South Africa out to reconquer
After several years during which they lost their way, Springbok rugby has rediscovered its fundamentals and its international ambitions.
One of the burning images of the Rugby World Cup is still that of Springbok captain Francois Pienaar being handed the William Webb Ellis trophy by Nelson Mandela, the country’s first black president. More than a sporting recognition, the crowning of South Africa in 1995 symbolized the reconciliation of a nation torn apart by apartheid up to the beginning of the 1990s. Barred from the first two tournaments by the international boycott, the Boks had made a simply stunning return to the international scene. At rock bottom in 2003 - their Australian campaign ending in defeat to New Zealand (29-9) in the quarter-finals - South African rugby is in full revival. Six months after Jake White was named head coach, Bryan Habana, one of their new international stars, and his team-mates triumphed in the 2004 Tri-Nations. They are forging ahead to 2007 with the ambition to claim a second world title in four attempts.
Colours: |
Green and gold jerseys, white shorts, green and gold socks |
Emblem: |
The Springbok (antelope) and the King Protea (a South African flower) |
National anthem: |
Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) |
IRB world ranking (2006/07): |
3rd |
Rugby World Cup record: |
Winners 1995 Semi-finalists 1999 Quarter-finalists 2003 Did not compete 1987 and 1991
Scored 556 points, conceded 257 |
Head coach: |
Jake White |
Squad Member List: |
Forwards (16): Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Gary Botha, Schalk Burger, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Bob Skinstad, John Smit (Captain), Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Gurthro Steenkamp, Albert Van Den Berg, Wikus Van Heerden, CJ Van Der Linde. Backs (14): Jean de Villiers, Fourie Du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Francois Steyn, Ashwin Willemse. |
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