The Springboks generally love to have their backs against the wall, and have often found different ways to make things ‘personal’ against key opponents.
On more than one occasion, coach Rassie Erasmus has engaged in some rather deliberate mind games, while the Springboks have also not always won over fans with their direct style of play.
Yet, this season, the Springboks have not only adopted a more expansive game-plan, but Erasmus has been open about having learned from past mistakes.
Well-known overseas-based scribe Chris Foy has now acknowledged that the Springboks’ antagonistic image has begun to undergo a change.
“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,” Foy wrote in the Daily Mail.
“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.
“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 continue to evolve
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said it was a privilege to have recently concluded the team’s ‘home’ season with a Rugby Championship trophy.
“The pressure has been on the players to gel quickly, and I must give credit to the coaching staff and all the backroom team and the guys for keeping on believing despite all the changes,” he said.
“We’ve used 49 players this year and 35 in the Rugby Championship… Overall, I’m very happy, but the end-of-year tour is now our target and going through that undefeated.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE RESULTS WILL BE ON THE END-OF-YEAR-TOUR?
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