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Some victories carry dual weight in the statement they communicate. Amid the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will echo longest across the globe. Not only the final score, but the way the style of success. To say that South Africa demolished various established beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the theory, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their status as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest scenarios. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, here was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make everyone else look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their moments over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the closing period. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the conclusion, the encounter was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could potentially faltered. As it happened they simply united and proceeded to dragging the deflated French side to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again stressed how a significant number of his team have been needed to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to motivate fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an astute point on broadcast, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced roster has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the late try that properly blew open the French windows. Or Grant Williams, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it is beneficial to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's later touchdown in the right corner was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the traits of a squad with significant talent, without Dupont.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which really is a humbling reality for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all England’s late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Beating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a level above most the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and question marks still surround the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the team selection, with established stars returning to the team. In the pack, likewise, familiar faces should all be back from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in sport as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest