The 16th Man (DVD)

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Rugby has long been viewed in South Africa as a game for the white population, and the countrys success in the sport has been a true source of Afrikaner pride. When the 50-year-old policies and entrenched injustices of apartheid were finally overthrown in 1994, Nelson Mandelas new government began rebuilding a nation badly in need of racial unity. So the world was watching when South Africa played host to the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Though they had only one non-white player, the South African Springboks gained supporters of all colours as they made an improbable run into the final match where they beat the heavily favored New Zealand team. When Mandela himself marched to the center of the pitch cloaked in a Springbok jersey and shook hands with the captain of the South African team, two nations became one. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman and director Cliff Bestall will tell the emotional story of that cornerstone moment and what it meant to South Africas healing process. This is the true story of the game that transcended rugby and united an entire nation after decades of racial conflict. Narrated by Oscar winner Morgan Freeman and directed by acclaimed director Clifford Bestall, the film provides a fascinating account of one of the greatest stories in sport. Including candid interviews with the players involved in the triumph and archive footage, the film brilliantly portrays the groundswell of emotion the achievement generated. As one of the most famous stories in sport, we expect rugby and sport fans alike to be captivated by this release. The release is being timed ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.