Trying times as Bok dot-downs dry up

TEST rugby's growth since the advent of professionalism is suitably illustrated by the Springboks' try-scoring stats. The Boks scored their 500th test try against Argentina in Buenos Aires in 1996, exactly 100 years after they made their international debut. Just 11 years later, the total doubled when JP Pietersen took their try count into four digits against Fiji at the World Cup in 2007. Given their recent lack of try-scoring prowess, 2018 may well come and go before they reach the 1500 mark.

BY going tryless in their two home Tri-Nations Tests, the Springboks invited unwanted comparisons with the Lion-whipped team of 1974. The last time the Boks went try-less in consecutive home Tests was against Willie John McBride's mob. They were tryless in the first three tests before Peter Cronje broke their duck at Ellis Park.

SPEAKING of records, the Boks shattered the mark for the number of players recalled for the defence of a World Cup crown. England called on 13 of their squad that won the 2003 trophy for their 2007 defence. The Bok selectors picked 18 World Cup winners from France for this year's defence.

JAMES O'Connor's excuse that he overslept for the Wallabies' squad announcement is perhaps not as rare as you might think. Bok left wing Mike Antelme apparently did something similar when he missed Avril Malan's infinitely more pressing final team talk just before the team ran out to play France in Paris in 1961. Malan didn't notice, but Antelme arrived in time for his team's snooze-a-minute zero-all draw.

ONE of the better Facebook responses in the wake of SuperSport's anthem fiasco read: "National anthem, for where Ard thou."