Jonty’s Open Letter To South Africa

Dear countrymen,

Remember the day you beat the Sri Lankans? You were determined to perform to the best of your abilities, both individually and collectively. But you also showed no apparent fixation with your World Cup history.

None of you have played in the 1992, ’96, ’99 or 2003 World Cups. And you don’t come with any baggage of those tournaments. You go into Tuesday’s semifinal with a clean slate.

Don’t look at the stats from this World Cup or the ones gone by, from games against the Black Caps, or for matches at this venue. Just look into the mirror, or take a selfie, and pledge to that face looking back at you, that you will give all that you have in this match, and no history is going to hinder you from playing to your best.

There are no guarantees that you will win or lose against the All Blacks. But as long as you have prepared to the maximum of your ability, leaving no stone unturned in your efforts to overcome the opposition, you just have to trust the process – a successful process that has brought you here, to this stage, with your innate abilities. Not every team gets to play a World Cup semi-final. 

Our advice as the newcomers in 1992 was to run out onto the field, do a lap around the square, just soak in the atmosphere and let it inspire rather than intimidate you. Go forth and enjoy your game. Success is truly bound to follow you.