The very fact that South Africa was chosen to hold the third rugby World Cup was controversial in itself, given its political history. Over the years, various international and club teams had refused to travel to the continent's southern tip because of the country's treatment of its black population. Mandela himself had been imprisoned for 27 years because he fought against the suppression of his people.

By the time he was released in 1990, the political tide was turning but an uneasy social existence continued through the decade as two groups who had been defined by their differences learned how to share power and live in relative peace. This is why the events of this day 12 years ago have such an historic resonance.

South Africa held high hopes of performing well on home soil but an Australian side which contained David Campese, Michael Lynagh and George Gregan were the pre-tournament favourites. Then New Zealand unleashed a man called Jonah Lomu, who seemed to annihilate every opponent in his path. But Pienaar's team grew with each round as players like Andre Joubert, Joost van der Westhuizen and the team's only black player, Chester Williams, raised their game. The final against New Zealand was a tense and low-scoring affair that went into extra time before a Joel Stransky drop-goal sealed the win.

The whole world watched as Mandela presented the Webb Ellis trophy to his team's captain. During his acceptance speech, Pienaar said the team had won the trophy not just for the 60,000 fans present, but for all 43 million South Africans.