Tributum Newsletter #76
Hello
Never write a SAFA off! Just ask Temba Bavuma. Not many gave the Proteas a chance against the Aussies in the Cricket World Test Championship final. But they did it- against the odds. Just like world strong man winner Rayno Nel – also a SAFA. Clearly the world does not know what we know – just ask Drikus du Plessis – never write a SAFA off.
Around this time 30 years ago the sounds of Hier Kom die Bokke! and Shosholoza still reverberated on the radio waves (yes – no Spotify in 1995). I can remember where I was on 24 June 1995 – can you? On 24 June 2025 we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the 1995 World Cup win. A feat we repeated 3 times after that and a title we still hold today. You can never write a SAFA off.
One of the heroes of 1995 was Mark Andrews who was forced to trade his customary No 4 jersey for the No 8. And he did more than was expected. He gave the introductory speech at the Kearsney School rugby festival a few years ago and gave the schoolboys his 25 rules of rugby. With rugby season upon us I have adapted some of his rules that I think also apply to life and business (thanks Ian for the video link).
- Don’t take shortcuts in training as it leads to mistakes in the game. Always do what you need to do to the best of your ability.
- Never be late. You are not more important than where and with who you need to be. Never be late – so important Mark includes the rule twice in his 25.
- Fear is normal. Nerves prepare you for what lies ahead.
- Clean out your kitbag and take a shower after the game. Look after yourself. Don’t let things fester.
- Never cheat. Enough said.
- Always wear a gum guard and underpants. Expect the big hits, but also know that unfortunately mishaps are part of life.
- Be humble in victory. Confidence is one thing, arrogance another.
- Thank the team. No-one truly makes it alone. Thank those that make it possible.
The 1995 Springboks took inspiration from the poem “The Guy in the Glass” which is the man in the mirror. The last verse is as follows: “You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.”
Live life so that you can live with yourself – that you don’t cheat the guy in the glass. Until next month, keep breathing.