Pienaar raises Mandelas dream

South Africa is a country with a very colourful political background. A country where politics is heavily involved in sport to this day. With the release of Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus” due in December, we have a look at the day when politics in sport had the greatest possible effect for our country. One man was the difference in a country which had for so long been divided along racial lines. One man had a vision for change and the ability to bring that vision into the hearts of a nation.

After spending 27 years in prison because of his position as the military leader of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela saw the opportunity to rally a country into a nation, united through sport. For years rugby in South Africa, predominantly a ‘white’ sport at the time, was seen as a symbol of white apartheid strength. Mandela went about in trying to change this view of rugby by appealing to his followers to embrace the Springbok as a symbol of our nation’s strength.

“… I ask you all to stand behind them, because they are our pride…”

The image that will remain in our memories forever

On the 24 June 1995, 18 men carried not only the vision of one man, but the hope of an entire nation. The image of Francois Pienaar accepting the Webb Ellis Cup from Nelson Mandela following the 1995 World Cup final is one that has lived long in the memory of rugby fans the world over. As a symbol of South Africa’s readmission into the sporting landscape, it was monumental, and cast Pienaar as one of the all-time greatest Springbok captains.

Francios Pienaar reflects:

When I first heard that Matt Damon was to play Francois Pienaar in the upcoming movie, Invictus, about the 1995 Rugby World Cup, I wasn’t too sure how that was going to work, except for the fact that they were both blonde.

A few of my mates actually played roles in the movie, and had the privilege of meeting Matt. Apparently he is quite a stand up guy. As the story goes, at one point he entered a ruck quite softly to say the least, stood up, embarrassed, and said to the rest of the cast, mostly actual rugby players:

“Sorry guys, I realise that was pretty gay, but (pointing to his face) this is all I have going for me…”

Classic! At least he isn’t afraid to have a laugh at himself. Check out his interview with Whackhead Simpson here.

Here is a little taste of what we can expect when ‘Invictus’ is released in December:

And a short bonus clip of inside the Boks’ changeroom after the final. I particularly enjoyed the part where Robbie Brink lights up a cigar… (I must warn you, the quality of the clip is quite poor. Worth a watch non the less):