Rassie Erasmus's Coaching Expertise Elevates South Africa to Greater Levels

Certain wins carry double weight in the lesson they communicate. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will echo longest across the globe. Not merely the final score, but equally the manner of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished various comfortable theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the theory, for example, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the last period with a small margin and an extra man would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their star man their scrum-half, they still had more than enough resources to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their reputation as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a message, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are starting to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially faltered. Instead they simply united and set about taking the disheartened boys in blue to what one former French international described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been carried around the Stade de France on the immense frames of the lock pairing to honor his hundredth Test, the team leader, the flanker, repeatedly highlighted how a significant number of his players have been needed to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his team would in the same way continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an shrewd comment on television, stating that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Or another half-back, a second playmaker with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it helps to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also display finesse and sting like bees is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that France were completely dominated, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a prime instance. The power up front that occupied the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all displayed the hallmarks of a team with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which is a humbling reality for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, 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. Despite England’s late resurgence, there is a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of facing the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a level above most the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Future Prospects

Therefore the importance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should return from the start.

However perspective matters, in rugby as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest