The day South Africa brought home the Rugby World Cup

20 October 2007, South Africa vs England. Final score 15-6, South Africa.

Most of South Africa made their braaivleis fires awaiting the match's start. Every street corner had Springbok merchandise for sale. Every newspaper led with stories of hope of the South African nation. Every TV channel ran stories on the Springbok squad - analysts graced every talk show. Every conversation you entered or listened to was about the RWC match. Flags flew in the wind from many a car.

The match started at 21:00 on a warm summer's night in South Africa. Everyone that could not be in France, was glued to a television set - and so was I. Every kick, every scrum, every move on the field had me on the edge of my chair. For those 80 minutes South Africa pinned their hopes on the Springboks. For 80 minutes South Africa cheered with one voice, one heart - like one nation should.

The debated try of the British had South Africa silenced while waiting for the ref's final call - but when the try was not awarded a cheer sounded up from everywhere.

Two decisions by the referee that I did not agreed with was the John Smith obstruction penalty and Percy Montgomery being shoved over the barrier. On a camera angle from behind you could clearly see John Smith stepping out of the oncoming Brit's way and turning around to look at the ball - and then the British player still running into him. The Percy incident should've been a penalty or yellow card as it was a dangerous shove that could have seen Percy with a broken hand. In the last dying moments of the match, South Africa started celebrating with one eye on the TV.

When the ball got kicked out and the final whistle blew fireworks were lit and loud cheers echoed across South Africa. Hooters blared like trumpets sounding the official victory of the Springboks. South Africa had something to celebrate.

The Springbok squad landed in South Africa with thousands of supporters waiting at the Johannesburg international airport to welcome them back as national heroes. 26 October 2007 marked the start of the South African Rugby World Cup Champions' victory parade through South Africa. Their appearances started in Pretoria - having tea with the president, Thabo Mbeki. All their sponsors were next then Johannesburg supporters, Natal and finally Cape Town.

Congratulations to the Springbok squad that brought the Web Ellis trophy back in 2007. You made your country proud and united a nation around the television. Keep up the good work.

Note: South Africa won the Rugby World Cup in 1995 under the captainship of Francois Pienaar and coach Keith Kirsty.