I want the Springboks to give us 8-0 at some stage at this World Cup — and I am not talking about a scoreline.
I want a power pack of eight forwards on the bench and I want them introduced as a collective on 45 minutes.
It would be beautiful and bloody brutal on the opposition.
Just like the Springboks’ 53-metre lineout catch and maul try in the 2019 World Cup quarterfinal against Japan, this would be one of the great moments in Springbok World Cup history.
Rassie Eramsus and Jacques Nienaber, who have almost exclusively relied on six forward and two backline replacements during their tenure, took it one step further in last Friday night’s nailing of New Zealand at Twickenham. They replaced fullback Willie Le Roux with loose-forward and former Sevens specialist Kwagga Smith to complete a seven forwards and one backline split.
The All Blacks, when all seven entered the fray early in the second half, got blown away.
It was just magnificent to observe.
More of the same, I say, despite so many dissenting voices from up north. The narrative is that the Springboks are not playing within the spirit of the game. How absurd is that kind of critique? Send those mad ones to the doctor. They are living in an alternate universe.
The accusations, from many opposed to this Bok dominance, was that it put players at risk. The only players at risk are the opposing props and it has nothing to do with player safety.
The criticism was so instant that World Rugby released a statement to say there was nothing to act on. Of course, there was nothing because no laws were broken. No crime was committed, unless you consider scrumming the All Blacks from within Twickenham to the car park a crime.
The accusations, from many opposed to this Bok dominance, was that it put players at risk. The only players at risk are the opposing props and it has nothing to do with player safety. Imagine scrumming against Frans Malherbe for 45 minutes and you look up to the big grin of Trevor Nyakane. Equally, Steven Kitshoff goes, and Ox Nche says hello. Then there’s the matter of Malcolm Marx team-tagging Bongi Mbonambi.
If that isn’t draining enough, the world-class Munster-based lock pairing of Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman warming the bench is simply frightening and in my ideal world, there would be three loose-forwards to complete what would be rugby’s ultimate eight-ball attack.
Cheslin Kolbe covers scrumhalf for me, and if he isn’t available then the versatility of the Bok backs means someone can do an adequate job. If there is injury to the midfield or outside backs, there is cover within that backline and because of the multitalented Kwagga Smith.
Erasmus and Nienaber in the last six seasons have developed two packs of equal strength and authority, and they timed their premier introduction to perfection at Twickenham last Friday.
The result was the crushing win against the old enemy and the biggest points differential defeat in the history of the All Blacks. The Boks won by 28 points, having led 35-0 on the hour. It could easily have been 50, but hell, I will take 28.
In fact, I would have taken a one point winning differential and that would be good enough for me should the two play each other at the World Cup, be it in the quarterfinal or final.
I don’t see New Zealand making it to the Big Dance on October 28, but I do see the super Springboks, with a spring in their step and a swagger in the way they strut their power, to be at the final defending their crown.
In the past two months, I’ve pleaded with the Boks to give statement performances. They did so in Cardiff against Wales and won 52-16. It was a record score for the Boks in Wales. Another record came a week later against the All Blacks.
The performances were appealing and appreciative.
Thank you Rassie, Jacques, Siya and the boys.
More of the same please in France over the next two months.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.