South African Springboks is Out?

The Rugby World champion, Springboks (RSA), did not play as real champions. They are out of the 2008 Tri-Nations championship after losing to the Australian Wallabies in Durban, South Africa, in one of the worst matches the Champions ever played since winning the France 2007 Rugby World Cup.

South Africa returned to defeat the mighty All Blacks after losing to them in their first NT match, but were stopped by the Australians in Australian in their third match. Having lost two in their tour of Australia and NZ, the Springboks were ready to defend their home ground. Earlier this month, the All Blacks traveled to South Africa where they humiliated the Springboks before the home crowd by denying them every scoring opportunity and eventually won by mere 10-0. South Africans' last hope was a win against the Wallabies and a chance to stand and defend their grounds as champions. But it was a battle they had to defend against a more determined Australian side led by vet. Mortlock (center). The points, as they stand, Australia is second to NZ in points while South Africa is eliminated.

The Australian Wallabies are now looking ahead to a tremendous match against its arch-rival, the All Blacks later. The winner of this match will be crowned the 2008 Tri-Nation Champions and will salvage the humiliation of the 2007 World Cup. So far, Australian is lagging back NZ by only one poin (AB-15, Aus 14) and their next match will be full of emotions, as a team and individuals. NZ have dominated this championship compares to Australia who haven't won it in fiver years.

Besides this, one should ponder the meaning of the word "world champions". It seems that best countries do easily rise to the top in pools filled with Rugby underdogs, thus, reaching the semi-final and the final in the RWC is nothing but a huge gamble. South Africa have ascended to the top in the world cup champion in France, but have so far being defeated by Australia and NZ. It is rather awkward to see that the world champions couldn't even register a single point in a match.