Behind barbed wire: The Springboks' extraordinary 1971 Australian tour

In 1971, the South African national rugby team, known as the Springboks, embarked on an extraordinary tour of Australia. As part of their 16-match tour, the Springboks played three Tests against the Australian national team, the Wallabies, and emerged victorious, earning themselves the title of "The Unbeatables." This historic tour was marked by the team's stealthy entry into Australia, as they avoided large crowds of anti-apartheid demonstrators by flying in and out of airports in four light aircraft.

Their accommodations ranged from luxury hotels to homes of rugby enthusiasts, with the latter providing them with home-cooked meals. The tour was not without its challenges, as the team faced a barrage of protests and disruptions. Demonstrators, numbering in the thousands, clashed with police, leading to cancelled matches, including one where the Boks were unable to stay at private residences due to the presence of demonstrators.

Despite the difficulties, the Springboks persevered, finding moments of enjoyment in unexpected places, such as watching Wimbledon on television for the first time. The tour showcased the indomitable spirit of the Springboks, who, despite the barriers they faced, managed to secure an unbeaten record on their Australian journey.