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Johannesburg - Springbok captain John Smit says it was like a Test debut for Ard Matthews when he sang the anthem after the RWC squad was named - and bungled it.
View Ard Matthews' anthem blunder
Smit also says the Boks have accepted Matthews’ apology unconditionally after his mishap.
“People who know Ard know how passionate he is about South Africa; he even has a tattoo of Africa on his arm - he’s one of the most patriotic people I know. This was like a Test debut for him. He was so excited to be doing this. Mistakes happen. Nothing I said could make him feel better.
A contrite Ard Matthews, lead singer of Just Jinjer, also apologised for his mishap.
Matthews had sung earlier in the broadcast without incident, but stumbled over his words and quickly apologised during the singing of the anthem.
“I’ve sung it my whole life and was overcome with emotion. It wasn’t intentional . . . I support everything about this whole country,” he said.
“This was the worst moment of my life. I was so frozen and nervous and my nervousness came out as a laugh. This was no attempt at humour, but a nervous response to an awful situation.”
Matthews had earlier rehearsed, but says he was overcome by the moment during the live broadcast.
SuperSport has unconditionally apologised to all South Africans, SA Rugby and the Springbok team and management for the mishap.
The broadcaster says it is embarrassed and wishes to point out that this is in no way a reflection on SA Rugby.
SuperSport says it takes full responsibility and views it as a "genuine error made by a proud South African".
View Ard Matthews' anthem blunder
Smit also says the Boks have accepted Matthews’ apology unconditionally after his mishap.
“People who know Ard know how passionate he is about South Africa; he even has a tattoo of Africa on his arm - he’s one of the most patriotic people I know. This was like a Test debut for him. He was so excited to be doing this. Mistakes happen. Nothing I said could make him feel better.
A contrite Ard Matthews, lead singer of Just Jinjer, also apologised for his mishap.
Matthews had sung earlier in the broadcast without incident, but stumbled over his words and quickly apologised during the singing of the anthem.
“I’ve sung it my whole life and was overcome with emotion. It wasn’t intentional . . . I support everything about this whole country,” he said.
“This was the worst moment of my life. I was so frozen and nervous and my nervousness came out as a laugh. This was no attempt at humour, but a nervous response to an awful situation.”
Matthews had earlier rehearsed, but says he was overcome by the moment during the live broadcast.
SuperSport has unconditionally apologised to all South Africans, SA Rugby and the Springbok team and management for the mishap.
The broadcaster says it is embarrassed and wishes to point out that this is in no way a reflection on SA Rugby.
SuperSport says it takes full responsibility and views it as a "genuine error made by a proud South African".
