Springboks Win 2019 Rugby World Cup
On Saturday at the Yokohama Stadium in Tokyo, South Africa defeated the unranked England rugby union team at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Against all odds, the Springboks deserved to win, easily handling a Red Rose side that was a lackluster shadow of the England team that knocked the All Blacks out of the tournament.
The kind of game where tactics - not talent - mattered. Former Bokke coach Eddie Jones couldn't use his rugby smarts to lead England to victory. But before everyone starts heaping too much praise on Erasmus for this week's result, remember that he also selected a fairly inexperienced Springbok team to travel to Japan.
South Africa vs England: RWC Final
In just 18 months, Rassie Erasmus has taken the Springboks from the brink of World Rugby relegation to the top eight of the world rankings, and improved their win-loss record exponentially. Previously, this team was known for a passing game that often took the Springboks backwards instead of forwards, and a style of play that was often too loose (think: the not-so-great days of Samoa) or too tight (think: when Italy were able to physically overpower the Springboks). The Boks have developed new strategies to fix this. They are now able to outsmart teams and reassert their physical control on both sides of the ball. In doing so, Erasmus has brought a nice balance to both the mental and physical games of the players.
Wrap of Rugby World Cup Final
Defensive masterclass in Webb Ellis Cup final. This current crop of players could spell a bright future for South African rugby. If Erasmus can keep this group together, the Springboks will be a dominant force in world rugby over the next four years leading up to the 2019 RWC in France.
In terms of omens, it may take the Bokke another 12 years to reach the Rugby World Cup they have just won. But for now, it's a victory to remember. Yet this current team can do what the New Zealanders have done over the past eight years and disturb our slumber with thoughts of an unbreakable dynasty.