Kolbe pays tribute to OG Springbok World Cup winners on 30th anniversary
Wing Cheslin Kolbe says the legacy of the Springboks' Class of 1995 continues to shape and inspire the current generation.
On this day 30 years ago, the Springboks won their first Rugby World Cup, beating the All Blacks 15-12 in extra time at Ellis Park.
It was a historic moment for South Africa, just a year after the country's first democratic elections. Captain Francois Pienaar famously lifted the Webb Ellis Cup alongside President Nelson Mandela in one of the sport's most iconic images.
Joel Stransky's extra-time drop goal remains one of the most replayed moments in rugby history.
Today, the legacy of that 1995 team continues to resonate with current Springbok players. Wing Cheslin Kolbe, a two-time World Cup winner, says the example set by that squad still shapes the team's mindset.
'They laid the foundation back in 1995 and they wore the jersey with pride and respect,' said Kolbe. 'For us as current players, we need to make sure we leave the jersey in a better place every time we play.'
Kolbe was too young to witness the win live but says watching footage of the final helped inspire his rugby journey.
'I saw the highlights and key moments growing up. That team made you want to represent the Springboks one day and go even further with your teammates.'
Since 1995, South Africa has gone on to win three more World Cups—in 2007, 2019, and 2023—matching New Zealand as the most successful nation in the tournament's history. Still, the first win remains the most emotionally significant, given its role in uniting a post-apartheid nation.
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