Nelson Mandela's ex-security guard says All Blacks were poisoned before World Cup Final. Courtesy: NZME

Nelson Mandela's ex-security guard says All Blacks were poisoned before World Cup Final

A FORMER police commander claims a betting syndicate was behind the poisoning of the All Blacks two days before the 1995 Rugby World Cup against South Africa.

Rory Steyn, who is in New Zealand this week talking about his time working as a bodyguard for Nelson Mandela, says the All Blacks’ “Tea and coffee and possibly even water was gotten to.”

Mr Steyn told NZME the All Blacks’ decision to have their own separate dining area in their hotel made it easier for the players to be poisoned.

“I didn’t think it was a good idea (but) were insistent that’s what they wanted and that’s what they got,” he said.

“They were poisoned and they got very, very sick about two-thirds of the squad got properly sick on the night of 22 June.”

Previous claims have linked a waitress named Suzie to the poisoning of the team.

Mr Steyn said betting syndicates were behind the alleged poisoning.

“It all involved money and betting syndicates and the fact that the odds were hugely in favour of the All Blacks, they were devastating in that tournament.”

South Africa beat the All Blacks 15-12 in the final.

Watch full interview with Rory Steyn