On October 20, 2007, then-16-year-old Springbok captain Siya Kolisi went to a local tavern in Zwide to watch the World Cup final between South Africa and England.
What he witnessed on that day made a big impact on his life.
As John Smit led the Boks into battle and ultimately glory against England in the Paris final, Kolisi was wide-eyed.
He explains: “I was watching in a tavern, I didn’t have a TV back home and I know what it [the win] did to us in 2007 - I’ve never seen people coming together like that over sport.”
KICKSTART: Springboks won the 2007 World Cup. Picture: Bernard Papon/Reuters.
It was perhaps then that the future South Africa captain was “born”, not realising at the time that 12 years later, he would be the one leading out the national team in a final against the exact same opposition.
Kolisi has got a burning desire to unite this country and as leader of the pack, the Springboks certainly couldn’t have asked for a captain that wants to win Saturday’s final against England more than Kolisi.
VOL GEES: Boks enjoy support from fans back home. Picture: Jack Lestrade.
But he knows it’s not just about him, there might be another 16-year-old watching this game back home that might just get the inspiration he needs to launch his career from this game.
Fast forward 12 years and Kolisi got a call from the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, before their match against Wales.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/RWC2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RWC2019 #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/aL7tQkIgBV
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup)
The captain explains: “To get a phone call from the president, it was really special for him to take time out to wish us luck.
“Not only from him, but all the people from South Africa, it was really special to see how people have bought in to what we’re doing here and how they are supporting us.”
Only one member of the 2007 squad is in the current Bok party, utility back Frans Steyn, who won the World Cup as a 19-year-old centre.
And while the Springboks don’t have any teens in their squad this time around, they are well aware that there will be millions out there watching the game.
And they will go all out to inspire...