Steyn's challenge for Springboks

Francois Steyn has challenged his South Africa team-mates to write a fresh chapter in the annals of Springboks rugby by lifting the World Cup tomorrow night.

The Springboks’ one and only previous world title came on home soil in 1995, when Francois Pienaar’s side recorded a memorable 15-12 win over New Zealand in Johannesburg.

After being eliminated in the semi-finals in 1999 and the last eight in 2003, the South Africans now have a great chance to claim a second Webb Ellis Trophy when they take on England at the Stade de France.

Steyn, 20, revealed that Morne du Plessis, the manager of the 1995 Springboks team, told the squad before the tournament that it was about time the country was back on top of the rugby pyramid.

The young centre is desperate not to let this chance go begging.

“Before we left to come out here, Morne du Plessis came and sat with us and said it was time for new memories – because everyone is still speaking about 1995,” he said.

“1995 is a long way back – we must do something new for the country now.

“I remember being at home with my parents that day. I just remember the Joel Stransky’s ’drop’ – that’s what everybody remembers.

“Everybody wanted to play for South Africa when they won the World Cup. I just hope we can repeat it on Saturday and make youngsters want to play rugby.”

South Africa president Thabo Mbeki will be present tomorrow night – but former leader Nelson Mandela, who so famously wore the Springboks number-six shirt when handing the trophy over to Pienaar 12 years ago, will not be in Paris.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said he would not be able to accept an invitation to attend the game, because he needed rest after recent exertions.

Mandela, however, has sent Jake White’s squad a recorded video message in a bid to inspire the players.

Steyn confirmed having Mbeki in Paris would be a source of inspiration, adding: “It’s huge honour and privilege to have him here.

“We never thought we would play like this and get this far – and for him to come over especially for us is awesome.”

South Africa have made giant strides over the past year.

In November 2006, they were defeated 23-21 by England at Twickenham thanks to a late try by Phil Vickery – but went on to beat the world champions a week later.

That result saved White from the axe – and since then, the Springboks have gone from strength to strength and were always likely to make the final in France.

Steyn admits his team learnt a lot from that narrow reverse at Twickenham.

“I think we have learned how to close a game down now,” he said.

“At the end of the tour last year, our first game against the English, we threw away the game and couldn’t close it down,” added the Sharks utility back, who played at full-back that day.

“But we have realised here that we can – and we have gradually gained confidence about how to slow the game down. We will not stop playing until the 80 minutes are over on Saturday.”

Steyn has played a huge role in helping the Springboks reach the final, having come into the side as a replacement for the injured Jean de Villiers.

De Villiers, a first-choice centre for his country, ruptured his biceps against Samoa in South Africa’s first Pool A match and immediately returned home.

Steyn feels for his team-mate, who has been involved with the squad in the build-up to the showpiece.

“I saw him last week and he’s here this week again,” added Steyn.

“He’s very supportive, and I still regard him as the main centre in South Africa.

“I’m just trying to be half that he is. I’m just trying to do my best.

“I will just go out and try to enjoy myself.”