Bok way simply the best for me

There are two reasons why what I’m going to write below is a bad idea. First and foremost, my ode to Springbok rugby could be ill-advised because they still have a potentially tricky World Cup quarterfinal against Japan to negotiate.

And secondly, neutrals have been (rightly) enthralled by the Brave Blossoms’ progressive, skilful approach that the Boks’ focus on traditional strengths make me seem like an old stooge stuck in the past.

But oh boy, do I love the South African way of playing.

It’s absolutely beautiful in its pragmatic brutality.

What other team in the world can claim to have such interchangeable, equally brilliant front rows in one match?

The wiles and continued enthusiasm of 34-year-old Beast Mtawarira, a master of the dark arts of the scrum.

Steven Kitshoff and Vince Koch’s pace and versatility without compromising the basics.

Frans Malherbe’s immense work rate on defence.

Bongi Mbonambi, a complete, ideal hooker for a knockout game and his replacement, Malcolm Marx, the athletic enforcer at the breakdowns.

This enviable dynamic is even more apparent when it comes to the locks, a group of men that can arguably make the starting lineup of any other team in the world.

The fact that some of us are outraged, yet at the same not quite, that the mop-haired, freakish RG Snyman still sits on the bench attests to the depth.

Siya Kolisi, Captain Fantastic, a man willing to shed his attacking instincts to do the donkey work.

The indefatigable Pieter-Steph du Toit and the brute strength of Duane Vermeulen.

Yet it would be an absolute travesty to label this imposing group of men as mere bullies.

Frankly, it’s insulting to men tasked with implementing Jacques Nienaber’s fabulously intricate defensive system, one that can almost be described as an evolving, living organism.

It ignores Snyman’s off-loading ability or Kolisi and Du Toit’s ability to sublimely hit gaps.

Powerful Damian de Allende and Frans Steyn might be glorified blindside flankers, criticised at times for being too direct.

Yet 27 tries and 185 points in the pool phase suggests otherwise.

And twinkle-toed Cheslin Kolbe is written about almost daily.

Even if it’s not a winning recipe tomorrow, I wouldn’t want the Boks to play any other way.