Erasmus acknowledges that World Rugby's campaign to depower the scrum and accelerate play is working — scores are up, attack dominates — but he doesn't accept that it makes for a better sport. His argument is that variety is the point: defence, set-piece, the kicking game, a one-point thriller — these are equally part of what makes Test rugby compelling. The more interesting thread, though, is his prediction about 2027. He expects the attacking trends to persist through pool play, but believes the pressure of knockout rugby will naturally drag teams back toward defensive discipline and conservative game management — exactly the territory where the Boks have thrived. The implication is that South Africa's core identity, however much they've adapted their game on the surface, may still be the right template when it matters most.