Author: Carlin, John

When Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa, he knew he had to achieve some form of national unity fast. He found his answer in the national rugby team, the Springboks. Long the embodiment of white supremacist rule, the Springboks' chances of victory were remote - and their chances of uniting the nation remoter still. But the team embraced the plan, and South Africans of all colors soon found themselves rooting for the team. The resulting home-field advantage ultimately won both the championship and Mandela's gamble. 304 pp.