The flyover was the noise. The Springboks must answer in Soweto

The 12-meter high flyover above the FNB Stadium during the second Test between South Africa and New Zealand sparked international debate. The two Airlink Embraer jets, painted in Springbok and All Black colors, crossed over the stadium's roof at a height of 41 to 46 feet before the match began. Airlink, the airline responsible for the flyover, received approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic and Navigation Services.

However, the incident raised safety concerns among pilots and aviation experts, who questioned whether the height of the flyover posed any risks. SACAA acknowledged receiving the airline's flight data and requested additional information, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a culture of compliance. The airline ultimately withdrew its request for a third flyover at the stadium due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The incident drew more attention than the actual rugby match, with various media outlets expressing alarm or skepticism over the event. In contrast, the same level of scrutiny would not have been applied if New Zealand had won the match. South Africa's commercial airlines have an impressive safety record, with zero fatal accidents.

The scrutiny over the flyover highlights the international perception of South African aviation, which is generally positive, with the country's pilots considered world-class. The flyover served as a reminder of South Africa's rugby prowess, having won the last four World Cups consecutively. Despite the scrutiny, South Africa's rugby team remains confident and focused on their upcoming matches, with the series tied at one-all leading up to their next fixture in Johannesburg on September 5 and Baltimore later.