🔗 Share this article

Some victories carry dual significance in the message they broadcast. Among the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not only the final score, but the way the manner of victory. To claim that South Africa demolished various comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for example, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had ample strategies to keep the strong rivals under control.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their standing as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, here was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are developing but, by the conclusion, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they just united and set about taking the deflated French side to what a retired hooker described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his team have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to motivate others.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute observation on television, proposing that his results increasingly make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. In case they come up short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran squad has been an masterclass to all.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the home defense. Additionally the scrum-half, a second backline player with lightning acceleration and an more acute ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also move with agility and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the French team were totally outclassed, in spite of their weak ending. The wing's later touchdown in the far side was a prime instance. The power up front that tied in the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all exhibited the hallmarks of a side with significant talent, despite missing their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be certain of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, notably absent their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above most the home unions.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is acceptable ending matches well – and far superior than losing them late on – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the significance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear several changes are anticipated in the team selection, with experienced individuals coming back to the lineup. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

However everything is relative, in competition as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest