siya kolisi and the springboks
Dan Biggar has lauded the Springboks as a “generational team,” hailing their unmatched depth, and all-round game as the hallmarks of a side destined to be remembered as one of the greatest in history.
Speaking on The Rugby Pod, Wales flyhalf Biggar heaped praise on the reigning world champions, comparing their dominance to legendary teams like the 2015 All Blacks and earlier South African outfits.
According to Biggar, what sets the current Boks apart is their completeness as a team.
“You look at the stats and the top 10s of South African players, and they aren’t that high individually. But you put everything collectively as a team, with their new four-man shape, that new mindset of attacking, attacking kicks, speed of ball, carries off 9, and they are an unbelievable rugby team, a generational team.”
Biggar didn’t hesitate to rank this Springbok side as the best he has ever seen, citing their consistency and adaptability as key factors.
“For me, at the minute, they are the best team that I’ve seen. That goes with the All Blacks team of 2015, and previous South African teams. I think they are the best rugby team out there. They are going to take some beating at the next World Cup as well.”
One of the standout achievements Biggar highlighted was how seamlessly South Africa has managed to incorporate a staggering number of players into their system, while maintaining consistency in results.
“An incredible stat from this year for the Boks as well is that Rassie Erasmus has used 51 players. They have only lost two games this year – against Argentina and from a last-minute drop goal against Ireland.
“That is incredible. 51 players. Not one of those players who have come in has looked out of place. They just slot into the system.”
The adaptability of the Springboks’ halfbacks particularly impressed Biggar, who noted the team’s ability to tailor their game plan to their opposition, using a blend of experience and flair to devastating effect.
“It’s scary the depth they’ve created. If you want to play loads of attacking kicks and with loads of tempo, you play Grant Williams and Manie Libbok. You have the Hendrikse brothers who have brought so much control on tour, you’ve got Cobus Reinach, Sacha F-M, and you have Pollard with the experience to close out games and win you tight games.”
