South Africa Rugby

What a fantastic year it has been for SA rugby.

The Bulls won the Super 14.

The World Champion Springboks beat the British and Irish Lions, picked up the Nelson Mandela plate, the Freedom cup on the way to decisively winning the Tri-Nations and gaining the No. 1 World Ranking.

It's been a great team effort this year, but in looking at individuals, who has earnt the right to be called South African rugby player of the year when the awards are unveiled in November?

There have been 27 past winners over the 40 year history of the award with such notable names as Naas Botha (four), Gerald Bosch (two), Uli Schmidt (two) Bryan Habana (two), and last year's winner Jean de Villiers. Who will join these Springbok legends?

The individuals that stood out for me this year:

Fourie du Preez

There is certainly no better halfback in World Rugby, du Preez has been without peer for several years now. His all round game is brilliant. He has no weaknesses. His pin point kicking, ability to spot a gap and take opportunities has been magnificent, fearless under the highball, and a solid defender too.

Has been at the core of the Springboks and Bulls' success. If there was ever a weakness, it could be that he was quiet in one or two games, notably the British and Irish Lions series and the Tri-Nations encounter against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Victor Matfield

Possibly the World's smartest player. The brains behind the Bulls and Springboks dominance in the packs. Reads the game brilliantly, and directs play according to his terms.

At lineout time he is the master. He unlocked the best the Northern and Southern Hemisphere had to throw at him this season, testament to his high work ethic.

The try he scored at Newlands after John Smit grubbered through was one of the tries of the year. Extremely agile for a big man, and not afraid of shirking the hard stuff, he made plenty of tackles this year too.

Bakkies Botha

The "enforcer" of the Bulls and Springbok packs. Brings the hard edge to the forward battle, and his presence is most noted when he is not there.

The most consistent season I've seen from the big man. His work rate has been tremendous. Always willing to clean out rucks and get involved in the dirty work, but it was the covering tackles he made that showed me the effort he puts in. It'd have been easy not to go the extra yard, but he was always working hard and playing to the best of his ability.

John Smit

Captain Courageous. Had to deal with a new position this year starting off against the British and Irish Lions. Never complains, always happy to be the go to man to carry the ball up. His pace may be down slightly, but he leads the Boks from the front and brings great composure and experience to the Springboks.

His humility and behaviour as one of South Africa's great role models is a pleasure to watch. He has become the most capped captain in the history of World Rugby which is no mean feat, especially for a country so complex as South Africa.

Bismarck du Plessis

His game has matured immensely. Does the basics of scrumming and lineout throwing exceptionally well. However it is his brute strength at the breakdowns, his ability to act as an extra loose-forward and make steals and this season, remain calm that has seen him produce consistent performances week in and week out.

In the past discipline has been a problem, but my view is that playing with John Smit has helped him massively.

There were other great performers, Heinrich Brussow, Jaque Fourie, Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana, JP Pietersen, The Beast Mtawarira. Almost the whole side in fact.

My South African rugby player of the year is:

Morné Steyn

What a fantastic season for the Bulls and Springbok flyhalf!

His all round performances have improved markedly, and bear testament to his strong work ethic and extreme humility.

He kicked beautifully for the Bulls, often getting them in the game at crucial stages such as the drop goals against the Crusaders in the semi-final at Loftus. His tactical kicking played a huge role in the Bulls being able to execute their game plan confidently every week.

Whilst he didn't start against the British and Irish Lions, he produced two match winning performances. In the first test he made a tackle on Lions winger Ugo Monye that kept the Boks in front.

In the second test at Loftus verfeld, in front of his home crowd, he didn't miss a kick, nailing a conversion from the sideline, and then writing himself into folklore, kicking a  fantastic penalty from inside his own half.

He broke multiple records including kicking eight penalties and scoring all the points in the 31-19 victory over the All Blacks in Durban. Steyn also earned the distinction of becoming the fastest Springbok player to score 100 test points, remarkably against the British and Irish Lions, All Blacks and Wallabies, including coming off the bench to do so!

It's been a fairytale season for the Bulls and Springbok flyhalf and he deserves to be recognised for a fantastic year.

This season produced the most consistent set of Springbok performances I have seen since 1998. It has been great to see the Boks playing towards their potential, and reaping the rewards for doing so.

As a unit they were exceptional, and this allowed individuals to perform with great distinction. There was rarely a bad performance as individuals, which is a testament to a great coach in Peter de Villiers, who has produced a happy side that can simply concentrate on performing their roles.

Here are my Springbok player ratings for the Tri Nations in 2009.

1. The Beast Mtawarira—7

Has so much talent, and has improved immensely. Needs to put all aspects of his game together at one time. His scrumming was his weak point, however he may also have been unfairly penalised and could not adapt to inconsistent rulings.

His strengths are with the ball in hand, a high workrate, and although the Beast is a highly visible player, it was his work off the ball that impressed me. He made numerous tackles and did the dirty work at the rucks time and time again.

2. Bismarck du Plessis—8

Had a great season and finally showing the promise we've all known he possesses. Strong at the set-piece, goes unrecognised for helping the Springbok lineout dominate. Acts as an extra loose-forward at times, and contributed greatly with physicality and steals at the breakdown.

With ball in hand, du Plessis was always dangerous, often creating offloads. However, his main improvement this season has been his discipline. In the past, du Plessis was too hot-headed; this year he gave away one penalty.

A mark of how far he has come: During the Perth test, he was encouraging John Smit to remain calm after some bizarre rulings.

3. John Smit—8

An inspirational captain; cool, calm, and collected at all times. Is the greatest Springbok captain since Francois Pienaar and a tremendous ambassador for South Africa.

Has coped really well since moving to tighthead prop. Always has a strong workrate around the field. Can be counted on to drive the ball up when needed, and produced strong counter rucking at the rucks.

The scrum in Hamilton where he demolished Tony Woodcock shows there's nothing wrong with his scrumming ability, he just needs to gain greater consistency.

Highlight of the year was his left-footed grubber, which Matfield scored from, in Cape Town. Legendary.

4. Bakkies Botha—8

The Springbok enforcer had his most consistent season in a long time. Knows his role and performs it exceptionally well. Cleans out the rucks, leads the physical challenge from the Boks, and works extremely hard around the fringes. Gave away a few penalties for entering the ruck from the side, but never cost his side.

His cover tackling this year was superb, shutting down dangerous opposition attacks.

5. Victor Matfield—9

John Smit is the leader, and Victor Matfield is the brains of the Springboks. Without peer as a lineout jumper, he unlocked both the All Black and Wallaby lineouts immediately. He spooks the opposition before they have even thrown the ball in.

Scans the field and controls the direction of play particularly well, and works hard to make tackles around the ruck area. His handling was once again superb all around the field, especially in bending down to score the try, collecting John Smit's grubber.

6. Heinrich Brussow—7

Showed the value of having a true opensider. Got the better of both Richie McCaw and  George Smith, which is not easy to do. Effected numerous steals, especially in the South African leg, which helped the Boks dominate territory and possession.

Had one bad game in Brisbane where his handling really let him down, but bounced back strongly in the final match in Hamilton. Deserves his spot ahead of Schalk Burger.

7. Juan Smith—8

The strongman of the Springbok forward pack. Produces great performances week in and week out. Solid on defence, and gets through a mountain of tackles. How he picks himself up to be ever-present and carry the ball forward is beyond me.

Took great options this year when the ball was loose, setting up the next phase of attack.

8. Pierre Spies—7

A solid season from the Superman, but didn't get to show any of his absolute brilliance as he did in the Super 14. Worked really hard making tackles, and carrying the ball up, often from a standing start, yet that never stopped him getting over the advantage line.

Was extremely safe picking the ball up from the base of the scrum, and often had to work behind a unsteady scrum. The one area of improvement needed is fielding the high kicks and getting his timing right under the high ball. Too many balls were left to bounce and luckily caused no harm.

9. Fourie Du Preez—9

The World's best scrumhalf. Stood up in the key games and made his presence felt.

His option taking was great. Cleared the ball well, and took the option to run at the right times. That was highlighted with the quick tap that produced a try in Perth.

Kicked more in the South African leg and his kicks were spot on, giving his chasers the right amount of time to put extreme pressure on the opposition. Also took the high ball brilliantly himself; not sure how such a small guy gets so high in the air! Never spills the high ball.

10. Morne Steyn—9

Playing flyhalf in his debut Bok season, Morne Steyn succeeded brilliantly. After single-handedly securing the British and Irish Lions series, Steyn continued in the same vein, and produced outstanding goal kicking that secured three home victories. Didn't miss a kick in Hamilton and outplayed Dan Carter to ensure the Boks got home.

Steyn's option-taking got better and better, and his willingness to take responsibility to ensure the Boks are moving forward says everything about his attitude and temperament. While Peter de Villiers rates Ruan Pienaar very highly, Steyn ensured he could not be dropped, and I can see him becoming a Springbok legend.

