On June 24, 1995, South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 in the Rugby World Cup final, a moment that marked the country’s history due to the political context at the time, mainly apartheid. Thirty years later, Mark Andrews and Joel Stransky, two of the stars of that team, shared their memories and reflections in the South African newspaper Daily Sun about a tournament that transcended sports. Their words reflect the magnitude of that achievement and its impact on South Africa… Beyond ‘Invictus’ and Hollywood.

Mark Andrews, who played in the unusual position of number eight, recalled that “it wasn’t just the final match that stuck in everyone’s memory, but the six weeks of hard work, starting with the first match against Australia. Mzansi (the entire South African people) rallied behind us, and that was the most powerful memory, seeing the country united.”

Andrews highlighted how the 1995 victory transformed rugby in South Africa. “It was the beginning of professional rugby, which allowed many players to make a living from the sport and showcase their talent locally and internationally.” Of course, the former player also recalled his first meeting with Nelson Mandela: “The first time I met Mandela was the week before the opening match. His presence and support gave us incredible motivation.”

Joel Stransky and the drop kick that made history

For his part, Joel Stransky, who scored the winning drop kick in the final, described that decisive moment: “The score was tied at 12-12, and I knew I had to seize the opportunity. That drop kick from 30 meters was the moment that gave us the victory.” This was the first Rugby World Cup final to be decided in extra time, and Stransky’s kick remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of world rugby.

Stransky also recalled Nelson Mandela’s visit to the dressing room before the final: “Seeing Mandela wearing the Springboks jersey was an incredible moment. It gave us strength and motivation. It made us feel that we were playing for something much bigger than ourselves.”

The 1995 team

Both players agreed that the 1995 tournament was much more than a sporting achievement. Andrews said that beyond the fact that the team played “an important role in the transition from amateur to professional rugby, it was a moment when rugby became a symbol of unity for South Africa.”

For his part, Stransky highlighted the support of the nation: “Feeling the whole country behind us was something I will never forget. It was a moment that united South Africa in a way we had never seen before.”

Thirty years later, the words of these South African rugby heroes continue to remind us of the impact of that victory, not only on the sport, but on the history of South Africa.