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Some victories deliver twofold importance in the statement they broadcast. Among the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not merely the conclusion, but also the approach of success. To suggest that the Springboks overturned a number of comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in certain victory. Despite missing their star man their scrum-half, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging scenarios. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a message, here was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are building an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are beginning to make opposing sides look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a red card in the first half for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they merely circled the wagons and set about dragging the deflated boys in blue to what a retired hooker referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again highlighted how many of his squad have been needed to rise above life difficulties and how he wished his side would in the same way continue to motivate people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an perceptive point on sports media, stating that his results increasingly make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the mentor has revitalized a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who sprinted past for the late try that decisively broke the opposition line. Or another half-back, another half-back with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the home side were completely dominated, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the traits of a side with significant talent, even in the absence of Dupont.

However, that turned out to be inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before the national side can be confident of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that properly defines their autumn. The visitors are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above most the European sides.

The Thistles were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the killing points and doubts still apply to England’s optimal back division. It is fine finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in the winter.

Future Prospects

Thus the importance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would look like various alterations are expected in the team selection, with key players being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, likewise, first-choice players should all be back from the start.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in life. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest