In class, one specific question has come up several times...why did Nelson Mandela wear a #6 jersey during the 1995 Rugby World Cup? Playing rugby for a few years, I have said in class from time to time that rugby jersey numbers are worn based on the position you play. #6 falls into the category of a "pack" member or forward. Similar to a linemen in American Football, the "pack" participates in the scrum in rugby and are the more rugged, dirty, tough"er" guys (I was a back, not a forward). As far as numbers within the pack goes, numbers 1 and 3 are worn by props, who are on the outside in the front row of a scrum. Props are lined up outside of the hooker who wears number 2. Second row players, or "lock's" are numbered 4 and 5, leaving the loose-forward "flankers" wearing numbers 6 and 7, and simply enough the "number 8" wears jersey #8. All of this is simplified in the picture.
Now, knowing Nelson Mandela wore a jersey that a usual flanker would wear, why was he given such number? As for the South African Springbok's, captain, Francois Pienaar played flanker and wore #6. The only logical explanation I can think of is, Captain Francois gave President Mandela his own jersey and we are blowing this out of proportion. However, I do believe there is a symbolic explanation for this. Francois Pienaar being the captain of the Springbok's and leading his team to win the World Cup gave his President his jersey to help and lead their country out of apartheid. The picture below is President Mandela presenting captain Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup after beating the All Blacks (ironic that South Africa given their circumstances played the New Zealand "All Blacks) in the finals in 1995.
I like the connection to Mandela's leadership through apartheid. An interesting example, if it is much ado about nothing, of the portrayal of sport in the media. Also an interesting explanation in regards to the rugby jersey numbers. I have played with many athletes (soccer and football) who select (and keep) their number from youth sports. It often depends on what uniform is available, size, etc. I know football has a designated position and number system, but it seems more flexible than that of rugby.
ReplyDeleteKevin, you do such a great job with posts. I enjoy your blogs like I enjoy coffee in the morning. Keep it up!
P.S. I enjoy orange juice in the morning.
I like the connection as well and agree with the fact that I think people may have just blown the #6 thing out of proportion and am surprised there isnt any interview out there where Mandela speaks about how or how he wore that jersey.
ReplyDeleteIt could just be that the captain gave him a jersey and Mandela felt like that would be the most powerful jersey or piece of clothing that represented everything that he was trying to convey to the nation.
Thanks for this explanation Kevin. The article we read by Crawford did not really explain the significance of the #6 jersey, but given that Pienarr was the captain of the Springboks, and he gave that jersey to Mandela, it makes sense that it was a symbolic act. It also helps to know the background about who plays certain positions in rugby.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to finally find out what the significance and meaning of wearing the number six is after reading your post. I also don't think that it is that big of a deal compared to what everyone else thinks about the number. I agree with your explanation that since the captain gave it to him he felt entitled to wear it. Great post!
ReplyDeleteLike stated above, it is really interesting to finally know the meaning of Mandela wearing the #6 jersey. It makes a lot of sense for him being the leader of Soth Africa identifying himself with the leader of the Springboks. I wish I could have kept up with the blogging processes and was able to experience your blogging to the level that Scott did. "As enjoyable as coffee in the morning", i seemed to have missed out on quite the weekely read. hahaha
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