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Some victories send double significance in the message they communicate. Among the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will linger longest across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but the way the style of success. To claim that South Africa demolished several established beliefs would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the notion, for instance, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an additional player would lead to assumed success. Despite missing their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their standing as a team who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding scenarios. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, this was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

In fact, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make all other teams look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England experienced their moments over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – issued a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could easily have faltered. As it happened they merely regrouped and proceeded to taking the demoralized boys in blue to what an ex-France player referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, once again emphasized how many of his players have been required to rise above life difficulties and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to motivate people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd observation on sports media, stating that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the smart way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing team has been an masterclass to all.

Young Stars

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the home defense. Additionally Grant Williams, a further playmaker with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, in spite of their weak ending. Their winger's additional score in the far side was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that tied in the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, even in the absence of their captain.

However, that turned out to be inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite England’s last-quarter improvement, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Overcoming an developing Fijian side was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the match that accurately reflects their November Tests. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a cut above most the European sides.

Scotland were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and uncertainties still surround the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine ending matches well – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should return from the outset.

However context is key, in sport as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest