Jerry Flannery seems to be wincing. Midway through a thoughtful suggestion about what sets the Springboks apart, he becomes conscious of straying into cringeworthy platitudes.

He brought in Kiwi Tony Brown to manage the attack and Irishman Jerry Flannery to coach the defence. It was a productive year for the Boks. They won 11 of their 13 matches while introducing fresh ...