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Some victories carry double significance in the statement they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will linger longest across the globe. Not just the conclusion, but the way the style of achievement. To say that South Africa overturned several widely-held theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for example, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their scrum-half, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to contain the strong rivals under control.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a side who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a statement, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an greater resilience.

Pack Power

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Some promising young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could easily have become disorganized. As it happened they simply regrouped and proceeded to dragging the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how many of his squad have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he wished his side would likewise continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive an analyst also made an perceptive comment on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a experienced team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker the newcomer who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the home defense. Or Grant Williams, a further half-back with explosive speed and an more acute vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that France were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all displayed the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, even in the absence of their captain.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there remains a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their autumn. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, particularly without an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above the majority of the European sides.

Scotland were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the side. Up front, in the same way, regular starters should all be back from the beginning.

But context is key, in competition as in reality. From now until the 2027 World Cup the {rest