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Certain wins carry dual weight in the lesson they communicate. Among the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not merely the end result, but the way the manner of success. To say that the Springboks demolished several established beliefs would be an oversimplification of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the theory, for example, that the French team would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the closing stages with a small margin and an numerical superiority would translate into assumed success. That even without their key player their captain, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their status as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are developing an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, the coach's experienced front eight are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude driving it all. Without their lock forward – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could might well have lost their composure. Instead they merely united and began taking the demoralized French side to what a retired hooker described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his century of appearances, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his squad have been obliged to conquer off-field adversity and how he wished his team would likewise continue to motivate others.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute observation on television, proposing that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the coach has revitalized a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who darted through for the late try that effectively shattered the home defense. Additionally the scrum-half, another half-back with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is beneficial to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from physically imposing units into a team who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their limp finish. The wing's later touchdown in the right corner was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all displayed the characteristics of a side with notable skill, without their star man.

Yet that turned out to be insufficient, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the red rose's late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before the national side can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

European Prospects

Overcoming an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on match day although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the match that properly defines their autumn. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, particularly without their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the killing points and doubts still apply to the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would appear several changes are anticipated in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, regular starters should all be back from the beginning.

However context is key, in sport as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest