Mandela, Lomu and a Rugby World Cup final that went beyond sport

On 24 June 1995, New Zealand and South Africa walked out at Ellis Park for a historic Rugby World Cup final. On Saturday in Paris they meet again

HISTORY MAKERS: South African President Nelson Mandela congratulating Springbok skipper Francois Pienaar after handing him the William Webb Ellis trophy. - The Springboks beat New Zealand 15-12 after over-time in the Rugby World Cup final. 

IT was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, on 24 June 1995, when New Zealand and South Africa walked down the Ellis Park tunnel and out into the magical light of a winter’s day in Johannesburg. Fifteen men were dressed all in black and 15 men wore green, gold and white. They obviously had no idea then that 28 years would have to pass before these two giants could face each other again when it matters most – in a World Cup final.

This Saturday in Paris, the All Black and Springbok squads will emerge from the tunnel at the Stade de France with the knowledge that the two countries they represent have each won the World Cup three times. By the time the next tournament begins, in 2027, the World Cup will have been in the possession of either New Zealand or South Africa for 24 successive years.