The best of times

Wellington Wonders

A week after the Brisbane defeat, the Boks not only fought back from an early 12-0 deficit, but led 24-17 at halftime as they went to record a 36-34 win. It was their first in New Zealand in nine years.

Ellis Park fightback

At 24-3 down against England, the Boks looked down and out but they mounted the first of two series fightbacks to win 42-39. They clawed back from a 12-0 deficit to win the series in Bloemfontein the following week.

Bongi’s the man of the hour

Three consecutive accurate lineouts from Bongi Mbonambi saw the Boks move from deep within their own half after the hooter trailing 22-26 against France in Paris to score the match-winning try from a rolling maul to win 29-26.

Kolisi’s historic moment

Siya Kolisi became the first black Springbok captain and happened to don the same No 6 jersey worn by Francois Pienaar at the very same ground where the Boks won the Rugby World Cup in 1995. It remains a moment frozen in time.