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Certain wins carry dual significance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not only the end result, but also the style of victory. To claim that South Africa demolished a number of established beliefs would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup elimination. That entering the last period with a small margin and an additional player would result in certain victory. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most demanding scenarios. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a declaration, here was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

If anything, Erasmus's title-winning pack are starting to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their promising spells over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength supporting it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could easily have lost their composure. As it happened they merely regrouped and set about pulling the deflated boys in blue to what an ex-France player described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how a significant number of his team have been needed to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to encourage others.

The insightful an analyst also made an astute observation on sports media, proposing that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the intelligent way in which the coach has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the late try that decisively broke the opposition line. And also Grant Williams, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it helps to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's second try in the far side was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that tied in the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the characteristics of a side with significant talent, despite missing their captain.

Yet that in the end was not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all England’s late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. The visitors are definitely still beatable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a cut above most the European sides.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the final nails and uncertainties still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the team. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should return from the beginning.

However context is key, in sport as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest