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Certain wins send dual weight in the message they broadcast. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not only the conclusion, but also the style of victory. To claim that South Africa shattered a number of established assumptions would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had ample strategies to contain the powerful opponents under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, here was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – given a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially faltered. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and set about dragging the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been carried around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his century of appearances, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly emphasized how several of his team have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he wished his squad would similarly continue to inspire others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an astute comment on sports media, stating that his results progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has revitalized a potentially ageing squad has been an masterclass to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, another half-back with explosive speed and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, despite their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with considerable ability, despite missing their captain.

But even that turned out to be not enough, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be confident of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and question marks still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would look like various alterations are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, first-choice players should be included from the outset.

Yet everything is relative, in sport as in life. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest