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Certain wins send dual significance in the lesson they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not merely the conclusion, but the way the approach of achievement. To suggest that South Africa shattered a number of comfortable assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the theory, for example, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. That even without their star man their captain, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their moments over the two-day period but did not have the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed France to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. Without their lock forward – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Boks could easily have faltered. As it happened they merely regrouped and began taking the demoralized home team to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again highlighted how several of his players have been obliged to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his side would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute observation on broadcast, suggesting that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. In case they fall short, the clever way in which the mentor has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, a further half-back with blistering pace and an keener eye for a gap. Naturally it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all exhibited the traits of a squad with significant talent, without their star man.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which really is a humbling reality for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the English team's late resurgence, there is a distance to travel before the national side can be confident of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the fixture that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a level above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were especially culpable of not finishing off the final nails and question marks still surround the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the significance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would seem various alterations are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals coming back to the side. Among the forwards, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

However perspective matters, in competition as in reality. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest