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Some victories send dual significance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but equally the approach of achievement. To suggest that South Africa shattered various widely-held assumptions would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the theory, for example, that the French team would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had ample strategies to contain the big beasts safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Having been 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their reputation as a side who consistently reserve their top performance for the most demanding circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are developing an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their moments over the weekend but did not have the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Some promising young France's pack members are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could easily have lost their composure. Instead they merely regrouped and began taking the deflated French side to what one former French international called “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the flanker, repeatedly stressed how several of his squad have been obliged to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements progressively make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a possibly veteran roster has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally the scrum-half, another backline player with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the right corner was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that occupied the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the traits of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of their star man.

But even that turned out to be not enough, which truly represents a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of standing up to the world's top team with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on match day although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and doubts still surround the English side's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over France in February.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like a number of adjustments are likely in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the team. In the pack, likewise, familiar faces should all be back from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest