Domestic rugby returns to our TV screens this coming weekend after four weeks of Springbok rugby.
It was the first four matches of new coach Rassie Erasmus’ tenure in charge of a new-look team and he currently stands on a 50 percent win ratio after losing the first Test to Wales in the US earlier this month and also going down to England at Newlands on Saturday.
So what exactly have we learnt about Bok rugby over these past few weeks?
1. We’ve found a starting No.9
The big worry heading into the series was who was going to wear the No.9 jersey for the Boks.
None of the local-based scrumhalves put their hands up and it didn’t come as a big surprise that Erasmus called up Faf de Klerk, who plies his trade at Sale Sharks in England.
KLEIN MAAR GETREIN: Yster Bok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk. Photo: Noor Slamdien
De Klerk turned out to be the star of the series for the Boks and has definitely booked his spot in Erasmus’ World Cup plans for next year.
Who exactly will play off the bench for him is still a big question.
Embrose Papier, who sat on the wood at Newlands, has had too little game time, while his Bulls teammate Ivan van Zyl failed to impress in his start against Wales.
2. Lots of flyhalves, but who is Pollard’s deputy?
All eyes were on Elton Jantjies ahead of the Newlands Test.
A player better suited to dry conditions where he can run the ball, his skills were tested on a wet pitch on Saturday.
Unfortunately, Jantjies failed and with his failure, Erasmus failed to find a suitable replacement for Handre Pollard in these four Tests.
IN NEED OF A DEPUTY: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard. Photo:GAVIN BARKER/BACKPAGEPIX
Robert du Preez also kicked himself out of contention in that first Test after he was charged down by the Welsh for their match-winning try.
3. Rassie boxes clever
The Bok boss used two front-rows and gave them equal game time in this series - a brilliant move.
Knowing they only have to give their boss 40 minutes of hard work, his props responded the way Rassie would have liked.
And here a player like Steven Kitshoff must take a lot of credit, always impressing when substituting Beast Mtawarira.
4. We’ve got wings galore
It was a bit strange that Rassie just forgot about Stormers wing Dillyn Leyds.
But in Aphiwe Dyantyi and Sbu Nkosi, it looks like the Boks have found their peanut butter and jam.
Yes, both of them still have lots to learn.
But how impressive were they in the series against England?
5. Eben who?
Injured locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager will be stressing at this point in time.
And the reason for that is the rise of RG Snyman.
The Bulls second-rower had a great series against the English and will be tough to remove from his No.4 Green and Gold jumper.