New Zealand versus South Africa, final, June 24, 1995. Ellis Park, Johannesburg.
The scene
Off-field, Nelson Mandela's Rainbow Nation is showing itself to the world as backroom moneymen try to seduce players into going pro.
On-field, Laurie Mains' All Blacks are stuttering against the South African World Cup debutantes.
As the sun beats down, belligerent Bok defence extinguishes each attack and every effort to get 20-year-old try machine Jonah Lomu into play.
It's 9-9, no tries, only 10 seconds of regular time left, and despite two earlier misses, Andrew Mehrtens lines up another drop goal from 25m.
Wide. Extra time - unknown territory for a World Cup match.
The crowd of 62,000 is in a frenzy as the weary teams swap penalties, 12-12. Six minutes left and the All Blacks are in possession.
If the scores stay tied, New Zealand win care of law 5b giving the cup to the team with the least sending-offs. Then only 35m from their own line, an All Black knocks on.
The moment
The scrum is set as bedlam spreads through the stands.
Springbok halfback Joost van der Westhuizen spins the ball to wide-eyed Joel Stransky, who settles and sends the ball through the sticks with practice-ground precision.
"You beauty," screams skipper Francois Pienaar.
What we said
"The dream will still be a nightmare today. The All Blacks, the favourites for the World Cup, struggled yesterday under the weight of expectation, pressure, illness and injury and lost their self-belief. The result: defeat by 15-12 to an indomitable Springbok side at Ellis Park."
What next?
South Africa, champions at their first tilt at the title, unite the country for an all-night party, although a boorish aftermatch victory speech by Louis Luyt sends the All Blacks home early.
The Springboks are dubbed "Amabokoboko" by their new black fans.
Stransky left South Africa to play for English club side Leicester Tigers in December 1996 and retired in 1999. He is now a rugby commentator in South Africa.
The Springboks have not reached such giddy heights since.
Full World Cup coverage
<i>World Cup Moments:</i> A drop kick in the guts
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.