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Wellington - Former South African netball captain Irene van Dyk handed the Springboks their match jerseys on Friday before Saturday's second Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in Wellington.
Van Dyk, who played for SA between 1994 and 1999, emigrated to New Zealand in 2000 and currently represents her adopted country at the highest level.
Van Dyk, who at 1.90m stands almost as tall as the Bok backrow, said that although she remained a loyal All Blacks supporter it was an "absolute honour" to present the jerseys.
"When I got the call asking me to be here I immediately said yes. It's very special for me to be here.
Van Dyk is the first woman to make the presentation.
Instead of giving advice she shared a few anecdotes from her career spanning over 20 years and 175 international matches to date.
She told the team: "You are the best in your country and have achieved so much - what more can I say to you guys to motivate you. You know what you have to do. Good luck for the game".
Van Dyk, who played for SA between 1994 and 1999, emigrated to New Zealand in 2000 and currently represents her adopted country at the highest level.
Van Dyk, who at 1.90m stands almost as tall as the Bok backrow, said that although she remained a loyal All Blacks supporter it was an "absolute honour" to present the jerseys.
"When I got the call asking me to be here I immediately said yes. It's very special for me to be here.
Van Dyk is the first woman to make the presentation.
Instead of giving advice she shared a few anecdotes from her career spanning over 20 years and 175 international matches to date.
She told the team: "You are the best in your country and have achieved so much - what more can I say to you guys to motivate you. You know what you have to do. Good luck for the game".
