When the South African Springboks claimed victory at the Rugby World Cup in 1995 they had achieved was more than just a trophy, they had achieved as sense of unity. Nelson Mandela had been elected President of South Africa in 1994 after serving twenty seven years in prison. This was most significant change to end the apartheid. The drastic policy and government changes did not settle well with the majority of the country, and there by caused much separation between black and whites. The Springboks were indeed the most influential factor in uniting country. The Springboks demonstrated the power that sport can have over an entire nation.
"No one of us could ever in their wildest dreams have been able to predict that rugby ... could have this magical effect"
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 1995
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Fig. 1 |
Sport and Nationality
All nations have their own problems, but South Africa was suffering from an extreme divide between religion, politics and race. With the recent changes of government the feuds between black and white citizens created much tension within the entire country. The Springbok emblem was a matter of much controversy with many of the blacks. It was the symbol of White supremacy and the segregation between the blacks. Mandela vouched to not change the emblem but instead decided to rewrite history with a new team that had a new set of values. The Emblem crested on the jersey will no longer be associated with the apartheid but rather a symbol of one entity.
Due to the apartheid the Springboks had been kept out of the Olympics and previous Rugby World Cups "No one with a silver conscience wanted to touch them with a bargepole, let alone ruck or maul with them". Before 1994 the apartheid policies stated that only white men were able to represent their country in sports, further reinforcing White supremacy and black segregation. With a new government in place and coincidentally South Africa hosting the Rugby World Cup it was a great opportunity for South Africa to show the world how much the nation had changed. With the Springboks first victory against Australia its was only just one small example of the determination the athletes had to unite the country.
Nelson Mandela and the Rainbow Nation
The Raindow nation was a term crafted by Desmond Tutu, the Arch Bishop of South Africa to symbolize the unity of black and whites. A new flag had been designed to exhibit the culturalism of the country now that Mandela was the leader. Mandela was unlike the rest of the leaders that preceded him. The African National Congress believed in achieving equality through negotion instead of wars, Mandela's fearlessness in communicating sensitive issues were eloquently displayed through his emotions of compassion, charisma, and sometimes with a sense of humor. He built a strong relationship with Afrikaners who benefited from the apartheid in the attempts to reconcile that democracy could take its rightful place.
Mandela played a large role during the 1995 World Cup, "when the world cup was set to be played in South Africa, Mandela knew that this was an opportunity to reconcile Blacks and Whites". Mandela saw how sport could be used as a medium to join two sides and make a single team. Finding a common interest between the two races was a necessity to unite the country as one. The Springboks were exactly what was needed to create the Rainbow Nation.
"The Springboks are out boys. I ask everyone of you
to stand behind them because they are our pride,
they are my pride, they are your pride"
(Mandela, 1995)
Francois Pienaar
Pienaar was the captain of the Springboks during their 1995 Championship. He was known for leading by example throughout the tournament and had a very close bond with Mandela. Throughout the tournament the team had adopted the saying "One team, One nation". Pienaar had came to the realization that this tournament wasn't just for the team, it was for everyone in South Africa. It wasn't until the Springboks had won the cup that he recognized just how proud the country was . Pienaar was personally thanked by Mandela for what he had done for the country while handing the cup over to him during the ceremonies. Without his strong abilities of leadership the team would have never succeeded.
Chester Williams
The majority of the Springboks team was white, with the exception of Chester Williams. Williams was the key to receiving support from the black population of South Africa. "Williams rapidly became an icon for rugby in the ‘new’ South Africa; he was the emblem of achievement, hope, reconciliation and recognition for the fledgling nation." stated Grunlingh in 1998. Chester quickly became the focal point in media. He was used to gather fans who would not normally support the Springboks, let alone rugby in general. At first, there was much skepticism of Williams and most people agreed that he was only chosen because of the colour of his skin, but indeed he proved everyone wrong when he scored 4 tries in the quarter final game of the tournament. (Mace, 2011)
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Fig. 2 |
As important as it was to promote players like Chester, whom displayed a positive image for the team, it was equally important to mask the players who did not have the same effect on the country. One player in particular who is not often talked about is Henry Tromp. Tromp had served a 4 month jail sentence for manslaughter of a black teenager. Keeping Tromps history private Williams was the forefront of the media frenzy.
Final Game
After many days of games, injuries, and battles it was time to announce the victorious team. On June 24 1995 was the day where the Springboks were committed to the ultimate test. The final game concluded by defeating the New Zealand All-Blacks in extra-time. Prior to the match the tension were high amongst players, and of course their supporters. Before the game summoned it is tradition for the All-Blacks to perform a tribal dance called "The Haka". It consists of grunts, slaps, and stomping before every game as a means of intimidation to the opposing team. Often teams fall into immense fear and go into the pitch with a scared attitude. But the Springboks were unlike any other team and stood strong and did not let the Haka interfere their game.
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Fig. 3 |
Throughout the duration of the game there was never a moment where it wasn't a constant battle. The game was at a deadlock and must be taken into extra-time. In the second period of over time Joel Stransky had a drop kick that won the game. As exciting as winning the Championship title was, it was not the most memorable moment. Most people remember the celebrations that occurred in the crowds and streets. When Mandela the arrived to the podium in Pinnears practice jersey to present the cup to Pinnear himself was a significant moment in history. This pivotal moment had demonstrated just how strong and unified the country of South Africa had become.
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Fig. 4 "Never has a sporting moment had more influence on politics and a nation's history than that drop kick. The Springboks were real heroes." |
(Mace, 2011)
Fig. 5 - Nelson Mandela awarding Francois Pienaar the Web Ellis Cup
