Chasing the Sun 2 follows the Springboks' tumultuous journey at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. As the reigning champions, the team faces immense pressure to defend their title—a feat only achieved once before in rugby history. They are placed in a challenging pool that includes world number one, Ireland, setting the tone for a gripping tournament. The documentary delves deep into the highs and lows of the campaign, showcasing the team’s resilience in the face of adversity, including the loss of star hooker Malcolm Marx to injury and the controversial racism allegations involving Bongi Mbonambi and England’s Tom Curry.Through candid interviews and stunning behind-the-scenes footage, viewers are taken inside the Springbok camp, witnessing the intensity of training, the emotional toll of competition, and the bold, often unconventional decisions that define the team’s strategy—such as the infamous 7-1 bench split during the final against New Zealand. The series explores not only the tactical elements of the game but also the human stories behind the players, as they fight to keep hope alive and carry their nation’s dreams on their shoulders.
The highly-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Chasing the Sun documentary series is finally on its way. Supersport has confirmed that Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the Springboks' intense journey through the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will premiere in March 2024. Fans worldwide can dive back into the high-stakes world of South African rugby, following the team's quest to defend their title in France 2023. While viewers in Africa can catch it on Supersport, the series will also be available globally on RugbyPass TV.
The original Chasing the Sun documentary, which focused on the Springboks' victorious 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan, captivated audiences with its raw, emotional storytelling. Now, with Chasing the Sun 2, the stakes are even higher as the team faces new challenges, aiming to become only the second team in history to successfully defend a Rugby World Cup title.
The Springboks, led by the inspiring duo of director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber, navigate their way through a tournament filled with drama, intense rivalries, and unforeseen challenges.
Chasing the Sun 2 doesn’t shy away from showing the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of the team. Duane Vermeulen, a now-retired Springbok legend, is seen speaking about the importance of hope, a recurring theme throughout the series. In one particularly emotional moment, Vermeulen describes how he closed his eyes during a critical stage of the tournament, letting the tears run down his face as the weight of the moment sunk in.
The documentary also features key players like Jesse Kriel, Steven Kitshoff, Canan Moodie, RG Snyman, Manie Libbok, Cheslin Kolbe, and Damian Willemse, who each play pivotal roles throughout the campaign. Coaches Jacques Nienaber and Mzwandile Stick provide insight into the strategies and decisions that shaped the team’s success, offering fans a rare glimpse into the minds behind the Springboks’ tactics.
The emotional highs and lows of players like Deon Fourie and Kwagga Smith are highlighted as well, showcasing the mental and physical challenges of competing at the highest level. Despite lifting the trophy in 2019, the 2023 journey is filled with new challenges and intense competition, reminding viewers that success in rugby is never guaranteed.
Throughout Chasing the Sun 2, the documentary showcases the Springboks' determination to push past every obstacle in their path. Injuries, controversies, and doubts swirl around the team, but their commitment to the game, and to each other, remains unshaken. Under the charismatic leadership of Rassie Erasmus, who is known for his unconventional yet effective coaching style, and Jacques Nienaber, the team navigates their way through the toughest moments, turning potential defeats into victories.
The documentary’s portrayal of the final against the All Blacks is a masterclass in strategy and high-stakes rugby. The decision to field a 7-1 bench split—a move that shocked the rugby world—is broken down in detail, with the coaches explaining the thinking behind it and the players reflecting on how it affected the game. The final moments of the tournament, captured with intensity and precision, make for some of the most gripping footage in the series.
While Chasing the Sun 2 will premiere in South Africa on Supersport in March 2024, rugby fans around the world will also have access to the documentary through RugbyPass TV. The global release ensures that Springbok supporters, no matter where they are, can follow the team's journey to glory.
The success of Chasing the Sun in 2019 highlighted the cultural and emotional significance of rugby in South Africa. The sequel aims to capture not just the sporting achievement but also the deeper, personal stories of the players who carry the weight of a nation's expectations. Chasing the Sun 2 promises to be more than just a sports documentary—it's a story of hope, resilience, and the power of teamwork in the face of overwhelming odds.
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