The future of Springbok rugby is promising and while there will be a few stumbles, South Africans must cherish the success of Rassie Erasmus’ special group of players, writes MARK KEOHANE.
South Africa beat the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship two weeks ago and built on that with a tough win in Cape Town on Saturday, the first time the Boks kept New Zealand tryless since 2011, and the first time the Kiwis failed to score a try in a Test since 2018.
These results also contributed to Erasmus’ charges becoming the first Bok team to beat New Zealand four times in a row since 1949 – a feat the Boks have now only achieved twice in history.
The South Africans are now on 18 points in the Rugby Championship standings – eight above Argentina, with two matches remaining in the competition against Los Pumas.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane asserts that SA rugby is in its healthiest state, with impressive depth in the Bok squad. He emphasises the strength of the team by pointing out that 15 Rugby World Cup winners are staying home while another strong squad travels to face Argentina next week.
“South African rugby is the healthiest it has ever been,” he writes. “To understand the quality of depth that has been built, don’t look at the 28-strong squad that has been sent to Santiago to beat Argentina and seal the Rugby Championship, look at the group of players who have been left to rest or recover from injury in South Africa.
KEO: Rassie’s ‘Rainbow Warriors’ keep evolving
“As healthy as the squad presents in 2024, South Africans should also be appreciative of this special moment in rugby history, and aware that a lot can and will change over the next four years.”
Keohane praises Erasmus’ success in building this depth, especially in the forwards and backs, but raises concerns about the future of key positions like outside centre and scrumhalf.
He notes that veterans like Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel, Faf de Klerk, and Cobus Reinach may not make it to Australia 2027 World Cup, and younger players like Canan Moodie will need to step up.
Keohane also mentions that while the Boks are transitioning in style, the traditional strengths may not be as effective in the future.
“Tonyball, in reference to attack coach Tony Brown’s style of play, may not be a fine art yet, but it is a necessary development in looking ahead to the type of player coming into the system, and the type of game that will be played on fast, dry, Australian tracks come 2027,” he writes.
“The future is exciting, but it won’t be without a few stumbles and we should be wary of looking too far ahead and missing the beauty of the current moment in South African rugby, a moment that is as significant as it is seductive in falling in love with this special group of Springboks.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/AG Media
The post Exciting Boks ‘healthier’ than ever appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
