 In 1992 , eight years after their last official series , South Africa hosted New Zealand in a one @-@ off test match . The resumption of international rugby in South Africa came after the dismantling of the apartheid system , and was only done with permission of the African National Congress . With their return to test rugby , South Africa were selected to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup . After upsetting Australia in the opening match , South Africa continued to advance through the tournament until they met New Zealand in the final . After a tense final that went into extra time , South Africa emerged 15 – 12 winners , with then President Nelson Mandela , wearing a Springbok jersey , presenting the trophy to South Africa 's captain , Francois Pienaar . 
