true Bok captain of colour, he has everything riding on this: his choice not to take the money in France years ago, recovery from a half-dozen ‘career-ending’ injuries, coming back stronger every time, and giving it all every match.

As for the loosies, the only bully who will be bigger than his opposite is Duane Vermeulen, or Thor for his passing resemblance to Chris Hemsworth and formidable toughness on the pitch. He was raised in a small town on the Low Veld, near Mozambique. His school was just Nelspruit High School, not a household name in South African rugby. He started at the lowly Pumas, and then joined Rassie Erasmus at the Cheetahs, before following him to WP.



He was only capped at age 26 and has spent time abroad.Thus, he has 30 fewer caps than Etzebeth, despite being six years senior. Whilst he looks like the quintessential Afrikaner hard man, and can get under any opposing team’s skin, Thor is an affable guy off the field, in the tradition of his good mate Schalk Burger. The rest of the loose forwards are as amiable as any in the Cup.

But what about the exciting style of Japan? Well, the Boks have scored 14 more tries than Japan in the tournament, made 21 more line breaks, and completed nine more offloads. Speed? Consider the Bok backs.

In the back line, Lukhanyo Am is from the Xhosa heartland in the Eastern Cape. He is a clever footballer, who has won seven turnovers for the Boks in 2019. His midfield partner,