Boks by 10 – and so it proved over four fabulous Tests

Keo and Zels celebrated South Africa’s emphatic 43-28 victory, which completed a 3-1 series win and confirmed this generation of Springboks as the best in the country’s history.

Keo & Zels’ Bok manta is Boks by 10. It has been so throughout their 200-plus episodes and it translates to the South African supporter never doubting the Boks ability to win the next game, regardless of a previous result.

Boks by 10 is how Keo & Zels called it at the start of the series, and four Tests later that is how it finished in total points difference.

The Boks lost the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park but responded by winning three successive Tests against a very good New Zealand team. They have now beaten the All Blacks in eight of their past 10 meetings and won four successive Tests against them at neutral venues.

What made Baltimore so impressive was that the Boks did not rely on the usual scrum and maul dominance. Their attack, defence, physicality and tactical control overwhelmed New Zealand. They scored six tries and led by 20 points before the All Blacks added a consolation score after the hooter.

Zels described it as the performance of a team capable of winning a third successive World Cup. He praised Rassie Erasmus’s ability to identify problems, adapt quickly and keep every player competing for his place.

Morné van den Berg produced his finest Test performance and made himself a serious World Cup contender at scrumhalf. Cameron Hanekom again made an impact from the bench, while André Esterhuizen continued his outstanding form.

Damian de Allende was Zels’s Springbok player of the series. De Allende’s strength, footwork and ability to generate momentum, regardless of the quality of possession, make him the finest inside centre South Africa has produced.

There was also recognition for Siya Kolisi, whose influence extends far beyond his own performance. Kolisi remains the emotional and spiritual centre of this team, whether he is leading on the field or driving the players from the touchline.

Kurt-Lee Arendse rediscovered his attacking spark, Damian Willemse was assured at fullback, Jasper Wiese continued his coming of age and Deon Fourie completed his fourth victory in four Tests against the All Blacks.

Keo and Zels also acknowledged SA Rugby president Mark Alexander’s understated but decisive role in rebuilding South African rugby, backing Erasmus and helping turn the Springboks into the world’s dominant Test team.

Watch the full Keo & Zels Rugby Show for the complete Baltimore celebration and series review.