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Some victories carry twofold importance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening score in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the globe. Not just the end result, but also the approach of success. To claim that the Springboks shattered several comfortable assumptions would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the idea, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would lead to certain victory. That even without their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to keep the strong rivals safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a squad who consistently save their best for the most challenging circumstances. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a message, now came clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Missing Lood de Jager – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could easily have faltered. Instead they just circled the wagons and began pulling the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, yet again stressed how several of his players have been needed to rise above off-field adversity and how he wished his team would similarly continue to motivate fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an astute point on television, stating that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced team has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his young playmaker the newcomer who skipped over for the closing score that effectively shattered the home defense. Additionally Grant Williams, another backline player with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that France were totally outclassed, despite their weak ending. The wing's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that tied in the South African pack, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, without their captain.

However, that ultimately proved not enough, which is a humbling reality for competing teams. 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. Despite England’s late resurgence, there remains a journey ahead before the England team can be assured of standing up to the world's top team with all at stake.

European Prospects

Overcoming an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above most the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still hang over the English side's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a close result over France in the winter.

Future Prospects

Therefore the significance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would look like several changes are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals coming back to the lineup. Up front, in the same way, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

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