There has been quite a bit of angst surrounding the Springboks' 17-10 win over Argentina at the weekend and it is understandable given the excitement going into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry that those supporting the Boks will be looking for momentum.
But despite the laboured approach, the sketchy win and the problems that were exposed by the Argentineans, and the fact that the Boks looked a lot less effective than they did in the Nations Championship, not a lot can be read into the result.
Because let’s face it, that game was more a case of getting the returning players through 80 minutes and giving them a chance to get match fitness back.
They say a good team finds a way to win when they are playing badly and Saturday evening was a perfect example of that.
Of course, as we have since learnt, the wind was a massive factor, and that, coupled with Argentina’s passion and the rustiness in some parts of the returning Springboks’ game was a big factor in the way they played.
WAS RASSIE HIDING HIS HAND?
So what does this all mean for the Greatest Rivalry test series? Well, to be honest, very little.
The Boks have a fortnight to get themselves right and have had 15 players, as well as Tony Brown and Duane Vermeulen back in South Africa to start preparations for the test.
You can be pretty sure that the majority of those 15 will be in the match day 23 for the first test at Ellis Park.
The real question coming from the Boks’ win over Argentina wasn’t so much the style that they played or the 80 kicks in the game - yes between the two sides there were that many - but it was whether or not the Boks purposely played that way?
It was rather puzzling to see their style of play given the way they played in the Nations’ Championship, and the amount of kicks they put up.
Again, this could be coincidence, but a case could well be made that the Boks were looking to rather not show their hand ahead of this test series, even though you can be sure they have been working on a number of moves before they face the All Blacks.
And it would make sense. No coach wants to show his hand ahead of such a big series and with the wind playing such a massive factor in Buenos Aires, and the game always going to be an arm wrestle, the more immediate goal of winning, and getting through the game unscathed would be a massive thing.
MIND GAMES HAVE BEGUN
Of course, the injury to Siya Kolisi is a setback, as is the suspected concussion for Andre Esterhuizen, both of whom were set to be part of the match day 23.
The Boks will be studying every move of the All Blacks, and will know they will have some plans of their own ahead of the test series, so the tactical moves behind the scenes will be very interesting to watch.
Already we have seen the All Blacks make comments about the game being slowed down, the reffing and other aspects of the game. The psychological warfare has only begun.
And it will only increase in the next 10 days as we get closer to the action.
The anticipation is building as well, and to be honest, we can’t wait.
Not only for the tests, but also to see what Rassie has been working on ahead of the series.