Francois Pienaar Quotes in Invictus (2009)

Nerine: Thinking about tomorrow?

Francois Pienaar: No. Tomorrow's taken care of, one way or another. I was thinking about how you spend 30 years in a tiny cell, and come out ready to forgive the people who put you there.

Francois Pienaar: Times change, we need to change as well.

Francois Pienaar: I may break my arm, my leg, my neck, but I will not let that freaking guy go.

Nelson Mandela: How do you inspire your team to do their best?

Francois Pienaar: By example. I've always thought to lead by example, sir.

Nelson Mandela: Well, that is right. That is exactly right. But how do we get them to be better then they think they CAN be? That is very difficult, I find. Inspiration, perhaps. How do we inspire ourselves to greatness when nothing less will do? How do we inspire everyone around us? I sometimes think it is by using the work of others.

Nelson Mandela: [Pienaar just lead his team to an unexpected victory in the world cup. Mandela is presenting him with the trophy] Thank you for what you have done for your country.

Francois Pienaar: No, Mr. President. Thank *you*.

Nerine: [after Francois returns from his tea with President Mandela] So, what's he like?

Francois Pienaar: [pauses] He's unlike any person I've ever met.

Francois Pienaar: I've been invited to tea.

Nerine: With who?

Francois Pienaar: The President.

Mr. Pienaar: Who, President of the SA Rugby? Count your fingers...

Francois Pienaar: [pointing at the TV] No, the President.

Francois Pienaar: Come boys. What the heck are we doing? Lomu is killing us. Forwards, we must start scrumming. We must disrupt them at the first phase. Can't allow Lomu to get the ball in space. He's freaking killing us. But listen, if Lomu gets the ball, whoever's there... James, Joost... hit the fucking guy, hold onto him, hold him. Help will come, help will be there.