Mbalula pledges support for Boks

Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has assured the Springboks that the entire country will cheer them on in Saturday's Test against England.

"This is an important game for all the people of South Africa and we wish you all courage and that you will do our nation proud," Mbalula told them, according to a statement issued by the SA Rugby Union.

He was speaking in London after presenting the players with their Springbok jerseys for the last Test of the season.

"The people of South Africa are behind you. The government of South Africa is behind you," he said.

Mbalula told the team to dismiss the setback against Scotland last week and remember that they were the pride of the nation.

"In a war you win some battles and you lose some battles, but the strategic aim is to focus on winning the war.

"You have lost one battle, but you have not lost the war," he said, reminding them that they are world champions and that the country is proud of them.

"You have a challenge but we know you can overcome through strength."

When all odds were against them on Saturday, the country knew they would "strive as children of people who are made of steel, the children of warriors".

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers thanked Mbalula for making the trip to London -- to become the first sports minister in his three-year tenure to accept an invitation to present the jerseys.

"I want to assure you that whenever you play I will make it a point that if I have the time I will be there with you," said Mbalula.

"We are with you; we are one nation. It is through rugby that we have learnt that we can live together as one people and you have united us.

"You have given hope to the hopeless and courage to those who want to make South Africa proud and that is why we support you," he said.