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Certain wins deliver double importance in the statement they convey. Among the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not merely the end result, but equally the style of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished a number of established assumptions would be an understatement of the season.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the theory, for example, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in assumed success. That even without their star man their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to keep the big beasts under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Having been trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their reputation as a squad who more and more reserve their top performance for the most demanding situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a statement, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to rubble in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are emerging but, by the end, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. Without their lock forward – given a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could easily have faltered. As it happened they simply circled the wagons and proceeded to pulling the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international described as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how many of his players have been obliged to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to inspire people.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd comment on broadcast, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they come up short, the clever way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who darted through for the late try that decisively broke the French windows. And also Grant Williams, a further half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center providing support, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a team who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the far side was a good illustration. The forward dominance that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, even in the absence of Dupont.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which is a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there remains a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the fixture that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a level above most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the importance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the side. Among the forwards, in the same way, familiar faces should all be back from the start.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in existence. In the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup the {rest