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Certain wins deliver twofold importance in the lesson they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not merely the end result, but equally the manner of victory. To suggest that the Springboks overturned various established theories would be an understatement of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the idea, for example, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an additional player would result in certain victory. Despite missing their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their status as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most demanding circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. Scotland and England experienced their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young France's pack members are coming through but, by the final whistle, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength supporting it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could potentially faltered. As it happened they just united and began pulling the deflated French side to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, yet again stressed how a significant number of his squad have been required to overcome personal challenges and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to inspire people.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd point on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Should they fall short, the clever way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing squad has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who darted through for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a second backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the far side was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a team with significant talent, despite missing their captain.

But even that turned out to be inadequate, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the red rose's late resurgence, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an developing Fijian side was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a level above most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the killing points and question marks still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the significance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem various alterations are likely in the matchday squad, with key players coming back to the team. Up front, likewise, regular starters should return from the outset.

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