“Ladies and Gentlemen, the most aptly-named tighthead prop in world rugby… Marius Hurter!” 

This is how (HKRFU Head of Rugby Services) Robbie McRobbie introduced the 1995 Rugby World Cup winner and Springbok Marius Hurter.  The occasion was the Gala Charity Premiere of the movie Invictus at the  Grand Cinema, Elements Mall in Kowloon West (Hong Kong).

The looong evening started with a meet-and-greet at the downstairs bar/restaurant WildFire, part of Hong Kong’s Igor’s Hospitality Group.  Hong Kong RFU’s Robbie McRobbie kick-started events by asking the big man a number of questions relating to his experiences around Rugby World Cup 1995.  Marius aka. Shrek (watch the video for an explanation) responded by recounting his memories and some insights into his fellow-players, which were lapped up by the guests, especially those about Os Du Randt and (obviously the skollie/riff-raff in the 1995 Springbok squad) James Small, allegedly a minor-celebrity amongst the Robben Island prisoner population at the time!

Later, in the cinema lobby, he faced the local Hong Kong media, enticed by some strategically invited (and well-labelled with Invictus stickers) schlebs, also called pseudo-models in Hong Kong parlance.  The big man was clearly enamoured by the attention as the MC-lady translated his answers into Cantonese.  Then again, maybe he just loved her shoes!

Thanks to Elite Step Asia Limited, Howzit-HongKong.com was fortunate to be seated in Cinema 6 (some 600 folks attended the event spread between different cinema’s) with the VIP’s including, of course, Marius Hurter, HKRFU officials, sponsors’ representatives as well as the Consul-General of the South African Consulate in Hong Kong, the charming Ms. Tembi Tambo.

The extended  movie, that lasted until midnight, was clearly a hit with the South Africans in attendance who enjoyed the Souf Effrican eksent (South African accent) during the movie.  My personal favourite was Chester Williams’ (played by McNeil Hendricks) “I don’t think, because it influences my game.” 

Another hit with the guests was the seats that vibrated with heavy bass, especially when the SAA Boeing roared over the Ellis Park Stadium during the movie!   

Howzit-HongKong.com was lucky to capture Marius’ chat on the evening, albeit with a dinky point-and-click.  The evening was set in a busy, dark-ish bar, but enjoy Part 1 (Part 2 to follow):