As the South African rugby season comes to an end, it is time to reflect on what was. 2011 will not be remembered as one of South Africa’s finest with more down's than up’s, but as a proud rugby nation, we will rebuild and grow in 2012. Let’s look back on some of the highlights and lowlights:

THE UP’S
1. The Stormers overall performance in the Super 15.


The Stormers were without a doubt the best South African team in this year’s competition. They defended like champions and ground out some amazing results, most notably a 28 – 26 win over the Blues in Auckland. They finished 2nd on the overall log with an impressive 63 points and played incredible rugby along the way.


2. The Lions win 2 on the road in Super 15.


The Lions season could have been so different had a few key kicks gone over early in the season. They didn’t and the Lions were languishing having only beaten the Cheetahs before they went on tour. The Lions, however regrouped and beat the Brumbies and Highlanders away, not easy places to play. These results were massive boost for the psyche of the team who would ultimately win the Currie Cup.


3. The Boks beat the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth.


The rugby rich region in the Eastern Cape played host to the final Boks Tri-Nations game of 2011. Despite the Boks not having won any of its previous 3 games, the locals were confident of a victory. A tremendous crowd hammered out a rousing anthem before the Boks went on to beat the All Blacks. It was a great performance before a special crowd.


4. Lions win the Currie


The people of Johannesburg collectively sighed as the Currie Cup was won. After so much disappointment and heartache the Lions finally held it together to win their 1st title since 1999. Not only did they win, but they played fantastic rugby and dominated the reigning champs, the Sharks. It is hard to deny that they were worthy winners of the tournament.


5. Blitzbokke win the last 2 Sevens titles and IRB player of the year.


The South African Sevens team had been competitive throughout the season and had won just 1 title in Las Vegas. Then they headed to Edinburgh and London and won a further 2 titles and secured 2nd place in the overall standings. The London Sevens title was particularly impressive as they edged out Australia in the final 36 - 35 after a late fight back. Cecil Afrika was named the IRB Sevens player of the year after scoring 385 points and 40 tries, the most of any player in 2011.




THE DOWN’S


1. Bulls hammered by the Crusaders.


The Bulls had a sluggish start to the tournament and even landed up losing a few games at Loftus early on (to the Highlanders and Stormers). They then seemed to be gaining momentum after an away win over the Hurricanes, whilst the Crusaders had been travelling across the world to play (v Sharks at Twickenham). The Bulls proceeded to get smashed across the park, even in the physicality stakes where Flip Van De Merwe had to leave the field bloodied. They did not register a point and went down 27 – 0.


2. Stormers lose to Crusaders at home… TWICE.


The Crusaders once again proved too good for a South African side. The Stormers were in good form having beaten the Lions and Sharks heading into this game. It was billed as the biggest game of the season and the fans flocked in. However, the Crusaders defended manfully and their backline took their chances with Sonny Bill Williams particularly impressive. The Crusaders won 20 – 14.


The Crusaders would once again beat the Stormers at Newlands, and this time in the semi-finals. Having beaten the Sharks at home, the Crusaders flew back to Cape Town for the game. The Stormers had enjoyed a week off and were favoured to win the game. It was not to be as once again the Crusaders won with South African hopes of a Super 15 title vanishing. The Crusaders won 29 -10.


3. Boks lose to Wallabies in Durban.


The Boks were back from a disastrous Tri-Nations tour and the fans were looking forward to the return of the old guard. A full strength Bok compliment took on the Wallabies and for the majority of the game the Boks dominated. The looked hungry and fresh and optimism was high. But they failed to take their chances and a late surge saw the Wallabies home. It was a big blow to the full strength Boks and questions were being asked of the Boks management and their plans. The Wallabies won 14 – 9.


4. Boks World Cup quarter final exit


Do I really need to elaborate on this one? Forgive me, but it’s still too painful to discuss.


It has been a tough year for Bok fans. Having performed poorly in the Tri-Nations, much was expected at the World Cup. A quarter-final exit is the equal worst Bok showing at the tournament. It could all have been so different had a few passes gone to hand or kicks had gone over. It did not materialise and as such 2011 will not be remembered fondly. 2012 will see the beginning of a new era in Bok rugby filled with tons of young talent. The 2003 Boks who were knocked out in the quarter-final of the World Cup went on to win the 2004 Tri-Nations. Let’s hope that history repeats itself in this regard.


By Rowan 'Ben' Horwitz from Bens Rugby Blog (bensrugbyblog.blogspot.com)