Although rugby is a team game, there are always the skirmishes within the overall battle that define the outcome. What are likely to be the key conflicts between the Springboks and their three opponents in the 2018 Rugby Championship?
SA VS ARGENTINA: MALCOLM MARX VS AGUSTIN CREEVY
These two are the best hookers in the world, so it follows that the man who edges the personal battle will up the percentage of his side winning. Both are strong carriers and fine scrummagers and both are superb defenders. Marx has no peer when it comes to scavenging for the ball.
He was ranked first in turnovers won during Super Rugby with an incredible 24, which was nine more than the next best. And that doesn't take into account how effectively he slowed ball, or the penalties he won at the breakdowns.
Marx also scored 12 tries, most from the back of rolling mauls. He also made 12 tackle breaks, which means he is like a fourth loose forward. Creevy is no slouch over the ball, making eight turnovers in Super Rugby. Where he shades Marx is with his lineout throwing, which is deadly accurate. Marx has improved that aspect of his game, but occasionally his throwing can go awry.Last year's Test against the All Blacks in Albany was a bad day for Marx, as the Boks lost five balls on their own throw. Marx took responsibility and has worked to mend this shortcoming.
SA VS AUSTRALIA: FRANCOIS LOUW VS DAVID POCOCK
Two of the very best in the battle for the ball on the deck will define the outcome of the clashes in Brisbane and Port Elizabeth. Pocock was on sabbatical for a year before this season and his return to Super Rugby in 2018 was not as seismic as some expected. But Pocock is a proven superstar at Test level and, like all the great players, takes his game to another dimension when he's wearing Wallaby gold.
For a player who lives on the edge of the law, Pocock remarkably gave away only one penalty in Super Rugby this year and he missed only three tackles. It underlines how good his timing and technique are at the breakdown and in contact, and how refs are intimidated by his reputation.Louw is less prominent but does effective work over the ball to frustrate opponents and is also a surprisingly good link player. His tackle numbers are usually high and his work rate and positioning are among the best, thanks to his experience. Louw has always been one of the unsung heroes of the Bok pack.
Keeping Pocock's influence down to manageable levels will need a team effort, with Louw in the vanguard.
SA VS NEW ZEALAND: HANDRÉ POLLARD VS BEAUDEN BARRETT
Both these proven world-class flyhalves have had their credentials questioned because their Super Rugby teams didn't deliver in 2018. Richie Mo'unga's rise for the Crusaders has had some sectors of the New Zealand media calling for Barrett to be dropped. Similarly in SA, the Bulls' struggles have brought Pollard's reputation into question.
Fortunately both All Black coach Steve Hansen and Bok counterpart Rassie Erasmus have no such doubts.
Erasmus was unequivocal this week that Pollard is the Bok No 1 and Hansen is backing Barrett to continue his fine Test career in the All Black No 10 jersey. Pollard's performances in June against England were proof that the higher the level, the better he plays.The last time the Boks beat the All Blacks, Pollard was a precocious 20-year-old with the world at his feet. He has improved since then and if the Bok pack can put him on the front foot, Pollard has the weapons to steer the team to victory.
Barrett is still the most dangerous player in world rugby. His ability to accelerate through a gap, land a pinpoint cross-field kick, or throw a perfect pass make him a nightmare to defend against. When the two come face to face, it will be one for rugby lovers everywhere...