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Some victories carry twofold significance in the lesson they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not merely the final score, but also the manner of victory. To say that South Africa overturned various comfortable theories would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. That entering the last period with a small margin and an extra man would translate into assumed success. That even without their key player their captain, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to keep the strong rivals safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. After being behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a squad who consistently save their best for the toughest circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a statement, now came clear demonstration that the leading international squad are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Erasmus's title-winning pack are beginning to make opposing sides look laissez-faire by comparison. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was men against boys.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without their lock forward – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could might well have faltered. As it happened they simply regrouped and began dragging the deflated home team to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to honor his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how several of his team have been obliged to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to encourage others.

The insightful a commentator also made an perceptive observation on broadcast, proposing that his results increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the mentor has revitalized a potentially ageing team has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the late try that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or another half-back, another half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that tied in the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the characteristics of a team with considerable ability, even in the absence of Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all the English team's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on Saturday although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the match that properly defines their end-of-year series. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Therefore the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are likely in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the side. Among the forwards, similarly, regular starters should be included from the start.

But everything is relative, in sport as in existence. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest