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Some victories carry twofold importance in the message they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will echo longest across the globe. Not merely the final score, but the way the approach of achievement. To suggest that South Africa shattered several established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the idea, for example, that France would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would result in certain victory. Despite missing their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to keep the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their status as a squad who consistently reserve their top performance for the most demanding scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a message, here was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are developing an greater resilience.

Pack Power

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by contrast. The Scottish and English sides experienced their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the last half-hour. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, Saturday night was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially faltered. As it happened they just regrouped and set about taking the demoralized French side to what an ex-France player described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, yet again stressed how several of his players have been required to rise above life difficulties and how he aspired his squad would likewise continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute observation on sports media, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Should they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran squad has been an object lesson to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the late try that decisively broke the French windows. And also another half-back, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also display finesse and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the far side was a clear example. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a team with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a humbling reality for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the English team's last-quarter improvement, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

European Prospects

Defeating an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles 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 all very well finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over Les Bleus in February.

Next Steps

Thus the significance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would seem various alterations are expected in the team selection, with established stars returning to the lineup. Among the forwards, similarly, first-choice players should return from the outset.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest