Springboks get rousing send-off

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South Africa were given a rousing send-off Thursday as they head for New Zealand to defend the Rugby World Cup.

Thousands of supporters wearing replica green and gold jerseys sang, danced and cheered as the team said goodbye at a square named after former president Nelson Mandela.

The upscale business and shopping district of Sandton -- 20 kilometres north of central Johannesburg -- ground to a halt when the Springbok stars, coaches and officials arrived.

Normally packed streets were miraculously clear of early-evening traffic as the team coach sped to a date with those who support them passionately.

South Africa have won the biggest rugby union prize twice and are attempting to rewrite the history books at the September 9-October 23 tournament.

The 30 stars labelled "warriors" by President Jacob Zuma three days ago hope to become the first team to successfully defend the William Webb Ellis trophy.

Victory in the October 23 Auckland final would also give the Springboks a record third Rugby World Cup title, lifting them above the Australian Wallabies.

While the New Zealand All Blacks side, ranked number one in the world, are favoured to win a second title, Australia and South Africa are also considered capable of going all the way.

"Forward Springboks, forward," smiling sports minister Fikile Mbalula told the crowd jammed into a square on a clear, warm first evening of spring.

"You are the pride of our nation, you stand for excellence. Go to New Zealand and fight for your country. There are 50 million of us behind you," he roared to sustained applause.

John Smit, the hooker who skippered South Africa to victory over England in the 2007 Paris final, called the public farewell "truly humbling.

"We feel a heavy responsibility to all of you. Your support will keep us going. You will be in our hearts and minds as we battle for glory far from home," he promised.

Coach Peter de Villiers said gazing at thousands of Springbok supporters packed into a square ranked among the most humbling moments of his life.

"We are taking responsibility for bringing the Rugby World Cup back and know that 50 million South Africans are behind us," said the first black coach of the team.

After the farewell, the Springboks boarded the high-speed Gautrain for a 20-minute trip to OR Tambo airport in an eastern suburb of the South African financial capital.

The defending champions are scheduled to arrive late Friday in Wellington, where the title defence begins on September 11 against Wales.

Pacific islands sides Fiji and Samoa and tournament no-hopers. Namibia complete Pool D with the top two finishers qualifying for the quarter-finals.