11. Bryan Habana—8

His Tri Nations campaign was characterised by an extremely high workrate off the ball. Made numerous tackles, especially chasing the high kicks. Was equally as good making cover tackles, including two brilliant individual efforts in Brisbane.

It also goes unnoticed how frequently he runs down the right flank and constantly reads the game to help himself contribute for his side.

Showed in Perth how dangerous he can be when he has the ball and ran exceptional lines to score from a set scrum.

12. Jean de Villiers—7

Got better as the season went on. Solid in defence, carried the ball strongly, and finished off with a trademark intercept try. His partnership with Jaque Fourie ensured the Springboks had a solid midfield.

13. Jaque Fourie—7

Was exceptionally solid one-on-one, under the high ball and in the Springbok midfield. Scored a couple of great tries (Bloemfontein and Perth), but made a few too many errors in the last couple of games.

Unfairly suspended at the conclusion of the Tri Nations, probably due to the Springboks' success, which doesn't sit well with the Aussies and Kiwis.

14. JP Pietersen—7

Is a complete winger and, like Habana, works hard off the ball. Chased kicks tirelessly, made numerous tackles, and carried the ball strongly when required.

His kicking has come on over the last couple of years, but remains his one weakness.

15. Francois Steyn—8

Provided the "x" factor in Hamilton with his long-range goal kicking. In the past, Steyn has been fairly inaccurate with his goal kicking, usually with a strike rate closer to one in three. In Hamilton, he nailed three from three, all over 50m! Unheard of.

Was solid at the back with his kicking game, but could have joined the line more often and created more opportunities to score tries. Has shown he will be sorely missed as he heads to France.

Chiliboy Ralepelle

Not used often enough to make an assessment.

Jannie du Plessis

Not used often enough to make an assessment.

Andries Bekker—4

Is enthusiastic, but lacks the bulk of a Bakkies Botha or the skill of Victor Matfield. A hard ask to replace Bakkies Botha, as he is not in the same mould. Highly respected by Victor Matfield and will grow into a better player with more time.

Danie Rousouw—5

Remains a great bench option, but his impact was barely noticed this series. Perhaps suffering from lack of game time, but needed to provide greater ability to get his side moving forward as a ball carrier.

Schalk Burger—5

A much better player playing on the blindside. Physical and abrasive, but lacks the accuracy he had a few years back. Always gives 100 percent and remains a good option for the bench.

Ryan Kankowski

Not used often enough to make an assessment.

Ricky Januarie

Not used often enough to make an assessment.

Adi Jacobs—5

Came on in Brisbane and made crucial errors. The game was being lost in other areas, but ensured his performances were not seen in a positive light when opportunities were so limited.

Ruan Pienaar—6

Lost his flyhalf position after an inept goal kicking display in Bloemfontein. Remains a dangerous threat when running the ball, but needs to exhibit greater consistency with his kicking. Not sure that fullback is a position he should pursue, and needs more game time at flyhalf.

Odwa Ndungane—8

Performed well when coming in for JP Pietersen. Works hard off the ball and chased the kicks well. Lacks the same physicality of Pietersen, which counts against him in tight games, but a handy backup player.

Peter de Villiers—9

Showed how much he has learned over the last 12 months. The fact that this is the happiest Springbok side in a long time is translated in their on-field performances. I like the fact the players are empowered to make greater decisions and not behave as robots. And the players are thriving under his leadership.

Outperformed Graham Henry and Robbie Deans. Had plans to counter their strengths and, other than Brisbane, his rivals could not counter his game plan. Could become one of the great Springbok coaches.

Once again the Springboks have been dealt to by a different set of laws to anyone else.

Jaque Fourie was suspended for 4 weeks, for a dangerous tackle on All Black centre Ma'a Nonu in their Tri-nations encounter in Hamilton.

Once again we see a different set of standards being used for the Springboks compared to any other international side.

The referee Nigel Owens had a bad game in Saturday night's test between the Springboks and the All Blacks. I'm not sure if we can say he is biased as he did an adequate job in the match between the Springboks and All Blacks in Durban this year.

I struggle to comprehend how his performance could have become so one-sided so quickly. I am not sure what the Springboks did to him, but quite clearly he had it in for the Boks in Hamilton.

His very first call of the game from the kick-off resulted in an All Black penalty. Soon after he penalised John Smit for slipping. No scrum reset as is the norm was even offered. As it was the first scrum of the game I find that completely unfair.

Later he penalised the Boks for being in front of the kicker when Pierre Spies made a clearing kick. In the 50th Min the All Blacks were in almost the same position as they kicked downfield—No penalty on that occasion!

I thought the All Blacks were quite negative at ruck time, either coming in from the side, or lying over the ball. It disrupted the Springboks rhythm, but hey they got away with it so they did the right thing in persisting with those tactics.

When Joe Rockocoko took out Bryan Habana in the air, more than a penalty was warranted. Whilst a yellow card would have been fair, personally I'd have been happy with a strong warning.

However when Kieran read shoulder charged Bryan Habana, going out of his way to step into the Springbok flyer, it was definitely yellow card material.

The fact that no warning was even given was disgraceful.

And then Jaque Fourie was suspended for 4 weeks for his tackle.

Whilst it is definitely reckless and dangerous, I find it hard to fathom how it warrants a 4 week suspension. Last year an All Black Brad Thorn made a dangerous and late pre-meditated tackle that ruled John Smit out of the remainder of the Tri-nations. He got a one week suspension.

Matt Giteau tries to take off Fourie du Preez's head and gets no citing—Bakkies Botha legally cleans out at a ruck and gets 4 weeks.

Where is the consistency? Why are there different rules for the Springboks? Why does the world delight in suspending South Africans?

Effectively Jaque Fourie is out for 5 weeks. Usually when a player is suspended, the suspension starts immediately and if there is a bye for instance a 2 week suspension turns into a 1 game ban. In Jaque's case they ensured his suspension starts from a much later date, effectively increasing his suspension time.

It's time the South African rugby union stood up and made a stronger stand than armbands can make. The prejudice against South Africans must stop. Next they'll want to cite us for winning the Tri-nations!

The Springbok's 32-29 victory over the All Blacks in Hamilton was just reward for an excellent Springbok side.

It's been a season of milestones for this Springbok side who have won every major title this year. Two years after winning the World Cup, they can add the British and Irish Lions series, A Tri-nations title, The Freedom Cup and the Nelson Mandela Plate.

In Hamilton they achieved their third consecutive victory over the All Blacks for the first time since 1949. They've now beaten the All Blacks in their last two encounters in New Zealand too, which must give them great hope of becoming the first side to defend the Rugby World Cup in two years time. Slowly but surely this Bok side is switching the mental dominance between these two sides around.

Well-coached

Like all the Springboks's Tri-nations victories this year, the Springbok pack was magnificent in suffocating the opposition. However the role of the backline in complementing a dominant forward pack should not go unnoticed.

New Zealander Ian Jones commented that the Springboks were winning the little battles, and each player knew his role and worked hard for the collective team effort.

I'd definitely agree with that. I don't think people acknowledge just how good a coach Peter de Villiers is The fact that the players have taken tremendous ownership this year, and look the happiest Springbok squad since Francois Pienaar led the side in 1995 is testament to that.

Jean de Villiers said, "I think Peter has been the right guy at the right time and he definitely has to take the credit for all our victories. We are getting the victories and Peter must take the credit for it. He has managed to keep the guys together and make it a successful team"

Peter de Villiers has stated that the Springboks aim to win every single battle on the rugby field. Every lineout, every scrum, every breakdown. You can see the effort the players make to do so, and it has resulted in greater consistency and performances.

Couple with a great Springbok player captain and leader in John Smit, and assisted by Victor Matfield, this Springbok side is focused, composed and confident. On Saturday I felt they got the rough end of the refereeing decisions, but whereas in the past it may have been an excuse, this side simply controlled their own destiny by rising above the circumstances.

The lineout once again reigned supreme from start, and put massive pressure on the All Blacks.

The All Blacks weren't able to get front foot ball and when they tried to spread it to the backline the Boks rushed up through the midfield forcing Stephen Donald to cut back inside where the Springboks forwards were waiting. Consequently the Boks enjoyed good territory and possession.

Goal kicking and direction

Francois Steyn was magnificent in kicking three long range penalties. Normally he misses one or two, but his ball striking was spot on. He is a tremendous talent who has started to blossom under de Villiers reign recently, and his loss to South African rugby is becoming larger and larger.

Morne Steyn's option taking was brilliant and he kept the Springboks moving forward. During the week he stated it was his role to keep the Springboks going forward, even if he was receiving ball on the back foot which makes it tough for any flyhalf to shine.

His ability to take responsibility and step up to the challenge demonstrates to me that he will achieve even greater things as Springbok flyhalf, if that is possible.

All Black flyhalf Dan was under tremendous pressure and did not play badly. he kicked out of hand and at goal particularly well, but he didn't have the same quality of personnel around him.

Scrums

The scrums were one area that neither side dominated. The All Blacks would have fancied their chances here after the Springboks recent woes. They did pressure the Bok scrum and a couple of times Pierre Spies came up with errors, but when it truly counted with 18 minutes to go, the Springbok scrum stepped up and demolished the All Black scrum on All Black ball when the All Blacks had all the momentum going for them.

It is not necessarily dominating every battle, but the key ones that help carry your side to victory.

Mental domination

Earlier this week John Smit told us that the Boks liked to be one or two scores ahead going into the final quarter. Whilst the All Blacks came back hard after they looked down and out at 29-12, I always felt the Boks had control of this game. The calmness exhibited by the Springbok leadership of Smit, and Victor Matfield showed me just how mentally astute and tough this Bok side is.

With all three Tri-nations side building for World Cup in New Zealand in two years time, the Springboks are in a great place mentally with their successes this season. Their strength lies in remaining humble, not being satisfied with their successes and looking to get better and better so they can successfully defend their World Crown.

Whilst it won't be easy, we have a great chance of repeating our success!

The Springboks beat the All Blacks 32-29 in their Tri-nations clash in Hamilton.

It was a deserved victory for a champion Springbok side, which was very focused on their task all week. Even a large number of injuries couldn't prevent the Boks from producing an enormous performance from a dedicated squad, who underlined the strength that currently exists in South African rugby.

To win the third game on tour was a  remarkable effort. Even more remarkable given that last year no Tri-nations side won their third consecutive game. Doubly more remarkable when you take into account the Springboks have done it twice this year, and are always tasked with the hardest draw where they have to play three consecutive weeks twice in the competition to the others side once.

It was the result of hard work, and dedication.

Once again the Springboks went behind, this time to a very dubious penalty in the first minute of the game from the kick-off. This season I've been so impressed by how the Springboks bounce back. This was epitomised by losing Springbok strongman, Juan Smith just before kick-off.

After the early Dan Carter penalty, the Springboks started to find their feet. Initially they took the ball through numerous phases and showed they possess more skills that just being able to kick. Francois Steyn knocked over a 61m penalty. It's the biggest kick I've ever seen other than Percy Montgomery's 63m drop kick at Kimberly. That was at altitude, this was at sea level in New Zealand.

Another Francois Steyn penalty had the Boks in front.

John Smit was penalised for slipping in the first scrum. That's a harsh call in my view, and Carter levelled the scores.

The Boks then worked the phases beautifully while Morne Steyn positioned himself in the pocket for a brilliant drop goal.

Fourie du Preez, who had a great game around the rucks and mauls put up a beautiful up and under that got the Boks going forward, and du Preez then ducked over from a ruck to score the first try.

Once again the Boks were penalised almost immediately and Carter's penalties were keeping the All Blacks in the game.

I felt the Boks weren't getting much help from the ref, but a Kieran Read shoulder charge off the ball brought another penalty. I question why there wasn't a warning if not a yellow card.

Pressure from the All Blacks just before half-time was met by determined Springbok defence that gave the Boks a 10 point lead at the break.

At the beginning of the second half the Boks once again started off well and had chances they didn't take. Accidental offside from a ruck a few metres out from the All Black line helped the All Blacks survive.

After 11 minutes an intercept try to Jean de Villiers gave the Boks a 17 point lead. Last week in Brisbane, Jean mentioned to us that he hadn't scored an intercept for a while, and would be happy with any try. I know how hard he works on reading the play, so it was particularly pleasing to see him get rewarded.

At this stage I believed the Springboks became a touch complacent and the All Blacks became more desperate to avoid humiliation. Along with the effects of three tough weeks, the All Blacks started to get on the front foot and the Boks were doing a lot of defending.

It was energy sapping stuff, and the Boks weren't getting many calls from the ref.

With 18 minutes to go, the All Blacks had a penalty right in front and were 10 points behind. I believe Richie McCaw made the wrong decision in going for the scrum. They scored a penalty soon after but the Boks were getting closer to victory.

With eight and a half minutes to go the Boks got another penalty and a 10 point lead was very handy. Earlier this week John Smit told us at a press conference that he liked to be at least one score ahead going into the last 20.

It's the Boks pattern, and from in front they controlled proceedings, even though an All Black try with a few minutes to go left Springbok supporters sweating out the final few minutes.

It was a great victory for the side, with each player's performances vital in producing a great team effort.

This is a great moment for South African rugby.

The Springboks are World Champions.

The Springboks are the IRB No. 1 ranked side.

The Springboks are Tri-nations champions.

The Springboks beat the British and Irish Lions.

The Springboks hold the Freedom Cup (played between South Africa and New Zealand)

The Springboks hold the Mandela plate (played between South Africa and Australia)

The Springbok sevens hold the IRB World sevens title.

The Bulls are Super 14 Champions.

This is glory.

The Springboks take on the All Blacks in Hamilton in what could turn out to be the Tri-nations decider for 2009.

The Springboks are looking to bounce back after a flat performance against Australia in Brisbane last week. Conversely the All Blacks are well rested and fresh after a three week break.

The Springboks have based themselves on the Gold Coast of Australia this week, copping plenty of flack from the New Zealand media for their late arrival into New Zealand.Even New Zealand Prime Minister John Key had this to say "I think it's misguided actually and I think when they come here on Saturday, they'll come to realise that they like the place even less when they've been thumped by the All Blacks."

I've been following the Springboks at their Gold Coast base this week, and once again their focus and mindset has impressed. They're not worried what the New Zealand media have to say, preferring to focus only on preparing they way they want to for the crucial encounter in Hamilton.

The New Zealanders meanwhile should focus on their own game. They can hardly talk, earlier this year they based themselves in Pretoria and only travelled down to Bloemfontein on the Thursday for their test match against the Springboks.

In any case the Kiwis should worry about themselves, the Springboks can do whatever they like, and their only concern is making sure they turn up come kick off on Saturday night.

The Springboks have had a light training week, and although disrupted by injuries/niggles to Bryan Habana, Jacque Fourie, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, and Fourie du Preez, they are looking to return to the physicality that brought them success in their first three Tri-nations games.

Whilst the All Blacks have one of the World's premier flyhalves in Dan Carter, if the All Blacks can't match the Springboks physicality, even he won't be able to get the All Blacks on the front foot.

The Wallabies showed the All Blacks last week how to beat the Springboks, but whether the All Blacks can emulate their Trans-Tasman neighbours remains to be seen. I'm expecting the Springboks to play a tighter, more disciplined game.

As Bakkies Botha said this week, the Springboks lacked intensity in Brisbane against the Wallabies. Expect that to be rectified for this week's clash with the All Blacks.

The Springboks need to slow the game down, and use their domination of the set pieces to control the game. The lineout led by Victor Matfield should once again reign supreme, and if they dominate early it will cause the All Blacks to be spooked once again. The scrums are the grey area. Will the Springbok scrum struggle once more?

Whilst it hasn't dominated the All Blacks, it hasn't struggled either. The Springboks only appear to have problems facing the Wallabies, where John Smit has mentioned this week that the lower height the Wallaby front row packs down with is more difficult to counter.

Against the All Blacks he says it is simply a matter of using more brute force! The Springbok captain maintains that the Springbok scrum is not struggling, but simply needs some consistent refereeing policing it.

The All Blacks need nine log points from their last two games, and need to deny the Springboks a bonus point. With wet conditions forecast, I'm not expecting the All Blacks to make the four tries a priority. I think they'll focus on denying the Springboks a bonus point for coming within seven points, and be happy with a win.

If the Springboks can edge out in front early, as they so often do, the All Blacks will be under immense pressure, which could just open up massive opportunities to score from.

I'm predicting an immense physical battle. The Springboks are no longer afraid of this All Blacks side, and have the blueprint to beat the All Blacks, even on their home turf. There may not be too many tries scored, but I'm expecting the Springboks to get home by 9, and wrap up the Tri-nations for 2009!

Last three Springbok-All Black results in New Zealand:

2008 Dunedin: NZ 28 SA 30

2008 Wellington: NZ 19 SA 8

2007 Christchurch: NZ 33 SA 6

The Springboks crashed to a 21-6 defeat to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Saturday night.

Brisbane has not been kind to the Springboks, having not won here since 1971. Whilst the Aussies got a couple of tries late in the game to seal it, they thoroughly deserved their victory.

The Springboks started off well, but didn't capitalise on their chances. It looked like it might be a repeat of Perth, but on this occasion the Wallabies defence held firm, and when they got chances they put points on the board. The Springboks don't enjoy playing catch up rugby, and pressure started to mount on the Boks who made uncharacteristic errors.

John Smit said afterwards "The Springboks were a bit flat" but it was certainly not through lack of effort or poor preparation.

