Tokyo (AFP)
The Springboks will wear a jersey with the effigy of their former glory Chester Williams, who died in early September at 49, for their first World Cup match in Japan against the All Blacks on Saturday.
"He's really a source of inspiration for all of us," South Africa captain Siya Kolisi said on Friday about the former star winger, the 1995 world champion, who died of a heart attack earlier this month.
In the final against New Zealand 24 years ago at home, won at overtime 15-12, Williams was the only black player in the rainbow nation. He died less than two months after another winger of this world champion team, James Small.
"We admire the 1995 team because we feel like they have changed things for us in South Africa, and we will always respect them," said Kolisi, the first black captain of the Springboks.
"This is an era that has opened doors for us, we really appreciate them all," he added.
The group of 31 South Africans for the World Cup, which begins this Friday with the opening match Japan-Russia, is composed of 11 players of color, including Siya Kolisi.
Even if "Chester did not like to be in the center of attention", according to the current coach Rassie Erasmus, the tribute that will be made against the rivals of New Zealand is appropriate: "I think he would have loved to take part to a Springbok vs All Blacks duel, once again ".
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