Andrew Austin: Boks reclaim proud legacy

It is desperate times for the Springboks when their fans are happy with a loss against the All Blacks.

But what a loss. The 19-11 defeat on Saturday night was about more than just the result. South African rugby was playing for its reputation.

The legacy built on the shoulders of the legendary Frik du Preez and the dive pass of Danie Craven has taken a battering in the past few years. The aimless, amateurish rugby played by the Springboks this year has provoked stern criticism from former players who accuse the team of having no heart.

For anyone growing up in the tough, volatile cauldron of South Africa, being accused of not having heart is the worst insult. Everyone talks of the fighting spirit of the Afrikaner, but this trait extends to all colours and languages of the rainbow nation.

South African history abounds with tales of people prepared to die for a cause, be it the Boer pioneers, the 1820 English settlers or the ANC comrades fighting to liberate the country from the tyranny of apartheid.

Times may have changed, but the heart of the Springbok remains the same. With backs to the wall on Saturday, a truly representative Springbok team confounded their critics and gave their fans hope of a good showing in the World Cup this year.

From the heady heights of winning the 1995 World Cup to the lows of conceding 50 points to the All Blacks and England, the Springbok fans' faith has been tested. Once again, just when we thought the Springboks had become the biltong of world rugby, they dug deep to prove they can compete with the best.

Saturday night's performance will do more for the Springboks' World Cup campaign than the victory over Australia in Cape Town. It is almost as if their sense of entitlement to rugby greatness often stops them winning matches. "We are a great rugby nation, so all we need to do is turn up and win" seems to be the attitude.

Giving away our claim to rugby royalty on a sunny winter afternoon in Pretoria last month was a blessing in disguise. It hurt the players. Believe captain Corne Krige when he says, through split lips, that it will never happen again. You could almost hear Krige on Saturday night whispering to his players, "Remember Loftus".

From the moment Zulu strongman Lawrence Sephaka fronted up to Kees Meeuws in the haka, the steely determination of the "Amabokke bokke" - the colloquial term of endearment from their fans - was evident.

The rugby they played was not attractive, but it was impressive. It was a traditional, forward-based game full of good rucking and mauling and, most importantly, straight running. By doing the basics right and not getting involved in meaningless skirmishes, the Springboks showed you make your own luck.

Richard Bands scored his try because he kept going instead of falling and setting up the ruck for the ball to be lost in backline oblivion. An unconventional try it was, but it brought the best out of the team.

The "weak link" of provincial team-mates Gcobani Bobo and Jorrie Muller rose to the challenge, while South Africa's back row of Krige, Joe van Niekerk and Juan Smith showed it is world class.

Unfortunately, the talismanic influence of halfback Joost van der Westhuizen is not enough any more. On Saturday he proved he cannot keep going forever.

Louis Koen is another who seems beyond his sell-by date. What is the point of having a stodgy first five-eighth who is a good kicker when he misses his kicks?

Coach Rudolf Straeuli has been criticised for not using many replacements at Carisbrook, and one can only wonder what the pairing of Neil de Kock and Andre Pretorius might have done with 20 minutes to go.

Take nothing away from the All Blacks. They played well and are still favourites, along with England, to take the World Cup. But be warned. Even if the Springboks are unimpressive in their pool matches against Georgia, Uruguay and Samoa, they will pull out all the stops against teams like England and New Zealand.

Approach a wounded Springbok with care.

* South African Andrew Austin is the Herald's deputy chief reporter.