The Springboks’ unexpected 15-12 victory over the New Zealand All-Blacks in the 1995 championship match sparked jubilation across the nation and served as a unifying event for the young, non-racial democracy. Carlin’s book deftly recounts how the sporting drama was a proxy for the struggle to reconcile the newly enfranchised black majority with the white minority, and highlights how Nelson Mandela saved a nation teetering on the verge of civil war. As these two teams prepare to face different opponents today, a young politician threatens to undo the sacrifices President Mandela made to heal this oft-troubled nation.
Read Full Article »
