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A number of triumphs carry dual weight in the message they convey. Among the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not merely the end result, but the way the manner of success. To suggest that the Springboks demolished a number of established theories would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for example, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in certain victory. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had sufficient resources to keep the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a declaration, this was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides both had their periods of promise over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Missing Lood de Jager – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could easily have lost their composure. On the contrary they simply regrouped and set about pulling the deflated home team to what an ex-France player referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly highlighted how many of his players have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he wished his team would similarly continue to motivate fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on broadcast, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fall short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing squad has been an exemplary model to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the opposition line. And also the scrum-half, a second playmaker with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that France were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. Their winger's additional score in the far side was a clear example. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, even in the absence of their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which truly represents a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the English team's strong finish, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji posed difficulties on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the match that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and doubts still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is fine finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than losing them late on – 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

Hence the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should all be back from the start.

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