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Some victories carry double importance in the lesson they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not merely the conclusion, but also the manner of success. To claim that South Africa demolished several widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the notion, for example, that France would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their status as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a declaration, here was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make everyone else look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides experienced their promising spells over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced France to rubble in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are coming through but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Boks could easily have faltered. On the contrary they just regrouped and proceeded to dragging the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the flanker, once again stressed how many of his team have been obliged to rise above personal challenges and how he aspired his team would in the same way continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive point on television, proposing that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the closing score that effectively shattered the opposition line. And also another half-back, a second half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. Their winger's second try in the wing area was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a side with notable skill, despite missing their star man.

However, that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a sobering thought for competing teams. It would be impossible, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the English team's late resurgence, there remains a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of standing up to the world's top team with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a cut above almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were especially culpable of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still surround the English side's ideal backline blend. It is fine ending matches well – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a narrow win over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this upround. Reading between the lines it would appear a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. Up front, similarly, regular starters should return from the beginning.

But perspective matters, in competition as in existence. In the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup the {rest