Bok fans are hardy

THE opening matches of Rugby World Cup 2015 have so far produced two points of interest: the fallibility of television refereeing, and the growth of the minnows.

Time consumption has become an issue in the use of Television Match Officials (TMO), with contentious moments being played, replayed and played again as the players cool their heels and spectators wait. They have had a serious impact on the flow of the game.

Their decision quality is also questionable. A need for precise referee questions of the TMO, and clear communication, has arisen at the world cup. In the South Africa-Japan clash, for instance, the TMO issued a verdict after watching the wrong player.

In the Scotland-Japan match on Wednesday, a clear non-try was granted when a simple reference to the TMO would have voided it.

The world cup has further seen a discernible improvement in the performance of the lower-ranked sides. They are no longer pushovers, mere opponents for try fests and practice.

Japan was the startling example in its encounter with South Africa. It played with fire and great heart, stunning the Springboks – and the rugby world.

As a result, Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer and captain Jean de Villiers have just had the most miserable week of their rugby careers. They have been scrambling to regroup, to run out a team sporting eight changes at Villa Park, Birmingham, against Samoa tomorrow.

It is clear they are feeling lonely and unloved. The words of Jake White, that the Boks had become an ordinary team that nobody feared anymore, would not have helped.

The former Bok coach was right about last Saturday’s performance, but we earnestly hope his scalding remarks will not apply tomorrow.

Do not fret, Heyneke, you are not alone: we will be rooting, as ever, for you tomorrow. We Bok fans are stayers. All we need now is for the players to show the same character.