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Some victories deliver twofold importance in the statement they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will echo most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not merely the conclusion, but also the manner of success. To claim that the Springboks shattered various established theories would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for example, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an extra man would result in certain victory. That even without their talisman their captain, they still had sufficient strategies to restrain the powerful opponents at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory too early. After being 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their status as a team who more and more save their best for the toughest situations. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a statement, now came clear demonstration that the leading international squad are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

If anything, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides both had their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to rubble in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are emerging but, by the conclusion, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude driving it all. Without Lood de Jager – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they just circled the wagons and set about taking the demoralized boys in blue to what a retired hooker described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, once again highlighted how a significant number of his team have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his squad would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute observation on broadcast, proposing that his results more and more make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the French windows. And also Grant Williams, another backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also display finesse and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the home side were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. The wing's second try in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that engaged the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a team with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a humbling reality for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite England’s last-quarter improvement, there is a gap to close before the national side can be assured of standing up to the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, especially missing their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the European sides.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and question marks still hang over England’s optimal back division. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a close result over Les Bleus in February.

Next Steps

Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem a number of adjustments are expected in the team selection, with experienced individuals coming back to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, regular starters should be included from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in life. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest