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It has been some time since my last article, but after the weekend’s action and post-match drivel out of Europe, I felt somewhat compelled to have my say.
When New Zealand beat the Springboks in JHB last month, they confirmed their status as the Kings of Rugby in 2013.
While not having met any European opposition other than France that is perhaps a bold statement to make but it was rather obvious to all that the only serious contender was the team they had just beaten.
Under Heyneke Meyer South Africa have made a significant improvement to their game.
They managed to maintain their physical status while adding an attacking flair last seen by Nick Mallets’ Boks such as Marius Joubert, Pieter ‘Slaptjips’ Rossouw and Breyton Paulse.
For South Africa to have closed a gap somewhat on New Zealand, who had improved even further since their last defeat to England in 2012, showed that Heyneke Meyer is a man with a plan.
But just how close are the Boks to the All Blacks?
Well, having seen the Boks dismantle Wales at a canter, I was led to the conclusion that the gap between New Zealand and SA, is closer than the gap between South Africa and Wales, who I would tip as the current #3 in the world.
This is based purely on the fact that South Africa forced the Kiwis to play their best in that epic Johannesburg Test, which many called the greatest Test in modern times.
It was like two old foes having slogged it out for 12 rounds before the better team finally landed that killer blow.
New Zealand played arguably their best game and I am of the opinion that this may be the best New Zealand I have seen since the days of Christian Cullen and Jeff Wilson.
Compared to the Welsh Test last weekend, I felt that while Wales were somewhat flattered by the scoreline.
They never seemed likely to cross the chalkline, neither did South Africa ever look in danger of losing.
Pre-match talk was that Wales were better prepared than ever to take that elusive southern hemisphere scalp, but what we got in the end was just more of the same.
South Africa cruising along in second gear, scoring two quick tries to secure a lead and then taking their foot off the gas, unlike SA versus NZ, they never really pushed us to see the best from South Africa.
Much the same in the All Blacks Test against France, I never felt that New Zealand were in danger of losing, and in the end neither did they having done ‘enough’ to win.
Wales can argue that a bad call, or a missed chance here and there cost them the win, but what would have ensued had they gotten somewhat closer?
Perhaps the Boks stepping into the next gear and scoring three more tries? We will never know.
As for England, I have seen little evidence to suggest that they are currently worthy of finishing within 20 points of New Zealand.
I predict sweet revenge for the Blacks, with England’s heaviest defeat at Twickenham at the hands of South Africa being 42-6 in 2008 in danger of being eclipsed.
My advice for teams like Wales would be to stop making excuses, stop patting yourself on the back because you could have, should have and in your own minds did win.
Only then will you realise that you are still 10-15% off the pace, and only then will you start to address the issues that keep you one level below the best.
New Zealand are the benchmark of rugby union, South Africa are the closest contender for the crown. And nobody else will come close this year.
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.