hemisphere next month, just like it was in the Rugby Championship.
Another thing that stood out was the Boks’ defence – an at-times concerning area in June – and how things have come together, while they also showed that they can hit that balance between attack and defence, although there have been many unused chances and unforced errors with ball in hand.
They produced a huge defensive outing in Wellington, and defence was also a big contributor in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. But in between, we also saw the promise on attack through superb spells with ball in hand, some of which resulted in some brilliant tries. The Boks showed that they don’t have to cut the tie with those traditional strengths in order to incorporate a more attacking mindset. It’s not the finished product, but there were enough examples to give an indication of what the Boks can become.
A third aspect that was again shown and caught the eye – although it’s one that has never been a secret – is the firepower the Boks have at their disposal.
The introduction of Aphiwe Dyantyi to the international stage has certainly been the Boks’ finest revelation this season.
His meteoric rise and try-celebration, which has rapidly become a familiar sight, makes him just one member of a backline that can do damage if they get it right on the day.
But that firepower goes further than the backline, it stretches into the single-digit jerseys as well, that’s for sure. And as we saw a good few times during the Rugby Championship, the Boks have enough individuals that can make the team a real force.