{
  "id": 6137387,
  "title": "All Blacks star Lima Sopoaga reveals how South Africa left a lasting mark on him",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/all-blacks-star-lima-sopoaga-reveals-how-south-africa-left-a-lasting",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T13:14:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/travel/south-africa/2026-09-07-all-blacks-star-lima-sopoaga-reveals-how-south-africa-left-a-lasting-mark-on-him/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former All Blacks star Lima Sopoaga recently returned from a trip to South Africa for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, where he discovered something far beyond the sport. The South African leg of the tour included stops in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Braamfontein, where Sopoaga indulged in local delicacies and absorbed the unique culture. He shared his thoughts on the experience, writing that South Africa had left a lasting mark on him, shaping his perspective on his own home country. Sopoaga savored masala steak gatsby in Cape Town, kota in Soweto, and KFC Dunked Wings in Braamfontein, giving each a high rating. The rugby series concluded with the Springboks and All Blacks facing off in three Tests, but for Sopoaga, the impact of the visit extended far beyond the matches. He looks forward to returning to South Africa, as the trip has given him a new appreciation for the country and its people.",
  "summary": "Former All Blacks player Lima Sopoaga reflects on a South African rugby tour that gave him a new perspective, memorable food experiences and appreciation for its people.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/labuschagne-in-australia-squad-to-face-south-africa",
        "published": "2026-09-07T09:53:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Mail and Guardian",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/empowering-south-africas-youth-why-voting-is-a-money-smart-economic",
        "published": "2026-09-07T10:55:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Savanna Serves Bafunny Bafunny: South Africa’s Festival of Comedy kicks off on a high",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/savanna-serves-bafunny-bafunny-south-africas-festival-of-comedy-kicks",
        "published": "2026-09-07T15:58:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}