1995, One team, One country. The Springboks. World Champions
The 1995 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks was the most important day in South African rugby history. It was a momentous day, inspired from above, and the effect on our great nation was unbelievable.
Throughout the tournament South Africa were guided by a higher power, as we beat many of the major rugby nations. Australia, France finally the All Blacks.
To see Nelson Mandela in the Springbok jersey, handing over the William Webb Ellis trophy to Springbok captain was an unbelievable occassion in South African history. Madiba thanked Francois Pienaar for his contribution, but we are all indebted to the great man for his role in rescuing South Africa.
It made one proud to be South African. It showed how great our nation can be. How the colour lines can be broken…not black, not white – just dynamite!
The 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks defied the odds and became the World Champions, is to be made into a feature film. Watching this short clip brings back memories of that great day.
It recreates tears of joy, ignites the pride and passion of South Africans, and above all gives us the hope that the South Africa we all strive for can become our reality.
What a great moment in time, I was only 14 years old at the time but remember it clearly. It was really an entire country flying flags and wearing springboks jersies, i dont think a single event in South african history has ever united a nations people like this did.
Hi Ivan,
Thanks for your comment. It has only just struck me how others around the world had no idea of the effect or significane of what happened, and the role the game played in uniting a country.
It shows just how awesome South Africa can be and how strong and vibrant our nation can be when we are united. I hope the 2010 Soccer World Cup can spark something similar.
I agree with Ivan.
What south african can watch that clip and not get emotional. The atmosphere in South Africa at that time was electric.