This time, unlike the largely disastrous Allister Coetzee appointment, signs are overwhelmingly positive.
Results don't always provide a true gauge. This seems the case with the Boks; their three win, two loss record in this Rugby Championship campaign not reflecting the full picture.
Push aside the ugly nature of dual tests against the Wallabies, and it's clear this team is building.
In Rassie Erasmus they have a smart, strong, respected figure at the helm who, through regular rotation, is beginning to manufacture depth in some areas.
Just as important, from the outside at least, this Boks team appears united. Their spirit reflected by the pride in defence which last week made 70 more tackles than the Wallabies; the week previous 174 more than the All Blacks in Wellington.
That shock victory in the capital owes much to their galvanising emotional resolve. Their collective reactions at the full-time whistle revealing just how invested they are.
More so than anyone, the Boks must stay unified as Erasmus plots the challenge of selecting a team that contains 50 per cent black representation by 2019.
In this regard, Siya Kolisi was an inspired choice as captain; a statement of intent to embrace transformation.
Not only does Kolisi lead through heart and actions but his presence as a humble, dedicated black man - the first to lead his country - has fostered a groundswell of renewed support behind the Boks.
The reception he received post-match in Port Elizabeth last weekend typified the esteem he is held, not just from his home region either.
Rightly so, too. Kolisi is no honorary leader. He demands and deserves a starting role and, therefore, the mantle.
Emerging from all-too-common poverty in Africa, he grasps the fact the Boks represent something much bigger than themselves.
And he is giving all of himself to the chance that brings, dragging others with him in the process.
Around him, Kolisi has leaders in the form of Mr Biceps, aka Eben Etzebeth, and classy first five-eighth Handre Pollard.
Soon this will grow further with the arrival of Duane Vermeulen, one of the world's premier No 8s.
Vermeulen has only played seven tests since the last World Cup but, in a huge boost, should be back on deck full-time from the Boks' northern tour after returning from Japan.
The eventual Vermeulen, Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx trio offer traditional forward power while, wider out, the Boks continue to attempt counter attacking flamboyance.
They don't always get this right, with Willie le Roux and others prone to the odd howler, but the more ball Aphiwe Dyantyi receives the better. He could be South Africa's best wing since Bryan Habana.
These bright prospects evoke confidence.
In the halves, Faf de Klerk's kicking game is a concern but his tempo suits the modern game and the combination with Pollard is developing nicely.
Pollard, only 24, boasts an old head and lethal running game.
The Boks midfield remains somewhat of a muddle but when Damian de Allende and promising Sharks talent Lukhanyo Am eventually return from injury they should be in a much better space there, too.
Despite all this, it's much easier to be pessimistic given the economic and ethnic obstacles the Boks must overcome.
They have other issues to work through too; not least Marx's suspect lineout throwing and fan expectation which often dismisses the complex parameters the Boks operate in.
But for the first in what seems a long time, they appear on a path to restoring pride.
Victory over the All Blacks this weekend at Loftus is a tall order but, by the time these foes open their respective World Cup campaigns against each other in Yokohama next year, the Boks could well be genuine contenders again.
Put it this way. Who would you rather be right now: Michael Cheika or Erasmus?
That alone hints at the direction this Boks team is heading.
