Mandela magic inspires Springboks

Until yesterday it seemed inconceivable that South Africa could pose any kind of threat in this World Cup. Months of bitter off-field rows over racism and thuggery have simply emphasised how much ground has been lost since the Springboks hoisted the William Webb Ellis trophy in 1995 but, eight years on, the Nelson Mandela effect appears as powerful as ever.

Before they flew out, the embattled squad enjoyed an audience with their former president and from the moment they stepped off the plane in Australia the Boks
have seemed significantly more upbeat. As their team manager Gideon Sam made clear, the wrongs of the past will not be easily righted but, by the sound of it, the spirit of Mandela has been exported to Fremantle.

England, their opponents in the crunch game of Pool C on Saturday week, would certainly not have been encouraged to hear Sam's account of Mandela's team address, in which he reminded the players how much the triumph of 1995, when he famously wore the captain Francois Pienaar's green and gold jersey, had meant to him and the country.

"The whole country will be looking at this campaign and a great result here will let us relive the days of 1995," said Sam, confident that the much-publicised race row within the Springbok squad, which led to the expulsion of the bearded Blue Bulls lock Geo Cronje, will act as a catalyst for positive changes within South African rugby and beyond.

"We don't live in a vacuum, we live in a real South Africa with real problems. We come from a divided past and we know it's going to take generations before people know what it means to live together. It's not about Geo, it's about racism in South African sport."

The Springbok captain Corne Krige pledged that South Africa were not about to abandon the physical approach which has always been their hallmark.

"We will be physical; traditionally that's our strength. There have been mishaps in the past when the guys have overstepped the mark but that's been sorted out.

"We want to be seen as tough, physical rugby players who play within the laws. I think being underdogs also motivates the guys because we want to prove people wrong. The team knows we haven't performed close to our potential yet and they are starting to realise that now."