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20 years since Boks' greatest triumph

Cape Town - Wednesday, June 24 marks the 20-year anniversary of the Springboks winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

A Joel Stransky drop goal in extra-time gave Kitch Christie's Boks a famous 15-12 victory - and their first Webb Ellis Cup.

Where were YOU that day? Do you remember the 15 South African legends who started the match?

If not, let's jog your memory...

15 Andre Joubert

The elegant fullback played both of the Boks’ pivotal last two World Cup games with a broken hand, protected as much as possible by a specially imported Irish hurling glove. Initially schooled as a banker, he currently runs an office automation business in KwaZulu-Natal. Current age: 51.

14 James Small

Man who stuck grittily to the task, on the Bok right wing, of policing powerhouse NZ sensation Jonah Lomu in the showpiece. Reputation as a stormy petrel sometimes still stalked him after retirement. Based back on the Highveld after years in Cape Town, is involved in the restaurant trade, and helps coach NWU-Pukke. Current age: 46.

13 Japie Mulder

Sturdy Bok outside centre in the final, who made a morale-lifting, crunching tackle on the supposedly invincible Lomu. Has dabbled in coaching, but currently works in telecommunications infrastructure. Current age: 45.

12 Hennie le Roux

Skilful utility back and key decision-maker who combined well in midfield with then-Transvaal colleague Mulder. Le Roux was instrumental in launching the SA Rugby Players Association (SARPA), and owns a high-end safari lodge in the Eastern Cape. Current age: 47.

11 Chester Williams

The popular Bok left wing who had scored four tries in the quarter-final against Samoa, also at Ellis Park. Has been a globetrotting coach in recent years, particularly in developing countries like Romania and Saudi Arabia. Current age: 44.

10 Joel Stransky

Immortalised by “that” dropped goal to make the all-important difference in the final’s extra time. Stransky is a SuperSport commentator and director in the finance sector. Also a devout mountain biker. Current age: 47.

9 Joost van der Westhuizen

The Boks’ supremely competitive, tenacious scrumhalf that day. Has had to fight a tougher, more personal battle recently in the advanced stages of Motor Neuron Disease, but continues to bravely raise awareness around the illness through his J9 Foundation. Television pundit prior to his medical setback. Current age: 44.

8 Mark Andrews

The lock who agreed to play in unfamiliar terrain at No 8 - with some aplomb - against France (semi) and then the final. Has a farm in his native Eastern Cape, and business interests in mining equipment. Current age: 43.

7 Ruben Kruger

Sadly the tough, industrious flanker from Vrede in the Free State will be the only member of the starting XV from the 1995 final - when he had a first-half “try” disallowed - not celebrating the 20-year anniversary. He died at 39 from brain cancer in early 2010 after wrestling it for almost a decade. Current age: (deceased).

6 Francois Pienaar

The iconic captain of the ’95 heroes, who received the trophy from Nelson Mandela. The Transvaal flanker is former player, coach and CEO at Saracens in England, and also as head of sponsorships for First National Bank domestically. Pioneer of the Varsity Cup. Now heads Advent Sport Entertainment and Media. Current age: 48.

5 Hannes Strydom

Unassuming, willing workhorse of the Bok tight five against the All Blacks on that memorable occasion. Now a Pretoria-based pharmacist, who late last year survived a brutal assault and attempted hijacking from a gang of thugs; he drove himself to hospital with a fractured skull. Current age: 49.

4 Kobus Wiese

Mountainous second-row enforcer for the Boks, who continued playing for a year after the 1995 final. Popular rugby talk show anchor and match-day commentator for SuperSport; also owns a chain of coffee shops. Current age: 51.

3 Balie Swart

Swartland-born tighthead anchorman of the Bok scrum in ’95. Has since coached in Wales and England, and currently serves as scrum consultant to SARU. Born two days after SA pack-mate Wiese in May 1964. Current age: 51.

2 Chris Rossouw

The hooker promoted to first-choice during RWC ’95 due to James Dalton’s suspension after brawl against Canada in Port Elizabeth. Nowadays a maize and chicken farmer who has successfully fought off cancer and helps raise awareness around lymphoma. Current age: 45.

1 Os du Randt

Twice World Cup-winning loosehead prop: he savoured success all over again 12 years later, in 2007. Until recently he was forwards coach at the Cheetahs, but has taken up a post with Toyota Verblitz in Japan. Current age: 42.

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