South Africa Rugby

The Nelson Mandela plate returns to South Africa as the Springboks beat the Wallabies 33-25 in their Tri-nations encounter at Subiaco Oval, Perth.

It was another brutal victory from the Springboks who changed tactics slightly from their first three performances in the Tri-nations.

Before the match I was surprised to hear Aussie commentator Greg Martin say the "Springboks looked arrogant." I'm not quite sure how they did that, but many in Australia thought the Springboks decision to arrive so late before the game showed disrespect.

I'd say it was more disrespectful for the media not to find out why the Springboks arrived as late as they did, for they had plenty of valid reasons. In the end their decision was vindicated anyway.

Once again the Springboks started brilliantly. The Wallabies made errors, and were surprised from some of the Springbok tactics to run directly at the Wallaby midfield. It allowed the Springboks to gain momentum, get over the advantage line, and it was difficult for the Wallabies to knock the Boks back.

A brilliant lineout where the ball was first mauled upfield, followed by transfer to the left flank got the Springboks going forward and awarded a penalty.

Fourie du Preez ever the intelligent reader of a situation, took a quick tap as he has so often done in the past and it produced a try. Playing his 50th test, it was a fitting moment for the World's premier scrumhalf.

Just five minutes later Jacque Fourie hit the ball at pace from a scrum and the Springboks were in again. It was simply just perfect timing and a little swerve that produced a try.

For all those who say the rules don't allow teams to score tries, this showed just how simple it can be. Rather than blame rules, teams should look for creativity and solutions to producing tries such as these.

Almost inexplicably Morne Steyn missed the conversion from virtually right in front. It's almost the only place he can miss from these days! Luckily it didn't have a telling effect on the game. At this point the Springboks were dominant, the Wallabies were psychologically scarred and having to play catch-up rugby the entire game.

Once the Springboks kicked a penalty and moved to a 15-0 lead, having a three-score buffer proved to be far too much for the Wallabies to come back from.

They did enjoy a good period leading up to half-time, where with ball in hand they started to pose serious questions of the Springbok defence. However the addition of two penalties was never going to be enough to seriously put them back into contention.

A try from Bryan Habana resulted from a great up and under, superb chasing and good finishing. A halftime score of 22-6 allowed a mental comfort zone from the Boks.

The Wallabies however scored early from a good build-up and Matt Giteau is always a dangerous customer close to the ruck with his fancy stepping.

The Wallabies were then able to get back into the game through their scrum. Bryce Lawrence was penalising the Springboks, and I'm not sure how justified all the penalties were, as the Springbok front row was starting to get frustrated. The net effect was the Australians were able to enjoy strong territorial advantage and get back into the game.

The Springbok defence held up magnificently and when Habana missed a chance for a try in the corner, they worked a superb set move from scrum close to the Wallaby line to send Habana in untouched. At 29-13 the game was over.

With 6 minutes to go and a 19 point lead, the Wallabies were the side showing greater desperation and they worked two good tries when the Springboks had sealed the game.

A final scoreline of 32-25 probably flattered the Aussies, and I was surprised to hear Robbie Deans and some of the Aussie commentary team say they were only one score away in this contest. In my view, the game was effectively over mid-way through the second half and the Springboks took their foot off the accelerator and became defensive.

Overall I thought the Boks played well initially and then became less accurate as the match wore on. They looked impressive with ball in hand, and showed tactically they can mix it up and play whatever the situation demands. Worryingly the scrum was shambolic, and work will have to be done there.

The defence by and large was quite solid, and they had to make many tackles in the game. There is plenty still to work on, whilst I thought the Wallabies actually took a step backwards in their development this season.

They'll welcome back the return of Nathan Sharpe and Berrick Barnes, but they perhaps need to try something different to try and overcome a confident, well-oiled Springbok machine.

It was pleasing to see the humility of the Springboks in victory. Neither John Smit nor Peter de Villers felt they had to answer the critics, preferring instead to focus on playing what is ahead of them, and ensuring winning rugby is the first order of the day.

I think this Bok side is deceptive. It focuses on percentage rugby, involving a lot of kicking, but it has great class in the backline and can shift the ball and produce more running rugby of required. Much like the Bulls showed in the Super 14.

For the Springboks it was a good team effort with plenty of strong individual performances. The balance of the side is awesome with very few weaknesses. However injury concerns for Bakkies Botha and JP Pietersen could see changes forced upon the side.

Next week we move onto Brisbane, a traditionally unhappy venue for the Boks. Two Log points will seal the Tri-nations for 2009. Lets hope we can wrap it up and ensure another week of misery for the Wallabies!

The Australians, and to a much lesser extent the New Zealanders, have become very critical of the World Champion Springboks and the way they are winning.

Both Robbie Deans, coach of Australia, and Graham Henry, coach of the All Blacks, have vented criticism at the rules, and the intentions of the Springboks.

Robbie Deans has even gone so far to say the Springboks "essentially won the World Cup without even playing."

It all smacks of grand hypocrisy to me. The match between the Wallabies and the All Blacks in Sydney, played between two supposed exponents of the "running game", produced a single try.

Greg Martin started the post-match interview asking Richie McCaw if he "enjoyed the return to running rugby."

Clearly we reside on different planets! I saw much the same tactics I've seen in all the Tri-nations games this year, with an emphasis on kicking to gain field position.

Regardless of the tactics, I'd suggest the Aussies and Kiwis would be better off looking at themselves, rather than external factors.

The Australians' Ashes series defeat highlighted how arrogant a nation the Australians are, as they blamed the pitch for their defeat.

The current rules have largely been in place for some years now. The ELVs were meant to encourage greater running rugby, but simply encouraged more kicking, and less consequences for negative play.

The rules as they are, are not to blame for the way the game is played. They encourage a return to rugby fundamentals, an emphasis on set-pieces, physicality and being direct.

Much of the way the game is played is determined by attitude. If you want to kick often, you will. If you want to play running rugby, you need to ensure your forward pack allows you to do so.

In short, you need to look at your side, your strengths and weaknesses, and determine what pattern suits you best.

I suspect both the Australians and New Zealanders are frustrated because they are getting smashed in the forwards. Their packs aren't dominating (especially tough for the All Blacks who have traditionally dominated this area for so long), and therefore they are unable to play the game they way they'd like.

The Springboks, meanwhile, are dominating territory and possession and can dictate terms at the moment.

I've been impressed by Springbok coach Peter de Villiers as he has identified the strengths of the Springboks and is ensuring they play to a pattern that is hard to counter. As he has mentioned, his first responsibility is to the South African public, and then to producing entertainment.

There is no reason why the Boks have to play more entertaining rugby. They are playing within the laws of the game, and the challenge is to other sides to find a way to stop them. The statements from the Aussies are a smokescreen to try and unsettle the Boks.

After all, is Rafael Nadal negative because he plays from the baseline and doesn't serve and volley? Is Tiger Woods negative because he can hit the ball so far and gain an advantage over other golfers? Is cricket on the sub-continent wrong to produce pitches to favour the home sides?

Those in South Africa are enjoying this rugby season. I'd suggest the Kiwis and Aussies stop whining, and get on with trying to find a solution to the Springbok's dominance.

If they don't, they'd better get used to coming up with excuses.

The Springboks are the current World Champions. The No. 1 ranked IRB test nation. The cream of the crop, yet the most despised side in World rugby. The IRB, and the rest of the world doesn't like them. And they want to ban the Boks from the rugby world cup?

After the second test between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions, Schalk Burger was rightly banned for 8 weeks for eye gouging Luke Fitzgerald.

Actually it was for reckless play, but he had his hands on a Lions players' eyes. The punishment was fair based on the precedent set so far by disciplinary tribunals in World rugby.

However in the same game Bakkie Botha was unfairly cited and banned for two weeks for a legitimate tackle on Adam Jones. The Springboks finally took a stand against the unjust treatment they've been receiving for years. How do you ban a guy who produced a legal tackle? For something that happens hundreds of times during a game.

The only factors that led to this citing and subsequent banning, were because Adam Jones became injured as a result, and because Bakkies Botha is South Africa and has a bad record.

Good on the Springboks, led by John Smit, who showed their solidarity for their teammate by wearing white armbands written with "Justice 4 Bakkies". That's what standing by your teammates is all about. Especially when you are right.

The IRB decided these actions bought the game into disrepute and the Springboks needed to be punished. So the South African rugby union (SARU) were dragged in front of another disciplinary committee.

Never mind the citing commissioner or unfair tribunal who punished Bakkies Botha. They get away scot free. Instead the South African Rugby Union, and John Smit were heavily fined for their behaviour. And the IRB committee were unanimous in wanting the Springboks banned from the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

That would have produced an uproar. Once again South Africa get picked on. Forget about right or wrong, any other country would never have to deal with this.

We may not have heard the end of this as the IRB looks at the legal technicalities. SARU may protest this one, but in all likelihood will take their punishment and keep quiet.

Shame on the IRB, and shame on the Rugby World for showing such prejudice on South Africa. Go the Springboks, all your supporters are behind you!

After the third great consecutive Springbok victory in the Tri-nations, I've found the reaction of the Australians and New Zealanders hard to fathom.

The Springboks built their victories with brutal, uncompromising forward play. Their forward pack was disciplined, executed the basics brilliantly, and built such unrelenting pressure on the opposition that the All Blacks and Wallabies were beaten into submission.

The Springbok backline did not utilise running rugby to any great extent, instead building pressure by using it's pinpoint kickers, backed with a great kick chase. It's a game plan the Springbok players want, love, and are good at.

What irks me most is the reaction of the Aussies and Kiwis. Their refusal to acknowledge how good and how dominant the Springboks were is simply bad sportsmanship.

In crediting the Springboks, there is always the "but" factor. The Springboks won but..., the Springboks are good but..., the Springboks deserve their victory but...

Leading the list is the notable Spiro Zavos, who, in his article on Rugby Heaven, has said that the Boks profited from British refs. To criticise the performance of the ref who he has said was one-sided, is simply a refusal to acknowledge the better side won.

To compare us to the 2003 World Cup-winning English side, is meant to be a dig at this Springbok side; however, I think it shows his arrogance to acknowledge the performance of what was a very good side that deserved a World title.

He then goes on to say: "The Springboks are playing terrific rugby football, rather than rugby."

"The rugby football game is based on forward power, good structured play with strong set pieces, good restarts and a consistent kicking game with points accumulated, in the main, through penalty goals, drop goals and the occasional try. The rugby game, on the other hand, tends to see the set pieces as a means to the end of running the ball where possible, and scoring tries rather than penalties as the main way to score points.

"This is the game Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Nations have generally espoused, and the style the lost and lamented ELVs encouraged," wrote Zavos.

These are the same ELVs that everyone said encouraged greater kicking and must be done away with at the end of this year's Super 14.

I didn't realise they were playing two different games. I thought the objective was to play within the laws of the game and try to score more points than the opposition.

Maybe the Wallabies should get a bonus point for scoring two tries to one. Then because they won the second half, they should get another bonus point. And because the Springboks played negative rugby, maybe they should be penalised for that.

In fact why not give the Wallabies the full four points because the Springboks were so boring!

I have always loved test match rugby because it is hard, physical, and uncompromising. If the Aussies don't like it maybe they should go play Aussie Rules or something less physical.

I've also found the Aussie and Kiwi commentary teams to be constantly whining. If not the refs then it is the negative Springbok tactics. All I can say to that is we weren't the side being constantly penalised at the breakdown.

That's negative. It stifles the momentum of the Springboks and if they didn't infringe, maybe the Springboks would score more tries.

I have to say I found Phil Kearns and Greg Martin's comments on the last game in Cape Town to be embarrassing to themselves. Blaming the administrators and laws of the game for the reason why the Springboks were kicking a lot, which was boring.

All I can say guys, if your team is winning it's wonderful to watch!

And what about Matt Giteau's blatant attempt to knock Fourie du Preez off the planet with his elbow? And then no citing from the New Zealand citing commissioner?

Give me a break.

If that was Bakkies Botha or a Springbok executing that tackle, he'd have been suspended for at least four weeks. The Super 14 showed how different the standards are for the New Zealanders and Australians, compared to the South Africans.

Meanwhile, the Springboks are reprimanded and SARU have to face a disciplinary hearing from the IRB for standing up to the injustices it has to deal with.

I am not sure where this hatred and disrespect for the South Africans comes from. I suspect it comes from the political beliefs that alienated South Africa from the rest of the world during the Apartheid era. This was shown when the New Zealand and Australian referees leaked an email in the late 1990s stating they were "out to get the South Africans".

Whatever the case, the Springboks and South Africa will never be shown the same respect as any other international side, which just makes every victory even sweeter for the Boks.

Rugby's greatest rivals, the Springboks and the All Blacks, go at it again in Durban.

This Tri-Nations match takes on huge significance in that it may establish a new era in this great rivalry. Last week saw the Springboks beat the All Blacks in Bloemfontein to move to No. 1 in the IRB rankings. The All Blacks will be gutted and pride themselves on being the dominant force in world rugby, at least between World Cups anyway!

The Springboks and All Blacks have named largely unchanged sides from Bloemfontein for their 77th clash.

The Springboks have replaced Ruan Pienaar with Morne Steyn in what I think is a good move, and gives the side a much greater ability to convert pressure into points through its goal-kicking. Don't be surprised to see a few drop-goal attempts as I think the Springboks try this to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The All Blacks have replaced Neemia Tialata with the little-known Owen Franks. There is never a weak All Black prop, however, and whilst many from both countries are talking up his ability, he should be respected but not over-awed.

The other change sees Brendon Leonard swapping with Jimmy Cowan in a move that should give the All Blacks better kicking strength from the base of the scrum and ruck.

This Springbok side has evolved into a more complete side than the one that won the Rugby world cup in 2007.

The forward pack is dominant, and is very strong in the set-pieces. The line-out is extremely solid on Springbok ball, but it's the ability to un-crack the code of the opposition that will see the All Black line-out come under extreme pressure.

In Bloemfontein they did this brilliantly, and try as they might to fix it, Victor Matfield should be good enough to demolish it again.

The Springbok pack, at the breakdown, works well as a unit; and whilst the two sides always have a great go at each other, I don't believe Richie McCaw has enough backup to compete on his own.

In Durban, expect to see Heinrich Brussow once again benefit from having Bakkies Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, and Juan Smith doing the hard yards. This should allow "Superman" Spies to be faster than a speeding All Black and provide even more opportunities than he created in Bloemfontein, as he appears to be hitting top form once again.

Whilst the All Black backline looked dangerous last week, if they are once again starved of the possession, they can't hurt the Springboks.

