2004 was a pivotal year in the Silver Goblets and Nickalls Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. Three years of victories on the bounce by Cracknell & Pinsent had lulled the Henley crowds into believing coxless pairs rowing to be a particularly British talent.

Two South Africans, Ramon di Clemente and Donovan Cech were to change that. After three years of losing, an emphatic victory was theirs. Not only that, but they were to repeat their success in 2005 and 2007. (Injury stopped them competing in 2006.)