The Joost van der Westhuizen Benefit Banquet has been understandably described as one of the best TV rugby shows viewed on SuperSport this year-if not of all time and for anyone who attended or watched the proceedings on TV it was an emotional rollercoaster ride of sheer magic celebrating the life and times of one of South Africa’s favourite rugby sons. Enough words cannot be said about the legendary Springbok scrumhalf who has been very much part of the SA Rugby Legends family since his retirement.

Having been struck down by the life crippling motor neuron disease earlier in the year Joost has taken the battle to the enth degree and certainly showed great courage even honouring friends, his fellow players and family as he set about entertaining the 1200 guests at the most memorable fundraising banquet ever shown on SuperSport-it was indeed special. He brought Andre Venter up followed by his favourite skipper Gary Teichmann, Ian Mac and most importantly his lovely parents. He said thank you to each and every one and yes it was moving and it was emotional but it was also from the heart.

He openly admitted that he has made mistakes in his life-but then don’t we all-it’s just that we as mere mortals not being the celebrity he has been would never be ostracized as it would have all gone by unnoticed. Joost who has contributed enormously to the game and more particularly his beloved South Africa and indeed the Springboks was given tributes by Victor Matfield, Os Du Randt, Wayne Fyvie, John Smit and so many others that he has rubbed shoulders with, played with and against, showing the nation just how powerful the camaraderie of rugby is.

His interview with Joel Stransky his 1995 Rugby World Cup half back partner was so special and certainly many a tear was shed none more so when his parents were called onto the stage to receive one of his Springbok rugby jerseys. With Johnny Clegg heading up the entertainment, a moving speech by the President of SARLA Gavin Varejes who deserves huge accolades for his remarkable energy in all his support and helping organise the successful banquet. To Andre Venter for his understanding of Joosts plight and his wonderful positive words in helping the famous scrumhalf through his ordeal.

The camaraderie of the game certainly shone through and even the speech from the sports minister and a word from Oregan Hoskins President of SARU just made one realise the respect shown and honour bestowed on the life and times of Joost van de Westhuizen. Fittingly R1,000,000 plus was raised at the auction, another indication of the respect and love shown to the most capped Springbok scrumhalf of all time.

Perhaps more importantly what became so wonderfully clear was the bigger picture of the respect Joost earned on the international scene with the interviews with his two greatest foes in his playing days Wallaby Georgie Gregan and All Black Justin Marshall and his Springbok skipper Teich with John Allan on Eye2Eye. It was indeed a truly fitting end to one special rugby show - and yes we certainly did celebrate life with Joost van de Westerhuizen.

By Jos Robson