ESPN Films 30 at 30 - The 16th man

For anyone that hasn't seen this film (one of ESPN's series of 30 documentaries commissioned for their 30th anniversary*), It's thoroughly recommended.

It's the story of the South African 95 rugby world cup win, set in the context of the release (and important role) of Mandela and his support for Springbok rugby at the time. Basically a documentary version of Invictus without the ham-fisted attempts at rugby.

For me, the biggest insights come from the interviews with the players, who seemed to be the first people to realise the significance of what was going on - almost all come across as interesting, thoughtful and intelligent guys (and this includes Kobus Wiese - actually, bar Pienaar, he comes across as the guy most influenced by what was going on in his country around the competition).

* It's actually a very good series of films, although obviously many focus on US sport - probably the very best is 'Once Brothers', focussed on two NBA basketball stars who were team mates and great friends for Yugoslavia but whose relationship was permanently ruined by the civil war (one was Serb, the other Croat).

30 for 30 is absolutely OUTSTANDING!

And yes 16th man is wonderful, ditto Once brothers.

I really enjoyed "you don't know Bo" and "the two Escobars". Would love them to do another rugby one for purely selfish reasons but its very unlikely.

Ah I read the title and thought it was a documentary about the Ospreys v Leicester 16th man (Burngate).

I watched the latest one "from Elway to Marino" last night.
Even though I know bog all about gridiron, it was deadly!