Get Newsletter

Team Guide: South Africa

Background information

ADVERTISEMENT

South Africa have only participated in five of the seven World Cups.

The reason why the Springboks have not participated in the first two World Cups was due to an international sports boycott as a result of the apartheid regime.

Bryan Habana and Jonah Lomu share the record, for the most tries at a tournament, which is eight. 

Os du Randt was one of six players to have won the World Cup twice.

South Africa was one of three teams to play the same team in the pool stages, then again in the final.

The Springboks had four different captains and five different coaches at World Cups- with John Smith Captaining the side at two consecutive World Cups.

ADVERTISEMENT

Percy Montgomery 111 points were the most for South Africa at World Cups.

1987

South Africa did not participate due to an international sports boycott as a result of the apartheid regime.

1991

ADVERTISEMENT

South Africa could still not participate due to an international sports boycott as a result of the apartheid regime.

1995

South Africa hosted and won the World Cup for the first time.

Joel Stransky drop-goal in extra time would never be forgotten. His drop-goal won the tournament for South Africa.

South Africa scored 13 tries in the tournament- with Chester Williams getting four of them.

Joel Stransky contributed 61 out of South Africa's 144 points at the tournament.

The Springboks had only conceded 69points in the World Cup.

Kitch Christie coached the side-with Francios Pienaar being captain.

1999

It was the Springboks second participation at the World Cup.

They received automatic qualification, due to them winning the 1995 World Cup.

South Africa ended third in the World Cup after Australia beat them 27-21 in the semifinals.

Nick Mallet coached the side-with Joost Van Der Westhuizen being captain.

The Springboks collected 219 points- with only 101 conceded in the competition.

Their biggest winning margin was again 44 points when they toppled Spain 47-3 in a pool game.

South Africa scored 20 tries in the tournament.

Jannie de Beer five drop-goals against England, was the most in one match.

2003

South Africa participated in their third World Cup.

They received automatic qualification due to them coming third in the previous World Cup.

South Africa were knocked out by the All Blacks in the quarterfinals after a poor tournament.

Rudolph Straeuli coached the side-with Corne Krige being captain.

The Springboks collected 193 points- with only 89 conceded in the competition.

Their biggest winning margin was again 66 points when they crushed Uruguay 72-6 in a pool game.

Out of South Africa 25 tries Joost Van Der Westhuizen scored five of them.

2007

South Africa appeared in their fourth World Cup.

They received automatic qualification due to them being in the quarterfinals of the previous World Cup.

Captain, John Smit led South Africa to their second World Cup title- Jake White coaching the side.

Bryan Habana was the stand out man throughout the tournament- with a total of eight tries.

Percy Montgomery slotted 12 of the Springboks 15 points in the final.

The Springboks collected 278 points- with only 86 conceded in the competition.

Their biggest winning margin was again 52 points when they toppled Samoa 59-7 in a pool game.

François Steyn was the youngest player to win a World Cup. He was 20 years and 159 days old.

2011

The Springboks appeared in their fifth World Cup.

They received automatic qualification, due to them winning the 2007 World Cup.

South Africa was knocked out by Australia in the quarterfinals- with a 11-9 loss.

Peter De Villiers coached the side-with John Smit being captain.

South Africa's biggest win was 87-0 against Namibia in Auckland.

The Springboks collected 195 points- with only 35 conceded in the competition.

South Africa scored 19 tries in the tournament.

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment