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A number of triumphs deliver double significance in the statement they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but equally the approach of achievement. To claim that South Africa shattered a number of established assumptions would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for example, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had sufficient resources to contain the strong rivals under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their status as a side who more and more save their best for the most demanding circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

Actually, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their moments over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young France's pack members are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was men against boys.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. Instead they merely circled the wagons and began pulling the disheartened French side to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the team leader, the flanker, yet again highlighted how many of his players have been needed to overcome off-field adversity and how he aspired his squad would similarly continue to motivate people.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd point on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his young playmaker the newcomer who skipped over for the late try that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally another half-back, a second playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Naturally it is an advantage to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. Their winger's additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, even in the absence of Dupont.

But even that turned out to be insufficient, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Despite England’s late resurgence, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Beating an Pacific Island team was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still hang over England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the team selection, with key players being reinstated to the lineup. Among the forwards, in the same way, first-choice players should return from the outset.

But context is key, in sport as in reality. In the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup the {rest