🔗 Share this article

Certain wins send double significance in the lesson they convey. Within the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not merely the conclusion, but equally the approach of victory. To claim that South Africa overturned various comfortable theories would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the notion, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would translate into certain victory. That even without their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly save their best for the most demanding scenarios. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are developing an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

In fact, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are developing but, by the end, the match was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength underpinning it all. Missing their lock forward – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially faltered. On the contrary they just united and proceeded to dragging the disheartened boys in blue to what a retired hooker referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the Stade de France on the immense frames of the lock pairing to honor his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly emphasized how several of his squad have been obliged to conquer life difficulties and how he wished his squad would similarly continue to encourage others.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on television, proposing that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Consider his young playmaker the rising star who sprinted past for the late try that properly blew open the home defense. Additionally Grant Williams, a second backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a squad who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that tied in the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the traits of a squad with considerable ability, without their captain.

But even that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding the English team's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an Pacific Island team was challenging on Saturday although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead almost all the European sides.

Scotland were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the final nails and question marks still apply to England’s optimal back division. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like various alterations are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, first-choice players should all be back from the beginning.

But everything is relative, in competition as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest