But beyond the ‘relief’ of going a step further than what some of their predecessors managed, what’s also at stake is the trajectory a potential victory sets South African cricket on in the future – particularly in the red ball format.
Wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne noted the impact the Springboks’ recent World Cup success has had for rugby in South Africa.
“(It would mean) everything,” Verreynne also told ICC Digital.
“We’ve seen what the rugby (victory) has done. All the adversity that cricket in South Africa has faced… it would be incredibly special.”
Opener Tony de Zorzi backed up those sentiments, having emerged as a top order contributor in the current World Test Championship cycle.
“It would inspire a nation,” de Zorzi said.
“I think it would show that our cricket in South Africa is really strong and that we have a lot of young guys coming through (and to) give them belief and hope that it is worth chasing their dreams and that they can also do something special for their country.
“I think it would also show that, as a nation, we can come together and achieve special things, which you’ve seen in many sporting codes.”
Evidently, this is more than just another Test match for the Proteas.
