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Since 2007, the Springboks have added a Lions Tour victory and an imminent Tri-Nations crown to their Webb Ellis trophy. Yet their team appears to lack the real star quality that has peppered their side down the ages.
Since the professional era, which teams have emerged who could stamp themselves up alongside the 1974 Lions or the All Black Invincibles of the 1920s?
Possibly Gary Teichmann’s ‘Boks, who won 17 tests in a row.
Australia won everything they could at the turn of the millenium, and England’s dominance in the years up to 2003 means that they can also be considered in that league.
The players that played in these teams defined their era: Willie John McBride, Teichmann, John Eales, Martin Johnson – greats in great teams.
And where do the 2009 ‘Boks stand in this?
Victor Matfield and John Smit are two players who stand out, but after that, the team is flawed. Burger is fantastically talented, but blighted by a summer ban. Fourie du Preez can boss a game, but can drift out of the reckoning when under the cosh. Pierre Spies is a man-mountain, who can get a good speed up, but does he possess any real ball skill?
When people look back at this team, they will struggle to remember why they really did so well.
They were exposed by a British and Irish Lions side, who ran them ragged and could have won with a change of wind.
Australia, just last week, had the better of them, with a team that is regularly beaten and is currently in transition. Even the All Blacks, who should traditionally be peaking about now (mid-RWC) are having a serious look at themselves.
The South Africans can only beat what is in front of them, but to be truly considered great, they must win a truly great struggle.
Now it is time for the mediocre nations to buck up their ideas.
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.