How Springboks’ World Cup success has raised the bar for Blitzboks
Rugby-crazed South Africa celebrated as one when Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in triumph for the second time in as many Rugby World Cups.
The Rainbow Nation has come together as a result of the Springboks’ triumph at rugby’s premier tournament, despite the nation’s past of division, unrest, and discrimination.
In 1995, in Johannesburg’s Ellis Park, President Nelson Mandela gave the World Cup trophy to captain Francois Pienaar. This event is arguably the most memorable in the illustrious history of rugby.
The significance of the feat was revealed when the Springboks returned home, but those who were lucky enough to be present at Stade de France on that historic night in Paris witnessed history.
Numerous people gathered in the streets of different towns around the country to celebrate the World Cup alongside their rugby idols. There’s more to the Springboks than just rugby players.
Other athletes who want to represent their country with honor, pride, and humility on the rugby field now have a higher standard to meet because of the Springboks’ revolutionary success, and they are aware of it.
Rosko Specman, a Sevens great, discussed how the Springboks’ success is inspiring the team on the new-look SVNS Series after assisting the Blitzboks in winning the Dubai SVNS for the eighth time in ten competitions.
It is quite unique. On the pitch at Dubai’s The Sevens Stadium, Rosko told RugbyPass, “It’s a great turnaround for the guys because last season we weren’t on par, there were a lot of youngsters and you could see the youngsters have improved.”
As you witnessed today, the boys are chasing the guys who cross the line, but for the most part, they are staying to the system and working for each other. Instead of working independently, they are employed by one.
Something is going on within the team right now.
“We currently have that drive, as demonstrated by the Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup victories this year. We also wish to regain our position as the world’s top team.
South Africa entered the field last weekend with somewhat of a point to prove, arguably the largest fan base of any team in Dubai.
There was pressure because the Blitzboks had defeated Ireland in the Cup final the previous year, but following the previous season, there was an even greater sense of belief and nearly an expectation of success.
South Africa finished eighth on the circuit, an uncharacteristically low position, and stagnated the remainder of the 2022–2023 season. They have also not qualified for the Olympics up to this moment.
But last weekend, the Dubai SVNS was all that mattered to this crew. It gave the Blitzboks a chance to prove themselves again on the international front,and they made the most of it.
“We know we can be at the top of the world if we follow our structure because we’ve been there before; it’s just difficult to get back there again,” Specman continued.
“The outcomes are in, but what’s the most pleasant thing? We have to start afresh and strive to be at the top the following week.
“We strive to fight every day because, if we don’t show up, we won’t be able to play in the finals, which is our home tournament, and it’s never an easy feat for this team.
“Tonight, we’ll savor this moment and, once we board the aircraft, we’ll simply restart from scratch,”and fight again because now we’re playing in front of our home crowd.
“It’s a lot of pressure and this team can get energy from pressure.”
Following a five-year stint in 15s, Rosko Specman returned to the SVNS Series last weekend in what proved to be a major boost to a talented side with plenty to prove.
Specman, 34, won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and has also played a Test match for the Springboks. That’s experience that can’t be bought.
During the Dubai SVNS, the SVNS great appeared to return to the Blitzboks squad with relative ease. Specman will surely continue to be a key player leading up to the Cape Town leg.
“The guys welcomed me back with open arms, and it’s really great to be back,” he remarked.
Since I’m over 15 years older than some of the boys, I believe it has also given me the motivation to give it my all each and every day on the training field.
“This team doesn’t offer guarantees, and that’s why I have a battling mentality. I shall continue as long as my knees are strong.