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Certain wins deliver twofold weight in the lesson they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will echo most enduringly across the globe. Not just the conclusion, but also the style of victory. To claim that the Springboks demolished a number of comfortable beliefs would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that France would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. That even without their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient resources to keep the powerful opponents under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Initially trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their standing as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a declaration, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make opposing sides look less committed by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to rubble in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are developing but, by the end, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. Without the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Boks could easily have become disorganized. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and began dragging the deflated home team to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, once again stressed how several of his players have been needed to conquer off-field adversity and how he aspired his side would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an shrewd point on television, stating that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced roster has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally another half-back, a second half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a squad who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is remarkable.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a team with notable skill, even in the absence of their captain.

Yet that turned out to be inadequate, which is a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all England’s late resurgence, there is a distance to travel before the national side can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, especially missing an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the final nails and doubts still apply to the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a close result over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are expected in the team selection, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, likewise, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

However everything is relative, in competition as in life. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest