The class of 1995: 'They wore the jersey with pride and respect'

SPOTLIGHT: On this day, 30 years ago, the Springboks won their first World Cup, etching their name into the history books forever.

The class of 1995 will forever be heroes following their 15-12 win over the All Blacks in extra time at Ellis Park.

It was an iconic moment, given that the country was just in its first year as a democratic state.

The sight of Springbok captain Francois Pienaar hoisting the trophy alongside President Nelson Mandela has become a symbol of hope, speaking volumes about the country and its people.

And since then, that ethos has continued to thrive in the Springboks.

They have won another three World Cups (2007, 2019, and 2023) since then as they continue to unite a country that, in many parts, still struggles to find common ground.

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Speaking to reporters this week, double World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe said the legacy of the class of 1995 is still ingrained in the current squad.

“They laid the foundation back in 1995, and they wore the jersey with pride and respect,” said Kolbe.

“For us as current players, we need to make sure we leave the jersey in a better place every time we play.”

Born in 1993, Kolbe says rewatching the 1995 highlights still inspires him.

“I was obviously too young to watch it live, but I watched the highlights of great moments.

“And those were the things that encouraged you as a youngster, looking up to your heroes, because you want to be on that stage as well.

“And even do better with your fellow teammates.

“The foundation has been laid, so for us who get the opportunity now, we have to make sure we progress and leave the Springbok jersey in a better position.”

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For a New Zealander, it will certainly not be a fond memory.

Former All Black flyhalf and current Springbok attack coach Tony Brown recalled the day Joel Stransky delivered that extra-time drop goal for the famous win.

“I was in the New Zealand Under-20 camp with [current All Blacks coach] Scott Robertson.

“We were the only two who sat up at 3 a.m. to watch.

“We had a trial the next day, but we stayed up and watched the game.

“World Cups are amazing events, and whoever wins it are legends for life.

“And with Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar – what they did around winning that for the country, the history it created has been amazing.

“South Africa has just continued being a dominant team since then.”