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A number of triumphs carry dual weight in the lesson they convey. Within the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the globe. Not only the final score, but the way the approach of victory. To say that the Springboks shattered a number of widely-held beliefs would be an modest description of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the notion, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. That even without their star man their captain, they still had ample strategies to contain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their status as a side who consistently save their best for the most challenging scenarios. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, now came clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the home side to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are developing but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. On the contrary they just circled the wagons and proceeded to dragging the demoralized French side to what one former French international referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been carried around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly emphasized how many of his squad have been required to conquer off-field adversity and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd point on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements more and more make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a experienced squad has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker the rising star who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a further backline player with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the steady transformation of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, in spite of their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s second try in the right corner was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all exhibited the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, even in the absence of their star man.

But even that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the world champions and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the red rose's strong finish, there is a gap to close before the England team can be certain of competing with the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on Saturday although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the match that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still surround the English side's ideal backline blend. It is all very well ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over the French in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars coming back to the lineup. Among the forwards, likewise, regular starters should return from the beginning.

Yet everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest