Heyneke Meyer

Download Heyneke Meyer PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Jonathan Ball Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1868426602
Total Pages : 218 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (684 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Heyneke Meyer by : Marco Botha

Download or read book Heyneke Meyer written by Marco Botha and published by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This book was released on 2014-10-01 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Brilliant advice and insights from Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. This ebook is drawn from Marco Botha's recently published book Coach. At 34, Heyneke Meyer was fired as head coach of a Super Rugby team for the second time. But when on 19 May 2007 his Bulls side became the first South African team to capture the Super title, the dark years at Loftus Versfeld were suddenly forgotten. And Meyer was regarded as the coach among coaches. Because it is there - on the playing field - that coaches and players are judged. And yet the scoreboard never tells the full story of how people achieved success 'overnight'. In Meyer's case it was an arduous journey of more than seven years during which he defined and changed professional rugby. This is leadership. And leadership is what Heyneke Meyer is about - someone who has fundamentally changed a sport, an industry, a way of thinking, and, ultimately, lives. Marco Botha, specialist reporter at Die Burger in Cape Town, sat in conversation with Heyneke Meyer and interpreted his success story in his engrossing narrative writing style.

Touch, Pause, Engage!

Download Touch, Pause, Engage! PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Jonathan Ball Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1868424464
Total Pages : 260 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (684 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Touch, Pause, Engage! by : Liz Mcgregor

Download or read book Touch, Pause, Engage! written by Liz Mcgregor and published by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This book was released on 2011-08-29 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: South Africa is a land of contrasts, as the tourist brochures promise, and this is true for the game of rugby. From the Pretoria heartland to the aspirant Eastern Cape, from the hardscrabble Cape Flats to the islands of privilege at Bishops and Grey College. No other rugby-playing nation has to grapple with so much diversity. Different languages, classes, races and cultures - each bearing the wounds of the country's fractured past - have to be melded into winning teams. Liz McGregor has spent the past three years shadowing Currie Cup, Super 14 and Springbok teams across the country, and has come to the conclusion that it is this very diversity, combined with the pain of the past and the dreams of a great united future, that provide the elusive alchemy that separates a good team from a great one. Touch, Pause, Engage! is more than a book about rugby. It is an intimate look at how South Africa's erstwhile elite is adapting to its new circumstances. Team South Africa has been through many a maul and bruising scrum, but is inching closer and closer to the tryline. Liz McGregor is a veteran author and journalist who started off her career on leading South African newspapers and subsequently moved to Britain where she worked for the Guardian for several years. Her first book, Khabzela: The Life and Times of a South African, laid bare the complex reasoning behind a DJ's refusal to take medication to stave off AIDS. She has co-edited and contributed to two collections of essays: At Risk and Load-shedding.

The Springbok Captains

Download The Springbok Captains PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Jonathan Ball Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1868426718
Total Pages : 497 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (684 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Springbok Captains by : Edward Griffiths

Download or read book The Springbok Captains written by Edward Griffiths and published by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This book was released on 2015-11-16 with total page 497 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For more than a century, the Springbok captain has represented the pinnacle of rugby achievement in South Africa. In this revealing narrative, Edward Griffiths and Stephen Nell tell the stories of the elite group of men who have been able to call themselves 'Springbok captain', exploring their backgrounds, their triumphs and their disappointments. The Springbok Captains offers an epic historical perspective on this remarkable country, viewed through the prism of rugby. Compelling and emotional, the book brings the story of the Springbok captains right up to date. Relive the heyday of legends such as Bennie Osler, Danie Craven, Hennie Muller, Johan Claassen, Naas Botha, François Pienaar, Gary Teichmann, Joost van der Westhuizen, Andre Vos and others. This revised and updated third edition includes up-to-date accounts of the careers of Bob Skinstad, John Smit, Victor Matfield and Jean de Villiers, as well as the story of the Springboks' 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Rugby World Cup 101

Download Rugby World Cup 101 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Birlinn Ltd
ISBN 13 : 178885179X
Total Pages : 235 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (888 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Rugby World Cup 101 by : Peter Burns

Download or read book Rugby World Cup 101 written by Peter Burns and published by Birlinn Ltd. This book was released on 2019-06-13 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rugby World Cup 101 is a compendium of fascinating facts, stats, stories, personalities and trivia – perfect for all fans of rugby from around the world. From the genesis of the tournament in 1987 all the way through to the present day, the Rugby World Cup's rich history is distilled into 101 facts, stats and stories. This entertaining volume is an instructive, if sometimes irreverent – but always affectionate – guide to some of the groundbreaking firsts, controversies, innovations, characters, achievements and disasters that have taken place in rugby's marquee event. Whether an expert or a novice, this is the perfect companion for rugby lovers around the world.

Die Baan-Brekers

Download Die Baan-Brekers PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Jonathan Ball Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1868424197
Total Pages : 423 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (684 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Die Baan-Brekers by : Marco Botha

Download or read book Die Baan-Brekers written by Marco Botha and published by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This book was released on 2014-04-02 with total page 423 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hoe Suid-Afrikaanse Sportleiers Kampioene Slyp. Heyneke Meyer was 34 jaar oud toe hy vir die tweede keer as die hoofafrigter van 'n Superrugby-span afgedank is. Maar toe sy Bulls-span op 19 Mei 2007 die eerste Suid-Afrikaanse span word om die Super-titel te wen, was die donker jare op Loftus Versfeld skielik vergete en Meyer oornag almal se breier sonder gelyke'. Want dis net daar - op die speelveld - dat afrigters en spelers beoordeel word. En tog vertel die telbord nooit die volle verhaal van hoe mense oornag' sukses behaal het nie. Vir Meyer was dit 'n strawwe reis van meer as 7 jaar - 'n tydperk waarin hy beroepsrugby gedefinieer en verander het. En dit is leierskap. En leierskap is waaroor Die Baanbrekers gaan - mense wat 'n sportsoort, 'n bedryf of 'n manier van dink en uiteindelik daardeur ook lewens onherroeplik verander het. Marco Botha het met van Suid-Afrika se vernaamste sportleiers gesels en hy ontleed hier hul uiteenlopende suksesverhale. Van Meyer tot Brendan Venter, wat van Saracens 'n superklub en in 2013 van die Haaie die Curriebeker-kampioen gehelp maak het deur 'n kultuur te vestig waar gelukkige mense belangriker as silwerware geag word. Ook die voormalige Springbok-sewesafrigter Paul Treu het die blitskode as 'n wêreldsport bevorder deur sy span gereeld met innovasie op innovasie bo oënskynlik baie beter spanne te laat uittroon. Gary Kirsten en Paddy Upton het die Indiese en daarna die Suid-Afrikaanse krieketspan na wêreldoorheersing gelei met 'n leierskapstyl wat spelers bemagtig en as mense ontwikkel het - die nuwe skool' van afrigting. Hierdie merkwaardige leiers het van gewone mense kampioene gemaak. En die redes daarvoor gaan jou beslis verras . . .

The Springbok Coaches

Download The Springbok Coaches PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN 13 : 1776090594
Total Pages : 504 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (76 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Springbok Coaches by : Gavin Rich

Download or read book The Springbok Coaches written by Gavin Rich and published by Penguin Random House South Africa. This book was released on 2016-07-12 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Was coach Heyneke Meyer the reason why the Springboks failed at the 2015 Rugby World Cup? And what does the future have in store for the incumbent coach, Allister Coetzee? Find these answers, and many others, in The Springbok Coaches. In this new, updated edition of The Poisoned Chalice, rugby writer Gavin Rich takes us past the disappointment of the 2015 Rugby World Cup right up to the appointment of Allister Coetzee in April 2016, and dissects not only the successes and failures of these two Springbok coaches, but of all the post-isolation coaches who preceded them. If all of them agree on one thing, it is that the job goes hand in hand with tremendous pressure and that, at some point, they all buckled under the strain. This book reveals why André Markgraaff and Rudolf Straeuli came up with some of their weird and controversial decisions, why Nick Mallett dropped Gary Teichmann and how he regrets it now, why Harry Viljoen really quit, and why the pressures on Heyneke Meyer made it so much more difficult for the Springboks to win the 2015 Rugby World Cup. This book chronicles all the post-isolation coaches’ experiences via interviews, articles and stats. From the triumphs to the controversies, the boardroom to the rugby field, The Springbok Coaches will reveal exactly what it takes to be the Bok coach, and why each and every one of them had, at some time or another in the toughest job in South African sport, lost it. A riveting, often revelatory and definitely controversial read!

The Poisoned Chalice

Download The Poisoned Chalice PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN 13 : 1770225668
Total Pages : 291 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (72 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Poisoned Chalice by : Gavin Rich

Download or read book The Poisoned Chalice written by Gavin Rich and published by Penguin Random House South Africa. This book was released on 2013-10-10 with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Springboks have had several post-isolation coaches, and if they agree on nothing else, they will concur that everyone in the job suffers enormous pressure. Unlike coaches from other rugby-playing countries, they also face many obstacles outside of the game, such as South Africa’s complicated politics and the often unrealistic expectations of both the public and the media. It has been called a poisoned chalice, and everyone, from the first post-isolation coach, John Williams, to the incumbent, Heyneke Meyer, can attest to its veracity. Now, for the first time, their journeys are recorded in one book, and as part of one story. The Poisoned Chalice takes an in-depth look at each of the coaches in the post-apartheid years, and at the same time examines how the role has evolved over the past two decades. From the triumphs to the controversies, the boardroom to the rugby field, this book reveals exactly what it takes to be the Bok coach, and why each and every one of them, at some time or another in the toughest job in South African sport, lost it. A riveting, often revelatory and definitely controversial read!

Coach

Download Coach PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Jonathan Ball Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1868423743
Total Pages : 442 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (684 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Coach by : Marco Botha

Download or read book Coach written by Marco Botha and published by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This book was released on 2014-05-21 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At 34, Heyneke Meyer was fired as head coach of a Super Rugby team for the second time. But when on 19 May 2007 his Bulls side became the first South African team to capture the Super title, the dark years at Loftus Versfeld were suddenly forgotten. And Meyer was regarded as the coach among coaches. Because it is there - on the playing field - that coaches and players are judged. And yet the scoreboard never tells the full story of how people achieved success overnight'. In Meyer's case it was an arduous journey of more than seven years during which he defined and changed professional rugby. This is leadership. And leadership is what Coach is about - people who have fundamentally changed a sport, an industry, a way of thinking, and, ultimately, lives. Marco Botha sat in conversation with some of South Africa's foremost sports leaders and interprets their diverse success stories in his narrative writing style. From Meyer to Brendan Venter, who helped turn Saracens into a super club and the Sharks into the 2013 Currie Cup champions. As an international hockey player, Sherylle Calder noticed something special' about her own visual abilities and researched this together with Professor Tim Noakes. The Eye Lady' was instrumental in England (2003) and South Africa (2007) winning the Rugby World Cup and Ernie Els bagging his second British Open golf title in 2012. Former Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu advanced rugby sevens as a world sport by regularly getting his team to tower above seemingly superior sides. One innovation at a time. Gary Kirsten and Paddy Upton guided the Indian national cricket team to glory with a leadership style that empowered players and developed them as human beings - the new school' of coaching. With the same approach they helped the Proteas become the number one team in the world in all three formats of the game. These remarkable leaders have made champions out of ordinary people. And the reasons for this will certainly surprise you . . .

Rassie

Download Rassie PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Pan Macmillan
ISBN 13 : 1035029421
Total Pages : 408 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (35 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Rassie by : Rassie Erasmus

Download or read book Rassie written by Rassie Erasmus and published by Pan Macmillan. This book was released on 2023-08-31 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'He is rugby's Pep Guardiola' – The Telegraph Rassie Erasmus has been called a genius. He’s been called reckless. All his life, he’s done things differently. Now, with his trademark candour, Rassie talks openly about his adventures and misadventures at the pinnacle of world rugby, both as player and coach. From his role in Nick Mallett's record-breaking Springbok team of the late 1990s, to the devastating injuries that cut short his playing career, to his revolutionary coaching career, Rassie is an essential window into one of the most successful figures of modern rugby. When his teammates relaxed, Rassie preferred to watch hours of video and devise winning strategies. His coaching methods were initially laughed off – before being eagerly adopted when their success proved undeniable. He fought the rugby establishment at the Stormers, and later earned the grudging respect of Irish fans at Munster. Most crucially, Rassie talks about his greatest contribution to South African rugby: appointing its first black captain, Siya Kolisi, without much fanfare or controversy. As his bold plans for effective racial transformation of the national team achieved immediate success, they culminated in glory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Here, that monumental period is recounted in vivid, insightful detail. Entertaining and eye-opening, Rassie is full of behind-the-scenes revelations, telling the story of a towering figure in world rugby.

The Number 10s

Download The Number 10s PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN 13 : 1770201483
Total Pages : 328 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (72 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Number 10s by : Chris Schoeman

Download or read book The Number 10s written by Chris Schoeman and published by Penguin Random House South Africa. This book was released on 2011-03-28 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout the history of rugby, it has been the flyhalves who have gripped the imagination of rugby supporters the most. Arguably the most crucial position on the rugby field, a flyhalf can almost single-handedly win a game for his team (remember Naas Botha’s 1987 Currie Cup final, and Joel Stransky’s drop kick in the 1995 World Cup final?). South Africa has produced some of the most famous flyhalves in international rugby, and The Number 10s covers their and other remarkable players’ stories. From an older era, there are Bennie Osler, Tony Harris, Hansie Brewis (who never lost a Test), Keith Oxlee and Naas Botha; and, more recently, Henry Honiball, Joel Stransky and Morné Steyn. The Number 10s also relives several of the magic moments of rugby’s generals, such as the brilliance of Bennie Osler (1928), Tony Harris (1937) and Naas Botha (1981) versus the All Blacks; Jannie de Beer versus England at the 1999 World Cup; and Derick Hougaard in the 2002 Currie Cup final. A fascinating and informative read for rugby fans of all ages.

Politically Incorrect

Download Politically Incorrect PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN 13 : 177022422X
Total Pages : 378 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (72 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Politically Incorrect by : Peter de Villiers

Download or read book Politically Incorrect written by Peter de Villiers and published by Penguin Random House South Africa. This book was released on 2012-05-25 with total page 378 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout his tenure as the first black Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers was in the news, and not always for the right reasons. His battle to be accepted and respected by the rugby fraternity started from the moment his appointment was announced, when his new boss admitted that De Villiers had got the job for reasons ‘other than only rugby’. In his four years as Bok coach, De Villiers experienced huge successes – a series win over the British & Irish Lions and a Tri Nations trophy – but he also suffered the ignominy of coming last in the Tri Nations and seeing his World Cup dream shattered by the controversial officiating of referee Bryce Lawrence. In addition, his outspoken nature and colourful application of the metaphor alternately amused and horrified South African rugby fans, and his close relationship with his senior players begged the question: Who was coaching whom? Now, in his autobiography, De Villiers answers this question and addresses many more: How he managed to progress from the dusty streets of Paarl as a rugby-mad youngster to the highest job in South African rugby; why his employers tried to manipulate him but failed; why he stuck with John Smit as captain in the 2011 Rugby World Cup; and where his passion for rugby will lead him next. If rugby fans thought they knew Peter de Villiers before reading this book, they will think differently afterwards.

Victor: My Journey

Download Victor: My Journey PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN 13 : 1770222642
Total Pages : 499 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (72 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Victor: My Journey by : Victor Matfield

Download or read book Victor: My Journey written by Victor Matfield and published by Penguin Random House South Africa. This book was released on 2011-11-05 with total page 499 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As one of the most capped Springboks ever, Victor Matfield is a national hero who transcends rugby provincialism and has fans across the world. His rugby exploits and achievements are numerous: he was an instrumental part of the team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he helped win two Tri Nations tournaments for the Boks, he has lifted the Super 14 trophy three times with the Bulls and he has enjoyed Currie Cup glory. In his much-anticipated autobiography, he opens up about his life, from growing up as a shy boy in Pietersburg to moving to Pretoria, where he had to learn the hard way about dealing with the pleasures of life as a talented young rugby player. He talks frankly about his issues with coaches, including his mentor Heyneke Meyer, Pieter de Villiers and former Bok coach Jake White, who once tried to physically attack him. Victor also discusses Kamp Staaldraad, the Bulls’ lack of form in his final season, the controversial refereeing decisions that led to the Boks’ quarter-final departure from the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and his retirement from rugby. This is undoubtedly the one book every rugby fan will want to read.

Vuvuzela Dawn

Download Vuvuzela Dawn PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Pan Macmillan South africa
ISBN 13 : 1770106626
Total Pages : 312 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (71 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Vuvuzela Dawn by : Luke Alfred

Download or read book Vuvuzela Dawn written by Luke Alfred and published by Pan Macmillan South africa. This book was released on 2019-04-01 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2019, South Africa celebrates 25 years of democracy and the freedom that turned the country from a political pariah to one warmly embraced by the world. Nowhere was the welcome more visible, or more emotional, than in sport. Vuvuzela Dawn tells the stories of that return. From Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations win to the fabled ‘438’Proteas game, we go behind the scenes of the great moments and record-breaking triumphs from 1994 to the present. From Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk to Benni McCarthy and Kevin Anderson, from twin World Cup rugby victories to the traumas of Kamp Staaldraad and Hansie Cronjé, Vuvuzela Dawn reveals the sporting dramas and passions that defined a quarter century.

Zapiro

Download Zapiro PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Jacana Media
ISBN 13 : 1431404500
Total Pages : 162 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (314 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Zapiro by : Zapiro

Download or read book Zapiro written by Zapiro and published by Jacana Media. This book was released on 2012 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chronicling South Africa's 2012 politics and the state of the nation, this humorous compilation by one of the country's most well-known political satirists also delves into more personal topics. From President Zuma's five million rand court case against cartoonist Zapiro to the African National Congress's court action against Brett Murray, this book exposes the South African national conscience throughout 2012.

More than Rugby

Download More than Rugby PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN 13 : 0143528955
Total Pages : 270 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (435 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis More than Rugby by : Pierre Spies

Download or read book More than Rugby written by Pierre Spies and published by Penguin Random House South Africa. This book was released on 2012-09-28 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You might never play rugby again.' Everything that I had done for the largest part of my life had been centred around rugby, so you can imagine the shock I experienced on hearing that. But if you thought that was bad - there's more. The doctor went on to say that I could even die. That was the truly devastating part! From being on cloud nine - selected for the Springbok squad to go to the World Cup - I had been hit with shattering news that was more than enough to knock the wind out of my sails. I couldn't believe it - just when my career was beginning to soar. Being a top scorer in the winning Super 14 team, giving great performances in the Tri Nations and against England at Loftus, getting selected into the Springbok squad for the World Cup - and now this? These are the words of Pierre Spies, capped as a Springbok aged 21 only to be told a year later that he may never play rugby again. In More than Rugby, Spies, one of the most imposing and explosive loose forwards that South Africa has ever produced, shares his own story for the first time: his family life, his numerous sporting triumphs, and his faith. Much more than a sports biography, this is the moving, personal story behind the well-loved 'No. 8' of South African rugby. With a Foreword by Victor Matfield and contributions from Morné Steyn, Bryan Habana and Juan Smith.

Making Champions - How South Africa's sporting heroes are made

Download Making Champions - How South Africa's sporting heroes are made PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN 13 : 0143531077
Total Pages : 290 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (435 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Making Champions - How South Africa's sporting heroes are made by : Michael Jenkins

Download or read book Making Champions - How South Africa's sporting heroes are made written by Michael Jenkins and published by Penguin Random House South Africa. This book was released on 2013-08-01 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a journey into the histories, hearts and homes of some of South Africa's greatest sporting heroes. Featuring the varied and very human stories of 13 icons of our time, including AB de Villiers, Ryan Sandes, 'Beast' Mtawarira, and Bridgitte Hartley, the book shows that it takes far more than natural talent to transform an athlete into the best that sport has to offer. Making Champions is an answer to the question: what goes into achieving champion status? It tells of the battles these sports stars have lost and won in their desire to set themselves apart from others just as gifted and aspiring for success. In the process, it equips all South Africans aiming to achieve in whatever field with the knowledge of the decisions and sacrifices these athletes have made, and the habits they have adopted on their way to the top.

Our Blood is Green

Download Our Blood is Green PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Birlinn Ltd
ISBN 13 : 1788851862
Total Pages : 452 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (888 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Our Blood is Green by : Gavin Rich

Download or read book Our Blood is Green written by Gavin Rich and published by Birlinn Ltd. This book was released on 2020-10-15 with total page 452 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The leaping Springbok on the green jersey of South Africa is one of the most iconic emblems in world rugby. At the same time, no symbol in world sport has ever done so much to divide – and then unite – a nation. Respected by opponents and supported passionately by South Africans, the Springboks have been a powerhouse rugby nation for over a century, yet the emblem that now sits alongside the Protea on the chests of the players was once a symbol of violent oppression in apartheid South Africa, the epitome of the white man's dominance over people of colour in the Republic. Told in the words of Springboks past and present, Our Blood is Green explores what it means to play for South Africa – from schoolboy dreams to the sacrifices required to make it to the very top – as well as the myriad difficulties the players have faced over the years, from the horrors of apartheid through to the emerging rainbow nation in the 1990s and the multi-cultural World Cup-winning team of today. It is a fascinating, powerful and poignant read that explores the unity of a brotherhood that fights to transcend race, culture and class while simultaneously striving to become the best team on the planet. Our Blood is Green examines what it truly means to be a Springbok and it is told the only way it can be – by the players themselves.