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Some victories carry twofold significance in the statement they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not merely the conclusion, but the way the style of achievement. To suggest that South Africa overturned a number of comfortable theories would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had sufficient strategies to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who consistently reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, now came definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Pack Power

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are beginning to make opposing sides look less committed by contrast. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, Saturday night was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could easily have lost their composure. As it happened they merely circled the wagons and began pulling the disheartened home team to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of the lock pairing to mark his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how a significant number of his players have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to motivate others.

The insightful a commentator also made an astute observation on sports media, proposing that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Should they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the coach has revitalized a potentially ageing squad has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his young playmaker the rising star who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the opposition line. Or Grant Williams, a further backline player with explosive speed and an more acute vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, in spite of their fading performance. The wing's later touchdown in the right corner was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the traits of a team with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

But even that turned out to be not enough, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

European Prospects

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and question marks still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a close result over France in February.

Next Steps

Hence the significance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would look like several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. In the pack, likewise, first-choice players should all be back from the beginning.

But perspective matters, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest