🔗 Share this article

Certain wins send dual significance in the lesson they convey. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo longest across the globe. Not only the final score, but the way the approach of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished various established assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the theory, for example, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the last period with a narrow lead and an extra man would translate into certain victory. That even without their star man their scrum-half, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to keep the powerful opponents safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. Scotland and England both had their moments over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. Without their lock forward – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could might well have faltered. Instead they simply regrouped and set about pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what an ex-France player described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to honor his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again stressed how many of his squad have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he hoped his team would in the same way continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive observation on television, stating that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced roster has been an object lesson to other teams.

Young Stars

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the home defense. Additionally Grant Williams, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that France were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their limp finish. Their winger's later touchdown in the far side was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all exhibited the traits of a squad with notable skill, without Dupont.

However, that in the end was not enough, which is a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an Pacific Island team was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their autumn. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead almost all the European sides.

Scotland were particularly guilty of not finishing off the final nails and uncertainties still hang over the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would look like several changes are expected in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the side. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should return from the start.

But context is key, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest