Rassie Erasmus's Coaching Scholarship Raises South Africa to Greater Levels

A number of triumphs send double weight in the message they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will resonate longest across the globe. Not only the final score, but equally the style of success. To say that South Africa overturned various widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. That even without their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient resources to contain the big beasts safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. After being behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a squad who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, here was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Missing Lood de Jager – given a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they merely regrouped and began dragging the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, the flanker, yet again highlighted how a significant number of his team have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his team would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive comment on sports media, proposing that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks manage to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. Even if they come up short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. And also Grant Williams, another backline player with blistering pace and an more acute ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it helps to play behind a massive forward unit, 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.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The forward dominance that tied in the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, despite missing their captain.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on Saturday although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the match that accurately reflects their autumn. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, notably absent an influential back in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still hang over the English side's perfect backline combination. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Hence the weight of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would look like a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the lineup. Among the forwards, in the same way, regular starters should be included from the outset.

However context is key, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest