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A number of triumphs carry double weight in the lesson they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening score in the French capital that will echo longest across both hemispheres. Not only the final score, but equally the style of success. To say that South Africa demolished several comfortable theories would be an modest description of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for example, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the final quarter with a small margin and an additional player would result in certain victory. Despite missing their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

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 concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their reputation as a team who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most demanding circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a statement, here was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make all other teams look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the two-day period but did not have the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed France to landfill in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength supporting it all. Without their lock forward – issued a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the South Africans could might well have faltered. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and began dragging the disheartened French side to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his squad have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he wished his team would in the same way continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an shrewd observation on television, stating that his results more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an object lesson to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the opposition line. Additionally Grant Williams, another backline player with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the steady transformation of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that France were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's later touchdown in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the characteristics of a side with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

But even that ultimately proved inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all England’s strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the fixture that truly shapes their November Tests. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a level above the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and question marks still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are anticipated in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the side. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should be included from the start.

However context is key, in competition as in life. From now until the 2027 World Cup the {rest