🔗 Share this article

A number of triumphs send dual importance in the message they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not merely the final score, but equally the style of success. To say that the Springboks demolished several established beliefs would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for example, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to assumed success. Even in the absence of their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough resources to restrain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off ended up racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their reputation as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a message, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make all other teams look laissez-faire by comparison. The Scottish and English sides experienced their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but did not have the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Missing their lock forward – given a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Springboks could might well have lost their composure. On the contrary they merely united and set about taking the disheartened home team to what a retired hooker described as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, once again stressed how a significant number of his squad have been needed to conquer off-field adversity and how he wished his squad would in the same way continue to encourage fans.

The insightful David Flatman also made an perceptive observation on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively 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. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the coach has revitalized a experienced squad has been an masterclass to other teams.

New Generation

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the opposition line. And also the scrum-half, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an keener eye for a gap. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a side who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the traits of a team with considerable ability, even in the absence of their captain.

However, that in the end was not enough, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors 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 strong finish, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be certain of competing with the world's top team with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the contest that properly defines their autumn. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent an influential back in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above most the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the killing points and doubts still hang over England’s ideal backline blend. It is all very well ending matches well – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a close result over Les Bleus in February.

Next Steps

Thus the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals returning to the team. Among the forwards, likewise, first-choice players should all be back from the beginning.

Yet context is key, in competition as in existence. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest