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Certain wins carry dual significance in the message they communicate. Amid the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the end result, but equally the manner of victory. To suggest that South Africa shattered several established theories would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the notion, for example, that France would avenge 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 translate into inevitable glory. That even without their key player their captain, they still had ample strategies to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a team who consistently reserve their top performance for the toughest scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are developing an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

If anything, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides experienced their promising spells over the two-day period but did not have the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, Saturday night was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing their lock forward – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they just regrouped and proceeded to dragging the deflated boys in blue to what a retired hooker called “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been carried around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how several of his team have been obliged to overcome personal challenges and how he wished his team would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The insightful an analyst also made an shrewd comment on television, stating that his results more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which the coach has refreshed a potentially ageing squad has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker the newcomer who darted through for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. And also another half-back, a further half-back with blistering pace and an more acute vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from intimidating giants into a squad who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, even in the absence of their captain.

However, that turned out to be insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. It would be impossible, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s strong finish, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be assured of facing the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on the weekend although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. 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 level above the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Next Steps

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with experienced individuals returning to the team. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should return from the start.

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