Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma believes the Springboks have the best chance of defending their crown in New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup.
He wished the team well at their official send-off at Presidential Guesthouse on Monday. The Boks will jet off to New Zealand on Thursday.
Zuma stood in amazement of the statuesque players, who were presented to him by Coach Peter de Villiers. As if instructing soldiers going to war, Zuma told the team that they carried a huge responsibility on their shoulders, the dreams and aspirations of the rainbow nation.
"Go out there and do your best, and that best, is to bring the trophy back to Mzansi. That is your national duty," Zuma said.
Kitted in his SA Rugby Union (SARU) blazer, Zuma told the men in green and gold that the nation stood behind them and that no one could beat the South African squad as they were the kings of rugby.
"We want to be one of the countries to successfully defend its rugby world champion title, and we believe you can do it," said Zuma.
The President also reflected on the positive contributions sport has made to the country since the first beacon was set at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
He said sport has over the years proved and continues to be the glue that binds the people together.
"It cuts across the divides, helping us to build a South African identity that we are proud of," said Zuma.
Sports Minister Fikile Mabula also had encouraging words for the team. "Like going to war, you win some battles and you lose some. But the strategic objective is to win the war. If you lose the first game, it does not mean that you have lost the World Cup. The key is to remain focused until the end," he said.
The team looks ready to take on the task. Captain John Smit believes they stand a chance of defending their title.
He said that the team, which looked determined and rather in jovial and high spirits, will die with their boots on.
The Springbok squad that Smit will lead is incredibly similar in terms of personnel to the outfit he led to glory in France four years ago. The strong team is a mix of the young and veterans like Odwa Ndungane and Johann Muller, who have World Cup experience. Management hopes this will be an advantage to SA.
The squad that was introduced is the cream of the crop, SARU Deputy President Mark Alexandra told Zuma.
He said he was overwhelmed by seeing the support for the Springboks amongst young and old.
"Every bit of support was needed and the nation needs to rally behind our team like never before."
And indeed the nation is behind them. On Thursday, SA will have a chance to see the team off during the public farewell in Sandton before they leave the country.
The team will march from Nelson Mandela Square to the Sandton Gautrain Station, where they will say their last goodbyes.
Gates open at 12h00 and the festivities will start at 15h30, with live entertainment by South African artists and other activities building up to the performance of SARU's Rugby World Cup campaign song "Let's do it again!" performed by Freshlyground and Goldfish. An aircraft fly-over display is also planned.
Fans are urged to wear their official Springbok jerseys and licensed apparel on Fans Farewell day as well as on Bokday - every Friday - to the end of the tournament as well as on Springbok match days.
The Springboks play their opening match on September 11 against Wales in Wellington, with Zuma set to attend to give support.
