Did South Africa Really Win the 1995 Rugby World Cup?

Who does not remember the euphoria that prevailed in South Africa just after the full-time whistle blew after Joel Stransky’s drop attempt was successful, giving South Africa the victory in its first Rugby World Cup? And this euphoria took possession of the entire South Africa for many days, even weeks after this historic win. 

Even I thought that yes, maybe we did have some real unity in this country of us, also the country of all the white South Africans.

But not long after the euphoria worn off and the ANC started showing its true colors and Mandela was side-lined, the so-called unity went down the drain.

Since then, the country went down the hill with Zuma in the driving seat. Although the decay was in all spheres, it was corruption and bribery that stood out and everything and anything in South Africa had (has) a price from a murder docket to vanish to a mere parking infringement to disappear for the right price.

And then came the recent 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup scandal and the entire ANC government is denying any involvement like nobody’s business - as usual!

That is why I wonder, did we really win the 1995 Rugby World Cup? Or was it bought?

I ask this based only on the following:

* The World Cup was the first major sporting event to take place in South Africa following the end of apartheid. It was also the first World Cup in which South Africa was allowed to compete; the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB, now World Rugby) had only readmitted South Africa to international rugby in 1992, following negotiations to end apartheid. The Rugby World Cup host nation is selected by the International Rugby Board (IRB) at a special meeting six years in advance of the tournament. The choice of host nation is a highly anticipated event. If South Africa was only readmitted to international rugby in 1992, how could we be awarded host nation if the host nation is selected six years in advance? This means that another country was awarded the host but had to stand down to make provision for South Africa? At what price?

* Taking into consideration that South Africa only re-entered the international rugby scene in 1992, the Springboks were struggling against England, Australia and New Zeeland prior to 1995 but when the World Cup came, suddenly we cruised past everyone to the final. Then the final, Suddenly the All Black camp suffered from a stomach bug, could not function well! Believe this and you would also believe that Zuma loves the whites! Remember, days, weeks in the build up to the World Cup it was suggested in the media around the world that should South Africa win the event, it would do wonders for reconciliation and unity!

* Ifthere are now allegations that there were bribes to secure the 2010 FIFA Soccer Cup to be hosted by South Africa, could this also not be true of the 1995 Rugby World Cup? And maybe, just maybe South Africa did not do more than enough to also ensure a win in 2010? But here people in charge realized that it would be too much to be asked to pathetic Bafana Bafana to win!

Just asking!!

Daniel