South African assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes his country’s chance to win a historic fourth World Cup will propel his team to victory against New Zealand in the final.
Both the Springboks and All Blacks have lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy three times – with the men in green beating the Kiwis on home soil in 1995.
The two great sporting rivals meet again at the Stade de France on Sunday morning at 6am AEDT and bragging rights are on the line.
In memorable scenes, South Africa won their first World Cup 28 years ago – 15-12 after extra time – with all their points scored by Joel Stransky.
The iconic image of black President Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy to white Springboks captain Francois Pienaar is a moment rugby fans around the world will never forget.
South African assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes his country’s chance to win a historic fourth World Cup will propel his team to victory against New Zealand in the final
All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo’unga is 80 minutes away from following gaming legends Grant Fox and Dan Carter in winning a World Cup trophy
Stick spoke of the enormous impact South Africa’s victory in 1995 had on the image of a sport that was seen at the time as almost the last bastion of apartheid.
“When I think back to that last final, I was 11 years old, that 1995 match really changed the face of the game in South Africa,” he said.
‘When I think about that moment, it always feels like yesterday.
“The legacy that these guys – Joel Stransky and François Pienaar – left behind has allowed us to be where we are today.”
The Springboks are also match-hardened after their match thrilling 29-28 victory over hosts France in the quarter-final, followed by the 16-15 victory over England in the semi-final.
The hard triumphs have energized a country that has high unemployment, is still torn by deep social divisions and struggles with poverty.
“To be honest this is what we live for, it’s about the people who dream of being in our position in the communities in South Africa,” Stick added.
“The All Blacks have won the World Cup three times, we’ve won it three times, so this match is almost bigger than just a World Cup final.
“Whoever wins gets bragging rights for the next four years.”
New Zealand hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho (pictured) looms as a key figure in the final
South African loose-head prop Ox Nche will look to dominate the scrum in the final
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Ian Foster revealed he feels there is ‘a lot of excitement’ at home ahead of his team’s bid for a record fourth World Cup title.
“The All Blacks have always had a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders,” he said.
“The amount of support we have received from our country has been quite overwhelming.
“There’s a lot of excitement on the local coast.”
Electric fly-half Richie Mo’unga is 80 minutes away from emulating the game’s legends Grant Fox and Dan Carter in lifting the trophy.
Asked about the pressure of preparing for the final, he said it was a matter of ‘where the mind goes, the body will follow.’
Mo’unga, 29, will also be highly motivated as he is unlikely to feature in the next World Cup in Australia in 2027 as he leaves to play club rugby in Japan.
The 2015 World Cup winners Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are already certain to go.
New Zealand coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane (right) are ready to make history as the All Blacks pursue a fourth World Cup
“We haven’t really talked about those who are leaving,” Mo’unga said.
“It was all about how we can influence the outcome of this match. Everyone is in a different chapter of their journey.
‘I want to be part of history. I want to bring the World Cup home.’
Bet Right CEO Anthony Waller said many punters believe New Zealand will prove too classy.
“Most of the money has gone to the All Blacks, who have developed quite a bit as the tournament has gone on and cost them $1.72 to win the World Cup,” he said.
‘New Zealand’s Will Jordan, who was the tournament’s top scorer with eight tries, is the clear favorite to be the first try scorer in the final at $9.’