Erasmus's Mentoring Scholarship Raises South Africa to New Heights

Some victories deliver double significance in the message they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger longest across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but equally the manner of victory. To say that South Africa demolished several established assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the idea, for example, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would lead to certain victory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had more than enough resources to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Having been 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their status as a side who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging situations. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make all other teams look laissez-faire by contrast. The Scottish and English sides experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Springboks could easily have faltered. On the contrary they simply united and proceeded to pulling the demoralized home team to what a retired hooker called “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how many of his team have been needed to overcome off-field adversity and how he aspired his team would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive comment on sports media, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced team has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that decisively broke the home defense. Additionally Grant Williams, another backline player with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also move with agility and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that the home side were completely dominated, in spite of their weak ending. The wing's second try in the wing area was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, despite missing their captain.

But even that turned out to be not enough, which is a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the English team's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of facing the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the fixture that accurately reflects their November Tests. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still surround the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Future Prospects

Hence the significance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the team selection, with established stars being reinstated to the team. Among the forwards, in the same way, familiar faces should all be back from the start.

Yet context is key, in sport as in life. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest