The stage seemed set for the upcoming World Cup to be about the northern hemisphere, with Ireland and France the dominant forces of this four-year cycle. New Zealand’s exceptional Rugby Championship, comprising three wins from three with an average scoreline of 38-13, has vindicated suspicions that the resurgent All Blacks will challenge.
South Africa were never likely to be disregarded as potential contenders. Having won three of the seven global tournaments they have entered, the Springboks have imposing pedigree. As recently as last month, after thrashing Australia 43-12 in Eddie Jones’ opening match as head coach, the reigning champions looked in a strong position.
Test matches are rare enough to draw robust, sometimes misguided conclusions and, following a heavy loss in Auckland and a laboured win over Argentina, there is a sense that South Africa need momentum. Grouped with Ireland and Scotland and likely to face either France or New Zealand in a delicious quarter-final, they have a difficult draw.
In 2019, do not forget, they reached the decider by beating Namibia, Italy, Canada, Japan and then Wales. Without wishing to denigrate any of those sides, or the Springboks’ achievement as a whole, 2023 will be tougher. Naturally, that offers more fuel to the sceptics
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