Springboks chase R50m

It's the big Bok secret, but The Times understands that the 47 players and staff who make up South Africa's team to the Rugby World Cup stand to win a total of R54-million in bonuses if they successfully defend the Webb Ellis trophy over the next two months.

That figure is based on what the team's support staff stands to earn at the tournament in New Zealand - if the Boks win the final on October 23.

The Times has reliably learned that the 17 people backing up the Boks, from coach Peter de Villiers down to the baggage master, would each get R500000 for winning "Bill", the trophy's nickname.

This would be made up of R20000 each for wins in the group stages, R100000 for past the quarterfinals, and R150000 for the semis and final.

If that's the amount for the back-ups, the players would get at least three times that: R1.5-million each.

The SA Rugby Union refused to reveal the bonus amounts.

"The players requested that we do not divulge anything in that regard," said Springbok media manger Andy Colquhoun.

He said the SA Players' Association might be willing to comment - "if they have a mandate from the players".

But association CEO Piet Heymans also refused, saying it was a matter between the players and the union.

A leading agent, who represents several of the Springbok players, also refused to divulge the exact amount but one insider said the players would earn R1.5-million each if they retained the cup.

The Wallabies have been promised R840000 each if they can regain the trophy they last won in 1999.

Just what are the chances of the Boks winning the final, however?

Captain John Smit said the team he was leading to New Zealand was a good one, with many similarities to the 2007 World Cup in terms of preparation.

"The one big difference is that there is a far greater expectation of this group," Smit said.

"This country needs us to do well and we must really use that responsibility to the best of our ability and let it motivate us," said Smit ahead of the Bok parade.

The team left Johannesburg last night after a passionate send-off from thousands of fans at Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, yesterday.

Thousands of rugby fans began congregating at around 2pm at the square for the farewell parade for the players.

The overwhelmed Springboks boarded the Gautrain to the airport after the festivities at the square, which included a correct rendition of the national anthem.

The crowd chanted "Bokke, Bokke," as their heroes entered the square, shaking hands with some of the fans.

An impassioned Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula led the crowd with chants of "Viva die Bokke . long live die Bokke" before telling the players in Afrikaans: "Gaan en moer hulle [Go and beat them].

"We stand here, black and white, red, yellow and purple as the rainbow nation behind the team. Go and make us proud," he said.

Coach Peter de Villiers said the Springboks will be carrying 50million people in their hearts for the next eight weeks.

"We take the responsibility on our shoulders to make you proud."

Before the parade, De Villiers said the players understood their roles and responsibilities.

"They've got everything together this week. I'm very happy."

The Springboks can make history in the next two months in New Zealand.

They have the chance to become the first nation to win three world cups and the first to successfully defend the trophy.

South Africa won the tournament as hosts in 1995 and again in 2007 in France.

"Anyone can win the World Cup and win the trophy, but for us it's more than the trophy," said De Villiers.

"We know that we can unify the country, that we can bring hope.

"We know all those little things that are very important for us."

Amid the blast of vuvuzelas, reminiscent of scenes from last year's soccer World Cup, the fans said farewell. Some were hanging out of the windows of offices and hotels on Mandela Square.

Joy Chauke, 37, a Bafana and Bok fan from Soweto, said she was there to tell the Boks to make the country proud.

"They're going to win and repeat history, like 1995 and 2007. We gave Bafana support and we're giving Amabokoboko support."

The Boks play their first game, against Wales, on Sunday September 11.