Amidst all the wailing and gnashing of teeth after the Bok’s trouncing in Eden Park last weekend, people seemed to lose perspective and context.

It is almost expected of course that a loss by the Boks would be met with wailing and a sense of an impending Armageddon for our beloved sporting code. That is just how passionate Bok supporters are. But if you look into the detail behind the loss last week, we almost should have expected it.

Consider that the All-Blacks were on the ropes after the 3-0 humiliation last year. Consider that having won two games in two years on Kiwi soil, we had shaken off a major mental shackle. Consider that the All-Blacks knew that they couldn’t afford to begin the Tri-Nations with a home loss especially given that they will have to travel for the latter half of the tournament.

Consider as well that with the 2011 World Cup final to be played at Eden park it was of all the importance in the world that the home team defend their proud record at the great venue. Make no mistake about it, the All Blacks had their backs to the wall in every sense. A loss last weekend would surely have seen to it that their season imploded.

Contrast that with the Boks. Last year was a year to remember in every sense for the Boks. A convincing, dominating Tri-Nations win. An historic Lions series win. Repeating that was always going to be tough. The motivation for this year, given that it is sandwiched between the great challenges of 2009 and the not insignificant task of defending the William Webb Ellis trophy next year, was always going to be lacking.

Add to that losing Fourie du Preez and Heinrich Brussouw to injury, Juan Smith is still just getting back to battle readiness. Bakkies was half fit and then didn’t help the cause with the yellow card. Incidentally, I think the ban may actually do him plenty good.

This Bok team doesn’t have much to gain from winning this year’s Tri-Nations. Certainly can and probably will still win it, but really honestly, what would winning the 2010 Tri-Nations prove? I will happily lose this year’s tournament, have any deficiencies in the team exposed and addressed and come 2011 with our best team back and fully fit, hit our straps just in time to march to the defence of Willy Webby. Let’s let 2010 be a season to reflect and rebuild. If we happen to win the Tri-Nations great but the main prize is 2011.