Mallett’s humble pie ‘delicious’

We’re bursting with pride that the Springboks managed to stick it to the best side in the world on Saturday. But, we’re also warmed by the way coach Rassie Erasmus, who has been under tremendous pressure, spoke after the match. Erasmus gave a realistic summation of the match, noting that after his squad had lost some self-belief, the victory against the All Blacks on their home turf was “unbelievable”. He added: “There’s no way we can get ahead of ourselves. This was one win with a bit of luck against the best team in the world.”

His honest, and gracious, comments were in no way a put-down of his heroic team … and they stood in stark contrast to later whinges from Kiwi journalists that Welsh referee Nigel Owens had cost the home side the match because of his errors.

We could have said the same because even with our patriotic-tinted shades on, we believe the Boks suffered more from the whistle blasts than did the All Blacks.

Veteran rugby commentator Nick Mallett who, like many local fans, didn’t give the Boks a prayer in the battle at Westpac Stadium, cheerfully ate humble pie afterwards, pronouncing it “delicious”.

The Bok victory even attracted comment from president Cyril Ramaphosa, who tweeted: “Our team showed true character from start to finish. Continue to fly the flag, you make us proud.”

Aside from the nuances of rugby tactics and skills, what won the Springboks this game was sheer, bloody-minded determination and a refusal to give up, even in the final seconds, when wave of wave of Kiwis flowed toward their line.

Without getting teary-eyed and emotional – rugby is only a game, after all, maybe there is a lesson in there for all of us and maybe it is really darkest just before the dawn.