The Springboks arrived in Johannesburg on Monday to a thunderous welcome from adoring fans, including South African President Jacob Zuma. While hundreds of fans gave the Boks a noisy welcome, it was the message of Zuma that carried the most weight.

Having won the Tri-Nations title for the first time since 2004 – to go along with the whitewash of the All Blacks, World Cup, a B&I Lions series victory, the Mandela Challenge Plate (for a 2-1 series win against Australia) and the Freedom Cup (beating the All Blacks 3-0) – Zuma told Smit and his men they did the country proud.

Before speaking, Zuma was presented with a team blazer. He removed his own jacket and put it on.

Smit also presented him with a number three jersey – the captain’s number.

“They make us proud… those countries that come to play them think twice before any game,” Zuma said, proudly wearing his Springbok blazer.

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