Writing for Sport24, Rob Houwing has urged against any major change of approach by the Springboks.
"The rest of the rugby world, believe me, would love to see South Africa respond to their trio of Tri-Nations defeats by going violently against their long-standing, feared tradition and attempting to toss the ball around with some abandon.
"They famously tried it once in Buenos Aires, after all, with a clear-cut Harry Viljoen instruction “not to kick” … and yes, they did score some pretty tries initially but also found themselves out on their feet and clinging on for dear life for the 37-33 result in 2000 against ordinary Argentina.
"I’m all for flair, X-factor and spectacular tries. But I also unashamedly subscribe to the “beauty in brawn” school, because significant levels of physicality, applied intelligently, are part and parcel of rugby’s appeal.
"There has always been something appealingly “blunt instrument” in South African rugby, given the big-boned individuals we produce, especially in the engine room.
"Besides, what is wrong with an intriguing contrast or two in styles when rugby’s biggest teams meet?"
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