Here’s a look at what they’ve done:
1995: An epic for the ages. South Africa was carried to victory on a wave of Rainbow Nation emotion. That, and probably a little luck with the All Blacks allegedly suffering from food poisoning. (Sure).
1999: The Boks were dropped-kicked out of the tournament in the semi-finals by Wallaby Stephen Larkham. In extra time. There are still those who feel coach Nick Mallett blundered by dropping captain Gary Teichmann so soon before the event.
2003: This was probably our worst World Cup. It was clouded by the ‘Kamp Staaldraad’ drama, and other issues. No surprises when the Boks were bundled out in the quarter-finals.
2007: Another win, with the Springboks enjoying an unbelievably fortuitous draw. They won the trophy without having to play New Zealand, Australia and France.
2011: The luck ran the other way this time around, with referee Bryce Lawrence blamed for the Bok exit against Australia in the quarter-finals. As he was a New Zealander, conspiracy theories of course abounded.
2015: No one can say for sure, but the general feeling is that the Boks will win their group, and be fortunate to get past the quarter-finals, but no further.
