When one talks about world beaters in sport, there are two teams that immediately spring to mind in two different sporting disciplines.
India in cricket, having won the Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year and their unabated dominance at home where conquering them is like finding a needle in a haystack. Ask the likes of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and in a matter of few days New Zealand and they will whole heartedly agree.
With this being said, the second sporting discipline that pops up in one’s conscience when discussing world dominance is rugby and the team at play, South Africa.
Yes, this culturally rich country situated at the southern tip of Africa has carved a niche of technical, tactical and physical excellence in an aggressive and physically dominant sport like rugby, showing their complete superiority over other nations competing in this sport.
Such has been their dominance in the last five years, that two consecutive World Cups (four in all, the highest for any nation), two Rugby Championships, one British and Irish Lions conquest and the Freedom Cup have all deservingly made their way into the trophy cabinet of the Springboks.
How has this happened?
Well, here are three reasons that have played a key role in South Africa becoming the team to beat in World Rugby:
# 1 – Winning At All Costs, No Matter What
When one has the will to succeed, failing is never an option!
These words have reverberated with every single Springbok player each and every time they take the field under the shrewd leadership of inspirational captain, Siya Kolisi, that winning for them has just become a habit.
A World Cup triumph in 2019, when no one gave this team a chance with losses galore in the preceding years, followed by another World Cup conquest in 2023 is testament to the strong physicality and skill blended with the tactical excellence this team has brought to the fore in every game.
They boast a strong defence and a highly capable forward line that pounces on every opportunity to make winning a must, each and every time they lock horns with the best.
# 2 – An Astute Coach At The Helm In Rassie Erasmus
One of the most sough-after coaches in World Rugby with his innovative coaching strategies and a deep understanding of the game, the Springboks are truly blessed having Rassie Erasmus at the helm.
His ability to analyse opponents and develop tailored game plans has transformed the Springboks into a formidable team.
Erasmus emphasizes a strong defensive structure while promoting a dynamic, adaptive style of play, allowing players to excel in various situations. His leadership also fosters a cohesive team culture, inspiring players to perform at their best.
No wonder the men in green and gold have not only been successful in World Cups but have also won this year’s Rugby Championship and the Freedom Cup under the astute tutelage of this man par excellence.
# 3 – The Backing Of 64 Million Strong Mzansi Faithful
When South Africa had first lifted the World Cup in 1995 in an exhilarating effort at Ellis Park to beat New Zealand 15-12, the then Springbok captain, Francois Pienaar in an iconic post-match reply to a reporter when asked was it the 60,000 supporters in the stadium that helped you win the cup said “We didn’t have 60,000 South Africans, we had 43 million South Africans”.
Such was the emotion behind these words that till date they hold true in the consciousness of every Springbok faithful as they are the ones who make the Bokke the best in the world.
Almost after thirty years, it still isn’t only about the 15 players that take the field, but the 64 million strong Mzansi supporters in each and every part of the nation who back this team to destroy every opponent.
Every win unites these people in a way that makes them forget colour, race and other societal ills. All they can see is two words of pride in South Africa.
A feeling bigger than any other feeling in this world.
May this feeling continue for many seasons to come. Danke, my dear Bokke!