Heyneke Meyer may not have gotten the wet weather conditions he craved to test his players in, but he nevertheless got the poorest bogs to play on.
From the Millennium Stadium, to Murrayfield and finally Stade Francais, it is unlikely that his charges will ever again experience three pitches in worse condition.
One would argue that on the whole it was mission accomplished for the Springboks, played three, won three and certainly more convincing than their unbeaten run in 2012 where England could count themselves unfortunate not to have won.
The big improvement this year has been the clinical attack of South Africa. During their European tour in 2012 South Africa managed to score four tries and conceded only one. This year, as it was throughout the year, they doubled the number of tries scored, and still managed to concede only a solitary try.
To he fair, they never really looked in danger of losing a match this November, their control of territory ensured that they were never under any real pressure, in fact since the 10th minute of their match against Wales at the Millennium stadium, they never trailed again.
The Good
Willie le Roux has overtaken both Patrick Lambie and Zane Kirchner in the race to become the first choice fullback. His spacial awareness, ability to eye the gaps, his burst of pace into the gaps and his cheeky little kicks combined with his ability to put his support runners in possession with smart little offloads has had a definite impact on the attacking nous of South Africa.
Bryan Habana deserves special mention for what seems a new lease on rugby, from his outstanding tries against New Zealand, his hunger to look for work, to his defence, Habana has shown that he is still one of the best wings in world rugby.
Jean de Villiers has run into the form of his life, able to break the gainline almost at will, he has been the catalyst for a number of clinical finishes for South Africa.
Eben Etzebeth has matured, at a young age he has now racked up more than 20 caps and apart from his superb work rate in general play has become the leading line out taker for South Africa.
The back row combination of Francois Louw, Willem Alberts and Duane Vermeulen under the tutelage of Richie Gray are now a formidable force at the breakdown.
The speed of execution on attack has become a trade mark of Springbok rugby, something not seen since 1998 when Nick Mallet’s charges ran amok in Europe.
An overall win percentage of 83% with only two losses to those pesky New Zealanders the only blight on an otherwise satisfactory season.
The Bad
Ruan Pienaar may be the quintessential halfback for Ulster, but for South Africa he is a mere speedbump, the puddle of mud that slows you down. His pedantic play may suit the static game of the Rabo or Heineken Cup for Ulster, but certainly not South Africa in their new found positive attitude.
The fact that Heyneke Meyer has not provided opportunity for the younger generation of Scrum Halves in South Africa is a grave concern. There is only two years left and less than 20 tests for the Springboks to find a replacement for Ruan Pienaar, and time is fast running out.
Sadly injuries to Pieter Steph du Toit, Johan Goosen and Arno Botha meant that they didn’t get much opportunity to gain exposure and experience this season. Hopefully an injury free season in 2014 will provide them with the opportunity to prove their worth.
Francois Steyn, Francois Hougaard and Schalk Burger also impacted on selections for South Africa.
The All Blacks will be the Target next year, Heyneke Meyer will hope to achieve his first win against New Zealand next year, but he should feel satisfied that his team has beaten all other challengers this year.
Just don’t forget about those Aussies, they seem to be making an about turn on a pretty poor start to the season.
IvanN
Roar Guru
I beg to differ. I felt that SA were dishing out some of their own in the first test against NZ, until Biz went off the first time. In SA, We had to beat you at your game - and nobody beats NZ at their game. Were it not for the Biz send off, perhaps the boks would have lost within 7, and only have required a win at ellis park... which would have changed the game plan and allowed SA to play away from the ABs strength, and towards their own. We dont deny that NZ are #1, nobody does - but SA have closed the gap somewhat and are finally moving forward with their game.
Colin Kennedy
Roar Guru
Jake White says Lambie will play at 10 from now on. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with a good coach to mentor him - I think he could potentially be all that Goosen and Steyn are in one package, either way, the Boks may soon have three great 10s to choose from. Agree that Goosen appears susceptible to injury...
Harry Jones
Expert
I don't think Meyer is as Blou Bulle biased as some thought. I think it's just that the position of scrumhalf is very special in his mind. And he doesn't see what he is imagining, except in Fourie du Preez. Maybe a blind spot...
Harry Jones
Expert
Turned ankle. Bad sprain I think. Happened early. He hobbled on it. But couldn't jump.
JamestheElder
Guest
Harry, is it the old anti ''Natal'' bias. As a young schoolboy I recall the numerous times players from Natal were never chosen despite their obvious merit e.g. Peter Taylor. Many more examples. If you came from that province you had to be truly exceptional to get selected.
Temba, I think he doesn't trust any other nine. Pienaar even though pedantic isn't seen as a risk in his eyes.
tembavj
Guest
So he wants a perfect 9 why is pienaar selected?
captainBokster!
Guest
Let's go on a Fan strike not buy tickets for matches in SA All the rugby games guys!!!!until ve get central contracting!!!!!!this is the future my rugby loving friends, the only way to become consistent world beaters coz one year of good springbok performances doesn't work for me anymore!
Hi Ivan, yiu should always recognise the threat of an opponent, it is when you forget about them that they come back and bite you in the backside. ;)
True Vic, Siya outs everything into the Anthem, good to see a man so proud.
Yes mac, there is always your negative approach and attitude towards Springbok rugby to consider as well. ;)
Nicksa
Guest
http://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/meyer-not-happy-with-boks-fitness-levels-1.1611938#.UpOC8NIW3To
Harry Jones
Guest
So, Meyer wants a brainy scrum half. This is something he won't compromise on.
Vic
Guest
Yes, but does the Bismarck actually sing? Did anyone see what actually happened to Etsebeth?
Harry Jones
Expert
Maybe Siya can be our actual singer, next year. Multilingual for sure. A duet with Bismarck, who grew up speaking Sotho, first, before Afrikaans.
Harry Jones
Expert
Yes, I think OZ might have disintegrated had they not won a few on this Tour. Really easy to give up on a new coach especially if he is strict AND if you lose to teams like Scotland, etc. Good on OZ to win at Murrayfield; and I hope they give the Welsh a proper hiding.
Harry Jones
Expert
Howzit, Rugby Tragic. Yes, I think France tries to reduce the space and time in which the opponent has to play, which I respect, as a SA rugby guy, and I note that it tends to work, even against the adventurous All Blacks. But I do point out that SA did spin the ball wide three times, inside FR territory, leading to a fussily disallowed try by Fourie from a world-class shoelace pickup by JdV, a fingernail save by FR to rob Louw of a deserved try from a clever le Roux grubber, and another attack that fizzled because it was too wide. So, I think given the fact that it was the last Test of the year, and it was so late and cold and dark and so very very French, a 19-10 win is music to our ears.
Vic
Guest
No sorry Harry- Kolisi beats Meyer with the anthem!
Vic
Guest
Agreed, Flo reacts too fast, but not without reason. Always been our problem- way too open and honest in a world full of skillful deceivers. Thought our defense was excellent, (all except Pietersen), but a rather lackluster performance from all. Lots of huff and puff with little real substance. Even Bakkies was subdued.
Westbrook
Guest
Agreed, '' I recall the throat dive'',that was an example of how to do it :-)