldn’t.

Two Sides is a story of courage from two teams building on the proud legacy left by those who came before them. Two Sides is a story of hope.