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Some victories carry dual importance in the message they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not only the end result, but equally the approach of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks overturned various established beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a small margin and an additional player would lead to assumed success. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Initially 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more reserve their top performance for the most challenging situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a declaration, now came clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's experienced front eight are beginning to make everyone else look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their moments over the recent fixtures but did not have the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they merely regrouped and set about dragging the demoralized French side to what a retired hooker referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his players have been needed to conquer personal challenges and how he wished his side would in the same way continue to motivate fans.

The perceptive an analyst also made an astute comment on sports media, stating that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. Even if they come up short, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a potentially ageing roster has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. Additionally another half-back, a further half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it is beneficial to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, despite their fading performance. The wing's second try in the right corner was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that engaged the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a side with considerable ability, without Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the English team's late resurgence, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a cut above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and uncertainties still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a close result over the French in the winter.

Future Prospects

Thus the weight of this upround. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the side. In the pack, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the outset.

However context is key, in sport as in reality. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest