Siya Kolisi loving his 'new' role
Kolisi played the Test match of his life against the French, carrying the ball up hard and tackling everything that moved. He scored a brilliant try by latching onto a ball that was passed close to his shoelaces, while he also created flyhalf Elton Jantjies' first Test five-pointer with a great run and offload. But it was his performance at the breakdown that caught the eye. Over the years Kolisi has been a reluctant fetcher for the Boks, as he prefers to play as a blindside flank. But he is growing in the No. 6 jersey with each passing Test, stealing balls and disrupted the French at the breakdown. It also helps that he brings his awesome physicality to the position.
The old, dogged Boks are back.
France were forced to kick for goal when chasing the game after the Boks kept them out for over 50 phases -- not consecutively -- during a 10-minute period in the second half. The South Africans worked hard a metre from their line to keep out the French, who threw everything at them. It was probably the Boks' best defensive performance of the last two years. They have got their mongrel back that mysteriously went missing. South Africa forgot about their traditional strengths en route to a move expansive game plan, but Saturday's performance in the second Test showed that you can play an exciting brand of rugby, while also getting stuck into the opposition.
Boks' attacking skills finally coming to the fore
While the Boks are back to their old self, defending like men possessed, their attacking play has really come along over the last two Test matches against France. They showed great hands for their first try in Durban, while their running is a lot more incisive than its been over the last two or three years. The runners off the halfbacks are coming through at pace and from depth, and from good angles. The Springboks don't look like the predictable bunch they were for much of 2016, but their finishing is not quite there yet. They are creating a lot of chances, but are not rounding all of them off. However, they are far more dynamic than they used to be.
Whiteley is a leader of men
Not everybody was happy with Warren Whiteley's appointment as Springbok captain, especially because he wasn't thought of as an automatic starter at No. 8 for the Boks. But he has proved to be an inspiring choice as leader. The Lions man has brought this team together after a dreadful 2016 where the Springboks looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He is part of the reason for the new-found spirit, and the fact that this team is playing for each other again. But Whiteley is also enjoying great form at the back of the scrum, which is obviously the first requirement of a skipper. He must be the first-choice in his position.
Elton Jantjies finally living up to his potential
Elton Jantjies' decisive display at flyhalf is the main reason for the Springboks' new joy on attack. The Boks are playing his game, and his game is taking the ball flat with players running off his shoulders from all angles and at speed. Jantjies is playing right on the advantage line, and his distribution has given the Bok backs a chance to get outside of the French. The No. 10 has also kicked well tactically and, more importantly, at post. The flyhalf has only missed one kick so far this series. The kid is coming into his own in the Bok jersey.