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Some victories send double importance in the statement they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening score in the French capital that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but the way the style of victory. To suggest that South Africa demolished a number of widely-held assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the notion, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a small margin and an extra man would lead to inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their standing as a squad who increasingly save their best for the most challenging circumstances. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are developing an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

If anything, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make all other teams look less committed by contrast. Scotland and England each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially faltered. On the contrary they just united and proceeded to pulling the deflated French side to what an ex-France player described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, once again highlighted how several of his players have been needed to conquer personal challenges and how he aspired his squad would likewise continue to motivate people.

The insightful David Flatman also made an astute comment on sports media, stating that his results more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to all.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his emerging number 10 the rising star who darted through for the late try that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, a second half-back with lightning acceleration and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that France were completely dominated, in spite of their fading performance. Their winger's later touchdown in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a side with significant talent, without their captain.

But even that ultimately proved not enough, which really is a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of facing the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the final nails and doubts still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear several changes are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

Yet perspective matters, in sport as in existence. From now until the 2027 World Cup the {rest