“What do you think I see in the stars? I see us winning the World Cup, lifting the World Cup and that’s why we are going to Japan” – Siya Kolisi - 22 May 2019
Those were the words our captain said in an interview we shot at Newlands. This is the story of how we put together SA Rugby and Supersport’s Stronger Together campaign.
When the Springboks do well, South Africa does well. And when we as South Africans come together, we are stronger.
In 2019, SA Rugby approached us to create a campaign for the Rugby World Cup. What transpired was inspiring, life changing work that helped the Boks win back the Webb Ellis Cup and give hope to a nation that needed it — desperately.
Off the back of SA Rugby’s brief, we brought our world class partner and client SuperSport on board. Together, we became a team that would achieve something far greater than any of us would have anticipated.
On Thursday 11 July, we launched the Stronger Together campaign with a powerful video. An authentic, real, non-scripted moment of gold captured from a Skype call between the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, and his son Nic became the bed for what was a truly moving piece that showed how we as South Africans are Stronger Together.
In the run up to the World Cup, we produced a content series called Springbok Stories, focusing on key players in the team. It took us all over our beautiful country, showcasing the rich diversity of the make-up of what was a truly special team. Each player’s story so different, so unique, so South African.
It started in Riebeeck-Kasteel with the hard-hitting, soft spoken colossus Pieter-Steph du Toit – a man who a mere 4 months later would be named World Rugby Player of the Year.
From Riebeeck-Kasteel in the west to Hornlee in the south, where we met Warrick Gelant.
And then to the dusty streets of Zwide – where we come across possibly our most significant story – that of the captain of our country, the leader of our people and the inspiration of our nation.
As excitement for the World Cup reached its fever pitch, we brought in three of rugby’s greatest icons to explain just what it is that makes the tournament so special. And when Francois Pienaar, John Smit and Richie McCaw talk – the world listens.
Instead of a dull press conference with a coach reading a list of names, we asked the people of South Africa to announce the Springbok Squad for the World Cup. From friends, fans and family to a few famous folk in the Rainbow nation – we wanted to show our boys that we were behind them.
And on the eve of what would be one of the most significant days in South African history, we sent one last message to the team.
Finally, in a turnaround quicker than a Cheslin Kolbe side-step, we turned Stronger Together into Champions Together.
What do you think I see in the stars? I see us winning the World Cup, lifting the World Cup and that’s why we are going to Japan
