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Certain wins send dual importance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not merely the conclusion, but also the manner of achievement. To suggest that South Africa demolished several widely-held assumptions would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would translate into assumed success. That even without their talisman their scrum-half, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to keep the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced France to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – shown a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they just regrouped and proceeded to pulling the demoralized home team to what an ex-France player referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, repeatedly highlighted how many of his squad have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his team would likewise continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an perceptive point on television, proposing that his results progressively make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Even if they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has revitalized a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Consider his emerging number 10 the rising star who darted through for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the home defense. And also another half-back, a further backline player with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the French team were totally outclassed, in spite of their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that tied in the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, without their star man.

However, that ultimately proved inadequate, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the world champions and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a cut above most the home unions.

Scotland were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still hang over the English side's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over France in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would look like several changes are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the team. Up front, likewise, regular starters should be included from the start.

However context is key, in competition as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest