The International Rugby Board's clumsy condemning of the Springboks' armband protest has got me going again.

The game's governing body charged South Africa with misconduct after the South African players wore armbands in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions in a “symbol of solidarity” with banned teammate Bakkies Botha.

But thank goodness the world we currently live in is slanted towards morally ambiguous heroes. 

Heroes, normal folk, high profilers and office bearers often must make morally ambiguous choices. These choices are sometimes the trademark of the realities of modern life.

None, I propose, are more versed in this than South Africans. From current President Jacob Zuma through to ex-President Nelson Mandela, they have shown they are comfortable with moral greyness.

South African rugby, in fact, has grown to epitomise this 'greyness'.

Some would argue that that this is essentially the spirit of the rugby as, 'with a decent disregard for the rules', William Webb Ellis founded the game. He wasn't kow-towed by pressure from social conformists extolling the moral high ground (as only a typical gentlemen can). 

I contest that South African rugby is converting many to it and is growing, and I think it's precisely because the world is swaying towards these morally ambiguous heroes who don't camouflage the truth.

South African rugby isn't about the moral high ground. The old school lads in their members-only jackets don't approve of the Springboks. They're a slightly unhinged mob.

On an international scale, within rugby union you'll find teams that are 'positively charged' and/or 'negatively charged' in terms of public perception.

While teams like New Zealand, Australia, England, Ireland and arguably Wales market themselves as 'positively charged', I think teams like South Africa, France and Scotland tip the scales the other way.

It's not a question of fair play. Fair play or the lack thereof takes many forms.  South Africans may aver that they're victims in terms of fair play when it comes to the corridors and hallways of running the sport - and this adds an extra twist to the overall 'fair play'.  England and France matches are often a perfect example where fans either way can applaud a little extra 'fair play'.

Whatever the case, in a world infatuated with morally ambiguous heroes, the Springboks are the winners. They are the team to watch and undoubtedly the team embodying the spirit of the game.

Hot-air filled pockets where elitests polish their silverware and peer down their noses will remain, but South Africa, warts and all, are increasingly growing to represent rugby itself as the William Webb Ellis team.

Carrying all the condemnation, belittlement and putdowns of the world, they side-step their way to success against all the odds, rocks rolled in their path, all the prejudice and 'members club' persecution.

You know they wouldn't approve if they heard you shouting, 'Go Bokke!'  Join the revolution.