South African national Australian rules football team
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| Union | AFL South Africa |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Lions |
| First international | |
New Zealand  163 – 1 South Africa (2002) |
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The South African national Australian rules football team (nicknamed the Lions) represent South Africa in the sport of Australian rules football.
The senior side represents the best South African born players as selected from clubs and leagues of AFL South Africa.
South Africa had its international debut at the 2002 Australian Football International Cup but the inexperienced team went through the tournament winless. It registered its first international win in the 2005 Australian Football International Cup against Japan.
Since 2007, through significant development funding and reciprocal tours, South Africa has regularly competed against junior teams from Australia. This resulted in a dramatic improvement at senior level, with South Africa defeating Ireland by a narrow margin to place 3rd overall in the 2008 AFIC.
The team is nicknamed the Lions, although at the 2002 International Cup and 2005 International Cup they were known as the Buffaloes.
They have worn a different jumper at each International Cup, with the first jumper green with gold and red wings, the second green with a gold yoke, and the current jumper based on the Flag of South Africa with a stylised Lion.
The team competed in the 2002 Australian Football International Cup in Melbourne, finishing in 11th place.
A much improved Buffaloes outfit (reflecting the development of junior footy in South Africa) achieved 8th ranking at the 2005 International Cup.
The Buffalo's best and fairest player (from the 2005 International Cup) is Steven Malinga.
Since 2006, the team has played annually against the "Flying Boomerangs" under 18 indigenous Australian squad, with tours alternating between South Africa and the Northern Territory in Australia.
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