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Bring on the All Boks - South African rugby shifts into overdrive
The Springboks are out to widen their catchment area and assert their dominance as world champions and No.1 in the IRB rankings.
by Greg Smith on 25 May 2008
Email this Article (4) Comments
South Africa are asserting their dominance as rugby union world champions and top-ranked IRB nation by widening the gap between themselves and any opposition on the distant horizon.
Rugby is evolving faster on the African continent than any other place on earth and South African rugby union is experiencing an African revival which many believe will provide the world champions with a timely boost to keep its contenders well within their shadow for the foreseeable future.
The revival has far-reaching consequences and has alos stirred an old debate about changing the name of the Springboks. The South African national team have been known as the Springboks since early 1900 when the various republics of southern Africa united to form one nation, the Republic of South Africa. Since then, the men in green and gold have dominated the rugby union stage at home (and internationally, wars and political conditions permitting).
Now, after a successful revolution in Africa, the team is stepping up its intensity to ensure they'll widen the gap over second and third placed rivals like Australia and New Zealand/England.
This could also see the Springboks renamed the ALL BOKS - a new name designed to highlight the new face of the South African squad. The Springboks are to be an ALL inclusive team and have pan-Africanism as the goal.
The All Boks would be a continental side and draw players from the one billion citizens of Africa.
Many Springbok fans are unhappy with the name change and argue the the Springbok name itself is iconic and therefore should not be ditched. Those in favour of a new era reflecting South Africa's return to their traditional world dominance of the code, believe the All Bok name will rapidly supercede that of even their second-placed contenders and old foe, the All Blacks.
The name change debate rages on - and so does the dominance of the Boks.
Punters believe the plan for the future pan-African nature of Boks is the next logical evolution of rugby union in Africa and will create an unrivalled force in the game internationally.
South Africa is currently a powerhouse in Africa and has been dubbed the United States of Africa because of its multi-national character. South Africa has fielded players from various neighbouring countries before and now hope this move will further reduce attrition of African talent like George Gregan (a Zambian) to foreign teams like Australia.
As this evolution gains momentum, All Bok fans are confident the Springboks will continue to assert their dominance as a team of outstanding performance who are undoubtedly the most dynamic side in international rugby.
Ex Africa semper aliquid novi (Pliny, AD 23-79). The maxim of Pliny, "Africa will always bring something new," still holds true and guarantees Springbok rugby will remain most dominant throughout the 21st century.
Comments (4)
by G. Le Roux on May 25, 2008
"The name change debate rages on - and so does the dominance of the Boks." Whatever you're on...I want some!!
by Mr T on May 26, 2008
Greg you are a sad boring person your articles are pathetic write something people care about no one cares for your african dribble no one feels sorry for you!
by Loser on May 26, 2008
Boks are the most dynamic team?!? They are the worst attacking top tier international team in the world - proven yet again by their dismal showing in the 2008 Super 14. All Boks, you abuse the might of the awesome All Blacks, but you want to copy their name. Delusional.
by Greg Smith on May 26, 2008
Your awesome chokers are over-marketed and just about history mate ... google sets has: all blacks, bon jovi, mcdonalds, the bold and the beautiful, the rubic cube and disco grouped together... book into rehab... you smack ho !
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