Joel Stransky’s contribution to South African rugby extends far beyond the drop goal that won the 1995 World Cup final, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane celebrates Stransky’s induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in Cape Town alongside All Blacks great Zinzan Brooke, describing both as iconic figures in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry whose formal recognition was long overdue.
“Stransky, in particular, engraved his name in rugby folklore with the magical three pointer,” Keohane writes. “South Africans are eternally grateful for that moment.”
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Keohane recalls watching Stransky’s famous extra-time drop goal against the All Blacks from the Ellis Park press box and says no replay can recreate the experience of witnessing one of South African sport’s defining moments unfold live.
But Stransky’s Springbok legacy was about more than that kick. He scored 22 points in the 27-18 win against defending champions Australia in the opening match of the 1995 World Cup and, a year later, scored all 25 of South Africa’s points against the Wallabies in Bloemfontein.
“Stransky’s contribution to the Springboks and South African rugby extends beyond his podium moment,” Keohane writes.
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Stransky finished his 22-Test career with 240 points before joining the Leicester Tigers in 1997, where he would score 896 points in 73 appearances.
Keohane also highlights the presence at the induction of 1995 World Cup-winning team manager Morné du Plessis, whose own contribution to Springbok rugby, he believes, is too often reduced to that role.
“Du Plessis is mostly introduced as the 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok manager, but this limited description does a disservice to one of the Springboks’ greatest players and captains.
“Du Plessis won 13 of 15 Tests as Bok captain and like Stransky, he would play 22 Tests.”
Photo: @hendrikcronje71/X
The post Stransky gets his Hall of Fame call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Joel Stransky’s contribution to South African rugby extends far beyond the drop goal that won the 1995 World Cup final, writes @mark_keohane
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