🔗 Share this article

A number of triumphs carry twofold weight in the lesson they broadcast. Among the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but also the approach of achievement. To say that the Springboks demolished a number of established assumptions would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the notion, for example, that France would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would lead to assumed success. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their standing as a team who consistently save their best for the toughest scenarios. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, here was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the mental strength driving it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Springboks could might well have lost their composure. As it happened they simply united and began pulling the deflated French side to what one former French international referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his century of appearances, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how several of his team have been required to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his team would likewise continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd point on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the clever way in which the coach has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Consider his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or Grant Williams, a further playmaker with explosive speed and an more acute ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it helps to play behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the far side was a clear example. The set-piece strength 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 hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, despite missing their star man.

But even that turned out to be not enough, which truly represents a sobering thought for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there is a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an improving Fiji was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and question marks still hang over the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a close result over France in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the team. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. In the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup the {rest