No true South African will ever forget Saturday, 24 June 1995, when South Africa hosted the All Blacks from New Zealand at Ellis Park, which promised to be an epic Rugby World Cup Final.
And, 25 years later, I must confess, I still get goosebumps when I think about that momentous occasion. That day and that rugby game will forever be etched in my memory, and that is probably the main reason why I have never stopped supporting and believing in the magic of the Springboks.
I was a teenager at the time, and I can still remember the build-up and anticipation leading up to this final. Even though I was not one of the lucky ones who could be at the stadium, I sat glued to our television set, drinking in everything, soaking up the excitement and atmosphere. I can remember how quiet the streets were, with everyone waiting for kick-off.
The final lived up to the hype. No tries were scored, but the game quickly became one where the boot of the flyhalf was going to decide the champions on the day. The two teams took turns to take the lead and, for the first time in Rugby World Cup history, the match ended in a draw after 80 minutes of play.
Then also for the first time in Rugby World Cup history extra time was allowed, and for the next ten minutes supporters sat on the edge of their seats, either pulling out their hair or chewing their nails. New Zealand’s Andrew Mehrtens secured the first points for his team through a penalty, but South Africa’s Joel Stransky quickly responded with a penalty of his own, leaving the score at a 12-all draw at the end of the first half of extra time.
Three minutes into the second half, with seven minutes’ play remaining, Joel Stransky became every South African’s hero when he scored the final points of the match with a drop goal that would be replayed for days, years and weeks to come. All South Africans held their breath as they anxiously followed the trajectory of the ball that was struck from 30 metres out. As it sailed over the crossbar, securing South Africa’s victory and the Rugby World Championship crown, everyone breathed again, and you could hear the cheers coming from inside the houses and echoing over Ellis Park.
I will never forget the moment the referee blew his whistle, indicating full time, and the chaos that erupted. People were running out of their houses, cheering; cars were going up and down the streets, hooting, their occupants cheering and waving their flags – a nation buoyed by a team who showed that, if you have heart and you play with passion, you can do anything.
And, who would ever forget Francois Pienaar’s words after being asked about the fantastic support of the 63 000 fans at the stadium that day, when he replied, “We didnt have the support of 63 000 South Africans today, we had the support of 42 million South Africans”.
Until next week, stay safe an look after each other …
