Lessons we can learn from the Boks in France

Irrespective of the final result, there were many lessons for us as a nation in the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup title defence campaign.

Perhaps the most obvious lesson we can learn from captain Siya Kolisi, coach Jacques Nienaber, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and the rest of the squad is how South Africans of all races, classes and backgrounds can come together to work towards a common goal.

In the team are players who went to top rugby schools such as Malcolm Marx’s King Edward VII, RG Snyman’s Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, and Grant Williams and Canan Moodie’s Paarl Gimnasium. Others came from poor, no-fee schools such as Kolisi’s Emsengeni Primary and Makazole Mapimpi’s Jim Mvabaza Senior Secondary. Thanks to their extraordinary talent and determination, the likes of Kolisi and Mapimpi rose to the top despite the harsh cards life dealt them.

Despite their different racial backgrounds and home languages, a close observation of the team reveals the players' genuine affection for each other

Despite their different racial backgrounds and home languages, a close observation of the team reveals the players' genuine affection for each other, a camaraderie forged through what unites them, not what divides. On the field, the team members literally put their bodies on the line for each other — like winger Cheslin Kolbe who took a ball to the face in his extraordinary charge-down of a conversion attempt by Thomas Ramos in the quarterfinal against France. They delight in their teammates’ successes and never fail to come to each other’s defence.

Meanwhile at home, we have joined together in an extraordinary effort, sending messages of support, singing gwijos and chanting war cries to make the players in France feel our gees. It is a spirit we would do well not to lose after the final whistle.

There are more lessons to be drawn from their example. One is the value of excellence. Being the best in the world requires tremendous hard work and resilience, both emotional and physical. The players who didn’t make the selectors’ cut didn’t sulk on the sidelines but turned out to cheer on those who did.

When Manie Libbok was off his kicking game and replaced by an in-form Handré Pollard last weekend, we all understood why. And when Stephen Kitshoff came off for Ox Nche, it was about the different contributions each makes to the team effort. Both players were pivotal to the victory.

Just as the team had to rely on each member during the campaign, so do we need each other to make this country the best it can be.

Another quality we can emulate is the Springboks' tenacity; their refusal to give up until the job is done. They have scrummed, mauled and sprinted many extra miles — particularly when it seemed all was lost. After six weeks in France they were exhausted and battered but remained determined to get the job done.

In their composition of the bench comprising seven forwards and one back, Nienaber and Erasmus provided a masterclass in creative problem solving. Even though detractors criticised them for going against the spirit of the game, if not the rules, they have led the way in tactical innovation.

When the Springboks lost against Ireland, they were gracious in defeat and gave credit and due praise to the victors. They did not whine or lay unfounded complaints against their opposition.

Our leaders would do well to emulate the leadership of Kolisi, who led from the front on the field and from the sidelines when he was substituted. He also led during this week’s controversy over England flanker Tom Curry’s racial abuse claims, later found to be baseless. Ever prepared to do the right thing, Kolisi expressed support for Curry and his family amid the online trolling they received.

In some ways, the Springboks have reminded us of the best of ourselves — in their sense of humour, sheer determination, ingenuity and strength in diversity. Let us continue where they left off and not squander this moment. As a nation we are, indeed, stronger together.