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Certain wins send double importance in the statement they broadcast. Among the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but the way the approach of achievement. To say that the Springboks overturned various established theories would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the theory, for example, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their key player their captain, they still had sufficient strategies to keep the big beasts safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory too early. After being behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their status as a side who increasingly save their best for the toughest circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are beginning to make opposing sides look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced France to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – shown a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they just united and began dragging the deflated home team to what a retired hooker described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly highlighted how many of his squad have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his team would likewise continue to encourage people.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd point on broadcast, stating 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 no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the clever way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

New Generation

Consider his young playmaker the rising star who skipped over for the closing score that effectively shattered the French windows. Or the scrum-half, another backline player with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the steady transformation of the Boks from physically imposing units into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that France were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a team with considerable ability, despite missing Dupont.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the world champions and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite England’s strong finish, there is a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their autumn. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and doubts still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is fine ending matches well – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a narrow win over France in February.

Future Prospects

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with key players coming back to the side. In the pack, similarly, familiar faces should all be back from the outset.

Yet context is key, in rugby as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest