Our literary correspondent, Bruce Manley, got his hands on Dan Retief’s incredibly popular book, The Springboks And The Holy Grail. Click through for a review of the book, and an interview of Dan by Ian F on 2oceansVibe Radio’s Ian F Show.

Sifting through the millions of words written about the demise of the News of the World and Rupert Murdoch’s grim grasp on his faltering News Corp empire – a story we follow relentlessly here at 2oceansVibe – I flipped to the Sports Section of the final “Thank you and Good-bye” edition of NOTW.

In the Sports Editor’s own obituary to the NOTW Sports journalists, he stated that they were all “fans”. That’s why they had the stories, they knew the games, and they had the respect of the players. They were not journalists churning out the copy because it was a job – it was a passion.

Dan Retief is a fan. That’s why ‘The Springboks and the Holy Grail’ makes such compelling reading. He has the respect of the players and, as mentioned in the book, the legendary 1995 World Cup winning Springboks coach, Kitch Christie said, “you know the game”.  In fact, Dan modestly relates how it was he that suggested that a kicking Joel Stransky play at fly half and the accepted playmaker, Hennie le Roux, play at inside centre in the 1995 team – and we know what happened there!

Retief has been in the journo game for over 40 years, but is still in touch. He is well known through the pages of many newspapers, magazines and, of course, SuperSport.

The book cleverly links events between the World Cups through detailing the up and down of the soap opera that is South Africa. There’s plenty of spice! The relationship prior to the 1999 World Cup between Gary Teichman, 2oceansViber Bob Skinstad and coach Nick Mallett gets a thorough airing.

This is a book which is a cracking read and one for anyone remotely interested in rugby, the Springboks and even the politics of South Africa, it’s a must.

Apparently the first edition is now virtually sold out, but the publishers are rushing out a second printing. However, it can be downloaded through Amazon (as the book listing is sold out). Some Exclusive Books still have copies, though.

Follow Dan on Twitter, or catch up with his musings at www.danretief.com.

Listen to Ian F’s interview with Dan on 2oceansVibe Radio’s Ian F show, recorded this morning!

Danretief-25-july-2011 by 2oceansvibe.com