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If predicting the outcome of a match is bullet-proof, you could hold the prize-giving first at Newlands next weekend, give the trophy to the Springboks and hold the game afterwards.
Most often the best teams win and in my book South Africa are a Bok to beat the Wallabies, whose great escape last time they played in Perth still evokes moans and groans.
The Springboks should have won but for the dubious yellow card given to Bryan Habana and the Morne Steyn punt in the closing minutes that failed to find touch. However, we went into doze mode and poor defence allowed the Wallabies to steal victory.
We were the better side on the day, just like we were the last time we played at home in a Championship match at Newlands in Cape Town last year. I was among the crowd as we crushed the Wallabies 28-8.
The sound of the roar when the “Beast” Tendai Mtawarira got the ball still rings in my ears and I enjoyed every minute of the game, even when the fervent fans in front of me stood up to see things better and obscured my view.
Our forwards were at their brutal best and set up a platform for the three tries from hooker Adrian Strauss and Bok backs Zane Kirchner and Willie le Roux. An electric Habana showed again why he is rated as one of the best wings on the planet.
The Springboks, for a change, kept the ball in hand by moving the ball along the backline and worked their way downfield. Now in an attacking position near the tryline, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez fired a flat pass to Strauss who crashed over to score the first try.
The difference between the two encounters was that South Africa combined kick-and-chase tactics with giving our backs a shot at glory. All teams employ the up-and-under to great effect, but the modern game requires an all-round effort.
You need territory to launch effective attacks. If the high kicks are pinpoint, the tactic pays off. If not, you give the opportunity to invade your side of the field. Both the All Blacks and the Wallabies are dangerous on the counter and a one-eyed game plan can prove perilous.
I have no doubt that man-for-man we can match any team on the globe. We do have a problem at scrumhalf with Ruan Pienaar, out injured, and Francois Hougaard is largely ineffective, but I still feel that we can upset even the All Blacks’ applecart.
I did have cold feet about our chances sitting in a seat up high in the South Stand at Newlands when the game started against the Wallabies, but left the ground with a warm, not heavy, heart. Winning does that.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.