The Springboks and their fans have embraced being the Millwall FC of rugby – ‘nobody likes us and we don’t care’. Well, maybe it is time to strip them of that motivational tool, by learning to love them.
For neutrals and rivals, this is a jarring concept. But there is a very real danger that South Africa are shedding their status as perennial pantomime villains. All the haters are going to hate, hate, hate this, but the Boks are proving worthy of warmth and admiration, in defiance of long tradition.
The immediate news is that they have just won the Rugby Championship in its full guise for the first time in 15 years. Rassie Erasmus’ side added that prize to a remarkable haul in the last five years, featuring two World Cup triumphs and a Lions series victory. They sealed their latest trophy by demolishing Argentina 48-7, scoring seven tries to one.
During their glorious southern-hemisphere campaign, they extended their winning run over the All Blacks to four matches – a rare, cherished feat – and earned back-to-back wins in Australia despite implementing a rotation policy designed to unearth a new generation of world-beaters. In fact, that was a feature of Erasmus’s approach throughout the tournament and it worked a treat.
So, perhaps they can be loveable, as standard-bearers for their sport. It would mark a seismic shift in outside attitudes towards them, after past outrage about cynical, antagonistic, spoiling, loophole-finding antics. Whether it was Rassie as a water-carrier, traffic lights in the stands or shrieking ‘medics’ all but joining the back of mauls, South Africa were easy to dislike.
South Africa, seen celebrating winning the Rugby Championship, are difficult to dislike
Aphelele Fassi is among South Africa’s deadly backs who have been unleashed
The previously divisive head coach Rassie Erasmus has not been in wind-up mode of late
In addition, for a while, their tactics were tediously stodgy and pragmatic. But they are no longer limited to being bashers with a deadly kicking game and a destructive ‘Bomb Squad’, as they were when the Lions visited three years ago. They now boast so many dashers out wide too.
The Boks’ deadly backs such as Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Canan Moodie, Jaden Hendrikse and Manie Libbok are not just being chosen, they are also being unleashed. Moodie’s performance against New Zealand at Twickenham last summer was utterly spell-binding, in defiance of all the stereotypes about a team who just run hard and straight.
The pack is still supreme too, led by a captain in Siya Kolisi who transcends the sport as a global icon and statesman. His stirring example and his diplomacy serve as a beacon within his own country and far beyond. Then there’s the relentlessly incredible Pieter Steph du Toit, who could be on course to become World Rugby Player of the Year again – and Eben Etzebeth, who continues to be feted for his enforcer exploits, having long since entered the pantheon.
The previously divisive Rassie has not been in wind-up mode of late; instead, he was full of gracious praise when beaten by the Pumas in South America a week before his team took the title. So, it might be time for us sceptics in these parts to embrace Erasmus’ team as the favourite southern visitors, rather than the Kiwis, as has always been the case.
In South Africa, the sport is booming, despite extreme economic hardship, which means success is not bought, far from it. They have an array of players with remarkable stories of overcoming real adversity, they are a symbol of successful Rainbow Nation diversity these days – and they are not overly commercial like the All Blacks, who have long been viewed as a brand for sale.
Sure, it is best not to aggravate Bok supporters, as that is akin to taking a dip in a pool of piranhas, such is their fervent, unwavering allegiance and fierce dismissal of all criticism. But the team they worship are good for rugby – worthy of outside admiration. It’s time to love them, not loathe them.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi transcends the sport as a global icon and statesman
Owen Farrell’s difficulties in France continue
It’s not at the stage yet when Owen Farrell will wonder what he’s done, but the former England captain is certainly not enjoying a fairytale start to life across the Channel at Racing 92.
On Saturday, the Parisians were consigned to an agonising home defeat by La Rochelle, meaning they are ‘one from four’ – as Americans would say – and third from bottom of the Top 14 league. Farrell had to surrender goal-kicking duties to half back partner Nolann Le Garrec, in keeping with a familiar French custom. He doesn’t even have the consolation of performing inside the futuristic La Defence Arena.
Racing are currently hosting matches in far more modest surroundings at Stade Dominique Duvauchelle in suburban Creteil, to the south east of the French capital, hemmed in by fly-overs and railway lines. It is not a patch on their indoor home, where one end is dominated by a giant screen, which was commandeered for swimming events at the Olympics. Farrell will have to start taking a firm grip on his new team, to ensure they don’t sink without trace this season…
Owen Farrell is continuing to endure a difficult start to his spell at Racing 92 in France
Concerns arise over England’s new defence coach
So, England have a new defence coach – sort of – and a new head of strength and conditioning – sort of. It is all a necessary mess, after the decisions by Felix Jones and Aled Walters to defect from Steve Borthwick’s management team with indecent haste.
Joe El Abd will oversee the defence while still in charge of French Pro D2 side Oyonnax for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign. Not ideal. He’s also a close personal friend of Borthwick, which raises the reasonable concern that he will be a mere yes-man. Here’s hoping that is a false impression and he brings a strong, independent voice. The head coach wants Phil Morrow – general manager at Saracens and a quality operator – to replace Walters, but that requires agreement from other Premiership clubs. It is likely to come, but it is another awkward compromise.
Meanwhile, the RFU maintain a withdrawn role in the recruitment of new coaches, leaving decisions up to Borthwick. The union appear content to act as mere facilitators who sign the cheques, so to speak, but if there is any more upheaval in the near future, they may need to be more hands-on with the hiring, as well as the firing.
Joe El Abd will oversee England’s defence while still in charge of French Pro D2 side Oyonnax
ITV’s new highlights show should be given a chance
Last Word – Last week, ITV rolled out their new Premiership highlights show, presented by a trio of oval-ball influencers. The predictable reaction would be to lament another affront to tradition and the demise of more comfortably familiar broadcasting formats, but to hell with that outlook. Something has to change. The game needs fresh energy and a profile within younger markets, so this sort of venture requires patience and support.
There was not a great deal of analysis, with more time given over to comment about the quality of the kits in the league, but the programme featured plenty of match footage with explanatory commentary and punditry. In addition, Lizzie Musa – AKA Ruck Star Lizzie – succeeded in generating a mood of feverish excitement and anticipation with her reporting around the opening fixture between Bath and Northampton at The Rec.
It conveyed the sense of a grand event, which is essential. Meanwhile, it’s a crying shame that Bristol versus Gloucester last Friday wasn’t shown live on terrestrial TV as the classic contest would have done wonders for the sport’s appeal among a wider audience.
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