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Some victories deliver twofold importance in the lesson they convey. Within the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but equally the manner of success. To say that South Africa demolished several comfortable beliefs would be an modest description of the season.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the theory, for example, that France would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an extra man would lead to certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their scrum-half, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. After being behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their status as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest scenarios. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a declaration, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their periods of promise over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled France to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the end, the match was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and proceeded to dragging the demoralized French side to what an ex-France player referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of the lock pairing to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how many of his squad have been needed to rise above off-field adversity and how he wished his squad would likewise continue to encourage people.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on sports media, stating that the coach's achievements progressively make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Should they fall short, the smart way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran roster has been an object lesson to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the closing score that effectively shattered the French windows. Or the scrum-half, another half-back with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it is an advantage to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, despite their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a clear example. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the English team's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before the England team can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on Saturday although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the contest that accurately reflects their autumn. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above the majority of the European sides.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the final nails and doubts still hang over England’s optimal back division. It is fine finishing games strongly – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Future Prospects

Therefore the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars coming back to the team. In the pack, likewise, regular starters should all be back from the outset.

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