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"Overnight success takes 20 years" - Bobby Skinstad hails landmark World Cup final for Springboks

Former Springboks international Bobby Skinstad believes that this weekend's Rugby World Cup final...



Rugby

"Overnight success takes 20 years" - Bobby Skinstad hails landmark World Cup final for Springboks

Former Springboks international Bobby Skinstad believes that this weekend's Rugby World Cup final could be a watershed in South African history.

The side face England on Saturday, with Skinstad briefing Off The Ball that the match will be free-to-air in South Africa, meaning those from all backgrounds will have access if they so wish.

It would also be a watershed moment for the country to lift the trophy with a black captain, with Siya Kolisi set to lead out the 'Boks this weekend.

Springboks to shine?

"Overnight change, overnight success takes twenty years," said Skinstad of the side's changed demographics.

"Twenty-four years later, here we are. We have got a guy that is going to put on that Francois Pienaar famous number six jersey that was also worn by Nelson Mandela.

"He is also an absolute 200% merit selection as starting player and captain of the South African side.

"I just get goosebumps. It means that whatever we have been doing, whatever knocks we have taken from the rest of the world for not instituting change - it's not true. It is actually happening."

Pride

Regardless of the result, Skinstad thinks that the make-up of the Springboks team should be a source of national pride.

"We have got an incredible team with incredible talent from a fully diverse background in a country which demonstrates exactly the same.

"I am really proud of that, and really proud to be part of a global audience that is going to get to witness that.

"These guys, like Siya Kolisi, have come from a much less privileged background than what you would expect have expected from people that would have played rugby in South Africa thirty to forty years ago.

"We need to doff our cap and commend that this sport of ours is well looked-after by the people in the powers that be."

As for Skinstad's prediction in the final: "South Africa to win by a converted try."

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