Rants and Raves from the epic Loftus clash

My Rants and Raves for Independent Media’s IOL following the thrilling Springbok, All Black return clash.

TOP RAVE

Siya Kolisi’s physicality is at the heart of the Boks. He leads from the front and commands presence because of his dominance in the collision.

Kolisi leads and the rest follow, especially Pieter-Steph du Toit, who again revelled in the intensity of playing the world’s best team.

Kolisi’s power surge to knock over replacement prop Tim Perry and set up De Allende’s try was a personal highlight; equally Du Toit’s beating of Williams’ tackle to come so close to what would have been a sensational five-pointer.

TOP RANT

It’s one of my pet hates that South Africans believe the way to counter the haka is to drown it out with shouts of “Ole, Ole, Ole”. The haka is one of the greatest moments of theatre in world rugby. There’s a joy in watching it, hearing it and wanting to listen to it.

It’s a mark of respect from the All Blacks to the opposition. They lay down the challenge.

It’s riveting, and the All Blacks, in Pretoria, saved their most passionate rendition of the year for what they believed was the biggest occasion.

Once again, South Africans at the ground missed out on the theatre because of ignorance as to why it gets done.

Visit iol.co.za to continue reading my highlights and low points from the fantastic game this past Saturday.