🔗 Share this article

A number of triumphs carry twofold significance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will echo most enduringly across the globe. Not just the final score, but equally the manner of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks demolished various comfortable assumptions would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for example, that the French team would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to certain victory. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals under control.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their reputation as a squad who consistently reserve their top performance for the most demanding circumstances. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a message, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are starting to make everyone else look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides both had their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are coming through but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. On the contrary they simply regrouped and set about dragging the disheartened boys in blue to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of two key forwards to honor his hundredth Test, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, yet again highlighted how many of his team have been needed to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to motivate fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an astute point on broadcast, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced roster has been an masterclass to all.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an even sharper eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, without Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the world champions and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there is a gap to close before the national side can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead most the European sides.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and uncertainties still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than losing them late on – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Therefore the importance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear several changes are anticipated in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the team. Up front, similarly, regular starters should all be back from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest