The foundation for greatness

The 1951/52 Springbok touring side to the UK and France set a benchmark for future South African teams, and was regarded as 'world champion' before the title officially existed

- writes Graham Jooste.

After the turmoil of World War II, during which all international sporting events were cancelled, the rugby-playing nations all soon implemented recovery plans for the game in their respective countries.

Before the outbreak of the war, a triumphant Springbok side returned from New Zealand and Australia as possibly the best team in the world at that time. This famous 1937 team was captained by Flip Nel, a farmer, who played for Greytown and Natal, and Danie Craven, a teacher from Grahamstown, who played for Albany and Eastern Province.

The touring Springboks won the series against the All Blacks by a margin of 2-1 and beat Australia 2-0. Sadly, Nel announced his retirement and threw his boots overboard on the voyage back home to South Africa.

In 1938, Samuel Walker's touring British side, comprising players from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, went down to the Springboks in a hard-fought series by 2-1. Craven captained the Springboks, who once again showed their class.

World War II broke out in 1939, and international rugby would cease for some six years. Peace was declared in 1945 and rugby quickly resumed at club and provincial levels.

RUGBY FRENZY

The interprovincial Currie Cup competition was the ideal method to keep players fit and focused on greater things. Rugby at school and university level flourished.

South Africa went into a rugby frenzy when it was announced that the All Blacks would do a full tour of the country in 1949. The New Zealanders had an old score to settle, as the Springboks also beat them during the war in a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany.

When the All Blacks arrived in Cape Town, the Springbok trials were being held in Pretoria. For the first time in local history, none of the Springboks from a previous Test series were carried over to a new one, due to the long break caused by the war.