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It was the air campaign conducted by the Springboks, with those insolent, thundering bombs raining onto the opposing backs that won the war for the 2009 team.
This air superiority heralding in a purported golden era for the South Africans, the Boks used their bombers to effectively make way for the low aerial campaigns as they showcased their “pieces de resistance”, the lineout.
The rules of engagement were such that a fast runner behind the kicker could bring all the mid-field roaming players onside meaning that the player fielding the high ball was immediately swamped by the powerful Bok forwards.
The effects were devastating, particularly upon the All Blacks whom falling to a 3-0 loss record and losing their number 1 ranking were left with only a thread holding their mojo together.
The 2009 Tri-nations ended with a rightfully triumphant Springbok team hoisting the trophy and the calls were loud for “make way for the King”.
But all was not well within the Springbok fortress, with question marks over their true dominance with a loss to Australia and end of the year losses to France and Ireland. Two midweek losses to regional teams Saracens and Leicester were dismissed by the Boks as insignificant but the much heralded depth of South Africa was exposed in this instant.
The losses had the Boks fall from the number one IRB ranking, much to the aghast of their supporters, with New Zealand re-gathering their spot cushioned by a 6 game winning streak which included a crushing blow to Australia (whom thought they themselves were on the rise) and an absolute decimation and flawless performance against the much flaunted French.
Yet the drums kept beating and the Boks continued to be crowned rugby kings based on their wins against the All Blacks and a less convincing series win over the Lions. For how could the All Blacks be judged the better team if they had not beaten the Boks since 2008?
The lead up to the 2010 Tri Nations had a tension that was thick and heavy, with All Black support waning and the bookies shifting money over to the Bok corner. And the All Blacks quietly seethed in their darkened corner for 300 nights, until the time came for the Boks to well and truly stamp their dominance on world rugby.
Had this match ended closely, and the teams had finished on par with only a few points between them, few questions would have been aimed at this much applauded Springbok team.
But it was not meant to be.
The 20 point margin was not as traumatic for the Bok fanbase as the shock and awe ground war waged by the All Blacks on this dark night for South African rugby.
It was on this day – the first game of the most anticipated rugby series of the year, that the Springboks were overwhelmed and comprehensively defeated by a vastly superior All Black performance.
This was the moment, the All Blacks were under tremendous pressure to perform with their backs against the wall. The Springboks knew exactly what they were coming up against and had been painstakingly laying down their tactics and strategies for many a month, with their biggest concern being who to choose to represent them from their swelling talent ranks.
But the All Blacks were ruthless, startling and inspiring, the Boks seemingly mere spectators, guilty of believing their own press. The opportunity for them was gone. The Springboks leaderless and directionless, fell apart.
There are no excuses.
Even if the Boks are able to turn it around and win next week in New Zealand, the jury has already determined that the question “Have the Springboks entered a golden era of rugby dominance?” has been answered with an emphatic and resounding … No.
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.