Watching our brilliant Bok display against the English provoked a discussion about stiff necks, a common problem for rugby players and, in fact, many South Africans.
If it's not injury, arthritis, rheumatism or anything more serious it's probably a lousy pillow, was the common consensus.
That afternoon, I checked my pillow. Was it lumpy or bumpy? No. It was slender and firm. But was the filling correct?
They say down is good, but my husband is allergic to down, so he'd have to sleep somewhere else. Mmm. A down pillow definitely has its advantages.
"Try the multi-pronged attack," said my good friend Betty, a font of knowledge. My ears flapped with vigour.
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She suggested an ice pack and some proactive exercise.
"Stand with your back against a wall and straighten yourself so your shoulders and the back of your head are touching the wall. This should be your posture while you are walking. Then take this posture to bed and your stiff neck will vanish."
Well, the theory is fine - but it's not easy if you share your bed with a partner who likes to snuggle, cuddle and sleep in the spoon position. It was impossible.
"I'm emigrating," I said to my spouse. His eyes lit up.
"Are you serious? He smiled like a shark.
"Absolutely," I responded.
"I am moving into the study to sleep alone, because I have to lie flat to get rid of my stiff neck."
His jaw dropped.
"I thought you were thinking of going a little further," he said.
"Siberia. They say cold is good for a stiff neck."
He was not joking.
Instead, I moved onto the floor.
"Firm is good," said Ezra Bong, a backologist.
He also advocated daily slow rotation of my head, as well as gently lowering my ear towards my shoulder on each side.
"The secret is to do everything slowly," he added. "And if it hurts, stop immediately.
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