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A number of triumphs send dual importance in the statement they broadcast. Among the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not just the final score, but also the manner of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished several comfortable theories would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the theory, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a small margin and an additional player would translate into certain victory. Despite missing their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to restrain the powerful opponents under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging situations. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by contrast. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to rubble in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are coming through but, by the final whistle, the encounter was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience driving it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they simply circled the wagons and set about pulling the deflated French side to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his century of appearances, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, yet again highlighted how several of his squad have been required to rise above life difficulties and how he wished his side would similarly continue to motivate fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an perceptive observation on broadcast, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an masterclass to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the home defense. Additionally Grant Williams, a second half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a prime instance. The power up front that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which is a humbling reality for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the red rose's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than losing them late on – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a narrow win over Les Bleus in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would seem various alterations are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals returning to the side. Up front, likewise, regular starters should be included from the beginning.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in existence. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest