🔗 Share this article

Some victories deliver double weight in the statement they convey. Within the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will resonate longest across the globe. Not just the final score, but equally the approach of victory. To claim that the Springboks shattered various established theories would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had ample strategies to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. After being behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their status as a squad who consistently save their best for the toughest scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, here was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are building an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their periods of promise over the weekend but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the home side to landfill in the closing period. Some promising young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. Without the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could easily have faltered. On the contrary they just united and proceeded to dragging the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of the lock pairing to celebrate his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how several of his team have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an perceptive comment on television, proposing that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. In case they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing squad has been an masterclass to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who darted through for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, another half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from intimidating giants into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the home side were completely dominated, in spite of their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that occupied the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with considerable ability, even in the absence of their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved insufficient, 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 South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the red rose's late resurgence, there is a gap to close before the national side can be confident of standing up to the world's top team with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and question marks still hang over the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.

Next Steps

Therefore the significance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are anticipated in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the side. In the pack, in the same way, familiar faces should return from the start.

Yet context is key, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest