OPINION: The Secret Ingredient to the Springboks’ Win Over France

After setting the tone during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks really have become the never-say-die team of world rugby. Much like Rocky, the Springboks, whether bruised, battered, and berated by a hostile crowd, always seem to find a way to win.

The odds were stacked against South Africa on Saturday night in Paris, conceding an early try from Damian Penaud and picking up a controversial red card against Lood de Jager, even the most optimistic of fans would agree that it wasn’t looking good for Rassie Erasmus’ men. A hot take, but the red card (in my opinion) was probably the best thing that happened to the Springboks, given where they are in their cycle. Having a massive handicap in their biggest game of the year was the truest test of how good this Bok side is, and they proceeded to show exactly that.

Despite being down one of their key lineout jumpers, and having to sacrifice their captain to balance the field, the Boks managed to elevate themselves to an even greater level, relying on quick attacking opportunities and playing smart(er) rugby. Thankfully, Reinarch’s early chip-and-chase kept them in the fight, and in the second-half, two excellently executed driving mauls — one completed as planned, and the other that gave the opportunity for Grant Williams to slink through — took advantage of the French being down due to Louis Bielle-Biarrey being in the naughty corner. This showcased that the Boks are finding the perfect balance of using core strengths while still adapting in real-time to play what’s in front of them.

However, seeing the likes of Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jesse Kriel, and Malcolm Marx (who, in my opinion, should’ve got Man of the Match) operate at the level they did for 80 full minutes is just a testament to the elite strength and conditioning measures of the Bok coaching staff.

How all these players — now all in their 30s — can play at such an intensity for so long is somewhat of a mystery. There was no drop in tempo and effort, and even when the French unloaded their bench onto the bloody but determined Boks, no dip in quality was apparent. It just goes to show that battle-hardened mentality, fitness, and conditioning can outlast a fresh pair of legs if done correctly.

So, yes, there were glimpses of brilliance from the likes of Sacha, Manie, and the boys out wide (not to mention Andre Esterhuizen stepping up massively into a flank role), but a tip of the hat to the conditioning and ability of the forwards to rough it out for 80 minutes against all odds is an undeniable and intangible thing that other teams are struggling to replicate.