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Certain wins carry double significance in the statement they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but equally the style of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks demolished several established theories would be an understatement of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for example, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in assumed success. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample resources to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their reputation as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging scenarios. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, this was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength underpinning it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have faltered. Instead they just united and proceeded to dragging the demoralized home team to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been carried around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to honor his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, once again highlighted how several of his team have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to inspire people.

The perceptive a commentator also made an astute comment on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the smart way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a possibly veteran roster has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that decisively broke the French windows. Or Grant Williams, a second playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it helps to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also display finesse and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, even in the absence of their star man.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the English team's late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of competing with the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The visitors are not invincible, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a close result over the French in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, familiar faces should return from the outset.

But context is key, in competition as in reality. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest