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A number of triumphs carry twofold weight in the statement they communicate. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the conclusion, but the way the style of victory. To say that the Springboks shattered several comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the idea, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a small margin and an extra man would lead to assumed success. Even in the absence of their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to contain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging scenarios. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a declaration, this was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are starting to make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the closing period. Some promising young French forwards are developing but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Without the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Springboks could easily have lost their composure. As it happened they merely circled the wagons and set about pulling the demoralized French side to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to mark his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how many of his team have been required to conquer personal challenges and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an perceptive comment on television, stating that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a potentially ageing roster has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the home defense. And also another half-back, a second backline player with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it is beneficial to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a squad who can also display finesse and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, in spite of their weak ending. Their winger's later touchdown in the far side was a prime instance. The forward dominance that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all demonstrated the characteristics of a side with considerable ability, despite missing their captain.

However, that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a humbling reality for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the English team's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on match day although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their autumn. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, particularly without an influential back in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and uncertainties still hang over the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a narrow win over France in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would seem various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the side. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should return from the start.

Yet perspective matters, in sport as in life. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest