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They have played 76, New Zealand have won 40 and South Africa clawed one back to go to 33 with three draws. There isn’t much to add to that after last nights Tri-Nations match as I doubt many will remember this game in a week, let alone a decades time. It wasn’t exactly a classic.
Not a citing in sight either. No yellows and not a single red card even though many Bok fans are fuming after their view of the alleged Richie McCaw eye-gouging that saw Bismarck du Plessis leave the ground with a severe eye gash.
No mention has been made of this being referred to the citing commission – all three of the officials missed it, as did the citing commissioner. Many feel New Zealand continue their ‘lucky’ run as far as yellow, reds, bans and citings go.
The citing and penalty count still is heavily against the South Africans. Since the introduction of the card system in Rugby Union in 2000, the totals stand at: SA on 60, NZ on 25 and Australia on 25.
A puzzling equation!
To many it’s no surprise that Alain Rolland was the referee who gave New Zealand their record 52 point victory over South Africa in 2003 and these Bok fans feel he’s continuing his pro-All Black career streak, this time letting New Zealand off when they should have a match ban or at least an extra red card on their stats book.
The 28-19 win for South Africa was enough for Bok supporters to forgive and forget and to put South Africa up a notch on the IRB’s world rankings.
For the first time since the introduction of the William Webb Ellis Trophy and the IRB World Rankings, the two titles are unified.
South Africa are the World Champions and the IRB World Number One team.
The match wasn’t beautiful but South Africa undoubtedly left the park as the more powerful team while New Zealand weren’t allowed to play their trademark expansive style.
With 2011 in their sights and with arguably the best outfit in the sport, South Africa will no doubt have these goals in mind:
Short-term – Tri Nations 2009.
Medium-term – Retain the William Web Ellis Trophy.
Long-term – Head-to-head count against New Zealand, equal then surpassing them [Current standing: 76 played, NZ 40, SA 33, 3 drawn]
I imagine South Africa will be keen to bask in the two titles they have, for now – World Champions and the IRB World Number One Ranking.
And for New Zealand? Will they consider editing their All Black Wikipedia page which reads: “New Zealand are the most successful international rugby union team ever and one of the most successful teams in world sport.”
Eh? One World Cup & IRB number two’s ?
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.