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A number of triumphs deliver twofold significance in the statement they convey. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo longest across the rugby world. Not only the conclusion, but equally the approach of achievement. To suggest that South Africa shattered several established assumptions would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the idea, for example, that France would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. After being 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, this was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's title-winning pack are beginning to make all other teams look less committed by contrast. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – shown a red card in the first half for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have become disorganized. As it happened they just regrouped and began dragging the deflated boys in blue to what an ex-France player referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, the flanker, yet again emphasized how many of his squad have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his squad would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute comment on broadcast, proposing that his results progressively make him the rugby's version 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 fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the coach has rejuvenated a experienced roster has been an object lesson to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that decisively broke the French windows. And also Grant Williams, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an more acute ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, in spite of their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the far side was a prime instance. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a squad with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

But even that turned out to be not enough, which truly represents a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite England’s last-quarter improvement, there is a gap to close before the England team can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. The visitors are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a cut above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still hang over the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would look like several changes are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals coming back to the side. Among the forwards, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the beginning.

However context is key, in competition as in life. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest