One of the oldest and fiercest rivalries will be reignited this weekend when South Africa and New Zealand face off in a mouth-watering Rugby World Cup semi-final at Twickenham. The Kiwi’s were literally untouchable at times during their demolition of France but Ashwin Willemse draws on his past experiences in rugby and his own life to give every Springbok fan the optimism they need to believe they can upset the odds.
“This has been a week like I have never experienced before,” said the ex-Springbok winger. “It is borderline hysterical in South Africa. It doesn’t matter whether you are filling up your car up or bumping into someone on the street corner, everyone is buzzing. We are taking on the old foe which has made it somewhat magical.”
The former Springbok admits that he is not strictly impartial but he genuinely believes that this could be the Boks’ year.
“I am biased of course but the Springboks 100% have a chance of winning this game. Games between them and the All Blacks are always on a knife edge. This is not just blind optimism; they have been consistently growing through this World Cup.
“I do agree with Heyneke Meyer that this All Black team is the best to have ever played the game. Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and players like them have been widening the gap for years between them and the rest of the world, but the All Blacks’ worst international record is against the Springboks.
“There are comparisons between Savea and Jonah Lomu, the greatest player of the last century and that deserves the utmost respect but in 1995 the Springboks stopped Lomu and that is indicative of the way the Green and Gold play.
“Ask any All Black about the Springboks and the word they will use is respect. The same works the other way and that is deeply rooted in this contest.”
Willemse is quite confident that South Africa will be turning out at Twickenham for the final but who they will be playing is also of intrigue. The former Biarritz winger is a pundit now so nothing is clear-cut, but his insight into Australia and Argentina may also surprise a few.
“Have Argentina not just been the greatest revelation at this World Cup? That explosiveness, that confidence that they are showing just elevates their performance and is second to none. Against Ireland, they never looked like a team that doubted their abilities; they have taken it to the next level.
“The sleeping giant at this World Cup has been Australia but the giant was rattled against Scotland. They are well balanced and they have strikers across the park; Cheika has done a phenomenal job with this squad but they are meeting a team that believe they can beat anyone at any time.
“It would be a rugby spectacle but South Africa want to settle a score after what happened in Durban in The Rugby Championship and where would be more perfect than the Rugby World Cup final against Argentina?”
Willemse has had to overcome some staggering obstacles to become the respected ex-pro that he currently is. The former Springbok was born into a life of gangs, crime and drug-dealing on the flats of Cape Town, but rugby was what saved him from this dangerous life. Not just on the field, but the inner sanctums of the game off it were the foundations for this change.
“The integrity of the game, the honesty of the game, the support of your team mates, the way in which the game develops a specific character saved me. You have to be honest with yourself and the constant camaraderie in and amongst the players with the respect that develops with your own team mates and with the opposition. The belief that you can walk off the field saying that I have given my all for my team mates.”
“Rugby became a point of focus that drew me to a positive, a light that created a sense of direction accompanied by likeminded people, and people that believe in the goodness of life. Rugby, in essence, has captured the true meaning of life; we are who we are because of each other.”
During Willemse’s darkest hour it was his teammates that drew him to this light. At the age of 16 he tried to take his own life but when he failed and awoke to see his school coach and team mates around his bed. This became the most pivotal moment that changed his focus.
“I have seen this with my children – there is nothing as secure as knowing that if they jump, I am there to catch them. We all need someone to be there for us. I was so taken aback at first when I realised my team were there.
“I was empowered by their presence, I was enlightened and at the same time I was moved to a place where I couldn’t help but appreciate that this game extends way beyond those four lines for the 80 minutes that we are on the field.
“We rise together, we fall together and that was what I needed at that time.”
By Andy Daniel (@scrum5ive)
Ashwin Willemse features in the latest Guinness campaign, which celebrates stories of integrity and character from the world of rugby. To watch the films visit www.YouTube.com/GuinnessEurope