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Some victories carry dual significance in the statement they communicate. Among the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but also the style of success. To claim that South Africa demolished several comfortable theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the notion, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an extra man would lead to assumed success. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a squad who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make opposing sides look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England both had their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but did not have the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially lost their composure. Instead they simply circled the wagons and began dragging the deflated home team to what one former French international described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the team leader, the flanker, yet again highlighted how many of his squad have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his team would similarly continue to motivate people.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd observation on television, suggesting that his results increasingly make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. Should they come up short, the clever way in which the coach has refreshed a possibly veteran roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or another half-back, a further playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Of course it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with considerable ability, despite missing their captain.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a sobering thought for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on Saturday although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, especially missing their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a level above almost all the European sides.

Scotland were particularly guilty of not finishing off the final nails and uncertainties still hang over England’s optimal back division. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the side. Among the forwards, in the same way, first-choice players should return from the start.

But context is key, in sport as in life. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest