'Sport has the power to change the world’.
The immortal words of Nelson Mandela and a saying he lived by, during his tenure as President of South Africa.
His most famous success was relived in the 2009 film, Invictus. The story of how Nelson Mandela helped unite post apartheid South Africa by winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Morgan Freeman embodied the South African President and his journey to the World Cup Final, with Springbok Captain Francois Pienaar, played by Matt Damon. Mandela understood the importance of the Springboks to the white Afrikaners, but also the hatred it evoked in the black population. He saw it as an opportunity to unite all people in his newly declared Rainbow Nation. That year Nelson Mandela strode out onto the pitch at Ellis Park in Johannesburg at the World Cup Final, proudly wearing the green and gold jersey of the Springboks. Hand and heart outstretched, he openly welcomed those that had previously represented oppression in South Africa, and encouraged everyone else to do so too.
The core of Mandela's plan was that he appreciated that sport brings people together. Across social and cultural divides, no matter race, religion or creed. People join together to enjoy their shared love of the sport. The atmosphere is that of a united front for one cause, sharing in the highs and lows, rallying behind the players as they give their all for their country. It inspires confidence, hope and bravery.
On the 20th Anniversary of Mandela's World Cup, this memory is still held dear and although the Springboks have not made it to the Final this year, they fight it out for 3rd place, to be ranked among the top players in the world.
However, with rumours still rife of bias towards the white players, it is up to the Springboks team and their coaches to remember the vision that Nelson Mandela believed in, and uphold his legacy, so that the South African team can truly prove that rugby can indeed unite a nation.
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