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A number of triumphs deliver dual weight in the message they communicate. Amid the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the globe. Not just the end result, but the way the approach of achievement. To say that the Springboks overturned a number of established theories would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for example, that the French team would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would translate into assumed success. That even without their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a side who consistently save their best for the toughest situations. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a message, now came definitive evidence that the leading international squad are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

If anything, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. As it happened they just united and began pulling the demoralized home team to what an ex-France player described as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the venue on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, repeatedly emphasized how several of his team have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive point on television, stating that his results increasingly make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a experienced roster has been an masterclass to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the French windows. And also another half-back, a second half-back with blistering pace and an more acute ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that France were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the hallmarks of a side with considerable ability, without their captain.

Yet that turned out to be insufficient, which really is a humbling reality for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all the red rose's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a level above most the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine 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 Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Thus the weight of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the team selection, with key players returning to the team. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should return from the beginning.

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