Various theories have surfaced to explain South Africa's Super 12 renaissance, but Sharks scrumhalf Craig Davidson scoffs at one suggestion doing the rounds that the end of contracts for Springbok players was a catalyst for the revival.
Davidson, rested for the Sharks game against the Reds in Durban on Saturday after putting his body on the line beyond the call of duty in this year's Super 12, is a professional who still subscribes to the amateur ethos.
His halfback partner, Butch James, is also back in the Springbok frame after some stirring performances this year and it aids the international aspirations of both that scrumhalves and flyhalves hunt in pairs - much like centres often spoken of as combinations in the Barry-Joubert/Horan-Little mould.
Davidson and James, however, have never played together in the same Springbok side.
"Whenever Butch played I was injured and when I was in the side he was crocked," explained Davidson this week of a situation that could change when the first Bok side of the year is announced for tests against Ireland and Wales in June.
James, who has nine Test caps to Davidson's five, recently told Weekend Argus that if "all the Sharks played with the same passion and commitment of Craig Davidson we would be virtually unbeatable".
The scrumhalf returned the compliment saying: "I love playing with Butch. We've come a long way together first with the under-20 side, then the Wildebeest and now the Sharks. To go on and play together for South Africa would be epic.
"What has helped this year for both of us is playing behind an outstanding pack going forward that has made a huge difference to our play. But right now we just need to keep our heads down, as there is still a long way to go."
Davidson is one of those players who does not regard lucre as the ultimate incentive to fuel performance.
Hence his outright rejection of the theory being sprouted that as Springbok players have not been offered contracts this year, the comfort zone has been whipped out from from beneath their feet and spurred them on with added zeal to perform in the Super 12 as a precursor to test selection.
"Every South African in the Super 12 wants to play for South Africa, but that is not my main focus right now. Staying in the Sharks team and concentrating on making the semi-final and final and then winning it is the prime objective.
"Having said that, you do think of playing for South Africa again and whether you played five or 105 matches you can't wait to wear the jersey again.
"Contracts, or lack thereof, have nothing to do with how we are performing in the Super 12. You go out on the field to play well for your province and perform. Then if you are good enough you should be chosen for the Springboks and the rest, contracts and bonus incentives and so forth, will follow in due course," said Davidson.
All of this does not fully explain why South Africa suddenly had three teams in the running for the Super 12 semifinals. Davidson, though, has one or two theories to explain why.
"I cannot talk for the Stormers or the Bulls, but from a Sharks perspective I can say that the guys believe in one another this year and there is a real conviction that we are as good a team as any out there.
"It was about time that the South African teams stood up to show that we are not there just to make up the numbers. We believe we are good enough to win the Super 12 and hopefully South Africa will have two teams in the semifinals.
"We always had the talent, but what made the difference this year is that we have won away from home. In the past we went away and often lost all four games on the road, which makes it helluva tough.
"Then you only have to slip up and lose one or two more at home and before you know it you are mid-table or bottom of the log.
"Just look at the Reds. How many games have they lost by one or two points this year? You need a little bit of luck as one or two of those point swings can be the difference between second or third on the log or being anchored in the basement."
Davidson himself has worn his heart on his sleeve, erupting in unbridled delight when he scored crucial tries that helped the Sharks beat the Highlanders at Dunedin and run the Brumbies close in Canberra.
Yet while Davidson's eagerness to be involved in hand to hand combat in the trenches is often regarded as a virtue, he says it can detract from his primary job description as a scrumhalf.
"There are times I have to tell myself to stay out of the tackles, that I am there first and foremost to clear the ball away. But that is just the way I play. If the guy is in front of me I want to tackle him. The work I put into my game is stirred by my emotions," he says.
"I like to base my game on the way Justin Marshall plays for the Crusaders. Although I am not as big and strong as he is, I like to get involved.
"It is just that there are times when a scrumhalf should be making the tackles and times when he should be conserving energy," says the man who adds value almost as a fourth loose-forward.
"It is no good making four tackles in succession and then you win a turnover and you are not there to exploit it.
"I love this game," says Davidson articulating a passion for rugby more synonymous with past amateurs than modern professionals.
"I mean the body hurts and I have taken one or two big knocks, hence the break this weekend. But I already miss it. Playing is something you almost take for granted until you are out and you realise how badly you want to come back.
"We have a great team spirit in the Sharks and I am enjoying every moment. Now I can't wait for that final crescendo building up to the Super 12 playoffs."