By Jacques van der Westhuyzen
All roads in Toulouse led to the Municipal Stadium last night. It was a wonderful occasion as the French hosted the Boks, but the result was far from satisfactory.
But before I get to the match, the Tourism office here in Toulouse need to be given a big thumbs up for the manner in which they have looked after the South African journalists on tour.
Yesterday they arranged for us to visit the Airbus assembly plant - the biggest of its kind in the world. Seeing the magnificent A380 close up was a quite unforgettable experience. It is a phenomenal 'bird' that does the hype justice.
Not only was I privileged enough to be taken into the factory where three A380s are currently being put together, I was also allowed inside the cabin. It was a special outing and a big thanks to Christine from Airbus for all the fascinating information I have gained about the aviation world.
Now to the rugby.
The French are a passionate nation and they were at their best in this regard when the Boks and their heroes clashed in cold, but fortunately dry, weather last night. South Africans have often wondered why the French play their Test matches so late in the evening so the question was posed to one of the local journalists. His answer was simple: "We first need to eat ... and then we have to make love. Then we are ready for sport," he said. Okay then.
The disgraceful rendition of our national anthem last night set the tone for the rest of the evening. No one, not even the president of the French Rugby Federation apparently, know how it came about that our anthem was given a reggae twist and sung by a man who clearly didn't know the words or the tone. His performance left not only the players bemused and holding back chuckles, the press box was also dumbfounded. It was almost impossible not to laugh at the whole affair.
With that out the way, the French raised the roof with a wonderful rendition of their own anthem - and how special it was to experience it.
The Boks were a battered bunch afterwards and young Heinrich Brussow said he didn't have a clue where he was after getting a knock to the head early on. "When I got up off the ground I thought I was at the airport. I didn't know why I was there and I didn't know who all the people were," he said. "I didn't feel good ... but I soon felt better."
He described the match as the most physical he has ever played. Many of his teammates agreed. It was certainly one of the most brutal I have seen. The players always walk a tight line in Test matches, but there were certainly moments yesterday when I thought thuggery was at play. The fact there was not one big bust up is rather surprising.
The Boks lost after a poor performance, but credit to France. They played better and won the physical battle.
Saturday will be a quiet day, with the players resting their bodies and the 'midweek' players continuing preparations for Saracens next Tuesday.