Rassie Erasmus's Coaching Expertise Raises Springboks to Greater Levels

A number of triumphs deliver twofold significance in the statement they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will echo most enduringly across the globe. Not merely the final score, but equally the style of victory. To suggest that South Africa shattered various widely-held assumptions would be an understatement of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the theory, for example, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. Despite missing their talisman their captain, they still had ample strategies to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a message, this was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides both had their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but did not have the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Boks could potentially faltered. On the contrary they merely regrouped and began pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what an ex-France player described as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, yet again emphasized how several of his players have been obliged to conquer off-field adversity and how he wished his team would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute point on sports media, suggesting that his results increasingly make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced team has been an exemplary model to all.

New Generation

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who sprinted past for the late try that effectively shattered the French windows. And also Grant Williams, another playmaker with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Of course it helps to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the wing area was a prime instance. The forward dominance that tied in the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a team with notable skill, without Dupont.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s strong finish, there still exists a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the match that accurately reflects their autumn. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a level above the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the final nails and doubts still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in the winter.

Future Prospects

Thus the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. Up front, similarly, regular starters should return from the start.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest