🔗 Share this article

A number of triumphs carry double significance in the statement they communicate. Within the flood of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but equally the approach of victory. To suggest that South Africa overturned various comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the theory, for instance, that France would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample resources to restrain the strong rivals under control.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Having been trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, here was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are developing but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without their lock forward – issued a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they simply regrouped and began dragging the disheartened boys in blue to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his players have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to motivate others.

The insightful David Flatman also made an perceptive point on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Consider his emerging number 10 the newcomer who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Or another half-back, another backline player with explosive speed and an more acute vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a clear example. The set-piece strength that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, despite missing their star man.

Yet that turned out to be insufficient, which really is a humbling reality for competing teams. There is no way, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a gap to close before the national side can be confident of standing up to the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of not finishing off the killing points and question marks still apply to England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Future Prospects

Therefore the significance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, likewise, regular starters should return from the beginning.

But everything is relative, in competition as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest