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A number of triumphs carry twofold importance in the statement they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the globe. Not merely the final score, but the way the approach of success. To say that South Africa demolished a number of established beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for example, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their star man their scrum-half, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their standing as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a declaration, this was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are beginning to make opposing sides look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but did not have the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the final whistle, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Without the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they simply united and set about taking the demoralized home team to what a retired hooker referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of two key forwards to honor his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly highlighted how a significant number of his players have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to encourage others.

The perceptive an analyst also made an astute observation on television, suggesting that his results increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. In case they come up short, the clever way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing roster has been an object lesson to everyone.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the closing score that properly blew open the French windows. Additionally another half-back, a second playmaker with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Undoubtedly it helps to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a side who can also move with agility and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that France were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the far side was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from Ramos and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, without Dupont.

However, that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a humbling reality for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

European Prospects

Defeating an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their end-of-year series. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, particularly without an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a cut above the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the final nails and question marks still hang over England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this upround. Reading between the lines it would appear several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the side. Up front, similarly, regular starters should be included from the beginning.

However everything is relative, in competition as in existence. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest