Bob Skinstad doesn't want to talk about the comeback that got him picked for the World Cup. He wants to talk about the World Cup tournament and he wants to talk about why South Africans should be in high spirits.
"The comeback's been documented. I worked bloody hard and loved every minute of it, but that's no longer the story," he says. "We need to be talking about the now, my contribution to the World Cup campaign and the class of this squad. It is one worth backing because win or lose I can tell you there'll be great rugby played." Continues Below ↓
Skinstad, a survivor of the famous 1999 World Cup quarter-final win against England in Paris, wants another win against the English in September. Whether he starts, is on the bench or is in the stands with the non-playing reserves, he knows he'll be making a statement to the world about SA rugby. "In the now right at this moment it doesn't get better," says Skinstad. "It feels good to be standing among these guys. There's something here. There's unity and there's belief."
'In the now right at this moment it doesn't get better'
He quotes the American basketball legend Michael Jordan: "Great players win games, but great teams win championships. This squad has the players to win in Paris, but it is going to take a team effort, in which each guy does his bit for the other one. There's going to be sacrifice, but there's got to be. You don't get given the gold medal; you earn the right to be handed it; you win it."
Skinstad, when he spoke to Jake White last November about the possibility of returning to South Africa to try and make the World Cup squad, said he was motivated by the desire to close a chapter of his life on his terms.
He had walked away from South African rugby in 2003 disillusioned, and relocated to England, but four years later he found himself sprinting back inspired by the probability of it all. He simply did not think in 'possible' terms. This had to be a 'probable'. When he got to South Africa he no longer wanted a closing chapter. What inspired him most was to write a new one.
"I just saw the talent playing the game in this country. I saw how much the Boks were getting things right and I wanted to be a part of that. I knew I could give something to the squad, in whatever capacity the coach felt I would add something to what he already had.
"I knew I'd have to train like I'd never done before and play well because of the quality of loose-forwards in this country.
"I also discovered that South Africans love a story where someone beats the odds and that was a great feeling. I've always had my detractors in South Africa, but the national support this year has been overwhelming. People really were willing me to do well and I got a wonderful reception at Loftus and at Ellis Park when I played for the Springboks against England and Samoa."
People love a winner and Skinstad believes the Boks can leave Paris successful and defined by their ability to play as a team. To achieve this each guy must understand and accept his role.
"Jake has spoken about it. The guys will know what is expected of them and the theme is about putting the team first. If Pierre Spies starts at No 8 he's got my full backing.
"If Jake wants me to run along the touchline and carry the water then that's what I will do. This World Cup has got to be about everyone doing whatever is needed to get us gold. If that means I'm playing lock then I'm in.
"I remember being the young kid at the 1999 World Cup and being so disappointed at how some of the older players reacted to the new guys. They took it as a personal insult that they weren't in the 'A' team and offered nothing to the team dynamic.
"I vowed then never to repeat it if I was ever given a chance to be that older guy. Well, I am that oke now I've been given a part and I don't care how big or small it is I am going to make it count."
This article was originally published on page 34 of Cape Argus on July 22, 2007
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