How the Springboks turned Paris win into a proof of culture

THERE are victories, and then there are proofs. Saturday night in Paris, after Lood de Jager’s red card left the Springboks with 14 men and a mountain to climb, the world champions delivered the latter.

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This wasn’t a statement win; it was a cultural exposé, a reminder that modern Springbok rugby runs on something deeper than systems, big bodies, flair or a dominant pack. It runs on mentality.

A red card is the ultimate stress test for any international team in rugby. It strips away comfort and exposes the real stuff underneath: clarity, composure, discipline, unity. When De Jager walked off, the Springboks didn’t stagger. They recalibrated.

The first sign of their ethos arrived at halftime, when Siya Kolisi, during the occasion of his 100th Test in the green and gold, sacrificed himself for the team by making way for Ruan Nortje.

It was a selfless call from the captain and the coaching staff: the Boks needed another specialist lock to stabilise the line-out and restore balance in the tight exchanges. Kolisi, knowing the team required structure before sentiment, accepted the decision without fuss.

That is leadership. And that is the culture of this team.