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Some victories deliver double weight in the statement they convey. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not merely the end result, but also the approach of success. To claim that South Africa overturned several comfortable assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the theory, for example, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an extra man would lead to assumed success. That even without their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough strategies to restrain the powerful opponents under control.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a declaration, here was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced France to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience driving it all. Without the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially faltered. Instead they simply united and proceeded to dragging the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of two key forwards to honor his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the flanker, yet again stressed how many of his team have been obliged to rise above life difficulties and how he aspired his squad would in the same way continue to motivate others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an astute point on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. If South Africa manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the coach has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to all.

Emerging Talent

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over for the closing score that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally another half-back, a second backline player with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the far side was a good illustration. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, despite missing their star man.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for competing teams. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the fixture that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead most the home unions.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and doubts still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Next Steps

Thus the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the side. Up front, likewise, regular starters should return from the outset.

However context is key, in sport as in reality. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest