Page 14 - IFV Issue 11 November 2023

Sport

Francois Pienaar what it was like to have
the support of 60,000 South African
fans in the stadium, Pienaar summed
it up perfectly, capturing the country’s
sentiment, “We didn’t have 60,000
South Africans; we had 43 million South
Africans.”
In those words, I felt the weight of our
history and the promise of our future.
The power of sport as a unifying force
was evident.

The Fragility of Patriotism
Patriotism in South Africa can be a
fragile thing. Our history is complex,
and our wounds are not yet fully
healed. But there is a unique magic in
the way that rugby unites us. When our
Springboks take to the field, something
extraordinary happens. It doesn’t matter
who you are or where you come from.
We stand as one, unwavering in our
Nelson Mandela
congratulates support, our shared hopes and dreams
Francois Pienaar, personified by those men on the field.
after the Boks’ 1995
RWC victory at Ellis
Park in Johannesburg Triumphs in 2007 and 2019
The magic of rugby continued to play
a role in our national narrative. In 2007,
The 1995 Rugby World Cup: the end of regulation time, sending the Springboks defied the odds to
A Triumph of Unity the match into extra time. It was a secure their second World Cup title in
During this period of immense change, moment of pure sporting magic when France. It was a moment of redemption
the Rugby World Cup of 1995 was Joel Stransky’s drop goal sealed a 15-12 and pride, showing the world that South
hosted on South African soil. The finals victory for the Springboks. The entire Africa’s rugby legacy was not a thing of
were held at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, nation celebrated as one, even those like the past.
and the match that unfolded there me who weren’t ardent rugby fans. In 2019, they stumbled at the start of
became an unforgettable piece of our At that moment, I felt something the tournament, losing to New Zealand
nation’s history. The Springboks, led by change within me. The magic of that in their opening pool match. But they
the inspiring Francois Pienaar, faced victory was infectious, and it made me refused to be defined by their early
their arch-rivals, the All Blacks. realise the unifying power of sport. It setbacks. They rallied, demonstrating
The atmosphere was electric, filled wasn’t just about the points on the board; a tenacity and spirit that has come
with anticipation as the stadium it was about the hearts that beat as one to define our nation. The Springboks
resonated with the powerful strains of in that stadium and across the nation. claimed their third Rugby World Cup
our new national anthem, “Nkosi Sikelel’ It was about witnessing the impossible championship, proving that, in South
iAfrika” (God Bless Africa). It was more become possible and knowing that we Africa, it’s not about how you start but
than a rugby match; it was a symbol of could achieve greatness, not just on the how you finish.
our nation’s potential for unity. In the rugby field but as a united people.
notes of our anthem, we found a melody A Symbol of Unity A Historic Fourth Victory in 2023
of hope, echoing through the hearts of The sight of President Mandela and Fast forward to October 28, 2023,
all South Africans. Captain Francois Pienaar standing side and the Springboks, under the
A Magical Moment in Extra Time by side, cradling the coveted trophy, inspirational leadership of Siya Kolisi
As the game progressed, tensions was a powerful testament to the spirit of and the guidance of rugby legends
soared. The scores remained level at togetherness. When a journalist asked Rassie Erasmus and Jaques Nienaber,

12 • Issue 11 2023 • The Villager