ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
VANISHING ACT
South African expat, 35-year-old Pieter van der Mere, has mysteriously vanished from all digital communication this morning following the All Blacks’ 24-17 triumph over his beloved Springboks, a result that preserves Eden Park’s legendary unbeaten record.
The week prior, Pieter had been relentless in the group chat, delivering daily predictions and veiled threats: “The Bomb Squad will crush them,” “South African rugby is on another level,” and “Eden Park’s aura is just a myth.”
Now there has been complete silence from Pieter, leaving his friends puzzled at his silence.
“He kept punishing the group chat every day this week, ‘Enjoy your little streak while it lasts,’ said colleague and long-time All Blacks supporter Mark Evans. “Funny, I haven’t heard a peep out of him today or anything since the final whistle last night. It is like he’s been erased from existence, at least digitally.””
Another mate, Chris Atkinson, recalled Pieter’s constant gloating before complete silence altogether.
“He messaged me before the kick off saying, “ This is men versus boys, game over before halftime.’’ Yeah… he hasn’t been so active on WhatsApp since. Probably because I sent him a screenshot of the Rugby Championship points table after the game. That hasn’t even rage baited him”
Attempts to reach Pieter to be interviewed for this story have failed. His WhatsApp shows no activity and has not picked up any of our phone calls.
More to come.
