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Certain wins carry double weight in the statement they convey. Within the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the globe. Not only the conclusion, but the way the manner of success. To claim that South Africa shattered several widely-held theories would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for example, that France would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had sufficient strategies to contain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a side who more and more reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a message, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are developing an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

In fact, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their moments over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the final thirty minutes. Some promising young French forwards are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could easily have faltered. Instead they simply circled the wagons and set about dragging the deflated home team to what a retired hooker called “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of two key forwards to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly emphasized how a significant number of his squad have been required to rise above life difficulties and how he aspired his side would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute comment on television, proposing that his results increasingly make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fall short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing squad has been an exemplary model to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the French windows. Additionally another half-back, another half-back with explosive speed and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's later touchdown in the right corner was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the traits of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of their captain.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. There is no way, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all England’s late resurgence, there is a journey ahead before the England team can be assured of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

European Prospects

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above most the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is all very well ending matches well – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should all be back from the start.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in existence. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest