All Blacks overcome Stormers and Sharks as Springboks maintain unbeaten run

Cape Town provided a spectacular opening to the tour last weekend, with fine weather, a floodlit Cape Town Stadium and fireworks creating the backdrop for an occasion that was matched by the effort of the home side. The Stormers eventually lost to a rusty but relentless New Zealand team, but their performance reflected the spirit of South African rugby.

Seabelo Senatla’s try under the posts lifted the crowd and captured the home side’s determination and camaraderie. The players also exchanged jerseys after the match, while the Wynberg School Supporters Club earned an enthusiastic vote as the men of the match in a festive celebration of rugby.

Before the game, former Stormers coach Robbie Fleck spoke at a lunch arranged for New Zealand’s travelling supporters. The group had been on tour for 31 days, an impressive commitment from the visiting fans.

Fleck recalled his time in the demanding role now held by John Dobson and offered current analysis of the players and the Stormers’ tactical approach. The home team had expected a highly physical contest, and that is exactly what they received, although they responded effectively in many areas.

The match also carried some historical interest. Western Province and the All Blacks had met four times before Friday’s fixture, with the record standing at two victories apiece. Fleck also provided an insight into how Rassie Erasmus and his staff have begun to organise and standardise South Africa’s age-group structures while strengthening the pathway for future players.

The approach is more structured and reflects longer-term planning.

There was debate during the match about its pace, which at times appeared to be influenced by referee Karl Dickson and the television match official. Dickson had a firm, and perhaps overly strict, grip on proceedings, although the overall handling of the game was considered sound.

The level of intervention from the video officials was a particular talking point. Players were repeatedly moved backwards, sideways or across the field to address infringements that might previously have gone unnoticed. Whether people watching from multiple screens away from the action should have such freedom to influence the game is an issue World Rugby may wish to reconsider.

The All Blacks were outspoken after the match about the tempo and the style in which they wanted to play. Their comments hinted at the use of underhand tactics, which took some of the gloss off the Stormers’ wholehearted physical and emotional effort.

Discipline was always likely to be crucial, while New Zealand’s star-studded squad suggested they would improve significantly for the midweek meeting with the Sharks.

That improvement came in almost every area, although the same could not be said of the crowd. Durban has found it difficult to fill its large home venue for some time, and there is hope that supporters will begin to recognise the work being done by the Sharks’ new owners, who also unveiled a new logo and identity during the week.

The branding changes made little difference on the field. The All Blacks had too much quality for the Sharks, producing a performance the home side would prefer to forget.

A bone-chilling haka led by veteran Ma’a Nonu was a fitting tribute to the occasion and to a remarkable career. Nonu has played at the highest level for more than two decades, a rare achievement in a sport as physically demanding as rugby. His career has taken him around the world, where he has enjoyed sustained success and earned the respect of the game.

The tour then moved to Buenos Aires, where the Springboks faced their most resilient and emotionally charged opponents of the international season so far.

Argentina’s home support created an intimidating atmosphere, with cheers, whistles and boos echoing around the stadium like the crowd at a medieval arena. The noise energised the hosts, who tackled ferociously, carried with power and repeatedly sent waves of runners towards the Springboks’ defensive line.

A clever piece of handling from Andre Esterhuizen created a superb try, one that was impossible to criticise and a moment of genuine quality.

There were contrasting stories for South Africa. Captain Siya Kolisi produced a strong performance before limping off, but that contribution was overshadowed by Cameron Hanekom’s emergence from the pressure of the contest. Hanekom took his opportunity when the game became difficult and made a powerful case for himself.

The Springboks continue to move forward with steely determination under Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff. They remain unbeaten, while their style is becoming increasingly resilient and carefully planned.

It may not be perfect, but it is unmistakably South African and it deserves the praise it is receiving.

The next major contest brings the All Blacks to Loftus Versfeld to face the Bulls. It promises to be a mouth-watering encounter, with the stadium expected to become a cauldron as New Zealand experience the Highveld and its thinner air for the first time on the tour.

The match will also come before a safari into the African bushveld, where several New Zealand legends will discuss rivalry, sport and the enduring magic of competition.

Go Bulls a view that was not expected, but is wholeheartedly meant.