Madiba Magic inspires Springboks
By Dylan McKinn
From Paris
PARIS, 6 September - "Madiba Magic" hit the South Africa squad on Thursday when former President Nelson Mandela met with his beloved Springboks ahead of their IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 campaign.
IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar also presented Mandela with a gift of appreciation for uniting his country in rugby in 1995 when the Springboks defeated New Zealand in the RWC final to claim the Webb Ellis Cup.
Mandela greeted the players and management with open arms as they attempt to win back the Webb Ellis Cup they lifted in 1995. Madiba refers to Mandela’s clan nickname.
Springbok captain John Smit summed up the feeling in the camp. "It is an incredible experience for every single one of us," the veteran hooker said.
"Some of the guys have met him before, some haven't, but every single time you meet him it produces goose bumps all over the body.
"When he has met with us he has always kept on with faxes and well wishes and is always forever calling and wishing us well in crucial times in any of our campaigns over the last couple of years.
"That Madiba magic can last you more than seven weeks, it can last a lifetime."
Inspirational leader
Coach Jake White mirrored the skipper's sentiments. "He has a massive impact not only on our team but on the whole of South Africa," White remarked.
"The reaction here of everyone trying to get close to him, get a photograph of him, it rubs off on every player."
Mandela, who was President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, was full of praise for his team as he passed on some words of wisdom - which the Springboks will take with them into their opening match against Samoa in Paris on Sunday.
"You must not be upset with what happens against you because we know that you are determined to be the top sportsmen in this country (South Africa), and with these words I wish you all the best," said the Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
RNS dm/djp/ww/pr/sek
