Win ugly or lose pretty? I’m sure when it comes to the Springboks 99percent of the fans would go with the former. One percent wouldn’t be happy either way. It’s just the way it is.
The Boks won ugly at times in 2013, none more so than in Paris on Saturday, but they won and looking back over the entire season, 10 wins from 12 Tests isn’t at all bad. It was a very successful Bok year, with the two defeats coming against the All Blacks, who, everyone will agree, are currently a step ahead of Heyneke Meyer’s team.
But, after what I’ve seen this year, I’m confident the gap is, indeed, closing and, hopefully, next year we’ll see two more epic clashes between the sides. But this column is about the Boks and the 2013 season.
The Boks had moments of brilliance this year, when they played freely and with width and adventure. And there were also less enjoyable performances, but few will argue that the Boks are without question the second best team in the world and are playing some excellent rugby. When Meyer’s men get it right, the forwards are just about unstoppable and let’s be honest, the backs are not too far behind. This team is growing into a unit that could seriously be favourites heading into the World Cup in 2015.
My player of the season is Duane Vermeulen, who stood out just a little more than a bunch of other seriously good men. The No8 was big in his ball-carries, strong in defence and powerful as a line-out jumper. We must all hope he stays fit going into 2015.
The newcomer of the year was without doubt Willie le Roux, who has added a new and different attacking dimension to the back division. He was sensational in Super Rugby and grew steadily as a Test player the more he played.
To end off, as this is my last column for the year, my Christmas wish list: Firstly, I really hope we’ll see a better refereeing performance in 2014. The whistlemen, and those sitting high up in the stands in the TMO booth, received far too much attention this last season. I hope common sense will come into their officiating and decision-making and that they don’t feel the need to get involved or make decisions simply for the sake of television-time or being controversial.
Secondly, I wish for the Boks to, finally, beat the All Blacks in 2014. I truly believe that under Meyer, Springbok rugby is in a good space and heading in the right direction but not until the Boks beat New Zealand will the criticism of Meyer and the team come to an end. But then, I’m sure, there will be those who still won’t be happy ... but that’s the nature of Bok rugby in South Africa.
Happy holidays everyone. - The Star