There’s something special brewing at Ellis Park.

The manner of the Lions’ dismantling of the Super Rugby champions, the Waratahs, on Saturday, pointed to a remarkable lift in the fortunes of a union that has seemed to limp along in recent years.

Stocked with good people and the cash to make things happen, the Lions are the feel-good story of SA rugby. It’s not simply that they have rediscovered the art of winning; the manner of them doing so is what has shaken local rugby to the core.

They play with ambition, vision and relentless spirit. They’ve thrown out the narrow strictures of SA rugby – the ones that frown upon invention and derring-do – and happily blend entertainment with a winning mindset. It’s been a case of caution be damned with the result that they have produced scintillating rugby.

Rival fans are even talking them up, which is probably the best compliment of all.

The irony is that when Heyneke Meyer gets round to announcing his World Cup squad, there may not be a single Lions player among their number. For all the excellence of star men like Jaco Kriel, Warren Whiteley, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies and Ruan Combrink, there are others who are better favoured.

It would be tragic if none of these blokes was recognised, for it would send out the message that the Boks aren’t a closed shop, that there is reward for players who produce the goods week in and week out.

The enjoyment of Ellis Park was amplified by the hospitality of the good folks at LG, who hosted clients, media and staff at the big game on occasion of the launch of their all-new Super Ultra HD TV. It was superb taking in the Stormers game on the 65-inch TV monster, more so given the quality and clarity of the broadcast.

I won’t be rushing out to get one just yet. At R40 000, it’s a big ask. But, like the inspired Lions, dreamers can dream, right?