10 Best Things To Know About The South Africa National Rugby Team

10 Best Things To Know About The South Africa National Rugby Team

Rugby is one of the most loved sports in the great country of South Africa. The Springboks, as they are mostly referred to as, commands a lot of respect and are undoubtedly one of the best rugby teams in the world. This stems from their consistency in winning tournaments. In this article, we look at the 10 Best Things To Know About The South Africa National Rugby Team, starting with their most memorable moments, why they are a top rugby playing nation, and,  some of the attributes of the game. This hopefully will inspire you to be part and parcel to this success.

1. They Won The 1995 Rugby World Cup

South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 in the final to win the Rugby World Cup on June 24, 1995 at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium. The game represents a crucial turning point in South African history. Since the fall of the racist apartheid rule in 1991, it was the country’s first big athletic event, and, was graced by the then South Africa President Nelson Mandela.

2. They Are The Top Team In The World 

The Springboks have been one of the top-ranked rugby teams in the world for a very long time.. They are loved by fans throughout the world . According to World Rugby rankings, as of 10 April 2023, The Springboks were lying fourth in the world.  It is also important to note at this point that, rankings can shift over time based on a team’s success in international games.

3. The Springboks Have Won The Rugby World Cup Three Times

South Africa has participated in 7 of the 9 Rugby World Cup competitions after being excluded from the first two competitions owing to the apartheid-era sports boycott. They hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup after the end of apartheid and won the competition; they repeated as champions at the 2007 tournament in France. Then, after losing a match during the pool stage, the Springboks created history when they defeated England in the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

Despite playing in fewer tournaments, the Springboks and New Zealand All Blacks are tied for the most tournament victories at the Rugby World Cup with three each. Additionally, they are the only rugby team to have achieved victory.

4. The Springboks Have A Strong Rivalry With The New Zealand 

Rivalry between the Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks have really grown to be regarded as the gold standard for athletic achievement since they have alternated between being ranked first and second in the globe for the overwhelming bulk of the professional era. Since 1921, they have faced off against one another more than 89 times. In the professional era, these rivals have faced off six times at Ellis Park, with a total of 390 points, or an average of 65, scored in those games. This is always a must-watch game for fans around the world and has never failed in producing fireworks and excitement, therefore, living up to its reputation.

5. The Team Is Known For Their Physicality and Powerful Forwards

They are distinguished from other teams due to their unique style of play which is considered to be very physical and puts emphasis  on set-piece plays like scrums, line outs, and mauls. It has been perfected  to exert pressure on the adversary and to rule the game’s physical components.

World-class forwards who have become enduring characters in the sport have a lengthy history of being produced by the Springboks. A few examples of the numerous talented forwards are Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, and Os du Randt.

6. They Are Known To Have A Strong Defense

The Springboks are known to thrive when they employ their  strong defense and  strategic kicking game. This style of play requires a bunch of players who are endowed with physique and are capable of putting pressure on the opponents. This is what has made them one of the best teams in the world.

7. The Team Has Produced Some Of The Greatest Players 

The Springboks are known to nurture some of the greatest talents in the world of rugby. Some of these players who have earned respect and admiration internationally include; Francois Pienaar, a legend of Springbok who is best remembered for captaining the team to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Another legendary Springbok is Bryan Habana best remembered for guiding the team to the 2007 Rugby World Cup victory and was also voted the World Rugby Player of the Year in 2007.

8. They Have Won The Rugby  Championship Four Times 

The Rugby Championship, formerly known as the Tri-Nations, is one of the most prestigious rugby tournaments in the world today. The springboks have been regular participants, producing some exciting style of play that endures them to their fans. For their efforts, they have been rewarded by being crowned the champions four times.  They won it for the first time in 1998, making a mark in the annual rugby competition. This was followed by a 6-year wait and they finally recaptured the title in 2004, 2009, and 2019. They are always a force to reckon with when participating in this tournament giving sleepless nights to their opponents.

9. Siya Kolisi Is The Current Captain

Rugby has a reputation for being a white-dominated sport in South Africa Kolisi  is the current captain of South Africa rugby team. He made history in 2018 as the team’s first black captain. At the 2019 Rugby World Cup, he did not disappoint as he led the team to victory.

10. The Team Has A Strong Fan Base

South Africans love their rugby. Men, women, and kids can all be seen sporting rugby jerseys on any given game day and celebrating the Springboks’ signature colors of green and gold. Due to their loyalty to the team, they have been nicknamed  “Bokke”.  This name comes derived from the Afrikaans language meaning antelope. They are known all over the world and are synonymous with their unique cheering  system involving a lot of cheering and singing.