Cape Town - Hundreds of Springbok supporters arrived at OR Tambo International on Friday as the squad left for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The Boks will be the first of the visiting countries to arrive for the tournament and they have a warm-up Test against the hosts in Kumagaya on Friday, September 6.
It means they will have been in Japan for around three weeks already by the time their tournament opener against the All Blacks on Saturday, September 21.
The images coming out of OR Tambo on Friday confirmed the feeling of optimism and excitement that currently surrounds this Bok team and their chances of winning a third World Cup title in Japan.
Stay tuned to this thread, and Sport24 will be bringing you all of the action from the OR Tambo as the Boks set forth on their journey!
The Gwijo Squad have arrived at OR Tambo. #BokSendOff #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/hia4QhK0y1
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 30, 2019
Show some love for Bokkie ?????? #WeGotUBoke @MTNza @Springboks pic.twitter.com/lENyOOvxDo
— The Official MTN Bozza (@Official_Bozza) August 30, 2019
We are at the OR Tambo International Airport where hundreds have gathered to bid farewell to the #Springboks. They are departing to Japan for the Rugby World Cup. pic.twitter.com/GnkE4dsGCL
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) August 30, 2019
We have arrived! ?? #GwijoAtBokSendOff pic.twitter.com/EdnTGT0P5r
— Gwijo Squad (@GwijoSquad) August 30, 2019
And there's them Bokke.... ready to go to Japan! pic.twitter.com/UnGDr1i0mM
— Khanyiso Tshwaku (@kaymorizm) August 30, 2019
Joburg showing the @Springboks #WeGotUBokke ????????@MTNza bringing closer to the official Springbok send-off! pic.twitter.com/3zIB0hT2hr
— The Official MTN Bozza (@Official_Bozza) August 30, 2019
In position to welcome the Boks on stage. #GwijoAtBokSendOff pic.twitter.com/EK9kU6v4m2
— Gwijo Squad (@GwijoSquad) August 30, 2019
Amazing scenes at the fan farewell at OR Tambo International Airport.#StrongerTogether#Springboks pic.twitter.com/AKvBjuBkBh
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 30, 2019