So, the Saffers are back, but were they ever gone?
South Africa, after a monumental performance against the Kiwis at Twickenham are right back on everyone’s minds as the new team to talk up heading into the World Cup.
The battering of 52-16 Wales and the destruction of the All Blacks, 35-7 has meant that South Africa suddenly look like the team to beat.
As with England heading into this tournament, South Africa largely have the same team that played four years ago in Japan. With the added spice and size of Jasper Wiese, Canan Moodie, Damien Willemse and others to boot.
What sets South Africa apart is their boldness and ego. Everyone knows what they’re about, everyone knows what to expect, but can you stop it?
The air of confidence they have in the way they play is something to behold.
If anything, you could say that the contenders in Pool B all share something quite unique.
Each South Africa, Ireland and Scotland, have settled sides, a strong identity, and a belief in their style of play. All completely different styles of course, but the contrast is what will bring out some of the most compelling match ups of the tournament.
But for all the talk of brute force, bomb squads, seven forwards on the bench and a monster pack, it is the beautiful sprinkle of stardust that players like Le Roux, Kolbe, Moodie and Arendse bring to the side that sets them apart.
This side has proven consistently that it’s a much better team than in 2019. That World Cup Final in 2019 looked like the beginning of this teams journey rather than the end.
Heading into Japan they weren’t seen as contenders, especially following the loss in the first game against the Kiwis, but they quietly grew in confidence and the rest is history.
This time around the talk and focus is all on them. In a tough pool, in a tough half of the draw, they have it all to do. But as with all the pundits crying about the 7-1 bench split last week, South Africa and Rassie Erasmus love nothing better than causing headlines in the media.
Come World Cup Final day on the 28th October, I think they could be writing their own headlines, with back to back Webb Ellis wins.
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