At this level there is little separating the top sides, and the Wallabies were able to absorb pressure and create plenty of their own. The Boks were guilty of playing too loose, trying to run the ball too often, and too laterally. This suited Australia who were able to play around the Springbok forward pack.

For Australia, Berrick Barnes was outstanding on attack, asking many questions of the springbok defence, which for the most part held firm. It was only in the last 20 minutes that they started to get on top. The Australians were perhaps unlucky to go close on three occasions and be denied by the TMO.

This was due to desperate Springbok defence, although du Preez's tackle on Will Genia was fortunate not to be a penalty try or a yellow card in my view, as it would have resulted in a certain try had the Springbok defence retired 10m. With such a lucky break the Springboks could not turn something out of it as Australia scored soon afterwards.

The little things that have made the Springboks dominant in the Tri-nations thus far were not evident on this occasion. Poor tactical kicking, and being dominated physically at the breakdown allowed Australia to get the upper hand.

I was surprised the Boks didn't try to slow the game down, use the rolling maul more often and kicks for territory, but that was the result of pressure, and having to play catch up rugby.

There were some good individual Springbok performances, but as a whole the cohesion between forwards and backs wasn't quite there.

I bumped into Springbok selector and former coach Ian Macintosh after the game, who mentioned the second week on tour is always the hardest. Whether that is true or not, the Springboks have to be much better in their last game in Hamilton to wrap up the Tri-nations.

At the press conference after the game, a battle scarred John Smit said "excuses are for losers, so we have no excuses." Victor Matfield backed this up and said they don't need to change anything, they just need to do what has worked for them thus far and execute more accurately.

This Springbok side is a special side. It has a fantastic team spirit and work ethic. Whilst they have wrapped up the Nelson Mandela plate, they'll be hurting immensely by this loss, however they have a chance to make things right against the All Blacks in a weeks time.

This week the Springboks have shown the sort of side that they have evolved into under Peter de Villiers.

There has been no complacency, no high-fives for winning in Perth, and no talk about getting the two points needed to seal the Tri-nations. Instead the Springboks have shown they are simply focused strong on winning their next Test match.

In Brisbane, where there are rival football codes, and an AFL game across town on the same night, it must be an odd sensation for the Springboks to escape some of the media spotlight.

It has not taken anything away from either their own focus or the sense of occasion. This Springboks team simply goes about it's business, answering only to its teammates, its supporters and the country which it represents with enormous pride.

The Boks are on top of their game, and are brimming with confidence in their ability. Impressively they realise they are only as good as their next 80 minutes and start at nil-all against Australia on Saturday night.

They're immune to criticism over their tactics, preferring to focus on the aspects they can control, and then improve, improve and improve some more.

It's hard to see where Australia can beat the Springbok side. Possibly by gaining parity in the forwards, spreading the ball, creating chances through Giteau and Barnes and finishing accurately, they might just get there. But they'll have to start well, and go for all 80 minutes, because this Springbok side has responded to everything thrown at them in this year's Tri-nations.

I'm picking the Springboks to win again, not because of their physicality, their brute strength, or their consistent team selection.

The Springboks are better because they're a champion side. They are determined, mentally strong, and have only one focus. To go for the kill and put away the Wallabies. The Tri-nations title for 2009 will be an added bonus.

Springboks to win by 12 points.

Despite the increasing evidence that this South African team could quite possibly go down in history as not only one of the great sides from the republic, but also in rugby lore, they still have an unusual high number of detractors.

In this, I believe that the Springboks have staggered across a revelation.

They now understand the principles of All Black-itis!

This is not to suggest anything in regard to comparisons of the sides, especially now, for the South Africans are deservedly the best team in world rugby—although, we wait with bated breath for the Northern Hemisphere tours to have this question genuinely answered. 

I believe that throughout history both the All Blacks and Springboks have equally convincing arguments as to who has been the best nation throughout rugby’s annals. 

In times past, the All Blacks, beyond any other side, still attracted their doubters, even when ensconced as the world’s best team. 

In 2005 and 2006, when New Zealand was dominant on the global stage, their form at the time was always doubted by a possible (and eventual) failure in the French World Cup theatre.

Hence, foremost among reservations for the All Blacks was, and still is, a simple remark, "Well, how many World Cups have New Zealand won?"

Now, for no apparent reason, uncertainties are attached to this Springboks team.

It began after the British and Irish Lions tour. It was a very good home union’s composite team, who in hindsight caused more problems for South Africa than either the All Blacks or Wallabies did.

But while "the better team lost the series" debate raged in certain circles, especially of course in British media, time will erase all aspects of the tour.

Except the final results.

I personally believe that the series was won with the first withering burst fired by the South Africans in the first 20-30 minutes of the first test match. 

But as this Tri Nations is showing, the Springboks appear to be improving with every outing.

Look at what resides in the bulging trophy cabinet in Newlands.

Added to the World Cup this year is a Lions plaque, both the lesser known Tri Nation’s trophies, the Freedom Cup (V New Zealand), and the Mandela Plate (V Australia), and it is a fait accompli that the ultimate symbol of Southern Hemisphere supremacy will soon be added.

This goes along with an exceptional run that has seen them win 10 of their last 11 matches; it's a team that man-for-man is as fine a squad as any in history.

But still, debate rages as to their merits.

Some will point to their scrum. 

Perhaps it's only under the spotlight so much due to the fact that for two consecutive test matches it has been severely disrupted by an Australian forward pack—a nation that has never been able to proclaim themselves strong scrum technicians.

But this is hardly anything new for a dominant world power.

Most world beating All Black teams have had sub-par line outs.

The key for South Africa is that they are able to ensure that it is not capitalised on. Or even starker is the fact that other spheres of their game, most notably their line out, are of such a level that it all, but cancels out an opposing weakness.

Others will look at a lack of killing instinct in the South African sides, not putting huge scores on opponents that are lying semi-conscious on the rugby paddock.

Again, this is not anything unique in the rugby universe. 

At test level, winning is paramount, and margins are not relevant as time passes.

Rod McQueen’s Wallabies, possibly the best Australian team of all-time, was never noted for inflicting overwhelming defeats on their opposition.

But they knew how to win, and they were opposite to the Springboks in the fact that those Wallabies were renowned for coming back to win close matches (whereas, this South Africa is winning their matches in the opening stages).

This is a good Springbok team, currently the best team in the world. 

Such a plaudit can be a fickle tag, for even if the South Africans do (as they should) win the Tri Nations, a loss to the Wallabies or All Blacks in the final two matches of the 2009 tournament will only pronounce these questions.

For as good as any team is, ultimately, you are only as good as your last game or series. 

So on current form, these Springboks should not be doubted.

Jean de Villiers is happy. He's in a winning Bok team, his form is great, and he say's this is the happiest Bok side he has been part of.

With an International career that threatened to be curtailed before it began with a horror run of injuries, Jean has changed his approach these days and plays every game as if it will be his last, which has made every game mean so much more.

Whilst he departs for Munster at the end of the Tri-nations, his departure from the Springbok side may only be temporary.

Jean has had a horror run at Rugby World Cups, sustaining a Shoulder injury prior to the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and then sustaining a shattering bicep tear in the Springbok's opening World Cup fixture against Samoa. Jean told me that his involvement with the 2007 World Cup Winning Springbok side allowed him to have  "...been there but haven't really experienced anything."

He's played for the Boks under three different coaching regimes, and states that this Springbok side is the happiest he's known. With his departure to Munster, effectively ruling him out of Springbok selection due to Peter de Villiers desire to only select South African based players, is this Saturday his last game in Australia?

When reminded that it is likely to be his last game in Australia, Jean replied "Ja, obviously it is my last game this year, but hopefully not the last always. Hopefully I can be back and play again in Australia."

Jean clearly indicated that he desperately wants to fulfil his ambition of playing at a World Cup, in 2011, and experience the sensation of contributing to a Springbok victory on a Rugby players ultimate stage. Jean said  "I've got a contract for 1 year, with the option of another 2 years." It clearly shows that no firm decisions have been made, and Jean doesn't want to give up his Springbok jersey permanently.

He has also stated that he may still play in Australia, and New Zealand. Sometimes a change can do a player the World of good. A chance to experience a new culture, get away from the constant limelight and re-evaluate what is important. We've seen it with John Smit and Victor Matfield. The desire to play for the Springboks, in my view may simply be too strong.

Jean said "Especially with the team doing so well at the moment, it's such a happy team, it's such a great atmosphere to be part of, it's definitely something I'll miss if I'm not part of it anymore." It shows how hard it'll be for Jean to walk away from, and with further ambitions still to fulfil we may even see Jean return to South Africa after one season at Munster, in time for next year's Tri-nations!

My gut feeling is that this isn't the last time we'll see Jean de Villiers playing in Australia, or for the Springboks. At only 28, there is a burning ambition to play at a World Cup and remain with an all-conquering Springbok side that none of the current players wants to walk away from. Expect to see a revitalised Jean de Villiers this time next year for the Springboks!