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Some victories send twofold weight in the statement they communicate. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo longest across the rugby world. Not merely the end result, but also the manner of victory. To claim that the Springboks overturned a number of established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for example, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. Despite missing their key player their scrum-half, they still had sufficient resources to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their standing as a side who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, now came definitive evidence that the leading international squad are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by contrast. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their periods of promise over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled France to landfill in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Without their lock forward – shown a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could easily have faltered. As it happened they simply united and proceeded to pulling the deflated French side to what an ex-France player referred to 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 honor his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, repeatedly highlighted how a significant number of his team have been obliged to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his squad would similarly continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd comment on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they come up short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a experienced squad has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the closing score that effectively shattered the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, a second playmaker with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from physically imposing units into a team who can also move with agility and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the far side was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all demonstrated the traits of a squad with notable skill, without their captain.

However, that turned out to be inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for all other nations. 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 in their fixture. And for all the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on Saturday although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The visitors are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a step ahead almost all the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the final nails and uncertainties still surround the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine ending matches well – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the importance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are expected in the team selection, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the lineup. Among the forwards, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the outset.

But context is key, in sport as in life. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest