🔗 Share this article

A number of triumphs send twofold significance in the message they broadcast. Among the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not just the final score, but the way the manner of victory. To say that South Africa overturned a number of established theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the notion, for example, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in assumed success. That even without their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a side who increasingly save their best for the most challenging circumstances. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are beginning to make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. Scotland and England experienced their moments over the two-day period but did not have the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the final whistle, the encounter was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude driving it all. Without Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could might well have lost their composure. On the contrary they merely regrouped and began pulling the deflated French side to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, repeatedly highlighted how several of his team have been obliged to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his side would likewise continue to encourage people.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive observation on broadcast, suggesting that his results increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced squad has been an object lesson to everyone.

New Generation

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who sprinted past for the late try that properly blew open the home defense. Or the scrum-half, a further backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper eye for a gap. Naturally it is beneficial to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the far side was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, without their captain.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which truly represents a humbling reality for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite England’s late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing the world's top team with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the fixture that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a cut above most the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the significance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are likely in the team selection, with key players returning to the team. In the pack, likewise, regular starters should return from the start.

But perspective matters, in competition as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest