­
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • Cars
    • Motoring News
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Daddy’s Deals

SA Rugbymag

South African rugby news, fixtures, results, video, interviews, and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers/Western Province, Sharks, Cheetahs, Kings and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • Cars
    • Motoring News
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Daddy’s Deals

You are here: Home ∼ Small leaves giant mark on SA sport

Small leaves giant mark on SA sport

James Small tackles Jonah Lomu Small leaves giant mark on SA sport
Published on July 10, 2019 | Leave a response

Springbok wing James Small should be remembered for his courage in the face of adversity as much as his speed and finishing strengths, writes JON CARDINELLI.

The 50-year-old suffered a heart attack on Wednesday. After the news of the former Bok wing’s passing broke, social media was flooded with heartfelt tributes and nods to one of the most iconic figures in South African sporting history.

READ: Bok legend James Small dies

Small embodied the attitude of the Bok team that beat the All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup final. It was David versus Goliath – or more specifically Small versus Jonah Lomu – on that unforgettable afternoon at Ellis Park. Small took up the challenge against Lomu, as did the Bok collective against a more-fancied All Blacks juggernaut.

Nobody gave the Boks a chance going into that tournament. And yet, after they beat the Wallabies in the opening game, more and more people started to believe that this story may have a fairytale ending.

Not against the All Blacks, though. Everyone had seen what Lomu had done to Mike Catt and others in the semi-final against England.

Sure, it was a special time for the country and most of us were inclined to believe that miracles were possible. A win against the mighty All Blacks, however, seemed a big ask.

ALSO READ: ‘Small died too young’

Small was a big man by 1990s standards, but he was no Lomu. The result of that match-up and of the game itself seemed a foregone conclusion.

We know how it all panned out. Small stared down Lomu when the All Blacks performed the haka. There was no fear in his eyes. There was no fear in the way he and his teammates carried themselves throughout the game.

It was a fantastic lesson for those who believe that size is the be-all and end-all in sport. Attitude and belief matter a great deal.

The size of Small’s heart that day, of course, was plain for all to see. It made the difference. It was a performance and story that captivated the rugby community at large.

Two decades later, Small and Lomu spoke about the match in a documentary. It was clear that both players had enormous respect for each other. It was easy to understand why Lomu was so revered – given his stature and contribution to rugby – and yet interesting to note how much he thought of Small as a player and man.

TWITTER: Tributes pour in for Small

Evidently many people feel the same way. It was sad to hear about Small’s passing on Wednesday. There is something to be said, however, for the tributes that have followed.

Tributes from former teammates, opponents and other rugby people were to be expected. What was fascinating to see was how the South African community as a whole reacted.

‘James Small has died.’ A lot of people, some I haven’t heard from in years, sent me this message shortly after the news was confirmed.

Some of them live in far-flung Canada, in South America, in Australia and even in Norway. Some of them have never been big rugby fans and a few of them don’t even follow sport.

They all know who James Small is, though, and perhaps that is the point.

IN PICTURES: A tribute to Small

What Small and the class of 1995 achieved 24 years ago transcends sport. Encouraged by then president Nelson Mandela, the Boks never wavered in their belief that David could – and would – slay Goliath.

It’s an attitude that everyone can appreciate, and one that will define Small’s legacy.

Photo: John Jones/Getty Images

 

Posted in Jon Cardinelli, Top headlines Tagged 1995, Column, dies, james small, Rugby World Cup

Post by Jon Cardinelli

Jon Cardinelli

MPU #1 - (DESKTOP SIZE 300x250 / MOBILE SIZE 320x50, 300x250, 320x100)
← Previous Next →

Ratings: Du Toit one of the few standouts for Boks

The Boks faded in the second half to slump to a 22-17...

Five key areas the Boks need to dominate for first victory

SA Rugby magazine highlights five crucial areas the Boks will need to...

Duhan should be celebrated for his Lions success

Duhan van der Merwe’s achievements should be truly appreciated by South Africans,...

JdV: Boks-Lions have everything to play for

Performing in empty stadiums will be a key factor in the series...

Dynamic Dayimani: Forward to back

While he has been signed as an ‘edge’ forward, Hacjivah Dayimani could...

Boks have muscle memory to rely on

Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are experts at finding solutions to tricky...

Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

Column: When context is needed

As highlighted by the Argentina controversy, ‘cancel culture’ needs a spoonful of...

Dark cloud hangs over WP Rugby

The problems at Western Province Rugby are layered, and everyone involved needs...

From the mag: Foreign Favourites

As Vodacom Super Rugby turned 25 this year, JON CARDINELLI picks an...

Bulls rookies to watch

After a massive exodus of players the Vodacom Bulls will be eager...

Analysis: The new suffocate-and-strangle game

For the Boks to emerge as World Cup winners, they need to...

VIEW MORE
  • Team graphics: Springboks vs B&I Lions
  • Boks vs Lions (1st Test): Predict and WIN!
  • Lions team announcement: Duhan to front Boks
  • Teams: SA A vs Bulls
Boks

Why the Boks should be bullish

There is good reason for the Springboks to enter the British & Irish Lions series with confidence, writes MARK KEOHANE in the latest SA Rugby magazine.

  • Watch: Did Gatland’s words influence Jonker?


COVID-19 Corona Virus
South African Resource Portal

ABOUT

  • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Videos
  • Player Features
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy Policy

TOURNAMENTS

    • Rugby Championship
    • Super Rugby
    • Currie Cup
    • Varsity Cup
    • Gold Cup
    • Schools
    • Six Nations
    • Champions Cup
    • World Cup

OPINION

  • Mallett on SuperSport
  • Cardinelli column
  • Lewis column
  • Xabanisa column
  • Borchardt column
  • Superbru

Primary Menu

  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • Cars
    • Motoring News
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Daddy’s Deals
×