South Africa have not had to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2003, their reward for reaching the semi finals of the previous tournament where they suffered their only RWC defeat to date after extra time to eventual champions Australia.
The Springboks did not participate in the first two tournaments because of the international sports boycott during apartheid, but they nonetheless played their part in the creation of the showpiece, voting in favour of the proposals to stage a Rugby World Cup.
South Africa made their debut as hosts in 1995, announcing their arrival in style with a 27-18 defeat of reigning champions Australia at Newlands. This was followed by defeats of Romania, Canada, Western Samoa and France to reach the final.
That final, against New Zealand on 24 June, saw fly-halves Joel Stransky and Andrew Mehrtens trade penalties and drop goals to force extra time with the former slotting the winning drop goal to spark delirious celebrations among the 63,000 crowd at Ellis Park.
However the defining moment of the tournament was yet to come as President Nelson Mandela appeared wearing the Springbok jersey, complete with the number of captain Francois Pienaar, to present the Webb Ellis trophy.
Pienaar is just one player to have made his mark on South African rugby, which traditionally has been based around a powerful pack. Another is Chester Williams, who in 1993 became the first black player to wear the jersey in a decade, and who is now doing great things as the country’s Sevens team manager.
The current Springbok team may not have the formidable reputation and look of their World Cup winning compatriots, but are still capable of causing a big upset. Their most capped player Joost van der Westhuizen would certainly like to bow out on a winning note.