This was evident last Saturday (Sept 13) as South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus rang the changes and the young players responded for an impressive 43-10 win against New Zealand in Wellington.
The halftime score of 10-7 did not suggest an onslaught might be possible. However, momentum grew as the Springboks continued to score at will and the All Blacks simply could not cope, let alone slow it down.
All that is good about Rugby Union was on show, with fast-flowing action igniting the crowd before disbelief kicked in for the Kiwi supporters in the second half.
There will be an immediate All Black reaction, and Australia might feel the backlash when they next meet on Sept 27. In the meantime, the soreness will permeate through each All Black until the courage and character resurface again.
Elsewhere, Argentina is producing some exhilarating rugby, scoring tries from all parts of the field. However, against Australia last Staurday it was the penalty kicking of Santiago Carreras, who kicked seven penalties and one conversion to see Argentina home to a 28-26 in Sydney.
Los Pumas have improved at absorbing pressure as well as generating pressure, and coach Felipe Contepomi very much has the look of a World Cup winner!
Australia is slowly emerging from troubled times and their international performances are improving. They are building resilience and belief. Young players are emerging and there is a never-say-die attitude. They currently lead the Championship although New Zealand away on Sept 27 is their next encounter, and some re-positioning may need to take place as a result.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.