Erasmus's Coaching Scholarship Raises Springboks to New Heights

Certain wins deliver twofold importance in the message they convey. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will resonate longest across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but equally the approach of success. To suggest that the Springboks demolished several widely-held assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an extra man would result in certain victory. Despite missing their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient strategies to contain the powerful opponents under control.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more reserve their top performance for the most demanding scenarios. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the closing period. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and set about taking the disheartened French side to what a retired hooker called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to mark his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, yet again emphasized how many of his players have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he wished his side would likewise continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, proposing that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Consider his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the late try that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or another half-back, another half-back with lightning acceleration and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from intimidating giants into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the home side were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The forward dominance that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a team with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

Yet that turned out to be insufficient, which truly represents a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s strong finish, there is a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of standing up to the world's top team with all at stake.

European Prospects

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the fixture that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, especially missing an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the final nails and doubts still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is fine finishing games strongly – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the team selection, with established stars returning to the lineup. Up front, likewise, regular starters should be included from the start.

Yet perspective matters, in competition as in life. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest