Issued by: Office of the President
25 November 1997
Mr Gary Teichmann Springbok Captain Westbury Hotel
Tel: 0944 171 629 7755 Fax: 0944 171 495 1163
Dear Gary
I am following the headlines you are making in Europe with keen interest and pride. I notice that your team's achievements have provoked a major debate among experts on the game of rugby. I am interested how the argument whether your team is the greatest Springbok team in living memory is going to end. For now, all I wish to say is that your team is a fitting representative of our rainbow nation.
Like all South Africans I am looking forward to the Test against England at Twickenham on Saturday, 29 November 1997.
Judging by your performance at the Parc de Princes against France, an achievement which I am very proud of, I am certain that you will, once more, rise to the challenge of upholding the mettle of world champions.
Signature Nelson Mandela