Did we just witness the greatest comeback in Springboks history? I don’t know about that, but the Springboks’ 32-17 victory over France over the weekend at the Stade de France was certainly up there.
Reduced to 14 men for basically half the match after Lood de Jager was sent off – it was a courageous effort by the Springboks to not only keep pace with the French but completely outplay them in the last quarter of the match.
It was like they flipped a switch in the last 15 to 20, and of course that had a lot to do with the replacements that came on very early in the second half.
I mean, centre Andre Esterhuizen packing down in the scrum and Siya Kolisi being pulled off in his 100th Test just showed what this team is about.
Erasmus Praises Team Effort and Strategic Changes in Late-Night Victory
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus sang the praises of his side after the match.
“It was probably close to midnight at home (when the final whistle sounded), so thank you to the people who stayed up and watched the game – we play for them and for South Africa,” said Erasmus.
“I also want to say thank you to our captain, who was taken off because Andre (Esterhuizen) can play loose forward and centre, which was a tough call. But when I told him, he just took it on the chin and understood.
“Boan (Venter) also came off early in the match because he has to get used to the intensity of these matches, although I thought he went really well.”
As Erasmus rung the changes in the second half, the Springboks slowly began to shift gears.
“I think the guys who started probably softened up the opposition, and then the bench could go and finish it. Even when Manie (Libbok) came on and Sasha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) went to fullback, I thought everybody had a good impact.
“That comes from the players understanding that it’s a 23-man effort, and the coaches made good plans, which made it easier for the players who came on from the bench.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
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