A memorable two-week stay in Gqeberha provided further evidence that the Springboks’ thirst for success on the world stage remains unquenched.
Back-to-back wins over Argentina handed the Boks an ideal platform from which to launch a successful defence of their Rugby Championship title.
The only dampener was that Gqeberha’s passionate rugby supporters were not allowed to pack the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Despite a lack of vocal support in the stands, the Boks still managed to stretch their unbeaten record at the NMB Stadium to an impressive seven matches.
With the SA leg of their season completed, the Boks face a daunting series of matches in Australasia and Europe that will test the depth of their squad.
Bok skipper Siya Kolisi has made it clear his team do not want to be remembered as one-hit wonders after their 2019 World Cup triumph in Japan.
After a frustrating period on the sidelines during the global pandemic, the Boks returned to the world stage with an impressive series win over the British & Irish Lions.
It was a huge statement by the Boks that their appetite for success remains undiminished.
If they can successfully defend their Rugby Championship title, the Boks will offer more evidence that they are capable of defending their World Cup title in France in 2023.
With innovative director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber pulling the strings, the possibilities appear endless for the Bok class of 2021.
Kolisi says a decision was made in 2018 with Erasmus and the rest of the coaches that the Boks needed goals after winning the World Cup.
He said the team’s goal had always been to be No 1 in the world and to remain at the summit for as long as possible after the challenges posed by the global pandemic.
On the Australian leg of their tour, the Boks will face arch-rivals New Zealand and the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship.
How they fare against the All Backs will be another yardstick to measure where the Boks are as they look ahead to France in 2023.
If they keep their eye on the ball, Kolisi’s Boks can make more history.
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