Meanwhile, I expect Fourie du Preez to lift his clearances and get this Springbok backline going more fluently than they did in Bloemfontein, to create further opportunities for the Boks. I'm picking Francois Steyn to be more prominent hitting the backline and bringing the Springbok back three into play.

For the All Blacks to win, they'll have to show their characteristic tenacity, and use their scrum to dominate. If they get out-played in the forwards again, any chance they get through the backs will need to be taken with clinical precision.

If the Springboks make better use of their chances, it could result in a knockout blow much earlier than was the case last week.

What impresses me the most with this Springbok side is their mental shift, starting with the coach Peter de Villiers. He appears to be learning the lessons that the past 15 months have thrown at him and emerging a better coach for it. However, it's hearing players like Victor Matfield talking about wanting more trophies, more Tri-Nations, and more dominance that excites me most.

Too often in the past, the Springboks have appeared to give the All Blacks too much respect and lacked the self-belief to win. Two Super 14 titles in the last three years, a second Rugby World Cup, and a core group of experienced hardened professionals sees this Springbok side hungry to start establishing world dominance.

Whilst some of our players will inevitably leave for the greater monetary rewards overseas, it's guys like Morne Steyn, who speaks of wanting to play 50 tests for the Springboks, that epitomise the heartbeat of a proud and hungry Springbok side.

At the same time, it is leading to the breakdown of the All Black aura, that may just see this rivalry enter a new phase...one where we slowly even up the score again.

I'm excited; I'm predicting a Springbok win by 10 and I'm looking forward to seeing this Springbok side move to a new level!

The Springboks ran out deserved winners over the All Blacks 28-19 in Bloemfontein.

This was an important victory for the the Springboks in this years Tri Nations as points at home are crucial to staying in this competition. Whilst they dominated most aspects of play, and put enormous amounts of pressure on the All Blacks, the result was only sealed in the last couple of minutes.

Both sides started off with ferocious intensity that saw the All Blacks gain a couple of penalties at the breakdown. Stephen Donald nailed his first attempt to give the All Blacks a 3-0 lead. Francois Steyn hit back almost immediately with a long-range penalty goal after the All Blacks were caught offside.

From then on, the Springbok pack played superbly as a unit. They disrupted the All Black lineout, contested each breakdown, and simply forced the All Blacks into coughing up possession or giving away penalties due to immense pressure.

Ruan Pienaar hit the post twice with penalty attempts, and the All Blacks weren't made to pay for their indiscretions.

At this stage, the All Blacks were having to make plenty of tackles and the Springboks were enjoying a prolonged period of field position deep in All Blacks territory. From a scrum, a strong bullocking run from Superman Spies created great go-forward, and the ball was swung wide to the left with Ruan Pienaar doubling around after Jean de Villiers went to ground, and he rounded off a well deserved try for the Springboks. 

This opened up a 11-3 lead to the Springboks.

Almost immediately Heinrich Brussow created a vital turnover at a ruck in Springbok territory. The ball was passed out to Victor Matfield who had the ball in one hand trying to slip it around his tackler. Had he gotten it left towards Bryan Habana, it would've been a great try-scoring chance and could've blown the game wide open.

Instead it was a rare handling error from one of the Springbok greats, and he can be forgiven for that!

Francois Styen kicked another penalty to make it a 14-3 lead, and Ruan Pienaar should have slotted another chance but missed yet again. As the half was ending the All Blacks showed a great willingness to keep the ball alive and were looking extremely dangerous running at the Springboks.

At halftime the score was Springboks 14 - All Blacks 3

The second half saw Ruan Pienaar replaced by Morne Steyn due to injury which proved a godsend. An early penalty to Morne opened up a 17-3 lead to the Springboks, and built a mountain for the All Blacks to climb.

But one thing the All Blacks never do is give up, and it's a Springbok weakness that we simply don't put sides away when we have the chance. We should've been up by 20 points, but in the blink of an eye a a great run by Conrad Smith through a weak Morne Steyn tackle saw the lead reduced to 17-10.

The All Blacks started to apply the pressure now, running the ball strongly at Springbok, and making great yardage even though they couldn't break the line.

Juan Smith was penalized for holding on when he got isolated at a ruck, and Stephen Donald closed the gap to 17-13. With a commanding hold on the game now reduced to a four point lead, and the momentum with the All Blacks, this game looked to be slipping away for the Springboks as so many have over the years.

Thankfully the Springboks responded strongly. A series of phases in which the Boks went sideways, saw a penalty awarded to the Springboks. Morne Steyn eased the lead back out to seven, as the Springboks were ahead 20-13.

A poor scrum from the Springboks saw the All Blacks come through and charge into Springbok territory. A great attacking opportunity was met with fantastic defence and I thought the Boks were unlucky to be pinged when I felt the All Blacks were holding on. In any case Donald closed the gap to four.

Then Jean de Villiers went off injured, and that may have a dramatic effect on the state of the Tri Nations. He's the pillar in the Springbok midfield. Wynand Olivier is not in the same class, and playing Adi Jacobs could be a bad move especially as he'd not fully fit.

Then came a great piece of play from Superman Pierre Spies. A ball was spilt by Jason Eaton, and faster than a speeding bullet, Pierre had hacked it ahead. The pace of the big man created too much pressure for Richie McCaw to handle, and Juan Smith was on hand to get the ball to a flying Jacque Fourie who went in at the corner. Just brilliant!

Even though Morne Steyn missed the conversion, the game was almost sealed.

But in another twist, a penalty straight away for the All Blacks made it a six-point gap, and everything to play for. The Springboks then got their hands on the ball and showed their professionalism.

The rolling maul, which they used to great effect all game, was employed from a lineout just inside their half, and they milked a penalty from Jason Eaton superbly as his frustration saw him come in from offside.

Morne Steyn nailed the kicked to give the Springboks a 28-19 lead. Then we simply controlled possesssion and wound the clock down. I was extremely pleased we didn't allow them a bonus point as we so often do.

Full time: Springboks 28, All Blacks 19

The Springboks deservedly go back to No. 1 in the IRB ratings, and we get to do this all over again next week in Durban!

The Springboks played well and whilst the margin was only nine, we should've put them away by 20 had our kickers been on song. You can check out my Springbok player ratings for this test, although overall it was a great team effort, or watch my video review.

The All Blacks will be naturally disappointed, but probably targeted next weeks clash in Durban as their must-win game anyway. They'll be a lot better having gotten over the jet lag, playing at sea level, and knowing what they have to improve. 

It promises to be even bigger!

Rugby's greatest rivals, the Springboks and the All Blacks, are set for a titanic showdown in Bloemfontein

At stake are vital IRB ratings points to see who deserves the No. 1 spot in World Rugby, as well as the small matter of Tri-Nations points.

Currently the IRB rankings are as follows:

1. All Blacks 90.95
2. South Africa 89.45

The Springboks are on a quest. They are the current World Champions and have just beaten the British and Irish Lions. There are no bigger prizes left to accomplish, but they are determined to reclaim their No. 1 ranking and the Tri-Nations from the All Blacks. Both sides have plenty to prove and come into this fixture without having played their best rugby so far this season.

The Springboks and All Blacks have named their sides for what will be the 76th clash between the two old enemies of rugby.

The All Blacks lacked a bit of mongrel in their pack against the Aussies last week, and would best be described as solid, not spectacular.

They have a solid front row, but won't demolish any scrums. Their lineout could be the weak point, with Brad Thorn not beaing a really reliable source of ball, so much will fall onto the shoulders of rookie Isaac Ross and Jerome Kaino. The Springboks are the premier at lineouts in World Rugby, and poaching genius Victor Matfield will once again look to dominate this aspect of play.

In the loose forwards the All Blacks present a strong ball-carrying trio, but McCaw doesn't seem to be that vital one step quicker than his opponents anymore. Against Heinrich Brussouw he will have a tough battle trying to secure the All Blacks turnover possession.

The backline of the All Blacks always has game-breakers, but lack the polish and try-scoring records that the most dangerous All Blacks sides contain. Stephen Donald can be unreliable as goal-kicker and his channel may be where the Springboks try to attack through as his defense is not a strong point.

The Springboks have class all over the field, but will look to dominate through the strong forward pack first. Set pieces, especially the lineout, are massively strong. At altitude they will look to boot the ball out, gain field field position, and rely on Victor Matfield to steal balls at will in the lineout.

This will allow the loose trio a chance to get front foot ball, and Pierre Spies along with Juan Smith need to get over the advantage line to get the backs going. Against the British and Irish Lions, this didn't happen and the Springboks couldn't gain any real momentum.

With quality ball it will allow Fourie du Preez and Ruan Pienaar to weave their magic and get this backline going. The midfield pairing of Jean de Villiers and Jacque Fourie will be able to combat anything the All Blacks throw at them, and their solidity in crashing the ball up will allow space for Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen on the flanks. The Springboks showed in the second test against the Lions, at Loftus, a willingness to try and get Bryan Habana running onto the ball and I am sure they will persist with that strategy once they have solid runners in the midfield.

I also think the Springbok bench is stronger than the All Blacks, and the influence of Morne Steyn in the last 20 minutes may finally nail the All Blacks once they are left feeling the effects of the altitude.

I'm picking the Springboks to come out firing and, after getting out to an early lead, the All Blacks will start to work their way back into the game before the Boks close out the game strong in the last half hour as the All Blacks start to wilt under the pressure.

That's what I think will happen, but I'll take a Springbok annihilation anytime!

Rugby's greatest rivals, the Springboks and the All Blacks are set for a titanic showdown in Bloemfontein.

The Tri-nations moves from Eden Park, to the City of Roses, Bloemfontein, as the Springboks look to finally bloom under Peter de Villiers.

Whilst the All Blacks now lead this epic rivalry 42-30, both teams find themselves in a remarkably similar situation.

Both sides have had a loss this season leading up to the Tri-nations, and haven't shown the form expected from the talent available. Both coaches are supposedly safe until the 2011 rugby World Cup, but whichever coach does not hold the Tri-nations at the end of the season will find the thermometer of public pressure from two rugby-crazed nations soaring to boiling point.

Graham Henry has had six years at the helm so we know what to expect from his All Black sides. But Peter de Villiers remains an enigma, his Springbok sides producing the sublime, the lacklustre, and the ridiculous.

With a settled Springbok squad, and a tough series against the British and Irish Lions under their belt we will finally see the mark de Villiers leaves on this Springbok side.

There can be no excuses of getting to know the squad, rustiness or politics. He has chosen his squad, worked with them for an extended period, and now is the time to deliver results.

Whilst I sympathise with de Villiers, the Springbok coaching job can be lonely and extremely tough, and having to converse in English when your native tongue is Afrikaans isn't as easy as it sounds, the time has come for results. Results and worthy performances.

I've been prepared to be the eternal optimist, and view the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. Whilst the report card I gave him for the British and Irish Lions series was not particularly praiseworthy, I hope he has learnt his lessons, can deliver on his promise, and become the coach many of his players do speak highly of. 

I'm expecting some sizzling Springbok performances, they are definitely overdue!

The 2009 Tri-Nations promises to be the mostly highly contested tournament to date.

For the first time in its history, the All Blacks are rated third, even though they have won the tournament nine times out of 13, including the last four years.

The Australians are rated highly and many believe they will get stronger and stronger under Robbie Deans. And the Springboks are in great shape coming off a successful 2-1 series win over the British and Irish Lions.

The All Blacks

They lost their hold on the Super 14 crown this year, and will be keen not to let another trophy slip from their grasp. They were disappointed in their early season tests against the French and Italians.

The All Blacks start the tournament against Australia at Eden Park, a ground on which they have not lost to the Wallabies in forever. I can't see the Aussies winning there despite the All Blacks' poor recent form.

The return of one Richie McCaw will be a boost of immense proportions, and he will be just the spark to add some determination and composure to the All Blacks.

After their first game, the All Blacks face consecutive tests against the Springboks at Bloemfontein and Durban. That's a tough task, and if they win one of those games it'll set them up nicely for the second half where they play the Aussies in Sydney, before two more games in New Zealand against the Springboks and Wallabies again.

I predict the All Blacks will lose both games in South Africa, and Graham Henry will start to feel the pressure once more. If he selected his sides better, the All Blacks would be extremely formidable, but he seems to have favourites consisting of players that are not rated as highly by the rest of the world.

He'll welcome the return of Dan Carter later in the tournament, but even that won't save the All Blacks.

Prediction: Second

The Wallabies

Many people are predicting great things from this Wallaby side leading up to the Rugby World cup in 2011. I'm not convinced.

This Wallaby side lacks the class and hard edge in the forwards to consistently challenge the All Blacks and Springboks. Whilst they have a class flyhalf in Giteau, the wingers and fullback are not nearly the accomplished players that Burke, Tune, and Roff were when the Wallabies were dominant.

Whilst many think that Robbie Deans is the saviour of Australian rugby, I don't believe he can work miracles on a side that simply doesn't have the raw materials to produce the desired results.

They have a favourable draw with only one game in South Africa, coming at the back of the Springboks playing the All Blacks twice in successive weeks, and then play the Springboks twice at home.

However, that may not be enough to save a side that is talking a big game, but may not be able to back it up with results. If they get one or two injuries to key players, they'll struggle to recover.

Prediction: Third

The Springboks

The World Champions have a settled side and the benefit of coming off a tough series against the British and Irish Lions. They have to play their first three games in three consecutive weeks which is tough, but not as tough as playing Games Four through Six in three consecutive weeks away from home!

Their biggest weakness is Coach Peter de Villiers. If he gets selection right, employs a game plan that suits the players, and doesn't mess up the substitutions, this Bok side will be extremely tough to beat.

All the Super 14 winning Bulls had a quiet series against the British and Irish Lions, so I'm picking Superman Spies, Fourie du Preez, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, and Bryan Habana to produce their magic and provide the catalyst for some sizzling Springbok performances.

Prediction: First

"They don't give the trophy to the winners for nothing, you know"

So said Lions captain Paul O'Connell post-match after a deserved but belated third test victory which finalised an overall 2-1 series defeat; now etched in the history books for all time.

The Sky interviewer had previously pointed out that the Lions had indeed managed to beat the World Champions on the try count 7-5 and on aggregate points total over the series.

But you don't get prizes for that.

And neither to you get prizes for playing the prettier rugby sadly.

As Shaun Edwards pointed out in a column for the Guardian after the first test, scrum-half Mike Philips had seen more of the ball than the entire South African backline combined and it is no stretch to claim the Lions secured the lions share of possession in not just one but all three tests.

It was indeed a bittersweet ending of the 2009 tour for the Lions. Pride restored but the cold hard reality of losing will be hovering over the team during the long flight home.

Not that it was for lack of effort.

The initial selection of the coaching staff, a returning Ian McGeechan after an humiliating 2005 Lions tour, along with his fellow Wasp Shaun Edwards and Wales' Warren Gatland was perhaps telling of the approach the Lions would take to the series.

Gone were the days of separate Lions teams, single rooming and a bloated number of coaching staff. Returning were the values and traditions of the Lions from tours past.

The initial squad selection was strong with perhaps even the 'world-class' fly-half, Ronan O'Gara meriting a place based on Johnny Wilkinson's and Danny Cipriani's acute lack of form/fitness. In the former's case over a period of years.

I guess we'll never know how Irish Grand Slammers Quinlan, Flannery, O'Leary, and a Wales favourite of mine Tom Shanklin would have done. Quinlan's gouging was merited and inexcusable-let's be clear about that. If you think Shalk Burger merited punishment for his horrendous actions then Quinlan deserved to sit out the tour, and he did.

Of all the initial withdrawls, I think Flannery was most missed. He would have easily started ahead of Mears, Rees, and Ford, and the amount of crooked throwing from the Lions various hookers at the lineout, an elementary error to put it plainly, was disappointing.

And so the tour started with a underwhelming performance against the Royal XV followed by a complete roasting of the Golden Lions.

The Free State Cheetahs were put down at the last minute by a Hook penalty while victory against the Sharks and another close call against Western province led up to the brutal physical encounter with the Southern Kings, who clearly were only too eager to soften up the Lions before test No. 1.

By the end of the pre-series games we had found out, apparently, three things:

-O' Driscoll and Roberts were undisputed starters along with O'Connell and our best chance of toppling the seemingly unbeatable Sprinboks.

-The Lions would suffer at the breakdown unless they sorted themselves out.

-We were 'safe' at scrum-time.

Only the first proved correct and British and Irish media and pundits alike got it horribly wrong on the scrum. As we were to find out with the first test.

Of all the tests the first is probably the one South African players will be showing to their grandchildren in years to come. For the first 60 minutes, the Boks were dominant in every nearly every facet of the game: maul, lineout, territory and most infamously, scrum.

They were the World Champions we'd come to know in their element, turning Lions into cubs in their wake.

The Beast had a standout performance come scrum-time. His direct opponent Phil Vickery could not cope and with Botha behind him and Aluyn Wyn Jones behind Vickery it was simply no contest in that area. It was the needless penalties conceded in this area that was to eventual be the difference between the two sides at the end of the game.

Overall, first impressions were clear for me. South Africa were more than willing to stick to a two dimensional set-piece orientated 10-man game and the Lions would have no other option but to use their superior backline and creativity seeing as kicking for touch and contesting the lineouts with Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha around was a no-no.

Not just that but the sheer physicality and conditioning of the Boks was worrying to me as a Lions supporter.

These guys clearly weren't going to be pushed around. They may not be great passers and they may struggle against quick ball and good movement coming off the ruck but it brought home the point more than ever that if you want to succeed in a contact sport -you had better get good at contact!

This point was brought home, painfully in the second test as many walked off injured. As The Lions tour doctor, Dr. James Robson, a veteran of 5 tours put it quite plainly:

"I can only measure it anecdotally and subjectively from my view but I would have to say this has been the most physical tour, the most physical Test matches I have been involved in.”

But the second test was role reversal. Adam Jones drove the Beast upward at the scrum, turnovers were found aplenty for the Lions and Rob Kearney's catching and counter-attacking negated Steyn, Du Preez and Pienaars kicking. As a result the dominant pack was unable to exert dominance in the areas that it mattered. Shaw seen to the mauls.

With the Lions roaring two things happened that changed the face of the game and the series: Numerous injuries to key personnel like Jones and Jenkins (leading to uncontested scrums) and the likes of Bowe, O'Driscoll, Roberts.

And Ronan bleeding O'Gara who was culpably responsible for a 10-point swing and with that, the end of the series.

I'm not going to bleat on about O'Gara here but him at centre was just never going to work in a million years.

Full credit most go to Steyn, Pienaar himself had a bit of a shocker and Steyn's all round game and kicking was imperious coming off the bench and with his 45m penalty, the Lions lost in the end by three points; A tale of so close and yet so far away.

The third test was in a word: redemption. O'Gara was exiled totally from the 22 and the Lions gave a performance that fully merited a win. Shane Williams, Ugo Monye, Riki Flutey and Jamie Heaslip threw aside the various cobwebs of criticisms that had been made against them over the tour and put in world-class performances to the man.

Final thoughts

Ultimately my interest in rugby has peaked with the series. All the games were crackers. The second test is probably the best game I have ever seen and I really feel a lot more affinity with the Lions now, despite the series loss.

They've proven to be a wonderful tradition over their 100-year history and they still are in my opinion. They're unique to rugby as a sport and thus, for me make it special.

People that say the Lions belong to a bygone amateur era have been made to eat their words in my opinion. Both teams took the games seriously, coverage and general interest was strong and most importantly the Lions we're competitive; not the ragtag scrabbled together team some would have you believe.

Overall I'm proud of the Lions.

[Please read on for my Lions player ratings.] 

Note: Obviously I'm not going to rate 40-odd players, so only the major appearance makers on the tour will be highlighted. Ratings out of 10.

Lee Mears-4.5: Went AWOL in the first test, disappointing throwing. Didn't help at the scrum. Rightly dropped.

Matthew Rees-6: Nothing to write home about. Like the rest of the hookers probably lucky Flannery was forced to withdraw to get test appearances under the belt.          

Gethin Jenkins-6: Decent performances. Overshadowed by the Boks pack as most packs are. Fractured his cheekbone in second test.                                          

Paul O' Connell (c)-7.5: Hard to rate. Lineout was always going to be tough. Solid at the breakdown, decent ball carrying. Biggest gripe is that you never felt his performance/presence was crucial to a victory like his counterpart John Smit for the opposition.

Adam Jones-8: His introduction almost single-handedly ended the Boks scrum dominance. His withdrawal due to injury during the second test led to uncontested scrums. Habana's admittedly individually amazing try was the result. He was really important to the Lions in this regard. Written off years ago, now loks a world class prop and scrummager.                  

Simon Shaw-9: Made his first ever Lions test appearance despite this being his third tour! Showed what a true Lion he was and what the shirt meant to him. Great countermauling, huge hands, great breakdown work at the ruck. Should of been first choice from the outset too as his scrummaging, like Jones helped the team immensely. 

Brian O'Driscoll-8.5: Helped create tries for Croft first test and later Kearney in the second test before being forced off. Would have been a dream season for the Ireland captain had the Lions won. Unplayable at times. Not afraid to get stuck in (ask Matfield) and passing was just delicious at times.

Jamie Roberts-9: Has become a world class centre now. Excellent work with the above, they almost seemed like brothers at times. He always guaranteed more than a few yards with his running/carrying. Kept the Boks on their toes constantly.            

Andrew Sheridan-7.5: Kept his discipline, scrummaged well and was willing to carry. Bonus points for his 'hey, you talkin to me?' look. Hilarious stuff.                     

Phil Vickery-6: Had a good pre-series tour to be fair and didn't look like he would be the disaster at the scrum he eventually was. Alot of questions raised for the England captain on this tour. Good mental strength to come back from being dropped.      

Aluyn Wyn Jones-4: Found out. Couldn't compete with the bok pack. Lost the ball numerous times when carrying. Anonymous for most of the proceedings. Looked terrified at times.                                                                                        

Tom Croft-8: Worked hard for a few turnovers. Scored two tries on his Lons debut. Can't ask for more. Many were surprised he wasn't in the original party. I can see why. 

David Wallace-6: I was a bit disappointed with Wallace. He played very well in the pre-test tour matches but went mostly AWOL during the tests. Failed to help out at the rucks.

Jamie Heaslip-7: Another personal disappointment. For me a world class No. 8 but he took so long to show it. He's a fantastic carrier and passer as shown for Williams's first try today. Amazing balance for a big man. Didn't do anything particularly wrong either though.

Shane Williams-7.5: Wasn't even going to rate the IRB world player 2008 until his performance today. This was the real Shane Williams. Two tries, good carrying and great passing. Found form too late you might say.                                              

Mike Philips-9.5: My personal Lions MVP. Great scrum-half. Willing to carry, line break and help out at the rucks. Scored a try. Also played at centre and acquitted himself well there too. Good tackling. Bettered Du Preez, which is saying something. World Class but needs to perfect his kicking maybe.                                                     

Stephen Jones-9: I really liked Jones performances. Very dependable kicking. Memorable kick to tie second test 25-25. Good tackling, passing and running. Only blemish was slicing some of his easier looking kicks to touch.                       

Tommy Bowe-7: Disappointed overall. Had an outstanding pre-series. Scored numerous tries and then did hardly anything in the test matches. Played at centre and was decent. Didn't proove that he's the world class wing we know of in the 6 nations. Just not to be on this tour.                    

Ugo Monye-7.5: Really messed up two great finishing opportunities in the first test. His kicking is ok, tackling reasonable and carrying ok. Nice intercept try but you feel he needs others to create space for him as he himself runs 'too straight' for a winger if you get me.                    

Rob Kearney-9.5: Outstanding. Probably the sweetest catcher of the ball out there. Great balance and agility to evade directly after catches, too. Powerful boot always handy against a strong pack. I really think Kearney could be the best in the world in his position in years to come.                                                                            

Luke Fitzgerald-6: Playing Bowe at center ahead of him was a massive vote of no confidence in the Leinster man. In truth did nothing to warrant a place in the 2nd test team against the Emerging Boks or in the pre-series. Just not quite up to speed but still one for the future you feel.                           

Ronan O'Gara-2: Dependable kicking but otherwise a disgrace to the Lions shirt. Still can't believe he warranted a test-22 place. His performances against the Emerging Boks and Southern Kings were woeful. Can't tackle, can't carry, can hardly pass, slow, gives away possession. Might aswell have been playing for the Boks. Just brutal.