While analysing the current All Blacks, I'm reminded of a telling remark from the ex-French coach Pierre Berbizier while leading France's haphazard 'attack' on New Zealand in the '90s. He said, “I knew we were in trouble when I looked down the tunnel and saw half my team in awe of All Black legends framed on the walls ...”


As a South African, I’m forced to reluctantly (remorsefully even) admit that the All Blacks have earned a seat at the highest table of rugby union (even the right to, I guess, sometimes, maybe, possibly, occasionally, perhaps, I suppose, sit at the head of the table), but I firmly believe that the very nature of the unyielding relationship between the Springboks and the All Blacks is what ensures some equity in this age-old rivalry and, I'll argue, is a counter-balance in the world of rugby union itself.


It’s a lack of this type of Springbok hardy stubbornness and almost 'disrespect' of the All Blacks that’s weakening international rugby - international squads have become awestruck by the All Blacks as they have marketed their “'fierceness and clinical ruthlessness” globally.  This is, thankfully, not completely so with the modern Springboks’ (or the Aussies’) relationship with the All Blacks.  A healthy respect maybe, but not the kind of “abandonment of all hope”' expressed by Pierre Berbizier and as evident from Northern Hemisphere contenders.


When analysing this global phenomenon of mythical All Blackness, the image and psychology of the New Zealanders and the history of rugby union itself are brought into play.


World Cup-winning ex-Springbok captain Francois Pienaar explained that the All Blacks thrive on superiority and that their mystical dominance (with much elaborated legendary history) is the undoing of many players before they reach the field.  This sees teams from the Northern Hemisphere crumble at the sight of the Haka, which reaffirms that opposing sides have no right even attempting to challenge All Black dominance.


Mercifully, familiarity breeds contempt and the Aussies, as neighbours of New Zealand, are less prone to the type of head bowing of the north. This ensures closer competition and a 'no illusions' approach to challenging the Blacks. 

When it comes to thumping the All Blacks it's the Springboks who believe they are the greatest and that any All Black claim of superiority is a personal attack on their membership of rugby union’s elite.


And this is the perfect recipe for intense rivalry!


To make matters worse, as any South African fan will attest, Bok fans believe their team have a worldwide public duty to dent the All Black reputation of greatness for the benefit of the entire international rugby union community.  Seen in this light, the Springboks are on a worldwide crusade for the greater good of the game and the true champions of the sport.


Some might say, “But what about Springbok domination?” They may have a point, but, as a South African, it beats the hell out of constant adoration of the All Blacks and, in the absence of Northern Hemisphere strength, offers the world the only real prospect of 'democracy' in what has become a virtual dictatorship of rugby union.


So, tear down those Old Black flags and Viva la Revolution! More importantly, Viva la Green Revolution!  The Springboks are the world champions of the PEOPLE! (Chuckle, chuckle…)

P.S. The All Blacks are looking menacing again this season and Bok fans have this desperate “choking cuckoo clock” hypothesis to employ against New Zealand fans .... if we wind them up now, maybe they'll choke next month.