Back where they belong

IT IS SCARCELY believable that just a few weeks ago the Springboks were written off as no-hopers following their sensational defeat to Japan. Now, Heyneke Meyer’s team are on top of the world – well, nearly – and stand as good a chance as anyone of winning the World Cup.

Meyer’s team completely underestimated Japan in their opening game in Pool B. They were complacent and they came up against a technically astute coach in Eddie Jones, and they paid a huge price. But while no defeat is acceptable, more so against a minnow in Japan (32-34), what the result did bring about was a big wake-up call for Meyer and Co.

Feeling the heat – especially from back in South Africa – the Boks returned to their tried and tested style of power rugby and it’s brought them three superb victories on the trot.

It’s also important to bear in mind the Boks lost inspirational captain Jean de Villiers to injury while the man next in line to lead the team, Victor Matfield – who was so impressive in the second game against Samoa – has also had to sit on the sidelines because of a niggle.

That opened the door for Fourie du Preez to assume the captaincy and what a job he’s done.

The Boks finished their pool fixtures with an emphatic victory over the US on Wednesday and will now face either Wales or Australia in the quarter-finals.

They’ll be a confident bunch going into the game, something they would not have been after week one of the tournament. Meyer’s got his team playing good winning rugby again, but we shouldn’t forget that the Boks will always be favoured to beat Samoa, Scotland and the US.

If there will be any concern it will be the team haven’t been truly tested by a rugby powerhouse ahead of the quarter-finals. But then, they’ve been under enormous pressure for the past three weeks and responded extremely positively. It won’t be easy – it’s not supposed to be – but the Boks have progressed steadily at the World Cup to be considered contenders.

As we’d expect them to be.