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Certain wins carry dual importance in the statement they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will resonate longest across the globe. Not just the final score, but also the manner of victory. To suggest that the Springboks demolished various established theories would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the theory, for example, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the last period with a small margin and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their star man their captain, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to keep the big beasts safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their status as a squad who increasingly save their best for the most challenging circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a message, this was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are building an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look laissez-faire by contrast. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the final thirty minutes. Some promising young France's pack members are developing but, by the conclusion, the encounter was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength underpinning it all. Missing the second-rower – given a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially faltered. Instead they merely united and began taking the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, yet again stressed how many of his team have been obliged to overcome personal challenges and how he wished his squad would likewise continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd point on television, suggesting that his results more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the mentor has revitalized a possibly veteran roster has been an masterclass to all.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker the rising star who darted through for the late try that effectively shattered the home defense. And also another half-back, a second half-back with explosive speed and an more acute ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. The wing's later touchdown in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a side with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a sobering thought for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all England’s last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their end-of-year series. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and question marks still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with key players coming back to the side. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

But context is key, in competition as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest