Erasmus's Coaching Expertise Elevates Springboks to New Heights

Some victories send double weight in the message they communicate. Among the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will resonate longest across the rugby world. Not merely the final score, but also the approach of success. To suggest that South Africa demolished various comfortable beliefs would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the notion, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a slight advantage and an additional player would translate into certain victory. That even without their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough strategies to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their status as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look less intense by contrast. Scotland and England each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but did not have the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are coming through but, by the conclusion, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially faltered. On the contrary they merely united and set about pulling the disheartened home team to what a retired hooker described as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his hundredth Test, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly emphasized how several of his players have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his squad would likewise continue to encourage others.

The insightful a commentator also made an astute comment on broadcast, proposing that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they fall short, the intelligent way in which the coach has refreshed a potentially ageing squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the opposition line. Or another half-back, a second playmaker with lightning acceleration and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it is an advantage to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the steady transformation of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the far side was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the traits of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of their star man.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which is a sobering thought for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of competing with the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the significance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would look like various alterations are likely in the team selection, with established stars coming back to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, regular starters should be included from the start.

Yet context is key, in rugby as in life. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest