Erasmus's Mentoring Scholarship Elevates Springboks to Greater Levels

Certain wins send twofold weight in the statement they convey. Among the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will echo most enduringly across the globe. Not merely the conclusion, but the way the approach of achievement. To say that South Africa demolished several widely-held assumptions would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the theory, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to assumed success. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their reputation as a side who more and more save their best for the most demanding situations. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a message, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are cultivating an greater resilience.

Pack Power

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are beginning to make opposing sides look less committed by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are developing but, by the end, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength supporting it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they just circled the wagons and set about pulling the demoralized French side to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his century of appearances, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, once again emphasized how many of his team have been needed to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to inspire people.

The perceptive an analyst also made an astute observation on sports media, proposing that his results progressively make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Even if they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a potentially ageing team has been an masterclass to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the late try that decisively broke the home defense. And also Grant Williams, a second playmaker with blistering pace and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from intimidating giants into a side who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were completely dominated, notwithstanding their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the right corner was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that engaged the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all demonstrated the traits of a squad with significant talent, without their star man.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which really is a humbling reality for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, especially missing an influential back in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above most the home unions.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and doubts still apply to the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the team. In the pack, similarly, first-choice players should be included from the outset.

But perspective matters, in competition as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest