Some victories carry double significance in the lesson they convey. Within the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not merely the conclusion, but also the manner of success. To say that South Africa overturned various established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the calendar.
Unexpected Turnaround
Discard the notion, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to certain victory. That even without their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to keep the big beasts under control.
As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their standing as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a message, now came clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an greater resilience.
Pack Power
In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are beginning to make opposing sides look less intense by contrast. Scotland and England both had their periods of promise over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled France to landfill in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.
Even more notable was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – issued a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the South Africans could might well have faltered. On the contrary they just regrouped and proceeded to dragging the disheartened boys in blue to what a retired hooker described as “extreme physical pressure.”
Captaincy and Motivation
Following the match, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again highlighted how a significant number of his players have been required to conquer off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to motivate fans.
The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive point on sports media, proposing that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. If South Africa manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. In case they come up short, the intelligent way in which the coach has revitalized a possibly veteran roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.
Young Stars
Take for example his emerging number 10 the rising star who sprinted past for the closing score that decisively broke the home defense. Or another half-back, another backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it helps to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the steady transformation of the South African team from physically imposing units into a squad who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.
French Flashes
Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from Ramos and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a team with significant talent, without their star man.
But even that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of competing with the world's top team with high stakes.
Home Nations' Tests
Overcoming an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.
The Thistles were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine finishing games strongly – and far superior than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.
Looking Ahead
Thus the weight of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the team. Among the forwards, in the same way, regular starters should return from the beginning.
Yet perspective matters, in competition as in life. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest
