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A number of triumphs carry dual importance in the lesson they convey. Among the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will resonate longest across the globe. Not just the conclusion, but also the style of victory. To say that the Springboks demolished various comfortable theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an additional player would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their star man their scrum-half, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their standing as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are developing an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are beginning to make all other teams look laissez-faire by comparison. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their promising spells over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are developing but, by the end, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength driving it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have become disorganized. As it happened they merely united and began dragging the disheartened boys in blue to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of two key forwards to honor his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, once again highlighted how many of his squad have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he aspired his team would in the same way continue to motivate fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on sports media, proposing that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fall short, the clever way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced squad has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the home defense. Additionally Grant Williams, a further backline player with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that France were totally outclassed, in spite of their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that occupied the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a side with significant talent, without their star man.

However, that turned out to be not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there is a gap to close before the England team can be assured of standing up to the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that properly defines their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without an influential back in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a cut above almost all the European sides.

Scotland were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and doubts still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Therefore the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the team selection, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest