🔗 Share this article

A number of triumphs carry twofold importance in the statement they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but the way the manner of victory. To say that South Africa demolished several established theories would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an additional player would result in certain victory. That even without their talisman their scrum-half, they still had more than enough strategies to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. After being behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off ended up registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, this was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are developing an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides experienced their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed France to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially become disorganized. As it happened they just regrouped and set about taking the disheartened boys in blue to what a retired hooker described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again stressed how a significant number of his team have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute point on television, proposing that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the home defense. Or the scrum-half, a second playmaker with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a side who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, despite their weak ending. The wing's second try in the far side was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all exhibited the traits of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of their star man.

Yet that turned out to be inadequate, which truly represents a humbling reality for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite England’s strong finish, there is a gap to close before the national side can be certain of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the fixture that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, notably absent an influential back in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a cut above almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still surround the English side's optimal back division. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over France in the winter.

Next Steps

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would look like several changes are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the team. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

But perspective matters, in competition as in reality. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest