SA Rugby magazine relives unforgettable World Cup moments.
1995 WORLD CUP
HENDRIKS GETS PAST CAMPESE
(SOUTH AFRICA vs AUSTRALIA, CAPE TOWN)
Wallabies wing David Campese had been the star of the 1991 World Cup, but his powers had waned considerably by the time he arrived in South Africa four years later. The Springboks, playing in their first World Cup, needed to beat the world champions to take the high road to the final. The Wallabies dominated the first 30 minutes and scored a try through flyhalf Michael Lynagh. Then, just before half time, the Boks seized control. James Small burst into the Wallabies half and offloaded to James Dalton, who found Mark Andrews. The ball was recycled and sent wide to Small, who fed Pieter Hendriks. He beat Campese on the outside for a crucial try. It gave the Boks a 14-13 half-time lead and they went on to claim a 27-18 victory.
ANDREW KEEPS HIS COOL
(ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA, CAPE TOWN)
This was the pick of the 1995 quarter-finals – Five Nations champions England against World Cup-holders Australia. It more than lived up to the pre-match hype, with England twice coming back to level the scores at 22-22. With time almost up on the clock, Mike Catt found touch on the Wallabies’ 22m line and Martin Bayfield won the resultant lineout to set up one final attack. After a couple of driving mauls, scrumhalf Dewi Morris passed back to Rob Andrew, who went for the drop goal. The flyhalf’s hands were in the air almost as soon as he’d kicked it and the Wallabies’ four-year reign was over.
STRANSKY’S DROP OF DELIGHT
(SOUTH AFRICA vs NEW ZEALAND, JOHANNESBURG)
The 1995 World Cup final was all square at 12-12 early in the second half of extra time. If the score had stayed like this, the All Blacks would have been crowned world champions because of their better disciplinary record at the tournament. Step up Joel Stransky. The Boks worked their way into All Blacks territory and captain Francois Pienaar called a blindside move from a scrum. Stransky cancelled the call and stood deep. Joost van der Westhuizen’s pass was quick and accurate. The flyhalf claimed possession and slotted the perfect drop goal from 40m out.
1999 WORLD CUP
DE BEER THE DESTROYER
(SOUTH AFRICA vs ENGLAND, PARIS)
With Henry Honiball injured, Jannie de Beer was given the No 10 jersey for the Boks’ quarter-final against England in Paris. South Africa were ahead at half time thanks to Joost van der Westhuizen’s try, but it was still anyone’s game. Then came De Beer’s purple patch. Between the 43rd and 74th minutes, the Free Stater kicked a world-record five drop goals that had the crowd gasping and his teammates laughing in disbelief.
BERNIE BOOTS OUT BOKS
(AUSTRALIA vs SOUTH AFRICA, LONDON)
A dramatic last-minute penalty from Jannie de Beer had levelled the scores at 18-18 and forced the World Cup semi-final into extra time. The Springboks were the more confident side at this stage and slight favourites to win the match. However, they hadn’t banked on Stephen ‘Bernie’ Larkham producing a miracle. The Wallabies flyhalf took the ball on the run, stopped and kicked a drop goal from 45m out – the first of his career. Fullback Matthew Burke added another penalty soon after and Australia were through to their second final.
LES BLEUS BLITZ ALL BLACKS
(FRANCE vs NEW ZEALAND, LONDON)
The All Blacks were expected to cruise past France in the second semi-final and looked to have the game wrapped up when they led 24-10 at half time. Most expected New Zealand to go on and pass the 50-point mark, but in a devastating 13-minute period in the second half, France scored 26 points, including tries by wing Christophe Dominici and centre Richard Dourthe. The French claimed their fourth try in the 74th minute through wing Philippe Bernat-Salles to seal a memorable 43-31 win.
By Simon Borchardt
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images