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DURBAN - The success of the Sharks and Bulls has opened the floodgates on a week of hoop-la and self-congratulation in South African rugby.
There is every justification too, given it is the first time the country has secured twin home semifinals in Super rugby, a competition where
teams from South Africa have made an art form of running out of puff.
Some sections of the media have taken praise to another level -- one newspaper described the Bulls as a "near perfect rugby team" -- but more considered voices also believe the game in South Africa may have turned the corner.
They say the World Cup in less than four months is where progress will be best measured and that the Springboks' performance in France might yet match the optimism seeping from all manner of players, coaches and experts.
Springboks convener of selectors Peter Jooste marvelled at the expanding list of contenders to wear the green jersey.
"The skills level of the players has definitely improved this year," he said.
"There is more than enough players coming through who can play for the Springboks.
"Many of them have matured and I feel that we do have the players to win the World Cup."
The Sharks and Bulls, in particular, can no longer be regarded as one-dimensional.
Tapping into offshore talent such as the Sharks' New Zealand assistant coach John Plumtree has introduced fresh methods.
Springboks captain John Smit believed the performance of the two top qualifying teams could only be a massive boost for the national team.
"In the past, winning the Super 12 or Super 14 helped the All Blacks a lot," Smit said.
"It builds momentum and generates confidence among the players. It's no surprise that the New Zealanders dominate at provincial and international level. Success at both levels goes hand in hand.
"If the Sharks and the Bulls beat the New Zealand teams in the semifinals this weekend it will be a huge psychological boost for our rugby."
Party-pooping Blues coach David Nucifora wasn't convinced that Super 14 and test rugby form correlated.
While impressed by the South African progress, he said it was not a reason to rank them as World Cup favourites.
"There's a lot of differences between this competition and test match football. It's a whole different combination of players and coaches so you'd probably be a bit loath to make those assumptions," Nucifora said.
"But it's good to see the South African teams get up there. They haven't finished in those positions before so it adds a bit of extra interest."
It also remains to be seen whether the Springboks have beaten their travel bogey, something many believe has happened after the Sharks and Bulls returned home with record winning returns in Australasia.
The response from Smit when asked if it was important to be hosting a semifinal suggests it may take time to shake the players' natural dislike for leaving home.
"I get to wake up and see my daughter and have breakfast with my wife, so yes, that counts for a lot," he said.
Veteran writer Gavin Rich said whether the Springboks improve or not, the Super 14 success had made important inroads by uniting factions which are normally waging war on and off the field.
"Success in the Super 14 has been such a rare thing. So rare that winning the thing has never actually happened," Rich said.
"It may happen though this time, for both teams in the semifinals will feel the full weight of South African support behind them.
"When you see a fellow-South African beating a New Zealand team with star All Blacks in it, you must become emboldened. Suddenly the Richie McCaws and the Daniel Carters don't look quite so invincible."
- NZPA