From a New Zealand perspective, this was unsporting, even boorish behaviour, though perhaps excusable in the context of the bitter rivalry between these two proud rugby powers.Never mind. As the pressure mounted in that desperate passage of extra time, South African supporters manfully mumbled, as if in prayer, the few words of Shosholoza they actually knew. Known as Shosholoza, it is a song immortalised by Zulu migrant labourers with a refrain that is foreign to rugby’s predominantly Afrikaans ear.Still, whenever that alliterative freak of an athlete Jonah Lomu threatened to break South Africa’s colossal defensive ring which deprived him of space, and whenever the crowd was hushed by the sight of the Springboks being confounded by Ian Jones’s towering line-out presence, the emotional trump card was played.During each excruciating break in the action, the Ellis Park public announcer sent sho-sholoza bursting through the sound-system. For instance, as the tournament progressed and South Africa’s resolute if unspectacular advance gathered momentum, so their anthem gained in popular appeal. The Springboks contested the World Cup with the slogan: “One team, one country”, and it had a somewhat hollow ring at the outset.This was to change. The captain of South Africa has clearly taken a few public-relations tips from the master.That post-match freeze-frame moment was by no means the only powerful image of an extraordinary day. So when Pienaar prepared to hoist the cup of joy and declared that his team had been lifted not only by 60,000-odd spectators at Ellis Park but by 43 million compatriots, Madiba (or father, as Mandela is affectionately known) almost danced a jig up on the podium.

It is almost as if they – we – need to be convinced each day that romance does exist, and that the old-fashioned qualities of courage and faith in your own ability are still worth nurturing.Greatness depends on self-confidence, and the statesmanly figure of Nelson Mandela has rendered this service to South Africa. Thus it was entirely appropriate, if a trifle unsporting, that he should have dressed in a Springbok jersey and cap for the World Cup climax.A deft politician, Mandela has fully exploited the swing in public perception. Their ultimate triumph was one of self-confidence in the face of incredible odds – many self-inflicted, such as the lack of discipline against Canada – and in so doing liberating the Rainbow Nation, with its many transitional troubles of cynicism, and infusing all South Africans with a gung-ho spirit. Failure to bridge these divisions in the past condemned rugby to be pigeon-holed by public perception as an elitist sport beloved of the racist, white oppressor. No more.The lasting achievement of Francois Pienaar and company far exceeds winning the Webb Ellis trophy.

All manner of technical inadequacies have crippled the Springboks since their return to the international fold in 1992, though the most debilitating was an almost innate canker of self-doubt.
This lack of confidence stemmed largely from a country devastated by apartheid, from the deep social and cultural fissures in the fabric of the nation. Of all the memorable images that linger of South Africa’s unexpected success at Ellis Park, and indeed during the entire Rugby World Cup tournament, the aspect of new and renewed self-confidence is the most compelling. Murdoch’s News Corporation has just announced a 10-year TV deal worth $550m (pounds 370m) with the unions of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.. The emblem, which many black South Africans associate with apartheid, was supposed to have been used for the final time for the World Cup final, and the National Sports Council had said that all South African sports teams should adopt the Protea, South Africa’s national flower.n Rupert Murdoch, the Australian media magnate, said yesterday that rugby union teams from northern hemisphere countries would have to play better if they wanted his company to offer them lucrative contracts. It was a minor incident which should not be blown out of proportion.”As for Bevan, he said yesterday: “I was bit surprised and embarrassed but I didn’t want to cause a stir I’m very worried that this could be misconstrued. If that’s the case, it could leave a very bitter taste.” Morrison said: “It doesn’t bother me, but if he wants to have an argument with me he should do it to my face.”n Nelson Mandela yesterday put his support behind the Springbok as the South African sports emblem which he says South Africans can now associate with winners. We are happy for our moment of glory and we realise it is a fleeting moment.”Edward Griffiths, the union’s chief executive, added: “I don’t think one or two misplaced remarks should be construed as representing the broad consensus of Sarfu.

What was consistently said by the captain, manager and coach was to be humble in victory. We as a team and management know how fragile glory or claims of glory are.”We weren’t there in ‘87, we weren’t there in ‘91, and I have my doubts that we would have been able to do anything anyway in ‘87 and ‘91 if we had been there. In ‘95 we proved that if we had been there we would have won.”"It’s a disgrace,” Sean Fitzpatrick, the New Zealand captain, said. And yesterday Morne du Plessis, the South African manager, dismissed Luyt’s crass comments, saying: “Tired and emotional are the words that come to mind. Luyt also caused consternation and embarrassment among the tournament’s referees and refereeing assessors when he directly snubbed Ed Morrison, the Englishman who had handled the final, by pronouncing Derek Bevan of Wales “the most wonderful ref in the world” and presenting him with a watch.
Where the Springbok team had been duly modest in victory, South Africa’s 15-12 win after extra time at Ellis Park prompted Luyt to tell guests: “We boasted in 1987 that the early World Cup was not won by New Zealand because we weren’t there The same happened in ‘91. The South African Rugby Football Union yesterday mounted a frantic damage-limitation exercise after triumphalist remarks by its all-powerful president, Louis Luyt, had caused the All Blacks to walk out of the official banquet after the World Cup final, writes Steve Bale from Johannesburg.

The alternative is the Grand Prix de St Cloud, but it is also quite firm in France.”When Savill makes his decision, the post-Ascot glow may face its first serious test.. The going in Ireland is currently good to firm, and Celtic Swing, of course, is that annoying contradiction, a top-class horse who is very choosy about the ground.”A decision will be made towards the end of the week,” Nick Babington, racing manager to Peter Savill, Celtic Swing’s owner, said yesterday “He will run at the Curragh if it is good ground. It’s a difficult time of year and we may be trying too much, but we must give it a go.” The concept of Ascot “giving it a go” is clearly one we will need to get used to.This week, meanwhile, “good weather” will mean different things to different people as we embark on another tedious “will he or won’t he?” debate over Celtic Swing’s participation in the Irish Derby at the Curragh next Sunday. King George day, 22 July, is the next target, while the Festival of British Racing in September, expanded this year to fill a weekend rather than just a day, offers the greatest challenge.”We really want to get people through the gates at the Festival and we’re going to go flat out for it. Seven thousand more paid pounds 1 to picnic in the centre of the course. Ascot’s new regime could hardly have enjoyed a more encouraging debut, but last week is seen as a foundation, rather than an end in itself.