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A number of triumphs send double importance in the lesson they broadcast. Amid the flood of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will resonate most enduringly across the globe. Not merely the conclusion, but also the style of victory. To say that South Africa shattered various widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for instance, that the French team would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to assumed success. Despite missing their talisman their captain, they still had ample strategies to restrain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their standing as a squad who consistently save their best for the most demanding situations. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make all other teams look less intense by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Missing Lood de Jager – given a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially faltered. As it happened they just circled the wagons and set about taking the deflated home team to what a retired hooker called “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how many of his squad have been required to overcome personal challenges and how he wished his squad would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on television, proposing that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the smart way in which the mentor has revitalized a experienced team has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the French windows. And also Grant Williams, a second 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 André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a squad who can also move with agility and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the French team were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's later touchdown in the far side was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of their captain.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which really is a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be certain of facing the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above almost all the home unions.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still hang over the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better 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 the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would look like several changes are expected in the team selection, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Up front, likewise, regular starters should return from the start.

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