Special and stunning

THERE are many ways to describe the Springboks’ 42-39 victory over England. The perfect start to our first black Bok captain Siya Kolisi’s reign. A significant statement for new coach Rassie Erasmus. Historic. The day of the debutants S’Bu Nkosi and Aphiwe Dyanti. One of the best comeback wins ever.

That game was all of that. And when last were Springbok fans treated to such a quality display of rugby?

After a couple of troubled seasons, the Boks finally look like they can become a unit to get excited about. And they did so in a big way.

In the opening quarter it looked like the disappointment in Washington might not have been a one-off thing.

But then came the fightback. It was massive. And the way that fightback was orchestrated made it even more beautiful.

We saw the Boks use their potent back line to great effect. We saw them score some stunning tries. And while the result was perhaps the most important thing, what happened in those 80 minutes between kick-off and full time was just as significant. Not only for Erasmus, but for the team, and for Kolisi, as well.

That game showed what this Bok team can do. The way they played said something about Erasmus’ plans. And if a team can come back after being on the back foot like that, it has to say something about the leadership, too. And after the game, Kolisi’s gesture said a lot about the kind of leader, the kind of person, he is as well.

The way Kolisi made his way around the field after the game, thanking the Ellis Park crowd, was very special. And while the fact that Kolisi led out his team as the first black Springbok captain made the game a historic one even before it kicked off, that post-match moment and the Boks’ performance added to everything.

The remaining two Tests against England will reveal a lot more about Rassie and his Boks. But judging by the opening Test, that might have been the start of many more Bok celebrations and post-match thank yous by captain Kolisi.