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A number of triumphs carry double weight in the message they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening score in the French capital that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not merely the conclusion, but equally the manner of victory. To say that the Springboks demolished several widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the theory, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would translate into assumed success. That even without their star man their scrum-half, they still had sufficient resources to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory too early. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their reputation as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest scenarios. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a declaration, now came definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their periods of promise over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the home side to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young French forwards are emerging but, by the end, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially faltered. As it happened they simply united and began pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what an ex-France player described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to honor his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, once again stressed how many of his squad have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to motivate fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an shrewd comment on television, stating that his results progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks succeed in secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. In case they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an object lesson to other teams.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the closing score that decisively broke the home defense. And also another half-back, a second playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a side who can also display finesse and strike decisively is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that France were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the hallmarks of a team with considerable ability, even in the absence of their star man.

But even that ultimately proved not enough, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all the red rose's strong finish, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on match day although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the fixture that accurately reflects their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a cut above most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with key players coming back to the team. In the pack, likewise, regular starters should return from the start.

But context is key, in sport as in life. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest