Rassie Erasmus's Coaching Expertise Elevates South Africa to New Heights

Some victories carry double significance in the lesson they communicate. Among the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will linger most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not merely the final score, but also the style of success. To say that the Springboks shattered several widely-held theories would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Having been trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their reputation as a team who consistently reserve their top performance for the most demanding scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a declaration, now came conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

If anything, the coach's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their periods of promise over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the home side to rubble in the closing period. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the conclusion, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength underpinning it all. Missing the second-rower – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially faltered. Instead they merely circled the wagons and set about dragging the deflated home team to what a retired hooker described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, once again stressed how a significant number of his squad have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to encourage people.

The insightful an analyst also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, suggesting that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the closing score that decisively broke the French windows. Or Grant Williams, a further playmaker with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from intimidating giants into a team who can also move with agility and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a squad with notable skill, despite missing Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the contest that accurately reflects their November Tests. The visitors are definitely still beatable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a cut above almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and question marks still hang over the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than losing them late on – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.

Next Steps

Thus the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the team. Up front, in the same way, first-choice players should be included from the outset.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest