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Certain wins deliver dual importance in the lesson they communicate. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the end result, but equally the manner of achievement. To say that the Springboks shattered several established beliefs would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the notion, for instance, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an additional player would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their key player their scrum-half, they still had more than enough strategies to restrain the big beasts safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory before time. After being trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their standing as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, now came clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Without their lock forward – given a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could potentially lost their composure. Instead they just circled the wagons and proceeded to pulling the disheartened French side to what one former French international described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, yet again emphasized how many of his players have been needed to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his team would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute observation on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record 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 clever way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his young playmaker the rising star who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally the scrum-half, a second half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's second try in the far side was a good illustration. The power up front 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 considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

But even that ultimately proved not enough, which truly represents a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite England’s late resurgence, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that accurately reflects their November Tests. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, especially missing an influential back in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the final nails and question marks still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals coming back to the side. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should be included from the start.

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