'Madiba saved the Springbok'

If it were not for Nelson Mandela, the Springbok would not exist today, former Bok captain Francois Pienaar told international television yesterday.

He said if it were not for Mandela's intervention, the rugby team's emblem would have been scrapped.

"The ANC put a lot of pressure on Mandela to do away with the Springbok because of what it symbolised during apartheid.

"Mandela said no, the Springbok is a symbol of excellence," said Pienaar.

Pienaar led the Boks to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup when the team beat the All Blacks in the final at Ellis Park, which Mandela attended wearing a replica of Pienaar's No6 Bok jersey.

The victory inspired the Hollywood movie Invictus.

Pienaar said Mandela had an incredible love for his country and its people.

"He wanted this country to be a pillar of hope to the world and a beacon to Africa."

Referring to the surprise at how people on the street reacted to the 1995 victory, Pienaar said: "It's very difficult to describe what happened to people who are not South African."

Pienaar, wearing his Springbok blazer, was accompanied by current Springbok skipper Jean de Villers, who said it was "a great celebration".

"[We're here to] celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela," De Villiers said, also dressed in his Bok blazer. "He gave so much to so many around the world."