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Some victories carry twofold importance in the message they broadcast. Amid the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not merely the final score, but also the approach of success. To claim that South Africa shattered a number of widely-held theories would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for example, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would lead to assumed success. Even in the absence of their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had ample resources to keep the strong rivals under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. After being trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their status as a side who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude driving it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have become disorganized. On the contrary they simply regrouped and set about pulling the demoralized French side to what a retired hooker called “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again highlighted how several of his team have been needed to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his team would in the same way continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive point on sports media, stating that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has revitalized a experienced squad has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Consider his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the closing score that decisively broke the French windows. Or the scrum-half, another playmaker with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights 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, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all displayed the characteristics of a squad with notable skill, despite missing Dupont.

But even that ultimately proved not enough, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the world champions and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all England’s late resurgence, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the match that accurately reflects their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a cut above the majority of the home unions.

Scotland were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the final nails and doubts still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and far superior than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would seem a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals returning to the side. In the pack, likewise, familiar faces should return from the outset.

But perspective matters, in sport as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest