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Certain wins deliver twofold significance in the statement they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not merely the conclusion, but equally the manner of success. To claim that South Africa overturned a number of comfortable assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the idea, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to certain victory. That even without their star man their scrum-half, they still had ample resources to keep the powerful opponents under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their reputation as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a statement, now came definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make everyone else look laissez-faire by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength driving it all. Missing their lock forward – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could easily have become disorganized. On the contrary they just united and set about taking the demoralized French side to what a retired hooker described as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again highlighted how many of his team have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he wished his side would in the same way continue to motivate fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd observation on sports media, proposing that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fall short, the clever way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced roster has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Consider his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the late try that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or Grant Williams, a second backline player with blistering pace and an more acute vision for space. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the home side were completely dominated, in spite of their fading performance. The wing's later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, without their captain.

But even that in the end was not enough, which is a humbling reality for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

European Prospects

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are not invincible, especially missing an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a level above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still surround the English side's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the significance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

But perspective matters, in sport as in reality. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest