I fondly remember that one Saturday afternoon 12 years ago when a new page was written in the history of the young, rainbow nation of South Africa. Joel Stransky landed a drop goal that resounded all across a country drawn together in union and captured by the fortitude shown by their national rugby team - the Springboks at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

As the winds of political and social reform blew across the land, another message carried on the wind – the Springboks had a nation of 40 million people behind them, and they knew it. The dream that was the Rugby World Cup became a reality when Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar embraced, both clad in the No.6 jumper of the openside flanker. The nation felt united as never before. Since that time, the Springbok has seen its ups and downs. It has been wounded and has narrowly survived a few bruising encounters, but it has also had its moments of brilliance and triumph.

A turning point did, however, come in the world of the Bok. It was a change that would see consistency and pride entering the fray of a rugby nation. After a few disappointing coaching eras, Jake White stepped to the plate in 2004. White had led the young Springboks to a memorable Under-21 World Cup victory over New Zealand in 2002 and had made an impact on South African rugby as a technical expert. The biggest thing I believe White has brought to the Boks is that he made the players believe in themselves again (especially after the camp 'Staaldraad' scandal) and began the building process towards the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

'When the team bites the dust, the whole country goes in to a kind of a depression for a couple of days'

We South Africans are very demanding of our rugby heroes and coaches. When the team bites the dust, the whole country goes into a kind of a depression for a couple of days fasting on biltong - and everyone comments that “they could’ve done more”. But when the team clinches a precious victory the comments change to “we really showed those Kiwis”.

White has brought a team to the 2007 Rugby World Cup that he has built and grown over four years. The team reflects a mix of youthful exuberance and experience. There’s cohesionthat has not been seen for a long time in South African rugby. The players reflect confidence in each other and they are also playing for each other, because they finally have a coach who believes in them and fights for them, on and off the field.

For many years, we as South Africans got used to the shuffling of players in and out of the national side. It seemed as if every potentially good player got the opportunity to play for the Boks and if he was found wanting, was tossed out in the cold (Gaffie du Toit and Dave von Hoesslin are examples). Finally it feels like the best 15 guys are being fielded in the precious green and gold and getting the opportunity to grow together as players. Hats off to Jake, who has shown amazing patience regarding this.