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Some victories carry dual weight in the lesson they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will echo longest across both hemispheres. Not only the conclusion, but also the approach of victory. To claim that South Africa demolished various widely-held theories would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the idea, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would translate into certain victory. That even without their key player their captain, they still had more than enough resources to restrain the strong rivals under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their standing as a team who increasingly save their best for the toughest situations. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength driving it all. Without the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they merely united and proceeded to dragging the disheartened home team to what an ex-France player described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his team have been obliged to conquer off-field adversity and how he hoped his squad would in the same way continue to motivate people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on television, proposing that his results progressively make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the smart way in which Erasmus has revitalized a possibly veteran squad has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that effectively shattered the French windows. Or Grant Williams, a second playmaker with lightning acceleration and an more acute vision for space. Naturally it is an advantage to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also display finesse and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that the home side were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. Their winger's later touchdown in the far side was a good illustration. The forward dominance that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a side with considerable ability, despite missing Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that accurately reflects their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were especially culpable of not finishing off the final nails and question marks still surround the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would appear several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Among the forwards, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the start.

However everything is relative, in competition as in existence. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest