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Certain wins carry twofold importance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will echo longest across the globe. Not merely the conclusion, but also the style of success. To claim that South Africa shattered several established theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the notion, for example, that France would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. That even without their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough resources to restrain the big beasts under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a squad who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an greater resilience.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's title-winning pack are beginning to make everyone else look less committed by comparison. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown 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 just circled the wagons and proceeded to pulling the deflated home team to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, once again highlighted how many of his team have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his side would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an perceptive point on broadcast, suggesting that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran squad has been an object lesson to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or another half-back, another backline player with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it is beneficial to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from physically imposing units into a side who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a prime instance. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the characteristics of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of Dupont.

Yet that in the end was not enough, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite England’s late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before the England team can be assured of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on match day although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the contest that accurately reflects their November Tests. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a level above almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still hang over the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the importance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the team selection, with established stars returning to the team. Up front, likewise, regular starters should all be back from the start.

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