Some victories carry twofold significance in the statement they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but equally the approach of success. To say that South Africa shattered various comfortable beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.
Forget about the idea, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. Despite missing their talisman their scrum-half, they still had more than enough strategies to keep the big beasts under control.
Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a declaration, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are developing an more robust mentality.
If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides experienced their moments over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.
What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they just regrouped and proceeded to taking the demoralized French side to what one former French international described as “a place of suffering.”
Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the flanker, yet again highlighted how several of his team have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to encourage people.
The perceptive a commentator also made an astute point on television, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more 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 fall short, the smart way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran squad has been an object lesson to other teams.
Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the home defense. Or the scrum-half, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center providing support, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is hugely impressive.
Which is not to say that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their limp finish. The wing's later touchdown in the far side was a clear example. The power up front that occupied the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a team with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.
Yet that ultimately proved insufficient, which is a humbling reality for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there is a gap to close before the England team can be certain of facing the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.
Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing 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 especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a narrow win over the French in February.
Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the side. In the pack, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.
Yet everything is relative, in sport as in life. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest
