The Silver Fern

@SidBarret - what's up my man?

Been a long time since I posted here - mainly because the Boks have not been in action and, of course, we (living down here in Africa's backside) have been just too jealous of all the rugby you guys have had to enjoy.

Our local stuff has been shite . . and that's kind of the point - and why I think some of the criticism, while partially valid, needs to be seen in context.

On the back of that I sent the below to Ben Smith who writes for rugbypass.com - just to highlight a few points from our side.

Here we go

Hey there Ben, hope you are well. I read your latest dismissal of the Boks achievement in winning the Lions series (which I told you we’d win 2-1 because we have to) – and, again, while you have some valid points (of course we want to score more tries) I just want to raise the following with you.

• It’s a miracle we got up to win this series. Considering:
o the state of the local game (piss poor and nowhere near your Super Rugby or other European championships)
o the lack of game time as a team
o disrupted prep (for both sides but way more for us)

• Yes, we’ve not evolved our game since the RWC, yes 100%
o we’ve not had a chance to do so and were never going to try and play any other style against the Lions
o By the way, I don’t recall the ABs playing too expansive in the last Lions series, either

• For some of our players this Rugby champs is probably their swansong, with younger, faster, more exciting players in the squad that will be blood in the upcoming champs and end of year tour
o Stand by for action mate

• Lastly, my bud, it takes great character to get up against the odds the boks have to win the championships we have
o As said before, a little more respect from your side of the world is probably deserved – after all – we continue to have it for you?

. . .

So what you think guys? Am I being unreasonable? I think not.
Have a good one, see you in a few weeks
B

Greetings from SAFFA land. Look I know you guys are hurting a little but you have to say we are in for a kick ass world cup. A lot of teams on the same level or getting there. Really, for the first time, you can say that there are 4 or 5 teams in it - and maybe one or two more by that time. It's good stuff and great for the game.

Best wishes and much respect - see you guys on the pitch (and in a bar) really soon

Top of the morning from Joburg. Here below a link to this morning's missive re: last night's game. Crusaders won fair and square - red card was, well, what it was and the right call (letter of the law wise). No shouting, no screaming, no bitching like little girls (NZ herald et al).

Take it on the chin and move on. Well done 'Saders - true champs in every sense of the word.

https://www.supersport.com/rugby/super-rugby/news/170805/Crusaders_stun_Lions_to_lift_trophy