🔗 Share this article

Certain wins send twofold significance in the statement they communicate. Amid the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but the way the manner of success. To claim that the Springboks overturned various widely-held assumptions would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had ample resources to keep the big beasts safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory too early. After being behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their standing as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a declaration, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make everyone else look laissez-faire by contrast. Scotland and England each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and began taking the demoralized home team to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how several of his squad have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to encourage others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd observation on television, stating that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has rejuvenated a possibly veteran roster has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who darted through for the closing score that properly blew open the opposition line. Or another half-back, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Of course it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a team who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that France were utterly overwhelmed, despite their limp finish. The wing's second try in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all displayed the characteristics of a team with notable skill, despite missing Dupont.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which is a sobering thought for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's late resurgence, there is a gap to close before the national side can be assured of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

European Prospects

Beating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a step ahead almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and question marks still hang over the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over France in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Thus the significance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would seem several changes are expected in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the lineup. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should return from the outset.

However context is key, in sport as in life. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest