Some victories deliver double significance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will resonate most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the final score, but the way the manner of success. To say that the Springboks shattered various comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the season.
Discard the theory, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample resources to restrain the powerful opponents under control.
As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their standing as a squad who more and more reserve their top performance for the most demanding circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, now came conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.
If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the match was men against boys.
Even more notable was the mental strength supporting it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have lost their composure. Instead they simply united and proceeded to dragging the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international called “a place of suffering.”
Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how a significant number of his players have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to encourage fans.
The insightful a commentator also made an astute observation on television, suggesting that his results increasingly make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. In case they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a experienced squad has been an masterclass to everyone.
Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the home defense. Or another half-back, another half-back with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.
However, it should not be thought that France were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that tied in the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a side with significant talent, without their star man.
However, that ultimately proved not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite England’s last-quarter improvement, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.
Beating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The visitors are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the European sides.
The Thistles were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and doubts still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is all very well ending matches well – and far superior than losing them late on – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.
Therefore the importance of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the team selection, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, similarly, first-choice players should return from the beginning.
However context is key, in competition as in life. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest
