On this day 30 years ago Joel Stransky landed an extra-time drop goal as the Springboks beat the All Blacks 15-12 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
It was the first of a record four Rugby World Cup titles for the Springboks, who would go on to win the 2007 World Cup in France under captain John Smit and coach Jake White, the 2019 edition in Japan with Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus as skipper and coach, respectively, as well as the 2023 tournament in France with Kolisi and Jacques Nienaber at the helm.
Greatest sporting occasion?
Anyone betting against the Springboks making it a hat-trick of titles – and five overall – in 2027 in Australia?
That day – Saturday, 24 June 1995 – remains arguably the greatest ever sporting occasion in South Africa’s history.
So, what has happened to the starting XV from that unforgettable 1995 final?
Tragically, five of the run-on team have died, along with coach Kitch Christie.
SPRINGBOK TEAM – 1995 RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL
15. Andre Joubert
13. Japie Mulder
12. Hennie le Roux
10. Joel Stransky
9. Joost van der Westhuizen (RIP)
8. Mark Andrews
4. Kobus Wiese
3. Balie Swart
1. Os du Randt
SUBSTITUTES
16. Naka Drotske
17. Brendan Venter
18. Rudolph Straeuli
19. Johan Roux
20. Garry Pagel
21. Gavin Johnson
Coach: Kitch Christie (RIP)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RUGBY WORLD CUP 1995 MEMORY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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