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Certain wins deliver twofold significance in the statement they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger longest across the globe. Not just the final score, but the way the manner of achievement. To say that the Springboks demolished various established beliefs would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the theory, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a small margin and an numerical superiority would lead to assumed success. That even without their talisman their scrum-half, they still had more than enough strategies to restrain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a team who increasingly save their best for the most demanding scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a declaration, now came conclusive proof that the leading international squad are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed France to ruins in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are developing but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without their lock forward – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could potentially faltered. On the contrary they just united and proceeded to dragging the deflated home team to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to honor his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his team have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would similarly continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute point on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the smart way in which the mentor has revitalized a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the late try that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or Grant Williams, a second playmaker with explosive speed and an keener eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to operate behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also move with agility and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that France were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's additional score in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all exhibited the traits of a side with significant talent, even in the absence of Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the red rose's strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that accurately reflects their autumn. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and uncertainties still hang over the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Future Prospects

Thus the significance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would appear several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the side. Among the forwards, in the same way, first-choice players should return from the outset.

Yet everything is relative, in rugby as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest