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With all eyes on Airlink, we revisit SA's first stadium flyover at Ellis Park's 1995 Rugby World Cup final between Springboks and All Blacks.
All eyes are currently on Airlink after their double flyover of the DHL Stadium made international headlines. The impressive flight stunt took place moments before the kickoff of the second test match between the Springboks and All Blacks in their Greatest Rivalry series.
It comes more than three decades after the first flyover, which took place at Ellis Park.
Airlink’s flyover at the DHL Stadium is not the first time South Africans have experienced the exciting rugby pre-match spectacle.
More than 30 years ago, the first flyover took place at Ellis Park, the venue of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
Moments before the match kicked off, a South African Airways Boeing 747-200 called “Lebombo”, approached the stadium. It had the words “GOOD LUCK BOKKE” painted underneath its wings.
The aircraft was flown by Captain Laurie Kay, a veteran pilot who made not one, but two impressive passes over the stadium. The first was reported as being remarkably low, and the second even lower.
The flyover – kept secret from the public – marked a historic moment as the first of its kind in South Africa. It also marked the first time South Africa hosted and won the Rugby World Cup, which was attended by the first democratic president, Nelson Mandela. It was a symbol of patriotism and signified a shift where South Africans united through sport, particularly under the Springboks.
The flyover was immortalised in the 2009 Hollywood-produced movie, Invictus, which features the original footage.
Sadly, Kay died in 2013, aged 67, almost 20 years after his memorable moment in the cockpit.
South Africa’s next flyover is tipped to take place at the FNB Stadium next weekend, where the Springboks will take on the All Blacks for their third test match in the Greatest Rivalry series.
The match marks the last time the Boks will play at home.
Chomi, we’re doing it again at my house next Saturday neh, @Fly_Airlink? 😉💚💛
— FNB South Africa (@FNBSA)
August 30, 2026
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