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Some victories carry double importance in the statement they communicate. Among the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but the way the approach of success. To suggest that South Africa shattered several established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a small margin and an extra man would translate into assumed success. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a declaration, now came definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are developing an greater resilience.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's title-winning pack are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by contrast. Scotland and England each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Missing their lock forward – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Boks could easily have become disorganized. Instead they just united and proceeded to pulling the demoralized French side to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how a significant number of his players have been needed to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to encourage others.

The insightful David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on television, stating that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an object lesson to all.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally Grant Williams, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it is beneficial to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, in spite of their fading performance. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that tied in the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all displayed the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, despite missing their star man.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a sobering thought for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be certain of standing up to the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the match that accurately reflects their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are expected in the team selection, with established stars returning to the team. Among the forwards, in the same way, familiar faces should return from the outset.

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