More convinced now by the "Springboks are the out-and-out best team in the world" argument than I was this time last year. Despite the losses to Ireland and Argentina feels like they've only improved since then while most of their rivals have taken a step backwards, or at least stood still. - ThreadSky

hugogordon.bsky.social • 110 days ago

More convinced now by the "Springboks are the out-and-out best team in the world" argument than I was this time last year. Despite the losses to Ireland and Argentina feels like they've only improved since then while most of their rivals have taken a step backwards, or at least stood still.

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chrismurray.bsky.social•110 days ago

I was thinking the exact opposite. The gods are bleeding.

hugogordon.bsky.social•110 days ago

Do you think? Have to say I'm not seeing that at all. Not immortal by any means but I think they look if anything an even more complete side than they did a year ago.

chrismurray.bsky.social•110 days ago

I think a mid-Scotland performance, much of it with 14 men, all of it without Graham, pushed them much harder than it should have. And since mid-Scotland is good for 3rd or 4th in the 6N and literally nothing else...

hugogordon.bsky.social•110 days ago

I agree they weren't great in that game, but it was their first game in weeks, decent amount of rotation, and when they really had to dig in (particularly around the hour mark) they did and ultimately won comfortably. Being blunt, I suspect against a better team they raise their game a bit more.

chrismurray.bsky.social•110 days ago

The latter point I'd agree with but I'm not saying they're terrible. I just think they're more beatable than they were.

rugbyfan.bsky.social•109 days ago

It is the depth. It is scary everywhere.

They could field a 3rd string team that would likely get to SFs of a WC

hugogordon.bsky.social•110 days ago

Excellent as the Boks were in the World Cup, particularly in the quarter-final and final, a couple of things go the other way and the trophy ends up in other hands. Today, while obviously still beatable as Ireland and Argentina have shown, I do think they're opening up a gap from the chasing pack.

mlungu.bsky.social•110 days ago

It’s a weird one. The Springboks aren’t nearly as cohesive and fluid in what they’re doing as they were at the RWC, and they’ve only had one good performance this year, but there is something in what you say. 1/

mlungu.bsky.social•110 days ago

The major change, I think, is that they went into RWC23 with 1 or 2 of the best players in their position in the world, whereas now it’s closer to +10 players. This has meant that they can snatch a win, almost at will, despite misfiring. 2/2

hugogordon.bsky.social•110 days ago

Not sure I agree that you've only had one good performance this year! And also think that you probably went into the WC with a stronger team than that suggests. But I agree, the talent is only developing and it means you've become a team where the default, even on a bad day, is a win.

hugogordon.bsky.social•110 days ago

Think some of the cohesiveness issues are just a by-product of changing up the attacking system but I actually think it's settled in extremely quickly. Think by next year it'll look pretty fluid.

mlungu.bsky.social•109 days ago

What I mean is that, when you learn a new technique, there is a delay between the impulse to act and the action, since you need to think about the technique. When you’ve mastered something, like walking, there is no thought about technique at all. 1/

nickodonoghue.bsky.social•109 days ago

Yeah. They are absolutely quality, with Tony Brown on board their attack is getting even better, they're bringing in exciting young players... and they've learned from the two defeats. Would love to seem them play France.

pieter-meyer.bsky.social•110 days ago

As a South Africa fan, it's strange, but I feel like we haven't hit 4th gear on this tour. I was excited for these matches after the RC, but it's been somewhat frustrating. The Wales match will likely be a scrappy win, so we'll have to wait until next year to see how much we've improved.

hugogordon.bsky.social•110 days ago

Honestly think that's been partly down to who you're playing. Looked rusty against Scotland but never really had to hit top gear, and I expect you could win while half asleep against Wales. England the only time you've had to go to the well, and you managed it. Imperfect yes but the skill is there.

hugogordon.bsky.social•110 days ago

Would have loved though if we were getting a best-of-3 match with Ireland though, or to see how the Boks go up against France given they're looking refreshed.

pieter-meyer.bsky.social•110 days ago

Ja we are missing another match on this tour. Ireland or France would have been great.

pieter-meyer.bsky.social•110 days ago

Or both and skip Wales!

pierrefourie.bsky.social•110 days ago

I remember where we were in 2018 so I don't need an out and out best classification to be content. Only the ABs have ever laid claim to that. Knowing we can go toe to toe with NZ and Ireland on any day is great.

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