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A number of triumphs deliver dual importance in the statement they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the final score, but also the style of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished various comfortable assumptions would be an understatement of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for example, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a small margin and an numerical superiority would translate into certain victory. That even without their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had ample resources to restrain the big beasts under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are developing an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are starting to make all other teams look less intense by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the conclusion, the match was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – given a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they merely regrouped and set about taking the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his hundredth Test, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, once again highlighted how many of his team have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his squad would similarly continue to inspire others.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute observation on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a potentially ageing squad has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Young Stars

Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the late try that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally another half-back, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the steady transformation of the Boks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's later touchdown in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with considerable ability, without Dupont.

But even that turned out to be inadequate, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the red rose's late resurgence, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be confident of competing with the world's top team with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on the weekend although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a level above the majority of the home unions.

Scotland were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Thus the significance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the side. Up front, likewise, regular starters should be included from the start.

However everything is relative, in competition as in reality. From now until the 2027 World Cup the {rest