Springboks pave the way for 2010
Craig Urquhart
30 October 2007South Africa was wrapped up in a week-long wave of euphoria following the Springboks' nail-biting World Cup final victory over England in Paris the weekend before last.
The local and international media have noted the achievement, as well as the manner in which it was digested. Around the country, local authorities erected huge screens in fan parks in what was dubbed a trial run for coping with the masses of local and foreign fans expected for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Police said the partying was largely peaceful, providing much needed evidence that the 2010 World Cup hosts are able to celebrate in style (the only fatality occurred in London, where a Springbok supporter was run over).
Celebrations reminiscent of the team's previous World Cup victory in 1995 were still continuing on Monday this week, with the national flag flying high and street parades for the victors taking in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban and Cape Town.
The 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) said the achievement in Paris has inspired it to work even harder to ensure the success of the Fifa World Cup.
"We must take the experience of the Springboks winning the World Cup and the euphoria it brought the country and multiply it over 30 days", said LOC chief executive officer Danny Jordaan. "Only then will we have a sense of what impact a successful 2010 World Cup can have on the country."
Local rugby analyst Andy Capastagno said the Springbok's triumph should serve as a springboard for the quadrennial showpiece of international football. "If we all pull in the same direction, 2010 is a no-brainer," he said.
Let's hope this euphoria helps to carry the nation towards a tournament which dwarfs the Rugby World Cup many times over.
Urquhart is a former Fifa World Cup media officer and the current editor of Project 2010
