Uniting the Nation through Rugby?

Strange one this - same thing happened in 1995 when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup. It was lauded as a triumph for the nation and not just the sport. South Africans came together spanning all races and cultures.
At the time we were fresh into our new democracy and this whole series gripped all nationalities. For a change the black populace had a taste of what the predominantly white sport was all about, and I'm sure a whole lot of them got hooked.

Now we're way past the honeymoon period and especially at this juncture where Malema has been spewing racial hatred like an Icelandic volcano, once again rugby seems to be marked as the sport to heal the nation?
So the fans are delighted. Response to the semi-final of the Super 14 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto has been cautious without reason. The "whiteys" were surprised at the goodwill of the predominantly black citizens of Soweto. All the racial tension from the weeks preceding this event has all been wiped out. Or was it?

Two South African teams in the final - the locals from Pretoria being the favorites. Fifa decided that the "bullring" need to be preserved for soccer - which is a predominantly black sport. The Orlando stadium can seat close on 40 thousand spectators and was the logical choice. One that I think was thought through properly and with some pressure from SARFU. It turned out to be the right decision.

No doubt the white supporters enjoyed this venue and all the surrounding facilities. Especially the surrounding facilities. And black businessmen want more - more of the white money. Is that what it's all about?
Somehow I don't think so. Since 1995 they've been hungry for some more rugby. Even though it's still a white sport. Not exclusively so anymore. Government pressure aside, those worthy of a place in any of the national teams have had their chance. Some survived, others not. Any sport is about ability and willingness to sacrifice.

Will soccer unite us as a nation the same way rugby does?

I still need to be convinced. The only reason I say this is that white South Africans could never be bothered with soccer. Sure, there's a lot of excitement around the Fifa spectacle from all races, but the ones who really matter can barely afford the entrance fee. And that's the common township folks.