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Certain wins carry dual importance in the statement they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not merely the final score, but the way the approach of victory. To suggest that South Africa overturned several comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the theory, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. Despite missing their talisman their scrum-half, they still had sufficient resources to contain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their standing as a team who consistently save their best for the most challenging situations. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are building an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but did not have the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are developing but, by the final whistle, the encounter was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have faltered. As it happened they simply united and proceeded to taking the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how many of his players have been needed to conquer personal challenges and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive point on sports media, proposing that his results increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Even if they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the coach has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally the scrum-half, a second half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that France were completely dominated, despite their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the right corner was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the traits of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of their captain.

Yet that turned out to be not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the world champions and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a level above most the European sides.

The Thistles were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the final nails and question marks still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and far superior than losing them late on – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a narrow win over the French in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would seem various alterations are anticipated in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the side. In the pack, similarly, regular starters should be included from the outset.

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