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Some victories carry dual significance in the statement they communicate. Among the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but the way the style of success. To say that South Africa overturned several established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the theory, for example, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the closing stages with a small margin and an extra man would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to keep the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a message, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but did not have the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are coming through but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing their lock forward – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. Instead they just regrouped and began dragging the demoralized home team to what a retired hooker referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of two key forwards to honor his century of appearances, the team leader, the flanker, yet again highlighted how several of his squad have been obliged to conquer life difficulties and how he wished his squad would in the same way continue to motivate others.

The insightful a commentator also made an shrewd comment on broadcast, proposing that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a possibly veteran squad has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the late try that effectively shattered the French windows. And also the scrum-half, a second half-back with blistering pace and an keener eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the far side was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that occupied the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with considerable ability, without their star man.

But even that ultimately proved inadequate, which really is a humbling reality for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all England’s late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the match that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still surround England’s optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem various alterations are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals coming back to the side. In the pack, likewise, first-choice players should all be back from the start.

However everything is relative, in sport as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest