Rassie Erasmus's Coaching Expertise Elevates Springboks to New Heights

A number of triumphs carry dual importance in the statement they convey. Within the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not merely the end result, but equally the manner of achievement. To say that the Springboks overturned several comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the theory, for instance, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their key player their captain, they still had sufficient resources to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their standing as a team who more and more reserve their top performance for the toughest situations. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make all other teams look laissez-faire by contrast. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young home nation players are coming through but, by the final whistle, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have faltered. As it happened they merely united and proceeded to dragging the demoralized French side to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly highlighted how many of his players have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute observation on broadcast, stating that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Consider his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the late try that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or another half-back, another backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Of course it is an advantage to operate behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a team who can also move with agility and strike decisively is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's second try in the wing area was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a side with significant talent, without their captain.

However, that in the end was inadequate, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for example, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there still exists a journey ahead before the national side can be confident of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a step ahead almost all the European sides.

Scotland were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still hang over the English side's ideal backline blend. It is fine finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over Les Bleus in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the significance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

But everything is relative, in sport as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest