🔗 Share this article

A number of triumphs deliver twofold importance in the statement they convey. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will linger longest across the globe. Not merely the end result, but the way the style of achievement. To claim that South Africa overturned a number of established beliefs would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the idea, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the last period with a small margin and an numerical superiority would lead to certain victory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had sufficient resources to keep the big beasts under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are developing an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed France to ruins in the final thirty minutes. Some promising young home nation players are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – given a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could easily have become disorganized. Instead they simply regrouped and proceeded to pulling the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his century of appearances, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his team have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his side would likewise continue to motivate others.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd observation on sports media, suggesting that his results progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Consider his young playmaker the newcomer who skipped over for the late try that effectively shattered the home defense. Or Grant Williams, a second backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that France were completely dominated, despite their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all displayed the characteristics of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of Dupont.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which is a sobering thought for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there remains a distance to travel before the England team can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

European Prospects

Overcoming an Pacific Island team was challenging on match day although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the match that accurately reflects their autumn. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still surround the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over France in February.

Next Steps

Hence the weight of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would seem a number of adjustments are expected in the team selection, with experienced individuals coming back to the team. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should return from the start.

But everything is relative, in sport as in existence. From now until the 2027 World Cup the {rest