The Springboks and All Blacks will face off at Ellis Park in their first match in the Greatest Rivalry series this weekend. The respected rivals will play at the historic venue, as they did at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final more than three decades ago.
The match featured many rugby heroes who have since passed; New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu and South Africa’s Joost van der Westhuizen, James Small, Chester Williams, and Ruben Kruger.
Joining them on the pitch to sing the national anthem was Nelson Mandela, the first democratic president, who encouraged South Africans to unite through sport.
The Boks won for the first time on home soil as the host country.
REVISITING THE GREATEST RIVALRY: SPRINGBOKS SING EMOTIONAL NATIONAL ANTHEM AT ELLIS PARK
The Springboks are gearing up for the first of their four test matches against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
The match will no doubt bring back memories of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa played New Zealand at the same venue.
Ahead of the match, the national anthem was sung by the choral group, Imilonji Kantu Choral Society. The World In Union – a fitting song selection given the context – was performed next by PJ Powers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The emotional and historic game featured legendary South African players who have since passed, such as Joost van der Westhuizen, James Small, Ruben Kruger, and Chester Williams.
The All Blacks Jonah Lomu, then just 20 years old, also featured in the star-studded match.
As did former President Nelson Mandela, who brought his infectious Madiba Magic to the stadium. The Springboks ultimately won 15-12 against the All Blacks.
Iconic images of the late, proud president – donning green and gold – lifting the Webb Ellis trophy alongside Springbok captain Francois Pienaar made headlines around the world. The historical scenes were credited with being the moment when South Africans of all races formed a bond through sport and support for the Springboks.
Watch the throwback video below…
NKOSI SIKELEL ‘IAFRIKA LYRICS
Here are the lyrics to South Africa’s beautiful national anthem, as sung before each Springboks game…
Nkosi sikelel’ Afrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo
Yizwa imithandazo yethu
Nkosi sikelela thina lusapho lwayo
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho
O se boloke (Ntate) o se boloke setjhaba sa heso
Setjhaba sa South Afrika (South Afrika)
Uit die blou van onse hemel
Uit die diepte van ons see
Oor ons ewige gebergtes
Waar die kranse antwoord gee
Sounds the call to come together
And united we shall stand
Let us live and strive for freedom
In South Africa, our land.
