Who will sing the SA anthem before Springbok Test at Twickenham?
Today at 03:01 AM
There are just two Springbok Test matches left this year, and the rendition of the SA anthem always draws interest in terms of setting the tone for the match.
Interestingly, it comes at a time when the RFU has come in for criticism over previously only playing a recording of opposition anthems for the recent Tests against New Zealand and Australia.
Former Ireland lock Donnacha O'Callaghan suggested on the The Offload podcast that Twickenham's playing of opposition anthems as just a backing track was "absolutely disgraceful", especially considering England have always had a singer for their anthem.
"I think England's playing of the opposition's anthems is absolutely disgraceful,” O'Callaghan said. “They just play it really poorly, and they always have. [They] don't turn the speakers up and just do poor renditions of it.”
According to The Telegraph, the RFU now “appears to have bowed to pressure and hired a singer for the South African national anthem”.
So who will sing the SA anthem before the Springbok Test at Twickenham?
It has been confirmed to TheSouthAfrican that Innocent Masuku, an opera singer and a 2024 finalist of Britain's Got Talent, will perform Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika before kick-off at Twickenham.
According to the matchday programme, Masuku is "currently working on his debut album, inspired by his South African heritage, operatic background, and love for iconic crossover music".
England's anthem on Saturday will be performed by the singer and songwriter, Kuill.
Teams for the Test at Twickehnham:
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 5 George Martin, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie George (captain), 1 Ellis Genge.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Alex Dombrandt; 21 Harry Randall, 22 George Ford, 23 Tom Roebuck.
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 RG Snyman, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Elrigh Louw, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
Date: Saturday, November 16
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 17.40 (17.40 GMT; 19.40 SAST)
Expected weather: It will be cloudy with a slight breeze. Temperatures will drop to around 6°C in the evening.
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Chris Busby (Ireland), Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
What is your score prediction?
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