Okay then, the All Blacks are the world champions, Australia were the runners-up and the Springboks finished third ... I’d say that’s a pretty fair reflection of the world order and the standard of rugby being produced by the three southern hemisphere powers.
I’d go further and suggest Argentina, losers to the Boks in that horrible play-off for bronze, are worthy of being considered the world’s fourth best team.
Of course South African rugby fans are disappointed that Heyneke Meyer’s men didn’t go all the way, but I think if everyone were to be honest with themselves they’d admit that the Boks have been – and still are – some way behind being a serious challenger to the No1 ranking and the World Cup title.
Whether we like it or not, we have to accept that it’s not our right to win the World Cup every time it comes around. Since the tournament has been held – starting in 1987 – the Boks have won twice, Australia, too, and now New Zealand have won it three times. That’s a pretty good return for the Boks.
It wasn’t to be this time and we all knew before the time that no matter who Meyer selected it was always going to be a big ask to go all the way. Not because the Boks aren’t good enough, but because New Zealand are just that bit better.
Haven’t they always been?
We can look all over the place for the reasons why this is so and we can call for the coach’s head as much as we want, but the reality is New Zealand are a good few steps ahead of every other team that plays the game and we, as a collective – that is the rugby family – need to sit down and ask why this is so. What are New Zealand doing right, what is the difference between how they approach the game and how others look at it.
A different coach may come in and have a different mindset and outlook, but it doesn’t mean he will all of a sudden get the desired results and beat New Zealand. Let’s not forget that All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has been head coach for four years, but before that he served as Graham Henry’s assistant for eight years, and before that he was also head coach of Wales ... it’s no wonder he’s got the team working like clockwork.
There’s plenty of anger and disappointment right now, but is getting rid of Meyer really the smart move? Yes, his Bok team didn’t set the World Cup alight and they lost to Japan, but with a bunch of young stars set to join the likes of Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Handré Pollard, Damian de Allende and Jaco Kriel, perhaps it’s best to continue with him. Also, is there someone out there who ticks every box to be the next Bok coach?