Time to give credit where it's due
June 30 2009
With the three-match Test spectacle against the British and Irish Lions all but wrapped up, South Africa head into the third and final match in Johannesburg with their tails held high having already won the series 2-0.
Whilst the historic victories in Durban and Pretoria have certainly made up for the Springboks' series loss to the same team that toured the Republic twelve years ago, it has unfortunately been shrouded in controversy.
By now, everyone must be all too familiar with the events that caused a stir during and after the second Test at Loftus Versfeld, a game that was won courtesy of a penalty kick on full-time by Morne Steyn.
The battle lines have been drawn from both camps - including the fans - and the focus on the after-effects disappointingly has raised more headlines than the series win itself.
From eye-gouging to punching players in the groin to high tackles, citings and coaches defending their players - we've seen and heard it all.
A flurry of journalists - this site included - has made it their mission to get inside Peter de Villiers' head following some rather outlandish comments following the second Test victory. The Bok coach has spoken his mind regarding Schalk Burger, and while there will be folk that still don't accept it, I think it's about high time we moved on.
Moments of madness from both sides have taken the gloss off what should have been a celebration of an epic Test match and a satisfying series victory for South Africa over the 2009 British and Irish Lions.
With all the attention on De Villiers and Burger especially, perhaps I too was a bit culpable for forgetting the actual result and not the drama that came with it.
The guilt really sunk in when speaking to forwards coach Gary Gold on Tuesday, who was saddened that the off-field fracas had clouded over what will perhaps be the biggest victory in his coaching career.
"Yes, I think it's fair to say we haven't got enough credit for winning the series," Gold told this website.
"We worked really, really hard to beat a world-class Lions team. I think they came here with their heart on their sleeve and gave it a 150 per cent.
"They gave us an extremely tough challenge. I mean, our players will tell you the way they were feeling today (Tuesday), after Saturday's Test. It was as tough as anything they've ever experienced in their lives.
"I'll say it again, it was a fantastic Lions team. And to beat them in any way we can - legally of course - whether is was a comeback in the last twenty minutes (in Pretoria), or a first-half platform that we laid against them in Durban... I'm a little mesmerised that people are criticising us severely as they are.
"But you know, the credit that we are looking for must go to the players.
"We believe it must go to John Smit as a leader and to the guys who rallied round him. John was able to get his troops back into both Tests and fight what was an extremely difficult challenge.
"And again, to score three tries to one against the British and Irish Lions team who are renowned for some fantastic defence, is not a mean feat.
"At the end of the day, we not going out looking for any sort of credit really. We must just stay humble and realise that we've been able to win the series.
"And in saying that, let me just say that when the Lions guys come out and say how unlucky they were to lose the series - I agree with them.
"That's what these games are all about. All of them went down to the wire, whether it be a dropped ball from Ugo Monye or a missed tackle here and there. They can feel unlucky. But unfortunately, that's sport."
Talk about kicking someone when he's down. Ouch! And I probably deserved that.
After hearing Gold's view, it makes you realise the respect that the Bok management - or at least this coach - holds for one another as well as their opposition. And more importantly, their love for the game and winning.
Had the coin fallen the way of the Lions, I am positive Gold and company would be speaking along the same lines of how proud they are as a nation, the closeness of the Tests and how in life, "that's just sport."
Gold is a good man and a good coach, who in general has done an excellent job for the Springboks in so many ways. The critics will always have their view on De Villiers, but he too should at least have his hand shaken for a job well done. He did, after all, win the series.
The commitment, unity and sheer will of the South African squad has been brilliantly fostered in keeping the majority of the World Cup winners in tact that ultimately brought them a series win over the men in red - De Villiers is partly responsible for this.
Watching the South African players, old and new, mob Morne Steyn after his match-winning kick just tells you how special this series win meant to them... and the country.
Time to give credit where it's due - well done South Africa.
By Dave Morris in Johannesburg