Bok flyhalf recalls the drop goal that inspired a nation
IT WAS seven minutes before the final whistle. Joel Stransky positioned himself. It was now or never. He shouted to his scrumhalf, Joost van der Westhuizen, to pass the ball. And, with a perfectly timed kick, he placed the Springboks three points ahead with the most famous drop goal in South African rugby history. Incredibly private and extremely humble, Stransky will always be known as the man who won the Rugby World Cup for South Africa at Ellis Park in 1995.
“It was an unbelievably special time for all of us (players). And we knew, even before the tournament began, what a win would mean for us and the country as a whole.
“We knew how important it would be. But the enormity of it all only struck after that opening match against Australia. We had won. I don’t know if we expected to win, it was such a big game, it was Australia. But we won.”
Although there was an enormous feeling of elation in the squad, it was important for the players to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground. The Bok management made sure of it. It would be a long competition. The players had to remain focused, because all eyes were on the Boks.
“Every single match was a challenge. We had a blackout in Port Elizabeth and that really dirty brawl against Canada. It was an uphill battle. We had to keep our composure.” The hard work paid off. They had made it to the final – and they would face the All Blacks.
“We knew what was expected from us. But it was Nelson Mandela who provided the most inspiration. He was a conduit for us to unite the country after such a painful past. Mandela used the sport to unite a healing country. He was wise enough and had the leadership to do it.
“A win would be wonderful ultimately, but it would be a turning point for the country. We might not have beaten the All Blacks that day. In fact, nine out of 10 games… they would have won. They were a brilliant side. But on the day we came out on top. I know people say it, but I didn’t win the game. I just did my bit like everyone on the field.”
Stransky has not sat down and watched a recording of the match, although he has a copy.
“I have seen that kick a thousand times, but I have never watched the game again. I don’t want to. I don’t need to. I remember it clearly. It was so special.”
After the final at Ellis Park, Stransky and the Boks became instant celebrities; they were mobbed by rugby fans wherever they went and the attention was sometimes unpalatable.
“I like to fly under the radar and my privacy is important to me. I like a simple little life. But it was not possible then.
“It was just tough for me with a young family. Actually, it was tough for all the guys. The upside of it was that we were recognised for excelling in a sport that we all loved. And who doesn’t want that?”
Stransky feels, however, that no sporting event could unite South Africa again the way that the 1995 World Cup did. “It was a different time. We have grown emotionally and physically. Only our leadership can do that now. But we need strong, fine examples for leaders.”
For this veteran, rugby is in his blood. “I believe that rugby has the ability to truly inspire people. That is why I commentate and remain passionately involved in the game. Rugby is in my veins, it’s in my DNA.”
This interview first appeared in the Saturday Star’s 20 Years of Democracy supplement in November 2013. After ending his rugby career in 2003, the scrumhalf worked as a commentator and analyst for SuperSport. He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2010. He spends his days doing charity work with his J9 Foundation. The lock played in unfamiliar terrain at No 8 – with some aplomb – in the semi-final against France and in the final. He has a farm in his native Eastern Cape, and business interests in mining equipment. Kruger, the industrious flanker from Vrede in the Free State, owned a camera franchise in Pretoria until his death in January 2010 from brain cancer. He was 39. The flank and captain of the 1995 heroes is a former player, coach and chief executive of Saracens in England, and former head of sponsorships for First Rand Bank. He pioneered the Varsity Cup. He heads Advent Sport Entertainment and Media. The lock, the unassuming and willing workhorse of the Bok tight five against the All Blacks, is a pharmacist in Pretoria. The second-row enforcer for the Boks continued playing for a year after the 1995 final. He is a rugby talk show anchor and commentator for
SuperSport. He owns a chain of coffee shops. Rossouw was promoted to first choice during the 1995 World Cup after James Dalton’s suspension The former No 8 is a former Bok coach and is the chief executive of the Golden Lions Rugby Union. He was instrumental in returning the team to success after years in the doldrums. The former wing and fullback owns a tourist lodge in Zambia. After coaching the Springboks to a then-record of 14 consecutive wins, including the 1995 World Cup, Christie left the post. He briefly coached Northern Transvaal (The Bulls) in Super Rugby and the Valke as a consultant in the Currie Cup. He died of cancer in 1998, aged 58.
Information from www.sarugbymag.co.za and www.lastwordonsports.com