I have been a member of this forum for more than two decades. It's been fun and a privilege and I have had the fortune to meet a couple of the Ferners in person over the years and have formed friendships with one or two that have transcended rugby.
So please indulge me when when I am say I am absolutely stoked with the Bok victory.
It's not crowing - it is relief, happiness, joy.
It's been a tough RWC for me personally to follow. 2019 was an unexpected joy - one that came from low expectations. 2023 had high expectations which I realized as a result made it so much tougher to follow.
A one point victory over an excellent French side in the QF set the tone.
Another 1 pointer against an inspired England who played way above anyone's expectations was just crazy.
Then the privilege of facing the "Old Foe" again in a final again for the first time since 1995 was the dream set up finale. I could have swallowed a result either way. Both teams had originally been drawn in so-called pools of death and their chances were rated below France and Ireland. Both had shown their mettle and made it to the end.
And on the day many factors, for and against both sides added to the drama of the encounter.
Mbonambi getting injured in the 2nd minute of the game severely undermined the Bok plan. Less power in the scrums, less accuracy at lineouts. A coaching gamble that almost backfired at the last minute.
A red card for Sam Cane reducing the AB's to a man down for 50+ minutes of the match.
(A separate thread is needed at some time - again - about red cards).
And I take my hat off to the AB's. That 2nd half you wouldn't think they had been playing with a man down all that time.
Tiny margins, marginal calls... it could all have been different on the day.
As I said up front, I am super happy as a Bok fan.
Equally, I salute the team that at least for me always, is the yardstick I measure the Bok performance by.
See you in the 2027 final again hopefully!