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Certain wins deliver twofold importance in the lesson they communicate. Within the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo most enduringly across the globe. Not merely the end result, but also the style of success. To claim that the Springboks shattered various widely-held assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. That even without their star man their captain, they still had more than enough resources to restrain the strong rivals under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a squad who consistently reserve their top performance for the most challenging scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a declaration, here was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced France to rubble in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they merely regrouped and set about pulling the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, yet again highlighted how many of his squad have been obliged to conquer personal challenges and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to motivate fans.

The insightful a commentator also made an perceptive point on sports media, suggesting that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions do go on to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fall short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the French windows. Additionally the scrum-half, a second backline player with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their weak ending. The wing's later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The power up front that tied in the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all exhibited the hallmarks of a squad with considerable ability, without Dupont.

However, that turned out to be insufficient, which truly represents a humbling reality for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the English team's late resurgence, there remains a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on the weekend although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above most the home unions.

Scotland were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the final nails and doubts still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this upround. Reading between the lines it would appear a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

However perspective matters, in sport as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest