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Some victories deliver twofold importance in the message they communicate. Amid the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but the way the approach of success. To suggest that the Springboks shattered several comfortable theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the last period with a small margin and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough resources to contain the powerful opponents under control.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory before time. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a side who increasingly save their best for the most challenging situations. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a declaration, now came definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are beginning to make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. Scotland and England both had their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Boks could might well have lost their composure. On the contrary they just united and proceeded to taking the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how several of his players have been obliged to overcome personal challenges and how he wished his team would in the same way continue to encourage people.

The perceptive a commentator also made an astute comment on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Should they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has revitalized a experienced team has been an exemplary model to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. And also another half-back, a second half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Their winger's later touchdown in the wing area was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

However, that turned out to be inadequate, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the world champions and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on match day although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their November Tests. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a cut above the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would look like various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with established stars returning to the side. Up front, similarly, regular starters should all be back from the beginning.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest