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A number of triumphs send dual weight in the statement they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not only the final score, but the way the manner of victory. To claim that the Springboks demolished several widely-held assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the notion, for instance, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to restrain the big beasts under control.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their reputation as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a message, this was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. As it happened they merely circled the wagons and set about pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what a retired hooker referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his hundredth Test, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, once again highlighted how several of his squad have been needed to overcome off-field adversity and how he wished his team would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an shrewd point on broadcast, proposing that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Even if they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the mentor has revitalized a possibly veteran squad has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that effectively shattered the French windows. And also the scrum-half, another half-back with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the far side was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all displayed the hallmarks of a team with considerable ability, even in the absence of Dupont.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which is a humbling reality for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before the England team can be assured of standing up to the world's top team with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an Pacific Island team was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and uncertainties still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the importance of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with key players coming back to the side. Among the forwards, in the same way, first-choice players should all be back from the start.

But perspective matters, in sport as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest