The legendary Bakkies Botha claims the Springboks’ most competitive rivals right now are each other, as the All Blacks are ‘no longer what they were’.
Speaking to Rapport, Botha reflected on his playing days when he measured himself against New Zealand, but the former lock says today’s Boks under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus are in a league of their own.
“When I look at today’s teams, Rassie’s Boks are just too good. They are simply in a different class, and that makes it incredibly fun to be a Bok supporter these days,” Botha told Rapport.
The Boks have beaten the All Blacks in their last four meetings, yet face a challenge in 2025, with fixtures at Eden Park and Wellington – venues where victories have eluded South Africa for decades.
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Botha remains confident, though, that the current team can break the Eden Park curse. “It’s always tough there against the All Blacks. But, with all due respect, they are no longer what they were 10 or 15 years ago,” he said.
Botha, who won the 2007 Rugby World Cup and dominated with the Vodacom Bulls and Toulon, said the All Blacks used to set the global standard with world-class players in every position.
“I always wanted to measure myself against the best – it was the All Blacks. But now, I don’t know what the Boks can test themselves against,” he added.
“They challenge each other more than anything else.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/AG Media
