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Certain wins send twofold significance in the statement they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but also the manner of victory. To suggest that the Springboks demolished a number of widely-held theories would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a small margin and an numerical superiority would lead to certain victory. Despite missing their key player their scrum-half, they still had sufficient resources to contain the big beasts under control.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. After being trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their status as a team who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest circumstances. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are developing an greater resilience.

Pack Power

If anything, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides both had their periods of promise over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to ruins in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the final whistle, the match was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could potentially faltered. As it happened they merely circled the wagons and proceeded to dragging the deflated French side to what a retired hooker described as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again emphasized how a significant number of his team have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to motivate others.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an astute point on television, suggesting that his results progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks succeed in secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. In case they come up short, the smart way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an object lesson to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the late try that decisively broke the opposition line. Additionally the scrum-half, another half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper eye for a gap. Naturally it is beneficial to operate behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a good illustration. The forward dominance that occupied the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a squad with significant talent, without their star man.

However, that turned out to be not enough, which really is a humbling reality for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the English team's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of facing the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

European Prospects

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on match day although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the final nails and question marks still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a narrow win over France in February.

Next Steps

Hence the weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the team. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should be included from the start.

However everything is relative, in sport as in existence. From now until the 2027 World Cup the {rest