Thirty years ago, the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup after a 15-12 extra-time win against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

South Africa, who had returned from international isolation three years earlier, opened their 1995 World Cup campaign with a 27-18 win over the world champion Wallabies at Newlands, with tries from winger Pieter Hendriks and flyhalf Joel Stransky.

They went on to beat Romania and Canada to top their pool, though the “Battle of Boet Erasmus” saw hooker James Dalton sent off and Hendriks later banned.

Chester Williams, called up in Hendriks’ place, scored four tries in a 42-14 quarter-final win against Samoa at Ellis Park, but the bruising contest left several Boks injured – including fullback Andre Joubert, who returned despite a broken hand.

The Boks edged France 19-15 in a semi-final nearly called off due to torrential rain in Durban. In the other semi, giant winger Jonah Lomu stole the show with four tries as the All Blacks thrashed England 45-29. All eyes turned to the 20-year-old phenomenon ahead of the final.

At Ellis Park, the Boks physically imposed themselves and scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen set the tone by dragging Lomu down early. The teams were level at 9-9 after 80 minutes before Stransky landed a famous drop goal in extra time to secure victory.

President Nelson Mandela, wearing captain Francois Pienaar’s No 6 jersey, handed over the Webb Ellis Cup as South Africa celebrated one of the greatest moments in its sporting history.