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Some victories deliver dual weight in the message they convey. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the rugby world. Not only the end result, but equally the manner of success. To suggest that South Africa demolished various established theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the notion, for example, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the last period with a small margin and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. That even without their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient strategies to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Having been trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their status as a side who more and more save their best for the most challenging scenarios. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a message, this was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

If anything, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their moments over the recent fixtures but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to landfill in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are emerging but, by the conclusion, the match was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they merely regrouped and proceeded to dragging the demoralized boys in blue to what an ex-France player referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to honor his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how many of his squad have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his squad would similarly continue to motivate people.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, suggesting that his results more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they fall short, the smart way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a possibly veteran squad has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Consider his emerging number 10 the rising star who sprinted past for the closing score that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or another half-back, a further half-back with explosive speed and an more acute vision for space. Of course it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a squad who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. The wing's later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a squad with notable skill, despite missing their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite England’s strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be assured of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the match that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above almost all the home unions.

The Thistles were especially culpable of not finishing off the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. Among the forwards, similarly, familiar faces should return from the outset.

However everything is relative, in sport as in existence. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest