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A number of triumphs deliver double weight in the message they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the globe. Not just the conclusion, but also the approach of success. To suggest that South Africa overturned several comfortable theories would be an understatement of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for instance, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would translate into certain victory. Despite missing their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample resources to restrain the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding scenarios. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a message, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

If anything, the coach's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the end, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have become disorganized. Instead they merely circled the wagons and began dragging the deflated French side to what one former French international described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, once again highlighted how several of his team have been needed to overcome personal challenges and how he wished his squad would similarly continue to motivate others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, stating that his results increasingly make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing squad has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the home defense. And also Grant Williams, a further backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Undoubtedly it helps to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. The wing's later touchdown in the right corner was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with considerable ability, despite missing their captain.

But even that in the end was not enough, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the English team's strong finish, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of competing with the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, especially missing an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the final nails and uncertainties still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Hence the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the side. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the beginning.

However context is key, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest