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Some victories send double importance in the lesson they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but equally the approach of success. To say that the Springboks overturned various comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the notion, for instance, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an extra man would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to keep the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their status as a side who more and more save their best for the most challenging scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a message, this was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their promising spells over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed France to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. Without their lock forward – given a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have faltered. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and set about pulling the demoralized home team to what an ex-France player described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the immense frames of the lock pairing to honor his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the flanker, once again highlighted how many of his team have been obliged to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to motivate fans.

The insightful David Flatman also made an perceptive observation on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced team has been an object lesson to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Or another half-back, another backline player with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with the inside back providing support, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that France were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's second try in the right corner was a prime instance. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a side with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

But even that turned out to be insufficient, which really is a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite England’s late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a cut above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and doubts still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in February.

Future Prospects

Hence the significance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like various alterations are anticipated in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the team. Among the forwards, likewise, regular starters should return from the outset.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest