A number of triumphs send dual importance in the message they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will echo most enduringly across the globe. Not merely the final score, but equally the manner of achievement. To say that South Africa demolished several comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the calendar.
Unexpected Turnaround
Discard the theory, for example, that France would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in certain victory. That even without their star man their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to keep the big beasts safely at bay.
As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their standing as a team who consistently save their best for the toughest situations. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.
Pack Power
If anything, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make all other teams look less committed by comparison. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the recent fixtures but did not have the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are emerging but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.
Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – given a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have lost their composure. As it happened they just regrouped and set about dragging the demoralized home team to what a retired hooker described as “a place of suffering.”
Guidance and Example
Post-game, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to honor his hundredth Test, the team leader, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how many of his team have been obliged to rise above off-field adversity and how he wished his squad would similarly continue to encourage fans.
The insightful an analyst also made an astute observation on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. In case they fall short, the clever way in which the coach has refreshed a possibly veteran roster has been an object lesson to all.
Emerging Talent
Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who darted through for the late try that properly blew open the French windows. And also the scrum-half, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.
Glimpses of French Quality
Which is not to say that the French team were totally outclassed, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The forward dominance that occupied the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of their captain.
However, that ultimately proved not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.
Home Nations' Tests
Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the match that accurately reflects their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.
The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the killing points and doubts still hang over England’s optimal back division. It is all very well ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in earlier in the year.
Next Steps
Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars coming back to the team. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should return from the beginning.
But context is key, in sport as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest
