South Africa - Reasons To Be Cheerful

1     Western Province’s 95-0 demolition of Eastern Province in the schools’ inter-provincial Craven Week ‘final’ was clinical, relentless, and abundantly skilful. There are more than a few players there who look to have exciting futures.

2     Jean de Villiers playing 60 minutes for Western Province in their pre-Currie Cup ‘friendly’ vs the Pumas on Saturday after his 20 minutes for the Springboks against the World XV, is a big step towards his return to the Springbok midfield and captaincy, which augers well for South Africa’s chances at the World Cup.

3     The performances of key Bok players Bismarck du Plessis, Eben Etzebeth, and Bryan Habana.

4     Schalk Burger showing again that, far from being a has-been, he remains a superstar and could yet be a Bok kingpin at the World Cup.

5     The number of tackles made by some of the Bok forwards on Saturday: 20 by Burger, 18 by Francois Louw, 15 by each of Marcell Coetzee and Eben Etzebeth – and Lood de Jager, who made 18 tackles in his 63 minutes.

5     The much unfairly maligned Jannie du Plessis going a long way towards silencing his detractors.

6     Jesse Kriel.

7     Heyneke Meyer’s graciousness in defeat, despite feeling gutted. Not all national coaches maintain dignity and behave similarly admirably when things don’t go their way.

8     The All Blacks vulnerability to the lineout driving maul.

9     Francois Hougaard’s new Bulls coach allowing him to play scrumhalf.

10     Neighbouring Namibia’s much improved performance in beating Russia 45-5 in Windhoek after their 39-19 first Test win – a reward for excellent coaching and the players’ committed effort. Their World Cup opponents are a daunting New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia, and Tonga.