Hollywood epic can't gloss over row behind scenes for Springboks

"I have always thought that it was a magical story about President Mandela walking out to present the trophy wearing a Springbok No6 jersey having spent 27 years in prison during the Apartheid era. That day a predominately white crowd was chanting his name. The power of sport can be incredible and it united a nation.

"That final in 1995 was a special moment and I can remember it as if it was yesterday. The whole six weeks building up to that victory was remarkable because President Mandela put on a Springbok cap to visit us at our training camp before we played one of the earlier matches and for the first time, the majority of our country rallied around the Springboks.

"The scenes in the streets of Johannesburg after the final were tremendous and wherever I go I still hear stories of where people were when we won the Cup. I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time.

"Clint Eastwood has agreed to direct the film and they plan to start shooting in South Africa in March - things are in place.

"It is humbling that Hollywood has chosen this story to turn into one of their biggest movies of the year. The cast list is amazing and, in my case, I have a really good face for radio!"

The row over the Springbok emblem remaining on the green jersey is one that has swirled around the highest political corridors in South Africa and rugby's position as force for continued unification was seriously called into question by controversial views allegedly expressed by flanker Luke Watson, who pulled out of the current tour due to the furore his words ignited.

The Springbok was the national symbol of South Africa under white minority rule, and when Apartheid ended was replaced by the Protea as the official emblem of most South African sports teams. But, as a gesture to it's mainly white fan-base, Mandela insisted on an exception for rugby and the continued use of the Springbok emblem is still a cause of resentment among many.

Watson, who family made a stand against Apartheid, was reported to have said he felt like "vomiting" on the Springbok jersey and claimed the sport was still run by "Dutchmen", singling out Pienaar as one of the main culprits.

He said last week: "In terms of my principles I won't be able to play under the Springbok as national emblem. If there is a national emblem that represents everybody, I will play for South Africa with pride, honour and dignity."

To deal with the question of the emblem on the national rugby jersey, it has been suggested a Springbok could appear on the right side and a equal-sized protea, the national flower, on the other side but the debate is ongoing.

"I know that from the time I wore the Springbok, starting in 1993, it brings back great memories and it was very positive for the country," added Pienaar.

"I flew from Johannesburg to Cape Town last week and a black gentleman was wearing the Springbok and called me "my captain" and that made me feel so humble and proud.

"I see the Springbok emblem as a symbol of unification not disunity in South Africa and I have experience of that on a weekly basis. I know that it has unified my country.

"I was blown away when John Smith, the captain of the 2007 World Cup winning side and the rest of the squad arrived back at Johannesburg airport after the tournament because the streets were lined with coloured, black, Asian and white people supporting the Springboks with absolute pride.

"I think that something like the Luke Watson situation doesn't help the cause and I am still intrigued about what he said and why he made those comments. From the first moment I pulled the Springbok jersey over my shoulders it has been a symbol of unification and great people and leaders have worn the jersey.

"Chester Williams, our [black] wing, was an absolute superstar - ask him what it meant to wear the Springbok jersey."

Having had his fingers burnt by previously not giving the side what his countrymen perceived to be total backing, Pienaar is predicting an away win at Twickenham.

"Of course I am going to predict a Springbok win because they want to lynch me when I suggest anything else," Pienaar joked. "In 2003 I was asked who I thought was capable of winning the World Cup and I said I hoped South Africa would do well but if you asked me who I think will win then I felt England would do it.

"When I got home to South Africa I was greeted with headlines which said: 'Pienaar says Boks will lose'.

"People were furious with me! I do hope the Boks win on Saturday because they have had some tough times and to beat England at Twickenham would make the entire tour."

The Protea flower was added to the badge in 1992, but some feel it should have replaced the racially-charged Springbok logo entirely.