Why Do Some People Still Doubt the Springboks?

Despite the increasing evidence that this South African team could quite possibly go down in history as not only one of the great sides from the republic, but also in rugby lore, they still have an unusual high number of detractors.

In this, I believe that the Springboks have staggered across a revelation.

They now understand the principles of All Black-itis!

This is not to suggest anything in regard to comparisons of the sides, especially now, for the South Africans are deservedly the best team in world rugby—although, we wait with bated breath for the Northern Hemisphere tours to have this question genuinely answered. 

I believe that throughout history both the All Blacks and Springboks have equally convincing arguments as to who has been the best nation throughout rugby’s annals. 

In times past, the All Blacks, beyond any other side, still attracted their doubters, even when ensconced as the world’s best team. 

In 2005 and 2006, when New Zealand was dominant on the global stage, their form at the time was always doubted by a possible (and eventual) failure in the French World Cup theatre.

Hence, foremost among reservations for the All Blacks was, and still is, a simple remark, "Well, how many World Cups have New Zealand won?"

Now, for no apparent reason, uncertainties are attached to this Springboks team.

It began after the British and Irish Lions tour. It was a very good home union’s composite team, who in hindsight caused more problems for South Africa than either the All Blacks or Wallabies did.

But while "the better team lost the series" debate raged in certain circles, especially of course in British media, time will erase all aspects of the tour.

Except the final results.

I personally believe that the series was won with the first withering burst fired by the South Africans in the first 20-30 minutes of the first test match. 

But as this Tri Nations is showing, the Springboks appear to be improving with every outing.

Look at what resides in the bulging trophy cabinet in Newlands.

Added to the World Cup this year is a Lions plaque, both the lesser known Tri Nation’s trophies, the Freedom Cup (V New Zealand), and the Mandela Plate (V Australia), and it is a fait accompli that the ultimate symbol of Southern Hemisphere supremacy will soon be added.

This goes along with an exceptional run that has seen them win 10 of their last 11 matches; it's a team that man-for-man is as fine a squad as any in history.

But still, debate rages as to their merits.

Some will point to their scrum. 

Perhaps it's only under the spotlight so much due to the fact that for two consecutive test matches it has been severely disrupted by an Australian forward pack—a nation that has never been able to proclaim themselves strong scrum technicians.

But this is hardly anything new for a dominant world power.

Most world beating All Black teams have had sub-par line outs.

The key for South Africa is that they are able to ensure that it is not capitalised on. Or even starker is the fact that other spheres of their game, most notably their line out, are of such a level that it all, but cancels out an opposing weakness.

Others will look at a lack of killing instinct in the South African sides, not putting huge scores on opponents that are lying semi-conscious on the rugby paddock.

Again, this is not anything unique in the rugby universe. 

At test level, winning is paramount, and margins are not relevant as time passes.

Rod McQueen’s Wallabies, possibly the best Australian team of all-time, was never noted for inflicting overwhelming defeats on their opposition.

But they knew how to win, and they were opposite to the Springboks in the fact that those Wallabies were renowned for coming back to win close matches (whereas, this South Africa is winning their matches in the opening stages).

This is a good Springbok team, currently the best team in the world. 

Such a plaudit can be a fickle tag, for even if the South Africans do (as they should) win the Tri Nations, a loss to the Wallabies or All Blacks in the final two matches of the 2009 tournament will only pronounce these questions.

For as good as any team is, ultimately, you are only as good as your last game or series. 

So on current form, these Springboks should not be doubted.